The Florida winter and spring months are the normal dry season, but, going back to the fall of 2006, below average rainfall has occurred, resulting in an intensifying drought situation. Recent cold fronts moved through the state and brought some desperately needed rainfall, but this was literally a drop in the bucket, and 25-year record rainfall deficits have already been broken. The result is the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) issuing a Phase 2 water restriction for most of their region and Phase 1 restrictions for Martin and St. Lucie Counties. For the first time, the entire district is under water restrictions and, with current predictions for the drought to last into 2008, it is very likely that year round restrictions will be mandated, as is the case in other regions.

Unlike residential properties that are restricted to set times and days of the week for landscape irrigation, golf courses are required to reduce consumption by 15% and 30% for Phase 1 and Phase 2 restrictions, respectively, based on their water use permits. While warm season turfgrasses such as bermudagrass and seashore paspalum have very good drought tolerance, having to manage with 30% less water will have an impact, especially on aesthetic characteristics. At courses in Central to South Florida where large acreage winter overseeding programs are conducted, avoiding a rapid transition also will be a challenge. Appropriate and good quality overall course conditioning can still be provided when Phase 1 and Phase 2 water restrictions are in effect.

The following is a review of some basic agronomic principals for managing turfgrass during a drought:

• Control Traffic. Develop a traffic control program if one is not already in place. Heavy traffic on grass under wilt/drought stress can cause permanent damage. Restrict cart traffic to paths, minimize traffic on roughs to the extent possible, do not allow crossover of the "90 degree rule", and encourage walking. The less traffic, the better. Drought stressed turf will not tolerate traffic very well.
• Raise Mowing Heights and Mow Less Often. After all, the grass should be growing more slowly.
• Use Plant Growth Regulators. Where appropriate, apply or continue using growth regulating chemicals. These products can reduce water use rates by as much as 30%. PGR use can improve root development and conserve soil moisture through top growth reduction.
• Pest Management. On a positive note, insect (mole crickets) and disease activity is greatly reduced during drought conditions. However, infestations of plant parasitic nematodes can further compound drought stress problems and the need to conduct nematicide treatments. Herbicide treatments should be performed with extra care in any locations where the turf is drought stressed.
• Fertility. Defer fertilizer applications, especially granular, readily-available nitrogen materials until the weather moderates. Guard against stimulating too much growth. Sprayable forms of fertilizers can be beneficial when applied in a timely fashion. Maintaining adequate potassium is helpful for increasing the turf's stress tolerance.
• Irrigation Water Quality. Regardless of the source, check the irrigation water for sodium/salt buildup. In several locations, salt intrusion is a growing concern. Evaluate the irrigation system as inefficient operation wastes water. Evaluate irrigated area and determine which portions of the course are most important to play, i.e. up the middle from tee to green.
• Renovation/Reconstruction. Rethink renovation or reconstruction projects. In general, do not disturb the turf unless you have the ability to irrigate these areas. Be patient, wait for better weather, and monitor district and local regulations covering renovation and turf establishment.
• Landscaping. Trees and other plantings also need attention during drought. Some tree species require considerable amounts of water and may slowly go into decline during drought. Assess tree conditions regularly. Periodic deep soaking may be necessary to save desirable trees.

Remember that all golf courses represent the turfgrass industry and the game of golf. Respect irrigation regulations and requests for voluntary conservation. While individual conditions vary, we are in a serious drought, and unfortunately, no relief is in sight. Good luck and let's pray for rain.

Source: John Foy, jfoy@usga.org or 772-546-2620