By Mike Isbell
University of Georgia
Take a good look at the ball fields around Georgia. The ground is soggy. Some fields had standing water on them from all the rain we've had this spring. But the games must go on. So this year, just about every game is played in the "Mud Bowl."
The soil in my yard is saturated, too. And right now, the last thing on my mind is the thought of a dry summer. But if we have a typical summer this year, we can expect periods of hot, dry weather.
It's possible to droughtproof a lawn, says Gil Landry, a University of Georgia Extension Service turf specialist. But you have to prepare for drought long before the hot, dry days of summer begin.
Prepare for dry weather
Get your turf ready for dry weather by making it as hardy and vigorous as possible, Landry says. That begins as soon as the turf greens up in the spring.The best way to condition a lawn for drought is with minimum watering, although fertilizer application and soil conditions are important, too. Limited watering, though, can encourage drought tolerance.
Most folks use light, frequent irrigation. But that only leads to a shallow root system, making the turf more vulnerable to drought. Heavy irrigation, when the turf needs it, promotes a deep root system and healthier turf.
Turf experts recommend soaking the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
Shrinking lawn
If you have too much lawn, get rid of part of it. Ground covers can help. Many are drought-tolerant and highly water-efficient. By replacing part of your lawn with drought-tolerant ground covers, you can lower your water and fertilizer needs.The UGA Extension Service recommends a soil test to determine the plants' lime, phosphorus and potassium needs. Potassium is important for good drought resistance. And the proper soil pH ensures that nutrients are available to the plants and not wasted. This can save you money.
Will we have a dry summer this year? I certainly don't know. But if we do, there are things that you can do to prepare for it. Will soccer players have to play in the Mud Bowl all season? I don't know that either.
But it's kind of fun to watch 'em.
