Proper lawn watering practices play a major role in the grass plants' ability to tolerate and resist stresses and pest problems. While approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches per week of water (including rainfall) are considered necessary during summer months to keep lawns green, the amount applied at any one time depends on the soil type.

SANDY SOILS

Sandy soils do not hold water well. Consequently extra water applied over and above the soil's moisture holding capacity moves beyond the root zone. Once nutrients like -nitrate-nitrogen move beyond the root zone where plants can use it, the potential for water contamination increases. Therefore, applying 1/2 inch of water two or three times per week may be better for sandy soils.

LOAMY AND CLAY LOAM SOILS

Loamy soils and soils high in clay, usually have slower infiltration rates. They hold water much better than sandy soils. At times they may be too wet for good grass growth to occur. With these soils, one 1-inch application of water per week is usually sufficient. It should not be applied with such intensity that much runs off before entering the soil. Match the infiltration rate of the soil to the delivery rate of the sprinkler.

CULTURAL CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS

• Overwatering can cause a number of problems for the grass plant. Soils that are too wet, particularly in spring and fall, predispose lawns to diseases, especially those associated with the root system.
• Watering early in the day is a better practice to reduce disease problems, than watering into the evening.
• Wet soils are susceptible to compaction. Allow soils to dry before heavy use or mowing. Irrigation schedules should be managed to replenish the water lost to evaporation and used by the plant. This generally provides a healthier turf. It minimizes potential problems associated with leaching and runoff.

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