Table of Contents >>>
Summer 2009
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8 9 10
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Turf Talk —
Contradictions around the Future Use of MSMA in Turf ATA Member Spotlight —
Tommy Akridge, Sports-Turf Manager Cover Story —
Timing of Irrigation for Cooling Bentgrass Greens, With and Without Fans Recent Event —
The Field Day That Never Was! Recent Event —
Enjoying the Grand Outdoors at Our Spring Golf Tourneys
6
From the President’s Pen
7
ATA Annual Sponsors
7
News from ATRF
18
Calendar of Events
18
Advertiser Index
Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
Cover photo courtesy of Jeff Oelmann, CGCS Grand National Golf Course, Opelika, AL
www.AlaTurfgrass.org
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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 © 2009 by the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Alabama Turf Times is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Alabama Turfgrass Association. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Alabama Turfgrass Association, Post Office Box 70, Auburn, Al. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Auburn, AL. 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
From the President’s Pen >>> Pat White
DESPITE TOUGH TIMES…
W
Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
hile struggling to find the words to begin this letter, I keep coming back to “In tough times…” I am sure that everyone is just as tired of hearing and talking about our tough times as I am. So, I decided to start with these words: “My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 My career in managing turf has been most rewarding. Through the years, I have compiled a great support system of people that I know I can count on. We all face new challenges every year, and knowing that there are other professionals who are facing the same challenges and share the same interests is a great comfort. I think we would all agree that working together, and not against one another, is the better way. This year, I have
witnessed more under-bidding on projects and products than ever before. I understand the tough economic times, and everyone has to find ways to make a living for their families. However, I find these practices most disturbing and harmful to the market of our industry. I commend the membership of the ATA for investing in yourself by staying educated and trained and by sticking together. I would like to thank all of you who participated in our annual golf tournaments to raise funding for turfgrass research. The Mole Cricket Classic, held on March 30 at the beautiful Lakewood Golf Course in Point Clear, was a great success. Thanks to Tricia for placing me on a team that could actually play golf, we placed second. I was just thankful I didn’t hurt anyone! Also, the Poa Annua Classic was held April 20 at the infamous FarmLinks Golf Club in Sylacauga, which was a great event as well. We greatly appreciate the tremendous support of the sponsors and the superintendents and staffs that hosted these events. The New Beginnings project is coming together, and we hope to break ground very soon. We have received a very generous donation of an irrigation pump from Cass Hansford at Ewing Irrigation that will supply the necessary water to grow-in the turf for the multipurpose sports field. Tricia and the ATA board are planning a date for a workday at the Youth Reach site. I would encourage those who would like to participate in this rewarding project to pitch in and help a great cause. The boys who are current residents of Youth Reach are very excited and anxious to play ball. Please mark your calendars for ATA’s Annual Conference, which will be held in Auburn on October 20–22. The board members are working hard to put together a great conference this year that you won’t want to miss. Continued success and many blessings, Pat White 2009 ATA President
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<<< ATA Annual Sponsors
Alabama Turf Times is the official publication of the:
2009 ATA
Alabama Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 70 Auburn, Alabama 36831 Tel: (334) 821-3000 Toll-free: 1 (866) 246-4203 Fax: (334) 821-3800 Email: mailbox@alaturfgrass.org www.alaturfgrass.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 Tel: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Executive Director Tricia Roberts Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton Birmingham Botanical Gardens
2009 Executive Committee
Annual Sponsors SILVER The companies listed here support the ATA and its members. Please keep them in mind when making your purchasing decisions.
Agrium Advanced Technologies John Deere Landscapes NaturChem Syngenta T&O Products
BRONZE GOLD Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial Kilpatrick Turf Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
Bayer Environmental Science DuPont Prof. Products Harrell’s, Inc. Humphries Turf Supply Regal Chemical Company Southern States
President Pat White SouthernTurfCare, Inc. <<< News from the ATRF
Vice President Jeff Oelmann, CGCS Grand National Golf Course
Treasurer Tom Wolf Coosa Valley Turf Farms
Past President Lee McLemore, CGCS The Country Club of Birmingham
2009 Board of Directors Amy Bailey Humphries Turf Supply
James Bartley Southern Lawns
Jay Brooks Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
John Chapman Craft Turf Farms
Steven Edwards City of Calera
Dave Han, Ph.D. Glenn Hedden Town of Loxley
David Hubbard Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Jeff Lee, CGCS Valley Hill Country Club
Richard Murphy Murphy Turf & Ornamental
Paul Paterson University of Alabama at Huntsville
Tom
Keeven of Emerald View Turf Farms was the lucky winner of the ATRF Grand Outdoor Adventure Raffle. The drawing was held at the Poa Annua Classic golf tournament on April 20. Although Tom was not present to win, he is very much deserving. Tom purchased his winning ticket at the TPI Mid-Winter Conference, held in Pt. Clear, AL, in February. He is the second generation of Keevens who started Emerald View Turf Farm over 58 years ago. Today, the farm has three locations (O'Fallon and Jefferson City, both in Missouri, and Columbia, IL), with a total of 1,600 acres in production. Tom is a past president of the Turfgrass Producers International and supports turfgrass research everywhere he goes. When Tom found out that doves are so numerous in Argentina they threaten the country’s agriculture production, he decided this was the best trip to take. Not only would he have fun, but also he would be helping the food supply in Argentina. Tom and his best buddy will go to the Argentina Ducks & Doves Lodge in Cordoba, Argentina, next February. A special thank you to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket during this fundraiser. ATRF was able to raise close to $8,000 with this raffle. Your support of turfgrass research is greatly appreciated! 7
Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
Auburn University
TOM KEEVEN WINS THE ATRF RAFFLE!
Turf Talk >>>
CONTRADICTIONS Surround the Future Use of
MSMA IN TURF By Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Auburn University
Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
R
umors have swirled in the past months regarding the future use of MSMA and the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restrict and eventually phase out use by 2012. Initial reports provided by the MAA Task Force (http://www.maatf.com) indicated that new scientific evidence would be evaluated up to 2012, and it was probable that further use of MSMA would return after 2012. Specifically, the MAA Task Force released the following announcement that summarized the agreement reached between it and the EPA in January 2009: “During 2012 (before the discontinuation of these uses), EPA, through one of the Agency’s external peer-review groups, will evaluate the scientific information available on any risk posed by inorganic arsenic. The use of MSMA will continue beyond 2013 should the review result in a conclusion that there is no health concern at the doses of exposure resulting from the relevant uses. EPA will also take into account additional information available on the benefits conferred by MSMA.” Further, “The Task Force strongly believes that there is growing scientific evidence that low doses of inorganic arsenic do not pose a concern to human health or to the environment. If an EPA science review, to convene in 2012, concurs with this position, then inorganic arsenic resulting from uses of MSMA will not pose a concern, and the Task Force will petition for restoration of some or all of MSMA uses.” (Source:http://www.maatf.com) This announcement was published in Alabama Turf Times, as well as by numerous other turfgrass organizations across the country. Information provided by the Task Force and the EPA, however, are contradictory. New information provided recently on the EPA website indicates that there is no possibility of continued sale and use of organic arsenicals on turfgrass after 2012 (except for use of remaining stock through 2013). As clearly stated, new information will be evaluated; however, “in light of new information, this agreement allows for the reregistration of MSMA use on cotton only…” (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/organic_arsenicals_fs.html) Further information provided in the Organic Arsenical Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED), amended April 22, 2009, also indicates that MSMA will potentially be sold for use on cotton after 2012, with no potential use in turf after remaining stocks are depleted in 2013. (Source: http://www.epa.gov/ pesticides/reregistration/organic_arsenicals_fs.html, click “Red Amendment – April 2009” link) So who is right — the MAA Task Force or the EPA? Right now, it is difficult to say. The MAA Task Force is very optimistic regarding the potential use of MSMA. They have stated from the beginning that there is ample scientific evidence that organic arsenic contained within MSMA herbicides is drastically different from the inorganic arsenic we have all come to fear. Regardless of such evidence, the EPA seems to be trying to slam the door shut on potential turfgrass uses. I am starting to get the feeling that this issue will not be fully resolved until the 2012 deadline.
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>>> ATA Member Spotlight
By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director
As
When he was given the responsibility of sports-field manager, Tommy joined ATA and started coming to our conferences, where he learned from the professors and his peers. At the 2008 ATA Conference last October, Tommy was awarded the ATA President’s Award of Excellence for the Sports Complex of the Year. He retired from the Mobile County Public School System just two months later, and he is now working on the sports fields at UMS-Wright School in Mobile. Tommy credits many people for his success: Scott LaForce, his right-hand man at Alma Bryant High; Pat White, for his advice and expertise; and his father, Neil T. Akridge Sr., for being his mentor. Tommy lives in Bayou La Batre, a small seafood town on the Gulf coast just outside Mobile made famous by the movie, Forrest Gump. He has a family full of girls, including three daughters and one granddaughter. In his spare time, he enjoys photography, glass etching and car racing (he’s even the crew chief for a local driver). Congrats, Tommy! We are proud of you and your accomplishments!
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Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
high school seniors graduate, they make plans for their future. Many do not think they will ever return to their alma mater. Even though Tommy Akridge came from a family full of school-system employees, he didn’t think that was in his plans. However, life had a different plan for Tommy. Two years out of school, Tommy (a.k.a. Neil T. Akridge Jr.) went to work for ERG (Energy Research Group), which had a contract with the Mobile County School System to control the heating and cooling systems for all the county schools. This led to his position as Plant Engineer at Alba High School, his alma mater. The school was exactly the same as when he graduated — same teachers and principal, same budget problems, etc. Tommy was determined to make it better. He started replacing broken doors and windows, and he repainted the entire school. For 12 years, he stayed at Alba, where he won the Heart of Gold Award and two Keep Mobile Beautiful Super School Awards. When the budget finally allowed, plans for a new school — Alma Bryant High School — actually became a reality. Tommy was involved in every aspect of the new school. From clearing the land, to the first brick being laid, to the installation of the landscaping, Tommy had his hands in all of it. He was determined to make this the best school in Mobile for its 1,700 students. His favorite job was taking care of the football field, which he nurtured as the rest of the school was being built. Tommy’s talent for painting continued onto the football field — Alma Bryant was the first school in Mobile to have a painted school logo in the center of the football field.
Cover Story >>>
By Beth Guertal, Ph.D., and Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University, AL Photo courtesy of Jeff Oelmann, CGCS Grand National Golf Course, Opelika, AL
Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
In
the southeastern United States, hot and humid summers contribute to bentgrass decline, creating a poor putting surface in summer months. Typically, the bentgrass becomes thin or patchy, has greatly reduced root growth and thus becomes susceptible to disease and algae encroachment. Tools to combat this bentgrass decline include frequent preventative fungicide applications, heat-tolerant bentgrass cultivars, cooling fans and water application via syringing. Although fans and syringing are widely used, more data are needed to document their effectiveness. At Auburn, the general objective of three research projects has been to examine the combined and separate effects of fans and syringing on the health and performance of bentgrass putting greens in Alabama.
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Previous research
For our first research project (conducted from 2000â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2001) at Auburn, we examined the combined and separate effects of fans and syringing on soil temperature and root length density on a one-year-old bentgrass putting green. In this study, fans were run for five hours each day, with syringing applied at three times throughout the day. This two-year study found that the combination of fans and syringing most effectively cooled a bentgrass putting green, reducing soil temperature and increasing root-length density. In a subsequent two-year study (2002â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2003), we moved the fans to a newly seeded bentgrass green where the fans could be run for 24 hours (with and without syringing). In that study, the use of fans, both in combination with syringing and used alone,
increased root length and weight and also reduced soil temperatures. Running the fans for 24 hours provided an extended cooling period, with soil temperatures in fan and fan+syringing plots reduced, in comparison to temperatures recorded in the no-fan plots. An additional finding in this second study was that syringing alone negatively affected root length, with decreased root lengths when only syringing (and no fans) was applied.
Recent research In 2007, a new research study was initiated on the same area that housed the second fan/syringing study. Since we had previously demonstrated the benefits associated with a 24-hour runtime for cooling fans, and had previously shown the benefits of fans plus syringing, the objective of this third
Continued <<< Cover Story
Figure 1. The research fan plots at the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Unit (TGRU), with one set of mist heads applying irrigation to selected plots.
Figure 2. Example precipitation and irrigation for July, 2008.
with the irrigation split blocks measuring 10’ x 10'. There was a three-foot alley around each plot. Mowing height for the duration of the study was 1/8". Herbicides were applied as needed to control common weeds, and fungicides were not applied during the experiment periods. In each year, the experiment was conducted from June through August. To apply the fan treatment, one 20"diameter non-oscillating fan (0.75 kW, 1725 rpm; Tempest Technology) was mounted at a 3' height at the end of each fan block. Fans were run for 24 hours, except for approximately 1/2 hour every third day (AM or PM for respective treatments) when irrigation was applied to the plot areas. Irrigation treatments were applied by low-volume misting irrigation heads (from Rain Bird) placed at each corner of the plots. To apply the irrigation
treatments, a record was kept of daily evapotranspiration loss using data collected from an Alabama Weather Information Service weather station located at the TGRU. Using the results of previous research, which showed that every-fourth-day irrigation provided best bentgrass growth, we selected every third day for our irrigation regime. The amount of water lost through evapotranspiration (minus any recorded precipitation) was applied to selected plot areas as either a morning (8 a.m.) or afternoon (4 p.m.) application, with plastic laid over the plots that were not receiving the morning or afternoon watering (to prevent spray drift).
Results Both 2007 and 2008 were years marked by severe southeastern droughts, with precipitation greatly reduced below
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Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
research study was to examine the combined and separate effects of (1) time of irrigation application and (2) fan cooling, and to determine the effects of these treatments on soil temperature and root length density in a bentgrass putting green. In September 2001, a bentgrass (‘Crenshaw’) putting green was seeded at the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Unit (TGRU) in Auburn. The green was constructed using the native loamy soil. After a two-year rest period in which no research was conducted on the green, a new fan/irrigation study was installed on the research green in April 2007. The study was arranged in a split-plot design with fans as main blocks, and irrigation timing (hereafter called “irrigation”) as the split blocks (Figure 1). Main blocks of fan treatments were 10' x 20',
Figure 3. Soil temperature at a 1/2 inch depth in a bentgrass putting green as affected by fan and time of irrigation. July, 2008, Auburn, AL.
Cover Story >>> Continued
Table 1. Average total root length, by year, as affected by fans and time of irrigation application, 2007 and 2008. Treatment
2007
2008
Average root length density (m) Fan – Y
27.0† a‡
40.2 a
Fan – N
24.0 b
34.4 b
AM Irrigation
26.4 a
38.0 a
PM Irrigation
24.6 a
36.7 b
Root length shown is the average of 11 and 8 measurements for 2007 and 2008, respectively. To measure root length a total of 5 samples was collected from each plot at each sampling (0-8 inch sampling depth) and all samples bulked for one measurement per plot. ‡ Within each year and treatment (fan or irrigation timing) means followed by the same letter are not significantly different from each other. †
normal averages. From the standpoint of an irrigation study, this was useful, as precipitation never overcame evapotranspiration, creating a deficit loss situation that in most days required the application of irrigation water. Figure 2 illustrates a typical month of the cycle of evapotranspiration, precipitation and irrigation application. The blue circles show daily precipitation for this period in July 2008, and the red circles show evapotranspiration losses, per day. The green circle indicates the amount of irrigation that was applied to supply 100% of the loss from the previous three days of evapotranspiration (minus precipitation). Over the period shown, there was only one period (from June 29–July 2) in which supplemental irrigation was not needed due to precipitation in excess of evapotranspiration. Over the two years of the study, there were 4 days (out of 21 possible application days) in 2007 in which irrigation was not needed, and there were 4 days (out of 21 possible
applications days) in 2008 in which irrigation was not needed. As with previous work at Auburn, this project also demonstrated the cooling ability of a combination of fans and water. Unlike previous work, water applications in this study were not frequent mist applications, but were instead a morning or afternoon irrigation, with that irrigation event applied every three days. For Figure 3, irrigation treatments were applied on July 17 and July 20, with no measured precipitation until July 23. Any treatment that received 24 hours of fan cooling had a significantly cooler soil temperature (1/2" depth) as compared to treatments that were not cooled by a fan. There was no significant difference in time of irrigation application (AM or PM) when the fans were running. However, when no fans were used, a morning application of water created greater soil cooling than when irrigation was applied in the afternoon (Figure 3). This effect was especially noticeable in 2008, when extended periods of hot and dry weather greatly stressed the bentgrass, and a morning application of irrigation water helped the green cool and survive through each hot day. In 2007 and 2008, average root length density was affected by the use of fans, but not by irrigation timing (Table 1). Whenever the fans were running, affected plots had a greater average total root length density. Application of water in either the morning or afternoon did not affect the total root length density. The interaction of fans and irrigation timing did not affect root length density in either year of the study.
Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
Conclusions • The use of fans reduced soil temperature and increased root length density on a creeping bentgrass putting green. • The timing of irrigation application (AM or PM) did not affect root length density. • In 2007, the timing of irrigation application did not usually affect soil temperature, while in 2008, AM application of irrigation water reduced soil temperatures more, as compared to PM irrigation.
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Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
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Recent Event >>>
THE FIELD DAY THAT
NEVER WAS By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director
The
Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
Thank You, Exhibitors! Advanced Equipment Atmax Barr-Net Bucyrus First Products Foley Implement K&W Kesmas/Brouwer MasterCraft
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Progressive Turf Quality Corp. RevTech Sprigger's Choice Tamanet Trebro Trimax WMI
2009 Sod Producers Field Day on February 14 will be the one that goes down in history as the Field Day That Never Was! The event was planned as the grand finale to the Turfgrass Producers International Mid-Winter Conference that was held in Baldwin County. As the week progressed, sod equipment was hauled into the Woerner Turf Farm (Bon Secour) location. All was set: the equipment was in the field, the tents were ready to house the luncheon, and the countdown to the field day was on. Mother Nature, however, had a different plan. The evening before the field day, she poured out a foot of rain. The flood kept the demonstrations from occurring the next day since the fields were soaked. The day, though, was not a complete wash. The tables were moved into the barn, and vendors gave the attendees short presentations on their products via a makeshift projection screen. Everyone managed to stay dry and enjoy the day, complete with a barbeque luncheon and presentation from Dr. Harold Walker of Auburn University on using Eptam as a replacement for methyl bromide. We would like to thank the exhibitors who went to great expense to be part of our field day. Each of them brought new, shiny equipment to demonstrate and settled for an impromptu presentation as the water rolled off the fields at Woerner Turf Farm. A big thank you to Kenny Heil, Danny Brewer, Danny Rhodes and George Woerner for hosting our event. We will never forget this field day!
Continued <<< Recent Event
ENJOYING THE GRAND OUTDOORS at Our Golf Tourneys
Thank
Mole Cricket Classic winners, with a score of 60: (left to right) Brian Aaron, CGCS, Tim Orton, Mark Cleveland and Kevin Goolsby.
you to everyone who participated in our two spring golf tournaments, the Mole Cricket Classic and the Poa Annua Classic! These tournaments raise funds for the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation, which in turns funds turfgrass research. These two tournaments combined usually raise around $3,000. At press time, all the monies and bills have not been collected. We will award the grand total to ATRF at the ATA Annual Conference and Tradeshow in October. Each of these events had educational sessions prior to the golf tournaments. Both focused on economic issues facing turfgrass managers. At the Mole Cricket Classic, Dr. Dara Park from Clemson University discussed the most economical way to get the most from irrigation, and Dr. Jeff Higgins from ValleyCrest Golf Maintenance challenged the attendees on ways to cut maintenance costs. We appreciate these specialists for sharing their secrets and techniques with us. Congrats to our tournament winners and to Tim Orton for being on both winning teams (a first in ATA tournament history). Also, a big thank you to all the companies that sponsored these events. Your support is very much appreciated!
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Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
Poa Annua Classic winners, with a score of 58: (left to right) Larry Arnold, Cliff Johns, Butch Gill, Tim Orton and Don Roberts.
Recent Event >>> Continued
Mole Cricket Classic — SPONSORS — – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Agrium Advanced Technologies Agromax Aquatrols Beard Equipment Company Cleverdon Farms Dow AgroSciences DuPont Professional Products Eagle One Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial Floratine, SE FMC Fore-Par Group Harrell’s, Inc. Kilpatrick Company Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation John Deere Landscapes NaturChem Phoenix Environmental Care Pinhigh Compound– JESCO Products Red Bay Sand Company Regal Chemical Company S & S Pumpworks Southern States Syngenta
Poa Annua Classic — SPONSORS —
Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 16
AGRI-AFC, LLC Agrium Advanced Technologies Aquatrols BASF Bayer Environmental Sciences DuPont Professional Products Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial The Gowan Company Harrell’s, Inc. Hendrix and Dail Humphries Turf Supply Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation John Deere Landscapes Kilpatrick Company NaturChem Southeast Turf Maintenance SePRO/Legacy Southern States Syngenta Turf Merchants Inc./ Innovative Turf Supply Valent, USA
Call for Applications:
2009 ATA
President’s Awards
The
Alabama Turfgrass Association recognizes its members for their expertise, hard work and dedication to the turfgrass industry with the President’s Award of Excellence each year. This award, presented at ATA’s Annual Conference and Tradeshow, is given to the member who manages exceptional turf, shows professionalism in job performance and ability, promotes the turfgrass industry and is dedicated to the profession and ATA. Four categories are awarded: Sports Field/Complex of the Year, Landscape/Lawn of the Year, Sod Farm of the Year and Golf Course of the Year. We encourage every member to submit an application for this year’s award before the September 1 deadline. Winners of these awards will receive: 1. A plaque presented at the Annual Conference during the General Assembly. 2. Featured member with article in ATA’s magazine, Turf Times. 3. Free registration to the 2009 ATA Annual Conference and Tradeshow, October 20–22. Criteria for consideration: 1. Applicant must be an ATA member for three or more years. 2. All applications must be submitted in complete form along with a minimum of 10 digital photographs. 3. There must be at least three entries per category for a winner to be awarded for that category. 4. All sports fields, landscapes, sod farms and golf courses must be older than three years. The awards committee, consisting of current and past ATA presidents, will judge the entries. The application is printed on this page for your convenience. All entries must be received by September 1. Good luck!
Presidents’ Award of Excellence Application Category of submission (circle one): Sports Field | Golf Course
|
Landscape/Lawn Care
|
Sod Farm
1. ATA Member Name: 2. Title: 3. Name of Employer/Company/Municipality: 4. Phone: Cell:
Fax: Email:
5. Provide a brief summary of your professional experience and training:
6. What is the name of your complex, landscape, sod farm, golf course?
7. What is the physical size/acreage of the turfgrass that you maintain at this facility?
8. What sport events/activities are held at your sports complex/how many rounds of golf are played on your course per year?
9. What is the original construction date of the facility? 10. Has your facility been renovated in the last three years? 11. How many employees maintain your facility? 12. How many man hours per week are spent on turf maintenance? 13. What variety(s) of turfgrass(es) do you maintain or sell?
14. What is the soil composition of your field, landscape, sod farm, golf course (native soil, sand based, modified sand based, etc.)? Please explain:
15. List all equipment used to maintain your facility (include owned, leased or borrowed):
16. Provide an organizational chart/diagram of all full- and part-time staff working with turfgrass. 17. Describe your maintenance program and any special challenges faced by you and your staff. What changes have you made that have helped you overcome your biggest challenges?
18. List any awards that your complex, landscape, sod farm or golf course received:
19. Describe how ATA has benefited you as a turf manager: 20. Please submit a minimum of 10 digital photographs of your facility.
Submit application to: ATA, P.O. Box 70, Auburn, AL 36831 Questions? 1-866-246-4203, Fax: 1-866-786-3644, mailbox@alaturfgrass.org
Calendar of Events >>>
Index of Advertisers >>>
AGRI-AFC, LLC www.agri-afc.com . . Inside Front Cover
Turf Events July 23
Bel-Air Turf www.belairturf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Dow Agrosciences www.dowagro.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Auburn University Turfgrass Field Day Auburn Univ. Turfgrass Research Unit Auburn, AL
2009 Auburn Turfgrass Research Field Day
July 27–31
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 3:30 p.m. Registration 4:00 p.m. General Sessions & Plot Tours 5:45 p.m. Specialty Sessions & Plot Tours 6:30 p.m. Catfish Dinner & Lecture
TPI Summer Convention & Field Days (Turfgrass Producers International) Michigan State University Location: East Lansing, MI
Thursday, July 23, 2009 Auburn Univ. Turfgrass Research Unit
Ewing Irrigation www.ewing1.com . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Hendrix & Dail www.hendrixanddail.com . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Humphries Turf Supply www.humphriesturf.com . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation www.jerrypate.com . . . Inside Back Cover JRM, Inc. www.jrmonline.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Kilpatrick Company www.kilpatrickco.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2009
Rhyne’s Select Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
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October 20–22
REGISTRATION FEE: $35
2009 ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Auburn Univ. Hotel & Conf. Center Auburn, AL
MAIL TO: ATRF, P.O. Box 2887 Auburn, AL 36831
(made payable to ATRF)
Sod Solutions www.sodsolutions.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Southern Specialty Equipment www.ssequip.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Texas Sod Leasing www.texassod.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The Turfgrass Group www.theturfgrassgroup.com . . . . . . 5, 13