TechNotes: Dew, soil temperature

Dew may reform after mowing

Dew is comprised of two types of "water". The first component is water formed through condensation (The leaf is cooler than the air temperature at night resulting in water vapor condensing on the leaf). The second component of dew is guttation water. Guttation water is exuded out the plant through the hydathodes (small opening normally at the tip of the leaf). Guttation water is high in organic compounds like amino acids, which serve as a food source for fungi. At this time of the year dew may need to be romoved after the initial early morning mowing.  Dew may reform after mowing enhancing the potential for disease development.  Remove dew through poling, a brief syringe cycle or rolling.

Soil Temperature Map