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CHUCK BRAMHALL CAPE COD
CBRAMHALL@HARRELLS.COM (508) 400-0600
JIM COHEN EASTERN MA & ME
JCOHEN@HARRELLS.COM (978) 337-0222
MIKE DUKETTE CT
MDUKETTE@HARRELLS.COM (860) 930-8888
JIM FAVREAU
MASSACHUSETTS
JFAVREAU@HARRELLS.COM (978) 227-2785
MIKE KROIAN RI, MA
MKROIAN@HARRELLS.COM (401) 265-5353
ROGER WHITAKER NH & VT
RWHITAKER@HARRELLS.COM (603) 505-1618
JIM WIERZBICKI CT, RI
JWIERZBICKI@HARRELLS.COM (860) 424-7250
KENT LEMME
WESTERN MASS
KLEMME@HARRELLS.COM (413) 281-8087
CONNOR CINQUE NH, ME
CCINQUE@HARRELLS.COM (603) 930-1861
8
CONTENTS • Summer 2022
On the cover: Polar Park, home of the WooSox Baseball Club, in Worcester, MA. Photo credit: Lauren Holt, MCA, MCLP, MCH, Brightview Landscapes.
Advancing professionalism in sports turf management and athletic field safety through education, research, and scholarships.
The official publication of the New England Sports Turf Managers Association (NESTMA), the New England Blade is dedicated to educating, advising, and informing members of the profession and furthering the goals of the Association. The New England Blade carries news and features related to the sports turf management profession. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to edit any article or advertisement submitted for publication and to refuse advertising not in keeping with the goals of the Association. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the validity of claims in connection with items appearing in the New England Blade . Mention of a commercial product does not imply endorsement by the New England Blade, NESTMA, or Leading Edge Communications, or preference over similar products not mentioned. The New England Blade is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of NESTMA. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. 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.
Officers
President
Chris McGinty Framingham Parks Department Framingham, MA
President Elect Brian Boesch University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI
Secretary / Treasurer Art Goodhind Town of Natick Natick, MA
Past President Ben Polimer Town of Weston Weston, MA
Directors
Tom Barry, CSFM Greens Farms Academy Greens Farms, CT
Kevin Benner Pine Banks Malden, MA
Ryan Bjorn Gillette Stadium Foxboro, MA
Andrew Carlisle Fay School Southborough, MA
Adam Ferrucci
Read Custom Soils Wareham, MA
Ian Lacy Tom Irwin, Inc. Burlington, MA
Evan Steele Pioneer Athletics Billerica, MA
Board of Trustees
Kim Britton Saint Anselm College Manchester, NH
John Cunniff Walpole, MA
Victoria Wallace University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
Management Team
Virginia Wood, Executive Director Peggy Benjamin Kristen Dreyer Charissa Sharkey
NESTMA Headquarters
67 West Street Medfield, MA 02052 (508) 653-1241
NESTMA.org NESTMAinfo@gmail.com
Technical Editor
Victoria Wallace University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
SEASON OF CHANGE
As
the light at the end of this long tunnel comes into view, I am exceptionally proud of how NESTMA has weathered the storm. Much of the credit goes to my fellow board members who generously volunteer their time to bring top-notch educational and networking opportunities to our organization. We are pleased to welcome Kevin Benner of Pine Banks in Malden, MA; Ryan Bjorn of Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA; Andrew Carlisle of Fay School in Southboro, MA; and Adam Ferrucci of Read Custom Soils in Wareham, MA to the NESTMA board of directors. As you look at the current board of directors, you’ll see that just about every aspect of the sports turf industry is represented: professional sports stadiums, colleges and universities, private schools, municipalities, parks and recreation, and suppliers. We are fortunate to have these dedicated volunteers leading our organization.
I would like to thank Ed Olsen as he exits the board after many years of service. Always willing to pitch in, share his knowledge, and enjoy a good laugh, Ed is a consummate professional who gives back in countless ways to our industry and his community. He assures us he will continue to be actively involved with NESTMA — and we’re going to hold him to it!
I know everyone who attended our Members Meeting and Awards Lunch at NERTC will agree that our Executive Director, Virginia Wood, did a great job bringing us up to speed on
association activities and future plans. I thought Virginia’s top take away — after four years of working with NESTMA — was spot on. She said, “this group sure likes to get together! Connections, camaraderie, and true friendships are evident.”
Here’s to many more opportunities to get together this summer!
Chris McGinty NESTMA President
These companies partnered with NESTMA on one or more of our educational events and advertised in The Blade
Please be sure to thank them for their support of our industry, as you do business with them throughout the year.
Atlantic Golf & Turf – atlanticgolfandturf.com
Brock USA – brockusa.com
Corbett Incorporated – corbettirrigation.com
Finch Services, Inc. – finchinc.com
Greenhaven Turf Care – greenhaventurf.com
Harts Turf Pro – hartsturfpro.com
Harrell’s – harrells.com
Tom Irwin – tomirwin.com
MTE – mte.us.com
Pioneer Athletics – pioneerathletics.com
ProPlay – schmitzfoam.com
Read Custom Soils – readcustomsoils.com
Replay Maintenance USA – replaymaintenanceusa.com
Shaw Sports Turf – shawsportsturf.com
Sports Construction Estimating – sportsce.com
Sports Turf Specialties – sportsturfspecialities.com
Traverse Landscape Architects – traversela.com
TPC – turfproductscorp.com
Tuckahoe Turf – ttfarms.com
Turface Athletics – turface.com
TurfTank – turftank.com/us
US Playground Surfacing – usplaygroundsurfacing.com
If you’re interested in learning more about NESTMA sponsorship opportunities, contact Charissa Sharkey by phone (508) 653-1241 or email NESTMAinfo@gmail.com.
NEW ENGLAND BMPs
An exciting initiative is the creation of Best Management Practices for Sports Turf Professionals in New England. Vickie Wallace and Ben Polimer are spearheading this effort and have recruited an auspicious group of industry members and academics to bring the important resource to fruition. The project is supported by a grant from the NERTF, and plans are to launch the new BMPs in March 2023. Many thanks to the committee volunteers:
Steve Alm (URI)
Ed Ball (Brewster Academy, Wolfboro, NH)
Tom Barry (Greens Farms Academy, Westport, CT)
Ryan Bjorn (Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA)
Mike Buras (Longwood Cricket Club, Chestnut Hill, MA)
Brandon Connor (Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA)
Michelle DaCosta (UMass)
Scott Ebdon (UMass)
Peter Gorman (Atlantic Golf & Turf, Turners Falls, MA)
Jason Henderson (UConn)
Jason Lanier (UMass)
Patrick Maguire (Activitas, Dedham, MA)
Jesse O’Brien (Down East Turf, Kennebunk, ME)
Mary Owen (UMass)
Ben Polimer (Town of Weston, MA)
Daniel St. Laurent (JWU, Providence, RI)
Alyssa Siegel-Miles (UConn)
Vickie Wallace (UConn)
Better Built. Quality Results. Period.
and
The Slope-Pro® is a steep slope, rotary mower capable of 50º slopes
NESTMA’s Education and Events Committee members are hard at work planning programming and networking opportunities throughout the coming year. Save the Dates (details to follow):
• Summer Webinar – July 1-31
• Turf Workshop & Cookout –August 16
• MALCP / NESTMA Golf Tournament – October 6
• Fall Turf Day – October 12
• Winter Webinar – November 1-30
• Annual Meeting – December 6
Sponsorship offers commercial partners a cost-effective opportunity to introduce products and services to hundreds of NESTMA members. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Charissa Sharkey at NESTMAinfo@gmail.com or (508) 653-1241. •
UConn will hold its popular biennial Turfgrass Field Day on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at the UConn Plant Science Research Facility in Storrs, CT. Learn about innovative, cuttingedge technology that supports our turfgrass research program. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss ongoing research and management efforts with UConn turfgrass faculty, as well as network with exhibitors. For details visit uconn.edu/TurfFieldDay2022 or contact Vickie Wallace at Victoria.wallace@uconn.edu
A “DR. DIRT” HONORED with New UConn Dest Scholarship
scholarship to honor the late William (Bill) Dest will help support undergraduate students pursuing turfgrass programs in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut.
Dest, a former UConn student, research associate, and professor, passed away in April 2021 at the age of 91.
The new William and Anne Dest Scholarship will provide between $1,200 to $1,500 to one student each year, selected by faculty in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. NESTMA contributed $1000 to the fundraising effort this spring.
Growing up in urban New Haven, Dest developed a strong passion for the environment, something he passed on to his family.
“My father and mother were an inspiration for all of us,” says Paul Dest, Bill Dest’s son. “They not only instilled in us a respect and love for nature but also a sense of decency, fairness, and kindness toward others, no matter what their race, religious background, or nationality. My father always said that all his achievements in his adult life are attributable to one person: Anne, his incredible wife of 65 years and the mother of their nine children.”
Dest first came to UConn in 1967. He had already established a family and career working as a superintendent of the Wethersfield Country Club and had served in the Korean War. After graduating with a B.S. in plant science, Dest earned his master’s degree in agronomy, working with former UConn professor Derek Allinson.
“He had tremendous passion,” Allinson says. “Passion coupled with determination. He was going to do it and he loved turfgrass.”
Dest continued his career with UConn, accepting a position as a research associate. After several years in this role, Dest realized his educational journey wasn’t yet complete, so he went to Rutgers University and completed his Ph.D. in 1980, earning him the affectionate family nickname “Dr. Dirt,” before returning to UConn once more.
“My father was particularly drawn to soils and plants,” Paul Dest says. “He followed this passion and that is where he spent his career.”
As a full faculty member in the Department of Plant Science, as it was formerly called, Dest played a fundamental role in developing the turfgrass programs. Merging his research and years of professional experience, Dest helped expand and shape the program to prepare students to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving field.
“Bill was basically our entire turfgrass science program,” says Professor Karl Guillard, who took over the program after Dest’s retirement. “He was a one-man band. I was willing to take over because I had Bill in my back pocket… I was standing on the shoulders of Bill.”
During his long career, Dest studied fertilizer methods for turfgrasses, green speeds for golf courses, and helped establish standards for sports playing fields. Dest established himself as a respected researcher and professional across the country and internationally.
“Bill was always there for me,” says Steve Rackliffe, Extension Professor Emeritus. “I look at him as one of the people who helped shape my career. The industry really respected Bill. He would help anybody for the betterment of any sport.”
When Dest retired from his faculty position in the late ‘90s, he continued working as a private consultant and kept up his research at UConn and with J. Scott Ebdon at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
“The thing about Bill was that he always had that academic curiosity, even after he retired,” Ebdon says. “He loved everything about turf and the industry. And people loved him back.”
Dest had a love for his work that those who knew him say was infectious. Allinson also says Dest would undoubtedly approve of the scholarship.
“I think he would love and appreciate it”, Allinson says. “Bill made a major contribution to our program in turfgrass science over many years. He would see the scholarship as both a continuation of those efforts and simultaneously creating opportunities for students.” •
https://today.uconn.edu/2022/02/pioneer-in-turfgrass-sciencedr-dirt-honored-with-new-scholarship/#
Bill “Dr. Dirt” Dest had a love for turfgrass that inspired generations.
AWARDS MEETING RECAP
NESTMA hit a home run with the Members Meeting and Awards Lunch at NERTC in Providence! Despite the threat of snow, more than 100 members showed up to reconnect, celebrate colleagues, and check out plans that will continue to move the association, and the industry, forward.
Executive Director Virginia Wood stepped out from “behind the curtain” and gave a rundown of NESTMA activities over the course of the past two years. The list of accomplishments included nearly a dozen webinars, online member meet-ups, communications and connections, scholarships, research support, and the creation of a committee to develop Best Management Practices for sports turf professionals in New England.
NESTMA’s Commercial Partners were recognized for their unwavering support of the association. Virginia also called out the hard-working members of the NESTMA board, who not only met their own specific challenges during the pandemic, but also found time to help steer the NESTMA ship.
Congratulations to 2022 Sports Turf Manager of the Year, Elliot Linstrum of Polar Park, and Commercial Partner of the Year Art Eddy of RePlay Maintenance. •
Ed Olsen congratulates Elliot Linstrum, 2022 Sports Turf Manager of the Year.
Art Goodhind, NESTMA Treasurer, awards $1000 scholarship to UMass student Patrick Armstrong.
NESTMA President Chris McGinty presents Art Eddy with Commercial Partner of the Year award.
Virginia Wood thanks Chris and Ben Petersen of Tom Irwin, Inc. for their generous sponsorship support. It was great to be back in Providence!
A Tale of TWO TURFS As
By Arthur Eddy, ASLA, LEED AP
a synthetic turf maintenance provider, we see a lot of synthetic turf fields. We have been monitoring fields to try and get an understanding of why the same field in different locations has two vastly different life cycles. We happened to maintain two turfs designed and installed by the same exact parties, had the same exact turf system produced by the same manufacturer but had dramatically different results.
The systems were a pretty standard 2.5" monofilament with sand/rubber infill. Both fields were relatively old at 11-years-old. Field ‘A’, had limited fiber breakdown, consistent infill depth of 41mm and averaged around 125 GMax. Field ‘B’, had an increased fiber breakdown, consistent infill depth of 28mm and average around 135 GMax. If you utilized the standard of care of 165 GMax by the ASTM F355 method, the GMax was mid-range and not driving a major concern. Both fields had a fairly limited maintenance schedule.
The major difference between the two fields was infill depth and the breakdown of fiber in Field ‘B’. We investigated to find out why there was a dramatic difference in wear on the field even though these two fields were generally the same. It was evident that there were two major differences:
1. Field ‘A’ was locked when not in use.
2. Field ‘B’ had athletic field lights.
The impact of the field lighting on Field ‘B’ was:
* increased hours of use
* increased use due to constant field accessibility related to no locked gates
Field A
Field B Pre-Decompaction
Seeing that maintenance practices were limited on Field ‘B’, the wear and breakdown of fiber on Field ‘B’ was increasing exponentially. In a good rainstorm, fiber on Field ‘B’ was piling up along the sidelines.
Does this mean that if a field is used extensively, the length of life will decrease? While heavy use does impact a surface and can limit the life of a surface, like anything, the increased use requires more attention and frequency. Field ‘B’ could have easily been more in line with Field ‘A’ had the infill been lifted and decompacted on a regular basis. Added infill to those high use areas and proper levelling would have reduced the increased wear of the fiber.
One thing that was apparent in this comparison on both fields was that the primary United States standard of testing for GMax was not indicative of the major problems occurring on the field. Field ‘B’ had a compacted infill from high use and less infill which would require us to look beyond GMax. We also knew that the maintenance practice (we were going to decompact the field) could potentially have a negative impact on GMax. So why decompact? When we looked beyond GMax, we could see a larger problem. We reviewed vertical deformation; the field was well below the 6mm-11mm range. This means that the surface was firm and as a maintenance practice we had to get into the rubber and lift that rubber to break it up. Additionally, the rotation resistance on the field was well below the 25 Nm – 50 Nm range.
The moral of the story of the Tale of Two Turfs is that maintenance is critical and the practice of maintenance should reflect the amount of use your field receives. Tracking hours of use can help to formulate an appropriate program for ensuring the field is receiving the most appropriate maintenance practices. Unlike natural grass, once the fiber of synthetic turf breaks down, there are a limited number of ways to bring it back and most are impactful on performance of the field. Lastly, as a sports turf manager who is managing a synthetic turf field, exploration beyond the GMax test is essential to ensure that the field is safe and performing to its optimal value. •
Arthur Eddy is CEO of RePlay Maintenance in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Connect with Art at aeddy@replaymaintenanceusa.com or (877) 641-1819.
Decompaction
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MOWING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
• Mow natural turfgrass fields frequently to ensure a dense, uniform playing surface. If a sports field requires a change in height of cut (HOC), the height should be gradually adjusted until desired HOC is achieved by following the one-third rule of leaf removal.
• Consider using a plant growth regulator (PGR) as a regular management tool to reduce mowing frequency, clipping volume, and to improve mowing quality, turfgrass density, and overall plant health.
• Increase HOC prior to times of stress (such as drought or anticipated temperature extremes) staying within the tolerance range to increase photosynthetic capacity and rooting depth of plants.
• Increase mowing frequency during periods of rapid turfgrass growth and decrease during periods of slow growth.
• Vary mowing patterns.
• Properly maintain mowing equipment to maximize quality of cut.
• Use reel mowers whenever possible for maintaining turfgrass that requires HOC below 2”.
• Keep blades of reel and rotary mowers sharp and properly adjusted.
• Return clippings to canopy whenever possible to recycle nutrients and reduce the need for fertilizer inputs.
• Remove or disperse clippings when the clipping amount is excessive and could smother the underlying turfgrasses.
• Dispose of collected clippings properly. Options include composting or dispersing clippings evenly in natural areas.
Excerpted from SFMA’s National BMP guide, Best Management Practices for the Sports Field Manager: A Professional Guide for Sports Field Management. The full guide is available at https://www.sportsfield management.org/knowledge_center/bmps/
SUN SAFETY TIPS
By Chris Ball, CSFM
A
ccording to the CDC, reducing exposure to UV rays is the best way to keep your skin healthy and to lower your chance of developing skin cancer. That can be difficult for crews who work outdoors, but it can, and should, be done. Here are some ways managers can help keep their crews safe:
• Encourage sun safety among employees and provide sun protection when possible.
• If shaded areas aren’t available at jobsites, provide tents, shelters, and cooling stations for your crews.
• Schedule breaks in the shade and encourage crewmembers to apply sunscreen throughout their shifts.
• Schedule work to minimize sun exposure if possible. For example, scheduling mowing in the early morning instead of at midday and rotating crewmembers in and out of the shade can help reduce their UV exposure.
More tips that everyone working outdoors should consider:
• Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses designed to block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and apply it several times during the day.
For information on early detection, treatment, and resources, visit https://www.skincancer.org/.
FACTS ABOUT SKIN CANCER
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The three most common types are basal and squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma. To learn more about each, visit the skin cancer page on the CDC’s website (https://www.cdc. gov/cancer/skin/index.htm).
Most cases of skin cancer are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, tanning beds, or sunlamps. There are two types of UV rays — UVA (associated with aging) and UVB (associated with sunburn). To learn more about each, visit the UV radiation page on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s website (https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/ uv-radiation/). People who work outdoors are especially at risk of overexposure, regardless of their other risk factors.
Many of us tend to think about sun safety when it’s hot and sunny, but that’s a mistake that can cost your skin. Per the CDC, UV rays are present on cool, cloudy days, and they can reflect off surfaces such as water, cement, sand, and snow so sun safety should be practiced daily regardless of weather.
In the continental United States, UV rays are strongest between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. standard time and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight saving time. When the UV index is 3 or higher, the CDC advises protecting your skin from too much exposure to the sun. To determine the UV index in your local area, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s UV Index Search page ( https://www.epa.gov/enviro/uv-index-search ). Enter your ZIP code or city and state to calculate the intensity of UV rays where you are with one click. •
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
In this issue of the Blade, we shine a spotlight on NESTMA’s 2022 Sports Turf Manager of the Year!
ELLIOT LINSTRUM
FIELD SUPERINTENDENT
WORCESTER RED SOX
Polar Park • Worcester, MA
University of Connecticut – Turfgrass and Soil Science
How did you get your start in sports field management?
Summer internship with the Boston Red Sox grounds crew at Fenway Park in 2012.
Where did you go from there?
Fenway Park, Grounds Crew Member –2012 to 2014
Rentschler Field, Assistant Sports Turf Manager –2014 to 2019
Gillette Stadium, Assistant Field Superintendent –2019 to 2021
What do you like best about your current position?
Educating our staff — translating how and why we do certain groundskeeping jobs and tasks into real life projects and applications.
Since the beginning of your career, what is the biggest change you’ve seen in the sports field industry?
The way singular sport stadiums have become multipurpose event spaces.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
“Write things down” and “Control the controllables.”
What advice would you share with people starting out in sports field management today?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Playing golf and home improvement projects.
What have you found most beneficial about being a NESTMA member?
Meeting people – the members within this network want the best for you and want to see you succeed.
Ryan Bjorn, Elliot Linstrum’s good friend and colleague, visited the awards ceremony via video from another conference he was attending in Las Vegas. The following is an excerpt from his comments that day.
“Elliot truly exemplifies the ideal sports turf manager. Thoughtful, hard-working, meticulous about the details, and passionate are just a few of the words I would use, and many others have used, when describing Elliot.
In our short time together at Gillette, I was consistently blown away by Elliot’s passion and how much he truly cares about the quality of work that he puts forth.
When he assumed his current role at Polar Park, he walked into a literal blank canvas. Granted the field was nearing completion and most of the construction was completed, but he didn’t have anything to work with. No equipment, no products, no tools, nothing! But he did as he always does, he came up with a plan and worked towards a goal, utilizing many industry colleagues and business partnerships he has already cultivated in his young career.
By Opening Day, the field was perfect, the infield was dialed in, and not one fan in the stands ever knew there was ever an issue - and that’s just how Elliot likes it. He is truly an unsung hero. He is a humble guy who never gives himself enough credit. I hope today, accepting this award among many friends and industry colleagues, Elliot realizes that his hard work and passion do not go unnoticed!” •
Why so Much Emphasis on Soil pH?
By Jason Lanier, UMass Extension Turf Specialist
oil pH is a measure of acidity, quantified by the number of free hydrogen ions (electrically charged atoms, denoted by H+ in this case) present in the soil “solution” (the liquid fraction of the soil in which nutrients and other compounds are dissolved). It’s a bit counterintuitive, but a lower pH value indicates higher acidity (more hydrogen ions in the soil solution). pH values below 7.0 are in the acidic realm, 7.0 is considered neutral, and above 7.0 is alkaline, or basic (less hydrogen ions in the soil solution). Most soils in New England naturally trend towards the acid side and a typical pH value for un-limed northeastern soils is around 5.0, indicating a significant degree of acidity.
A common misconception is that soil acidity is a tangible, harmful agent that negatively impacts plants in a direct sense. This is not nearly as consequential, however, relative to possible indirect effects; interconnected effects that have implications for the entire plant/soil system. For example, maintaining pH in a favorable range is central to effective nutrient management, as pH is one of the most significant drivers of soil nutrient availability (Fig. 1).
As shown in the figure, the primary nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are most available within the socalled “neutral range” of 6.0 to 7.0, as are the important secondary nutrients magnesium and sulfur. Essential micronutrients such as boron and copper are also readily available when the soil is in a slightly acidic state. In many cases, good pH management is all that is needed to promote sufficient micronutrient availability. These are some of the main reasons why, generally speaking, many agricultural and horticultural soils have a target pH of around neutral to slightly acidic.
When pH is skewed, however, plants can suffer from nutrient deficiencies and associated problems with growth, appearance, and function. On the other end of the spectrum, availability of elements like aluminum can become excessive and reach plant-toxic levels when the soil becomes too acidic. Moreover, numbers and activity of soil microorganisms can be reduced when pH is too high or too low, further affecting nutrient release from organic decomposition and other meaningful, positive contributions from those populations.
FIGURE 1
The natural tendency of our soils for lower pH is most easily managed by regular liming. Applications of calcitic (calcium carbonate) or dolomitic (calcium magnesium carbonate) limestone create a reaction that removes hydrogen ions from the soil solution, thereby raising pH over time. Liming materials also supply essential calcium, which can be less available even at favorable pH levels. The best guide for how much lime and how often? Soil testing. Soil testing to inform liming needs is affordable and freely available from multiple labs, including the UMass Soil & Plant Tissue Testing Lab. For more information on adjusting soil pH from the UMass Lab, go to: https://ag.umass.edu/soilplant-nutrient-testing-laboratory/fact-sheets/adjusting-soil-ph
An important note for the landscape is that not all plants perform best at a pH level in the neutral range. So-called acid loving plants include blueberries, hollies, azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods and many conifers. Again, it comes down to nutrient availability – most of these plants perform best with higher levels of the micronutrients (often iron) most available at lower (acidic) pH levels. Acidifying fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate are commonly used to maintain a lower soil pH and enhance the quality of these unique species. •
Hort Notes 2022 Vol. 33:3
WHY TEST SOIL?
HERE ARE FIVE GOOD REASONS!
• Nutrient Levels - Test results provide you with soil nutrient levels and fertilizer recommendations when needed.
• Soil Acidity - Soil pH and exchangeable acidity are measured for the determination of lime requirements.
• Environmental Protection - Test results identify areas with excess nutrients that can pollute local waterways.
• Economics - You buy soil amendments only when needed, avoiding unnecessary spending.
• Health - Soil testing can alert you to elevated levels of lead or other toxic heavy metals.
Soil tests do not identify plant growth problems associated with soil drainage, insects, plant diseases (whether soil-borne or not), weeds, winter injury or the misuse of pesticides.
National Turfgrass Science Curriculum
SFMA is partnering with iCEV Multimedia, LLC to promote a national online turfgrass curriculum. iCEV serves as a platform in which students can not only gain the knowledge to succeed in school but also gain the necessary skill set to become a thriving member of the modern workforce.
iCEV provides educators pre-built, fully customizable courses complete with multimedia lessons and supporting coursework. The turfgrass curriculum will feature presentations accompanied by detailed lesson plans, projects and activities, handouts, assessments and more. Content is aligned to the latest state and national standards. The goal of the curriculum is to provide students with the focus and preparation needed for a successful transition from K-12 to postsecondary studies to career success, along with providing necessary training for the life-long learner. The turfgrass science curriculum culminates in industry certification testing of which SFMA will be the exclusive industry partner.
EPA Terminating Two Pesticides
1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing the proposed interim decision (PID) for the pesticide diuron. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) requires EPA to review pesticides every 15 years. Diuron is used as an herbicide to control annual and perennial broadleaf and grassy weeds in a variety of agricultural sites and non-agricultural sites. Based on the revised draft risk assessments EPA is proposing to terminate all herbicide uses on non-food agricultural sites (e.g., ornamentals) and on all non-agricultural sites (e.g., rights-of-way, utilities, roadways). It is also being recommended for termination in other food and feed uses. Upon publication of the Federal Register notice, public comments will be accepted for 60 days in the diuron registration review docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0077 at www.regulations.gov.
2. The EPA is issuing a notice of intent to suspend (NOITS), which when effective, will prevent the sale, distribution, and use of the technical-grade product containing the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA). DCPA is an herbicide applied to control grasses and certain broadleaf weeds in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. Non-agricultural use sites include non-residential turf and ornamentals. AMVAC, the registrant, has not provided the EPA with requested data. If AMVAC submits the missing data after the suspension becomes effective, EPA can lift the suspension. Upon publication of the NOITS in the Federal Register, all supporting documents will be available in the DCPA registration review docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0374 at www.regulations.gov
SFMA on TikTok
SFMA is now on TikTok and we want to spotlight our members! Please send in any videos you have featuring your field, the work you and your team do, as well as any new technology you may be using to wwebber@sportsfieldmanagement.org If you already have a TikTok please tag @FieldExperts and we will be sure to repost your video!
Major League Results for Your Home Team
Productivity Redefined.
The Toro 7500-D series includes a 144-inch rear discharge deck for maximum productivity. The Z Master Series mowers are powered by a 43.4 hp Yanmar diesel engine that provides performance, reliability and efficiency at an unbeatable value. You’ll finish more jobs faster than ever.
Get To Work.
The Toro Workman UTX is a straightforward, no-nonsense, 4-wheel drive utility vehicle built to stand up to the toughest tests without compromising performance. Designed for the rigors of a long work week, not a few hours of recreation on the weekends. To raise the standard further, every Workman UTX features an integrated plow mount, power steering, turn signals, brake lights, and a spray-on bed liner.
A Grade Above.
From the Leader in Infield Maintenance. Create ballfields that fans and players love with the Toro Field Pro 6040. This workhorse features efficient operation with the innovative MultiTool™, ergonomic operator comfort, and incredible versatility in attachment options. The dedicated platform produces a consistent, superior infield playing surface regardless of starting conditions.
For use on: Trees, landscape plants, golf course tees, greens, fairways, and sports turf.
