Blog
Sep 09

Ease Overseeding with Aquatrols Soil Surfactants

As we head into Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, the overseeding process is beginning for many turf managers. For those who choose to overseed, careful planning and wise investments are needed to promote uniform seed germination, root establishment, and turf growth.

The success of an overseeding program is key for fall and winter play and determining the quality of turf for the upcoming season. In an age of budget cuts and water restrictions, the demand to get the most out of every seed has never been greater. Unfortunately, there are serious obstacles to the overseeding process that can cost turf managers valuable time and money.

When turf is mowed closely prior to seeding, it can cause significant dry down. This practice, while important for getting good seed/soil contact, increases the effect of water repellency at and below the soil surface. This heightened repellency can make it difficult for turf to grow and can lead to wasted water and grass seed. This fall, use Aquatrols soil surfactants when you overseed.

A proven soil surfactant will overcome water repellency, enhance water infiltration, and ensure that applied water wets the soil and seed evenly for faster, more uniform turf germination.

For greens, Aquatrols recommends that you stay on your preventative monthly soil surfactant program through the establishment of new turf. We suggest using Revolution or Primer Select. Apply 6 ounces of Revolution per 1000 ft² in two gallons of water. For sand rootzones, water in with 1/3 inch of water. On native soil “push up” greens, apply up to 1/2 inch of water.

OR

Apply 4-6 ounces of Primer Select per 1000 ft² in two gallons of water. Irrigation should be applied to enhance product movement into the soil.

For tees, we recommend that you either continue on your current monthly program, or use Aqueduct, to improve soil moisture conditions and eliminate problems with water absorption. Apply 4-8 ounces of Aqueduct per 1000 ft² in one gallon of water. Irrigate to move Aqueduct into the soil.

For fairways and roughs, we recommend injecting or spraying Dispatch to ensure good water penetration and uniform rootzone moisture.

Dispatch Injectable: Inject 24 oz. per acre just prior to overseeding. Inject 12 oz/acre weekly during grow-in.

OR

Dispatch Sprayable: Spray 16 oz. per acre. Dispatch Sprayable is tank mix compatible with most fertilizers and turf management chemicals. Use weekly throughout grow-in.

Results You Can Expect to See

    • Reduce seedling mortality by optimizing hydration and water distribution
    • Provide optimum environment for increased seed germination
    • Reduce erosion or movement of seed by run-off
    • Better distribution of nutrients for uniform establishment and growth
    • Continued establishment and growth due to proper air to water ratios in the soil

For best results, soil surfactants should be applied two weeks before seeding to prepare the soil.  A second application is beneficial three to four weeks after stand establishment to ensure continued soil moisture uniformity. Soil surfactants also play an important role in promoting uniform transition back to warm season grasses in the Spring.

Questions? Ask us on Twitter or Facebook or contact an Aquatrols distributor in your area.

Aquatrols

About The Author

More than 60 years ago, Aquatrols introduced the world’s first commercially available soil wetting agent. Since creating an entirely new product category to address water management challenges and opportunities, the company has remained a top innovator and producer of high-performance soil surfactants and related technologies. Aquatrols’ advanced product suite optimizes soil-water-plant interactions in agricultural, professional turfgrass, and horticultural industries in more than 40 countries. Headquartered in southern New Jersey, Aquatrols also has offices in the United Kingdom and conducts business on six continents.