Water logging
High rainfall events and winter flooding are becoming more common.
- The risk of water-logging and flooding are more likely due to a number of factors:
-Poor soil structure reduces water holding capacity of soil.
-Poor ground cover increases potential for surface run-off.
Approach
- Aerate the soil to encourage water infiltration.
- Select grass seed cultivars with improved root growth
- Encourage good rooting through good nutrition and managing soil structure. Ensure strong growing turf that will take up water efficiently,
- Use slow and controlled release fertilizers to avoid nutrient losses and to avoid the need for re-application in wet conditions.
- Raise height of cut prior to likely flood event to increase sward canopy and also to encourage deeper rooting.
- If possible, use cut off drains to protect sensitive areas.
- Contouring of surface levels (where possible) can help to control movement of water away from problem areas.
- Aerate the soil to encourage water infiltration.
- Encourage good rooting through good nutrition and managing soil structure.