Alabama Turf Times - Spring2018

Spring 2018

Fertilization

of Zoysiagrass

How Much is Too Much?

Moss, Algae and Other Problems in Wet Turf Also, ATA

Member Spotlight on

Ben Anderson

Superintendent at Arrowhead Country Club

Spring 2018

Top Features ATA Member Spotlight — 8 Ben Anderson,

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Arrowhead Country Club

Recent Events — 10 ATA’s 2018 RoadShow Seminars Sports Turf Field Day

Cover Story — 12 Fertilizing Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass Lawns: How Much is Too Much?

Pest Spotlight — 16 Moss, Algae and Other Problems in Wet Turf

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Departments

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www.AlTurfgrass.org 4

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From the President’s Pen

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ATA Annual Sponsors

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Industry News

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Calendar of Events

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Advertiser Index

Cover Photo Credit: Lee McLemore, CGCS

The Alabama Turfgrass Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation.

The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Alabama Turf Times, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Alabama Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright © 2018 by the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Alabama Turf Times is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information.

Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertion please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

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From the President’s Pen >>>

Spring Forward

into the 2018

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Spr ing 2018

The

Season

New Year has started fast again for ATA and all our members.

For years our association has provided topnotch education for our members and others in the Green Industry. As normal, we started the year with our ever popular Road Shows and 500+ participants attending over the course of two months at the six sites hosting the year’s meetings. In addition to these educational meetings, ATA also hosted a very successful Sports Turf Field Day program at Samford University in March thanks to board member, Joe Collins, CSFM. I was very happy to see our members respond to all of these educational meetings this spring. Keep in mind that the Sports Turf Field Day will take place again in 2020 and March 13, 2019, we will host a Lawn and Landscape Workshop in Huntsville.

At the end of March, the ATA hosted the Poa Annua Classic. This tournament focuses on the golf segment of turf. Dr. David Han spoke on Best Management Practices for Water and Alex James, also of Auburn University, gave a presentation on the Moore’s Mill Creek project in Auburn. The Poa Annua Classic was created as a fundraiser for turfgrass research. All the income from this event is funneled into turfgrass research through the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation. Many thanks to those who came out to support the Poa, in spite of the bad weather forecast, and also to our sponsors for this event! Superintendent Ben Anderson had the course in excellent shape for play. Speaking of turfgrass research, I want to give a shout out to the Alabama Golf Association who is very supportive of the ATRF. In January they presented $5,000 to the ATRF. Auburn University will host its Turfgrass Research and Education Field Day on July 31st at the Research Unit and we can see the dollars raised for turfgrass research at work. This event will showcase the latest in research and give you an opportunity to view the researcher’s plots during the summer.

The ATA Board met on April 11 and the Mole Cricket Classic Fishing Tournament was one of the big items on the agenda. Monday, October 15th is the tentative date for the tournament, with dinner the night before. We hope this date will please, as it is the Monday following the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival and may coincide with some family trips to the beach. We will keep you posted as we hammer out the details.

There will be a full program of what’s coming at the Deep South Turf Expo in our Summer issue, but I do want to note, in case you haven’t heard, that there has been a date change. The DSTE will be held November 27-29th in Biloxi. We have some other changes in the pipeline that I think you will like as well!

The Vendor Appreciation Sporting Clay Tournament at Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club will wrap up this year’s events. It has now been set for December 11, so please put it on your calendar and go out and show our sponsors how much we appreciate them!

Tres’ Wilkinson 2018 ATA President

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Tres Wilkinson

2018 ATA Annual Sponsors Gold • Bayer Environmental Science • Beard Equipment Company • Greenville Turf & Tractor • Harrell’s, Inc. • Jacobsen • Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

Silver • BWI Companies • Ewing • Residex • SiteOne Landscape Supply • Syngenta

Bronze • AGRI-AFC, LLC • Agromax • Aquatrols • BASF • Diamond R Fertilizers • Humphries Turf Supply • PBI-Gordon • Southern States Turf • Sur-Line Turf

Alabama Turf Times is the official publication of the: Alabama Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 70 Auburn, Alabama 36831 Tel: (334) 821-3000 Fax: (334) 821-3800 Email: mailbox@alaturfgrass.org www.alturfgrass.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 Tel: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Executive Director Melanie Bonds Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton Birmingham Botanical Gardens

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Tres’ Wilkinson South Dallas Turf

Vice President Kim Byram

University of Alabama

Treasurer Deven Peek

Full Bloom Landscapes, LLC

Past President Paul Patterson

University of Alabama Huntsville

BOARD OF DIRECTORS At–Large Ben Anderson Arrowhead Country Club

Randy McQueen TruGreen

Daniel Strickland SiteOne Landscaping

Golf Glen Junkin

True Point Yahch and C.C.

Industry Scott Wanzor PBI-Gordon

Institution Joe Collins, CSFM Samford University

Lawn Care Darrel Arnold

Hermitage Lawn & Tree Care

City of Decator

Sod Greg Jones

New Market Sod Farm

EX OFFICIO/ EDUCATION ADVISORS Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University

Jim Jacobi, Ph.D.

Alabama Coop. Extension System 7

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Parks & Recreation Heath Puckett

ATA Member Spotlight >>>

ATA Member Spotlight on

Ben Anderson Superintendent at Arrowhead Country Club

By Melanie Bonds , ATA Executive Director

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Ben

Anderson started learning the golf course trade when he worked on the crew at Capitol Hill. In time he came to work for seven years in the First Assistant position at Cypress Tree Golf Course in Montgomery, working with Glenn McWhirter. Following that he spent three years at Grand National in Auburn where he worked as Jeff Oelmann, CGCS’s, First Assistant. In order to advance his career, Ben attended Penn State University receiving a degree in Turfgrass Science and Management.

While a formal education set the stage for advancement in the profession, Ben was constantly learning from those around him and credits McWhirter and Jeff Oelmann as his two greatest influences and supporters. “They really helped guide me.

Both of these gentlemen have made it a point to come visit and keep me encouraged in my job as superintendent at Arrowhead. Glenn came to see me on my first day here at Arrowhead to see if there was anything I needed.”

Arrowhead Country Club was formed in 1966 on the eastern outskirts of Montgomery, Alabama and opened for play as a full-service 18-hole country club in 1967. Constructed on land purchased from the

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McLemore family farm, the naturally fertile site had excellent drainage and produced wonderfully consistent conditions for growing turf, which continues to this day. Recently, ATA Members had a chance to play the course at the 2018 Poa Annua Classic!

The great course conditions are a testament to the hard work of Ben and his crew and we appreciate their hosting this event.

Ben says, “Moving into a Superintendent position at Arrowhead has made me appreciate the superintendents I have worked for even more. I was always able to put most of my efforts towards the course itself as an assistant, and I never truly realized how many other hurdles they were having to deal with until I took them on in this position.”

One of Ben’s greatest challenges since moving into the superintendent’s role has been constant turnover of employees. “You always seem to have a core group of solid people and a revolving door of spring/ summer help.” On the other hand, he enjoys the daily challenges and the science behind the chemical uses and applications. Another plus is that he has always enjoyed preparing for tournaments and events.

“Helping to host a PGA tour event at Grand National was an unforgettable experience.”

Ben hopes to always continue learning and growing in his chosen profession. In order to do this he is involved with a variety of local meetings and events. He is active in several turf associations, taking on a leadership role on the Board of the Alabama Turfgrass Association and as a Grassroots Ambassador for Government Affairs with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

Ben Anderson

Like many golf course superintendents Ben has a “love/hate relationship with the game of golf. I am beyond horrible at golf. I try to play when I can, but I could definitely use a few lessons.”

Ben and his beautiful wife, Tiffany, have been married for 13 years and have two boys, Tanner(8) and Blake (5). Ben enjoys spending time with family and watching the boys grow up. He is appreciative that his wife has always been a huge support and been willing to make any moves necessary for his career advancement.

Ben says, “I’m humbled to be spotlighted in the ATA Turf Times and thankful for everyone that has taken chances on me and invested in me along my career path. I look forward to serving on the ATA board for the next couple of years, and I hope to be able to help others on their path in this exciting career field.”

Our Association thanks you, Ben, for all you do for our industry. v

Ben’s course, Arrowhead

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Recent Events >>>

Another Great Season

“On the Road”

By Melanie Bonds, ATA Executive Director

The

ATA finished another great season of Road Shows with the Show in Dothan on February 26. The Road Show presenters were Dr. Dave Han, Dr. Eve Brantley, Dr. Sonja Thomas, Rhonda Britton and John Nabors of the Auburn Cooperative Extension System; Scott Wanzor with PBI Gordon and Mark Berte with Alabama Coastal Foundation provided education as well.

Topics such as “Strange Problems You’ve Seen Lately in Turf,” “Growing a Business in the Green Industry,” “Top 10 Weeds You Didn’t Know You Had,” “Go with the Flow: A Look at Water Best Management Practices,” “Measuring Liquid vs. Dry Formulations: Making Your Applications Count,” were covered.

The ATA 2018 Road Shows provided over 500 participants with education and OTPC/OTPS recertification points in

six cities during the first two months of 2018! Thanks to all who made this program a success. v

Putting the Pieces Together at the

2018 Sports Turf Field Day

By Melanie Bonds, ATA Executive Director

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S

ports Turf Field Managers congregated from all over Alabama on March 14th to learn the latest on Sports Turf Field Management at Samford University. There was a great program featuring the following: Richard Wilt of Auburn University spoke on The Experience of Working with the NFL on Rugby Fields. Paul Patterson with The University of Alabama in Huntsville observed that “It was interesting to see how they do things at the professional level. The issues there are something a lot of us don’t hear about that often.”

Ken Edwards, CSFM, Retired, City of Gulfport, MS presented on Budgeting and Employee Operations. Joe Collins, CSFM said “The documents Ken Edwards presented were something everyone in our business should see. Ken makes it obvious that if we are able to speak the language of administrators, our lives are much easier when it comes time to purchase equipment or hire employees.

Analysis of the everyday tasks with

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data can make us the expert and hard to deny when we make requests.”

Coach Casey Dunn, Head Baseball Coach at Samford University, and Soccer Coach Todd Yelton reviewed The Expectations of Field Management from a Coach’s Perspective. Kim Byram (University of Alabama) said, “That was the fourth field day that I have been to, and I think it was the best. Coaches Dunn and Yelton impressed me. As turf people, we normally don’t get recognition unless something goes wrong. It was good to hear and see that coaches appreciate our efforts. Unfortunately, they realize how good they have it when they visit places that are not properly maintained.”

The program concluded with a tour of Samford’s exceptional sports fields, manicured and groomed by Joe Collins, CSFM and his staff. It was a perfect spring day to be outside on the fields.

Thanks to all who came out and supported this event. Special thanks to Kim Byram and Joe Collins, CSFM for moderating this event. v

Industry News >>>

The Alabama Golf Association

Supports Turfgrass Research in

Alabama

The

Alabama Golf Association (AGA), a longstanding supporter of turfgrass research in Alabama, presented a donation in the amount of $5,000 to the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF) in January, 2017. The AGA sets aside a small amount per tournament entry each year to assist the ATRF with its turfgrass research projects that benefit everyone involved with the game of golf in Alabama. v

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(l-r: Tricia Roberts, Andy Priest, Executive Director of the Alabama Golf Association and Melanie Bonds)

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Cover Story >>>

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Fertilizing Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass Lawns:

How Much is Too Much?

By Beth Guertal, Ph.D., Rowe Professor, Auburn University and Dave Han, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Auburn University & Alabama Cooperative Extension System

N

start to apply N in the spring? Work from North Carolina State University demonstrated that internal N reserves already in the dormant bermudagrass (primarily in the stems) were sufficient to provide N for bermudagrass as it broke dormancy. That supply was sufficient to promote shoot growth for the first 10 to 14 days, after which supplemental N was needed to continue growth. This work supports the standard recommendation that N fertilization should start at around 2 weeks after first greenup, when the growing bermudagrass is ready to utilize that applied nitrogen. So, start to apply your nitrogen around 2 weeks after greenup begins. However, the weather will also play a factor. If greenup occurs very early, and a later frost is expected, it makes little sense to fertilize to support shoot growth that is doomed to die back at the last frost. In that case, it is better to wait until it is reasonably certain that no more hard freezes are expected.

Now, when is a good time to stop fertilizing in the fall? Different research studies at Auburn, Mississippi State and Arkansas have all pretty much arrived at the same conclusion: late fall fertilization provides better late season

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itrogen is the fertilizer nutrient most applied to turfgrass, because proper application results in turfgrass growth, producing a healthy plant that has the ability to withstand wear and recover from use.

Of course, like most things in life, one can have too much of a good thing.

Over-application of nitrogen can easily cause bad effects, both agronomic and environmental. So, how much is enough, and when is the best time to apply nitrogen fertilizer in Alabama?

This article will try to answer those questions, emphasizing N fertilization for warm-season home lawns.

Warm-season turfgrasses go dormant in winter, and once dormancy occurs there is no reason to fertilize the grass.

Recent online discussions about the fertilization of dormant grasses have renewed interest in this practice, but there is simply no need. Application of N fertilizer while a grass is dormant simply means that the nitrogen will be lost to the turfgrass, and will likely either be used by weeds or lost through leaching or to the air. None of these outcomes help the turf, and the last two can cause harm to our environment.

So if you should not fertilize when the grass is dormant, when do you

Cover Story >>> Continued

1

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color and assists with spring greenup, and you will likely not see any increased chance of winter injury from that ‘late’ N fertilization. In these studies, N was applied to various bermudagrass cultivars at a typical monthly rate (~ 1lb N per 1,000 ft2) at dates ranging well into October. In the Mississippi State work, for example, applying 1 pound of N per 1,000 ft2 (as a soluble N source) on September 15th extended fall color while not creating any type of winter damage. Work at Auburn has also seen extensions of fall color, when N was applied as late as September, with no subsequent damage to the grass.

So, for a bermudagrass home lawn, how much N, in total, does one need?

A six-year long study at Auburn (funded by the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation) clearly indicates that, for a bermudagrass home lawn (clippings returned), 3 pounds of N per 1,000 ft2 per year was not sufficient to maintain a high-quality and uniform sward that remained free of weeds (when no chemical weed control was done). Not applying any N resulted in a lovely patch of white clover, as that legume invaded the weak and low-N system (see Photo 1, left). This low rate of N would be even more insufficient if you are removing clippings and subjecting your turf to traffic and wear.

In separate long-term plots at Auburn, centipedegrass outcompeted bermudagrass when no nitrogen was applied for five straight years (Photo 3, left).

Photo 1: Unfertilized Tifway bermudagrass plots became infested with white clover as this weed is much better able to grow at low N fertility.

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Photo 2: Color response to different N rates in Tifway bermudagrass.

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Photo 3: Common centipedegrass invading Discovery bermudagrass that had not been fertilized for five years.

This photo was taken in July on irrigated plots; the bermudagrass is dormant from lack of nitrogen, not drought or cold.

Continued <<< Cover Story

Meyer, Emerald, Jamur and Zeon. Our work at Auburn supports these findings, even for zoysiagrass being established from plugs. Growing was not improved when high N rates (> 1/2 lb N per 1,000 ft2 per week for establishment) were applied (the N source was urea). In fact, over-application of N to zoysia-

grass actually decreased growth and performance, as the higher N rates appeared to make the grass susceptible to disease. So, resist the impulse to overapply N to your zoysiagrass, as it is most happy at an N application rate of about 2 lbs N per 1,000 ft2 per year (applied in split applications). v

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On the flip side, applying too much N had drawbacks. For this long-term study we applied N at different times of the year (using urea), to total 3, 4, 5 or 6 pounds of N per 1,000 ft2 per year.

The application of N at 6 lbs N per 1,000 ft2 was simply too much for the typical home lawn. The grass grew too vigorously, and to avoid scalping we had to mow those plots quite frequently. Most homeowners reject mowing their lawns 2–3 times per week, and lawn services do not have the time and crew members to do this either. The best N rate for a high quality, year-round bermudagrass surface which resisted weed invasion was 5 lbs N per 1,000 ft2 per year.

Interestingly, it mattered less when during the growing season this N was applied — the amount of N was of more importance. We examined six different application strategies for all N rates. To apply the nitrogen timing treatments the total N amount was split at equal N rates among various months: 1) Equal — April, May, June, July, Aug, and Sept, 2) Spring — April, May, June, July, 3) Spring Short — April, May, June, 4) Middle Months — May, June, July, Aug, 5) Slow — All in May, and 6) None — Nothing. When all of these N application timings were examined the application of N only in Spring Short was not sufficient to ensure summer color and growth. Additionally, while the single application of a slow-release product did create good green color, the quality was often reduced because shoot growth was low. Applying N as equal monthly applications (April — Sept) produced the best combination of bermudagrass color and quality, when applied at 5 pounds of N per 1,000 ft2 per year.

But what about N fertilization of zoysiagrass? Homeowners often fertilize zoysiagrass as much as they do bermudagrass, applying nitrogen for green color and growth. However, multiple research projects across the southern and transition zone of the United States clearly show that zoysiagrass needs much less N than bermudagrass. When zoysiagrass was fertilized with more than 2 lb N per 1,000 ft2 there was no further growth response, and the grass was not greener or better in appearance. This work has been done over a range of zoysiagrass cultivars, including

Pest Spotlight >>>

By Dave Han, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Auburn University & Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Jim Jacobi, Ph.D., Extension Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

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“I

have an algae problem.” This seems like a simple statement, but it really is just the tip of an iceberg. When algae, or any number of other related organisms, begin to take over turfgrass, it’s not really just an algae problem — there is usually some other issue with the turf that is allowing them to outcompete the grass.

In this article, we will look at what makes these critters out-compete turfgrass and how to combat them and re-

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turn the grass to a dominant position.

Algae is often mentioned in the same breath with moss, for good reasons.

Even though moss is a plant and algae is, well, algae, they share characteristics that make them grow best in the same environments. Both moss and algae are photosynthetic, so they need at least some sunlight (although many mosses in particular are more shade tolerant than grasses – more on this in a bit).

Both lack a root system, so they need

abundant moisture at the soil surface.

What it boils down to is this: any time the turfgrass canopy thins out and there is moisture available at the soil surface, either algae or moss (or both) will be favored. In open, sunny, but well-watered locations (for example, a putting green), algae is more likely to take over. Shady areas, especially if the soil is acidic, favor moss.

In all cases, though, when you have an algae or moss problem, you really

Heavy algae on flooded green (photo from Dr. Dave Han)

Moss growth (photo from Dr. Dave Han)

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Pest Spotlight >>> Continued

Table 1: Examples of chemical products that are labeled for control or suppression of algae and moss in turfgrass.

Labeled for Control or Suppression of: Chemical and Trade Name Chlorothalonil (Daconil, Echo, Manicure, Chlorostar, etc.)

Mancozeb (Fore, Protect T/O, Dithane, Pentathlon) Mancozeb + Copper (Junction) Fluazinam (Secure) Fluxapyroxad (Xzemplar) Triticonazole (Trinity, Triton) Hydrogen dioxide/ hydrogen peroxide (Zerotol, TerraCyte Pro) Pelargonic acid (Scythe)* Carfentrazone (QuickSilver T/O)

Moss

X

Algae

Use Site: Home Commercial Lawns Turf

Golf Course

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X X X

X X

X X

X X X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X (Bentgrass greens)

X

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just have an algae or moss problem. You have a grass-growing problem.

In addition to thinking about ways to kill algae and moss, think about how to restore the environment to one that favors grass growth over moss and algae. In the vast majority of cases, the turfgrass thins first, then the moss and algae take over. Finding and fixing the reasons for the grass becoming uncompetitive is the most important thing.

What causes turfgrass to thin?

The list is long and familiar to anyone who has managed turf for any length of time: Shade, traffic, soil compaction, nutrient deficiencies or excesses, soil pH, extremely low mowing heights, excess irrigation, poor drainage, and too much thatch are the most frequent causes. The exact combination of causes is different in every situation, but there are some recurring themes.

*Nonselective herbicide; will kill desirable turf it contacts.

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Slime mold on bermudagrass (photo from Dr. Dave Han)

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Algae problems on putting greens, for example, are most often linked to poor drainage and traffic, either in the form of high numbers of rounds played or cleanup passes around the edge of a green with a heavy triplex mower.

Poor drainage can be due to poor construction, compaction, or both. Overirrigation can be a factor too. These often reinforce each other in a downward spiral: a green is built with inadequate drainage on a native soil, which then compacts as people play golf, leading to ever worse drainage, leading to shallow roots, leading to drought stress when the green does dry out, which in turn tempts the superintendent to water more often, just making the problem worse. Throw in getting a bit overzealous with low mowing heights and other stress and the entire green can tip over into a state of thin, diseased, uncompetitive turf that cannot prevent algae infestations from getting started and spreading.

In many cases, no amount of algaecide cures an algae problem for the long term. Algaecides are best seen as a way to keep the algae at bay while the underlying problems are fixed. Improving drainage, relieving compaction, and restoring a healthy turf are the long term solutions. Cultural practices that can help prevent a recurrence of the problem include adequate topdressing, taking care not to over irrigate, and reducing the traffic on a green by skipping cleanup passes with a triplex mower most days.

Moss problems are also associated with excess moisture, but they also are heavily influenced by shade. This is because even though mosses are plants and need light to do photosynthesis like any other plant, they need a lot less of it than grass. This is why moss is typically found in shady areas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; although it is not confined to the shade by any means. Mosses are also much more tolerant of acidic soils than grasses, which is why lime applications are recommended so much as part of a control program. However, the presence of moss doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always indicate a need to apply lime, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a good idea to apply lime based on soil test results.

Pest Spotlight >>> Continued

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As with algae, the main way to keep moss from being a constant problem is to modify the environment to favor grass growth. This means reducing shade. The chainsaw is a very effective tool for the long-term management of moss in turfgrass. Fixing compacted soils, improving drainage, maintaining a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5, and not overwatering are also very important. A vigorously growing turfgrass with a full canopy usually crowds out moss when there is adequate sunlight.

So make sure that any chemical control you use is accompanied by the physical and cultural changes needed to ensure that the grass is healthy.

It is worth noting that sometimes, mosses are among the few plants that can grow in very shady areas, and may be desirable as a landscape plant. There is nothing wrong with using moss as a ground cover in areas where it is well adapted (i.e. shady, poorly-drained, acidic soils). The only major drawback is that moss has very little traffic tolerance due to the lack of a root

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system. But moss is definitely worth considering as a ground cover in areas where the environment is never going to be favorable for turfgrasses.

Some other organisms associated with moist soils are slime molds and blue-green algae, particularly members of the genus Nostoc. Slime molds are amoeba-like organisms that live in soil and thatch, feeding on organic matter as well as bacteria and other microorganisms. When environmental conditions are right, the protoplasm will ooze up onto the leaves of turf and produce spores which will dry up and disperse.

Although they can be a lot of different colors, yellow and purplish/black are the most commonly seen on turfgrass.

The yellow ones sometimes are mistaken for dog vomit and the dark ones for oil or soot. Slime molds are completely harmless to the turf and can be removed by hosing the turf off or, when they dry out, brushing or mowing the grass. Slime molds are not harmful to people or pets.

Nostoc is a genus of cyanobacteria â&#x20AC;&#x201D; photosynthetic bacteria sometimes called blue-green algae, though they are not related to true algae. The ones that appear most often on turf produce a greenish or blackish-green gelatinous matrix that makes it look like pieces of ugly gelatin are on the turf. They are slippery to touch or when underfoot, and dry out to a dark crust. Like slime molds, Nostoc is not a parasite of grass, but if enough covers the turf, it can begin crowding out grass, like algae or moss. Also like moss and algae, it appears in places where the turf is already thin, taking advantage of the lack of competition. It can fix nitrogen so it can grow in areas of low fertility.

Controlling Nostoc usually consists of trying to dry out areas where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing. It is moderately sensitive to copper-based algacides, like copper hydroxide, and very sensitive to herbicides with pelargonic acid â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this is nonselective though so only use it where you can tolerate burning the turf. v

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Calendar of Events >>>

Index of Advertisers >>>

Save the Date for the

2018 Auburn Turfgrass Research and Education Day

You

won’t want to miss this opportunity to view the latest Turfgrass research. The program is on July 31st, at the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Facility. You can register on-line at www.alaturfgrass.org. Pesticide points and GCSAA credits will be available. v

BWI Companies........................................ 23 www.bwicompanies.com Color-Flex Distance Markers..................11 www.color-flex.com Coosa Valley Turf Farms......................... 15 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc.................3 www.greenvilleturf.com Humphries Turf Supply.......................... 23 www.humphriesturf.com Jacobsen................................................... 20 www.jacobsendirect.com

Turf Events

Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation.........Inside Front Cover www.jerrypate.com

July 15–17

October 15

(National Association of Landscape Professionals) Washington, D.C.

Fisher’s Restaurant and Orange Beach Marina Orange Beach, AL

July 31

November 27–29

Progressive Turf Equipment, Inc.............5 www.progressiveturfequip.com

Auburn, AL

Mississippi Coast Convention Center Biloxi, MS

RD Murphy, LLC.........................................7 www.rdmurphy.com

September 25–27

December 11

(Nat. Rec. and Park Assn.)

Indiana Convention Center Indianapolis, IN

Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club

NALP Legislative Day on the Hill

Auburn University Turfgrass Research Field Day

NRPA Congress and Expo

ATA Mole Cricket Classic

Deep South Turf Expo

ATA Sponsor Appreciation Sporting Clay Tournament and ATA Board Meeting

Digital Marketplace

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc............................. 11, 22 www.midtennturf.com North Georgia Turf Company, Inc......... 9 www.ngturf.com

Riebeling Farms, Inc.................................11 Smith Seed Services................................ 19 www.smithseed.com South Dallas Turf Farm.......................... 21 www.southdallasturf.com Southeast Turf Maintenance................. 23 www.southeastturf.com

Scan the QR code: Download

your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about this company.

Southern Specialty Equipment.............. 23 www.ssequip.net

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Spr ing 2018

Sur-Line Turf, Inc.......................................7 www.surlineturf.com Syngenta Professional Products............ 19 www.greencastonline.com/divanem The Andersons...........................................5 www.andersonsplantnutrient.com The Turfgrass Group...............Back Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com TriEst Ag Group, Inc................................ 21 www.hendrixanddail.com 22

Al abam a T ur f Ti me s > >> Spri ng 2018

23