Drought Conditioning/Promoting Root Growth for turf
 

http://collier.ifas.ufl.edu/CommHort...urfDrought.pdf

Above is a short how-to article published during a past drought for those wanting to promote root growth and develop a lawn that needs less water.

Summary:
Mow high
Water deeply and less frequently (after slight wilt to stimulate roots)
Fertilize with potassium for roots, use less nitrogen and more often for grass blade growth.

Relationship between mowing and root growth:

"Proper mowing practices are essential for good quality and drought-tolerant turf. Every time a lawn is
mowed, the metabolic activities of the grass are stressed, which reduces root growth. Mowing frequency
and cutting height need to be carefully considered for a healthy lawn. Using the highest cutting height on
the mower will facilitate turfgrass drought-conditioning. This will increase the grass leaf area, allowing for
more photosynthesis. This results in more carbohydrates, which are then available for use in recovery
from stresses such as drought. The higher the mowing height, the deeper and more extensive the root
system will be."

Kitty, very interesting and informative. I have been wondering if anyone down here has ever applied pelletized lime to the lawn. In VA, we had to apply it fairly fequently to keep the grass green. I have noticed that the grass is greener around the edges of our lawn and along the stone walls where the lime leeches out of the driveway and the walls.

Lime raises the pH of acidic soils.
Soil pH tests are available here for a nominal fee thru UF extension ofc:
The Villages
Time: Monday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
*Plant Clinic is closed Every Second Thursday* (note: Thursday clinics available thru June, then discontinued for summer)
Location: The Sumter County Government Annex Building, 8033 CR 466, The Villages
(Located on the corner of Morse Blvd. and CR 466).
Telephone number: (352) 689-4673

Thanks.

as far as I know, amending pH is the only reason to add lime.

here's the form with instructions for soil testing which can go far beyond ph, and is priced according to which test.
ph tests are $3.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/SS/SS18700.PDF

I sent off for a complete soil analysis over two months ago ($8 each) and still no reply. I will have to check and see if this is normal.

I doubt it should take so long, suggest email
plantclinic@aol.com
or call the Bushnell main office (352) 793-2728

Note: This article is about the care of St Augustine grass.

My new vendor for Zoysia, which specializes on Zoysia suggested watering every day, rather than longer times a couple days a week, so I adjusted from !:25 on two days to 40 min every day. Too soon to tell results...

I have St. Augustine. I mow high and mow often.

Guessing if you have a new vendor, you are establishing the grass as opposed to maintaining? Makes sense to water more often.

Wait till that water bill shows up, Yikes!

agree with that! here's an interesting tool for calculating irrigation based on recent rainfall..
FAWN - Florida Automated Weather Network

kitty you fickle girl, since you have fallen in love with landscaping we never see you on the singles forum anymore! :) we miss you over there! but you sure sound like you know your stuff!