Tennessee Greentimes - Spring 2008

VOL. 9/ NO. 1

Spring 2008

Making Turfgrass Fertilizers Work – and Pay – for You (Part 3 of 3) Highlights from the

2008 Mid-States Horticultural Expo and TNLA’s 2008 Winter Education Program

Tennessee

GREENTIMES The Official Publication of The Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association

Table of Contents

IN THE NURSERY Life in a Global Market: Challenges of International Trade and Shipping

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VOL. 9/ NO. 1

Spring 2008

LAWN BASICS Making Turfgrass Fertilizers Work – and Pay – for You (Part 3 of 3)

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more features NEWS F ROM TNLA Meet Your TNLA Leaders for 2008 ........................................................................ 8

G REEN GATHERINGS — RECENT EVENTS TNLA Winter Education Program & Exhibits .................................................... 10 Mid-States Horticultural Expo .............................................................................. 13

departments From the President, Aaron Swafford ............................................................................ 6 Industry News .................................................................................................................. 28 TNLA New Members .................................................................................................... 29 Calendar of Events .......................................................................................................... 30 Index of Advertisers ........................................................................................................ 30

BUSINESS MAT TERS Retailers’ Notice on Sales and Use Tax (from the TN Dept. of Revenue)

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The Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association 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, Tennessee Green Times, or its editors.

Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication.

Copyright ©2008 by the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. Tennessee Green Times is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association, 115 Lyon Street, McMinnville, TN 37110. Postage guaranteed.

Third-class postage is paid at McMinnville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Green Times allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. 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) 7903718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

f rom t h e p r e s i d e n t Aaron Swafford

Our Passion for Our Green Industry

Let’s Share

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Mark Your Calendars! ..................

JUNE 9, 2008 TNLA/HRI Golf Classic Forrest Crossing Golf Course 750 Riverview Drive Franklin, TN 37064

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JUNE 10, 2008 Tennessee Green Industry Field Day Williamson County Ag Expo Park 4215 Long Lane Franklin, TN 37064

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For more information, visit www.tnla.com/events.

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hat a year! Despite the Easter freeze (we’ve taken to calling it the Easter Surprise), the drought, record temperatures in August and a dry southern market, we are still here, doing what we love and do best. I hope you have a passion for this business. It would be a shame to work this hard and not have a deep love for it.

Part of our responsibility in this life is to protect the things we love, those things that matter the most to us. I would encourage you to help protect our industry by getting involved in the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. It isn’t difficult. You need only ask, “What can I do to help?”

One simple yet powerful way for each of us to help our industry is to stay in contact with our elected leaders by phone and email. Let them know where you stand on the issues that affect our industry. They need to hear from you so they can be well educated when making decisions that will directly impact the business you have invested so much of yourself in. A personal contact DOES make a difference, so let your voice be heard. Remember, no one cares for your business more than you… and no one will protect it if you aren’t willing to take a stand to defend it.

Many thanks to Steve Bennett for going beyond the call of duty as our president this past year. He has set us a great example in both his personal and professional lives. With your help, I will strive to do the same. To that end, if I can be of any help to you, I invite you to contact me at any time at aaron@swaffordnursery.com.

One of the greatest strengths of our association is our commitment to work together for the good of the whole. It requires that you and I be willing to do whatever it takes to see our Green Industry continue to bloom and flourish. This can only happen through our unity. The funny thing about the word “unity” is that unless “I” get in the middle and work, the whole thing may just fall apart — you know… untie (un ty). If we can each take that to heart and commit to unity for the sake of our industry, then there will be no limits to what we can accomplish together.

I am proud to say that after 30 years, this gray-headed, pudgy nurseryman still has a passion for the nursery business. I enjoy the fact that we make the world a more beautiful place. I also enjoy the challenges that are unique to our industry. After all these years, I still learn new things every day. My hope is that I will continue learning as we work together to improve our industry and our communities. It is my sincere desire that each of you will have a glorious and prosperous spring!

Aaron Swafford 2008 TNLA President

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The Tennessee Greentimes is the official publication of The Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association 115 Lyon Street McMinnville, Tennessee 37110 (931) 473-3951 Fax (931) 473-5883 www.tnla.com Email: mail@tnla.com Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editors Bill Klingeman, Ph.D. Bob Trigiano, Ph.D. Associate Editors Dr. Donna Fare Dr. Nick Gawel Mr. Mark Halcomb Dr. Frank Hale Mr. Gray Haun Dr. Sandy Reed Dr. John Sorochan TNLA Officers President Aaron Swafford Swafford Nursery, Inc. 1st Vice President Marshall Allen Allen Landscape Management, LLC 2nd Vice President Tim Gallagher Heather Farms Nursery, Inc. 3rd Vice President John Watson, CLP Common Grounds Landscape Mgmt.

Secretary-Treasurer Randall Walker Randall Walker Farms Associate Director Mary Strong Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix, Inc. Ex-Officio Steve Bennett Riverbend Nurseries, Inc. Executive Director Louree Walker Administrative Assistant Pam Stern

t n l a n ews

Meet Your New TNLA Leaders!

At

TNLA’s Business Meeting, held February 4 during the 2008 Winter Education Program in Pigeon Forge, TN, the following new TNLA officers and directors for 2008 were elected and installed.

TNLA’s officers and directors for 2007 include: (front row, l-r) Aaron Swafford, President; and Steve Bennett, Ex-Officio; and (second row, l-r) Randall Walker, Secretary–Treasurer; Tim Gallagher, 2nd Vice President; John Watson, 3rd Vice President; Marshall Allen, 1st Vice President; and Mary Strong, Associate Director.

3rd Vice President John Watson, CLP Common Grounds Landscape Mgmt.

Knoxville, TN (865) 947-1516 President Aaron Swafford Swafford Nursery, Inc. McDonald, TN (423) 479-3362

Secretary–Treasurer Randall Walker Randall Walker Farms Morrison, TN (931) 635-9535

1st Vice President Marshall Allen Allen Landscape Management, LLC Kingston Springs, TN (615) 646-4682

Associate Director Mary Strong Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix, Inc. Moss, TN (931) 258-3661

2nd Vice President Tim Gallagher Heather Farms Nursery, Inc. Morrison, TN (931) 635-2826

Ex-Officio Steve Bennett Riverbend Nurseries, Inc. Thompson’s Station, TN (615) 790-7900

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John Watson, CLP 3rd Vice President John Watson grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and is president of Common Grounds Landscape Management, Inc. He graduated from The University of Tennessee in 1981. In 1989, he and his wife Suzanne purchased a division of Jim McClain’s Nursery in Knoxville. Jim McClain is a past president of TNLA and was John’s mentor for the 13 years he was employed by him.

John is a Certified Landscape Professional and has served on the TNLA education committee many years. He and his wife have four children (Patrick, Payton, Devon and Chase). They are active in their church, and they enjoy time at their cabin in Big South Fork and riding their Tennessee Walking Horses.

green gatherings Recent Events

TNLA 2008

Winter Casual yet elegant, TNLA’s 2008 Annual Awards Luncheon drew more attendees than ever to honor this year’s winners.

Education & Exhibits February 4-5, 2008 • Pigeon Forge, TN

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Steve Bennett (left, 2007 TNLA President) thanks Tony Avent (from Plant Delight’s Nursery in Raleigh, NC), one of the Education Program’s most-renowned featured speakers.

nce again, TNLA’s annual Winter Education & Exhibits program was an even bigger success than ever, with more attendees and even more exhibitors (the tradeshow was sold out!). Held February 4 – 5 at the Music Road Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN, the education program — coordinated by Dr. Charles R. Hall, formerly with The University of Tennessee — featured many of the region’s top nursery and landscape professionals.

On Monday, February 4, TNLA held its Annual Awards Program to honor some of the organization’s most outstanding members (see next page for winners). Later that evening, during the TNLA Business Meeting, TNLA members elected and installed their leaders for 2008 (see page 8).

If you missed this year’s event, mark your calendars now for next year, when the 2009 Winter Education & Exhibits program will be held again in February, in Pigeon Forge.

A Big Thanks to our 2008 w i n t e r e d u c at i o n s p o n s o r s !

Crowds of industry professionals packed the session rooms during both days of TNLA’s Winter Education Program.

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Atlas Manufacturing, Inc. • Alapaha, GA Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix • Moss, TN Ewing Irrigation • Nashville, TN Great Western Bag • Morrison, TN Hayes Nursery Enterprises • Morrison, TN International Insurance Brokerage • Franklin, TN Leading Edge Communications • Franklin, TN Morris Nursery & Landscapes, Inc. • Jackson, TN Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture • Nashville, TN Whiteaker’s Equipment & Repair • McMinnville, TN

t n l a w i n t e r e d u c at i o n & e x h i b i t s

Congratulations to

T N LA’s Award Winners!

Eric Walker

David Johnson

Randy Griffith

TNLA Wholesale Nurseryman of the Year.

Shown above: Eric Walker (Walker Nursery Co., McMinnville) and 2008 TNLA President Aaron Swafford.

TNLA Young Nursery Professional of the Year.

Shown above: David Johnson (Johnson Nursery & Garden Center, Cookeville) and TNLA President Aaron Swafford.

William James “Bill” Reilly Jr. Salesperson of the Year.

Shown above: Randy Griffith (General Equipment Co., McMinnville) and 2008 TNLA President Aaron Swafford.

Michael Hatcher

Burgess Falls Nursery, Inc.

Dr. Charles Hall

TNLA Landscape Contractor of the Year.

Shown above: Michael Hatcher (Michael Hatcher & Assoc., Memphis) and 2008 TNLA President Aaron Swafford.

TNLA Retailer of the Year.

Shown above: Jay Frankenfield (Burgess Falls Nursery, Cookeville) and 2008 TNLA President Aaron Swafford.

TNLA Hall of Fame 2008 Inductee.

Shown above: Dr. Charles Hall, Texas A&M (formerly of The University of Tennessee) and 2008 TNLA President Aaron Swafford.

Jack Huffman

Don Shadow

Rich Emerson

TNLA Hall of Fame 2008 Inductee.

Shown above: Jack Huffman (LWN, Inc., Manchester) and 2008 TNLA President Aaron Swafford.

TNLA Hall of Fame 2008 Inductee.

Shown above: Don Shadow (Shadow Nursery, Inc., Winchester) and 2008 TNLA President Aaron Swafford.

TNLA Hall of Fame 2008 Inductee.

Shown above: Rich Emerson (Retired, TN Dept. of Agriculture, Plant Certification Supervisor, Saulsbury, TN). tennessee greentimes

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t n l a w i n t e r e d u c at i o n & e x h i b i t s

Thanks to our E x h i b i to r s !

Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix • Moss, TN BWI • Memphis, TN Classic Groundcovers, Inc. • Athens, GA Colorburst Plant Farm, Inc. • Murfreesboro, TN Cumberland Nursery • Smithville, TN Dickens Turf & Landscape Supply • Nashville, TN Dow AgroSciences • Nashville, TN Ewing Irrigation • Nashville, TN Gilbert’s Nursery • Chesnee, SC Hancock Horticultural Services, Inc. • Kodak, TN Heather Farms Nursery, Inc. • Morrison, TN Immigration Law Offices of Sean Lewis • Nashville, TN Imperial Nurseries, Inc. • Granby, CT International Insurance Brokerage • Franklin, TN John Deere Landscapes • Rock Island, TN Kinsey Gardens • Knoxville, TN Middle TN Nursery Association • McMinnville, TN Mize Farm & Garden • Johnson City, TN Natural Resource Recovery • Knoxville, TN Randall Walker Farms • Morrison, TN Riverbend Nurseries • Thompson’s Station, TN Stowers Landscape Products • Knoxville, TN Syngenta T & O Products • Paris, TN Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture • Nashville, TN Vermeer of Tennessee • Murfreesboro, TN Whiteaker’s Equipment & Repair • McMinnville, TN

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continued

continued

Snapshots

Third Annual Mid-States Horticultural Expo from the

(joint tradeshow of the TNLA, KNLA and SNA)

January 3-4, 2008 • Louisville, KY

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i n t h e n u r s e ry

By Holly Mixon, University of Florida Extension Service

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nternational trade and shipping are vital to the nursery industry. The practice of importing and exporting plants is a huge source of income for growers because it opens their market to buyers from around the world. However, trading and shipping across country borders can present growers with several challenges. While some of these problems are also encountered within the United States, many challenges are unique to international commerce.

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permits because the paperwork can be found online on the USDA-APHIS website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/ppq_epermits.shtml.

The importing nursery can email it or download it, and it can be mailed or faxed to USDA-APHIS. The importing nursery also must request a Phytosanitary Certificate from the crop’s country of origin.

Permits and certifications

Quarantine requirements

One of the first and most important things to consider is the requirement for several specific permits and certificates.

According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, no certification of agricultural exports is required in the United States, but certification is offered in order to assist exporters in insuring their products (Figure 1, page 17). Permits are also required to import plant material into the United States.

Although certification is not mandatory for exporters in the United States, the Plant Protection Quarantine provides Phytosanitary Certificates for intrastate commerce, and most importing countries also require this paperwork. The Phytosanitary Certificate states that the nursery stock meets the quarantine restrictions of the importing country (Figure 2, page 18). Along with the certificate, the exporter has several other responsibilities that are outlined below.

The supplying nursery must first apply for inspection, testing and certification of the plant material to be exported.

This needs to be done by an Accredited Certification Official (ACO). This inspection can be done at the nursery or at the shipping port. The nursery owner should apply early so that the ACO has time to determine the quarantine requirements of the importing country because these may differ from the exporting country. Some countries also specify a time limit from when the inspection is performed to the date of export.

If not specifically stated, export policy requires inspection and testing be done no more than 30 days before shipment.

The exporter should provide all documents such as import permits, authorization or information from the National Plant Protection Organization of the other country.

After the nursery owner has applied and gathered all relevant documents, he or she will need to make the nursery stock available for inspection. Note that horticultural commodities cannot be inspected or tested while on board a ship or aircraft. The exporter is responsible for supplying the labor needed to open and close boxes, remove packaging or move plants during the inspection. Where applicable, the nursery owner must provide necessary equipment, lighting and supplies for use by the ACO. After the inspection and testing is completed, the exporter should apply treatment measures as required to protect the crop from pest infestation until departure. The exporter can export only the specific plants that were examined, and he or she should follow all U.S. export regulations.

Importing plant material into the U.S. will require the permit PPQ 587. It is now easier than ever to apply for these

One of the challenges surrounding both the import and export of horticultural plant commodities is the absolute requirement that plants and plant parts be free of soil.

Diseases and pests can hide in soil stuck to plant roots.

Quarantine 37 is the regulatory act that directs this protocol.

Quarantine 37 has been the subject of much conflict lately.

Presently the quarantine says, “All plants are allowed to enter the U.S. if the shipment is accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate and has been inspected and found to be free of pests, unless the importation is specifically prohibited or further restricted by the regulation.” Some regulators are proposing changes to Quarantine 37 that they believe will improve it. Some proposed changes include creating categories for landscape plants that cannot be imported without risk evaluation and approval; establishing continuity of programs aimed at helping reduce risk of pest entry; re-evaluating the risks or dangers of plants currently prohibited; and combining all landscape plant importation regulations into one section.

(For more discussion on these considerations, see: “What’s Growing On In Regulations,” American Nurseryman, 2005, vol. 201, iss. 8, p. 15.)

Shipping challenges After the nursery owner has gathered all of the necessary permits and certificates, the next challenge involves keeping the plant material alive and healthy during shipping. This can be a problem even when transporting nursery stock within U.S. borders, so adding thousands of miles only worsens this challenge. Preventing losses due to shipping requires careful planning, consideration and effort on behalf of the exporter, carrier and importer.

Moisture and temperature are two critical factors that must be considered when shipping plant material long distances.

The relative importance of these two conditions varies depending upon the type of plant and the amount of time the plant commodities spend en-route.

If the plants are dormant, optimal temperature is approximately 35º F to 40º F. Non-dormant plants should be kept about 55º F. If plants are exposed to extended temperatures below freezing or above 80º F, they can experience severe injury.

Moisture-control needs are also different depending upon the plants’ dormancy state, shipping method and plant type (Photo 1). If there is a delay in the shipping process, plants could dry out too much, causing terminal injury.

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Shipping costs Another considerable challenge associated with trade and shipping abroad is the cost.

Shipping requires an increase in packaging material, which often becomes a cost that escalates quickly. Transportation rates can also be so high that smaller growers may not be able to afford to export their plants.

In fact, transportation is about 50 percent of agricultural shipping expenses. Although packaging prices are sometimes unavoidable, growers can minimize transportation costs with the help of a little research.

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) suggests that all nursery owners, regardless of size, hire a freightforwarder. A freight-forwarder is a company that specializes in international transportation management. There is less chance of error for the exporter because the forwarder schedules the voyage, completes documentation and prepares the stock for shipment. Even though this may seem like an extra expense, it can free up the exporter’s time, which is often better spent elsewhere.

The USDA-AMS also recommends that smaller exporters join a shipping association, which is a group of exporters who package commodities together in order to achieve better rates. In turn, the association is considered a “shipper” according to the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998. Thus, it is unregulated. For a list of shipping associations, visit the USDA website: http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/ Shipping/index.htm.

Pest problems Another problem that arises through importation of plants from foreign countries is a risk of introducing non-native arthropod pest and disease species, as well as invasive plant materials. Many plants that cause little to no problem in their native country have taken over when introduced into a new environment in the absence of natural checks and balances.

Because no grower wants to become known for importing plum pox, a new fire ant species or a virulent leaf spot disease, nursery owners should be very careful when choosing plants to import, and they should closely monitor the health of the plants they receive.

continued

Figure 1: A USDA Export Certificate for plants can help expedite paperwork and processing for materials being sent abroad. (For more information, visit the USDA-APHIS Homepage at www.aphis.usda.gov).

Photo 1: Shipping containers are not recommended for exporting live plant materials, and the volume of containers that arrive in foreign ports means that growers should be certain that all paperwork is in order to speed passage through U.S. and foreign customs inspection. Photo by Larry R. Barber, USDA Forest Service; courtesy of Bugwood.org.

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Marketing Some nursery owners may also run into challenges with overseas’ marketing of their horticultural crop products. While associations, magazines and journals can be good advertising close to home, the internet can be the best avenue for international marketing. A great website, which should be a high initial investment, could pay for itself very quickly. Marketing a new and different product at an international tradeshow may also be helpful, offering growers from around the world an opportunity to meet and exchange both plants and production ideas.

Summary

Figure 2: This USDA-APHIS PPQ stamp announces that plant materials are certified acceptable for all applicable federal and state domestic quarantines. Photo courtesy of W.E. Klingeman, UT.

Although international trade and shipping present many challenges, knowledge, organization and planning can help to overcome these problems. While many nurseries may find that exporting is not profitable or does not fit with their business plan, all nurseries stand to gain from some of the new and exciting plant materials that are being imported. C

Holly Lyons studied Public Horticulture while studying with the Plant Sciences Department at The University of Tennessee.

After graduating in May 2007, Holly accepted a position with the University of Florida Extension Service.

She also got married. Today, Holly Mixon is a horticultural extension agent working with the Florida Master Gardeners Program in Indian River County.

Websites of Interest Agricultural Marketing Service.

USDA. USDA Directory of Shipper’s Associations for Agricultural Shippers: http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/ Shipping/index.htm USDA-APHIS Homepage: www.aphis.usda.gov.

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l aw n b a s i c s

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arlier in our three-part series on turfgrass nutrition, we introduced 16 essential plant elements and described the function of macronutrients and micronutrients in turfgrass systems, the consequences of too little of (or unavailable) plant nutrients and common commercial sources of plant nutrients.

In this issue of Tennessee GreenTimes, we discuss strategies for integrating turfgrass nutrition into a Best Management Plan for Tennessee’s managed turf. We detail the value of soil testing and turf-tissue testing, and we discuss how several turfgrass types and environmental factors can influence turf and landscape management decisions.

Considerations when developing a fertilization plan Soil-test and tissue-test results Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are relatively immobile nutrients, moving downward very, very slowly in most native soils. The amounts of these two primary macronutrients available for uptake by turfgrasses can be determined by soil testing. If soil-test results indicate low levels of P and K, these nutrients can be applied to turfs at rates greater than the turfgrass requirement for each. This will result in increased amounts of P and K in the soil.

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Technology is also available in many soil-testing laboratories to determine the amounts of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S), as well as micronutrients such as boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) in the soil. These tests are especially beneficial when managing turfgrasses in soils with a limited nutrient-holding capacity (such as those containing large amounts of sand) or soils that have a relatively high leaching potential.

Dry clippings may also be submitted for nutrient analysis.

Such a tissue test serves as a snapshot of the nutrient content of the turfgrass at the time the sample was taken.

In addition to reporting the test results, both soil- and tissuetest reports usually contain specific fertilizer recommendations.

Soil texture Heavy, fine-textured soils containing large amounts of clay usually hold more nutrients and water than lighter, sandy soils. Therefore, clay soils may need lighter (or less frequent) applications of fertilizers than sandy soils.

Turfgrass species and variety Nitrogen fertility requirements vary among the turfgrasses.

Many varieties of bermudagrass and Kentucky bluegrass require a higher level of nitrogen (N) fertility to maintain

continued

optimum growth and stand density, compared to fine fescues (chewings, hard, sheep and strong creeping) or centipedegrass (Table 1, page 22).

Turfgrasses that are low in N are usually weak and thin, while those receiving excessive amounts of N are often diseased, weedy and prone to insect attack.

Turfgrasses requiring relatively high levels of N often have a higher requirement for P than those requiring less N. Both quick- and slow-release N fertilizers are available, but note that these will function in different ways (Table 2, page 23).

Climatic conditions Fescues, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass grow best during cool, moist weather. In the summer, high temperatures and severe drought often stress these coolseason turfgrasses.

Warm weather favors the growth of bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass. These species are often damaged by cold temperature while dormant.

A successful fertilization program is one that delivers an appropriate level of nutrition to support plant growth during favorable climatic conditions and to sustain turfgrasses exposed to environmental stresses.

Nitrogen-containing fertilizers should be applied to coolseason turfgrasses during late summer, fall, late winter and early spring (e.g., September, October, November, March and April). Avoid applications of N in May, June, July and August when cool-season turfgrasses are experiencing heat and drought stresses and are prone to disease.

Fertilize warm-season turfgrasses during spring, summer and early fall (e.g., from late April through early September), when weather favors plant growth. Applying N to warmseason turfgrasses too late in the fall and too early in the spring promotes the growth of annual bluegrass and winter annual broadleaf weeds like chickweed, henbit and purple deadnettle.

Photo 1. Sulfur-Coated Urea. The release of nitrogen from sulfur-coated urea granules depends on soil moisture, temperature and the thickness of the coating.

Photo 2. Polymer-Coated Urea. The rate of nitrogen release from polymer-coated urea granules is influenced by soil temperature and moisture level.

Turf-quality expectation The desired level of turfgrass quality influences the amount of fertilizer applied annually. Fertilization affects both the visual quality and function of a turf. Aerial shoot density, color, smoothness and uniformity of turf often increase with increasing soil fertility (provided that nutrients are applied at appropriate rates and do not reach excessively high levels in the soil). Inadequate or excessive fertility can limit the ability of a turfgrass to recover from damage caused by disease, insects and traffic.

Fertilization also influences the rate of thatch accumulation in turfgrasses. This layer of un-decomposed and partially decomposed organic residues enables the turf to absorb shock, a very important attribute of sports and recreational turfs. However, turfs with more than 1/2" of thatch may be weak, poorly rooted and easily injured by high temperatures and drought.

Photo 3. Ureaformaldehyde. Nitrogen release from ureaformaldehyde granules is dependent on soil moisture, temperature and the activity of soil microorganisms.

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Table 1. Nitrogen Fertility Requirement of Several Turfgrasses.

Turfgrass

Relative N Fertility Requirement

Amount of Nitrogen Required (lbs. N per 1,000 square feet per growing month)

Annual ryegrass

Medium

2/5 to 1 lb.

Bermudagrass

High

1/2 to 1-1/2 lb.

Centipedegrass

Very low

1/10 to 4/10 lb.

Chewings fescue

Low

1/5 to 3/5 lb.

Creeping bentgrass

High

1/2 to 1-1/2 lb.

Creeping red fescue

Low

1/5 to 3/5 lb.

Kentucky bluegrass

High

1/2 to 1-1/2 lb.

Perennial ryegrass

Medium

2/5 to 1 lb.

Tall fescue

Medium

2/5 to 1 lb.

Zoysiagrass

Medium

2/5 to 1 lb.

Fertilizer-herbicide combinations Some herbicides are mixed with extendedrelease fertilizers to provide essential mineral nutrients while controlling weeds.

Combination products containing a postemergence herbicide or herbicides and a fertilizer with a low foliar-burn potential are often referred to as “weed-and-feed” formulations. Many weed-and-feed products work best when applied while dew is present so that the herbicide moves from the fertilizer granules onto the leaves of weeds before the granules move through thatch and into contact with the soil.

Some crabgrass “preventors” are also sold in combination with granular fertilizers. Benefin (e.g., Balan®), bensulide (Betasan®), dithiopyr (Dimension®), pendimethalin (Pendulum®) and prodiamine (Barricade®) are examples of pre-emergence herbicides that are often marketed in combination with granular fertilizers.

Product size guide number and uniformity index Fertilizer manufacturers and distributors in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico recognize the need for fertilizerproduct quality control. Most offer fertilizers in a variety of particle sizes (e.g., “greens-type,” “fairway- or lawntype” and “utility-type”). The Canadian Fertilizer Institute and the American Plant Food Control Officials (APFCO) recommend two measures to describe the average particle size and the distribution of particle sizes in fertilizer blending materials.

The first measure — the size guide number (SGN) — is the calculated diameter of the “average particle,” expressed in millimeters to the second decimal and multiplied by 100. The average particle represents that particle size (millimeters) that divides the total amount (mass) of all particles into two equal halves. One half has all larger particles than average, while the other half has all particles smaller than the average particle size.

Size guide numbers often range from 80 (0.8 mm in diameter) to 240 (2.4 mm in diameter) or more. A product with a

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SGN of 80 is usually manufactured with Table 2. A Comparison of Quick- and Slow-Release Nitrogen Sources. golf greens in mind, while a product with a SGN from 150 to 215 may be sold for Characteristic Quick-Release Nitrogen Slow-Release Nitrogen use on turfs maintained at a high level of intensity and at a cutting height from 3/4" to 1-1/2". Products with a SGN of 240 or more may be appropriate when Application frequency Frequently, at low rate Infrequently, at higher rate fertilizing turfs maintained at a cutting height of 2" or more.

The second measure — the uniformity Cost per pound of N Low Moderate index (UI) — estimates the ratio of small particles to large particles in the fertilizer product. To determine the UI of a product, Danger of foliar burn High to very high Low multiply by 100 the ratio of the two extreme sizes in the range of particles retained by screening at the 95% level Leaching potential Moderate Low versus that retained after screening at the 10% level. A box of BBs of equal size would have a UI of 100. A UI of 50 Residual N Low High means that the smallest particle is onehalf the size of the largest particle, while a UI of 33 means that the smallest particle Turfgrass response time Quick Slow is one-third the size of the largest particle.

In addition to comparing the analyses and types of nitrogen in two or more fertilizers, by knowing the SGN and UI of each, turfgrass managers can compare products based on their physical characteristics.

Budget Finally, product cost usually influences which fertilizer the turf manager purchases, the fertilization schedule and the application rate. Extended-release fertilizer N sources — such as methylene urea, polymer-coated urea (Photo 1), sulfurcoated urea (Photo 2), polymer-coated + sulfur-coated urea and ureaformaldehyde (Photo 3) — are generally more expensive per pound of N compared to highly water-soluble N sources such as urea and ammonium sulfate. However, due to the greater potential to burn turfgrass foliage, quick-release N sources must be applied at much lower rates more frequently compared to extended-release sources.

By knowing the seasonal fertility requirement of turfgrasses, the nutrient levels in the soil and plant tissue, and the particle size, uniformity and cost of individual fertilizers, turfgrass managers can choose products that will perform very well within budget. C

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b u s i n e s s m at t e r s

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continued

Items Qualifying for Exemption (Items qualifying for exemption are in T.C.A. § 67-6-207) The following items are exempt from sales and use tax ONLY when sold and billed to persons that have received the Agricultural Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption and present to the seller the exemption certificate or card that contains the new exemption number.

• Machinery, equipment or appliances used directly and principally for producing agricultural and nursery products for sale and consumption off the premises.

This does not include automobiles, trucks, household appliances or property that becomes real property when erected or installed. Note that the machinery, equipment or appliance no longer has to cost more than $250 to be exempt farm machinery or equipment.

• Hay wagons, silage wagons, trailers used directly and principally in producing agricultural and nursery products for sale and consumption off the premises.

Trucks, flat-bed trailers, and semi-trailers that are used to transport farm products over the road to market, to transport machinery over the road between farms or to pick up and carry supplies over the road to the farm do not qualify as farm machinery equipment and cannot be purchased without the payment of tax.

• Sales of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for use directly and principally in the production of agricultural or nursery products for sale and consumption off the premises.

Sellers are no longer required to collect tax on the sale of ATVs and refund the tax to the purchaser upon approval by the department. Sales of ATVs to persons presenting the new exemption certificate or card are exempt from tax.

• Equipment used exclusively for harvesting timber.

• Trailers used to transport livestock.

• Self-propelled fertilizer or chemical-application equipment used to spread fertilizer or chemicals to aid in production of food or fiber for human or animal consumption.

• Tender beds & spreader beds, even if mounted on a truck.

• Grain bins and attachments.

• Aircraft designed and used for crop dusting.

• Systems for poultry environment control, feeding and watering poultry and conveying eggs.

• Replacement parts or repair labor for repair of machinery, equipment and appliances qualifying for this exemption.

• Gasoline and diesel fuel used for agricultural purposes as defined in Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-6-102.

Note that the sale of dyed diesel fuel used in logging equipment that is used in cutting and harvesting trees is no longer subject to sales tax when purchased by a person presenting the new exemption certificate or card.

• Electricity, natural gas and liquefied gas, including propane and butane, used directly in producing food or fiber for human or animal consumption or aid in growing horticultural product for sale. Note that the 1.5% state sales tax is repealed. These purchases are completely exempt when purchased by a person presenting the new exemption certificate or card.

• Coal, wood, wood products or wood by-products or fuel oil, which is used as energy fuel in the production of food or fiber for human or animal consumption or in production of nursery or greenhouse crops. Note that the 1.5% state sales tax is repealed. These purchases are completely exempt when purchased by a person presenting the new exemption certificate or card.

• Seeds, seedlings and plants grown from seed and liners (cuttings) to produce food or fiber, including tobacco, for human or animal consumption.

• Fertilizer to be used to aid in the growth and development of seeds, seedlings or plants.

• Pesticides that are sold for the purpose of aiding in the production of food or fiber, including tobacco, for human or animal consumption.

• Containers for farm products and plastic or canvas used in the care and raising of plants, seeds or seedlings, and plastic or canvas used in covering feed bins, silos and other similar storage structures.

• Livestock and poultry feeds, drugs used for livestock

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continued

“Agricultural Purposes” Defined “Agricultural purposes” means operating tractors or other farm equipment used exclusively, whether for hire or not, in plowing, planting, harvesting, raising or processing of farm products at a farm, nursery or greenhouse; or operating farm irrigation systems; or operating motor vehicles or other logging equipment used exclusively, whether for hire or not, in cutting and harvesting trees; when such vehicles or equipment are not operated upon the public highways of this state.

and instruments used for the administration of such drugs.

• Any natural or artificial substance used in the reproduction of livestock.

• Adjuvants and surfactants solutions sold exclusively for the purpose of mixture with insecticides, pesticides, fungicides or herbicides or for use as a soil conditioner when used to aid in the growth and development of food or fiber, including tobacco, for human or animal consumption.

• Agri-sawdust.

Tax Responsibility Sellers may make tax-exempt sales of the items listed when the purchaser presents to the

seller the exemption certificate or card that contains the new exemption number.

• Farmers, timber harvesters and nursery operators are liable for the sales tax, penalty and interest on purchases made free of tax if: 1) The machinery and equipment, including any repair or replacement parts, are not used directly and principally in producing agricultural or horticultural products for sale and consumption off the premises, or 2) The supplies are not used to produce food or fiber for human or animal consumption, or 3) He or she allows other persons to use his or her exemption certificate or number to make tax-exempt purchases.

• Sellers are liable for the sales tax, penalty and interest on sales made free of tax if: 1) The seller does not maintain a copy of the new exemption certificate or card, which must include the exemption number issued by the department in their records, or 2) The invoice or bill does not contain the name and address of the qualified farmer, timber harvester or nursery operator presenting the exemption certificate or number, or 3) The invoice or bill does not contain a description of the products purchased by the farmer, timber harvester or nursery operator.

Applications for Exemption Certificates The application for the new exemption certificate is available on the department’s website at www.Tennessee.gov/revenue.

Sellers are encouraged to download and have application forms and this notice available for purchasers who have not received or made an application for the Tennessee Agricultural Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate.

For more tax information, call toll free at 800-342-1003. Nashville area and outof-state, call 615-253-0600. Or email: TN.Revenue@state.tn.us. C

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i n d u s t ry n ews

USCIS Update Form I-9 Revision Eliminates Certain Documents for Employment Verification

U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that a revised Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) is now available for use.

All employers are required to complete a Form I-9 for each employee hired in the United States.

The revision seeks to achieve full compliance with the document-reduction requirements of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA), which reduced the number of documents employers may accept from newly hired employees during the employment eligibility verification process. The revised Form I-9 is a further step in USCIS’ ongoing work toward reducing the number of documents used to confirm identity and work eligibility.

Key to the revision is the removal of five documents for proof of both identity and employment eligibility. They include: Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N570); Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570); Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-151); the unexpired Reentry Permit (Form I-327); and the unexpired Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571). The forms were removed because they lack features to help deter counterfeiting, tampering and fraud.

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Additionally, the most recent version of the Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) was added to List A of the List of Acceptable Documents on the revised form. The revised list now includes: a U.S. passport (unexpired or expired); a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551); an unexpired foreign passport with a temporary I-551 stamp; an unexpired Employment Authorization Document that contains a photograph (Form I-766, I-688, I-688A or I-688B); and an unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94) for non-immigrant aliens authorized to work for a specific employer.

Employers are encouraged to start using the revised Form I-9 immediately. The form will become effective once the notice is published in the Federal Register. Both the revised form and the “Handbook for Employers, Instructions for Completing the Form I-9” are available online at www.uscis.gov.

To order forms, call USCIS toll-free at 800-870-3676.

For forms and information on immigration laws, regulations and procedures, call the National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283. Both Form I-9 and the Employer Handbook are available as downloadable PDFs at www.uscis.gov. C

new members

Welcome, TNLA New Members!

ACTIVE MEMBERS 3-M Services Donald E. Minor 148 Lockmiller Road Winchester, TN 37398

International Truck & Engine Corp. (reinstated) John Hamby 163 Industrial Blvd.

Lavergne, TN 37086

Brockman’s Landscaping Company, LLC Jason Brockman 8250 Central Pike Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Natural Resources Recovery of TN, LLC Jeannie Young 8707 Joe Daniels Road Knoxville, TN 37931

ColorBurst Landscapes (reinstated) Brian Edwards P.O. Box 1783 Brentwood, TN 37024 Day Three Landscaping Don Evans 8915 Three Points Road Mascot, TN 37806

Tennessee One–Call System Kathy Quartermaine 1850 Elm Hill Pike Nashville, TN 37210

AFFILIATE MEMBERS Stacey Barnett Byington-Solway Career & Technical Education Center 2700 Byington-Solway Road Knoxville, TN 37921 Brian Dias State of Tennessee 2200 Charlotte Avenue Nashville, TN 37243 Patricia Graham Yeargan 2176 Blythe Ferry Road Dayton, TN 37321

Good Hope Gardens & Landscapes James F. Cowden 5237 Hwy. 126 Blountville, TN 37617 Nature’s Accents, Inc. Mary Wigginton P.O. Box 487 Powell, TN 37849 Slatton’s Nursery (reinstated) Charles Slatton P.O. Box 436 Gruetli-Laager, TN 37339 Southern Land Company (reinstated) Carol Wintzinger 501 Corporate Centre Dr., Suite 600 Franklin, TN 37067 WynneCrest, LLC Nick Winn 307 Canton Stone Dr. Franklin, TN 37067

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies Jason Folsom 7141 Old Rutledge Pike Knoxville, TN 37924

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calendar of events

June 9

JULY 20–26

OCTOBER 3–4

TNLA/HRI Golf Tournament Forrest Crossing Golf Course Franklin, TN Contact: 931-473-3951 Fax: 931-473-5883 Email: mail@tnla.com www.tnla.com

Perennial Plant Symposium & Tradeshow Philadelphia, PA Contact: 614-771-8431 www.perennialplant.org ppa@perennial.org

MTNA TRADE SHOW McMinnville Civic Center McMinnville, TN Contact: 931-507-7322 Fax: 931-507-9601 E-mail: MTNA@blomand.net www.MTNA.com

June 10

Penn-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show Atlantic City Convention Center www.pnla.com

Tennessee Green Industry Field Day Williamson County Ag Expo Center Franklin, TN Contact: 931-473-3951 Fax: 931-473-5883 Email: mail@tnla.com www.tnla.com

JUNE 18–21 Southeast Greenhouse Conference Carolina First Center Greenville, SC Contact: 614-487-1117 www.sgcts.org

classified

American Wholesale Co. USED WALK-IN-COOLER-FREEZER BOXES REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS-EQUIPMENT. Large Inventory, All Sizes Buy • Sell – Nationwide Wholesale Prices Phone: 216-426-8882 • Fax: 216-426-8883 www.awrco.com

JULY 29–31

AUGUST 6–10 2008 SNA Forum & Tradeshow Atlanta, GA Contact: 770-953-3311 www.sna.org

AUGUST 16–18

January 13-14, 2009 Mid-States Horticultural Expo (a partnership of TNLA and KNLA) Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville, KY Contact: 931-473-3951 Fax: 931-473-5883 Email: louree@tnla.com www.mshe.org

NCAN Summer Green Show (North Carolina Assn. of Nurserymen) Greensboro, NC Contact: 919-816-9119

classified

Hayes Nursery Enterprises 1474 Old Well Road Morrison, Tennessee 37357 Trudie or James Hayes, 931-939-7945 Liners to Landscape.

classified

Vans Pines Nursery, Inc. West Olive, MI

Now shipping Spring Plants! Conifer Jiffy Plug Liners – Conifer Plug Plus Transplants Deciduous Seedlings – Planting Aids Free Catalog call 1-800-888-7337 or Check us out at www.vanspinenursery.com

index of advertisers American Wholesale Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 www.awrco.com Armstrong Garden Centers of California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 www.armstronggarden.com Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 www.barkybeaver.com Boshancee Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 www.boshanceensy.com Braun Horticulture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.braungroup.com BWI Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 27 www.bwicompanies.com Carolina Nurseries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover www.carolinanurseries.com Central Landscape Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 www.centrallandscape.com Corbin’s Bailed Pine Straw, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Crimson Dale Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 www.crimsondalenursery.com D & D Agri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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Ewing Irrigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover www.ewing1.com Fiberweb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 www.typarlandscape.com Florida Pine Straw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.floridapinestraw.com Forrest Nursery Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Forrest Keeling Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.fknursery.com Freedom Tree Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 www.freedomtreefarms.com Hayes Nursery Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Heather Farms Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 www.heatherfarmsnursery.com John Deere Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 www.johndeerelandscapes.com Larry A. Gribble Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Louisiana Forest Seed Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 www.midtennturf.com

Sherman Nursery Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 www.shermannursery.com Summitville Crop Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Surface Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 www.surfacenursery.com Swafford Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 www.swaffordnursery.com Swihart Sales Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 www.swihart-sales.com Syngenta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com Tree Equipment Design, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 www.treeequip.com Turf Mountain Sod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.turfmountain.com Vans Pines Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Walker Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Wellmaster Carts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover www.wellmaster.ca