Aerification for UltraDwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens
Plus, Herbicide Resistant Sedge and The Future of University Turfgrass Programs
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* See Website for Details CONVENIENT DELIVERY
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• 64 Licensed Growers in 17 States
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My Hello ATA!
name is Patrick Pierce, and I will be serving as your Alabama Turfgrass Association President for 2025. I have been working in the golf industry since 2001 and I am currently a Superintendent with the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National in Opelika. I have been serving on the board with ATA since 2021 and have been an active member since I came to work at Grand National in 2007. Over the last several years I have gained a different, behind the scenes, perspective of the association and what makes it a success. I look forward to continuing that in the coming year and meeting more fellow turf managers along the way.
I would like to start by thanking David White for his service as ATA President in 2024, as well as the previous years serving on the board. I also want to thank my fellow turf managers that have completed their term on the board as well as welcoming our new incoming board members. A big thank you goes to Kayla Cook, Tricia Clem, and Melanie Bonds. The three of them are a huge part of what makes the association go, and we would not be able to host all the events that we do without them. Finally, thank you to all our sponsors. Make sure to say hello and get to know the vendors and manufacturer reps that help with the events as well.
Speaking of events, I hope that everyone in attendance had a wonderful time in Biloxi at the Deep South Turf Expo and brought back some valuable information. We have another great year of educational and fun events planned for 2025 starting with the Road Shows beginning in January. The Road Shows are a great opportunity to collect some pesticide points, network with colleagues and pick up a few tips along the way. It is also the perfect time to encourage others to join the ATA and get involved during the “slow season”.
As we wrap up 2024, hopefully everyone can take a little time to relax and enjoy the upcoming holiday season and recharge for a busy 2025. Feel free to reach out to myself or any ATA board members if you have questions or if you would like to be more involved. I am looking forward to all the great ATA events this coming year and hope to see you all at the Road Shows.
Patrick Pierce
2025 ATA President
Patrick Pierce
2025 ATA
ANNUAL SPONSORS
• Beard Equipment Company
• Envu
• Harrell’s, Inc.
• Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
SILVER
• BWI
• FIS Outdoor
• Simplot
• SiteOne GOLD
BRONZE
• Agromax
• Corteva
• Chattahoochee Turf
• GreenPoint Ag
• Nufarm
• Regal Chemical Company
• Southern States
• Sur-Line Turf, Inc.
• Syngenta
Welcome to ATA’s New Board Members
JOHN DAVID ANDRUS – At Large Board Representative
John David Andrus is a dedicated horticulturist and entrepreneur from Dothan, AL, who grew up in Opelika. He began his journey in landscaping by mowing lawns and taking on small projects in his neighborhood at the age of 10. A graduate of Auburn University in 2005, he majored in Landscape Horticulture and worked in local nurseries. In 2009, John David returned to Opelika from Woodstock, GA, where he had worked in landscape installation, to open a Spring-Green Lawn Care franchise. He has thrived as owner and operator there for 15 years. Under his leadership and direction his local Spring-Green grew from $0 – $1 million in gross revenue in eight years, the fastest in Spring-Green’s history.
A devoted father to two boys, Jake (14) and Luke (11), John David enjoys coaching them in sports and sharing the excitement of Auburn football and basketball games. He loves cooking, grilling, and reading fiction and philosophy. An avid mountain biker, he rides 30 – 50 miles each week, embracing the outdoors he has always cherished.
NATE LEWIS – Sod Representative
Nate grew up in Birmingham, AL and attended Auburn University where he studied turfgrass. Initially planning a career as a golf course superintendent, Nate got the opportunity to work at a sod farm and found his new passion. He graduated from Auburn in 2020 with a degree in Agronomy and Soils: Turfgrass. Nate was hired at Beck's Turf, Inc. directly out of school and serves as Vice President of Operations.
Camping, hunting, and spending time with his family are Nate’s favorite things. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Auburn with two children. They spend a great deal of time in church or traveling with family.
Nate is currently serving on the Deep South Turf Expo Board as a representative for ATA and he is looking forward to serving on the ATA Board of Directors.
JARROD LIGON – At Large Board Member
Jarrod grew up in a small town in Clay County, Alabama, where he developed a passion for the outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, Jarrod enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time. After high school, he began his career in turfgrass management, working at several golf courses in the Birmingham area for several years. He then spent a majority of his time with a landscaping and maintenance company that services much of the Southeast.
About eight years ago, Jarrod settled in Mobile, Alabama, and recently took on the role of Sports Turf Manager for the City of Daphne. In this position, he aims to further enhance his knowledge and skills in maintaining highquality turfgrass.
A native of Bessemer, Alabama, Chad has 34 years of experience in the lawn care industry. After receiving a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Bessemer State Technical College, he worked for a national lawn care service company for 10 years. Beginning as a technician, Chad advanced to Field Service Manager. For the past 24 years, Chad has owned and operated his own lawn care company, Warren Lawn Care, which is focused on providing “professional lawn care with a personal touch.” Chad is married to Kelly, who manages the office for their business. They have two children, Katie, who will graduate from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in December, and Jared, who is a junior at the University of Alabama – Birmingham. In his spare time, Chad enjoys fishing, golf, and playing guitar.
Better Built. Quality Results. Period.
CHAD WARREN – At Large Board Member
WILL DO.
TheDepartment of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Professor – Turfgrass Management. This position will be a nine-month tenure-track position with 60% research and a 40% teaching appointment. The projected start date is August 2025.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop a dynamic, impactful, and innovative research program focused on understanding and managing issues related to turfgrass management. The successful candidate will work with private businesses and trade associations, as well as federal and state agencies, to address the needs of the turfgrass industry. The successful candidate will be expected to take a strong leadership position at the Auburn University’s Turf Unit and work closely with Auburn University athletic programs.
Teaching responsibilities are 9–10 hours of course credit per academic year including undergraduate and graduate courses related to turfgrass science. The successful candidate will be expected to train graduate students and prepare undergraduates for careers in turfgrass. As a member of the College of Agriculture and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, this person in this position will also participate in service and outreach activities.
The successful candidate will apply excellent written and interpersonal skills to successfully interact with broad audiences and connect with students.
Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. from an accredited institution in turfgrass science or similarly related fields at the time employment begins. Documented evidence of individual and/or collaborative research in turfgrass systems resulting in peer-reviewed publications is required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate an ability to work cooperatively with colleagues across disciplines and develop a regionally and nationally recognized research program. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the term of employment.
Applicants should apply for the position by visiting the link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/49418 and attach the following:
1. Cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position
2. Current curriculum vita
3. Copies of ALL academic transcripts
4. Statement of research interests and accomplishments
5. Statement of teaching philosophy and/or accomplishments
When prompted during the on-line process, please provide names, email addresses and phone numbers for three (3) professional references. Only complete applications materials will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by the end of business on December 15, 2024. The search may continue until the position is filled.
Questions about this position should be directed to: Dr. Scott McElroy, Search Committee Chair, email: jsm0010@auburn.edu
2025 ATA Calendar of Events
January 15
ATA Loxley Road Show
Loxley Civic Center
January 29
ATA Dothan Roadshow
Troy University
February 3 – 6
GCSAA Golf Industry Show
San Diego, CA
February 12
ATA Gardendale Roadshow
Gardendale Civic Center
February 19
ATA Montgomery Roadshow
Arrowhead Country Club
February 26
ATA Huntsville Roadshow
Jaycee Building
March 3
ATA/AGCSA Poa annua
Turtle Point Golf Course (Tentative)
April TBA
Auburn Turfgrass Research Day
TBA ATA Lawn & Landscape Workshop
October 27 – 30
Deep South Turf Expo
Biloxi, MS
Support the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation
Your Donation is Tax Deductible
Your generous support has the power to make a significant impact. As a 501 (c) (3) organization your donation to the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation is tax-deductible, allowing you to make a positive difference while also benefiting from potential tax advantages.
The importance of our work cannot be overstated. We conduct vital research to improve the quality and sustainability of turfgrass, benefiting golf courses, sports fields, institutions, landscapes and other public and private managed turfgrasses.
Your donation will directly contribute to innovative research that supports studies to develop more resilient, environmentally responsible turfgrass management practices. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please mail your donation to P.O. Box 2887, Auburn, AL 37831. All donations received by December 31st will be eligible for deductions on your 2024 tax return. Your support, no matter the amount, will help us in our mission to create healthier and more sustainable turfgrass environments for the future.
Together, we can grow a more sustainable future for turfgrass management. We are immensely grateful for your consideration and support.
GRASS SO GREEN THAT WE NEEDED
Congratulations to Buddy Williams
Winner of the ATA’s Lifetime Achievement Award
TheLifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious award the ATA bestows. It is awarded to a member that has retired, or is close to retirement, and has made major contributions to the industry, as well as this Association. These individuals have had an impact on the membership and the Alabama Turfgrass Association as a whole.
This year’s award winner is Buddy Williams, a devoted ATA member whose record of accomplishments in this industry speaks for itself.
Raised in Rockville, Maryland, Buddy attended the University of Maryland. From those early years, Buddy Williams has had a long and illustrious career in the turfgrass industry. Allan MacCurrach, first PGA Tour Agronomist, recruited Buddy to join the PGA Tour in the beginning of the TPC Network. Buddy was then transferred to TPC Prestanica in Sarasota, Florida to finish construction and host another two Chrysler Cups. From there he was moved to TPC Southwind in Memphis and later moved to Alabama where he made his mark on the state’s industry.
Buddy enjoyed 36 years as a golf course superintendent; most recently at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National and then Saugahatchee Country Club. During those years he hosted numerous events for the Alabama Turfgrass Association. He essentially supported our golf tournament when our conference was held in Auburn for many, many years. He was always a major supporter and facilitated those events.
Before Buddy retired, he worked as a sod farm manager at Becks Turf and then went into sales for AGRI-AFC which eventually became GreenPoint AG. In this role, he was able to assist turfgrass managers across the state giving advice and sharing his knowledge with their turfgrass management programs.
In 2023, he decided to officially retire and spend his golden years enjoying life with his lovely wife, Renee, their three children: Shelby, Emily and Seth, and of course fulfilling his biggest role, grandfather of three precious grandchildren. In fact, Buddy’s grandson, Oliver Hayes Williams, was born even as he was being presented the award at the Deep South. That’s dedication! Thank you for staying to accept the award, Buddy, and I hope you made it to see the grandbaby before Renee got too put out with you!
Buddy has been a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association for over 42 years, as well as a member of the Alabama GCSA and Alabama Turfgrass Association nearly 30 years. Buddy had the privilege of serving on the ATA Board of Directors twice. He has been a speaker at the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, presenter with the ATA and was recognized by the PGA Tour as one of the best Ten Percent conditioned events in 1997 for the Nike Tour Championship.
Buddy, thank you for your support, dedication to ATA and the entire turfgrass industry. We are honored to present you with the ATA Lifetime Achievement Award.
DEEP SOUTH TURF
JUST WHAT THE DOCTORS ORDERED
This year the Deep South Turf Expo would have celebrated its tenth anniversary, if a little thing called Covid hadn’t derailed our plans in 2020! In any event there was lots of celebration with folks catching up with old friends; making new friends; enjoying the Golf Scramble, always such a popular event, at The Preserve; and staying afterward for the tailgate celebration. The Trade Show was very productive, as was the education program on offer.
Our keynote speakers provided great insight and some a path to the future of turf. Derek Kaye of Whispr Innovations spoke on “Tesla, Robots, and Truly Green Equipment.” Tony Mancuso, Escondido Golf and Lake Club presented “Recruiting, Training, and Retaining a Qualified Workforce” This important topic is always timely. In addition, we were fortunate to have Nathan Crace, ASGCA,
PLA, of The Watermark Golf Companies talk about how “Golf and Sports Venues are Changing” as well as “Bunker Renovation.” Dr. Becky Bowling, University of Tennessee, spoke on “New Tools in the Poa Management Toolbox.” We heard from Amy Wilbur of Mississippi State University on “High Tech Meets Turfgrass Management: Trends to Watch For” and Dr. Pawel Petelwicz, University of Florida presented “Hasta La Vista, Weeds: Terminating Weed Control Issues with AI-Based Targeted Applications: Achievements, Aspirations, Anticipations (and Roadblocks Ahead).”
In all it was a great opening session on Wednesday, but Thursday’s presentations also excelled. A big shout-out to all the speakers who made the Expo a success, and our Education Committee who works tirelessly each year to find the best and brightest presenters in the field of turf. Thank you!
Dr. Wayne Wells with Tony Mancuso
Dr. A.J. Lindsey and Dr. Pawel Petelwicz, University of Florida
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Thank you to everyone who spent some time with our exhibitors at the Tradeshow. They work very hard every year to put on a great show. Without them, this event would not be possible! The Tradeshow is an educational opportunity, so take advantage of it! Our vendors appreciate the opportunity to provide you the latest updates in turfgrass technology and products. And to that end, we want to thank all our sponsors who are listed on the following pages for supporting the 2024 DSTE. Please take every opportunity to let them know how much you appreciate their support!
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
EXPO SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR VENDORS
DSTE GOLF SCRAMBLE WINNERS
1ST PLACE
2ND PLACE
3RD PLACE
DSTE TAILGATE SNAPSHOTS & MORE
Following Golf, we had a wonderful time at the Tailgate. It was a beautiful evening and everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather, the fellowship, the live music and the delicious food prepared by our sponsors. Tailgate Sponsors: FIS Outdoor, AquaAid, Ladds, BASF, Jerry Pate Turf, Beard, Simplot
Thanks so much to everyone who came and supported the Expo! And we will see you in 2025 in Biloxi !
Thank You Deep South Turf Expo Exhibitors
Affordable Turf & Specialty Tire
AgChimp LLC
Alabama Green Industry Training Center
Alabama Turfgrass Association
Albaugh Specialty Products
Aqua Aid Solutions
Auburn University
BASF
Beard Equipment Company
BWI Comp
Capillary Flow
Chattahoochee Turf Products
Corteva Agriscience
East Mississippi Community College
Envu / Environmental Science US
Federation of Employers and Workers of America
FIS Outdoor
Fish Head Farms, Inc.
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Greenpointag
GuruScapes
Haifa North America
Harrell's
Howard Fertilizer And Chemical
Huntsville Tractor & Equipment
Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
Ladd's
Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce
Mississippi State University
Mississippi Turfgrass Association
Modern Turf, Inc.
Net Connection
Nufarm
PBI-Gordon
Professional Turfgrass Services
Quali Pro
Redox Bio-Nutrients
Regal Chemical Company
Rhino Golf and Turf
RightLine
Scotsman Turf Robotics
Simplot
SiteOne Landscape Supply
Southern Ag Service
Standard Golf Company
STEC Equipment, Inc.
Sur-Line Turf, Inc.
Syngenta
The Aquatrols Company
Timewell Drainage Products
TRIYIELD
Turfwell Athletic Fields LLC
Vantage South
Waters Agricultural Laboratories, Inc.
Watertronics
ALABAMA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION’S
2025 Annual Road Show Seminars!
Alabama Turfgrass Association invites all members to our highly anticipated Road Show Seminars, taking place across five convenient locations: Dothan, Gardendale, Huntsville, Loxley, and Montgomery. Designed to make education accessible, these seminars are perfect for members and their crews looking to stay ahead in the industry.
When and Where
The Road Show Seminars are scheduled during the slower winter months—January and February 2025—allowing turf professionals to focus on advancing their knowledge without interrupting the busy growing season. Remember, all ATA members can bring their employees for the same “member” registration rate; making this an economical opportunity to provide training for your entire crew. January 15
Arrowhead Country Club, Montgomery, AL
Jaycees Building, Huntsville, AL
What to Expect
Each full-day session is packed with valuable information, focusing on best practices in turf management and effective identification techniques to ensure you’re prepared for the year ahead. With topics tailored to the unique challenges faced by turf managers, these seminars provide hands-on learning and insights from Auburn University and Alabama Extension System experts to keep your skills sharp and your business thriving. Topics will include identifying turf problems and how to effectively correct the issue, disease control, insect control, weed control and pesticide safety.
Why Attend?
• Convenient Locations: Choose the session that works best for you and your team from five different locations across Alabama.
• Professional Development: Stay current on industry trends, network with fellow professionals, and gain practical skills to apply in the field. And don’t forget you can earn Pesticide Re-Certification Points (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee) as well as GCSAA CEUs.
• Team Learning: The Road Show is a fantastic opportunity to bring your whole crew and ensure everyone is well-versed in maintaining top-quality turfgrass. Take advantage of this economical pricing; all ATA members can register their crew at the ATA Member rate of $50.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow your expertise and prepare your team for success in 2025. Each seminar will start at 8am and conclude at 3pm, lunch is included in your registration fee: ATA Members and Employees: $50 each, NonMembers: $175 each. Mark your calendar and make plans to join us at a location near you!
REMINDER
2025 Membership Dues
As we approach the new year, please be reminded that 2025 Membership Dues will be due at the beginning of 2025.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to another successful year together!
To make your renewal process easy, you can: Renew online by logging into our website: www.AlabamaTurf.org
(Your Username is your email and you set up your password)
Mail your payment to: P.O. Box 70 Auburn, AL 36831
Loxley Civic Center, Loxley, AL
Gardendale Civic Center, Gardendale, AL
Troy University, Dothan, AL
Herbicide Resistant Sedge and The Future of University Turfgrass Programs
By J. Scott McElroy, PhD Professor, Auburn University
Herbicide Resistant Sedges. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the next big herbicide resistance problem is going to be sedges – and not just one. Probably all of them.
The two major weeds that have caused the greatest problem relative to herbicide resistance to date are annual bluegrass and goosegrass. In 2010 Harold Walker and I were the first to identify sulfonylurea herbicide resistant populations of Poa annua. Before that, resistance to triazines had been identified throughout the southeast, initially in Mississippi by Dr. Eual Coats. Resistance to preemergence herbicides to prodiamine, pendimethalin, and dithiopyr were identified in North Carolina and by me, in Tennessee. Since all of this, there are populations that have evolved resistance to glyphosate (Roundup) and likely to indaziflam (Specticle).
Not to toot my own horn, but my group at Auburn are the principal leaders when it comes to herbicide resistant goosegrass research. We were the first to report oxadiazon (Ronstar), foramsulfuron (Revolver) and sulfentrazone (Dismiss) resistance. Resistance to dinitroaniline preemergence herbicides and metribuzin (Sencor) were previously reported. Because of this resistance and due to the loss of diclofop (Illoxan), there are some turfgrass situations in which there is basically no herbicide available.
Sedges have four main herbicide groups that are effective for control:
• ALS inhibitors,
• sulfentrazone (Dismiss),
• traditional preemergence herbicides indaziflam (Specticle)
• oxadiazon (Ronstar);
and secondary preemergence herbicides dimethenamid (Tower) and S-metolachlor (Pennant Magnum).
ALS inhibitors include sulfonylureas such as trifloxysulfuron (Monument), flazasulfuron (Katana), halosulfuron (Sedgehammer), imazosulfuron (Celero), and others; and also, imazaquin (Sceptre, formerly known as Image.)
I should include MSMA, but its use is so limited that it is not seen as a viable option for all turfgrass situations. Certainly, if you have access and it is labeled for your situation, using it is not a bad idea. Basagran (bentazon) is also available, and although control is limited, it still is an option.
Kyllinga
Patrick McCullough, formerly an extension specialist at the University of Georgia, was the first to see the developing problem of herbicide resistant sedges. McCullough identified annual sedge and green kyllinga resistance to ALS inhibiting herbicides. Working with weed scientists who work in rowcrops, we have also identified ALS-inhibitor resistant yellow nutsedge, small-flower umbrella sedge, and rice flat sedge in Georgia and Arkansas. (Research papers we have collaborated on are listed at the end).
ALS inhibitors are a key set of herbicides for postemergence sedge control. The only other post herbicide in turfgrass is Dismiss and preemergence herbicides are still available. Here is the problem: First, from a postemergence standpoint, this puts all the pressure on Dismiss. From what we have seen with Poa and goosegrass, when the control selection shifts to only one active ingredient, it is not long until that herbicide is facing resistance as well. Preemergence herbicides are
problematic because many of the sedges are perennial and pre herbicides are not timed properly to coincide with sedge emergence. That is why sedges are typically targeted for post applications rather than pre.
What is the plan moving forward? First, if you are dealing with an annual sedge or kyllinga problem, make sure you are timing those preemergence applications properly. This means some follow-up pre-application in June or July. Virtually every other weed has its window of germination in the spring months, but some sedges – namely cock’s comb kyllinga and annual sedge – germinate later in the June time frame. Second, if you don’t have resistance, it is probably a good idea to start mixing or rotating different modes of action. Since there are basically only two post herbicides, it requires mixing sulfentrazone with ALS inhibitors, or rotating them from year to year. If you have had success with Basagran (bentazon), then consider integrating it as well.
Umbrella sedge
Yellow nut sedge
Beard Equipment 3 www.beardequipment.com
BWI Companies, Inc. 23 www.bwicompanies.com
Coosa Valley Turf Farms 21 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com
Crossroads Sod Farm 17 www.csfsod.com
Greene County Fertilizer Co. 11 www.greenecountyfert.com
Jackson Sand 17 www.jacksonsand.com
Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Back Cover www.jerrypate.com
Legacy Turf Farms 10 www.legacyturffarms.com
Modern Turf, Inc. 27 www.modernturf.com
North Georgia Turf Company, Inc. ...Inside Front Cover www.ngturf.com
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc. 9 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Regal Chemical Company 7 www.regalchem.com
Riebeling Farms, Inc. ....................................21 riebelingfarmsinc@gmail.com
Smith Seed Services 27 www.smithseed.com
Sod Solutions 25 www.SodSolutionsPro.com
Southern Specialty Equipment 31 www.ssequip.net
Super-Sod 5 www.supersod.com
Sur-Line Turf, Inc. 31 www.surlineturf.com
The Aquatrols Company 23 www.aquatrols.com
The Turf Zone 15, 23 www.theturfzone.com
The Turfgrass Group 29 www.theturfgrassgroup.com
Trimax Mowing Systems 19 www.trimaxmowers.com
Weed Man 19 www.weedmanfranchise.com
Advanced Density
Highly dense turf creates a smooth surface Higher shoot density than other ultradwarfs tested More lateral stems in comparison to other ultradwarf bermudagrasses
No swirling grain common to other ultradwarfs Unmatched consistency for tournamentwor thy putting conditions.
This Grass is Fast! Can roll 15 on the Stimpmeter with proper maintenance for tournament conditions. Mach 1 easily rolls 12 to 13 on a daily basis under proper management
Aerification for UltraDwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens
By Marco Schiavon, PhD Assistant Professor Ft. Lauderdale Research & Education Center
Below: Hollow tine aerification on a mature ‘TifEagle’ green using (0.5" hollow tines) mounted on a ProCore 648 aerator. Sand injection next to hollow tine aerification can be seen to be not as disruptive.
Aerification is a crucial turf management technique that helps prevent the buildup of organic matter (OM) and soil compaction in golf greens. Core aerification, which involves the use of hollow tines, entails the removal of numerous shallow soil cores from the turf. This process involves physically extracting small plugs of the upper turf layer, thatch, and surface soil, replacing them with sand. While this intensive practice can be disruptive for both golfers and maintenance crews, its significance for long-term turf management cannot be overstated. Neglecting aerification can lead to increased OM accumulation and reduced drainage capabilities.
When performed at the appropriate times, aerification can mitigate these problems and minimize soil compaction. Currently, hollow tine core aerators are the standard for this practice. They are specifically designed to remove plugs of soil closest to the surface of the turf, where OM predominantly tends to accumulate. Various styles of tines exist, offering a range of core sizes and shapes, including solid tines, which perforate the surface of the greens without removal of any material. Additionally, alternatives to core aeration, such as sand or air injection, aim to enhance soil properties with minimal surface disruption. Sand injection, for instance, utilizes high-pressure water to create perforations that are subsequently filled with sand through the Venturi effect.
Experience Superior Turf with TifTuf ®
In just seven years, TifTuf®’s installation of over 2 billion square feet has saved more than 48 billion gallons of water. It’s the only Bermudagrass to top National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials 93% of the time, far ahead of Tahoma at 73%. Recognized for its drought tolerance, TifTuf® is the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative’s standard for future university testing and has earned the #1 ranking in the USDA/NTEP ET-Based Water Deficit Research Trial.
TifTuf ®’s water efficiency has garnered numerous awards, including the Smart Approved Water Mark from Australia’s Water Services Association, the Georgia House and Senate’s Extraordinary Water Conservation award, and the
Georgia Association of Water Professionals’ Water Wise Award. It’s also named the Turfgrass of Choice by Southern Living Inspired Communities.
TifTuf® is the most produced proprietary Bermudagrass globally, with more produced in the U.S. than all other varieties combined worldwide. It is the preferred choice for new golf courses, sports fields, and residential and commercial landscapes, and it’s the only Bermuda
sold through Home Depot and Lowe’s by Harmony Outdoor Brands.
While others check boxes, TifTuf® redefines them. Experience the exceptional quality and innovation of TifTuf® turfgrass.
Recently, a two year-experiment (2021-22) was conducted on a mature ‘TifEagle’ hybrid bermudagrass putting green. This green was established in 2016 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center in Davie, FL, USA to determine if different aerification methods alter turfgrass performance and soil properties. The green was aerified monthly from the end of May to August. The experiment was set up to compare tine-aerated treatments with sand and air injection. Tine-aerated treatments were performed with an aerator [eight sets of four tines (ProCore 648; The Toro Company, Bloomington, MN, USA)] with either hollow tine four times per year [This is the industry standard for south Florida, USA] and was considered as control), twice with hollow needle tines, and twice with hollow tines, or with hollow needle tines four times per year. Sand injection was performed using DryJect 4800 four times per year and air injection was performed using Air2G2 four times per year. Plots were tested for recovery after aerification events and for improved soil characteristics i.e. surface firmness, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), volumetric water content (VWC) and organic matter content.
Traditional aerification methods can temporarily compromise the aesthetics and performance of putting greens due to their disruptive nature. Research has shown that the quality of ‘TifEagle’ hybrid bermudagrass may decline for up to four weeks following aerification. Findings indicate that hollow tines have a longer recovery time compared to other aerification techniques, attributed to the larger area impacted. In contrast, alternative methods like sand injection cause minimal surface disruption and shorten recovery time.
Additionally, putting surfaces treated with sand injection were approximately 12% firmer compared to those treated with tine aeration.
While all plots aerated with tines exhibited an increase in Ksat (the rate at which water drains through the green), those treated with hollow tines—either alone or in combination with hollow needle tines—demonstrated higher Ksat values by the end of the season compared to plots treated only with hollow needle tines. This difference may be linked to the higher organic matter content found in the plots aerated solely with hollow needle tines. plots aerated with hollow tines showed a lower VWC (Figure 1) towards the end of summer likely due to reduced organic matter content and higher saturated hydraulic conductivity. Overall, the results indicate that hollow tines are more effective in reducing organic matter than hollow needle tines alone.
In summary, while aerification with hollow tines, either by themselves or alongside hollow needle tines, successfully decreased surface firmness and organic matter content while enhancing Ksat, it also led to a reduction in green cover. Under the conditions of this study, air injection (Air2G2) did not ameliorate any soil properties compared to tine aerated treatments. Results may be different on sites with greater soil compaction. Although disruptive, the use of hollow tines for aerification remains the most effective tool to ameliorate soil characteristics in hybrid bermudagrass putting greens. More research is needed to identify if alternating or combining sand, or air injection, with hollow tines could reduce the amount of core aerifications through the year while keeping benefits on soil properties and reducing greens’ recovery times.
Average
Water
readings taken from 'TifEagle' bermudagrass plots aerified with either: ProCore 648 aerator with hollow tines (0.5” hollow tines) four times per year; twice per year with hollow tines and twice per year with hollow needle tines; hollow needle tines four times per year; Air inject (Air2G2); or sand injection (DryJect 4800) four times per year.
Figure 1.
Volumetric
Content (VWC)
EX
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EXECUTIVE
David
Ph.D. Auburn University (334) 844-3980 handavi@auburn.edu
John
System (205) 981-2326
jtnabors@auburn.edu
