In this 60-minute presentation, Dr. Stanley Kostka of Aquatrols explores the effects that soil surfactants have on soil and foliar environments. He looks at surfactant-induced changes in the rhizosphere and examines the consequences for plant defenses against pathogens and abiotic stresses. Two case studies highlight options that can improve water... read more →
Jan
06
Jan
05
Would you like to better understand soil surfactants and how they affect water movement? In this 90-minute webinar, Aquatrols' Andy Moore gives an overview of the functions and abilities of different types of soil surfactants, as well as the keys to identifying water movement issues on your golf course. Check out... read more →
Jan
05
Having trouble evaluating your soil and water analysis test results? In this one-hour presentation, Dara Park, Ph.D., of Clemson University explains how to assess irrigation water and soil reports to identify potential salinity problems. She discusses how to distinguish between saline and sodium hazards and offers management practices that can... read more →
Jan
04
High salinity, high sodium, and potential ion toxicity from irrigation water are problems that are all commonly agreed upon by turfgrass managers and turfgrass researchers alike. However, the issue of whether medium to high bicarbonate levels in irrigation water (see Table 1 below) are a concern if sodium levels in... read more →
Dec
13
Over the past few days and weeks, we've been discussing the basics of soil and water quality. First we touched on the importance of testing your irrigation water. Then we looked at some common problems related to soil salinity, high levels of sodium in irrigation water and soils, and the... read more →
Dec
11
While it’s probably not number one on your Christmas wish list, a recent article from Lawn and Landscape reminds us that millions of children around the world are in dire need of clean drinking water this holiday season. As global concern over water scarcity increases, there is a growing need... read more →
Dec
10
In previous Blog posts, we stressed the importance of testing your irrigation water when it comes to assessing two common turfgrass problems: high salinity levels and too much sodium present in irrigation water. Today we’re going to look at another common problem for turfgrass managers: root ion toxicity. So how... read more →
Nov
30
This week, representatives from Aquatrols attended the More Crop per Drop Conference in London, a significant gathering focused on the more efficient use of water in the agricultural industry. The assembly aimed to address some of the serious issues related to population growth, water scarcity and climate change. It was... read more →
Nov
28
One of the most common problems that turf managers must deal with is the development of soil water repellency. The development of water repellent soils is a naturally occurring phenomenon that can wreak havoc on a golf course or playing field. Water repellent (or hydrophobic) soils prevent the proper penetration... read more →
Nov
21
In a previous Blog post, we discussed how to assess sodium issues in your irrigation water and soils. In that entry, we noted that soil deflocculation is a concern for turfgrass managers dealing with fine textured soils. In fine-textured soils, high concentrations of sodium can lead to a loss of... read more →