8/18/2015 2:08 PM
Now that the days are shorter and a break in the heat is only a few weeks away, I would go ahead a bump up the N to .10 to .20 lbs per week along with similar rate of a liquid K product. I don't use any brand of foliar products exclusively, so you might find similar products that you like better. That being said, I would apply Harrell's Fleet with their Earth Maxx product now and again in one month. The Fleet is one of the few products I have seen to be so efficient at drying down greens. With the shallow roots, this will allow you to lightly water/syringe more often with smothering the roots. The Earth Maxx is a compost extract. I noticed others on Twitter mixing it with their Fleet apps and gave it a try cause it is inexpensive. I don't know the science behind it, but my greens always respond well to it. This is also the only situation where I will use a bio stimulant type product. I have used Regal Crown, Adams Earth, Harrell's Root Enhancer, Aminoplex, etc... without one being any better than another. Just something to help the plant kick start root development. Air movement is critical! I currently have fans on all of my greens, but at courses in the past I have left buffalo blowers, tractor blowers, shop fans, you name it running on troubled greens to help nurse them through the last few weeks of summer. A situation like this is also the only time I will pay for kiln dried green sand. I will use it with a push spreader to lightly topdress a couple times a week. This will not only discourage algae, but the green sand makes them look better to golfers and buys you time. I agree with the others that I would be very cautious of pulling cores before getting some root health back. I have seen aerators work as well as sod cutters on a green with shallow roots. If I were going to core now, it would be with 1/4" tines and I would leave the holes open to breath. I think the hydroject or needle tines are just as helpful though with less disruption. Spray Honor, Insignia, or Lexicon and water it in (with Fleet & Earthmaxx app is good) to protect what is left. If root pythium spp. are also a concern also go with a Terrazole app watered in followed a few days later with a Segway app watered in. Rotate clorothalonil and mancozeb to keep algae in check. Mix a phosphite product with them if possible just for any added protection it might give. This is a strategy of protecting what's there at all cost while trying to jump start new growth and/or regrowth. This is, what I feel like, are the best parts of programs I have seen and/or used at several bentgrass courses in Alabama over the past 15 years. Hopefully, you can find something in here that will help. MP