Cold stress

Temperature is a key factor for the development of any crop and cold stress is a determining factor.

The location is crucial when deciding on a suitable turf that is well adapted to the general expected conditions. If the area has a well marked winter, C3 grasses have a better chance of surviving than C4 grasses during these periods. From most cold hardy to least cold hardy one could define this order:

Poa trivialis
↓
Agrostis stolonifera
↓
Poa pratensis
↓
Poa annua
↓
Festucas
↓
Lolium perenne
↓
Lolium multiflorum

C4 grasses are less resistant to temperatures below 12°C than any of the previous grasses.

One thing that is not often taken into account when caring for turfgrasses that will withstand low temperatures is drainage. High saturation conditions are very detrimental to the survival of the crop. During cold periods, turf hardly grows at all and does not evapotranspire, so it can live in dry, well-drained profiles. In addition, a very turgid turfgrass is more prone to cold damage.

Nutrition is key to getting the grass through the winter, stay away from excess nitrogen and move towards potassium and phosphorus.

Nitrogen fertiliser applications before winter help to increase the plant's turgor rather than making its tissues thicker and more robust. Phosphorus and potassium, on the other hand, are two good crutches to lean on.