Tennessee Turfgrass - June / July 2005 by leadingedgepubs

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association

WE SPECIALIZE IN: • GOLF COURSES • SPORTS FIELDS • RESIDENTIAL SPRAYING • TURF INDUSTRY • POND AND LAKE TREATMENT

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The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS J une/ july 2 0 0 5

FEATURED ARTICLES

10 16 26

Growing the Green at Greer Stadium

Applied Research – Control of Sedges in Turfgrass, with Lots of Options

Memphis-Area Greens Baseline Study, Part II The Results Turf Talk – Keeping Those Above and Around You Educated and Informed

DEPARTMENTS

Greer Stadium

From the President, Jeff Case

A Message from TVSTMA, Chris Pearl

Green Gatherings, TVSTMA Summer Event

Ernest Hardison Scholarship Application

Calendar of Events

Index of Advertisers

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005

Part 2

Baseline Study

Applied Research

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

JEFF CASE

How We Handle Chemicals Impacts Public Perception Most of us use chemicals at one point or another. It would be hard to be in the business of producing better turfgrass without using chemicals to some degree. There are probably over one million acres of managed turfgrass in Tennessee. That’s potentially a lot of herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and other possible pesticides. We have an enormous responsibility to manage these turf areas carefully, including the wise use of pesticides. In the past, most of this responsibility dealt with the effects we had on the

environment. While that remains important, economics is now playing a bigger role than it once did. It is difficult to spend the amount of money we would really like to on every acre of turf. So, we are left with prioritizing to get more “bang for the buck.” The EPA and related lobbying groups have really been working hard to minimize the use of pesticides. I am certainly not judging them for what they do. As a matter of fact, we have all probably benefited from some of their past efforts.

However, they are partially fueled by public perception, and this can be influenced by what we do. We should be diligent about what pesticides we use, what rates we use, using properly calibrated equipment and, of course, following label instructions. Is your certification or license up to date? Classes that we take to keep our certification/license current help us to be better turf managers; after all, that’s why it’s mandatory! Encourage employees, when appropriate, to go through the process of certification. A more knowledgeable employee is always a plus, even if he or she rarely uses the chemicals. If you have ever had an inspection by someone from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, you know the importance of proper chemical storage. These people, who represent the EPA, are reasonable and easy to work with, but it is a good idea to be in compliance before they show up to inspect your facility. Incidentally, they may ask to see your chemical records, as well. It’s a good idea to have these records organized and easily accessible. We should do everything in our power to maintain the perception that we are good stewards of the environment, in particular where our own facilities are concerned. Working to remain in compliance might prove to be an easier, more cost-effective way to create the right perception.

Jeff Case TTA President T

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005

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The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association

Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 591-8286 tnturfgrassassn@aol.com Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC P.O. Box 680142 Franklin, Tennessee 37068-0142 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editors Mr. Bill Blackburn Mr. Derek Oglesby Mr. Lynn Ray Mr. Jeff Rumph TTA OFFICERS President Mr. Jeff Case Quail Ridge Golf Course (901) 388-9114 Vice President Mr. Bill Francis The Ridges Golf & Country Club (423) 913-2276 Secretary/Treasurer Mr.â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Bob Hogan The Hogan Company (888) 224-6426 Past President Dan Stump (901) 325-8320 Executive Secretary Jim Uden (615) 591-8286 TTA 2005 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Cory Blair Mr. Bart Cash Mrs. Monica Lalinde-Cooper Mr. Brad Erickson Mr. Roger Frazier Mr. Bill Marbet Mr. Mickey Lovett Mr. Derek Oglesby Mr. Mitch Parker Mr. Bobby Stringer Mr. Frank Turner Mr. Scott Wicker TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mr. Bill Blackburn Mr. Jeff Rumph Mr. Lynn Ray Dr. Tom Samples Dr. Dennis Shepard Dr. John Sorochan

A MESSAGE FROM TVSTMA

you read this issue, I wholeheartedly recommend that you pause, look around and literally “smell the roses,” as it’s truly summer in the Tennessee Valley. Take a moment from your crazed pace and enjoy the experience. Now, back to work. I hope everyone was able to attend the TVSTMA event held at Vanderbilt University on April 21st. Bill Randels was a more than gracious host, basically allowing us free run of his athletic fields. Bill showed us his challenges with multiple sports on a variety of turf species. The TVSTMA appreciates the vendors for their efforts and support in spreading the word of what this organization can do for you. There is no excuse for not getting answers to some of those questions you have — take advantage of the 2005 Resource Guide and TTA/TVSTMA membership roster that you recently received. This is the most valuable publication that comes out all year. Take a rain-soaked day and call some colleagues. Hopefully, your discussions will pertain to what a great year it’s been so far. Our summer turf day — July 21, 2005 — scheduled at the University 8

of Tennessee–Knoxville is fast approaching. Make plans to attend. Bayer Environmental Science is sponsoring a field day to help us understand transition management with the use of herbicides. Guest speakers are Bob Campbell, CSFM, director of grounds and maintenance, Univ. of Tenn.; Dr. John Sorochan, assistant professor of turfgrass science, Univ. of Tenn.; Dr. Scott McElroy, assistant professor, Univ. of Tenn.; Dr. Grady Miller, associate professor of turfgrass science, Univ. of Florida; and Dr. Don Meyers, product

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005

development manager with Bayer Environmental Science. Lunch will be offered with a TVSTMA meeting following. In closing, I hope you have a great summer, and I urge you to spread the word about the value of being a member of the TVSTMA and TTA — these organizations exist to serve you and the industry.

Chris Pearl President, TVSTMA T

SPRIGGING SERVICE ALSO AVAILABLE Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

The Tennessee Turfgrass 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 Turfgrass Magazine, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright ©2005 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Tennessee Turfgrass Association, 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Franklin, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Turfgrass allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Turfgrass 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, P.O. Box 680142, Franklin, TN 37068-0142, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

GREEN GATHERINGS July 21, 2005 Revolver Sports Turf Demo/ TVSTMA Chapter Field Day Join the TVSTMA on July 21 at the University of Tennessee football stadium in Knoxville to see Revolver herbicide at work for transition management on the football stadium turf. Also, you’ll hear presentations by: • Bob Campbell, CSFM, Director of Grounds and Maintenance, University of Tennessee • Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Turfgrass Weed Scientist and Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee • Grady Miller, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, University of Florida • John Sorochan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science, University of Tennessee • Don Myers, Ph.D., Product Development Manager/Herbicides, Bayer Environmental Science

Lunch will be served!

Sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science, the event will also include lunch. For more information, please contact Debbie Clayton at 215-790-4390.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005

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Hershel Greer Stadium is the home of the Nashville Sounds,

the AAA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Greer was opened in the spring of 1978, with a seating capacity of 10,140. The field dimensions are LF 327’, CF 400’ and RF 327’. The field is native soil with a few small layers of sand making up the profile. The turf is 419 bermudagrass and is overseeded with rye, October through June. Drainage is a huge issue. Our only rainouts have been due to the condition of the outfield grass. If we have more than 1/2” of rain, it tends to stand in areas. The skinned area infield “dirt” is 45% clay, 45% sand and 10% silt, at a depth of 6”. The mounds and plate areas are a 85% clay mix. We use calcined clay on all dirt areas. The warning track is a red crushedshale stone.

moisture stress. Thus, cultivation to reduce compaction can alleviate disease pressure. Some thatch is wanted on sports fields because it forms a cushion, which decreases turf wear. Thatch also insulates the soil from high and low temperatures, and it retains water at the soil surface. However, thatch becomes an opponent when it exceeds 1/2”. At that point, it begins to restrict water and air movement into the soil, making turf roots stay shallow, consequently increasing moisture stress. Thatch management is critical for disease management. Managing soil fertility is also required to maintain a healthy stand of turf. Applying the right nutrients in the needed intervals can reduce disease problems.

Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan are slated for a tour stop at Greer

By Chris Pearl, TVSTMA President and Sports Turf Manager at Hershel Greer Stadium

Disease management Even though there are more than 70 diseases reported to attack turf-grasses, fewer than six typically cause problems on sports fields. Bermudagrass is the main warm-season turfgrass used for sports fields, and it is relatively resistant to most disease organisms. Healthy turf is the first step in managing potential disease problems. Water management is probably the most common cultural practice that can affect disease problems. Most of the time, it is not excess water that causes problems on sports fields but the lack of water. When grass growth slows from stress, there is still sufficient moisture from dew to allow disease to work on the weakened turf. Water management is also related to soil conditions. Hard, compacted soils reduce turf rooting and increase

Challenges at Greer Greer field is equipped with an in-ground irrigation system with eleven heads in the outfield, eight heads on the sidelines and one head for the infield. The watering system is inadequate, to say the least. We spend a lot of time pulling hose and watering areas that the system cannot reach. In addition to the Nashville Sounds’ 72-game schedule, Greer Stadium hosts Belmont University’s 30 home games and roughly 30 practices. We also have 12 high school games, the Jeff Fisher softball game, City of Hope softball game, a legislative softball game, two day-long camps and a weeklong camp. Ninety percent of those occur before the pros arrive in April. Also this year, Willie Nelson and Bob Dillon are slated for a tour stop at Greer. As if that weren’t enough, kids also run the bases after every Sounds home game. We also have three to four “Scout

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

Growing the Green Nights,” when local scouts come and camp out in the outfield. I know that it takes less than 250 tents to completely cover the outfield. This is a great event for the kids but a big headache for me. My first year here, we had a group of parents set up a grill in center field. I went out and had a s’mores with them, and then I politely told them to please put out the fire. My biggest challenge is managing the transition from rye back to bermudagrass. We have such a small window in which to spray the rye and get the bermuda going. This year, I am going to try to make two applications starting in mid-May, in order to slow down taking out the rye while pushing the bermudagrass. I have not used the same procedure two years in a row. With all the products available, I am constantly trying new things, hoping to find the one that works the best in my situation. When I do, I’ll let you know. Luckily, my smallest challenge is my crew. John Farmer is my assistant, and we get a college intern each season from May to August. Our typical day begins with checking the moisture of the dirt. We water the dirt three to six times a day, depending on conditions. We nail-drag to get a little fluff on top and screen to level out the surface. We flood the infield dirt to provide a deep base of moisture. We also work the edges where grass meets dirt, to eliminate lips, and we haul out the screens for batting practice and get ready to paint the foul lines. Finally, we mow the outfield in two directions and walk-mow the infield grass. During the game, we drag the dirt in the fifth inning to smooth it out. Once the game is completed, we nail-drag the dirt area again and give it a nice soaking. We also repair mounds and plate areas with new clay, water and cover. 12

the great work ethic of my crew and some cultural smoke and mirrors, Greer would not meet expectations of players or fans.

When the team is away, we try to accomplish all the major tasks. Verti-cutting, aerification, and topdressing are fit into the schedule. I want to get these jobs done as soon as possible, to allow for ample recovery time. Sometimes this causes the field to not be aesthetically pleasing, but as long as playability remains the same (if not better!), then the job has been a success. We try to verti-cut twice per year and aerify and topdress four to six times. Days run into nights, and sometimes it seems we’re fighting an uphill battle, but we love what we do. If not for

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005

Fine-tuning We are continually refining our program, trying to move ever closer to perfection. Networking is a wonderful resource. Everyone in this industry is willing to share tips and ideas that can be incorporated to improve your program. If I don’t know something, I want to have the phone number of the guy that does have the answer. The knowledge out there is abundant, and it’s only a phone call away. Having a good list of contacts is one of the most important aspects to a person in this field of work. Knowing who to call in certain situations can save you time, money and face. The best way to improve your contact list is to join your local or national chapter. The TVSTMA and STMA are at the members’ disposal. TVSTMA offers local, hands-on demonstrations and discussions to help you perform your job better. STMA offers that list of contacts on a national level. Sports-turf management is a profession on the rise, and those of us already in the business need to help each other, which in turn helps the whole industry. T

DIXIE TURF & TREE Serving East Tennessee and Surrounding Area Locally Grown Sod Fescue ✤ Bermudas ✤ Zoysia ✤ Bluegrass Pick Up & Delivery Slab or Big Roll Sod Sprigs Also Available Dixie Turf & Tree • 1945 General Carl W. Stiner Hwy. • LaFollette, TN 37766 Phone: 423–562–1643 • Fax: 423–562–1069 • 1–800–633–8873

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

CONTINUED

Greer Stadium Maintenance Program Fertilization (Granular) • 5-10-31 Monthly applications • 34-0-0 Various applications (May–September) • 21-0-0 Various applications (May–September) • 24-6-12 Four applications for cool-season grass Fertilization (Spray) • 0-0-29 Monthly applications • 12-0-0 w/ iron Twice a month • 14-1-0 w/ minors Monthly applications Fungicide • Preventative applications for areas covered by the tarp, beginning in March. • Curative applications only when preventative fails. Mowing • TORO reel triplex; walk-behind greens mower used when time allows. • Height of cut varies from 1” in late fall to early spring, to 1/2” during the bermudagrass growing season. Verticut • As necessary to tighten the bermudagrass turf by cutting runners and controlling grain. • To prepare the seedbed for perennial ryegrass. • To help transition out the ryegrass. Aerification • Solid tines during active play periods. • Hollow tines during slower periods when sufficient recovery time is available. Topdressing • Sand applications at various times throughout the year (four to six applications, ideally done after aerifications). Nail Drags • Self-constructed 6’ X 4’ • Self-constructed 3’ X 3’ Screen Drags • 6’ X 6’ drag used for smoothing With K- RAIN you have all the tools. Our full line of professional irrigation products gives you a single source of everything you’ll infield “dirt.” ever need. Start to Finish you’re covered! Concentrate on making • 2’ X 6’ drags (four) pulled by the most of your business. Leave the rest to us. hand; used for fifth-inning drag. Miscellaneous Make the smart choice – K- RAIN. Then just add water. • Spinning edger, used every three days. 1.800.735.7246 | www.krain.com • One-ton roller used after long © K-Rain Manufacturing Corp. periods of play on “dirt” areas.

JUST ADD WATER.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

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baseline study

By Terry L. Vassey, Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee at Martin; and Steve Davis, Sales Representative, Bayer Crop Science

a e r A s i h p Mem

s n e e Gr - part

n the first part of this series (published in the October/November 2004 issue of this magazine), I introduced a study of golf-course putting-greens management in the Memphis area. The objective of the study is to determine the cultural and managerial parameters that are most important or influential in determining what makes a good golf green, instead of a bad one. The initial project was started by

y d u t S e n i Basel

Steve Davis in 1980 while he was stationed in California. Since the start of the project, he has expanded the area of study and the persons involved. Today,

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005

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the effort has included 250 golf courses, representing seven areas of the country, and is supported by distinguished scientists and turfgrass-industry experts such as Dr. Bob Carrow, Larry Stowell, Andy Milligan, Cal Hill and Jeff Gordon. I feel privileged to have been a

part of this important project. In this article, I will present the results of our study and attempt to draw some conclusions from the data. Mr. Davis presented these same results at the October 2004 meeting of the Memphis Area Golf Course Superintendents Association meeting at Colonial Country Club, one of the study’s participants. A complete list of participants was given in the October/November 2004 issue of Tennessee Turfgrass magazine. I will not attempt to make a single diagnosis for any one club, but instead I will combine all of the data over the entire field (separating bermudagrass courses from bentgrass courses). My hope is to find a common theme or condition that points to what makes a green good or bad. I will, on occasion, point to examples where the condition is unexpected, given the condition of the green, or is the exception to what one would think to be the case. MATERIALS & METHODS In this study, we examined a whole host of parameters grouped into five categories: quality ratings, soil chemical/ nutrient status, soil physical properties, irrigation-water quality and nematode analysis.

Labs of Lincoln, NE. The analysis included soil pH, nutrient levels [P, K, Ca, Mg, micronutrients, iron, base saturation, soil EC (salt) and sodium]. Soil physical properties Each green was tested for ball speed (stemp meter), water infiltration, compaction, and organic matter and matt/thatch thickness. Stimpmeter reading A standard USGA stimpmeter was used in two directions on the flattest part of the green. Each green was sampled the same for each measurement. Water infiltration This measures the flow of water through the soil’s macropores and is a measure of saturated hydraulic conductivity. As the soil becomes compacted and the macropores become closed off, water movement into and down through the soil is slowed. Standard measurements of hydraulic

Quality ratings For each green we examined, a quality rating was made by two of the investigators prior to starting the sampling. A score of 1 to 10 was given on each green, with 1 being the worst and 10 being best. The greens were rated on (a) density, (b) color and (c) agronomic/environmental conditions. Root length was also measured for each green by measuring the break point in a 1” soil core taken from various places on each green. Soil chemical/nutrient status Standard one-pint soil samples collected for chemical analysis were sent to Harris

conductivity are best done in the lab and with fairly undisturbed soil. We, on the other hand, chose to use a crude field technique that we felt gave us

a “relative” scale to compare between each green examined. We tried to keep all observation consistent so that some relative inference could be made. Into each green, a coffee-can tool was placed by pushing the open sharpened edge into the green approximately 1/4 “. The flattest part of the center of the green was chosen for each observation. Two inches of water were then added and allowed to soak into the green. As soon as the water was completely through the surface, another 2” of water was added, and time was started. When the water had penetrated the surface, time was stopped and recorded. The data is presented in inches per hour as an extrapolation of the time recorded. Compaction Compaction was measured using a soil cone penetrometer, which is a rod with a recording meter at the handle and a pressuresensitive cone tip at the other end. The rod is pushed into the soil, with the force required to move the tip through the soil profile, recorded at one-inchinterval depths. This force is the strength of the soil (in MPa or p.s.i) at different depths in the profile. Each green was tested by pushing the penetrometer into the surface at the center of the green. Data is presented as MPa. Organic matter Organic matter (OM) was determined for each green using the loss-on-ignition (LOI-450° C) technique at the UT-Martin Soils Lab. Fifteen to twenty cores, approximately 2” long (minus turf), were taken from

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

baseline study each green and dried. The samples were then ground to provide a uniform sample. One hundred milligrams of material was then placed in a beaker, then into a furnace and burned to remove all organic material. The percent OM was calculated as a difference in the initial sample weight vs. the final sample weight. Matt/thatch layer Matt or thatch was determined by measuring the thickness of the heavy organic layer below the turf. A standard 4” soil-profile probe was used (Figure 2) to collect the profile for measurement. Irrigation-water quality Water was collected from the pump-intake area of the irrigation impoundment at the pump station of each course. Some courses had more than one pump station, and each was tested. The samples were sent to Harris Labs for analysis. The only data presented here is for pH, salts (EC), carbonates/ bicarbonates and the presence of most of the nutrients found in irrigation water. Nematodes Samples were collected from each green sufficient to produce a standard nematode analysis. Samples were sent to Dr. Bill Crow at the University of Florida. The water-extraction method was used, and the species and number were recorded for each sample. Nematodes tested are listed in Table 3 (including thresholds).

Results and Discussion Quality As this study was designed to determine what makes a green either good or bad, we asked each superintendent to select their historically best and worst greens. So, one would expect there to be big differences in visual quality between each green. 18

Using a visual quality rating of 1 (worst) to 10 (best), we attempted to assign a quality rating (QR) for each green tested (Table 1). The mean QR for all greens, whether bermudagrass or bentgrass, was 7.5. For both greens types, the difference in quality was about one quality point. The mean QR for the best bermudagrass greens was 7.8, whereas the mean worst bentgrass greens rating was 6.8. The worst of the worst greens rated a 5 (bentgrass), and the best of the best greens rated an 8.5 (both species). The lowest best was 7 (both species), and the best of the worst greens rated 8.5 (bermuda) and 8 (bentgrass). What this points out is that there is a wide range of perceptions as to what is good or bad. I know many in the industry who would like to say their worst green in July/August rated 8 or 8.5. Some of our participants had a hard time coming up with a “worst” green, as most of their greens were the same. Really, and as testament to the skills of the superintendents involved, there were truly very few greens that were “bad.” Root length As would be expected, the mean bermudagrass root length was almost 2” less for all samples collected than for roots on the bentgrass greens during the same period (1.96” vs. 3.6”, respectively). All of the bermudagrass greens were ultradwarfs, which have been shown to not produce very robust root systems. For this reason, these differences between species are not unexpected. The mean root length for the worst bermudagrass greens was 1.89”, as compared to only 2.03” for the best bermudagrass greens. However, mean root lengths for the worst bentgrass greens were 3.10” compared to 3.98” for the best bentgrass greens. It does not appear that root length was a cause of green quality but was, instead, probably a result of factors producing the quality condition for each green. July and August are trying times for bentgrass, and genetically, the ultradwarf

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005

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bermudagrasses are predisposed to a shallow root system at all times. Soil chemical/nutrient status Table 2 provides data for all soil-chemistry and nutrient profiles for each parameter. From the data, there does not seem to be any one factor that points to why any of these greens were good or bad. Mean soil pH for all samples was 6.0. The lowest pH for any green was 5.22, and the highest was 6.85. Although below the ideal pH of 5.5 for best turfgrass growth, 5.2 is still within an acceptable range, especially since the buffer pH for that green was 8.02. I do not believe the pH of any green was low enough to be a limiting factor. It was interesting to note that the mean best bermudagrass-greens pH was 6.18, and the mean worst pH was 6.12. The mean best bentgrass greens pH was 5.84, and the mean worst pH was 5.98. The significance of this observation was that the pHs were within the pH ranges best suited for each species. Most research has demonstrated that bermudagrass is best grown in a more alkaline environment, whereas bentgrass grows best in a slightly acidic environment. Again, these terms are relative. All of these pHs were well within acceptable ranges for all turfgrasses except centipede. Nutrient status When you consider the entire nutrient parameters studied (Table 2), we could not find any one factor that may account for any of the quality ratings observed. Although most of the nutrients examined were low for all greens, no one nutrient could be singled out as a cause or effect for the condition of any green. Normally, high-sand greens do not possess the chemical properties to support a high concentration of nutrient storage. When you add the fact that most superintendents are spoonfeeding their greens in the summer (even the ultradwarfs), it should not be a surprise that soil-nutrient levels would be low. For instance, the calcium levels were technically low if you consider only the

absolute amount in the soil. However, if you consider calcium as a function of cation-exchange site saturation, no green in our study (except one) had a calcium base-saturation percentage less than 57%. Bob Carrow of the University of Georgia recommends that calcium make up 60% to 80% of the available sites. Therefore, it could be stated that no green had any limitation of calcium. Further examination shows no other base nutrient was limiting in our study. This is not surprising, in that most superintendents are consistent in their treatments to all greens at the same time anything is done. With all things being equal, as is the case with these data, I feel we can say that soil chemistry and nutrition, in our study, could not

account for any of the differences observed in quality.

Soil physical properties Stimpmeter readings Mean stimpmeter reading for all greens tested was 9.0 feet (bermudagrass – 8.5, bentgrass – 9.2). Actually, the lowest reading was observed on the best bermudagrass greens — probably as a function of the excellent density of these healthy bermudagrass greens (8.1). The highest stimpmeter reading was found with the bentgrass greens, either best or worst (9.2). The highest reading observed was

Table 1. Greens quality determinants for the Memphis area baseline project Parameter Quality rating* Root Length (in.)

Mean

Bermuda

Bentgrass

7.0 3.2

Best Worst 7.8 6.7 1.89 2.03

Best Worst 7.8 6.8 3.98 3.10

*Quality rating based on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being poorest and 10 being best

Table 2. A comparison of soil chemical/nutrient status for the Memphis area baseline study Parameter Threshold* Mean Bermuda Bentgrass

pH 5.5- 7.0 Phosphorous (ppm) 29-54 Potassium (ppm) 51-116 Calcium (ppm) >750 Magnesium (ppm) >140 Micros (ppm) Trace Iron (ppm) >10 Sodium (ppm) <67 Base Saturation (%) Calcium 60-80% Potassium 2-7% Magnesium 10-20% Sodium <3% EC** (dS/100g) <1.5

Best Worst 6.0 6.18 6.12 – 34 54 – 34 45 – 196 290 – 33 38 Sufficient levels--No data presented – 85 56 – 7 7

Best Worst 5.84 5.98 11 25 26 29 212 219 39 42

– – – – –

68 5.3 24 2 0.11

*Thresholds as suggested by Dr. Bob Carrow—University of Georgia ? To convert ppm to lbs/A multiply ppm x 2 ** EC – Electrical conductivity as a measure of soil salt content

70 7 21 2.5 0.14

75 6.5 17 1.5 0.13

27 6

26 6 69 5 24 2 0.11

on a best bentgrass (11.2), with the worst green at that course being 9.5. Really, these readings are well within pleasurable speeds for the average golfer, especially given the time of year. Infiltration and compaction As stated earlier, water-infiltration rate can be used to predict soil bulk density. Our goal was to use a very crude technique to say something about the surface compaction for each green. Our data showed that there were no real differences within species for infiltration rate. There was, however, a difference between species. The mean infiltration rate for the worst bermudagrass green was 25” per hour, whereas the rate for the best bermudagrass green was 27.2” per hour. The infiltration rate for the worst bentgrass greens was 24” per hour, whereas it was 19” per hour for the best greens — opposite of what you would expect. The differences between species are somewhat confusing. One would expect a much “tighter” turf in the ultradwarf bermudagrasses at this time of year. The simple movement of water through the tighter surface layer of grass should limit initial movement more so in the bermudagrass. However, this was not the case. Penetrometer readings are illustrated in Figure 1. As soil bulk density (compaction) increases, soil resistance (as measured by a penetrometer) also increases. Our data shows that there was little difference between any green measured. As a matter of fact, the highest measurements were found on the best bermudagrass greens. Based on the infiltration and penetrometer readings, one may infer that compaction was not a factor in the quality conditions for any of the greens tested. This does not mean that some of the isolated high-traffic areas on any of the “bad” greens does not account in part for the overall perception of poor quality. We did not, however, find that the overall appearance of “poor quality” could be tied to compaction.

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baseline study Table 3. Nematode counts for the best and worst bermudagrass and bentgrass greens in the Memphis area. Nematode Threshold Best Worst –––––– No./100 ml water –––––– Sting >10 1 1 Lance 50-150 6 14 Ring* 300-1500 181 213 Spiral** 600-2000 70 50 Stunt >800 29 26 Root Knot >1500 2 1 Stubby Root >50 2 3 Needle 100 0 0 * Four courses (bentgrass worst) had counts >800 ring nematodes/100 ml extraction ** One course had counts >600 spiral nematodes/100 ml extraction

Organic matter and thatch layering Organic matter (OM) has become one of the most important determinants for greens health. Carrow states that organic accumulations of greater than 4%, no matter the climate, are a “red flag” for declining turfgrass health. As a rule, at this point, heavy OM dilution through aggressive aeration and topdressing becomes critical. Based on our data, only one green in this study had an OM concentration above 4% (6.42%). Surprisingly enough, this was found on the oldest greens in Memphis and represented that superintendent’s best green. OM on his worst green was 3.4%. The mean OM accumulation for all greens studies was 2.7%. The best bermudagrass greens showed a mean of 3.7% OM, whereas the worst bermudagrass greens had a mean of 3.0% OM. The data for bentgrass showed that OM accumulation was lower — 2.0% and 1.9% for the best and worst, respectively. Thatch accumulation is the undigested non-living plant material found directly below the turfgrass canopy. Thatch is required as a component of turfgrass resiliency and the ability of the stand to 20

absorb shock and resist traffic damage. However, excess thatch can result in disease and water-management problems. Also, black layer has been attributed in part to the buildup of high thatch layers. As a rule, a 1/4” to 1/2” thatch layer (depending on species) is sufficient to provide the proper buffer against traffic but at the same time avoid thes negatives associated with high levels of thatch. With proper application and timing of most cultivation practices and judicious fertilizer use, thatch can be properly managed to prevent a buildup. In our study, thatch was measured from 4”-wide soil profiles taken from each green (Figure 2). The mean thatch thickness for all greens was 0.59”, well within safe limits. The mean thatch thickness for the best bermudagrass greens was 0.89”, whereas it was 0.71” for the worst bermudagrass greens. The best bentgrass greens had a mean thickness of 0.45”, whereas the worst greens had a mean of only 0.41”. Again, these data do not point to thatch or organic matter accumulation as a possible culprit for either good or poor quality condition for any green. Irrigation water quality Samples were collected from each irrigation pond of each course. The samples were sent to Harris Labs, where they were tested for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved salts, carbonates/bicarbonates and seven

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005

different nutrients. No sample had any parameter that exceeded the desired measure for any characteristic. On average, all impoundments tested in this study had pHs between 6.4 to 8.1 (desired range — 6.5 to 8.4). These are well within the acceptable range provided by Carrow. Based on these results, my only recommendation is that all superintendents monitor their irrigation and sprayformulation water regularly to ensure that it does not become too acidic or alkaline. This is especially critical as it relates mixing plant-protective products, as they can become ineffective at extreme tank-water pHs. Nematodes I often tell my students that, if all else fails when diagnosing turfgrass problems, take soil samples and send them off for a nematode analysis. If nematode populations are beyond threshold levels, they indeed may render green quality below acceptable standards. Therefore, it was important to include this analysis in our study. We were interested in how often nematodes may contribute to the condition of the greens we were studying. We tested for the eight most-damaging nematodes to turfgrass (Table 3). We found that no green had a nematode count greater than the maximum-recommended threshold level. We did, however, find that five courses had ring nematode counts,

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

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root length nurient status soil chemical infiltration compaction organic matter thatch layering irrigation nematodes

baseline study

Figure 1. Penetrometer readings for the best and worst bermudagrass and bentgrass greens in the Memphis area

and one course had spiral nematode counts that were within the threshold range. For instance, one course (worst bentgrass) had a ring nematode count of 958 per 100 ml water, which was on the high end of the threshold (300-1500). However, the green with the high spiral nematode count was only 25 nematodes per 100 ml water above the threshold. This, too, was on their worst bentgrass green. These numbers are within the threshold range for problem conditions and should be an alarm to the respective superintendents. These numbers may be in the range to be responsible for the problem for each of those greens.

Conclusions

As evident from these results, no one thing stands out as to what may cause a green to have poor quality (except the nematode counts of the small number of greens tested). My personal observations lead me to believe that poor greens conditions in our study are most likely a product of many little things. When added up in these very sensitive biological systems, a domino effect occurs, resulting in inferior growing conditions. Any added environmental shortcoming would be expected to cause further deterioration. Greens management is one of the most difficult agricultural endeavors known — probably second only to growing orchids. It is not surprising, then, to expect the accumulation of little things to cause significant failures in otherwise well-managed 22

Figure 2. Soil profile of a typical green in the Memphis area baseline study

greens. The original goal of this study was to find some of the answers to questions of why good greens go bad. Well, I am not sure we have. We all learned in school and in the field that if we just do the right things, every thing should work out. Obviously, it’s more complicated than that. Sometimes the condition of any green is a function of so many little things that it would be difficult to pin any one cause to the problem. It will always be easy to pick out the obvious problems, such as excess shade, poor drainage, inferior turfgrass selection and mismanaged chemical and fertilizer choices and applications. Except for one green in our study, this was not the case. One green we tested did have a shade problem — and to all outward appearances, shade was the main problem for that superintendent. He knew this was the problem and was aware of how to reverse his fate. As the trees were on someone

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else’s property, however, he is not able to clear a path for good morning sun, not unlike the situation for many courses. In closing, I guess what this points out is that you can do all the right things and still not achieve the kind of quality you seek. These greens did not suffer greatly from lack of any of the parameter we studied. There was just something not quite right, and the greens were responding negatively. In the third part of this series, I hope to get opinions from each of the participating superintendents and their assistants as to what this study has shown them. I want to ask them what they think is going on. After all, they live with these surfaces every day — they know them better than anyone. Finally, I want to again thank everyone involved in this project for their time and effort in making this study a success. We still have a long way to go in getting a handle on what appears to be somewhat of a mystery, but hopefully we are a little wiser for the effort. T

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NEWS FROM TTA

TTA

Jeff Plotts, TTA Member, Recognized for Environmental Stewardship Efforts

Jeff Plotts, golf course superintendent at TPC at Southwind in Memphis, was named a merit winner of the 2004 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America/ Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards. Plotts was formally recognized February 11 during the General Session of the GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show, held February 7-12 in Orlando, FL. The Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards recognize golf course superintendents and their courses for overall course-management excellence in the areas of resource conservation, waterquality management, integrated pest management, wildlife/habitat management and education/outreach. In addition, these categories are judged on sustainability, criticality, originality and technology implementation/use. An independent panel of judges representing national environmental groups, turfgrass experts, university researchers and members of the golf community conducted the award selection. “These environmental leaders are prime examples of why golf courses are valuable assets to a community,” said GCSAA President Mark J. Woodward, CGCS. “I congratulate these golf course superintendents and facilities for their commitment to environmental stewardship and contributions to enhancing the enjoyment of the golf experience.”

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TURF TALK

Eye on Business

Keeping Those Above and Around You Educated and Informed By Charlie Fultz, Golf Course Superintendent, The Shenvalee Golf Resort, New Market, Virginia

Editor’s Note: This article is a written version of a presentation that the author delivered on Friday, February 11, 2005, at the Innovative Superintendents Session at the Golf Industry Show in Orlando, FL. While these ideas were presented specifically for golf course superintendents, the basic concepts will work equally well for other turf managers, such as sports-turf and parks/recreation managers.

How many times have you heard that communication is the key to success? In our industry, that adage holds especially true. As golf course superintendents, however, we often find that the hardest part of our job is keeping those above us (owner, general manager, greens committee, etc.) and those around us (the golfers and/or club members) in tune with what we’re trying to achieve. A USGA agronomist once told me that if growing grass was the only job superintendents had, then our jobs wouldn’t be that difficult because all of us can grow grass. However, many of us struggle with the other 90 percent of the job, most of which involves the use of communication skills to survive and prosper. Our ability to effectively communicate to the people who make or break our jobs is the key to our success. Those above us 26

Some of the scariest things we should never hear a supervisor say are, “I didn’t know you were doing that,” or “Wow, I didn’t know it cost that much!” or “Did you talk to me before you decided to do that?” Yikes! If you’re a consistently good communicator, you’ll never hear those types of comments. However, to effectively communicate to our higherups, it’s necessary to first understand some common truisms about them: • Their time is limited. If your supervisors are the GM and/or club owners, they have a tremendous amount of other responsibilities and demands on their time. I’m sure they wear many hats we don’t even realize that they wear. • Yours is not the only voice asking to be heard. With so many different amenities offered at golf facilities today (pro shop, restaurant, pool, hotel, etc.), how can GMs or owners possibly remember everything we tell them? Sometimes, 10 minutes of their time for us results in 30 seconds of retention. It’s nothing against our supervisors; it’s simply the way they often must prioritize their own multiple responsibilities. • They want bottom-line specifics. This basic principle of communicating with your supervisors reinforces the first two points. Rather than looking for long, roundabout explanations or guestimates, our supervisors often just

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005

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want the A-to-B, straight-line approach. “How much does it cost?” or “How long will it be out of play?” are some of the simple questions to which our supervisors want answers. So, how do you take these facts into account and still effectively work with your supervisors? Here is a simple way, and it is called the memorandum. Memos are the easiest way to convey your needs and wants to your supervisors or ownership. Nothing in this world beats a paper trail when it comes to dealing directly with your boss. A straight-tothe point memorandum is one of the best ways to provide information on just about everything to your supervisor. A memo is tangible, and most importantly, it can be read when your supervisor has the time to read it. No doubt, you’ve gone to speak with your supervisor, only to hear, “I don’t have time right now; I have a meeting.” Or “I have to take this phone call; can you come back later?” Our time is limited as well, so why not directly communicate with our supervisors in a way that is easy for both of us? I use two primary types of memos to pass along information to my direct supervisors: a monthly status report and daily (or whenever needed) interaction reports. Monthly golf-course status report To those above us, the most important

continued report is the monthly status report, which gives them a direct link to the most detailed information about our course. I send a copy of this to my GM and to the board of directors. Here is what I outline in detail in this report: • Breakdown of the last thirty days. I try to include basic fertilization and chemical applications. I highlight specific chemical applications (grub-control preventative, weed-control preventatives). I also outline and summarize projects that have been completed. Costs associated with this are included as well. • Plans for the next 30 days and beyond. I outline what I have in mind for the golf course over the next month and try to stick to it. Nothing is worse than saying you are going to address a problem area (i.e., drainage work) and then letting it linger for four months. If you say you are going to do it, then do it. Yes, in our line of work, things can change quickly. But when you try to keep to your own designated schedule, those above you will respect you for it. • Employee concerns. Employee issues are something we deal with on a daily basis. Sometimes they branch into bigger issues. In my report, I discuss any such issues and courses of action for them. Again, education and understanding are key, so be honest about these issues. • Budget issues. I also discuss any budget concerns I may have. Budget overruns are sometimes unavoidable, but if you identify problems early to your supervisor, they are easier to deal with. Increases in gas prices and insurance costs were two of the items I noted early in the year in my reports. When we compared our year-end figures to our budget, there weren’t any surprises. • Contact information. My previous facility was a private club, and with different factions on the board (those representing tennis, social, etc.), it was hard to see the entire board on a regular basis. Those of you in a similar situation

should include your phone number and/ or email address in your report. Even if you don’t see these people on a regular basis, they should still be able to easily contact you if they need to talk about issues of importance from your report. Some board members may want to discuss ideas with you individually, and in this manner, fires can be put out before they are started. Interaction reports In this report, I focus on employee issues, course-damage reports or daily items that can be addressed quickly and put to bed. Attached to this report, I may also copy trade-magazine articles that I feel might be important to our operation, and I attach them with a brief synopsis. An article on topdressing greens, frost delays or new bentgrasses are some examples of what I may send along to those above me. I feel it is important to try to educate my supervisor as much as I can. I may need that education down the road at some unknown point. Those around us (the golfers) How can you communicate more effectively with the people who frequent your facility? And why should you, you ask? Well, for one, you can be certain that these people make it a point to make themselves heard to those above you. Secondly, at private facilities, the member you wouldn’t talk to today may be the person sitting on the other side of the board table, deciding your fate, tomorrow. The days of hiding out in the maintenance shop are over, in my opinion. So, we need to be both visible and available to the people that play our courses. With that in mind, I offer a solution to help you communicate to these people — a bulletin board. At every club where I’ve worked, a bulletin board was located in the clubhouse or pro shop. A club’s bulletin board is a great place for you to easily

and effectively pass along information where it can be read at the golfer’s/ member’s leisure. Here is what I try to include on mine: • Golf-course status report. This is a scaled-back version of the report I send to my GM and the board of directors. Basic facts are key. What we’ve done — and what we’re planning to do — are the foundations of this report. Budget and employee issues aren’t the concerns of the golfers. However, projects completed, hole disruptions and the like are important. • Photographs. How many times have you heard that a picture is worth a thousand words? Photos are worth that and then some to your golfing public, especially if you’re showcasing your staff’s project work. “Before” and “after” shots are especially effective, so remember to take photos throughout your entire project. For instance, if you’re working to improve drainage, show the standing water in a “before” shot, and then show the same location (dry and playable) at the completion of the project. A camera can be a superintendent’s best friend, and you should carry one with you regularly. • Upcoming project schedules. Showing up to play golf, only to discover that the course has just been aerified, is among golfers’ worst nightmares and can result in loud, angry complaints to club management (i.e., your bosses). That’s why I try to post my aerification schedules well in advance so the members can plan on playing somewhere else or avoid playing at all. I also try to identify areas of concern that we plan on addressing (new tees, tree work, etc.). I want our club’s members to know that we are thinking ahead and working hard to make their golfing experience more enjoyable. More communication tools Many other ways are effective in maintaining and fostering lines of communication with the golfing public. • Tournament appearances. I make it a point to show up for about an hour or so at my club’s Member-Guest, Club

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continued Championship or other big club tournaments. I want to hear, first-hand, the good (and bad) of their golfing experience that day. I also want them to know that by being there, I do care about their opinions, no matter how far-fetched they may be at times. • Pro shop/course interaction. I believe it is important for golf course superintendents to be “seen” and accessible on their golf course. I want golfers to know who I am, so I visit the pro shop at least once a day to interact with my members or golfers. I am not saying you should spend an hour mingling your day away, but a 10-minute visit may put out a 5-alarm fire before it starts. Letting the players see you — and see that you are available — is a great way to communicate. • Playing golf with your members or the public. We all say we should play more, and we are probably right. Sometimes I get a better view of the golf course with a driver or putter in my hand than I do on a utility vehicle. Make it a point to get out and play, and if possible, play with your members, owners, greens committee or people who frequent your course.

level of board or committee, and I have learned something from each experience. • Speak to a First Tee or Hook a Kid on Golf group. Our future lies in the hands of the schoolagers taking up the game of golf right now. Some of the kids you interact with now may eventually be the board president, general manager or even owner of your course. It is imperative to teach these young golfers our importance to the game. Taking the time to lay out what we do on a level they can relate to is a great way to market yourself to the future. Grasp it, and run with it. Kids are great listeners and love learning what it takes to make the course look good. • Have a webpage about you on your club’s website. When Shenvalee hired me, they were impressed with my background and what I had done. They felt that I fit the club’s marketing scheme, so they now use me as a tool to help “sell” the course. Today, on my club’s website, there is a

You market you! Why would you want to market yourself to your club, and in return, why would your club want to market you? A couple of reasons come to mind for both. At most facilities, course maintenance is the largest expense department, as well as the most visible. The people who play at our facilities see the course, which speaks volumes without ever uttering a word. It sells itself, with superintendents preparing it for consumption. We can make or break our facilities with the level of professionalism we exhibit in the final product we provide. With that in mind, here are a few examples of ways you can market yourself. • Join a local, state or national board or committee. Serving as a volunteer on a board shows your dedication and commitment to your profession. It also gives you the opportunity to work with people you wouldn’t normally work with and learn from. I have served on every 28

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005

link to my background and me. In return, I am marketing my abilities and helping my club, at the same time. You should ask to be added to your club’s website as such a tool. When people access the webpage, they can see who is maintaining the course and what experience you bring to the table. I hope from this article that you are able to take something to help you become a more effective communicator and market yourself at the same time. Remember, it is what you DON’T say or communicate today that may cause you to be unemployed and looking for a job tomorrow. Be proactive, and you will reap the rewards later. T

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APPLIED RESEARCH

Control of Sedges in Turfgrass: Lots of Sedges, Lots of Options By Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Turfgrass Weed Scientist and Assistant Professor; and Greg Breeden, Weed Science Research and Extension Associate (University of Tennessee)

ellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and other sedge species are increasing in their prevalence in turfgrass systems. Sedge species such as annual flat sedge (Cyperus compressus) and false-green kyllinga (Kyllinga gracillima) can be found throughout the Southeast and the transition zone (Table 1). Sedges are easily identified by their distinct seedheads, rigid leaves and triangular stems (see photos). Thankfully, with the increase in problem sedges, there has also been an increase in the number of control options available. New herbicides for sedge control Sulfonylurea herbicides are an important component of turfgrass weed management, and with the introduction of several new herbicides in this herbicide family, their importance is growing. Sulfonylurea herbicides are commonly applied in low-use rates (usually measured in ounces per acre) and are relatively safe toxicologically. They are all rapidly absorbed by the foliage of the target weeds, and lasting soil residual effects are usually not a problem in turfgrass.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2005

Manage (halosulfuron) and Monument (trifloxysulfuron) are both sulfonylurea herbicides used for sedge control in turfgrass. Monument can be used only on bermudagrass and zoysiagrass turf. Manage, on the other hand, can be used on numerous cool-season grasses, as well. Image (imazaquin) and MSMA can also be used for control of numerous sedges. In fact, the combination treatment of Image + MSMA is a standard by which we evaluate potential new herbicides for control sedges. So far, a combination treatment of Image + MSMA has always been as effective in controlling sedges as any new herbicide that has come onto the turfgrass-managment market. Summary of past results Year after year, the two best control treatments for yellow nutsedge control â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and postemergence control of many other sedges â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is Monument at 0.56 oz./acre or Image 11.4 oz./acre plus MSMA 2.67 pt./acre. In our 2004 trials, single applications of both herbicide treatments controlled yellow nutsedge 95%

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CONTINUED to 100%. Manage, at 1.33 oz./a, is commonly used to control nutsedges; however, a single application controlled yellow nutsedge only 58%. Six weeks after the initial treatment, single and repeat applications of MSMA (6 lb. ai/gal.) at 2.67 pt./acre controlled yellow nutsedge less than 20%.

University of Tennessee sedge-management options

Comparison of yellow and purple nutsedge leaves. Note the narrow tip of yellow nutsedge and the more blunt tip of purple nutsedge.

Monument at 0.33 to 0.56 oz./acre Apply to actively growing sedges from May through August, and then be patient. Yellow nutsedge injury from Monument will develop at about two weeks after application, with complete desiccation developing four weeks after application. Monument also controls numerous broadleaf weeds and cool-season grasses. Apply Monument, however, only to zoysiagrass and bermudagrass, as Monument will injure all other turfgrass species. Monument can be applied during turfgrass green-up. Add a non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v to the spray mixture. Image at 11.4 oz./acre, plus MSMA 2.67 pt./acre Apply this herbicide combination to actively growing sedges, after complete green-up of bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. This combination can control numerous broadleaf weeds, sedges, cool-season grasses and seedling warm-season grasses. Add a non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v, unless the MSMA formulation contains a surfactant. Repeat applications of Manage at 1.3 oz./acre Apply two applications of Manage at 1.3 oz./acre, with the second application coming four to six weeks after the initial application. Labeled for use on fescues, bluegrasses, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, Manage is only active against sedge species. Two applications will increase yellow nutsedge control to 85% to 95%, compared to less than 60% with a single application. Add a non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v to the spray mixture.

Seedhead of annual flat sedge (Cyperus compressus)

Repeat applications of MSMA Apply MSMA (6 lb. ai/gal) at 2.67 pt./acre every seven to ten days to actively growing yellow nutsedge. A maximum of four applications can be applied at this rate for one growing season. Three to four applications will control yellow nutsedge by more than 80%. Add a surfactant, crop oil or non-ionic, at 0.25% to 0.50% v/v to the spray mixture if the MSMA formulation does not contain a surfactant. Cockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-comb kyllinga (Kyllinga squamulata) Photo by Bert McCarty at Clemson University.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION â&#x20AC;˘ TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

CONTINUED Non-chemical control Increasing mowing frequency and decreasing mowing height can greatly reduce the vigor of yellow nutsedge. A mowing height of less than 1”, with two to three mowings per week, can greatly reduce a population of yellow nutsedge. If you implement this management option, however, it is critical that you have identified the sedge species correctly. False-green kyllinga (Kyllinga gracillima) and cock’s-comb kyllinga (Kyllinga squamulata) are common sedges in Tennessee that are often mistaken for yellow nutsedge. Both of these kyllinga species can tolerate mowing heights as low as 1/2”. So implementing a mowing schedule to reduce a kyllinga population will not control it. Further, intensifying a mowing regime to manage nutsedge is only practical in a bermudagrass system. Make sure you have the resources to implement a mowing-management plan, and make sure it integrates into the overall management of the turfgrass system. In other words, this could possibly work on a golf course or athletic field, but it’s impractical for a homeowner. Coming soon! This year, we will begin evaluation of more sulfonylurea herbicides, including the Monsanto product Certainty (sulfosulfuron) and further evaluating flazasulfuron, a new sulfonylurea herbicide from ISK Biosciences. Other researchers have reported excellent control of all sedges and some cool-season grasses with Certainty and flazasulfuron, and we are looking forward to evaluating them extensively in 2005.

Table 2. Potential herbicide treatments for control of sedges. Herbicide

Certainty Manage Monument Image + MSMA MSMA Pennant Magnum

Rate

0.5 to 1.0 oz./a 1.33 oz./a 0.33 to 0.56 oz./a 11.4 oz./a + 2.67 pt./a 2.67 pt./a 1.3 to 2.6 pt./a

Weed-Control Usage

Wide range of sedges, grasses and broadleaf weeds. Newest of all listed. Primarily sedges. Controls yellow and purple nutsedge. Non-tuberous sedges and Kyllinga spp. are suppressed and require one to two applications. Wide range of sedges, grasses and broadleaf weeds. Wide range of sedges, grasses and broadleaf weeds. Image + MSMA is an improvement over Image alone. Wide range of sedges, grasses and broadleaf weeds. Multiple applications are normally required. Preemergence control of annual sedge and yellow nutsedge, as well as numerous annual grasses.

CONTINUED

Table 1. Common sedges found throughout the Southeast.

False-green kyllinga (Kyllinga gracillima)

Common Name Scientific Name Yellow nutsedge Cyperus esculentus Purple nutsedge Cyperus rotundus Flat sedge (or annual sedge) Cyperus compressus Fragrant kyllinga (or annual kyllinga) Kyllinga odorata Green kyllinga Kyllinga brevifolia False-green kyllinga Kyllinga gracillima Cock’s comb kyllinga Kyllinga squamulata S504-0134M_Tenessee.qxd 1/6/05 3:09 PM Page 1 Globe sedge Cyperus globulosus Cylindric sedge Cyperus retrorsus

Life Cycle perennial perennial annual annual perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial

Thermal Blue is going to change the way you look at bluegrass.

Cylindric sedge (Cyperus retrorsus Chapm)

Presenting a revolutionary bluegrass variety that thrives in Tennessee. Thermal Blueis not like other bluegrasses. Extensive testing at the University of Tennessee proves that Thermal Blue performs better than other bluegrasses in the hot, humid conditions of a Tennessee summer. Combining the heat tolerance of turf-type tall fescue with the fine qualities of a Kentucky bluegrass, Thermal Blue resists brown patch and spreads with rhizomes. Thermal Blue also shows excellent shade tolerance and can be used where Bermuda grass does not persist. Fragrant kyllinga (Kyllinga odorata)

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ERNEST HARDISON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT NEATLY SECTION I: PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME: HOME MAILING ADDRESS: CAMPUS MAILING ADDRESS: PHONE: (HOME) PHONE: (CAMPUS) SECTION II: EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

INSTITUTION NAME: GRADUATION DATE: MAJOR: OVERALL GPA: MAJOR GPA: ADVISOR: PHONE: ADVISOR ADDRESS: SIGNATURE OF ADVISOR: (NOTE: HANDWRITTEN SIGNATURE OF ADVISOR MUST APPEAR ON THIS FORM)

ADVISOR’S COMMENTS: SECTION III: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

NAME(S) AND RELATIONSHIP(S) OF ANY RELATIVES ASSOCIATED WITH THE GOLF OR TURFGRASS INDUSTRY: NAME(S) AND RELATIONSHIP(S) OF ANY RELATIVES WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION: HAVE YOU PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED A TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP? IF YES, PLEASE LIST YEAR AND AMOUNT: WHAT ASPECT OR CAREER OPPORTUNITY WITHIN THE TURFGRASS INDUSTRY MOST INTERESTS YOU? SECTION IV: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR APPLICATION: 1 A COPY OF YOUR RESUME 2 A LIST OF REFERENCES (MINIMUM OF 3) 3 AN ESSAY (300 WORDS OR LESS) DESCRIBING: • YOUR REASONS FOR REQUESTING THIS SCHOLARSHIP • YOUR REQUIREMENT FOR AND SOURCES OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR COLLEGE AND RELATED EXPENSES APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 11, 2005. AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL TENNESSEE TURGRASS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN JANUARY 2006. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATIONS TO: DEREK OGLESBY TTA SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN 1990 ABBOTT LANE CORDOVA, TN 38016

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

RESEARCH LINES

I N D E X O F ADVERTISERS Aquatrols....................................................................... 36 Bel-Air Turf..............................................Inside Back Cover Bayer Environmental Science.......................................... 37 BWI of Memphis.............................................................. 7 Dave Felder & Associates................................................. 7 Dixie Turf and Tree........................................................ 12 Enviro-Gloval, Inc............................................................. 3 Flowtronex-PSI.............................................................. 24 Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc.......................................... 14 Harrell’s Custom Fertilizer....................... Inside Front Cover Hunter Industries........................................................... 25 K-Rain Manufacturing Corp............................................ 13 Keeling Company........................................................... 25 Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. ....................................................... 29 Nu-Gro Technologies, Inc............................................... 23 Oldham Chemicals Co.................................................... 34 Prosource One............................................................... 28 Patten Seed Company/Super Sod................................... 29 Quail Valley Farm, Inc.................................................... 21 Regal Chemical............................................................. 15 The Scotts Company / Landmark Seed........................... 33 Southeastern Turf, LLC.................................................. 32 Smith Turf & Irrigation....................................... Back Cover Syngenta Turf & Ornamental.................22 Sprigger’s Choice...................................8 Turf Mountain Sod................................38 Turfgrass America................................34 Covermaster, Inc....................................9 WMI, Inc................................................5 Winstead Turf Farms, Inc................36, 37

CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 21

ETGCSA Meeting Location: Lookout Mountain CC, Lookout Mountain, GA

July 6-8

TNLA Conference & Trade Show (Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association) Location: Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville, TN

July 18

ETGCSA Meeting Location: Royal Oaks GC, Maryville, TN

July 21

TVSTMA Summer Event Revolver Sports Turf Demo/TN Valley Chapter Field Day Location: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville

July 26-29

TPI Summer Convention and Field Day (Turfgrass Producers International) Location: Grand Summit Resort, Park City, UT

August 8

MTGCSA Chapter Meeting Location: Brentwood CC, Brentwood

August 11-13

Southern Nursery Association’s Showcase of Horticulture Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA

August 17

MTGCSA Field Day Location: Little Course, Franklin, TN

August 23

ETGCSA Meeting Location: The Country Club, Morristown, TN

August 25

TVSTMA Meeting Location: USA Ballpark, Millington, TN

January 2-4, 2006 40th Annual TTA Conference & Trade Show Location: Opryland, Nashville, TN

Quality Cool Season Grasses 3277 Chimney Rock Road Hendersonville, NC 28792

Toll Free: 888-685-3642 www.turfmountain.com

Time.Your Most Important Resource.

So many blades of grass, so little time. When you are responsible for a golf course, it seems there aren’t enough hours in the day to meet all the challenges you face. That’s why STI has developed a portfolio of equipment, service and support that is unmatched in the golf industry. As the exclusive distributor of TORO irrigation systems and TORO commercial turf care equipment since 1925, we provide total turf solutions that maximize efficiencies. Time after time.

Office 1.615.726.8811 • Orders 1.800.585.4784 www.smithturf.com