The Role of Water in Plant Growth
By DR. MARVIN H. FERGUSON
Mid-Continent Director and National Research Coordinator, USGA Green Section
ater is the most abundant material in observers have noted that wilting turf
W a growing plant, usually comprising
80% or more of the plant weight, but in
suffers much greater damage from traf-
fic than does well watered turf.
the plant's environment water is never There are a great many anatomical and
found in a pure state. The essentiality of morphological plant modifications that
water for many plant functions and pro- determine a plant's ability to survive in
perties is beyond question. a given environment with respect to
It is a solvent for mineral nutrients water. These same modifications dictate
and the complex substances manu- to a considerable extent the management
factured within the plant. practices that must be followed.
It is a means of transportation for food The depth and form of a root system
materials and the medium in which these have a great deal to do with the behavior
products move from one plant part to of plants in conditions of too much or too
another. little moisture. The biochemical and bio-
Water is the source of the hydrogen physical characteristics of plants differs
which is combined with carbon and oxy- to such an extent that rice can grow in
gen from the air to form carbohydrates standing water while most other plants
by the process of photosynthesis. Photo- cannot, and the members of the cactus
synthesis is believed to be the underlying family can maintain water in their tis-
process which supports all life. sues even in severed parts under ex-
Evaporation of water from leaf sur- tremely hot and dry conditions.
faces provides refrigeration or tempera-
ture control for the plant. Leaves of grass display many interest-
Water may even be considered a struc- ing anatomical differences that are cor-
tural agent. Plant cells containing an related with the environmental condi-
abundance of water are turgid and the tions in which the grasses are found.
plant stands erect. When there is a water The grower of plants should learn as
deficit the cells are flaccid and the plant much as possible about the species with
droops or wilts. This principle can be which he deals with respect to its water
demonstrated with a toy balloon. Inflated needs.
fully, it will support a considerable NOTE: This topic is discussed more
weight. When only partially inflated it fully in the November 1959 issue of the
will support practically nothing. Many USGA Journal.
Water Requirements of the Golf Course
The Golfer's Point of View
By WILLIAM P. TURNESA
KnoUwood Country Club, White Plains, N. Y.
USGA Amateur Champion, 1938 and 1948, British Amateur Champion, 1947
here are many varying opinions As we arrive at the first tee, I will
T among golfers as to their likes and
dislikes in the preparation of a golf course
impress you with the tee alignment. It is
facing straight down the middle of the
for tournament play. It is my opinion that fairway, not toward the dreadful out-of-
with the exception of lightning-fast bounds on the left nor the timber laden
greens, the member who supports the rough on the right. The teeing area is
Golf Club should enjoy the same well- clean, level and well-trimmed. It is
groomed golf course that the profes- watered but moderately dry. You will
sionals and top amateurs enjoy when tee- have no problem in selecting a choice
ing off in an important championship. Let spot for your initial drive. The markers
us, therefore, begin with an imaginary are squarely set. The area is level, and
round of golf at an imaginary golf course the tee itself will not give you the im-
with you as my guest. pression of a down-hill or up-hill lie. The
30 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JUNE, 1960
