fall 2014
Nutrient Management Guidelines for Athletic Fields in Maryland
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contents • fall 2014 10 SAVE THESE DATES!
Golf Tournament for Turfgrass Research and MTC Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow
12 COVER STORY
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Nutrient Management Guidelines for Athletic Fields in Maryland
MTC Turf News
Departments 6 President’s Message
18 In Memory
7 Directory Additions
20 Calendar of Events
8 From the Mtc Executive Director
22 University of MD Turf Team
11 News from The University of MD
22 Index of Advertisers
President’s Message
TRANSITION I
have been looking back over my MTC presidency, and I see a lot of transition. When I first took the position, people came up to me and said they were sorry that I had to take over at this time. Dr. Peter Dernoeden was retiring from the University of Maryland, and it seemed that the turf program might not survive. A new chairman of the Plant Science and Landscape Architect Department was starting his tenure in the College of Agriculture. The industry as a whole seemed to be down in the dumps. Well, let’s see how things turned out. We welcomed Dr. Angus Murphy at the 2012 Turfgrass Conference, and he hit the ground running with fresh ideas and a very positive attitude. He started planning for how the department would change without Dr. Dernoeden. He talked with us about how we could help him keep a first-rate turf program in his department. MTC decided to start an Endowment for Turf, and we set a lofty goal of wanting to be responsible for funding an Endowed Chair (see page 11). This will allow a turf research program to be a part of the University of Maryland well into the future. We restructured our dues and membership system to produce more income and to expand our membership roles. We implemented a graduated system to allow
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MTC Turf News
large companies the opportunity to enroll more of their employees. We said good-bye to our long-term executive director, and we hired a new one. It is our hope that we can reach for greater things in the near future. We expanded our Field Day program from just a summer one to one also in the fall (in alternating years), to open up opportunities for more people to be a part of our success. We are working diligently with the University to hire a new turf pathologist. Although much work has been done, an announcement is still forthcoming. Sadly, in the past few months, we have lost dear friends — Bill Hughes of TESCO and Damian Varga, former MTC board member. See page 18 for details. They will be missed. Yes, all in all, many things have changed, and many more changes will undoubtedly come our way. Working together, though, we can continue to overcome our challenges and continue to strengthen our organization and our industry.
Lester Dubs
2014 MTC President
MTC Membership Application _____________________________________________________________________ Name _____________________________________________________________________ Home Address _____________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code _____________________________________________________________________ Company Name
___ Individual Member.......................................................$50 ___ Student/Educator Member............................................$15 ___ Master Gardener/ Non-Profit Volunteer Member.........$25 ___ Public Agency (all employees per county or location)...............................................*$75 ___ Business: (1 to 5 employees)*..................................... $175 (Bronze) (6 to 10 employees)*......................................$350 (Silver) (10 to 15 employees)*.................................... $500 (Gold) (15+ employees)*.................................... $1000 (Platinum)
_____________________________________________________________________ Company Address
* Submit employee names for membership cards to the MTC Executive Director.
_____________________________________________________________________ Company City, State, Zip Code
Amount Included $______________________________________ ___ Check made to MTC ___ Credit Card (MC or Visa)
_____________________________________________________________________ E-Mail Address _____________________________________________________________________ Business Phone Cell Phone Additional Company Members: Please attach a listing of additional members. Detach and Send to: Maryland Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 389 • St. Michaels, MD 21663
______________________________________________________ Name as it appears on credit card ______________________________________________________ Address where card is billed ______________________________________________________ Card Number ______________________________________________________ Exp. Date 3 digit code
Directory Additions MTC Membership Directory Additions The following Bronze members were inadvertently left out of the 2014 MTC Membership Directory published in the Summer edition of the MTC Turf News. We apologize for the omission. Eric M. Wenger Complete Lawn Care, Inc. Complete Plant Health Care P.O. Box 5147 Laytonsville, MD 20882 W (301) 948-5069 eric@growinglawns.com Adonay Benitez Complete Lawn Care, Inc. Complete Plant Health Care P.O. Box 5147 Laytonsville, MD 20882 W (301) 948-5069
Chris Erb Complete Lawn Care, Inc. Complete Plant Health Care P.O. Box 5147 Laytonsville, MD 20882 W (301) 948-5069 chris@healthyplant.com
Jake Powell Complete Lawn Care, Inc. Complete Plant Health Care P.O. Box 5147 Laytonsville, MD 20882 W (301) 948-5069 jake@growinglawns.com Gerardo Torres Complete Lawn Care, Inc. Complete Plant Health Care P.O. Box 5147 Laytonsville, MD 20882 W (301) 948-5069
Also, the correct phone number for Dan Felice with Synatek is (301) 606-8631. FALL 2014
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from the mtc executive director
EDUCATION... Do You Have Enough?
H
ave you ever asked yourself if you have enough education? After all, you are a professional who has been in business for years. You are an expert. But, do you REALLY know it all? Webster defines “education” as “1. The act or process of educating or being educated. 2. The knowledge or skill obtained or developed by such a process. 3. The field of study concerned with teaching and learning pedagogy (the art of preparing to teach).” Let’s look at the first of Webster’s definition to see how it really pertains to each of us. 1. The act or process of educating or being educated. Is there anyone out there who knows everything about producing or maintaining turfgrass in Maryland? Turfgrass in Maryland presents more challenges than anywhere in this country. We have the problems of the sandy shores, the piedmont areas and the western mountains. Our summers are normally too hot and humid for cool-season grasses, and our winters are too dry, cold and windy for warm-season grasses. And to make matters worse, politicians constantly propose new laws and regulations that affect our businesses, often without any scientific basis behind these changes. Fortunately, we have the Maryland Dept. of Agriculture, which regulates many of the laws that affect us. I have spent the last 40 years trying to solve problems such as why a specific turfgrass will not grow, is diseased, is off color or did not survive. Often, there is some similarity between different turfgrass problems, but each one has its own specific issues that always make it a challenge. Nothing is ever “normal” when dealing with turfgrass. Many years ago, on my first day of my first turfgrass class, Dr. Jack Hall made two statements that I have always remembered. He said, “If you can manage turfgrass in Maryland and keep your job or are still in business after five years, you can go to work anywhere in the U.S.” He also said, “The best grass in Maryland is green concrete.” I always hope that I have the expertise to diagnose an issue for my customer, but if not, I have contacts from years of networking to call for help. Maryland’s turfgrass industry is unique in many ways, but one of the most unusual that I have found is the willingness to help one another. Yes, we are in competition, but I have never found anyone in this industry who wasn’t willing to try to help me solve an issue. Also, we have one of the top-rated turfgrass research farms and turf teams in the country right at our own University 8
MTC Turf News
of Maryland. I guess it really is true that “there is no need to reinvent the wheel when you know where to borrow one.” On top of everything else, we also must provide education to others. We must train our crews. We must convince our customers that our plan is the way to solve their problems. We must convince our board of directors to spend that extra money that no one ever seems to have. Perhaps some of being able to do this training is an innate talent, but much of it boils down to our own education and learning. The MTC, your MTC, provides several opportunities to become educated, provide education to your crews and provide excellent opportunities to renew, expand and add to your network of support. The next field day at the University of Maryland will occur in mid-summer 2015. This is where we can see the new practices that help produce and maintain turfgrass in Maryland. It doesn’t matter if you operate a lawn care company, manage a golf course, own a sod farm or provide consulting to solve turfgrass problems, there is always something at a field day to learn, and it’s a great place to expand your networking system. This year, October 1 finds another opportunity to network during the annual Angie Cammarota Golf Tournament for Turfgrass Research. It is being held at the Queenstown Harbor Lake Course. Nothing beats networking over a good game of golf, followed by big, heavy crabs and cold beer. Lastly, don’t forget the Annual MTC Educational Conference (January 5–6, 2015). Dr. Mark Carroll is developing a fantastic educational program for all of us, but it is not too late to contact him with any topic you want to learn more about. So, in the end, if you don’t absolutely know everything about your turfgrass business or if you are always looking for ways to provide better service to your customers and crew, it is time to add the MTC to your networking and partake of the opportunities that your MTC provides to everyone (with a significant discount for members). Mark your calendars today. It is all up to you!
Vernon W. Cooper MTC Executive Director
MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL 12 Pressie Lane | Churchville, MD 21028 execdir@mdturfcouncil.com 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
2014 Board of Directors PRESIDENT Lester Dubs Larchwood Landscape Co. Pasadena, MD Cell: 443-623-1745 ldubs@verizon.net
VICE PRESIDENT Bill Warpinski Central Sod Farms Centreville, MD Office: 800-866-1387 Cell: 410-827-5000 billw@centralsod.com
SECRETARY/ TREASURER Cheryl A. Gaultney Churchville, MD Home: 410-836-2876 Cell: 410-322-8275 sandqueen10@aol.com
PAST PRESIDENT Vernon W. Cooper All States Turfgrass Consultants St. Michaels, MD Office: 410-745-9643 Cell: 443-742-6618 vernon@allstatesturf.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Vernon W. Cooper P.O. Box 389 St. Michaels, MD Cell: 443-742-6618 Office: 410-745-8867 ExecDir@ MDTurfCouncil.com
ONE-YEAR DIRECTORS Rick LaNore MRW Lawns, Inc. LaPlata, MD Office: 301-870-3411 Cell: 301-609-1852 rick127928@ rocketmail.com
Bill Patton Sr. Turf Center Lawns Spencerville, MD Office: 301-384-9300 Cell: 301-980-3094 turfcenterlawns@ yahoo.com Kevin Monaco Turf Equipment & Supply Jessup, MD 20794 Office: 410-799-5575 Cell: 443-250-1182 kevinmonaco@turf equipment.com
TWO-YEAR DIRECTORS Doug Lechlider Laytonsville Landscaping Laytonsville, MD Office: 301-253-1481 Cell: 301-253-0546 doug@laytonsville landscaping.com Les Phelps Phelps Lawn Care Pasadena, MD Office: 443-623-5472 phelpslawncare@ yahoo.com Jamie Roell Anne Arundel Co. Rec. & Parks Millersville, MD Office: 410-222-6250 Cell: 443-370-2582 rproel09@aacounty.org jamroell@verizon.net
THREE-YEAR DIRECTORS Brian Gietka Fountain Head C.C. Hagerstown, MD Office: 301-739-4286 Cell: 410-218-0131 briangietka@gmail.com Mark Leahy Blades of Green Harwood, MD Office: 410-867-8873 mark@bladesofgreen.com Rick Williams Pennington Seed Locust Grove, VA Cell: 804-396-5659 rwilliams@pennington seed.com
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Mark Your Calendars, and Save These Dates! October 1, 2014 MTC “Angie Cammarota” Golf Tournament for Turfgrass Research Queenstown Harbor Queenstown, MD
January 5-6, 2015 37th Annual MTC Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Adele H. Stamp Student Union University of Maryland College Park, MD
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MTC Turf News
News from UMD
Building a Legacy… The Turfgrass Pathology Endowment Reaches a Funding Level of $720,000 By Kevin Mathias, Ph.D., University of Maryland
T
he Turfgrass Pathology Endowment was established in 2013 with the University of Maryland College Park Foundation to support research, extension and teaching activities within the area of turfgrass pathology. In a time of limited resources and the retirement of Dr. Peter Dernoeden in 2013, PLSC Chairman Dr. Angus Murphy reported to the Maryland Turfgrass Council the importance of establishing an “Endowed Chair” to ensure the continued support and excellence within the areas that Dr. Dernoeden became nationally and internationally known for and which have greatly benefited Maryland stakeholders. Different levels of endowment are recognized by the University of Maryland, from an “Endowed Professorship” at $500,000 to an “Endowed Chair” at $1.5 million. These endowments are designed to enhance the quality of research and Extension activities by allowing the researcher to add graduate student support or to purchase state-of-the-art research equipment. The endowments are not used to support the salary of the researcher but rather to enhance the stature and the excellence of the program that the endowment is intended for. In order to successfully reach a funding level of $1.5 million, a three-phase marketing approach was established and includes the following. Phase 1 reached out to local and state organizations to seek their support on this endowment. The Maryland Turfgrass Council took the initiative by creating an “Endowed Chair in Turfgrass Pathology” in 2013 and made the first pledge of $150,000 over five years. Subsequently, other professional associations have made commitments that now total $270,000 (see Table 1). The second phase in funding this endowment is to reach out to national, regional and state businesses to seek their support. This phase has just gotten under way, and we have made an initial contact with a leading national company, which has made a verbal commitment to the fund, starting in 2015, and plans to make a more detailed announcement of support by October 2014. Letters of support to other turfgrass businesses are underway as this article is being written.
MTC members and University of Maryland faculty pose with the initial check (from MTC) in support of the endowment. Kneeling, left to right: Brian Gietka and Dr. Kevin Mathias. Second row, left to right: Vernon Cooper, Cheryl Gaultney, Ken Ingram, Dr. Angus Murphy, Kevin Monaco, Jamie Roell and Lester Dubs. Last row, left to right: Dr. Peter Dernoeden, Steve Potter, Dr. Thomas Turner, Mark Schlossberg and Bill Warpinski.
The third phase of meeting funding levels for the Turfgrass Pathology endowment is to seek out individual donors. To date, we have received a large and generous contribution of $450,000 from an anonymous donor! This was not expected but is truly appreciated and will help make the funding goal of $1.5 million over the next five years a reality. The Endowed Chair will ensure that the University’s turfgrass science program and its current field and lab research infrastructure will be maintained and enhanced for future generations. This is a major undertaking, and MTC is seeking support at all levels within the turfgrass industry of Maryland. If you would like to support the Turfgrass Pathology Endowment fund, please contact Brian Magness at 301405-7733 (bmagness@ur.umd.edu) or Kevin Mathias at 301405-4692 (jkm@umd.edu). •
Table 1. Organizations that have made pledges to the Turfgrass Pathology Endowment Fund. Organization Pledge Amount Pledge Period in Years Maryland Turfgrass Council (MTC) $150,000 5 Mid Atlantic Association of Golf Course $25,000 5 Superintendents (MAAGCS) Maryland Turfgrass Association (MTA) $25,000 5 Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course $10,000 3 Superintendents (ESAGCS) ESAGCS $50,000 Previous Donation Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) $10,000 3 Total $270,000 FALL 2014
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Nutrient Management Guidelines for Athletic Fields in Maryland By Thomas Turner, Ph.D., Turfgrass Specialist, University of Maryland
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levated levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) have been identified as major contributors to the health decline of the Chesapeake Bay. Potential sources of these nutrients moving into waters that impact the Bay have been identified, and goals have been established for the reduction of N and P loads entering the Bay. Potential sources include agricultural production, air pollution, point sources (including waste-treatment facilities, leakage from sewer infrastructure, septic systems, runoff from impervious surfaces and pet and animal waste) and other urban inputs, including fertilization of landscapes. Nutrient management laws passed by the Maryland legislature in 1998 required that University of Maryland nutrient-management guidelines be followed on state property and commercially managed turfgrass sites. In 2011, additional regulations were enacted that further specify how N and P may be applied to turfgrass in Maryland, including athletic fields, and that require state training and certification of nutrient applicators. These new laws regarding turfgrass fertilizer applications became effective in 2013. The following information serves as a nutrient-management guideline for the maintenance of athletic fields in Maryland. Athletic fields usually require more intense management, including nutrient management, than most other turfgrass uses due to the following factors:
Nitrogen applications
• Fields receive intensive traffic and wear, often on a year-round basis. • Fields are often used when grasses are not actively growing. • Fields need rapid recuperative capacity, both for playability and safety reasons. • Pesticide use is often limited on county and school system fields. Adequate nutrient programs are essential to minimize weed encroachment and potential disease problems in these situations. • Poorly maintained fields, including those with inadequate nutrient applications, are prone to soil erosion as well as severe compaction, which can result in significant injury and safety issues.
Water-soluble nitrogen
MTC Turf News
Nitrogen applications to athletic-field turf are essential to provide sufficient growth to recover from the intense traffic received from use, to minimize the potential for disease incidence, to maintain sufficient turfgrass density to minimize weed encroachment, to minimize surfacewater runoff and potential soil erosion, and to ensure safe playing conditions. Three areas of N applications to athletic fields that are interrelated should be addressed in developing a sound N management program that also meets state regulations: • the source of nitrogen in a fertilizer • the rates of application (per application and total annual N applied) • the timing of applications during the year
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. The amount of N fertilizer that can be applied in any single application is dependent on the type of N fertilizer. Following are the main categories of N fertilizers as defined by the Maryland regulations. Fertilizers with N that can immediately go into solution (and thus be rapidly available for turf uptake) are categorized as water-soluble N fertilizers. These fertilizers have the most potential for leaching if used improperly. The most common water-soluble forms used for athletic-field fertilization contain N in the ammonium form (NH+4), include urea, ammonium sulfate and ammonium chloride. If used properly, these fertilizers can produce excellent quality turf without leaching or runoff problems. The ammonium N can be adsorbed by the soil, reducing the potential for N movement. Ammonium sulfate can be particularly useful in suppressing diseases such as spring dead spot of bermudagrass.
Sand-based fields that are irrigated, have clippings removed and have high-quality expectations may require total annual N rates at the higher end of recommended rates. Lighter but more frequent N applications are generally recommended for these conditions.. Photo courtesy of Tom Turner.
Some water-soluble N fertilizers contain N in the nitrate (NO-3) form, including 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. On athletic fields, these conditions include sandy sites (sands and loamy sands) and turf that is not actively growing. Fertilizers that contain predominantly NO3-N should be used only on sites not prone to runoff or leaching, where rapid response is essential and on turf that is actively growing. Turfgrass uptake may occur within a few days with NO3-N containing fertilizers, compared to 7 to 10 days with NH4-N fertilizers. Generally, fertilizers containing significant amounts of NO3-N are not recommended for turfgrass fertil-
ization. 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 through leaching, particularly on sandy soils. The 2011 Maryland turfgrass fertilization regulations limit the application of water-soluble N fertilizers to 0.7 lbs. actual N per 1,000 ft2 per application.
Slow-release nitrogen Slow-release N fertilizers contain N in a form that delays its availability for plant uptake after application. It extends N availability significantly longer than a rapidly available nutrient source such as urea. Slow-release N fertilizers include sources such as sulfur-coated urea (SCU), polymer-coated ureas, ureaformaldehyde
Table 1. Recommended annual nitrogen rates for typical athletic fields in Maryland.
Species
Total Annual Nitrogen Rate Lbs. per 1,000 ft2
Lbs. per acre
Bermudagrass
2 to 5*
87 to 217*
Turf-type tall fescue
2 to 5*
87 to 217*
Kentucky bluegrass – perennial ryegrass
3 to 5*
130 to 217*
*The high N rate should be necessary only on fields that are intensively used, have clippings removed and/or are irrigated. The lowest N rate will generally be sufficient only on less intensively used fields where clippings are returned.
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(UF), methylene ureas, isobutlyidene diurea (IBDU) and natural organics. To be considered a slow-release N fertilizer, the fertilizer must contain at least 20% water-insoluble or controlled-release N. The N in all slow-release fertilizers used for turfgrass maintenance, including natural organics, is ultimately converted in the soil to NH4-N. Slow-release fertilizers are less prone to N leaching and runoff as compared to applications of soluble N fertilizers that are applied in excess of recommended rates. While varying considerably in individual characteristics and release patterns, slow-release N fertilizers typically provide more even turfgrass response. The use of slow-release fertilizers should particularly 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. The 2011 Maryland turfgrass fertilization regulations limit the application of slow-release N fertilizers to 0.9 lbs. actual N per 1,000 ft2 per application.
Natural organic nitrogen Natural organic fertilizers are a type of slow-release N fertilizer that is derived from either a plant or animal product and does not contain synthetic materials. They have not been altered from their original state except by physical manipulation (drying, cooking, chopping, grinding, shredding or pelleting). Most natural organic fertilizers contain phosphorus (P) and thus have additional regulations imposed on their application. For instance, natural organic fertilizers
Intensely used athletic fields that receive inadequate nitrogen fertilization are prone to weed encroachment and soil erosion due to lack of recuperative ability, which can lead to unsafe playing conditions. Photo courtesy of Dr. Tom Turner.
for turfgrass fertilization cannot contain more than 5% P. Also, natural organic fertilizers that contain P cannot be applied to turfgrass areas where soil-test P levels measure optimum or excessive. On turfgrass that has low or medium soil P levels, natural organic fertilizers cannot be applied in excess of the amount of P recommended by the soil test, cannot be applied at a rate more than 0.25 lbs. of P205 per 1,000 ft2 per application and cannot exceed 0.5 lbs. of P205 per 1,000 ft2 annually.
Enhanced-efficiency nitrogen Enhanced-efficiency N fertilizers are a type of slowrelease N fertilizer that further decrease the potential of nutrient loss to the environment and release less
Table 2. Suggested N programs for bermudagrass athletic fields.
High N Rate
Medium N Rate
Low N Rate
Lbs. N per 1,000 ft2 April 1 to May 1 May 1 to June 1 June 1 to July 1 July 1 to August 1 August 1 to Sept. 1 Sept. 1 to Sept. 15
0.9* 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.5
0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 -
0.9 0.9 0.5 -
TOTAL ANNUAL N
5.0
3.6
2.3
*Any application greater than 0.7 lb. N/1,000 ft2 must be with a fertilizer containing at least 20% slow-release N.
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Table 3. Suggested N programs for cool-season turfgrass athletic fields in Maryland.
High N Rate
Medium N Rate Lbs. Actual N per 1,000 ft2
Low N Rate
March 1 to April 15 May 15 to June 15 August 15 to Sept. 15 Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 Oct. 15 to Nov. 15 Nov. 15 to Dec. 1**
0.9* 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.5
0.5 0.5 0.9 0.9 0.9 -
0.5 0.9
TOTAL ANNUAL N
5.0
3.7
2.3
0.9 -
*Any application greater than 0.7 lb. N/1,000 ft2 must be with a fertilizer containing at least 20% slow-release N. **A soluble-N source must be used during this period.
than 0.7 lb. N/1,000 ft2 per month. If a turfgrass fertilizer is classified as an enhancedefficiency N fertilizer, Maryland regulations allow up to 2.5 lbs. of actual N per 1,000 ft2 applied in one application, as long as 80% of the annual recommended rate for a given turfgrass species is not exceeded.
Rates of nitrogen application
The rates of nitrogen fertilizer application to athletic fields include restrictions on both (1) the rate of fertilizer applied per individual application and (2) the total rate of fertilizer applied on an annual basis.
Rates per application The rate per individual application is regulated on the basis of the nitrogen source (the percentage of soluble and slow-release N contained in the fertilizer) as described in the previous section, “Sources of nitrogen.”
Rates for establishment and initial grow-in period When athletic fields are established from seed, sprigs, plugs or sod, it is recommended that a slow-release N source at a rate of 0.9 lbs. N/1,000 ft2 (or a soluble source at a rate of 0.7 lbs. N/1,000 ft2) be applied to the soil at the time of establishment. This N application is usually adequate for the first four weeks. For the period from four to eight weeks after seeding, sprigging, or plugging of bermudagrass, it is recommended that 1/4 to 1/2 lb. N/1,000 ft2 be applied weekly (or 1/2 to 1 lb. N/1,000 ft2 biweekly) to maximize establishment rate and ground cover. After eight weeks, rates recommended
for maintenance (Table 1) should be followed. For the period from four to six weeks after seeding of cool-season grasses, or sodding either cool-season grasses or bermudagrass, rates recommended for maintenance (Table 1) should be followed.
Total rates for annual maintenance applications The total amount of N that needs to be provided annually for satisfactory athletic-field turf depends on a number of factors, some of which can change from year to year. These include: • turfgrass species • age of turf • length of growing season (lower eastern shore versus western Maryland) • soil type and soil organic-matter levels • clipping removal • irrigation intensity • intensity of traffic and use of area • prevalence of weed and disease problems Thus, total annual N application rates should be continually evaluated, both during a given season and on an annual basis. The ranges of annual N rates that are typically needed for adequate growth and quality on Maryland athletic fields are listed in Table 1. These recommended ranges for N rates take into account the variability in the factors listed above. For example, rates at the higher end of recommended ranges may be appropriate on sites where clippings are removed, irrigation intensity is high (which increases growth rates and nutrient uptake), traffic is intense (such as heavily played county or school
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fields or practice facilities), and annual grass pressure is high. In some situations, N rates somewhat higher than those listed in Table 1 are needed in an unusual year to meet the specific conditions and needs of a particular field. Rates at the lower end of the recommended ranges are often adequate on lightly or non-irrigated fields that receive less intensive traffic and on older fields. It is imperative that athletic-field managers evaluate annually the conditions and expectations of their own fields to determine appropriate total annual N rates.
Timing of nitrogen applications The potential for N loss from turfgrass sites primarily occurs when an excessive rate of NO3-N is 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, using NH4-N based fertilizers. The primary period for the growth of bermudagrass athletic fields is from mid-spring, after dormancy has broken, through mid-fall, when the first killing frost is experienced. Thus, N applications should generally be restricted to these periods; however, fertilizer that contains primarily NH4-N can be applied up to a month before dormancy typically breaks in the spring so that N is available for plant uptake when growth begins. This can be helpful in the recovery from winter damage and spring dead spot of bermudagrass. Applications after September 1 are not generally recommended due to the possible enhancement of bermudagrass winterkill. However, if a bermudagrass athletic field has been overseeded with a cool-season species such as perennial ryegrass, up to 0.9 lb. N per 1,000 ft2 may be applied after September 1 to enhance the performance of the cool-season species.
Cool-season grasses generally have a longer growth period than warm-season grasses in Maryland. They can exhibit growth at virtually any time during the year if moisture and temperature conditions are conducive. The prime periods for growth on non-irrigated sites are typically from late winter through early summer and from late summer through late fall. Under extended hot and dry periods during midsummer, cool-season grasses may experience a period of dormancy until rainfall occurs. If irrigation is available or if rainfall is adequate throughout the summer, however, little dormancy will occur, and N uptake will continue. Thus, periodic light applications of N (1/4 lb. N/1,000 ft2) during the summer (when traffic can be intense due to the high use of fields for summer camps and leagues) can be especially beneficial to maximize the field’s recuperative capacity. Suggested timings of N applications to athletic fields for bermudagrass and cool-season grasses are shown in Tables 2 and 3, respectively. The 2011 Maryland turfgrass fertilization regulations further restrict the timing of the application of N fertilizers on athletic fields. Between December 1 and March 1, N fertilizers cannot be applied. Between November 15 and December 1, only 0.5 lb. N/1,000 ft2 can be applied, and a soluble N source must be used.
Phosphorus and potassium applications Adequate soil phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are essential for satisfactory turfgrass growth and performance. Phosphorus is particularly critical for new sites being established from seed and for overseeding existing athletic fields during repair or renovation projects. Established turf, however, can generally tolerate relatively low levels of soil P. Potassium is generally more critical on established turf and may play a role in drought, heat,
Table 4. Phosphorus application recommendations for athletic fields+.
Soil-Test Phosphorus Category Low Medium Lbs. P2O5 per 1,000 ft2 Broadcast* Establishment 2 to 3 1 to 2 1 to 2 Incorporated** Establishment 3 to 4 Overseeding 2 to 3 1 to 2 Maintenance 2 to 3++ 1 to 2 +Any subsequent applications should be based on additional soil tests. *Or incorporated into soil up to 2”. **Incorporated into soil over a 2” depth. ++3 lbs. P O /1,000 ft2 should be used only on soil that tests “very low” for phosphorus. 2 5
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High
Excessive
0 to 1 0 to 1 0 to 1 0
0 0 0 0
Table 5. Potassium application recommendations for athletic fields.
Soil-Test Potassium Category Low Medium Lbs. K2O per 1,000 ft2 Broadcast* Establishment 2 to 3 1 to 2 Incorporated** Establishment 3 to 5 1 to 2 Overseeding 2 to 3 1 to 2 Maintenance 2 to 4 1 to 3
High
Excessive
0 to 2 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 2
0 0 0 0
*Or incorporated into soil up to 2” **Incorporated into soil over a 2” depth.
cold and wear tolerances. Whereas K applications are not regulated, P applications must be based on soil-test recommendations. However, there is one exception to the requirement for a soil test prior to the application of P. A soil test is not required if the application is made for the purpose of establishing turf on bare ground, the fertilizer is incorporated into the soil, and the application is made in accordance with the seeding recommendations of the University of Maryland (use the establishment recommendations for medium levels of soil P in Table 4). This exception does not pertain to overseeding existing athletic-field turf. Athletic fields should be soil-tested every three years. Also, sand-based fields, which are often used in stadiums, present a unique situation. Due to the high sand content of these fields, the cation exchange capacity of these soils tends to be exceptionally low, and, consequently, the storage capacity for most nutrients is very low. In addition, frequent irrigation (which increases growth rates) and clipping removal result in a fairly rapid depletion of existing nutrients. Thus, soil tests of high-sand-content athletic fields should preferably be done on an annual or biannual basis to monitor changes in soil P, K and pH. While soil tests should be taken routinely to monitor soil K levels, experience has shown that K fertilizer rates that are approximately half that of the annual N fertilizer rate are generally sufficient to maintain adequate soil K levels. Recommended rates for P and K applications based on soil tests are shown in Tables 4 and 5, respectively.
Soil reaction
Maintaining soil pH in an optimum range is important for maximizing the efficiency of nutrient use and can be important in reducing weed and disease problems. Turfgrass can withstand a rather broad range of soil pH, but a soil pH of 5.8 to 6.4 is generally considered ideal. Wide deviations from this range can result in reduced P and micronutrient availability, and they can interfere with soil N metabolism and availability. Depending on the turfgrass species, problems in turf
may start to occur at a soil pH above 7.8 and below 5.6. Thus, to maximize the efficiency of nutrient availability and use, soil tests should be taken as previously recommended to determine soil pH. Recommended limestone applications to achieve a soil pH of about 6.4 will be obtained from the soil test. If spring dead spot of bermudagrass is of concern or is a problem, maintaining a lower soil pH (5.6 to 5.9) may be desirable, and either no or reduced rates of limestone should be applied to maintain this pH level. If an existing athletic field is to be overseeded, it is recommended that limestone be applied approximately one month or more before overseeding to minimize potential P availability problems and the potential for volatilization loss of applied N.
Additional fertilizer application recommendations and requirements • Fertilizer cannot be applied to impervious surfaces such as walkways, driveways, tracks around athletic fields or roadways. If fertilizer does land on impervious surfaces, it must be removed or returned to the turf (such as by sweeping or blowing). • Fertilizer containing N or P cannot be applied to frozen ground, even if the date is before December 1 or after March 1. • Delay scheduled fertilizer applications if heavy rain is forecast. • Do not use fertilizers as de-icers. • No fertilizer can be applied with 15 feet of waterways. If a drop spreader, a rotary spreader with a deflector or a targeted liquid spray is used for applications, then fertilizer can be applied no closer than 10 feet of waterways. Waterways include: • surface water subject to the jurisdiction of the state • the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries • a pond, lake, river, stream, public ditch or tax ditch within the state • a public drainage system within the state other than those designed and used to collect, convey or dispose of sanitary sewage • FALL 2014
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in memory
IN MEMORY
In Memory of Bill Hughes, Jessup, MD
In Memory of Damian Varga, Sykesville, MD
B
D
ill Hughes, age 63, chairman of Turf Equipment and Supply Company in Jessup, MD, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 29, 2014. Bill had been battling a brain tumor for 18 months. Bill joined The Toro Company in 1975 as a field agent and was eventually promoted to vice president and general manager of the consumer products division. He later became general manager of the irrigation business division. In 1983, Bill formed a partnership with Lynn Matson, and they purchased Turf Equipment and Supply Company, a Toro dealership. Lynn retired in 2010, and Kevin Monaco and Lance Ernst then assumed co-ownership of the company with Bill. Turf Equipment and Supply Company released the following statement after Bill’s death — “While he will be sorely missed and is no longer with us inperson, Bill’s spirit will forever remain with our company. His leadership influence was such that his legacy will be sustained via the people who make up our company and its culture. Bill’s focus was always on what was best for employees and customers alike; this will always be our foundation.”
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MTC Turf News
amian Guy Varga, age 60, of Sykesville, MD, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2014. The central and southern Maryland representative for Scientific Plant Service in Baltimore, Damian served as a board member of the Maryland Turfgrass Council as late as 2013. Damian graduated from Loyola College, now Loyola University Maryland, in 1980. Damien became a member of the green industry, which he supported, and was a member of numerous professional organizations, including PGMS (Professional Grounds Management Society) and ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) and was a board member of MTC (Maryland Turfgrass Council). When he was not actively helping customers, Damian was busy with baseball. He loved the Baltimore Orioles and his son’s little league. He even taught his wife his passion for the game and how to calculate the scores for each individual on the team. Born on January 18, 1954, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Damian is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Barbara France Varga. He was a loving father to his son Patrick Varga and wife Emily, and cherished PaPa to his grandson, Conner, all of Westminister, MD. •
FALL 2014
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calendar of events
October 1 MTC “Angie Cammarota” Golf Tournament for Turfgrass Research Queenstown Harbor Queenstown, MD
October 14-16 NRPA Congress and Expo (Nat Rec. and Parks Assn.) Charlotte Convention Ctr. Charlotte, NC
October 22-25 School of Grounds Mgmt. and Green Industry Expo Galt House Hotel and Kentucky Expo Center Louisville, KY
January 5-6 37th Annual MTC Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Adele H. Stamp Student Union University of Maryland College Park, MD
January 14-16 Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) Baltimore Convention Center Baltimore, MD
January 13-16 STMA Conference and Exhibition Denver, CO
February 16-19 TPI International Education Conference and Field Day Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad, CA
February 21-26 Golf Industry Show Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX
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MTC Turf News
University of Maryland Turfgrass Team
index of advertisers
Pete Dernoeden, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-314-6300 pd@umd.edu
Tom Turner, Ph.D.
All States Turfgrass Consultants, LLC................20 Buy Sod.................................... Inside Front Cover www.buysod.com
Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc..................22 www.centralsodmd.com
Collins Wharf Sod Farm......................................6
Leading Edge Communications.........................21 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com
Lebanon Turf.......................................................5 www.lebturf.com
Maryland Seed & Environmental Services, Inc................................7
Dept. of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-314-6302 tturner@umd.edu
www.collinswharfsod.com
Maryland Turfgrass Assocation...........................9
CoverSports USA..............................................20
www.marylandturfgrass.org
www.coversports.com
Oakwood Sod Farm, Inc....................................22
Ernst Conservation Seeds...................................9
www.oakwoodsod.com
www.ernstseed.com
Smith Seed Services.........................................22
Fisher & Son Company Inc........ Inside Back Cover
www.smithseed.com
Mark Carroll, Ph.D.
www.fisherandson.com
Summit Hall Turf Farm Inc.................. Back Cover
Growing Solutions.............................................19
www.summithall.com
Dept. of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-314-6303 mcarroll@umd.edu
www.growingsolutionsinc.com
The Turfgrass Group...........................................3
Landmark Turf & Native Seed...........................10
www.theturfgrassgroup.com
www.turfandnativeseed.com
Kevin Mathias, Ph.D. Institute of Applied Ag. University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-4692 jkm@umd.edu
Dave Funk Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-314-6300 dfunk@umd.edu
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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 Š 2014 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