Superindendants have a number of weapons at their disposal to keep calcium viable in the soil.

BY DAVID McPHERSON

Bicarbonate levels are often overlooked in irrigation water analysis. You don’t need a Ph.D. in pH levels to manage bicarbonates, but understanding a little about water chemistry helps. The most important thing when dealing with water issues is that the soil takes on the characteristics of the water. So, analyze your water first, then look at your soil.

Bicarbonates are toxic to the roots and reduce the shoot growth of the turf. High bicarbonates can also affect the effectiveness of fungicides and particularly insecticides you spray because the half-life of the product is often reduced by high pH levels.

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