Winter 2013
Auburn University
Turfgrass... A Program History
Legume Inclusion for Healthy Turf
ATA Member Spotlight on
Harold Walker, Ph.D. Plus, Special Inside — Highlights from ATA’s 2012 Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow
Winter 2013
10
Top Features Upcoming Events — 8 On the Road Again! Recent Event— 10 Highlights from ATA’s Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow, October 2–4
ATA Member Spotlight — 12 R. Harold Walker, Ph.D., Auburn University Cover Story — 14 Auburn University Turfgrass — A Program History
Turf Talk — 18 Legume Inclusion for Healthy Turf 14
Turf Tips — 21 More MSMA News Departments 6 From the President’s Pen 6 ATA Annual Sponsors 7 News from ATRF 7 Welcome New ATA Members! 8 News from ATA 2012–2013 ATA Leaders
18
22 22
Calendar of Events Advertiser Index
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 2 013
On the cover: Turfgrass research fields at Auburn University.
www.AlaTurfgrass.org 4
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 © 2013 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
From the President’s Pen >>>
The
Groundskeeper’s
As
your new ATA president, I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to the next year with you. I’d also like to share with my turf brothers and sisters something that I wrote several years ago that helps me from time to time, especially when I’m feeling burned out. Often, I will read it as a reminder of why I do what I do. Maybe it will remind you, too.
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 3
The Groundskeeper’s Creed As long as there are kids and adults who need a place to play, and there will be, I will do my best to provide for them the best playing grounds that I can. I will go the proverbial extra mile. I will do the little things that make “the difference.” I will work harder, longer and even smarter, to provide for the pleasure of those using this facility. I will incorporate all the training, knowledge, talent and wisdom that I have into the maintenance of all that I have been entrusted. Even though it is not mine, I will treat it as though it were. I will use the resources at my disposal for the benefit of the ones using the facility. I will put my energy and my strength into my work so that others may enjoy. I will do my best to prove myself trustworthy, responsible and dependable. I will employ every effort to gain knowledge by continuing my education, networking with my colleagues, seeking counsel from the leaders in my field and by asking the God of creation for wisdom. It is my desire to bring pleasure to the ones using these facilities, satisfaction to those who have worked with me in the maintenance of these facilities and pride to the owners, planners and builders who brought all of it together. Glenn A. Hedden 2013 ATA President
6
2013 ATA Sponsors GOLD Beard Equipment Company Greenville Turf & Tractor Golf Ventures, Inc. Harrell’s, Inc. Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
SILVER AAT — Direct Solutions Ewing John Deere Landscapes Syngenta T & O Products
BRONZE AGRI-AFC, LLC Agromax Aquatrols BASF Bayer Environmental Science Humphries Turf Supply PBI/Gordon Southern States Turf Sur-Line Turf
News from ATRF >>>
Help Fund
Turfgrass Research with the Poa
annua Classic
By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director
Since
1997, the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF) has been funding research that is instrumental to the turf industry. ATRF is a 501 (c) (3) organization, which means it relies strictly on donations. The Alabama Turfgrass Association is committed to donating funds to ATRF for research through our annual Poa annua Classic Golf Tournament. We need your support of this program to make our contribution effective. Come out and participate in this popular event at FarmLinks Golf Course in Sylacauga, AL, on Monday, April 8. ATRF recently committed to fund two projects that will also be of great interest to everyone in the turf industry. One is an evaluation of the new fertilizers on the market and their effects on a variety of turfgrass cultivars, to be conducted by Beth Guertal, Ph.D., at Auburn University. These new products are not resin-coated or methylene urea products, but they do have a type of nitrification inhibitor or other amendment designed to “stabilize” the nitrogen and increase the longevity of the turfgrass response. Although marketed
heavily, many of these products have not been tested in the field, so this study is of great importance. ATRF’s second commitment is discovering effective management practices for goosegrass (Eleusine indica), a difficult-tocontrol weed, and herbicide resistance in goosegrass populations. Few herbicides are available to control goosegrass, and the existing herbicides often must be sprayed at reduced rates to prevent potential turfgrass injury; unfortunately, at such rates, goosegrass simply does not respond. This research, conducted by Scott McElroy, Ph.D., at Auburn University, will be of great benefit to turf managers across the Southeast. Although we look forward to the results of these research projects, they will come with a big price tag, and ATRF needs our support. If this research saves you one wasteful treatment, it will be worth a donation to ATRF. So, please come out to FarmLinks on April 8, and participate in the educational program and golf tournament. You may register on-line at www.alaturfgrass.org. Together, let’s raise funds for the advancement of turfgrass research! v
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.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
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Glenn Hedden Town of Loxley
Vice President John Carter
Carter Sod Farm
Treasurer Jeremy Sutton
Montgomery Country Club
Past President James Bartley Harrell’s, Inc.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS At–Large Richard Brackin
Lawrence County Sod Farm
Jason Cooper
Richter Landscape Co.
Sidney Whitaker
S & S Lawn & Landscape
Welcome, New ATA Members! >>>
Golf Cole McInnis
Welcome, New ATA Members!
Industry Steve Sanderson
Jay Amling Auburn University Opelika, AL Brian Burns Keeling Company Knoxville, TN
Tony Crenshaw Crenshaw’s Lawn & Shrub Care, LLC Birmingham, AL Tim Kocks The C.C. of Birmingham Birmingham, AL
Steve Mullican KIFCO, Inc. Rock Island, TN Shannon Parsley ChemPro Pensacola, FL Wayne Phillips Rocky Bayou C.C. Niceville, FL
Greg Reynolds Arysta LifeScience Tampa, FL
Jim Stell TURFMAX Harvest, AL
AGRI-AFC, LLC
Kyle Sheheane Vestavia Country Club Birmingham, AL
Todd Waldrup Cow Pasture Driving Range Rainbow City, AL
Lawncare Craig Jones
James Shelton Twin Rivers, Inc. Rogersville, AL
Starr Womack Lawn Doctor of Madison–Decatur Decatur, AL
City of Foley
Chad Stell TURFMAX Harvest, AL
Institution Paul Patterson
University of Alabama Huntsville
Alabama Lawns
Parks & Recreation Mark Irwin Sod Tres’ Wilkinson South Dallas Turf
EX OFFICIO/ EDUCATION ADVISORS Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University
Jim Jacobi, Ph.D.
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
7
Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Winter 2 013
Rick Cambra Twin Rivers Inc Rogersville, AL
Michael McRay Watters & Assoc. Landscape Rome, GA
Willow Point Country Club
Cover Story >>> Get>>>the Edge Upcoming Events
On the Road Again! By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director
The
Alabama Turfgrass Association is committed to educating our industry and is driven by this goal set by our founding members 50+ years ago. This winter, ATA will hit the road again, hosting five one-day seminars on turfgrass management practices in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Loxley and Montgomery. These seminars, named the ATA RoadShow Seminars, have become a favorite for many ATA members. They are informative, cost-effective and held during the slow season where members can bring their crews for additional training. We would like to thank our speakers for their time, commitment and expertise: Dave Han, Ph.D.; Jim Jacobi, Ph.D.; Sonya Thomas; Jay McCurdy; Michael Flessner; Scott McElroy, Ph.D.; David Held, Ph.D.; David Bailey; Murphey Coy; and Austin Hagan, Ph.D. These professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our events, and we could not do it without them. We encourage you to attend, bring your crew, earn pesticide re-certification points and network with fellow turf managers. We look forward to seeing you on the road! v
News from ATA >>>
Meet Your New
ATA Leaders for 2013 On October 3 at the 2012 Annual ATA Conference, a new executive committee and several new board members (listed below) were elected to lead the Alabama Turfgrass Association for 2013.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE » President Glenn Hedden Town of Loxley 251-964-2153 glhedden@hotmail.com
» Vice President John Carter Carter Sod Farm 334-567-8101 cartersodfarm@ elmore.rr.com
» Treasurer Jeremy Sutton (1 year) Montgomery Country Club 334-834-0049 sutton_js@bellsouth.net
» Past President James Bartley Harrell’s, Inc. 334-707-5134 jbartley@harrells.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS January 9
Loxley Civic Center (Baldwin County) Loxley, AL
January 16
Birmingham Botanical Gardens Birmingham, AL
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 2 013
January 23
Troy University Dothan, AL
January 30
Jaycees Building Huntsville, AL
February 13
Richard Beard Bldg. Auditorium AL Dept. of Ag & Industries Montgomery, AL 8
» At Large Richard Brackin (2 years) Lawrence County Sod Farm 256-685-2725 rbrackin@hiwaay.net Jason Cooper (1 year) Richter Landscape Co. 205-942-1555 jcooper.land@gmail.com Sidney Whitaker (1 year) S & S Lawn & Landscape 334-794-2779 cpauline64@yahoo.com
» Golf Cole McInnis (2 years) Willow Point Country Club 256-397-1007 cmcinnis@russelllands.com
» Industry Steve Sanderson (1 year) AGRI-AFC, LLC 256-308-1628 steves@agri-afc.com
» Institution Paul Patterson (2 years) University of Alabama Huntsville 256-824-2553 patterpl@uah.edu
» Lawn Care Craig Jones (1 year) Alabama Lawns 334-272-7171 allawns@bellsouth.net
» Park & Recreation Mark Irwin (2 years) City of Foley 251-943-5603 jjirwin@msn.com
» Sod Tres’ Wilkinson (1 year) South Dallas Turf 334-872-6644 southdallasturf@yahoo.com
EX OFFICIO/ EDUCATION ADVISORS Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University 334-844-3980 handavi@auburn.edu Jim Jacobi AL Cooperative Extension System 205-879-6964 jacobjc@auburn.edu
ATA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tricia Roberts 334-821-3000 mailbox@alaturfgrass.org
Recent Event >>>
Thank You, Team ATA! By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director
The
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 2 013
Alabama Turfgrass Association hosted the 2012 Annual Turfgrass Conference and Tradeshow in early October in Auburn, AL. It was a huge success, thanks to the wonderful team players who contributed to putting it together. The highlight of the Conference, the education sessions included topics on turfgrass-management practices, new research and products, weed resistance, nematode management, disease control, employee management, landscaping ideas and proper turfgrass application, among many others. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of golf at Saugahatchee Country Club, while others toured the sports fields on the campus of Auburn University. We honored Dr. Harold Walker with the Lifetime Achievement Award. And, we raised over $9,000 at our famous live auction! The tradeshow returned back to the host hotel for the first time since 2006, allowing easy access to the 38 exhibitors, with a reception and breakfast inside the tradeshow. Our exhibitors are a huge part of the ATA team, as they help offset costs that keep attendee registration fees to a minimum. Please return the support of these companies (listed on the next page), in appreciation for their support of our association. Other important team players are our Conference sponsors who funded every food function at the conference. These companies (listed on this page) are committed to Team ATA, so please make sure you support them by purchasing their products and services. We all benefit from their financial support at our conference, and we appreciate them. We could not hold a successful
10
Conference without a great educational program. Our team of speakers is crucial, and we are so proud to have all of them on our team. Thanks to: Phillipe Aldahir; William Lee Berndt, Ph.D., CPAg, CCA-FL; Eve Brantley, Ph.D.; Bill Carraway; Charles Gilliam, Ph.D.; Beth Guertal, Ph.D.; Dave Han, Ph.D.; David Held, Ph.D.; Jim Jacobi, Ph.D.; James McCurdy; Scott McElroy, Ph.D.; Bruce Sheppard; Lane Tredway, Ph.D.; Edzard van Santen, Ph.D.; and Tobey Wagner. And, to round off our team, we want to thank you — our participants. Your support of our Conference is greatly appreciated, as its revenue contributes a large portion of our operating budget. We could not have a successful Conference without our attendees, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors... it takes teamwork, and we are extremely proud of our “team!” v
Conference Sponsors Golf Tournament AAT – Direct Solutions Beard Equipment Company Color-Flex Ewing Irrigation Products Golf Ventures, Inc. Greenville Turf & Tractor Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Jesco Products John Deere Landscapes Syngenta TriEst Ag Group, Inc.
Membership Appreciation Dinner & Auction Beard Equipment Company Golf Ventures West Greenville Turf & Tractor Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
Membership Luncheon Aquatrols
Welcoming Reception Quali-Pro
Your 2013 ATA Officers and Board of Directors. Seated (l–r): Jeremy Sutton (ATA Treasurer), James Bartley (Past President); Glenn Hedden (President), John Carter (Vice President) and Dr. Jim Jacobi (Education Advisor). Standing (l–r): Dr. David Han (Education Advisor), and Board Members Steve Sanderson, Tres’ Wilkinson, Sidney Whitaker, Mark Irwin, Paul Patterson and Jason Cooper. Not in the photo: Board Members Craig Jones, Cole McInnis and Richard Brackin.
James Bartley (Past President, left) accepts a plaque with a commemorative president’s gavel, presented in appreciation for his service, by Glenn Hedden (President).
Tradeshow Exhibitors
Above, ATA President Glenn Hedden presents awards of appreciation to outgoing Board Members (top row, left to right) Tom Wolf and Kim Byram and (bottom row, left to right) Jeff Hill and Raymond Sexton.
Dr. David Han presides over the Turf Bowl, held right after the ATA Business Meeting.
11
Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Winter 2 013
AAT – Direct Solutions Agri-AFC, LLC Agromax Arysta LifeScience Beard Equipment Company Cleary Chemical Company Color-Flex DuPont Professional Products Ewing Irrigation Products FMC Fore Par, a Nivel Company Go Saving Solutions, LLC Golf Ventures, Inc. Greenville Turf & Tractor Harrell’s, LLC Helena Chemical Co. Humphries Turf Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation John Deere Landscapes Keeling Company & Stovall KWMI Net Connection New South Next Level Ag & Turf Products NG Turf, Inc. PBI/Gordon NW Florida Consulting Regal Chemical Company Sod Solutions Southern State Turf Southern States Specialty Turf Equipment Sur-Line Turf Syngenta The Turfgrass Group, Inc. TriEst Ag Group Visual Management Weed Man
ATA Member Spotlight >>>
ATA Member Spotlight on
Robert Harold Walker, Ph.D., Auburn University
By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 3
R
obert Harold Walker has touched the lives of many members of the Alabama Turfgrass Association. He has been a turfgrass weed scientist and professor at Auburn University since 1978. In those 34 years, Harold taught many turf students, researched and developed numerous products to enhance turf managers roles and mentored many individuals in our industry. Even though Harold has been a staple at Auburn University for most of his career, he started out as a Mississippi State man, earning his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees there. Fresh out of college, Harold was a golf course superintendent at Lakeview Golf Course in Starkville, MS. He later served as a graduate research associate at Eli Lilly & Company. In 1974, Harold came to Auburn University as the Turf and Home Grounds Extension Specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. He was quickly promoted to the Extension Weed Scientist. In 1978, he began his employment with the Alabama Agriculture Experiment Station with research and teaching responsibilities in weed science. He quickly moved up the ranks from assistant professor, associate professor, graduate faculty and full professor by 1988. During Harold’s career, he authored and co-authored 72 referenced journal articles, 56 experiment-station publications and 27 magazine and Extension publications. He has given over 200 presentations at professional meetings
12
(many of them at ATA events), served as major professor for 26 graduate students and received several million dollars in grants and contracts. Harold will soon be enjoying retirement. We were very blessed to have him in our industry, our state and in our organization for all these years. The
Alabama Turfgrass Association honored Dr. Harold Walker at the 2012 Annual Conference and Tradeshow with our highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award. Thank you, Dr. Walker, for all your talents and experience that you shared with us over the years. Congratulations on your retirement! v
Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Winter 2 013
13
Cover Story >>>
Auburn University Turfgrass —
A Program History By Dave Han, Ph.D., and Beth Guertal, Ph.D., Auburn University
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 2 013
In
2012, Auburn University Turfgrass celebrated its 85th anniversary, making it the 10th oldest turfgrass program in the nation. The beginnings of the AU Turf Program can be traced back to Dr. D.G. Sturkie. Credited with the first release of a Zoysia matrella back in 1927, Dr. Sturkie pioneered research into thennew zoysiagrass and bermudagrass varieties and published the first comprehensive manual on planting and maintaining home lawns in Alabama in 1942. His bulletin on phosphorus and potassium response in zoysiagrass and bermudagrass, published in 1968 with R.D. Rouse, summarized almost a decade of research on four different Alabama soil types. Besides his work in turfgrass, Dr. Sturkie conducted research in hay and forage production. He was also well known for his expertise in bamboo production. After Dr. Sturkie, the turf program further developed with the arrival of Dr. Coleman Ward and Dr. Ray Dickens. Both of these scientists advanced Auburn turf, with Dr. Dickens perhaps best known for his release of ‘AU Centennial’ centipedegrass, as well as his long history of work with sod production and centipedegrass seed production. Dr. Dickens published the first manual on the economics of sod production for Alabama. Graduates of Dr. Dickens’ program work throughout the United States, and they occupy faculty turfgrass positions at North Carolina State University, the University of Florida and Texas A & M University, to name only a few. Dr. Dickens was instrumental in the founding of the Alabama Turfgrass Association (ATA) in 1960. He served on the ATA board of directors for many years as secretary-treasurer. Dr. Ward also served the ATA as executive director, educational advisor and newsletter editor. Dr. Ward’s tenure as Extension specialist took him to every corner of the state as he consulted with golf courses, sports fields and sod producers. Dr. Ward also served as consultant to Augusta National and other high-profile golf courses nationwide. Dr. Ward was honored with the Sports Turf Managers Association’s Daniel award in 2001. Dr. Patricia Cobb served as Extension specialist and professor in turfgrass and ornamental entomology from 1978 until her retirement in 1999. Dr. Cobb’s research into mole cricket and fire ant control, and her unique ability
14
to communicate her knowledge to everybody, tremendously advanced our ability to cope with these pests. Dr. Cobb pioneered an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to turfgrass and landscape pest control. In 2001, Dr. Cobb was honored by the United States Golf Association with its highest award for excellence in research, the Greens Section award. In 1995, both Dr. Dickens and Dr. Ward retired from Auburn University. Dr. Elizabeth Guertal and Dr. Harold Walker were appointed to fill those turfgrass positions. After the Extension spot lay vacant for a few years, Dr. Jeff Higgins was hired to replace Dr. Ward, and he stayed with Auburn for three years until leaving for industry. After Dr. Higgins left, we hired Dr. David Han as our new state Extension turfgrass specialist. Dr. Han travels the state, consulting and presenting educational programs and has taken over as educational advisor for the ATA. More recently, Dr. David Teem re-joined the AU turfgrass program after retiring from Agriculture administration, and he renewed long-time collaborations with the Alabama Department of Transportation. During his time, he also worked extensively with the management of invasive weeds. Dr. Teem retired from Auburn University in 2006.
Our most recent turfgrass hires have been Dr. Scott McElroy, weed scientist, and Dr. David Held, entomologist. Both have made immediate impacts with their research into herbicide-resistant weeds, new herbicide chemistry, mole cricket and fire ant biology and other topics. Over 85 years, our turfgrass program has grown, and today it is one of the strongest research, teaching and Extension programs in the Southeast. We typically have over 40 students enrolled in the turfgrass option of Agronomy at any given time, and our students work for some of the best golf courses, sod farms, lawn care operations and athletic facilities in the nation.
Photo 2. A Golf Course Reporter article from 1960 on the first AU turfgrass short course and field day.
Photo 3. The AU Turf Bowl team from 2011.
15
Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Winter 2 013
Photo 1. The cover of Dr. Sturkie’s bulletin reporting on a decade of research on phosphorus and potassium fertilization.
Cover Story >>> Continued
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 2 013
Photo 4. Attendees at the 2010 AU Turfgrass Field Day.
In the past decade, we have grown in our scope as a program at the state, regional, national and international level. For example, Dr. McElroy was just elected as a board member of the European Turfgrass Society; Dr. Han has served as an associate editor for the International Turfgrass Society; and Dr. Guertal is a past chair of the Turfgrass Science division of the Crop Science Society of America and a Fellow of the CSSA and the Agronomy Society of America. This year, three AU faculty members taught short courses at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s annual conference to more than 300 superintendents. Our faculty also teach regularly at the Sports Turf Managers Association annual conference. AU Turfgrass has more graduate students than any other program in Agronomy & Soils. The program continues to grow, and job placement for our graduates is excellent. Come and join AU Turfgrass on April 2, 2013, when we host our annual Field Day. This event gives you the chance to see what we’ve been up to, meet new folks and visit with old friends. Come help Auburn Turfgrass start its 86th year of research, teaching and Extension in turfgrass management! v
16
Turf Talk >>>
n o i s u l c In rf
LegumeHealthy Tu for
; .D. Ph y , y t i Elro ers Mc Univ t t rn S co ent; ., Aubu Stud D . l, Ph ate Gradu h Guerta , y d r u et McC and B By James
many sectors of the economy, the turfgrass industry is experiencing new demands for ecologically and economically sustainable maintenance options. Legume inclusion offers an alternative means of maintaining adequate soil nitrogen levels for healthy turf and is compatible with a more sustainable urban ecosystem.
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 2 013
Like
Legumes, such as clovers and lespedezas, are routinely included as utility plants within pastures, wildlife food plots and transportation rights-ofway where they provide supplemental nitrogen, quality forage and insect habitat. Within maintained landscapes such as golf courses and home-lawns, on the other hand, clovers are often defined as weeds. Prior to the advent of selective herbicides during the mid-20th century, however, legumes such as clovers (Trifolium spp.) were regularly included within lawn-seed
18
mixtures for supplemental nitrogen and ground cover. While we realize that a mixed turf-clover sward is unconventional, our research seeks to redefine the role of legumes within maintained turf and suggests that legume biodiversity offers an alternative means of sustaining healthy low-maintenance turf stands.
The nitrogen factor
Commercial-turf nitrogen requirements vary with turf species and environmental conditions. Common nitrogen
rates range from 0.1 lbs. per 1,000 ft2 per year for bahiagrass and centipedegrass to more than 6 lbs. per 1,000 ft2 per year for hybrid bermudagrass. That gets expensive. The environmental cost associated with nitrogen application is also concerning, as portions of the applied nitrogen can either volatilize into the atmosphere, becoming a potent greenhouse gas, or can be carried away by surface waters. Within their roots, legumes host soil-borne bacteria (most commonly Rhizobia spp.) that are capable of biologically fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Legumes transfer nitrogen to Above: Photo 1. Cool-season clovers flourish, while warm-season grasses lay dormant. Featured legume: ball clover (Trifolium nigrescens Viv.).
associated grasses via excreted nitrogen and decomposition of nodules, roots and foliage. Of the legumes capable of turf inclusion, white clover (Trifolium repens) is the best reviewed and is the focus of our own research. Estimates of nitrogen fixation for bermudagrass/ white clover mixtures in Auburn have ranged from 3 to 5 lbs. per 1,000 ft2 per year. It should be noted, however, that only approximately 30% of fixed nitrogen is shared with associated grasses (equivalent to 1 to 1.5 lbs. per 1,000 ft2 per year). Still, considering costs, this is a substantial amount of nitrogen. Another major effect of legume inclusion within turf may be increased insect habitat. Incorporating nectarproducing plants into turf habitats has been shown to attract and sustain predatory insects such as Tiphia vernalis, a parasitoid of mole crickets, and Larra bicolor, a parasitoid of Japanese beetle. Diversification of turfgrass ecosystems to conserve and augment natural enemies is increasingly recognized as compatible with golf course and home lawn maintenance.
Species selection
turf. As an example, white clovers are commonly classified in one of three morphological groups: small, intermediate and large. Large types would rarely be acceptable in any turf scenario; their main purpose is forage production. Intermediate varieties may be acceptable for golf course roughs and roadsides, while small varieties lend themselves to sports pitch and home lawns. Within the last decade, smaller clover varieties have been developed for the sole purpose of turf inclusion. These clovers are collectively called micro-clovers and are included in several cool-season turf blends available in the United Kingdom and Europe. These blends have yet to enter into the warm-season turfgrass market of the U.S., but common rates can usually be found via your favorite internet search engine. In addition to white clover, other legumes could be considered for inclusion within warm-season turfgrass of the southeastern U.S. Common lespedeza, also known as Japanese
clover (Kummerowia striata), and Korean clover (Kummerowia stipulacea) are collectively called annual lespedeza and can be successful additions to lowmaintenance turf scenarios, especially in centipedegrass. These plants have a remarkably wide range of adaptation and tolerate low fertility and acidic soils very well. Their growth habits, however, vary depending upon seed source. Selections of perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata), a distant cousin of the food plant that must be established vegetatively, have shown promise as ornamental ground covers in Florida. Still, there is limited information about its quantities of nitrogen fixation. Like white clover, these leguminous plants require minimal fertility and supplemental water to succeed. Peanut is limited in cold tolerance, however, and is unlikely to be suitable for inclusion within our cooler climates.
Establishment
Most of the legumes trialed in Auburn are available as seed. Choosing legumes
Photo 2. Incorporating nectar-producing plants into turf habitats has been shown to attract and sustain beneficial and predatory insects. Featured legume: garden vetch [Vicia sativa L. ssp. nigra (L.) Ehrh.].
19
Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Winter 2 013
Legume selection for turfgrass inclusion is not an extensively reviewed subject. When selecting and managing for legumes within maintained turf, one must remember that this is not a paint-bythe-numbers process. There are invariably trials and errors, which must be communicated to customers, clients or golfers. For starters, focus on tried-and-true plant selections. The most effective way of identifying what legumes to include is to survey your local weed population. By matching the local flora, it may improve legume persistence. Mowing height and legume growth habit are especially important considerations. For instance, home lawns necessitate legumes that tolerate low mowing heights like white clover and Japanese lespedeza (Kummerowia striata). Roadsides and utility turf, on the other hand, easily sustain ball (Trifolium nigrescens) and crimson (Trifolium incarnatum) clovers. Do not expect common forage-type legumes to produce a low-growing
Turf Talk >>> Continued
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 2 013
Photo 3. Mixtures of multiple legumes and grasses provide resilient and charming turf for transportation rights-of-way. Featured legumes: ball clover (Trifolium nigrescens Viv.) and large hop clover (Trifolium campestre Schreb.).
to sow into turf should be scenario dependent, as explained above. Seeding time is important for proper establishment. White clover plots in Auburn have been successfully established when seeded in late summer to early fall (August through October) and late winter (February). Although fall seeding works well, hard winters and spring frosts decrease seedling survival. For this reason, we suggest consulting online literature as to when best to establish. Whenever you choose to establish, don’t be surprised if clover emergence is spotty at first. For this reason, splitseeding applications (fall and spring) may provide the best clover establishment. Just like over-seeding perennial ryegrass, scalping and even verticutting will drastically improve seed to soil contact. In addition, monitoring soil nutrient levels is important for all turfmanagement scenarios, even those with legumes included. Adequate soil P and K aids in successful establishment, so soil tests may prove useful.
Seed inoculation
Prior to planting, seed inoculation is common, although it may not be necessary. Natural soil populations are typically able to sustain productive stands.
20
If seeding into a somewhat stale seedbed where legumes have not recently been growing, then it is important to pick the proper species and strain of inoculant. For example, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii inoculates most clovers here in the Southeast.
Once established
The next challenge is to manage in favor of the desired legumes. Follow these guideline: • Decrease supplemental N. When paired with well-fertilized grass, clover stand density quickly decreases due to its inability to compete for light. Another reason to reduce N application is its negative effect upon biological nitrogen fixation. Fixation is highly dependent upon the relative level of nodulation occurring in root tissues and activity of the bacteria within. High concentrations of soil nitrogen inhibit nodule growth and development. • Reduce mowing frequency. Legumes are sometimes less tolerant of frequent mowing than grasses. Most turfgrass managers associate legumes with clumpy, non-uniform patches; under less frequent mow-
Photo 4. Within their roots, legumes host soil-borne bacteria that are capable of biologically fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Featured legume: common lespedeza, sometimes called Japanese clover or annual lespedeza [Kummerowia striata (Thunb.) Schindl.].
ing conditions and lower nitrogen application levels, however, legumes become more evenly distributed within a canopy. • Adjust mowing height and timing as necessary. Most legumes are less tolerant of close mowing heights, especially during heavy flowering periods. If plants can fully mature, however, seed dispersal may occur naturally or with mowing. Mowing as a tool to disperse next year’s crop is especially important with annuals, while perennials like white clover reestablish mostly through stoloniferous growth. • Herbicides should be used judiciously because most broadleaf herbicides control legumes. Some exceptions include 2,4-DB, Basagran and Kerb. As always, use precaution when applying pesticides, and always read the label.
Summary
Deciding to include legumes in your turf scenario is a step towards sustainability. Turf/legume scenarios challenge contemporary turfgrass weed management; given the benefits, however, legume inclusion is a coming-of-age method of going green. v
<<< Turf Tips
By Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University
This
in 2009, that review hasn’t happened yet, and any speculation as to what they might recommend is just that: speculation. Lawn care operators, athletic field managers and homeowners will have to adopt a wait-and-see attitude. Once the review timeline is established, there may be an opportunity for the industry to provide input, as it did with previous reviews. The current restrictions on MSMA use that will continue for the next few years are: • Golf courses may make spot treatments (with a spot defined as no more than 100 square feet) and are limited to spraying no more than 25% of the course per year. • Newly built golf courses may
make one broadcast application during establishment. • Sod farms may make two broadcast applications per season. • In all cases, a 25-foot buffer zone must be observed around all permanent bodies of water on sod farms and golf courses. • Highway rights-of-way may be sprayed twice per year with a 100-foot buffer zone around permanent bodies of water. Although this information is correct as of this article’s writing (November 2012), the state of MSMA regulations is still subject to change, and current information may be found at the OAPTF’s web site at www.oaptf.com. v
21
Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Winter 2 013
fall, the Organic Arsenical Products Task Force (OAPTF) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed to extend the use of MSMA on golf courses, sod farms and highway rights-of-way. These uses were originally scheduled to be phased out by July 31, 2013, with sales stopping on December 31, 2012. Sales and use will now continue past those dates, however, pending a scientific review of the data on the risks associated with organic arsenical use. The OAPTF estimates that the review will take at least three years, during which continued MSMA use will be allowed. The EPA plans to have the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) conduct this review and will publish a timeline for the review when one is determined. It is important to note that while this review is happening, the use of MSMA will continue to be governed by the restrictions put in place in 2009. MSMA may still be used ONLY on golf courses, sod farms and highway rightsof-way. Home lawns are NOT an allowed site for using MSMA at this time. Although it is possible that the NAS review will result in a new registration for MSMA that might restore some of the uses that were cancelled
Calender of Events >>>
January 9
ATA Road Show Seminar Loxley Civic Center Loxley, AL
January 13–16
Golf Industry Show San Diego Convention Center San Diego, CA
February 11–15
Direct Solutions www.attdirectsolutions.com.............................9 Greenville Turf & Tractor www.greenvilleturf.com.....................................17
TPI Mid-Winter Conference (Turf Producers Intl.) San Antonio, TX
January 15–19
ATA Road Show Seminar Richard Beard Building, AL Dept. of Agriculture Montgomery, AL
Riebeling Farms, Inc........................................... 22
March TBA
Southern Specialty Equipment www.ssequip.net..........................................................21
January 16
ATA Road Show Seminar Birmingham Botanical Gardens Birmingham, AL
January 16–18
Gulf States Horticultural Expo Mobile Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center Mobile, AL
January 23
ATA Road Show Seminar Troy University Dothan, AL
January 30
ATA Road Show Seminar Jaycees Building Huntsville, AL
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 2 013
February 6–7
AGRI-AFC, LLC www.agri-afc.com................ Inside Front Cover
ARPA Annual Conference (AL Recreation & Parks Assn.) Renaissance Hotel Mobile, AL
STMA Annual Conference & Exhibition Daytona Beach, FL
22
Advertiser Index >>>
February 13
ATA’s Sod Producers Field Day
April 2
Auburn University Turfgrass Research Field Day Auburn, AL
April 8
Poa annua Classic FarmLinks Golf Course Sylacauga, AL
August 12
Mole Cricket Classic/ Fishing Tournament Zeke’s Marina Orange Beach, AL
October 1–3
2013 ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Auburn Univ. Hotel & Conf. Center Auburn, AL
Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation www.jerrypate.com...............................................9 Kesmac/Brouwer Inc. www.kesmac.com............................. Back Cover Leading Edge Communications www.leadingedgecommunications.com..... 16
Southern States Cooperative www.southernstates.com................................... 5 Sur-Line Turf Inc.....................................................13 The Andersons Technologies, Inc. www.andersonsgolfproducts.com.......................13 The Turfgrass Group................................................3 www.theturfgrassgroup.com Trebro Manufacturing, Inc. www.trebro.com....................Inside Back Cover Tri-Est Ag Group Inc. www.hendrixanddail.com.....................................12