WHAT FINE TURF GRASSES DO DURING DROUGHT CONTINUED
turn straw coloured. However, the crown of the plant often remains alive beneath the surface. This explains why apparently dead lawns can recover surprisingly quickly after substantial rainfall. Some grasses also produce additional waxy coatings on the leaf surface during drought. These coatings reflect sunlight and further reduce moisture loss. Older leaves may be sacrificed altogether so that the plant can preserve its vital growing points. Soil condition plays a major role in drought resilience. Biologically active soils containing healthy fungal and
bacterial populations tend to hold moisture more effectively and encourage deeper rooting. Turf managed with balanced organic nutrition such as Biobase or Biogran often develops firmer, more resilient growth with lower water demand than turf driven by high levels of synthetic nitrogen. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of fine turf grasses is their sheer resilience. Even turf that appears severely damaged may simply be conserving its resources until more favourable conditions return. With patience — and rain — recovery can often be remarkably rapid.
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