Do you currently have vast white spots showing up on your sod fields? Does your sod seem water stressed, or is there a white crust visible on the soil surface? Although these visual symptoms may indicate a salinity issue in your field, it is important that a proper diagnosis takes place for successful problem correction. Salinity issues are frequently caused by an accumulation of salts in the root zone. These excess salts in turn result in reduced plant growth by altering water relations, causing ion-specific toxicities, or causing imbalances. When salinity may be suspected to be caused by a high water table, you can usually measure the depth of ground water by boring holes with an auger. If free water collects in holes less than four to five feet deep, a drainage problem is indicated. It is common for farmers to apply supplements of calcium to help with the overall health of a crop along with rebuilding the soil structure for roots to properly absorb nutrients.
Do you currently have vast white spots showing up on your sod fields? Does your sod seem water stressed, or is there a white crust visible on the soil surface? Although these visual symptoms may indicate a salinity issue in your field, it is important that a proper diagnosis takes place for successful problem correction. Salinity issues are frequently caused by an accumulation of salts in the root zone. These excess salts in turn result in reduced plant growth by altering water relations, causing ion-specific toxicities, or causing imbalances. When salinity may be suspected to be caused by a high water table, you can usually measure the depth of ground water by boring holes with an auger. If free water collects in holes less than four to five feet deep, a drainage problem is indicated. It is common for farmers to apply supplements of calcium to help with the overall health of a crop along with rebuilding the soil structure for roots to properly absorb nutrients.