Today I took a soil temperature on number #18 green. Why? Because we know that bentgrass is fairly dormant until soil temperatures reach 50 degrees. Today the temperature at 2 inches was 38 degrees. We also know that Poa doesnt start germinating until soil temperatures reach 55 degrees (like corn). Thats why at Hillcrest some fairways and tees dont look good until June 1. It takes time for the poa to germinate and grow.
That's also why the greens sometimes arent as smooth as we all think they should be in May. All the different grass types dont catch up to each other depending on the soil temperature. Not to mention shade, prolonged snow cover, and soil type all effect the speed at which soil temperature rises.
But the real reason I checked soil temperature today was because I am using the readings to determine my fungicide treatments for take-all (root fungus) this year. My goal is to better determine when exacltly is the right time to start scouting and treating the greens.
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