North Carolina Turfgrass - January / February 2021

January/February 2021

A Publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina

Grady Miller: Helping Turfgrass Managers on the

ROUTE TO RECOVERY Alternative Weed Control in Turfgrass

UPGRADE TO FIRST CLASS 38% Less Water Greater Fall Color Retention

Earlier Spring Transition Increased Wear Tolerance

Reduced Fertility Requirement Extremely Rapid Grow-In

www.TheTurfgrassGroup.com

THE PROGRESSIVE ADVANTAGE Sports field, Park and Estate Mowers

Contour / Rough Finishing Mowers

Turf Grass Production Mowers

Steep Slope Remote Controlled Mower

The Slope-Pro® is a steep slope, rotary mower capable of 50º slopes

Widest range of rotary finishing mowers available from one source

An extensive Dealer network that you can rely on

Features to reduce your cost of operation over the long haul

Proudly designed and manufactured in North America

Tri-Deck cutting widths: 12’, 15.5’, 22’*, 36’* Roller Mower cutting widths: 65”, 90”, 12’, 15.5’, 22’*, 29.5’* Contour/rough finishing mower: Pro-Flex™ 120B 10’ cut Steep Slope mower: Slope-Pro® 52” cut * available with bolt-on galvanized deck shells

Contact us for more info or to find an Authorized Dealer near you. progressiveturfequip.com info@progressiveturfequip.com

(800) 668-8873 (519) 527-1080

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 3

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North Carolina Turfgrass is the official publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina 110 Horizon Drive Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27615 919.459.2070 Fax 919.459.2075 www.ncturfgrass.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marcy Cottle IMI Association Executives info@ncturfgrass.org 919.459.2070 Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 615.790.3718 Fax 615.794.4524 info@leadingedge communications.com

22 table of contents January/February 2021

TCNC OFFICERS PRESIDENT Gene Queen Nature's Select Winston Salem, NC

VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green Inc. Raleigh, NC

PAST PRESIDENT

15 Event News

More Features:

2021 Annual Meeting and Knowledge Series

From the President Calendar of Events TCNC Deluxe Members NC State Turf Team

18 Feature Story

Alternative Weed Control

Welcome, New Members NCCTP Program

in Turfgrass

Index of Advertisers

6 6 8 8 9 10 13

22 Cover Story

Grady Miller: Helping Turfgrass Managers on the Route to Recovery

4 North Caro lina Turf gra ss

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Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More:

THETURFZONE.COM

www. nc turf gra s s . o rg

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January/February 2021

Damon Dean Keith Hills Country Club Lillington, NC

TREASURER

Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP NCCTP Chairman Green Resource Dunn, NC

DIRECTORS Dean Baker Kinston, NC Wilson Sutton Falling Creek Golf Club Kinston, NC Andrew Wampler Southern Ag Hendersonville, NC

Robotic Mowers.

By STIHL. ƒ Maintain landscapes more efficiently with STIHL

ASK YOUR LOCAL STIHL iMOW® DEALER ABOUT SPECIAL FLEET DISCOUNTS FOR QUALIFIED CUSTOMERS.

robotic mowers. Whether incorporating with your landscape maintenance crews or maintaining your home lawn, STIHL iMOW® can save you time and money.

More Time to Beautify your yard. ƒ STIHLusa.com

©2021 STIHL/MAS MAS21IMOW1-24-145224-1

RMI 422 P RMI 632 P

From the President

Calendar of Events THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

I am Optimistic I

sincerely hope this letter finds everyone safe and healthy. 2020 has been a challenging year and is now behind us. As I look forward to 2021, I am optimistic that this year is going to bring some relief. It will be wonderful to be able to once again shake the hand of a friend, and have a sit down meal with family and friends without worrying.

The turf industry, as a whole, has weathered the Pandemic fairly well. If you have been one of the fortunate ones whose life has not been disrupted, I want to encourage you to look around.

You will see many people in need of help. The green spaces that we as turf professionals provide have been a much needed respite for many who have had to shelter in place. I would, also, encourage you to see other ways that you may be able to help during this difficult time.

This will be my last letter as President of TCNC. It has been my honor to serve this great organization, and to work with the other board members. Kevin Herman will be your next President. He has been involved with TCNC for many years, and has been a leader in this industry during his career. As we transition, I am confident that TCNC will continue to grow under Kevin’s leadership, and that TCNC will continue to support the turf industry and our membership.

Be Well,

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Annual Meeting & "Weather Changes and Trends"

by Dr. Kathie Dello

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

"How to Hire and Keep Your Most Valuable Assets"

by Mike Brown

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM "Weed Management"

by Dr. James Brosnan

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

"Difficult People: Who They are and How to Deal with Them"

by Mike Brown

Gene Queen TCNC President

FEBRUARY 22 – 25, 2021 TPI International Education Conference and Field Day Austin, TX

For event updates throughout the year stay tuned to

ncturfgrass.org 6 North Caro lina Turf gra ss

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January/February 2021

TCNC Deluxe Members

NC State Turf Team

Companies wishing to support TCNC with multiple members can join as Deluxe Members. Deluxe Memberships can be purchased in one of three tiers: 1–5 employees; 6–10 employees; or 11+ employees.

If you'd like to learn more about the Deluxe Membership, please contact the TCNC office at (919) 459-2070 or info@ncturfgrass.org.

Thank You to Our DELUXE MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS The Biltmore Company

McConnell Golf LLC

Barefoot & Associates Inc.

Nature's Select Premium Turf Services

Buy Sod Inc

Nufarm Americas, Inc.

Carolina Green Corp.

Pennington Seed – ProTurf Division

City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation

Quality Turf

Dr. Charles Peacock Professor 919.515.3667 charles_peacock@ncsu.edu

Emily Erickson Lecturer 919.513.2034 emily_erickson@ncsu.edu

Dr. Rongda Qu Professor 919.515.7616 rongda_qu@ncsu.edu

Dr. Travis Gannon Assistant Professor 919.515.2647 travis_gannon@ncsu.edu

Dr. Rob Richardson Associate Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5653 rob_richardson@ncsu.edu

Dr. Wei Shi Professor 919.513.4641 wei_shi@ncsu.edu

Dr. Grady Miller Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu

Dr. Fred Yelverton Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5639 fred_yelverton@ncsu.edu

ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY

Sod Solutions Inc.

Fairway Green

Southern Ag

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Southern Seeds Inc

Givens Estates

Town of Cary Public Works

Green Resource JRM Inc.

Turf Mountain Sod Inc

Keith Hills Country Club

Vandemark Farms LLC

Leap Frog Landcare, Inc.

Wake Forest University

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Dr. Thomas Rufty Jr. Professor 919.515.3660 tom_rufty@ncsu.edu

Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis Associate Professor 919.515.3196 susana_milla-lewis@ncsu.edu

Smith Turf & Irrigation

Country Boy Landscaping Inc

8 North Caro lina Turf gra ss

Dr. Richard Cooper Professor 919.515.7600 rich_cooper@ncsu.edu

Matt Martin Extension Associate, Turfgrass 910675.2314 matthew_martin@ncsu.edu

North Carolina A&T State University

Carolina Farm Credit

CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES

Dr. Terri Billeisen Extension Associate 919.515.7464 tlhoctor@ncsu.edu

Lee Butler Extension Coordinator 919.513.3878 elbutler@ncsu.edu

Dr. Rick Brandenburg Wm. Neal Reynolds Professor 919.515.8876 rick_brandenburg@ncsu.edu

Dr. James Kerns Associate Professor 919.513.4820 jpkerns@ncsu.edu

HORTICULTURE SCIENCE

Dr. Danesha Seth Carley Director, Southern IPM Center & Associate Professor 919.513.8189 danesha_carley@ncsu.edu

January/February 2021

Welcome New TCNC Members Patrick Beaman

Grassmasters LLC Wilson, NC

Ronald Rogers Student Raleigh, NC

Qing Xia

Student Raleigh, NC

Daniel Freund Student Raleigh, NC

Jason Critcher JustLawns Oxford, NC

Greta Rockstad Student Raleigh, NC

Keith Freeman

Green Group Holdings LLC Raleigh, NC

POWER UP YOUR SOIL.

Justin Tilley

Quality Equipment LLC Durham, NC

Juan Santiago-Garcia Rocky Point, NC

Take your Lawns to the

Level

FIRST ROUNDS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER.

Nathan Heyer

Thompson Landscape Company, Inc. Highlands, NC

Taylor Sullivan

Pisgah Forest, NC

Concentrate

Concentrate

Soil & Plant Formula

Concentrate

0-0-5

Pro Directions For Use SHAKE WELL!

Greg Roman

Nufarm Americas, Inc. Cary, NC

CONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENT(S): 6.0% Humic Acids (Derived from Leonardite) 3.0% Sea Kelp Extract (Derived from Ascophyllum Nodosum) (Microbe food) INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: 91.00% Water Purpose Statement: Adds humic acid to the soil.

May increase micronutrient uptake.

May increase microbe food.

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html http://aapfco.o Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 1-855-606-3378 ▪ greenecountyfert.com SDS & Labels F2735

Fertility Forward®

Christopher Butcher

1.0 gal = 8.7 lbs at 68° F

□

net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

Do not exceed 3 ounces when daytime temps are above 85 degrees.

Tank Mixing: Apply at a minimum rate of 3 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. and a maximum rate of 6 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Dilute with enough water to cover 1 acre. Do not apply with less than a 7:1 dilution with water. wate Product is safe for use on all turf types and ornamental plants.

Product is intended to be used as an additive to current fertilizer program.

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

MIXING WITH FERTILIZERS: N-Ext RGS™ can be mixed with liquid fertilizers.

Apply in this order: 1) Water, 2) N-Ext RGS™, 3) Water Soluble or Liquid Fertilizer.

Mixing with Pesticide, Herbicide or Fungicide: N-Ext RGS™ can be mixed with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and applied. We recommend the following: Use the product within 24 hours of mixing products (especially with fungicides). Do not over-apply pesticides, ove herbicides or fungicides as they can have an adverse effect on the populations of soil organisms.

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service.

Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.

Caution: Apply only to turf, plants, and soil. If plants are flowering, apply to base of the plant to avoid staining of blooms.This product may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact with skin or eyes flush with water immediately.

□

net volume 5 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.

Derived from: Urea, Ammonium Nitrate, Ferrous Sulfate *13% urea nitrogen stabilized with N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Pro Directions For Use

SHAKE WELL! The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

Warm Season Turf: Apply at a rate of 16 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft.

Mix with water at a minimum 10:1 dilution. Apply directly to foliage.

Cool Season Turf: Apply at a rate of 20 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft.

Mix with water at a minimum 10:1 dilution. Apply directly to foliage.

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

SOLUBLE POTASH (K2O)..............5.0% Derived from: Potassium Hydroxide ALSO CONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENT(S): 8.0% Humic Acids (Derived from Leonardite) Purpose Statement: May increase micronutrient uptake.

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service. Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.

Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 1-855-606-3378 ▪ greenecountyfert.com F2735 SDS & Labels

Do not apply near water, wate storm drains, or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected.

Apply this product only to your lawn/garden, and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk, or street back onto your lawn/garden.

Caution: This product contains the secondary micronutrient iron. Iron may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces. Apply only to turf and soil.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact immediatel with skin or eyes flush with water immediately.

SDS & Labels: Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. ▪ P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 ▪ 1-855-606-3378 ▪ GreeneCountyFert.com ▪ F2735

1.0 gal = 10.7 lbs at 68° F

□ net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

□

net volume 5.0 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service.

Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.

Do not apply near water, wate storm drains, or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected.

Apply this product only to your lawn/garden, and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk, or street back onto your lawn/garden.

Fertility Forward®

1.0 gal = 8.1 lbs at 68° F

Fertility Forward®

SHAKE WELL!

□

Caution: Apply only to turf, plants, and soil. If plants are flowering, apply to base of the plant to avoid staining of blooms. This product may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact with skin or eyes immediatel flush with water immediately.

net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

□

net volume 5 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.

High Performance Plant Nutrients Fertilizers ▪ Specialty Products Soil Amendments

Congratulations New NCCTP Specialty Turf Solutions Clayton, NC

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Total Nitrogen (N).....................26.0% 13.2% Urea Nitrogen* 6.4% Ammoniacal Nitrogen 6.4% Nitrate Nitrogen Boron (B)...................................0.02% Iron (Fe).....................................0.4%

Pro Directions For Use Tank Mixing: Apply at a minimum rate of 6 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. and a maximum rate of 9 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Dilute with enough liquid to cover 1 acre. Do not apply with less than 7:1 dilution with water. Apply in spring or fall; however, liquid aeration can be done anytime during the growing season. Product is safe for use on all turf types and ornamental plants.

Product is intended to be used as an additive to current fertilizer program.

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

MIXING WITH FERTILIZERS: N-Ext AIR-8™ can be mixed with liquid fertilizers.

Apply in this order: 1) Water, 2) N-Ext AIR-8™, 3) Water Soluble or Liquid Fertilizer.

Mixing with Pesticide, Herbicide or Fungicide: N-Ext AIR-8™ can be mixed with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and applied. We recommend the following: Use the product within 24 hours of mixing products (especially with fungicides). Do not over-apply pesticides, herbicides or fungicides as they can have an adverse effect e on the populations of soil organisms.

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.

Quali-Pro Holly Springs, NC

Alex Von Hoene

Slow Release Liquid Nitrogen plus Micronutrients

Fertility Forward®

MFR BUY/SHIP DIRECT & SAVE

DIRECT TO CONSUMER MFR/HQ: Greensboro, GA Orlando, FL • Salt Lake City, UT

GreeneCountyFert.com

Fertilizer & Lawn Chemicals

Distributor of Lawn and Ornamental pest control products • EOP

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 9

NCCTP Program

Fast Facts about the NCCTP Enrollment Requirements: old a current TCNC membership. If not currently a member, H go to www.ncturfgrass.org and click ‘JOIN NOW’ to join online or download an application.

Have a minimum of one full year of work experience in the turfgrass industry.

Agree to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics as detailed on the application form.

Submit: • A current and valid NC Pesticide Applicators license •A completed NCCTP application (current TCNC members may apply online).

• NCCTP Program Application: $150 • Self-Study Materials: $50 • Exam Fee: $50

Become a NC Certified Turfgrass Professional!

The

North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program developed to enhance the technical competency of turfgrass professionals, while elevating their professional image, that of your business and of the turfgrass management industry. Administered by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, the NCCTP designation confirms your expertise in turfgrass management to prospective customers and your peers.

Curriculum and Exam: Curriculum covers nine core areas: Turfgrass Characteristics; Establishing Turfgrass; Soils & Nutrient Management; Cultural Practices; Pests & Integrated Pest Management; Pesticides & Plant Growth Regulators; Landscape Safety & Pesticide Use; Calculations & Calibration; Turfgrass Business & Economics.

Candidates have six months from the date of their enrollment acceptance to complete the NCCTP exam.

Candidates have six hours to complete the exam and must score 80% or more on each section to receive the NCCTP designation.

Exams can be taken at the TCNC office in Raleigh during normal business hours, or arrangements can be made at your local NC State Extension location.

Exams will not be graded if any application information is missing or if TCNC membership status cannot be confirmed.

Please allow two to three weeks for exam grading and reports.

Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive communication with their results and either next step options or their graduation packet.

Reasons to Begin Earning Your NCCTP Designation Today The NCCTP program increases and enhances your turfgrass industry knowledge, career, and business development through a course of study of in-depth coverage of the science of turfgrass management.

The NCCTP designation offers immediate confidence and credibility of turfgrass management practices to customers and prospective employers.

Promote and market yourself as a North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional.

• Use the NCCTP logo on your business materials.

• Use NCCTP pins, uniform patches, and vehicle decals.

• Your TCNC Member Directory listing is distinguished with the NCCTP logo.

Maintenance Requirements:

We Are Partnered With The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course, a comprehensive turfgrass education program, is offered at select NC State Extension offices and at NC State University.

This Short Course offers a full curriculum of the science of turfgrass management as well as Continuing Education Credits for NCDACS Pesticide and NCLCLB Landscape Contractors’ license holders, and it will help you prepare for the NCCTP exam.

This Short Course is recommended but not required to take the NCCTP exam.

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Maintain a current TCNC membership as a means of demonstrating ongoing support for the industry.

Submit an annual $50 renewal fee, which supports the NCCTP program and related promotional activities.

Designation year is the same as the TCNC membership year, from July 1st to June 30th.

Hold a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Subscribe to, actively support and uphold the TCNC Certification Code of Ethics.

The NC Certified Turfgrass Professional designation (NCCTP), the NCCTP logo and related programs materials are the trademarked property of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina and cannot be used without TCNC’s written permission.

For additional information, contact TCNC at (919) 459-2070.

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January/February 2021

NCCTP Certification Program

ENROLLMENT APPLICATION Name___________________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_____________________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TCNC Membership #*____________________________________________________ Pesticide Applicator License #_______________________________

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS Please read the items below and check each one that is true for you.

MEMBERSHIP: I am now, or I am applying here to be, a member in good standing of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina.

PESTICIDE LICENSE: I hold a current North Carolina Pesticide Ground Applicator License with subclass L, turf, and ornamental (or equivalent from another state).

EXPERIENCE: I have completed a minimum of one full year of turfgrass industry professional work experience.

EXAM: Upon acceptance into the program, I plan to complete my study and take the required exam within six months.

DUTY: I have initialed the following page of this application to show that I strongly support and willingly subscribe to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics, and I pledge to uphold the credibility and integrity of the program.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: I agree to successfully complete additional future curriculum materials or sections that may be required as a result of new technology or regulation.

Company________________________________________________________________ Title______________________________________________________ Supervisor_______________________________________________________________ Supervisor’s Phone_________________________________________ Supervisor’s E-Mail___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company’s Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_____________________________________ Work Experience_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Describe your turfgrass industry professional work experience; one full year is required to apply.

NCCTP Application Fee: $150, Study Materials: $50, Exam Fee: $50, TCNC Dues (call for amount, based on date) TOTAL $____________________

Check Number__________________ (payable to TCNC) Credit Card:

AMEX

Visa

MC

Discover

Billing Zip Code____________________

Credit Card #____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date______________________ Sec Code____________ Name on Card___________________________________________________________ Signature______________________________________________ By signing this application, I verify that all the information is true and correct, I acknowledge and assume full responsibility for the charges on this application, and I agree to honor and abide by the terms of this non-refundable payment.

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 11

NCCTP Program | continued

CERTIFIED TURFGRASS PROFESSIONAL

CODE OF ETHICS Please read and initial each section below that you support and commit to uphold.

DUTY TO THE PUBLIC Conduct service first and foremost with regards to the safety, health, and welfare of the general public. Provide service, recommendations, and information based upon honest experience, and scientifically accurate and factual knowledge.

I AGREE

DUTY TO THE ENVIRONMENT Operate in such a manner to protect and preserve our environment. Use and monitor all equipment, products, and materials in a manner consistent with the label and safe for the environment.

I AGREE

DUTY TO THE LAWS OF OUR LAND Abide by all laws and regulations affecting the turf industry and support the enforcement of these laws.

I AGREE

DUTY TO OUR FELLOW PROFESSIONALS Refrain from the use of false, misleading, or deceptive marketing and advertising practices. Practice and insist upon sound business management practices. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct to reflect credit and add stature to the turf industry. Recognize the importance of strong relationships within the industry.

Abstain from untruthful debasement, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation or practice of another turfgrass professional.

I AGREE

DUTY TO THE ASSOCIATION Participate in association activities and events to help further the profession.

Abstain from any unfair exploitation of my association, industry, or profession.

I AGREE

By signing this Code of Ethics, I agree to follow the duties and intentions outlined above, and I commit to supporting and upholding these ethics with consistency and integrity.

Printed Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________ Please Return Entire NCCTP Application To TCNC Via: email: info@ncturfgrass.org fax: (919) 459-2075 or mail: TCNC, 110 Horizon Dr. Ste 210, Raleigh, NC 27615 12 North Carolina Turf gr a ss

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January/February 2021

Index of Advertisers Beam Clay.....................................................13 www.BEAMCLAY.com • www.PARTAC.com Buy Sod, Inc........................ Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com Carolina Green Corp.....................................17 www.cgcfields.com Carolina Turf Farms, Inc...............................21 carolinaturffarms.com Divots, Inc.....................................................17 www.divotssand.com Greene County Fertilizer Co..........................9 www.greenecountyfert.com Green Resource............................. Back Cover www.green-resource.com

800-247-BEAM www.BEAMCLAY.com

Kesmac..........................................................25 www.brouwerkesmac.com Leading Edge Communications....................17 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com Mid-Atlantic STIHL..........................................5 www.stihldealers.com

STATE APPROVED CO-OP PRICING

email: sales@beamclay.com

THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFIELD MIXES, MOUND CLAYS & RED WARNING TRACKS OVER 5,000 INFIELD & SPORTS PRODUCTS

Modern Turf, Inc.............................................9 www.modernturf.com Morgan Sand Company................................20 morgansandco.com Progressive Turf Equipment Inc.....................3 www.progressiveturfequip.com Smith Seed Services......................................13 www.smithseed.com Southeastern Materials.................................14 soematerials.com Southern Specialty Equipment.....................13 www.ssequip.net Super-Sod........................................................7 www.supersod.com The Turfgrass Group.... Inside Front Cover, 23 www.theturfgrassgroup.com TMI Truck & Equipment...............................26 www.tmitruck.com

Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc. New, Used & Refurbished • Ease of Operation • Low Operating Costs • Single Axle Truck Use

Solid & Dependable Rotary Finishing Mowers

Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.................................13 www.turfmountain.com

Wide Range of Solutions Vandemark Farms...........................................3 www.vandemarkfarms.com

Jim Brewster Office Phone:

(877) 366-5399 Mobile Phone:

(352) 284-8029 jim@ssequip.net www.ssequip.net

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 13

Event News

2021 ANNUAL MEETING AND KNOWLEDGE SERIES

TCNC is proud to present the 2021 Annual Meeting and first ever Knowledge Series! Due to the pandemic, the association will not have an in-person conference this year but will be hosting four virtual webinars that will provide both business and technical knowledge. This event is open to all current members, previous members, turfgrass professionals, and anyone else who is interested to learn! We will be applying for CEU credits and will be releasing more specific information closer to the event date(s). PLEASE VIEW THE SCHEDULE BELOW:

Thursday, January 21, 2021,

Thursday, February 4, 2021,

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Annual Meeting & "Weather Changes and Trends"

“How to Hire and Keep Your Most Valuable Assets”

Presented by Dr. Kathie Dello

State Climatologist of North Carolina, Director of NC State Climate Office

Presented by Mike Brown

Leadership and Human Resource Consultant

2020 was North Carolina's 2nd wettest and 3rd warmest year on record. Kathie Dello will cover the recent climate trends in North Carolina, including the extreme weather events in 2020. She will talk about projections for the future and potential impacts.

Every hire that you make is an investment and that investment is a reflection of you and your business to your clients and the rest of your team. We will address the key steps in recruiting and hiring for your Turfgrass business and ones you have made a great hire, how can you best retain them?

Thursday, February 18, 2021,

Thursday, February 25, 2021,

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

"Weed Management"

“Difficult People: Who They are and How to Deal with Them”

Presented by Dr. James Brosnan

Professor, Univ. of Tennessee & Director, UT Weed Diagnostics Center

This presentation will provide an overview of lessons learned in 2020 that will affect weed management decisions in 2021. Dr. Brosnan talk about how weather patterns affected persistence of winter annual weeds, residual of PRE programs, as well as efficacy of several POST control products.

Presented by Mike Brown

Leadership and Human Resource Consultant

Mike is a versatile, collaborative, results-driven Executive Coach, Facilitator, Trainer, Change Leader, Career Coach, and Speaker who applies his experience in HR as a strategic tool for business and organizational success. He is passionate about diversity and inclusion, recognizing others, and seeing people exceed their expectations of themselves.

To register, visit www.ncturfgrass.org or complete the form on the next page!

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 15

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January 21, 2021

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ANNUAL MEETING 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

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January/February 2021

TheTurfZone.com is the central hub for turfgrass research and information from multiple state turf associations.

97 ISSUES

of Turfgrass Magazines and Growing!

213 Podcasts and Many More to Come!

33,000+

Annual Digital Impressions

DOZENS

of Upcoming Events

Learn how your company can sponsor or advertise!

TheTurfZone.com /advertising-inquiry 888–707-7141 facebook.com/theturfzone

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DI G I T A L MARKETPLACE Download your favorite QR reader to your phone, and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

Andy Rushing arushing@cgcfields.com Phone: (704) 634-9799 Toll Free – Office: (866) 753-1707

www.cgcfields.com The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, North Carolina Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or TCNC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2021 by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina.

North Carolina Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of TCNC. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: North Carolina Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to TCNC. 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, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, 615.790.3718, Fax 615.794.4524.

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 17

Feature Story

ALTERNATIVE WEED CONTROL IN TURFGRASS

By D.E. Carroll & J.T. Brosnan

In

certain regions of the United States and Canada, legislation has severely restricted traditional synthetic herbicide use in residential and commercial landscapes. Specifically, residential use of synthetic pesticides deemed “cosmetic use” in the Ontario Province, Canada, has been banned. Other aspects of the turfgrass industry such as sports and golf are able to receive exemptions through government approval, stated reduction goals, integrated pest management certification, and increased transparency requiring reporting and in-person meetings to discuss pesticide application. (Ontario Regulation, 2018).

Similarly, in Montgomery County, Maryland, the use of synthetic pesticides perceived for use cosmetically is banned. Only natural, non-synthetic herbicides listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) may be used for this purpose (County Council for Montgomery County, Maryland, 2019). Many local governments, such as the city of New York, banned glyphosate use on public land such as school districts, parks and in municipalities, except for maintenance of invasive plants in native area. (The New York City Council, 2019).

In the United States, many active ingredients in organic pesticides are considered minimum risk, categorized as section 25b products, and are exempt from the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) registration process. Products must meet six criteria for inclusion in this category. Because labeling in this category is typically not federally regulated, labeling of non-synthetic herbicides is not consistent and may include wording such as “organic” or “natural”, despite these products not undergoing typical organic product registration. Although not required by federal law, independent agencies perform organic standard research to determine which products receive organic seals on labeling (Figure 1). Additionally, individual states may still require a registration process for minimum risk products and may limit herbicide use in some areas to only products listed by independent testing agencies. An example of a natural product research agency that maintains a list of products compliant with internal organic standards is OMRI. OMRI is a non-profit organization, and thus not considered a regulatory agency. Conversely, the Environmental Protection Agency is considered a regulatory agency and although not federally required, also tests natural products and lists those meeting organic criteria.

Active ingredients on these lists include chelated iron, acetic acid, corn gluten meal, and a variety of soaps and oils. Chelated iron, also referred to as Iron HEDTA, is concentrated iron formulated for increased uptake in broadleaved weeds versus grasses. Once inside the plant, the iron is oxidized and causes necrosis (Charbonneau, 2010).

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Acetic acid, which is concentrated in household vinegar used for cooking at 5%, is generally concentrated in horticultural vinegar at 20 to 40%. Horticultural vinegar applications can kill weeds by removing the waxy cuticle found on leaves, thus drying out the plant.

Citrus oil and soaps such as pelargonic acid or ammoniated fatty acid work in similar fashion by stripping the leaf cuticle to facilitate water loss. Unlike many synthetic herbicides, products with these active ingredients are generally fast acting and results may be observed within a few hours of application (Figure 2).

Products containing these active ingredients are widely available to the public and can be purchased at most big box retail stores and online (Figure 3). Due to the lack of regulation in labeling, many manufacturers produce products of differing trade names that have similar active ingredients included at variable concentrations. For example, horticultural vinegar is available as Green Gobbler concentrated at 20, 30, or 40% acetic acid; Eco Garden Pro (8% acetic acid + 5% sodium chloride); or as WeedPharm (20% acetic acid) among others.

A common misconception is that products labeled as “organic” are non-toxic. This is false. Similar to synthetic pesticides, product labels contain the signal words caution, warning, or danger to alert applicators to toxicity. “Caution” labeling indicates the lowest level of toxicity to humans followed by “Warning” meaning moderately toxic and “Danger” denoting high toxicity. An example of organic herbicide toxicity labeling is horticultural vinegar labeled with a “Danger” distinction because the product is a strong irritant and needs to be used with care. It is critically important that end-users read and follow label instructions for both conventional and alternative herbicides before application.

Most of these alternative weed control products are nonselective and are therefore injurious to desirable turfgrass (Figure 2).

To mitigate injury concerns, these alternative options should be used to spot-treat individual weeds rather than being applied via broadcast sprays. Research conducted at the Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA) assessed the efficacy of AXXE (40% ammonium nanonate), horticultural vinegar (30% acetic acid), Fiesta (26.2% Iron HEDTA), Avenger (70% d-limone citrus oil), and A.D.I.O.S. (11.9% sodium chloride) for control of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale G.H. Weber ex Wiggers) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Herbicide treatments were applied in late July with sequential applications made on two or four week intervals. Three applications of Fiesta applied at 25.2 fl oz/1,000 ft2 every four weeks controlled clover and dandelion within six days of initial application through mid-October.

January/February 2021

FIGURE 1: The Organic Materials Review Institute and Environmental Protection Agency seals of organic certification may be printed on herbicides meeting organic standards outlined by the organizations.

DA YS A FTE R I NI TI A L A P P L I C A TI O N Before app

1

2

8

14

21

28

35

Untreated control

Avenger

BurnOut

Finalsan

Suppress

WeedPharm

Ranger PRO

Ranger PRO + Fusilade II

FIGURE 2: Natural, non-synthetic herbicides including Avenger (70% d-limone citrus oil), Finalsan (22% ammonium soap of fatty acid), Suppress (47% caprylic acid + 37% capric acid), and WeedPharm (20% acetic acid) resulted in injury to bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) within one day of application. Photo credit: Maggie Reiter, Ph.D., University of California cooperative extension advisor.

FIGURE 3: Alternative weed control products purchased from big box retail stores and online.

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 19

Feature Story | continued

While not considered injurious to the turfgrass sward, increased iron uptake in the desired perennial ryegrass stand resulted in grey discoloration (Figure 4).

Other natural, non-synthetic herbicide treatments including AXXE (15% v/v) and horticultural vinegar (50% v/v) provided

some control of both weed populations compared to an untreated check, although both were injurious to turfgrass (Figure 5).

Treatments of A.D.I.O.S. (50% v/v) or Avenger (14% v/v) did not control dandelion or clover and were not injurious to desired turfgrass.

FIGURE 4: Grey discoloration of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) three days after Fiesta applied at 25.2 fl oz/1,000 ft2.

FIGURE 5: Turfgrass injury three days after application of horticultural vinegar applied at 50% v/v.

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Research conducted at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN) in summer 2019 found similar results. A trial initiated in late July assessed the efficacy of eight alternative herbicides (Fiesta, Avenger, Burnout, horticultural vinegar, A.D.I.O.S., Biosafe, Natria, and WeedBeater Fe) for control of white clover.

Two weeks after treatment, several alternative products controlled white clover similar to a single application of Trimec Classic (2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba) at 3 pt/A; these alternative treatments included single applications of Fiesta applied at 12.6, 25.2, or 50 fl oz/1,000 ft2; horticultural vinegar (30% acetic acid; 50% v/v); and Avenger (70% d-limone citrus oil; 20% v/v). The desired fine fescue (Festuca spp.) turfgrass stand was discolored following Fiesta treatment and injured by horticultural vinegar and Avenger. Treatments of Natria (3.7% ammoniated soap of fatty acid; 20% v/v), Biosafe (40% ammonium nanonate;15% v/v), WeedBeater Fe (1.5% Iron HEDTA; 100% v/v) and A.D.I.O.S (11.86% sodium chloride; 33% v/v) did not control white clover. Burnout (24% citric acid + 8% clove oil; 6% v/v) controlled clover ~ 50% compared to a non-treated check.

A second trial was conducted in February 2020 at the University of Tennessee to assess efficacy of alternative weed control products for control of winter annual broadleaf weeds in dormant bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.).

Eleven days after treatment, Fiesta applied at 12.6, 25.2 or 50 fl oz/1,000 ft2; AXXE (15% v/v); horticultural vinegar (50% v/v); and Natria (20% v/v) controlled broadleaved weeds such as hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum), and corn speedwell (Veronica arvensis) ~ 50%. Thirtythree days after initial treatment, the end of the study, Fiesta applied at 25.2 or 50 fl oz/ 1,000 ft2 with a three-week sequential application controlled these broadleaf weeds 60 to 80%, similar to Roundup Pro at 16 fl oz /A and Cheetah Pro at 82 fl oz/A. At the end of the study, AXXE, horticultural vinegar, and Natria, treated sequentially three weeks after initial application, controlled these broadleaved weeds ~ 25%. The low control provided by these products at the end of the study compared to the 50% control observed 11 days after treatment indicates that sequential applications should be made every two weeks to obtain the greatest weed control.

continued | Feature Story

Results of these research projects show that alternative weed control products can reduce weed populations compared to non-treated turfgrass, although outside of Fiesta, they are generally not as effective as traditional synthetic herbicides. Alternative products are not translocated throughout plant tissue, which often results in regrowth of treated weeds.

Therefore, sequential applications will be required for sustained weed control, which can be costly. For example, an application of Fiesta at 50 fl oz/1,000 ft2 is approximately $25.40 per 1,000 ft2, compared to $0.76 per 1,000 ft2 for an application of 2,4-D + MCPP + dicamba at 4 pt/A. Changing legislation in certain areas of the United States and Canada may put pressure on synthetic pesticide use in turfgrass. Homeowners and turfgrass managers should be aware that while natural herbicides may be an effective tool compared to not using any weed control product, they are not an equivalent replacement to synthetic herbicides. In scenarios where alternative weed control products are required or preferred, they can be used to control select weed species via spot treatments applied sequentially. Products containing high concentrations of chelated iron, such as Fiesta, or acetic acid can be used for broadleaf control when applied as sequential spot treatments.

However, these applications can cause undesirable injury or discoloration to turfgrass.

More research is needed to better understand alternative methods of controlling weeds in maintained turfgrass. Investigations pertaining to effects of environmental or meteorological factors on efficacy of these products are warranted.

The authors would like to thank Dr. Frank Rossi, Associate Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist at Cornell University, and Vickie Wallace, University of Connecticut Extension Educator and Program Director of UConn’s Sustainable Turf and Landscape Program, for their assistance in developing this article.

LITERATURE CITED Charbonneau, P. (2010) Efficacy of iron chelate herbicide for turf broadleaf weed control. Sports Turf Manager 23(2):25-27.

County Council for Montgomery County, Maryland (2019) Non-Essential Pesticide

Prohibitions, Cosmetic Pesticide Use Restriction Bill. 52-14.

Ontario Regulation (2018) Pesticides Act, R.S.O. p.11 Ontario Regulation 63/09.

The New York City Council (2019) A Local

Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the use of pesticides by City agencies. Committee on Health Int. No. 1524.

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C ou n c i l of Nor t h C ar ol i n a 21

Cover Story

Grady Miller: Helping Turfgrass Managers on the

ROUTE TO RECOVERY

By Jennifer Howard, Communications Specialist, NCSU

M

arch’s COVID-19 shut-down caught everyone off guard. There was little time to prepare for closings and no one knew how long they would last. Many turfgrass managers and municipal employees were suddenly told to go home.

That’s when the emails and phone calls to Jimmy Simpson began to accumulate. As the current President of the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA), he heard the concerns and fears of the unknown which members expressed. In good sports leadership fashion, Simpson called in a team, including NC State’s turfgrass management expert Grady Miller.

C O NTI NU E D Dr. Grady Miller is hands-on when working to help turfgrass managers affected by COVID restrictions.

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Cover Story | continued

“When building out the task group I tried to try to hit as many areas of our industry as possible. I requested Dr. Miller’s help because he is a strong advocate for natural grass and for sports turf managers throughout the world. I knew he would bring that advocacy to the table, Simpson said.

The Go-To in Turfgrass Management This wasn’t Miller’s first call to consult on turfgrass management.

He was part of a U.S. envoy to evaluate the 2007 Olympic turfgrass venues in Beijing and is a past advisor to many college and pro sports teams including the Chicago Bears and the Italian Soccer Premier League.

“I was honored to serve on the STMA taskforce. We asked ourselves ‘how we can help [sports field managers] get through this shut-down?’, knowing there would certainly be agronomic problems, but also psychological concerns,” Miller said. He and seven other volunteers held weekly Zoom meetings to identify specific member pain points and form a plan of action.

Sports fields lay abandoned in early COVID shutdown days. Photo by Pablo Cordero

Volunteering for Healing Throughout the 2020 summer, NC State University offered employees time off for COVID-related volunteer work. While employees contributed to communities in various ways, Grady Miller had a specific calling. “My role was to write and organize literature. A lot of these turf managers were losing budgets, workforce, and the ability to maintain their facilities. [Serving them] wasn’t just about agronomics, but about supporting people who felt at a loss,” Miller said.

The committee worked through the summer creating several digital publications, Healing Through Sports, Route to Recovery, and the STMA Renovation Guide. They also provided members with an inspirational video, a letter to government leaders requesting field managers to be designated as essential employees, and a series of town-hall-style virtual meetings.

“STMA has had tremendous usage of our Route to Recovery guides. Members have told us these digital guides helped them communicate with their employers on best practices for their fields during the pandemic. They are solid additions to our educational resource library,” Kim Heck, STMA CEO said. “[Dr. Miller’s] expertise, along with his fellow task group members, helped us provide actionable information to our membership to ensure the safety and playability of natural grass sports fields.”

Documenting Turfgrass Recovery For Grady Miller, the job didn’t end as restrictions eased. He brought the work home. “I realized that we had never documented the techniques to get an abandoned field in shape. We really didn’t know how quickly it could be done. So I told [graduate student] Raymond McCauley to just stop mowing a large area at our turfgrass field laboratory. We needed to test the recovery methodology.”

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Dr. Miller working with graduate students on precision seeding of turfgrass

Starting in March, the team allowed several university turfgrass research plots to grow unattended and untreated, just as those in the public sphere. The grass, and the weeds, shot up. “I tried not to look at it,” Miller sheepishly admitted. Then in late July, his team resumed treatments and mowing as normal.

“The change wasn’t overnight - the Panthers couldn’t just play on it the next day. But we’ve proved that with specific treatments, you can take a field that looked like trash and turn it into something fit for a world-class facility. It’s a process, but our techniques work.”

January/February 2021

Cover Story | continued

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Miller is pleased that graduate students had the opportunity to get experience outside their normal projects. He plans to continue the turf recovery testing to validate his findings.

Results will be shared in future publications and field days, but his volunteerism on STMA’s volunteer task force produced unmeasurable results – pride in serving members. “The organization recognized its members’ needs and didn’t constrain our response. We just wanted to help them get through this experience and be ready for whatever came next.”

Looking to Make Your Own Impact?

Crop and Soil Sciences’ research impacts turfgrass professionals in many industry segments.

If you are a student interested in turfgrass, take a deep dive into our agronomic turfgrass degree program. Then join us for a guided email tour of our department and university.

We want you here.

Enhancing North Carolina’s sports fields and landscapes is just part of how we are growing the future.

COVID recovery trial in Raleigh, NC illustrating differential recovery of treatments.

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY WITH