Tips
For Sod Farmers For Getting
Through The Dry Spell
The dry conditions have been tough on sod growers over the last couple
of weeks. Many draw their water from surface water sources that are
drying up. Some have no source of irrigation water and have been forced
to shut down their harvesting. They have resorted to purchasing sod
from growers with irrigation to fill orders. Also, some orders have
been delayed because the installation does not have sufficient water
to insure a successful sodding job. It is estimated that those that
are still irrigating are irrigating from 10-15% of their acreage.
They are irrigating fields that they are harvesting for the current
week and the fields that they plan to harvest in the upcoming week.
This is the traditional seeding window for new sod fields. Growers
have stopped seeding until they get some rain.
For those that are still able to irrigate it is essential to insure
good water conservation practices during times of water shortages.
These include:
- Irrigate in the early morning preferably. There is less chance
of wind and lower evaporation rates. Early evening for sod is not
recommended because of the increase potential for diseases.
- Use rain gauges to apply the right amount of water.
- Keep an eye on the irrigation system to insure that the application
rate does not exceed the infiltration rate. The irrigation may have
to be cylced (on-off-on-off) to insure there is no runoff.
Related link on irrigating during a water shortage go to the OMAFRA
Factsheet: How to prepare for irrigation during water shortages
at www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/99-023.htm
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