Dealing with Drought Part 1
Following a wet winter, the UK went into spring with above average levels of soil water putting us in good standing for supporting spring and summer plant growth. However, low levels of rainfall through spring have led to rapidly increasing soil moisture deficits with some areas experiencing soils that are much drier than expected for the time of year according to the Environment Agency (2026).
With that in mind anyone experiencing issues relating to the dry spell may be disappointed to hear that the most effective approach to drought management is to ensure that the turf grass plant and rootzone are healthy, resilient, and well prepared before drought stress occurs. But don't despair as turfgrass plants are naturally drought resilient, particularly species that like to grow in impoverished soils such as fescue and bent grasses. Despite this, to maximise turf quality and improve survival through intensive heat and drought stress it is essential to take action.
Prioritise Rootzone Moisture Management
Managing rootzone moisture is key to ensuring turf grass stays healthy through dry weather conditions. Check watering systems to ensure any irrigation that is required will be applied evenly. Uneven watering can lead to dry patch formation in areas the irrigation system misses.
Prepare the Surface Before Dry Conditions Arrive
Scarification and aeration both help to ensure that water can penetrate the surface and infiltrate effectively into the rootzone. Both techniques should be undertaken ahead of drought stress as the turf needs time to recover from the mechanical damage caused.
Improve Soil Structure and Water Retention
Soil structure plays an important role in the ability of soil to retain water and make it available for plant use. Use of top dressing, particularly in combination with aeration, can help to improve water holding capacity. This means that the soil will be able to retain a greater amount of water that has infiltrated into the rootzone giving roots a better reservoir to draw from.
Get Nutrition Right
Applications of fertiliser help to provide turfgrass plants with the nutrition they require to grow healthily. However, turfgrass is not excessively hungry so it is important not to overfeed as this will create lush weak growth which is susceptible to both disease and environmental stresses.
As a general recommendation, turfgrass nitrogen fertilisation for a ryegrass sward would be a maximum of around 100-120kg N/ha per year. As they are naturally found in more impoverished soils, bents and fescues will respond more positively to a lower amount of nitrogen, so aim to apply a maximum of around 75-100kg N/ha per year.
Slow and controlled release fertilisers can be a useful way of ensuring that nitrogen release is gradual so that sudden spikes in nitrogen that result in excessive plant growth are avoided. Potassium helps grass to survive dry periods as it is involved in regulation of gas exchange and controlling opening and closing of stomata.
Phosphorus helps to drive root growth as well as being a crucial component of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) which drives energy movement within the plant. Understanding soil nutrient status, environmental conditions and turfgrass usage will help you to decide the best NPK ratio for your turf surface.
Start a Wetting Agent Programme Early
Beginning a wetting agents programme ahead of dry weather improves movement of water downwards through the soil profile helping to increase rooting depth. Some wetting agents will also improve lateral movement of water so that the rootzone is more evenly wetted. Humates such as HumiMax can also help with water movement through the soil as well as improving soil structure and increasing nitrogen use efficiency.
The most effective drought management strategy begins long before dry weather arrives. Investing in turf and rootzone health will help build resilience and improve performance when moisture becomes limited.
