Puffy Turf

This time of the year greens often become "puffy". Problems often associated with this condition include scalping and generally slower ball roll. How you define "puffy" is often open to interpretation, but I think it is a result of a number of environmental factors that come together at this time of the year to provide a relatively succulent plant. High temperatures and humidity along with frequent irrigation produce a more upright plant with cells that are hydrated (high water content) with thin cell walls. In addition, high soil temperatures can increase the rate of mineralization of organic matter or nitrogen fertilizers resulting in the release of nitrogen. The end result is plant tissue that has expanded and is quite succulent. Generally the plants have thinner cell walls and have less supporting characteristics. The result is an expansion of the leaf cells with little supporting characteristics. These plants produce a turf that is analogous to a mattress. Thus, scalping results from the "sinking" of the mower down into the turf due in part from the lack of rigidity in the turf. Management practices at this time to minimize the puffy condition need to be done in moderation. These plants are susceptible to mechanical injury due to their succulent stage. For additional information on this condition see the August 15, 2001 (8/15/02) posting.

Authors: Karl Danneberger