Wilting

The loss of water within plant cells results in a grass plant becoming less rigid. Leaves can effectively collapse when extreme wilting occurs.

Wilting can arise due to many causes, including drought conditions, soil water content at temporary or permanent wilting point, high transpiration rates, poor root growth unable to meet plant needs during dry weather, as well as the influence of diseases or pests on plants. In addition, where fertiliser application, especially excessive, has occurred and there is a consequent high ‘salt’ concentration in the soil and sward, which has not been adequately watered in. Water will aim to move from the plant, which has a lower salt concentration than the surrounding environment, to the place of higher concentration.