A deep, vigorously growing root system is better able to forage deeply in the soil for water and nutrients and will maintain a larger supply of carbon to help in recovery from stress. As stated above, excess nitrogen can reduce tolerance to many stresses and will also reduce the growth of roots relative to shoots. Mowing at low heights. As mentioned above, mowing too low removes a large portion of the shoot tissue available for photosynthesis. The turfgrass plant will then prioritize its growth to favor shoot growth to regain this needed leaf tissue, with a resulting reduction in root growth.
Deep roots promote greater health and stress tolerance of the grass.
Irrigating daily will allow the roots to remain in the upper few inches of the soil, rather than promoting the deep rooting needed during any reduction in available water. In addition to nitrogen, other nutrients can also influence overall stress tolerance in turfgrass. In particular, potassium has been shown to enhance tolerance to numerous stresses, including cold temperatures, drought, and effects of traffic. Fall application of potassium also encourages earlier and faster spring green-up. For newly established turf areas, adequate phosphorous is needed to enhance and quicken the root growth needed during establishment.