Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 19, 1990                   TAG: 9004180194
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV5   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Philip K. Blevins
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CONTROL UGLY MOSS AND ALGAE WITH GOOD LAWN MANAGEMENT

Moss and algae, if not controlled, can be a problem in your lawn. They are unsightly and cause growth problems. Moss invades soil where moisture, aeration, drainage, fertility, low pH (acidity) and shade are a problem. Algae, however, usually invade fertile areas where surface moisture and sunlight are plentiful and mowing heights are low.

Mosses have the well-known carpet-like appearance while algaes are a thin, bright green film on the soil while growing and a hard black crust when dry.

Making the environment more suitable for grass growth is the key to handling both problems:

\ 1. Provide good surface and internal drainage.

\ 2. Reduce shade and increase air movement. Pruning of trees probably will be necessary.

\ 3. Provide enough moisture and nutrients for grass. This may require pruning the roots of trees.

\ 4. Maintain proper soil pH and nutritional levels. Test soil to determine these levels. Forms and containers are available at the extension office.

\ 5. Raise the mowing height. This produces healthier grass by promoting root growth.

\ 6. Avoid watering your lawn during full sunlight. Early morning is best. This reduces algae bloom.

\ 7. Plant shade-tolerant turfgrass in shady areas.

\ 8. Cultivate compacted soils. This improves aeration and root growth.

Chemicals can be used for immediate short-term control. However, good lawn management is a must for ultimate success.

Chemicals that will control algae include copper sulfate, hydrated lime and some commercial fungicides. Moss can be controlled with ferrous sulfate, ferrous ammonium sulfate or selected herbicides. If you use chemical control, remove the old sod and re-establish the area.

Grazing cows vulnerable

As the grazing season comes into full swing, beef producers should beware of grass tetany. Cows with calves are prime candidates for this condition. Symptoms include undue excitement, staggering and falling, loss of appetite, muscular twitching, anxious or wild look, grinding of teeth, labored breathing and pounding heartbeat followed by comatose condition, convulsions and death.

A supply of magnesium should be readily available to cows from early spring into June. Either a commercially available magnesium supplement or a home mix of equivalent parts by weight of magnesium oxide, salt dicalcium phosphate, ground shelled corn or some other palatable feed will do the job. If you notice cows with symptoms of tetany, treat intravenously with magnesium gluconate immediately.