Managing Sports Fields During Summer Heat & Drought Stress

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The forecast for the next ten days looks dry and hot: average high air temps are currently at 85.5 degrees F and we are carrying a precipitation deficit of 2″ for the month of July (1″ actual precipitation versus 3″ normal). The average soil temperature at 4″ depth is currently 87.2F. These hot and dry conditions are far from ideal for cool-season grasses.  This article will look at how cool-season grasses respond to heat and drought and how best to manage them to minimize turf injury.

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