Yesterday, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued an email stating that wastewater can be applied to Bermuda through Oct. 20.
According to Assistant Commissioner Dr. Sandy Stewart, Bermuda is by far the best crop to apply nutrients to at this point. "It is still actively growing, utilizing nutrients, and can still be harvested thus removing the nutrients applied," Stewart stated. "It is my opinion that a statewide pumping window extension should be granted until October 20, 2018 for Bermuda. Bermuda will continue to actively grow and utilize nutrients if the soil temperature stays above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. As mean ambient temperature dips below 60 degrees Fahrenheit growth will start to slow after several days. Dormancy will set in once mean ambient temperature reaches 50 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. If we look at the long-range forecast for Raleigh, mean ambient temperature only falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit for one night prior to October 20th. Therefore, soil temperature should also remain adequate for growth and development of bermuda providing for nutrient uptake over the next 20 days. Stopping on the 20th will allow for timely harvest and adequate regrowth before heading into the winter months."
A copy of the below email should be maintained in the files of all operations choosing to extend the spraying/application window.
