Nutrient of the Month – Sodium – Even though sodium is an essential element, we rarely think of it as part of our nutritional programs. Sodium is typically that evil nutrient that quickly becomes destructive to plants and soil structure. Because of osmotic pressure, moderate levels of sodium can suck moisture and nutrients in or out of plants, shrink roots, and diminish many of metabolic functions of a healthy plant.
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Mike's Tips - Mike Hamilton, CCA, shares his knowledge and expertise on plant health to help golf superintendents, turfgrass professionals, and homeowners improve outcomes, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency. Check back monthly for new blog posts, especially his Nutrient of the Month column.
Nitrogen – Use me, don’t abuse me!
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA & President of Turf Dietitian Environmental pressure and golfers’ expectations have fostered the need for superintendents to comprehensively understand Nitrogen’s function within the plant and its precise management. I know most Superintendents use fertilizers and chemicals responsibly, but many homeowners and less qualified individuals aren’t. Unfortunately, the world’s waters get… Read More »
Oh No, Not Another El Nino!
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA & President of Turf Dietitian According to the National Weather Service, a strong El Nino ocean current will regulate the winter of 2018-19. The National Weather Service forecasts that the winter of 2018-19 will be colder and wetter than the average for the southern states and dryer and colder in… Read More »
Nutrient of the Month – Manganese
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA & President of Turf Dietitian Manganese “Life as we know it would not be possible without me.” Manganese is a micronutrient taken into the plant in tiny quantities. Manganese never occurs in nature as a pure element and immediately combines with oxygen or other elements. Manganese is one of the… Read More »
Six Basic Factors for Plant Health – #6
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA & President of Turf Dietitian Not all of the challenges Superintendents face are soil related. Physical factors such as shade, poor water quality, lack of subsurface drainage, improper construction, steep contours, excess traffic, extreme weather, and pests can make growing healthy turf problematic even with perfect soil conditions. The most… Read More »
Six Basic Factors for Plant Health – #3, #4 & #5
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA & President of Turf Dietitian The standard testing methods to determine the nutrient content of the soil have been around for many decades. The lab data from testing soil for the nutrient reserve is information that practically every Superintendent in the world knows how to analyze. However, guidelines and target… Read More »
