The Problem
Water repellency (hydrophobicity) in soils is caused by the formation of thin organic coatings around soil particles. Organic acids from decomposing plant material, microbial activity, and fungal deposits contribute to the development of these water repellent layers which result in uneven movement of water in soil profiles. In the soil profile, dry and water repellent pockets develop due to the effects of channeling and preferential flow. These dry pockets which develop below the soil surface result in localized dry spots, contributing to turf stress and resultant non-uniform turf grass quality. |