When water is not wet

Ever wonder why plants look so much better after rain?  We can irrigate and irrigate, but things just seem to be staying alive, instead of thriving.  Irrigation water lacks several properties of rain water that contribute to this phenomenon.  One of the first things you have to consider is the source of the irrigation water and any of the inputs that enter that source.  Some sources are better than others, and some are downright nasty.
We sit somewhere in the middle, however we still treat our water with the system in the photo to adjust the pH.  I will refrain from boring you with details about bicarbonates, calcium ratios, and dissolved solids.  I will say that quite simply, that certain qualities of water make it easier for the plant to utilize it.  It goes back to the simple concept of osmosis and is why eating a large amount of salt can kill you.  
We began to notice some areas of localized dry spots in fairways (see other photo), we felt that something was wrong, and we should have better soil moisture.  Upon further inspection, our acid injection system was (is) experiencing technical difficulties.  Kinda like the gall stone of the irrigation world.  We are working on solving this, right now we think it may be an electrical issue from the utility company.
Wish us luck,
Turf

-- Sent from my Palm Pre