Winter 2011
Special Inside —
The 2012 MTC Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Educational Program and Registration Form
Nitrogen Fertilization Recommendations
for Commercial Turf and Lawns
SECTION NAME • continued
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contents • Winter 2011 08 UPCOMING EVENT
12 TURF TALK
18 RECENT EVENT
2012 MTC Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow, January 9–10, Educational Program and Registration Form
Nitrogen Fertilization Recommendations for Commercial Turf and Lawns
Annual Angie Cammarota Golf Tournament, October 13, 2011
departments 06 President’s Message 20 News from MTC 22 University of MD Turf Team 22 Calendar of Events 22 Index of Advertisers
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MTC Turf News
MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL 12 Pressie Lane | Churchville, MD 21028 (240) 413-4312 | www.mdturfcouncil.org MTC Turf News is published quarterly for the MTC by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge St. Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-3718 (phone) 615-794-4524 (fax) info@leadingedge communications.com
2011 Board of Directors PRESIDENT
Vernon W. Cooper All States Turfgrass Consultants St. Michaels, MD 410-745-9643 (office) 443-742-6618 (cell) vernon@allstatesturf.com
Bob Shumate Calvert Co. Parks & Rec. Prince Frederick, MD 410-535-1600, ext 2225 410-610-9007 (cell) shumatrr@co.cal.md.us Bill Warpinski Central Sod Farms Centreville, MD 800-866-1387 410-827-5000 billw@centralsod.com
TWO-YEAR DIRECTORS Randall Pinckney Manor Country Club Rockville, MD 301-929-1707 240-286-1989 (cell) rpinckney@mail.manorcc.org
Lester Dubs Larchwood Landscape Co. Pasadena, MD 443-623-1745 (cell) ldubs@verizon.net
Jamie Roell Anne Arundel Co. Rec. & Parks Millersville, MD 410-222-6250 443-370-2582 (cell) rproel09@aacounty.org
SECRETARY/TREASURER
OPEN
VICE PRESIDENT
Cheryl A. Gaultney Churchville, MD 410-836-2876 (home) 410-322-8275 (cell) sandqueen10@aol.com
PAST PRESIDENT
Nick Gammill American University W. Hyattsville, MD 202-885-2340 (office) 202-498-8020 (cell) ngammill@american.edu
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michelle LoConte Montgomery Village, MD 240-413-4312 (office) 240-597-1420 (fax) mdturfcouncil@verizon.net
THREE-YEAR DIRECTORS Harry Kenney Agrium Advanced Technologies Ellicott City, MD 800-235-6138 410-375-6148 (cell) hkenney@agriumat.com
ONE-YEAR DIRECTORS Rick LaNore MRW Lawns, Inc. LaPlata, MD 301-870-3411 (office) 301-609-1852 (cell) rick127928@rocketmail.com Bill Patton, Sr. Turf Center Lawns Spencerville, MD 301-384-9300 (office) 301-980-3094 (cell) turfcenterlawns@yahoo.com Kevin Monaco Turf Equip & Supply Jessup, MD 20794 410-799-5575 (office) 443-250-1182 (cell) kevinmonaco@turf equipment.com
winter 2011
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From the President
A Busy Year, with
Lots of News, Plus Ways to Save Money! W
ell, 2011 is finally winding down. Part of me is saying, “Where has the year gone?” Then, though, I think back on the many issues that the MTC has been involved in this year, and suddenly I realize why I am so tired and thank the Almighty that it is over! I have had the pleasure of serving with the Council since 1975. We have had important issues that have involved all of us (or one of our member organizations), and the Council has sprung into action to investigate and support the turfgrass professionals involved. I cannot remember a year, however, when we have had so many different issues. The legislative session in Annapolis was hot and heavy on legislation to restrict fertilizer use, particularly in the urban or suburban area for the first time. The driving force behind all this was the legislature’s efforts to comply with the EPA’s arbitrary Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) standards to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. In their normal fashion, the EPA and the legislature chose to submit bills that were based on speculation and emotions rather than sound science. A couple of these bills would have SEVERELY restricted application of any fertilizer in Maryland, which we all know would have only increased the sediment in the Bay. Fortunately, through the efforts of representatives of MAGI, RISE and the MTC working tirelessly with the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Commission, we have a compromised legislation — The Fertilizer Use Act (HB 573) — that is based on sound agronomic principles. Yes, it will mean we must modify the amount, types and timing of fertilizer, but lawn care and golf course companies can still manage their turf in a reasonable fashion. These restrictions will become effective in the fall of 2013. Part of this Fertilizer Use Act is also a certified-applicator portion, for which MDA, working with the University of Maryland, is to develop a program to begin education and certification in fall 2012. The MTC board of directors is offering to work with this group to provide a means of reaching our members for training. Stay tuned to “member alerts” for upcoming training events. For the first time, the MTC Directory has been published to provide all MTC members and attendees with contact information at hand for each of us to use daily in running our own businesses. This summer, we had the Imprelis herbicide issue, which is still being sorted out as I write this message. Imprelis was to be a saving grace for being able to perform spring control of broadleaf weeds without having to worry about rain showers. DuPont had conducted extensive studies of this product at over 400 locations across the country before the EPA approved its registration. Unfortunately, none of the tests must have included large spruce and white pine trees down-slope from the turf-treated sites because, in late May and early June, calls started coming into lawn care companies that customers’ large spruce and pine trees were curling and turning brown, and eventually some even died. Imprelis is no longer legal for use in Maryland, and DuPont’s reps should have been in
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contact with you by now. If not, please notify MDA and your DuPont rep today. Fortunately, our own MDA Pesticide Regulation Section worked with MTC to try to determine the scope of the injury in Maryland. I want to thank everyone who cooperated with MDA. Anyone who failed to report your specific issues to MDA missed an opportunity for help. Remember, MDA is there to work with us. They are interested only with compliance, and if that can be achieved through education instead of enforcement, that is their goal. Never be concerned about contacting MDA if you have pesticide, seed, sod, fertilizer or other issues that they can help with and issues they should know about. Your Council officers and board members are already working on future events that we think will be of benefit and importance to you and your business. The third week of July will be your next opportunity to see all the research at the University Turf Farm, with the 2012 Turfgrass Research Field Day. Additionally, some major changes are being planned for our 2013 Conference, so keep following what is happening in the quarterly MTC Turf News, and make sure you provide an email address with your registration form so that we can keep you informed of quickly changing activities within our industry. With the current economy, we know that every day is a struggle just to continue to stay in business. This is why the MTC tries to stay on top of everything affecting our
continued • From the President
industry. Three of our board members have completed their three-year term, and another board member had to move for employment. Therefore, we have four open board positions for interested individuals to make a difference in our industry. If interested, please step forward, and contact Bob Shumate or myself. Remember, this is your council, and it is only as strong and pertinent to your business as you make it. We know that times are tight, for both time and funds. Because of this, the MTC board has decided that all fees for the 2012 MTC Conference in January will remain the same as they were last year. While the funds raised at our conference are for research at the turf farm and for the betterment of our industry, all that must be weighed against providing the most current and updated educational opportunities for you and your business.
the University of Maryland Turfgrass Farm and Program. So, 2011 is all but over, and 2012 does not promise to be a whole lot better, but with everyone joining together and by the grace of God, hopefully we can all make it through
another year doing what we all love — practicing the art of professionally managing turfgrass within Maryland!
Vernon W. Cooper 2011 MTC President
No membership dues for 2012! In an effort to also help everyone, the Board has suspended the collection of dues for 2012. Anyone attending TG 2012 will be considered a member and will receive a membership card. Anyone who may have already paid 2012 dues (for the Feb. 1, 2012 to Jan. 31, 2013 year) will have them credited to 2013. The plan at this point is to once again charge membership dues in 2013, but that will be addressed next year. You can also save considerable funds by pre-registering for the 2012 MTC Conference. You should have already received the invitation to pre-register. If not, there is another further in this publication. Take time right now to send in your pre-registration. If you were fortunate enough to have had a prosperous 2011 and are looking to save some taxes with charitable donations, remember that the MTC and the Turfgrass Foundation can all use more funds to support
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Upcoming Event
Join Us for the 2012 MTC Turfgrass
Conference ————— and ————— Tradeshow! January 9–10, 2012 Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland College Park, MD
Registration: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in hallway outside of Tradeshow (Grand Ballroom, Room 1206)
EDUCATION PROGRAM Monday Morning, January 9 GCSAA Approved Educational Points
10:30 a.m.
1:45 p.m.
The Fertilizer Use Act of 2011 and Its Implemetation Ms. Judy McGowan, Maryland Dept. of Agriculture
Organic Weed-Control Options Dr. Alec Kowalewski, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
11:00 a.m.
Research Snapshots Dr. Peter Dernoeden, Univ. of Maryland
The Micro-Clover Project: Why Are We Doing It? Dr. Mark Carroll, Univ. of Maryland
11:30 a.m. GENERAL SESSION / Colony Ballroom, Room 2203 The Development and Implementation of the 2011 Fertilizer Use Act Moderator: Dr. Gary Felton, University of Maryland
9:00 a.m. Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) and TMDL for the Chesapeake Bay Dr. Rich Eskin, Maryland Dept. of the Environment
9:45 a.m. Panel Discussion: Developing Consensus with Maryland Stakeholders and Fertilizer Manufacturers on Meeting New Federal Guidelines for the Chesapeake Bay Ms. Bevin Buchheister, Chesapeake Bay Commission Mr. Mark Schlossberg, Pro Lawn Plus Mr. Chris Wible, Scotts Lawn Service Mr. Chris Forth, TruGreen Mr. Dean Graves, Chevy Chase Club
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MTC Turf News
Where Do We Go from Here? Dr. Gary Felton, Univ. of Maryland
11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. TRADESHOW / Grand Ballroom Lunch provided on the Tradeshow floor FREE of charge for all registered attendees from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
3:15 p.m. Growing Green Lawns Project Dr. David Clement and Ms. Mary Kay Malinoski, Home & Garden Information Center, Univ. of Maryland Extension ATHLETIC FIELD SESSION / Benjamin Banneker Room, Room 2212 Moderator: Mr. Bob Shumate, Calvert Co. Parks & Rec.
1:00 p.m. Research Snapshots Dr. Peter Dernoeden, Univ. of Maryland
Monday Afternoon, January 9
1:45 p.m.
LAWN CARE SESSION / Atrium Room 1107 Moderator: Mr. Rick LaNore, MRW Lawns
2:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m. Future and Current Research on Nitrogen Fertility Programs for Maintaining Quality Lawn Turf Dr. Thomas Turner, Univ. of Maryland
Gadgets and Gizmos for Monitoring Sports Field Turf Dr. Douglas Karcher, Univ. of Arkansas The Good, the Bad and the Dirty: Anatomy of an Infield Skin Mr. Paul Zwaska, Beacon Athletics
3:30 p.m. The Built-Up, Sand-Capped Athletic-Field Drain System Dr. Alec Kowalewski, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
2012 MTC Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow
Registration Form GOLF COURSE SESSION / Colony Ballroom, Room 2203 Moderator: Mr. Ken Ingram, Univ. of Maryland
To qualify for the Pre-Registration rate, all forms and payment must be received by 12/31/2011
1:00 p.m. Measuring and Communicating Golf’s Economic Impact Ms. Jennifer Ozawa and Ms. Nancy Chan, SRI International
1:45 p.m.
____________________________________________________________________ YOUR NAME (as it should appear on badge)
____________________________________________________________________ COMPANY
Reflecting on the 2011 U.S. Open Championship Mr. Mike Giuffre, Congressional C.C.
____________________________________________________________________
2:30 p.m.
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE
Gadgets and Gizmos for Monitoring Golf Turf Health Dr. Douglas Karcher, Univ. of Arkansas
3:15 p.m. The Year in Review Mr. Stanley Zontek, USGA Green Section
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. SOCIAL Complimentary cocktails and snacks, on Tradeshow Floor (Grand Ballroom) FREE of charge for all registered attendees.
Tuesday Morning, January 10 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. IAA – UMD Alumni Breakfast Meeting Prince Georges Room, Room 1120 This is a separate event from the educational sessions, and pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Dr. Kevin Mathias at 301-405-4692. Ticket reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
ADDRESS
____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ EMAIL (Include a current email address. Email confirmation will be sent.)
____________________________________________________________________ PHONE Additional Registrants from the same group:
____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
Full Conference
Members Pre-registration
Non-Members Pre-registration
$115
$130
$65
$75
At the door
At the door
Full Conference
$125
$140
1 Day (Mon/Tues)
$75
$85
1 Day (Mon/Tues)
Total Registration Fee:________________________________________________________ Enclosed is my check for: $__________ made payable to: MTC Turfgrass 2012 Mail check to: 20667 Highland Hall Drive, Montgomery Village, MD 20886 Please charge my: [ ] VISA [ ] MASTERCARD
Tuesday Morning, January 10 Pesticide Recertification Day For Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and District of Columbia applicators. Attendance is required at both morning and afternoon sessions to qualify.
Fax Credit Card Registration to: 240-597-1420 Card#___________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ___________________________________ Security Code: __________________ Name as it appears on credit card:___________________________________________ Billing address for credit card:_______________________________________________ City State Zip:__________________________________________________________________
winter 2011
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Upcoming Event • continued
Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., outside Grand Ballroom. Trade Show open 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Grand Ballroom.
LAWN TURF SESSON / Hoff Theater, Room 0126 Moderator: Mr. Jamie Roell, Anne Arundel Co. Parks and Recreation
8:30 a.m. Broadleaf Weed Control Combinations for Lawns Mr. Jeffrey Borger, Penn State Univ.
9:15 a.m. Water Conservation with Improved Irrigation Technology and Selection for Drought Tolerance Dr. Douglas Karcher, Univ. of Arkansas
10:00 a.m. The Relevance of White Grub Behavior for the Success of Chemical and Biological Controls Dr. Daniel Peck, EntomoTech Fundamentals
10:45 a.m. Disease Management for Cool-Season Lawn Turf Mr. Steve McDonald, Turfgrass Disease Solutions
10:45 a.m.
Annual Bluegrass Weevils in the Golf Course Landscape: Biology, Ecology and Control Dr. Daniel Peck, EntomoTech Fundamentals
Research Update on the Use of Organic Products Dr. Thomas Turner, Univ. of Maryland
ORNAMENTAL CARE SESSION / Atrium Room 1107 Moderator: Mr. Lester Dubs, Larchwood Landscape Co.
8:30 a.m. Arborist Concerns for Maintaining Healthy Mature Trees in a Landscape Mr. Ed Milhous, Trees Please
9:15 a.m. An Asian Invasion: Update on the Emerald Ash Borer and the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Dr. Holly Martinson, Univ. of Maryland
10:00 a.m. Using the UMD Campus Plant Inventory and Tree Radar Unit to Identify Key Plants in an IPM Program Mr. Josh Nadler, and Mr. Taylor Keen, Univ. of Maryland
10:45 a.m.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. LUNCH Provided on the Tradeshow floor FREE of charge for all registered attendees.
2:00 p.m. TRADESHOW CLOSES
Tuesday Afternoon, January 10 Pesticide Re-Certification Session Colony Ballroom, Room 2203 Moderator: Mr. Vernon Cooper, All States Turfgrass Consultants and MTC President
1:00 p.m. Maryland Turfgrass Council Annual Meeting
1:15 p.m.
Major Pest and Plant Problems of Ornamentals in 2011 Dr. Karen Rane, Univ. of Maryland
Major Advances in Breeding and Selecting for Pest Resistance in Turfgrasses Mr. Kevin Morris, NTEP
GOLF COURSE SESSION / Colony Ballroom, Room 2203 Moderator: Mr. David Funk, Univ. of Maryland
SOD SESSION / Benjamin Banneker Room, Room 2212 Moderator: Mr. Bill Warpinski, Central Sod Farms
2:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
New Fungicides and PlantProtection Materials for Golf Course Turf Mr. Steve McDonald, Turfgrass Disease Solutions
Species and Cultivar Selections for Sod Production in the Mid-Atlantic Region Mr. Kevin Morris, NTEP
9:15 a.m.
Growing Green Lawns Project Dr. David Clement and Ms. Mary Kay Malinoski, Home & Garden Information Center, Univ. of Maryland Extension
Research Snapshots Dr. Peter Dernoeden, Univ. of Maryland
10:00 a.m. Annual Bluegrass Control for Greens and Fairways Mr. Jeffrey Borger, Penn State Univ.
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10:45 a.m.
MTC Turf News
9:15 a.m.
10:00 a.m. Organic Weed Control Options Dr. Alec Kowalewski, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Straying Off Target: How Insecticides Can Impact Turfgrass Arthropod Communities Dr. Daniel Peck, EntomoTech Fundamentals
2:45 p.m. Major Advances in Turfgrass Fungicide Control Programs Mr. Steve McDonald, Turfgrass Disease Solutions
3:30 p.m. MDA Regulation Update Mr. Dennis Howard, Maryland Dept. of Agriculture
Turf Talk
Nitrogen Fertilization Recommendations for Commercial Turf and Lawns
By Thomas Turner, Ph.D., Dept. of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland
N
utrient management laws passed by the Maryland legislature in 1998 require that University of Maryland nutrient-management guidelines be followed on state property and commercially managed turfgrass sites. Affecting turfgrass fertilization, these laws were part of an overall effort to regulate the impact of the agricultural industry on the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. In 2011, additional regulations were enacted that further specify how nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) may be applied to turfgrass in Maryland,
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MTC Turf News
as well as the fertilizer formulations that may be sold at the retail level. These new laws become effective in 2013. The following information is intended to serve as a guideline for the maintenance of state property and commercially maintained turfgrass sites in an efficient, effective and environmentally sound manner, and to meet state regulatory requirements.
Turfgrass and water quality Properly managed turfgrass has been shown to be an environmental asset.
Turfgrass has significant cooling effects during the summer and traps much of the dust and dirt that is released each year into the atmosphere. Turfgrass absorbs carbon dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide and other gases, while releasing oxygen. Turfgrass intercepts pollutants running off of the many impervious surfaces that are common in urban and suburban areas. Water runoff from turf areas is greatly reduced, and water infiltration is increased, compared to most other agriculture and plant systems. Once turfgrass is established,
soil loss from erosion is negligible. Runoff from established turf has been compared favorably to forested land. Also, turfgrass is an efficient organicmatter-producing system. Thus, little N or P is lost from turfgrass sites if sound nutrient-management practices are followed.
Nitrogen Onsite monitoring and numerous research studies have shown that N loss from turfgrass sites is very small if current recommendations are followed. Research has also shown, however, that certain types of improper N applications on specific types of sites can result in excessive nitrate (NO3) leaching. These problems are very specific and have occurred as follows: • Very high rates of N were applied, using soluble NO3-N containing fertilizers (e.g., ammonium nitrate [NH4NO3]). • The fertilizer was applied to dormant turf, such as bermudagrass during the winter. • Soils were predominantly sand or were disturbed soils. • The sites had high water tables, or movement of N was measured over a short distance in the soil profile. It should be noted that turfgrass nutrient-fate research often investigates worst-case scenarios, including applications (rates, timing, N-sources) that are neither typically used nor are recommended. However, these results are often cited to imply that turfgrass fertilization contributes to waterquality problems. The great majority of research would indicate that properly fertilized turfgrass does not lead to water quality problems. In addition, research has shown greater movement of nutrients from unfertilized turf than from properly fertilized turf, due to soil erosion and greater water runoff rates.
Nitrogen fertilizer recommendations Proper nitrogen fertilization is essential in maintaining dense turf that
prevents soil erosion, increases water infiltration and reduces water runoff. Proper nitrogen fertilization is also essential in maintaining turf that is resistant to weed encroachment, has reduced disease problems, is tolerant of stresses and is able to recover from traffic damage. It should be emphasized that the recommendations for N applications are not made to produce dark green color, as the media often states. Current N recommendations are based on extensive research and are dependent on a variety of factors, such as turfgrass species and cultivars, age of turf, soil type, management practices being used (irrigation, clipping removal, pest-control programs), weather conditions, use of area, length of growing season and the need for recovery from pest damage, adverse environmental conditions and traffic. The professional turfgrass manager must take into account all these factors in devising an appropriate N fertilization program. The program may vary from year to year as these conditions change. Three major factors must be considered in developing an N application plan: 1) What types of N should be applied? 2) How much N must be applied during the year? 3) When should N be applied? Inadequate attention to each of these factors increases the potential for thin turf that is more prone to pest and stress problems. Thin turf also results in sites that are more prone to soil erosion. Additionally, the potential for leaching and/or runoff of N increases if guidelines are not followed.
Sources of nitrogen A wide range of N-containing fertilizers are available to turfgrass managers. These fertilizers generally fall into one of two broad categories: (1) fertilizers that contain only soluble, quickly available N, or (2) fertilizers that contain some N in a slowly available form, which is not immediately
available for plant use, but becomes available over an extended timeframe.
Soluble or quickly available N sources Quickly available N fertilizers contain NO3-N and/or NH4-N that is soluble and readily available for uptake by turfgrass plants. Turfgrass uptake may occur within a few days with NO3-N containing fertilizers. Nitrogen uptake may begin with 7 to 10 days with NH4-N fertilizers, as NH4-N is converted to NO3-N in the soil. Nitrogen uptake by turfgrass roots is predominately in the NO3 form. Fertilizers high in NO3-N include ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and calcium nitrate. Leaching and runoff potential is much higher for NO3-N. Thus, where conditions exist that are conducive to leaching or runoff, fertilizers that contain significant amounts of NO3-N should not be used. These conditions include sandy sites (sands and loamy sands) with high water tables when turf is not actively growing, and sites that are highly sloped. Fertilizers that contain predominantly NO3-N should only be used on sites not prone to runoff or leaching, where very rapid response is essential and on turf that is actively growing. Generally, fertilizers containing significant amounts of NO3-N are not recommended for homelawn fertilization. Soluble N fertilizers that contain NH4-N include urea (NH2-CO-NH2), ammonium sulfate (NH4SO4) and ammonium chloride (NH4CI). If used properly, these fertilizers can produce excellent quality turf without leaching or runoff problems. The NH4-N can be adsorbed by soil, reducing the potential for N movement. Most important is limiting the amount of soluble N fertilizer applied in any one application. Excessive rates of soluble N per application can result in excessive growth of turf (which can eventually affect tolerance to environmental stress and pest resistance) and can increase the potential for N loss on some sites.
winter 2011
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Turf Talk • continued
Slow- or controlled-release N sources The 2011 turfgrass fertilizer regulations stipulate that turfgrass fertilizer sold at the retail level to homeowners must contain 20% or more of the total N in a slow-release or controlledrelease form. Slow-release and controlled-release fertilizers contain significant amounts of N that are not immediately available for plant uptake.
Examples of fertilizer sources that contain various amounts of slowrelease N include sulfur-coated ureas, polymer-coated ureas, methylene ureas, ureaformaldehydes, IBDU (isobutylidene diurea), natural organics and various types of compost. The N in all slow-release fertilizers used for turfgrass maintenance is ultimately converted to NH4-N. Slow-release fertilizers, while varying considerably in individual charac-
teristics and release patterns, typically provide more even turfgrass response, provide N over a longer period of time and are less prone to N leaching and runoff, as compared to high rates of soluble N fertilizers. Their use should be considered on sites that are prone to leaching or runoff and when an N application needs to be made to turfgrass during non-optimum growing conditions.
Rates of nitrogen Some Key Points of the 2011 Turfgrass Fertilizer Regulations Regarding Nitrogen Applications by Professional Applicators Do not apply more than 0.7 lb. of soluble N per 1,000 ft2 in any one application. Do not apply more than 0.9 lb. of total N per 1,000 ft2 in any one application if the N-source contains 20% or more slow- or controlled-release N. Do not apply N after December 1. Between November 15 and December 1, use only a soluble N source, and do not apply more than 0.5 lb. N/1,000 ft2. Do not apply N between December 1 and March 1. No fertilizer can be applied to frozen ground or impervious surfaces. Make no applications within 15 feet of a body of water, or within 10 feet if using a drop spreader, rotary spreader with a deflector, or targeted spray liquid.
Photo 1. Turf-type tall fescue fertilized and maintained following University of Maryland recommendations, which help maintain high turf density that reduces soil erosion, improves water infiltration, reduces water runoff and prevents nutrient movement.
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MTC Turf News
When discussing rates of N fertilization, there are two primary issues: (1) how much N can be applied in any one application, and (2) how much total N can be applied annually. The maximum amount of N that can be applied in one application is dependent on the amount of soluble N in the fertilizer. The 2011 Maryland turfgrass fertilizer regulations stipulate that no more than 0.7 lb. soluble N/1,000 ft2 can be made in any single application. If the fertilizer contains slow-release N, up to 0.9 lb. total N/1,000 ft2 may be applied in any single application, as long as no more than 0.7 lb. soluble N/1,000 ft2 is applied. If an enhanced-efficiency, controlled-release product is used, an application not to exceed 2.5 lbs. N/1,000 ft2 can be made in a single application. As previously discussed, the total annual turfgrass requirements for N vary considerably, depending on a variety of conditions. The first factor to consider, however, is turfgrass species. The annual N requirements for maintaining established stands of the most common turfgrass species grown in Maryland generally fall into the ranges listed in Table 1. Numerous factors influence whether moderate adjustments to these rates may be warranted. For example, if clippings are returned to the site when it is mowed, reductions in the annual N rates (as well as P and K) may be possible as the lawn matures. Maintaining a healthy root system is not only important for overall turfgrass quality, but it can also help reduce
continued • Turf Talk
total N needed to achieve dense turf. Also, if the site receives little use, and thus does not need higher growth rates to recover from traffic, lower rates may be advisable. Other means of possible reductions in the total N requirements include the use of iron (if turfgrass color is an issue), increasing the height of mowing and careful selection of cultivars when seeding, overseeding or sodding. Conversely, several factors may warrant a moderate increase in annual rates to tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and bermudagrass. These include (1) heavily used sites that need high recuperative rates and/or that are mowed lower than recommended due to use requirements, such as athletic fields, and (2) sites that have been damaged from adverse environmental conditions or pests. Also, on sites where pesticide use is not economically feasible or permitted (such as some school systems and public grounds in Maryland), somewhat higher N rates can be important in minimizing many pest problems, particularly weeds and diseases. For these aforementioned conditions, moderately higher rates than the standard rates in Table 1 will help maintain turfgrass density and thus help minimize water runoff, soil erosion and weed encroachment. Rates much higher than those recommended, however, can have the opposite effect and would not be warranted, either agronomically or environmentally. If moderately higher rates than those recommended for the great majority of sites in Maryland are used, they should be reviewed on an annual basis to determine if they are still needed.
Timing of nitrogen applications The primary potential for N loss from turfgrass sites is when excessive rates of N, particularly NO3-N, are applied to turf that is not actively growing. Thus, most of the annual fertilizer requirement should be applied during periods of active shoot (leaf blades, rhizomes, stolons) and/or root growth.
Table 1. Standard Total Annual Nitrogen Rate Recommendations for Commercially Maintained Turfgrass and Lawns. Years 1-2 after establishment Cool-Season Grasses
Subsequent Years
Pounds actual N/1,000 ft2
Fine Fescue
1.0 – 2.0 lbs.
0.0 – 1.5 lbs.
Turf-Type Tall Fescue
2.5 – 3.5 lbs.
2.0 – 3.0 lbs.
Kentucky Bluegrass
3.0 – 4.0 lbs.
2.5 – 3.5 lbs.
Zoysiagrass
1.0 – 2.0 lbs.
0.0 – 2.0 lbs.
Bermudagrass
3.0 – 4.0 lbs.
2.0 – 3.0 lbs.
Warm-Season Grasses
Key Points for Long-Term Reductions in N Applications 1. Correct soil pH, P and K, according to soil tests. 2. When establishing turf, improve soil conditions with the incorporation of organic matter. 3. Use recommended turfgrass species and cultivars. 4. Don’t mow turfgrass too short. 5. Return clippings when mowing. 6. Don’t try to grow turfgrass where it is not adapted, such as in heavy shade or where there is severe tree-root competition. Applying N will not help turf at these types of sites. 7. As the turf matures and soil organic matter increases, the N rates needed to maintain good turfgrass density will generally decrease if good management practices are followed. 8. Research has shown that N rates may be reduced by up to 30% to 50% in lawns older than 10 years.
Warm-season grasses
Cool-season grasses
The primary period for growth of warm-season grass species (zoysiagrass and bermudagrass) is from mid-spring, after dormancy has broken, through mid-fall, when the first killing frost is experienced. Thus, N applications to warm-season grasses should generally be restricted to these periods. However, fertilizer that contains primarily NH4-N can be applied up to a month before dormancy is typically broken in the spring so that N is available for plant uptake at this time. Applications after September 1 are not generally recommended due to the possible enhancement of winterkill, particularly with bermudagrass. However, if bermudagrass has been overseeded with a cool-season species such as perennial ryegrass, up to 0.9 lb. N/1,000 ft2 may be applied after September 1 to enhance its performance.
Cool-season grasses (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues) have a longer seasonal growth period in Maryland than the warm-season species. They can exhibit growth at virtually any time during the year if moisture and temperature conditions are conducive. The prime periods for growth are typically from late winter through early summer and from late summer through late fall. Research would indicate that 2/3 to 3/4 of the total annual N be applied during the latter period to maximize cool-season turfgrass performance and quality. Although research has shown some benefits to late fall fertilization, the 2011 turfgrass fertilizer law prohibits DYI homeowners from applying N fertilizers between November 15 and March 1. Professional applicators may apply 0.5 lb. N (using only soluble
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Turf Talk • continued
Table 2. Lawn Fertilizer Study (with turf-type tall fescue) (2010). Nitrogen Source
16
Nitrogen Rate Annually
Turfgrass Density
Crabgrass
(lb. N/1,000 ft2)
1–9 (9 = highest density)
% crabgrass cover
No Nitrogen
0 lb.
3.1
39
Urea
3 lbs.
7.0
0
Sulfur-Coated Urea
3 lbs.
6.7
1
Sulfur-Coated Urea
2 lbs.
6.3
3
Sulfur-Coated Urea
1 lb.
5.9
10
Organic Fertilizer
3 lbs.
6.0
1
Organic Fertilizer
1 lb.
5.1
14
Compost
3 lbs.
5.7
9
Compost
1 lb.
4.0
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MTC Turf News
N fertilizers) between November 15 and December 1, but they may not apply N fertilizers between December 1 and March 1. Under extended hot and dry periods during mid-summer, cool-season grasses may experience a period of dormancy until rainfall occurs. Nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied at this time. If irrigation is available or if rainfall is adequate throughout the summer, little dormancy will occur, and N uptake of cool-season grasses may continue. Although not generally needed, applications of 1/4 to 1/2 lb./ 1,000 ft2 can be made to these sites if growth is not adequate to meet the demands of the use of the site.
continued • Turf Talk
Current research projects
Several fertility-related projects are currently ongoing at the University of Maryland Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility to enhance the University’s turfgrass fertilizer recommendations. Results from these studies will be discussed at research field days at the Paint Branch Turfgrass Facility and in future articles.
2011 Compost Study
2011 Fall-Timing Fertilizer Study
Several composts are being evaluated for their impact on turfgrass quality, soil organic-matter levels and nutrient movement. These composts are being tested on soils that are core-aerated before application and on nonaerified plots.
This study is evaluating the effect on the timing of fall applications (through mid-December) on turfgrass performance and nitrate movement in the soil profile. The study is a multi-state effort being replicated at several universities in the region. •
2010 Lawn Fertilizer Study
This study was initiated in the fall of 2010 to further study the performance of turf-type tall fescue under different fertility regimes. This is intended to be a long-term study (5+ years) that will evaluate turfgrass density, weed encroachment, disease incidence and soil organic-matter levels. Clippings are returned with a mulching mower. Applications began in September 2010. Included in this study are: • Nitrogen Sources — N-sources being studied included urea, sulfurcoated urea, Milorganite, organic fertilizer and compost. • Nitrogen Rates — Annual N rates being investigated include 0, 1, 2, and 3 lb. actual N/1,000 ft2. • Timing of N Application — Timings of application include September, November, March and/or May. Already, significant differences are occurring among N sources and N rates. Density and crabgrass encroachment is highly related to N rate (see Table 2). As the crabgrass dies off after frost, the potential for soil erosion and water runoff will increase.
2011 Slow-Release Study
An experimental N source that is considered an enhanced slow-release product is being studied to determine if a single fall application at 2.5 lbs. actual N/1,000 ft2 will provide satisfactory year-round turfgrass performance of turf-type tall fescue.
2011 Soluble N Study
An experimental soluble N source is being investigated to determine if, when applied at reduced rates, it will provide equal turfgrass quality to a standard soluble N source applied at a higher rate.
winter 2011
17
Recent Event
MTC’s Angie Cammarota Golf Tournament — 1st Place Team with 136 — (left to right) John Burke, Bo Jumbercotta, Corey Haney and Mike Mueller, with awards announcer Kevin Monaco.
A Major Success! By Kevin Monaco, Turf Equipment and Supply Co.
A
2nd Place Team with 137 — (left to right) John Aderes and Mike Sabol.
Congratulations to Our Tournament Winners! 1st Place Team — John Burke, Bo Jumbercotta, Corey Haney and Mike Mueller. 2nd Place Team — John Aderes and Mike Sabol. Closest to the Pin — Kevin Boyle Brian Pardoe Longest Drive — Gordon Krester Matt Miller
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MTC Turf News
nyone who missed the MTC’s 23rd Annual Golf Tournament on October 13 at the beautiful Queenstown Harbor missed an absolutely fabulous day of good golf, good food and great fellowship with others in our turfgrass industry. Many thanks are due to many people and the organizations they represent for coming together in support of our beloved turfgrass industry. A special thank you is in order for Queenstown’s Director of Golf & Grounds, John Andres, and his team for hosting our event at their first-class facility. From planning to execution, everyone at Queenstown Harbor demonstrated exemplary professionalism, and the MTC is truly grateful for their generosity and hospitality. Thanks to Nick Brandt, superintendent of the River Course, 64 golfers were treated to a great round of golf at one of Maryland’s premier facilities. In addition to the golfers, we had 15 more industry supporters join the festivities for a fantastic crab feast following golf. In all, we had 26 different industry vendors and/or associations represented at the event. Since 1995, this has been a memorial event in honor of a man who made a lifetime of contributions to the Mid-Atlantic turfgrass industry. I believe Angie Cammarota would be proud to see the level of support that was shown this year. Due to the strong overall show of support, proceeds in excess of $6,000 will be utilized in programs benefitting turfgrass research at the University of Maryland Turfgrass Research Farm. Thanks to all for your contributions to the success of this event! If you are interested in hosting a future MTC golf tournament at your facility, please contact any board of director member, officer or MTC president Vernon Cooper at 443-742-6618. If you missed this year’s event, mark your calendar now for playing golf between October 15 and early November next year. A date will be announced as soon as a course is selected. Remember, any day on a golf course is a good day!! See you on the links. • Photos courtesy of Lauren Dubs, daughter of Lester Dubs (MTC Vice President)
winter 2011
19
News from MTC
Dernoeden Recognized by GCSAA
for Distinguished Service Peter Dernoeden, Ph.D., turfgrass science professor at the University of Maryland, has been selected to receive the 2012 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award. Dernoeden will be honored on February 28 at the 2012 GCSAA Education Conference held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas. “Dr. Dernoeden is most deserving of the Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award,” said GCSAA President Robert M. Randquist, CGCS. “He has provided vital research, continuing education and steadfast sup-
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MTC Turf News
port for golf course superintendents for more than three decades. His legacy continues to grow, as the dozens of graduate students he has mentored include several future leaders in our industry.” Dernoeden has been at the University of Maryland for 31 years, and his teaching, research and extension have benefited superintendents throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Well respected in both plant pathology and weed control, he discovered and identified take-all patch and bentgrass deadspot disease. His work with gray leaf spot in the mid-1990s laid the foundation for managing perennial
ryegrass in the transition zone, while his work with herbicides proved that selective control of annual bluegrass in ryegrass fairways was possible. Dernoeden also pioneered the use of fine leaf fescues for low-maintenance areas. A longtime presenter at the GCSAA Education Conference, Dernoeden wrote a book under the same title as one of his most popular seminars, “Creeping Bentgrass Management.” He has published nearly 100 scientific journal articles and also is co-author of both books, The Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases and Managing Turfgrass Pests. •
So, You Want to Do More to Support the MTC? By Vernon Cooper, MTC President
How can you become an Exhibitor at the MTC Turfgrass 2012 Conference? Have you ever wondered what it takes to become an exhibitor at the MTC Turfgrass Conference to showcase the product your company produces, manufactures or sells? Well, the procedure is quite easy. Booth space is available at $800 for a single booth or $1,200 for a double booth. Simply contact MTC Vice President Lester Dubs at 443-623-1745, or email him at ldubs@verizon.net, and Lester will assist you in any way we can.
What else can you do to show your company’s support? We are once again having a silent auction to provide another way for you (as an individual) or your company to donate to the Council’s support. Donations can be product, such as pesticides, fertilizer, seed or sod. They can be equipment, like clothing, sprayers, spreaders, trimmers and such. They can be services, such as disease diagnoses. A favorite auction item is entertainment, such as rounds
of golf, tickets to sporting events, movies or weekend get-a-ways. The auction will start at the Tradeshow opening on Monday and will conclude after lunch on Tuesday. Please contact Lester Dubs at 443623-1745 or ldubs@verizon.net or Michelle LaConte at 301-518-4449 or mdturfcouncil@verizon.net to donate today. Don’t miss these opportunities to showcase your company and show your support to the MTC! •
If you don’t want to exhibit, what else can you do? Lunch on both days, as well as snacks and drinks, is served in the Tradeshow. Consider becoming a Sponsor, Benefactor or Green Industry Leader who helps offset the cost of these events. Signs are posted in the Tradeshow, as well as around the Conference, showing every individual or company that is helping support us. • A Sponsor for any one of the three functions is just $50, or $125 for all three. • A Benefactor for a single function is $100, or all three for $275. • A Green Industry Leader supports with $250 for a single function, or $700 for all three. These sponsorships set the tone for the entire conference! Contact Lester Dubs at 443-623-1745 or ldubs@ verizon.net or Michelle LaConte at 301-518-4449 or mdturfcouncil@ verizon.net.
winter 2011
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Turf Industry Calendar of Events
index of advertisers
January 25–28
All States Turfgrass Consultants, LLC ...............7
35th Annual MTC Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show
Galt House Hotel & Suites Louisville, KY
www.buysod.com
Adele H. Stamp Student Union University of Maryland College Park, MD
January 30 – February 3
January 9–10
ANLA Management Clinic
STMA Annual Conference & Exhibition
January 11–13
Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show Baltimore Convention Center Baltimore, MD
January 16–19
Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc. . .............16 www.centralsodmd.com
Collins Wharf Sod Farm.....................................5 www.collinswharfsod.com
CoverSports USA.............................................17 www.coversports.com
Chesapeake Green 2012 — A Horticulture Symposium
East Coast Sod & Seed....................................11
Maritime Institute Conf. Center Linthicum Heights, MD
Egypt Farms, Inc..............................................21
February 27 – March 2
Mid Atlantic Association of Turf Equipment Managers (MAATEM)..............17
Golf Industry Show & GCSAA Conference Las Vegas, NV
VTC Annual Turf & Landscape Conference and Trade Show Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center Fredericksburg, VA
TPI Mid-Winter Conference (Turf Producers Intl.)
February 9
Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA
Capitol Sports Fields . .....................................19 www.capitolsportsfields.com
Scottsdale, AZ
January 10–14
Buy Sod.............................................................5
www.eastcoastsod.com www.egyptfarms.com
www.midatlanticturfequipment.com
Oakwood Sod Farm, Inc....................................7 www.oakwoodsod.com
Penn State World Campus...............................19
July
www.worldcampus.psu.edu/sports-turf
UMD Turfgrass Field Day
Quali-Pro.................................Inside Front Cover
University Turf Farm at the University of Maryland College Park, MD
Summit Hall Turf, Inc......................... Back Cover
www.quali-pro.com
www.summithall.com
Syngenta Professional Products .....................20 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com
The Turfgrass Group............ 3, Inside Back Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com
University of maryland turfgrass team Pete Dernoeden, Ph.D.
Tom Turner, Ph.D.
Mark Carroll, Ph.D.
Kevin Mathias, Ph.D.
Dave Funk
Dept. of Agronomy University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-1337 pd@umd.edu
Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-403-4431 tturner@umd.edu
Dept. of Agronomy University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-1339 mcarroll@umd.edu
Institute of Applied Ag. University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-4692 jkm@umd.edu
Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-403-8195 dfunk@umd.edu
MTC Turf News is the Maryland Turfgrass Council magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTC members. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its board of directors, MTC Turf News, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of MTC Turf News. Copyright ©2011 by the Maryland Turfgrass Council. MTC Turf News is published quarterly. Presorted standard postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTC allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to MTC. 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 insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
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MTC Turf News