Tennessee Turfgrass - August / September 2008

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008

12 Cover Story

F E AT U R E D A RT I C L E S

10 12 18 24 28

Upcoming Event — UT Turfgrass Field Day, Thurs., September 18 Turf Rx for Special Events Equipment Basics — Select the Right Nozzle to Improve the Performance of Your Spray Applications Turf Tips — The Secret Ingredient for Winter Poa Annua Control

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Equipment

28

Turf Talk

Turf Talk — 25 Fast Phrases…

Communicating with Spanish-Speaking Employees

D E PA RT M E N T S

4

From the TTA President, Bob Hogan

6

Message from the TVSTMA, Stephen Callis

8

Calendar of Events

30

Index of Advertisers

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008

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FROM THE PRESIDENT Bob Hogan

LEARNING How to Grow Turf

Is

now the time of year to learn how to grow turf?

We are in the middle of the growing season. It is hot. It is dry. Turf problems are popping up daily. We are too busy handling the day-to-day opportunities and challenges to even worry about getting an education, or are we?

I have always believed you don’t learn how to play the game in the middle of the game. You learn the rules.

You prepare. You practice. Then you play. I have 25 years of experience in the turf business. I look around my office, and I see many publications that have a direct impact on my business. These magazines help me to stay up to date on current issues in our industry.

However, I have to confess, I am not up to date on my reading. That is a reason these publications are scattered about my office. But something tells me I’m not alone.

I see magazines such as our own Tennessee Turfgrass, USGA Green Section Record, Sports Turf Management, Golf Course Management, Seed Today, Tennessee Business, Successful Farming, Lawn & Garden Wholesaler and Fortune Small Business, just to name a few.

New questions come across my desk every day. I learn something new every day. So I ask myself, is now the time to learn how to grow turf? You bet the farm it is.

We live in a changing industry, an industry that is changing for the good. We have better playing surfaces today than ever. Can they get better? Yes, they can. It is like our nation. We are better today than we were yesterday, even though there has been a tremendous price paid, and I’m not talking about the cost of fuel. We can and will be better tomorrow than today, but this too will have a cost. I am concerned that we have people running for the highest office in our nation that say we can change. Well, it will change whether they believe it or not. It is our choice to make the change better.

With all of the changes going on around us today, education is one tool we can use to make it better and

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008

not worse. We can’t afford not to keep educated. This is one reason that I encourage each of you to support and attend your local educational seminars and field days.

You could be an encourager for someone with a problem or may even learn something yourself concerning our industry.

Make sure you mark your calendars for January 11–13, 2009, for next year’s statewide TTA Conference and Trade Show. The TTA board of directors and officers are busy planning our conference and trade show, but we need your help. If you want a particular topic discussed, please let us know. You can call me at 888-224-6426 or Jim Uden at 615-591-8286. Help us to educate our industry for a better tomorrow.

Just a reminder, we do have scholarships to give away. Will you help us spend these funds?

The TTA is like a vehicle traveling down the road alongside other professional turfgrass organizations.

We should encourage everyone involved in our industry to get on board and become part of TTA. We have something great to offer. We offer to our members a means to become better individuals — more professional and highly educated in the turfgrass industry. This year, we will invite everyone in the turfgrass industry to travel our road. Please help us get the word out.

In a passage of scripture found in Philippians 4:9-10, Paul states, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Bob Hogan TTA President

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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 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email:info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editor Mr. Bill Marbet TTA OFFICERS President Bob Hogan The Hogan Company (888) 224-6426 Vice President Bobby Stringer Germantown Country Club (901) 754-7755 Secretary/Treasurer Cory Blair Rarity Bay Golf & CC (423) 884-3007 Past President Bill Francis The Ridges Golf & CC (423) 913-2276 Executive Secretary Mr. Jim Uden (615) 591-8286 TTA 2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Paul Carter Ms. Shelia Finney Mr. Bill Marbet Mr. Bob McCurdy Mr. Scott McNeer Mr. Tommy Mittlesteadt Mr. Scott Morgan Mr. Mitch Parker Mr. Scott Severance Mr. Robert Stroud Mr. Jay Willis TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mr. Bill Blackburn Dr. J. Scott McElroy Mr. Lynn Ray Dr. Tom Samples Dr. Dennis Shepard Dr. John Sorochan

FROM THE TVSTMA Stephen Callis

Hello, TVSTA Members! hope this edition of the Tennessee Turfgrass magazine finds you well and your sports turf looking great! We recently had our second meeting of the year in Knoxville at The University of Tennessee. Over 50 sports-turf managers and vendors were present, and they enjoyed a great meeting and tour of the athletic facilities. Dr. John Sorochan and his graduate students did a wonderful job of hosting the morning meeting session, and Bobby Campbell and his crew did an excellent job with the tour. Thanks again to all of those who helped make this meeting a great success. Also, a special thank you to Tom Garner of Pigeon Forge Parks & Recreation for his work in getting everything lined up for the meeting.

Our next meeting — the TVSTMA Lower East Tennessee Field Day — will be held on August 19, with the Chattanooga Parks & Recreation department. I hope to see you there!

It is hard to imagine that 2008 is already half over. As we head into the last half of 2008, we are beginning to make plans for 2009. If you are interested in hosting a TVSTMA event, please let us know. We always enjoy going to new athletic-field complexes and seeing what other sports-turf managers work with each and every day.

We are also beginning to look at the selection of officers for 2009. We will be filling the positions of President-Elect, Commercial Vice President, Treasurer and the various committee positions that are needed. If you are interested in serving in any capacity with the TVSTMA in 2009, please give me a call.

As always, I would like to end this message by asking for any comments you may have. We try very hard to lead the TVSTMA in a way that will be beneficial to its members.

If you have any ideas for meetings, or topics to address at meetings, please let me know. I can be reached at 888-224-6426 or stephen@thehogancompany.us.

Thank you for your time and attention.

I

Stephen Callis TVSTMA President

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

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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 Š2008 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, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 7903718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

UPCOMING EVENT

UT Turfgrass Field Day Thursday, September 18, 2008 PROGRAM 7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

Professional Lawncare Tour Registration “Welcome and Introductions�

Dr. John Hodges, Dr. John Sorochan and Dr. Bob Auge

8:15 a.m.

11:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

Industry-Specific Tours (Golf, Sports Turf & Lawncare) Lunch General Sessions (until 2:00 p.m.)

Centipedegrasses for Tennessee Landscapes

9:30 a.m.

Cool-Season Turfgrass Selection and Management for Tennessee Landscapes

Dr. Tom Samples, University of Tennessee

Mr. John Parham, University of Tennessee

10:00 a.m.

Managing Diseases in Tennessee

10:30 a.m.

Managing Insects in Cool- and Warm-Season Turfgrasses

11:00 a.m.

Comparing Propane- and Gasoline-Powered Riding Rotary Mowers

Dr. Alan Windham, University of Tennessee Dr. Frank Hale, University of Tennessee

Golf Course Tour 8:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

Creeping Bentgrass Mowing and Rolling Frequency

Mr. Will Haselbauer, University of Tennessee

Dr. Thom Nikolai, Michigan State University

9:30 a.m.

Warm-Season Turfgrasses as Ultradwarf Putting Greens for the Transition Zone Mr. John Kauffman, University of Tennessee

10:00 a.m.

Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens: Mowing, Rolling and Topdressing Management

Lunch

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.

General Sessions (take your pick) 12:30 p.m.

Turfgrass ID 101 (until 2 p.m.)

12:30 p.m.

Turfgrass Math 101 (until 2 p.m.)

University of Tennessee graduate students

Dr. John Sorochan, University of Tennessee

10:30 a.m.

Controlling Bermudagrass in Zoysiagrass Fairways

Dr. John Sorochan and Dr. Thom Nikolai

Mr. Dustin Lewis, University of Tennessee

11:00 a.m.

Mowing and Plant Growth Regulation of Zoysiagrass Fairways Dr. James Brosnan, University of Tennessee

12:30 p.m.

Turfgrass Weed ID 101 Mr. Greg Breeden, Dr. James Brosnan and Dr. Tom Samples

Sports Turf Tour 8:30 a.m.

Bermudagrass Variety and Mowing Practices for Athletic Fields

9:30 a.m.

Plant Growth Regulators for Bermudagrass Athletic Fields

Mr. Will Haselbauer, University of Tennessee

Mr. Billy Clark, Clarkland Sports Fields

10:00 a.m.

Mower Type, Height and Overseeding of Bermudagrass Athletic Fields Mr. Adam Thoms, University of Tennessee

10:30 a.m.

Weed Control for Bermudagrass Athletic Fields

11:00 a.m.

Sprayer Components and Calibration

Mr. Greg Breeden, University of Tennessee Dr. Willie Hart, University of Tennessee

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

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Four Pesticide Recertification Points in Categories 3, 10 and 12.

Pre-register by August 31, 2008, for $15 per person.

Register after August 31 or on-site for $25 per person (lunch not guaranteed).

Please make checks payable to: The University of Tennessee Please mail pre-registration checks to: East TN Research and Education Center 124 Brehm Animal Science Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4576

Location: East Tennessee Research & Education Center Plant Science Unit (west side of U.S. Hwy. 129/ Alcoa Highway, about six miles south of Neyland Drive) For more information, call 865-974-7201.

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COVER STORY

Turf Rx for Special Events

By Tom Samples, Ph.D., and John Sorochan, Ph.D., Plant Sciences; and Frank Hale, Ph.D., and Alan Windham, Ph.D., Entomology and Plant Pathology; The University of Tennessee

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008

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CONTINUED

S

pecial events often mean extra-heavy traffic that can injure turfgrasses and compact the soil as visitors and vehicles move throughout the landscape. Tents, outdoor displays and portable flooring may shade the turf and limit airflow. Water may pool, and soils may erode as rain falls. Strategic turf care before, during and after an event may help strengthen turfgrasses and speed their recovery.

Before the event Aeration During an event, the top 2'' of soil may compress due to intense foot and vehicular traffic. Turfs are selectively cultivated (or “aerified” or “aerated”) to relieve compaction and speed the movement of air, water and nutrients into the soil.

The depth of cultivation and the degree of soil loosening and turf disruption vary among aeration methods (Table 1). The benefits of slicing and spiking are considered short term in duration, compared to core aeration. Although the benefits of core aeration last longer, this cultivation method does injure turfgrasses and disrupt the turf surface. Since turfgrasses may require several weeks to fully recover and grow over the top of aeration channels, turfs are usually core-aerified at least three weeks before an event.

Table 1. Cultivation depth, spacing and levels of soil loosening and soil disruption of several aeration methods.

Aeration Method

Cultivation Depth

Level of Soil Loosening

Level of Turf Disruption

Hollow tine

2” to 12”

low to high

medium to heavy

Slice

2” to 8”

low

low

Solid tine

2” to 16”

low

low to medium

Spike

1/4” to 2”

low

low

Water injection

4” to 20”

low to medium

low

Cutting height Closely mowed turfs may not provide enough aerial shoot mass to survive heavy traffic for an extended period of time.

Elevating the cutting height by 1/2'' or more, several weeks before an event, may help combat traffic-related stress. Plants with more leaf area capable of intercepting and converting light

energy into carbohydrates may have deeper roots and more energy in reserve.

Nitrogen and potassium Prevent excessively lush growth before and during an event by reducing the amount of nitrogen available for plant uptake from the soil. Rapidly growing turfgrass that contains high levels of nitrogen in leaf and stem tissues is often prone to wear injury and disease.

Rather than applying a fertilizer containing concentrated, highly water-soluble nitrogen, consider an application of potassium (e.g., one pound of potassium per 1,000 sq. ft.).

Potassium influences water pressure in turfgrass cells, and it influences the function of stomates, the small openings that regulate water vaporization from leaves and the uptake of carbon dioxide. Potassium applied several weeks before an event may help strengthen turfgrasses while improving drought, high-temperature tolerance and disease resistance.

Lime and calcium Several weeks before a special event, apply lime according to soil-test recommendations. Maintaining a soil pH from 6.0 to 6.5 can maximize the availability of mineral nutrients. Routine nitrogen fertilization often increases the acidity of the soil and lowers the soil pH. Applying lime several weeks before an event will neutralize soil acids, increase pH and provide calcium.

Slower-acting liming materials such as calcium carbonate and dolomitic limestone have a relatively low “burn” potential and are preferred for application to turf (Table 2). Dolomitic limestone is an excellent source of both magnesium and calcium. Several calcium formulations are available to spray on turf.

Table 2. Chemical formula, release rate and foliar-burn potential of several liming materials.

Liming Material Potential

Chemical Formula

Rate of Release

Burn

Calcium Carbonate

CaCO3

slow

low

Calcium oxide

CaO

fast

high

Dolomitic limestone

CaCO3* MgCO3

slow

low

Hydrated lime

Ca(OH2)*Mg(OH2)

medium

high

Quicklime

CaO*MgO

fast

high

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

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COVER STORY Magnesium and iron Applying magnesium and/or iron several weeks before a special event may improve turf color. Chlorophyll, which is necessary for turfgrasses to convert light energy to sugar, contains magnesium. Although iron is not a part of chlorophyll, it is involved in its production. Turfgrasses often respond very quickly to applications of magnesite (27 percent magnesium), magnesium sulfate (9 percent magnesium) and potassium magnesium sulfate (11 percent magnesium). Ferrous sulfate (20 percent iron) is an example of a water-soluble source of iron often sprayed to quickly improve the color of turf.

Plant growth regulation Applying a plant growth regulator (PGR) may “condition” turfgrasses before the onset of stresses including traffic, heat, drought and disease. For example, when used in conjunction with appropriate fertilization, irrigation and mowing, multiple applications of trinexapac-ethyl (Primo® MAXX®, a Syngenta product) to actively growing turfgrasses will delay the onset of stress, improve stress survival and enhance recovery following stress. The rate of application varies among turfgrass species, so be sure to check the product label for recommendations. As top-growth slows in response to the growth regulator, energy moves to belowground plant parts, producing more roots and underground stems (rhizomes).

Fungicide and insecticide application(s) Healthy turfgrasses are often capable of recovering from a mild attack by a fungal pathogen. However, turfgrasses growing in areas that are disease prone as a result of heavy shade, high humidity, poor air movement, saturated soils or high temperatures may require a preventative fungicide treatment.

During summer, large brown patch is the most serious disease of tall fescue. Pythium, a water mold, can be especially problematic when air temperatures are high and the soil remains moist for an extended period of time. A penetrant (localized or acropetal) fungicide may control disease for several weeks after moving into the leaf tissue. A contact fungicide may protect plants from disease for a much shorter period of time.

Before the stress of heavy traffic from a special event, it is also important to limit turfgrass damage caused by insects, including armyworms, cutworms and sod webworms, white grubs and billbugs. To be effective, most insecticides must directly contact the target insect pest. Some insecticides [e.g., acephate (Orthene® Turf, Tree & Ornamental Spray) and trichlorfon (Dylox®] act quickly, within one to four days after treatment and provide control for about one to two weeks. The insecticides fipronil (Chipco Topchoice™), thiamethoxam

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

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(Meridian™), clothianidin (Arena®), halofenozide (MACH 2 ®) and imidicloprid (Merit ®) usually take longer to have a noticeable effect on the target insect pest and remain active for more than a month.

Do not allow entry to turfs treated with a fungicide or insecticide during the restricted entry interval (REI). The REI is listed on the product label.

During the event Routing traffic Signs, painted lines, movable ropes and portable curbing can be used to direct traffic. Depending on traffic intensity and the duration of the event, routes can be changed to distribute turfgrass wear and soil compaction.

Portable fans Portable fans can be used to direct airflow to stressed turfs.

Mixing air at the surface of the turf canopy can reduce its temperature and water-vapor level. High-velocity electric fans are often powered by one-half or one-horsepower motors.

Depending on the manufacturer, a fan blade may be from 24 to 54 or more inches in diameter. Fans may or may not oscillate as they push from 5,000 to 10,000+ cubic feet of air per minute.

Air velocities of 300 to 400 or more feet per minute may be reached at a distance of 75 feet from each fan.

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CONTINUED

Topdressing

After the event Mowing Removing too much leaf tissue can cause scalping. If most of the green tissue is removed as the turf is cut, turfgrass plants must use reserve carbohydrates to initiate new growth. Growth of roots, tillers and belowground stems temporarily stops in response to severe defoliation. The regrowth of aerial shoots occurs at the expense of roots. Turfs that are routinely scalped are usually weak, weedy and poorly rooted. If turfgrasses have grown excessively tall during an event, the potential for scalping can be reduced by gradually (e.g. 1/4'' increments) lowering the height of cut for several mowings.

Rolling In addition to smoothing the surface, rolling the turf with a water-ballast or powered, mechanical roller after an event may press uplifted sod, stems and roots of turfgrasses back into contact with the soil.

Aeration Turfgrasses growing in areas that received heaviest traffic during an event may benefit from cultivation. For best results, the soil should be moist, and plants should be actively growing when the turf is sliced, spiked or cored. Soils should be cultivated to a depth of at least 2''.

Low areas or ruts in the turf may be topdressed to level or smooth the soil surface. Topdressing soil should be relatively free of weed seeds and similar in texture (the amount of clay, sand and silt) to that of the soil in which the turfgrasses are growing. Multiple, light (e.g. no more than 3/8'') topdressings are preferred to build up low areas compared to a single, heavy topdressing. Applying too much topdressing material at one time can cover turfgrass leaves and limit carbohydrate production by plants. Repeat applications of excessive amounts of topdressing material may cause soil layering and a reduction in the rate of internal water drainage. After the turf is topdressed, a steel drag mat or brush can be used to move topdressing material from the surface of turfgrass leaves and to mix it with thatch.

Coarse (1 to 2 mm diameter) sand can be topdressed after each core aeration to gradually change the texture of soils containing large amounts of clay and silt. Applying mature compost following core aeration may stimulate the activity of soil microorganisms and improve the nutrient-holding capacity of the soil.

Lifting and re-installing sod A mechanical, walk-behind sod cutter can be used to lift turf in sunken areas. Soil similar in texture, fertility and pH to that of the site can be added to elevate the grade before tamping, resodding and rolling.

Nitrogen application Nitrogen fertilization following an event will accelerate the growth rate of turfgrasses and the rate of decomposition of thatch. Fertilizers containing both highly water-soluble (e.g. urea, ammonium sulfate, etc.) and controlled- or extendedrelease (e.g. natural or synthetic organics and coated urea) nitrogen sources promote the growth of aerial shoots and roots.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

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CN OE VWESR F SRTOOMR YT H E T T A Applying an excessive amount of water-soluble nitrogen, however, may desiccate turfgrass leaf tissue. A general rule for reducing the potential for foliar “burn� is to apply no more than 1 lb. of water-soluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet when turfgrass leaves are dry.

Nitrogen should not be applied to dormant turf or to turfgrasses stressed by high- or low-temperature extremes.

Summary Managing turf before, during and after a special event often requires creativity, flexibility and an increased budget. Monies invested in portable flooring, fans, routing signs and additional turf care products often result in healthier, wear-resistant turfgrasses and less overall turf damage.

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Always Read and Follow Label Directions Apply pesticides and plant growth regulators according to the instructions on the product label (to do otherwise is a violation of federal law). The use of brand or trade names is for clarity and information, and does not imply the endorsement of a product to the exclusion of others that may be of a similar, suitable composition. It does not guarantee or warrant the standard of a product. Listed pesticides and the plant growth regulator were registered for the prescribed use when this publication was printed.

Should the registration or prescribed use of a pesticide or the plant growth regulator be cancelled before revision of this publication, it would no longer be recommended by The University of Tennessee Plant Sciences Department.

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EQUIPMENT BASICS

By Dennis Shepard, Ph.D., Syngenta Professional Products

S

pray applications are often a key part of a turfmanagement program. Which products to apply (and when) can play an important role in how well the turf responds to an application.

Over the past several years, sprayer technology has improved. Computerized systems now take the guesswork out of speed and spray-volume considerations. Chemical companies have developed products that are active at lower rates for longer periods and that are safer to the environment, with formulations that are easier to apply. Sprayer and chemical improvements, however, can be negated if the chemicals are not applied to the turf properly.

Even though nozzles are a small part of the overall operation, they are the last piece of equipment that sprays must pass through before hitting the turf. Several nozzle types are available from various manufacturers, and choosing the right nozzle for various applications will improve product performance. No single nozzle will work for all applications.

Different types of nozzles with various droplet sizes and volume output can be attached to the spray boom.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

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Nozzle basics The spray nozzle you select will determine the amount of product applied to an area, the uniformity and coverage of the target surface, and the amount of potential drift. Information about the spray output and spray angle is usually imprinted on the spray nozzle (Photo 1). The spray angle can range from 65o to 110o, depending on how the nozzle is manufactured.

Nozzles can operate at different pressure ranges, but 30 to 60 PSI is the standard for turf applications. As pressure increases, spray droplets will be smaller, spray volume and drift potential will increase, and nozzles may wear sooner. An increase in pressure should be used only to make small increases in volume output. A doubling of pressure will not double the amount of output. In fact, the pressure must be increased 4X to double the output from a nozzle.

Nozzles that apply a flat fan pattern are the most common type for turf applications. The flat fan spray nozzle forms a narrow, elliptical, inverted “V� pattern. Spray output is heaviest at the center of the pattern and dissipates toward the outer edge.

For most flat fan spray patterns, a minimum 30% overlap between the nozzles is recommended. A decrease in pressure will decrease the overlap, and coverage may decrease.

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CONTINUED In general, nozzles with 110o spray angles can be used at lower boom heights than 80o spray angles. Lower boom heights reduce drift and increase coverage.

need to reach the lower turf canopy or the soil surface. These products are often watered-in for uptake by the roots and crowns of the turf.

Nozzle manufacturers provide tables that list spray volumes per unit area for their nozzles at different pressures and speed (Table 3). A common application problem often occurs on golfcourse fairway applications. The applicator wants to spray the large area in as short of time as possible and will often use a nozzle that produces large droplets and a water volume of 0.50 to 1.0 gallons per 1,000 sq.ft. This results in poor coverage, which will reduce the effectiveness of the product applied.

Nozzle types Four basic nozzle types are used for most turf applications.

Depending on the goal of the application, each type of nozzle has several options, including spray angles and ranges of volume output. Spray catalogs provide tables with the spray angle and volume output for each nozzle type.

Photo 1 Spray angles can range from 65 o to 110o, depending on how the nozzle is manufactured.

Photo A. Extended-range flat fan nozzles.

These are widely used because they provide excellent spray distribution over a wide range of pressures. When operated at lower pressures, drift is reduced. Better coverage is achieved at higher operating pressures. Producing a medium to coarse droplet size, these nozzles are excellent for contact fungicide applications.

Droplet size Nozzles produce a range of droplet sizes, and they are classified according to their volume mean diameter, or VMD (Table 1, on page 21). Reducing a droplet size by half will result in about eight times more droplets per unit area.

Most nozzle manufacturers provide color-coded tables that indicate the droplet size for different nozzles at various pressures. Notice in Table 2 that the droplet size decreases as pressure increases. Keep in mind that the potential for drift increases as droplet size decreases. Match nozzles to achieve the droplet size and water volume that is needed.

Photo B. Air induction (AI) nozzles.

These nozzles feature two orifices.

A pre-orifice meters liquid flow, and a second orifice forms the spray pattern. A venturi (or air aspirator) between the two orifices draws air into the nozzle where it is mixed with the spray. The air bubbles in the droplets cause the droplets to shatter on impact and provide better coverage. Producing a coarse to

Target organism or pathogen When coverage is critical, such as with postemergence contact applications, nozzles with fine to medium droplets should be used to ensure thorough coverage of the leaf surfaces. Nozzles that produce larger droplet sizes can be used for products that

B

C

D

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

A

E

19

EQUIPMENT BASICS very coarse droplet size, air induction flat fan nozzles are excellent for contact and systemic applications and for drift reduction.

Photo C. Pre-orifice flat fan nozzles.

These reduce the operating pressure internally and produce a larger droplet than conventional flat fan nozzles. The nozzle’s pre-orifice restricts the amount of liquid entering the nozzle and creates a pressure through the tip. Compared to extendedrange flat fan nozzles, drift can be reduced by as much as 50%.

These are good nozzles for postemergent applications.

Photo D. The TurfJet / Photo E. Raindrop nozzles.

Both of these nozzles produce very coarse to extremely coarse droplet sizes. They are good choices to reduce drift and for soil applications. These are not recommended, however, for applications where complete coverage of the turf is required.

Choosing your nozzle The first step is to determine what you want to achieve.

Postemergent or curative applications are most effective with nozzles that produce smaller droplet sizes in the medium range for thorough coverage. For products that need to reach the soil surface (as is common with preemergent herbicides, grub control products and fungicides for soil-borne diseases), use nozzles that have a coarse to extremely coarse droplet size.

Nozzles that output larger volumes generally have larger droplets, and this can help applications in the wind. It is important to also know the mode of action of the product being applied and whether it is taken up by the foliage or root system.

Steps for success 1. Know the product and its mode of action.

2. Know the recommended application volume per 1,000 sq. ft. or acre.

3. Determine the average MPH ground speed of the sprayer.

4. Select a nozzle that most closely fits the criteria of spray pressure, ground speed and desired output volume (check the manufacturer’s catalog for information such as in Table 3).

5. Check the expected droplet size of the selected nozzle by referring to information as in Table 2.

Most applications require 1–2 gallons per 1,000 sq. ft. Some products will be left on the foliage, while others will need additional irrigation to move the product through the foliage and to the soil. My experience with golf course visits and various research projects has shown that most applications can be achieved with three nozzle types.

A TeeJet XR 8008 or XR 80010 produces small droplets, puts out 0.80 and 1.0 gallons per 1,000 sq. ft. respectively, and

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008

gives very good coverage for foliar applications. A drawback is applications made under windy conditions. XR TeeJet nozzles also come in different output volumes, but the 8008 and 80010 seem to be the most widely used.

An excellent general-use nozzle is the air induction nozzle.

It comes in various output sizes and produces large droplets.

Coverage is still excellent because air mixes with the spray, which increases coverage as the spray hits leaf surface. Ground speed and pressure can also be adjusted depending on the goal of the product being applied.

TurfJet and Raindrop nozzles are great for soil applications and to reduce drift. They are not recommended for foliar applications where thorough coverage of the foliage is needed.

Adapters for three or five nozzles can be attached to the boom, and the nozzle can be selected by rotating the adapter. This is much easier than having to change out nozzles each time you spray.

Be aware that product formulations and the number of products being applied should be considered. Most superintendents apply multiple products, and the nozzle opening must be large enough to prevent clogging.

Dr. Dennis Shepard is a technical representative with Syngenta and can be reached at dennis.shepard@syngenta.com.

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

CONTINUED Table 1

Table 2 psi

XR

Droplet size categories Approximate VMD* (05) Category

Symbol

Very Fine Fine Medium Coarse Very Coarse Extremely Coarse

Color Code

VF F M C VC

(Microns)

Red Yellow Tan Blue Green

XC

<150 150-250 250-350 350-450 450-550

White

>550

VMD* (volume mean diameter) = droplet size where ⁄2 of volume has droplets larger than the VMD, and 1⁄2 the volume has droplets smaller than the VMD.

TeeJet

15

20

25

30

40

50

XR8001

M

F

F

F

F

F

F

XR80015

M

M

M

F

F

F

F F

XR8002

M

M

M

M

F

F

XR8003

M

M

M

M

M

M

F

XR8004

C

C

M

M

M

M

M

XR8005

C

C

C

C

M

M

M

XR8006

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

XR8008

VC

VC

VC

C

C

C

C VF

XR11001

F

F

F

F

F

VF

XR110015

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

XR11002

M

F

F

F

F

F

F

XR11003

M

M

M

F

F

F

F

XR11004

M

M

M

M

M

F

F

XR11005

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

XR11006

C

C

M

M

M

M

M

XR11008

C

C

C

C

C

M

M

1

PSI

Table 3

CAPACITY CAPACITY ONE NOZZLE ONE IN IN GPM OZ./MIN. 4 MPH

20o

GPA 5 MPH

6 MPH

8 MPH

60

GALLONS PER 1000 SQ.FT.

10 MPH 12 MPH 15 MPH 20 MPH

2 MPH

3 MPH

4 MPH

5 MPH

AIC1 1005 (50 Mesh)

30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

0.43 0.50 0.56 0.61 0.66 0.71 0.75 0.79

55 64 72 78 84 91 96 101

32 37 42 45 49 53 56 59

26 30 33 36 39 42 45 47

21 25 28 30 33 35 37 39

16.0 18.6 21 23 25 26 28 29

12.8 14.9 16.6 18.1 19.6 21 22 23

10.6 12.4 13.9 15.1 16.3 17.6 18.6 19.6

8.5 9.9 11.1 12.1 13.1 14.1 14.9 15.6

6.4 7.4 8.3 9.1 9.8 10.5 11.1 11.7

1.5 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.7

0.97 1.1 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8

0.73 0.85 0.95 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.3

0.58 0.68 0.76 0.83 0.90 0.97 1.0 1.1

AIC1 1006 (50 Mesh)

30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

0.52 0.60 0.67 0.73 0.79 0.85 0.90 0.95

67 77 86 93 101 109 115 122

39 45 50 54 59 63 67 71

31 36 40 43 47 50 53 56

26 30 33 36 39 42 45 47

19.3 22 25 27 29 32 33 35

15.4 17.8 19.9 22 23 25 27 28

12.9 14.9 16.6 18.1 19.6 21 22 24

10.3 11.9 13.3 14.5 15.6 6.8 17.8 18.8

7.7 8.9 9.9 10.8 11.7 12.6 13.4 14.1

1.8 2.0 2.3 2.5 2.7 2.9 3.1 3.2

1.2 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.2

0.88 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6

0.71 0.82 0.91 0.99 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.3

AIC1 1008 (50 Mesh)

30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

0.69 0.80 0.89 0.98 1.06 1.13 1.20 1.26

88 102 114 125 136 145 154 161

51 59 66 73 79 84 89 94

4 48 53 58 63 67 71 75

34 40 44 49 52 56 59 62

26 30 33 36 39 42 45 47

20 24 26 29 31 34 36 37

17.1 19.8 22 24 26 28 30 31

13.7 15.8 17.6 19.4 21 22 24 25

10.2 11.9 13.2 14.6 15.7 16.8 17.8 18.7

2.3 2.7 3.0 3.3 3.6 3.8 4.1 4.3

1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.7 2.9

1.2 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1

0.94 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7

AIC1 1010

30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

0.87 1.00 1.12 1.22 1.32 1.41 1.50 1.58

111 128 143 156 169 180 192 202

65 74 83 91 98 105 111 117

52 59 67 72 78 84 89 94

43 50 55 60 65 70 74 78

32 37 42 45 49 52 56 59

26 30 33 36 39 42 45 47

22 25 28 30 33 35 37 39

17.2 19.8 22 24 26 28 30 31

12.9 14.9 16.6 18.1 19.6 21 22 23

3.0 3.4 3.8 4.1 4.5 4.8 5.1 5.4

2.0 2.3 2.5 2.8 3.0 3.2 3.4 3.6

1.5 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.7

1.2 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1

VF=Very Fine F=Fine M=Medium C=Coarse VC=Very Coarse

21

TURF TIPS

Poa an n thumb ua sticks ou in dorm t ant be like a sore rmuda grass.

By Chris Hartwiger, Senior Agronomist, USGA Green Section

L

ooking forward to another article about the latest chemistry to control Poa annua in the winter? If so, this article probably is not for you. To be sure, herbicides play a key role in keeping a golf course clean, but the secret ingredient is all organic and 100% natural, and everyone has access to it. Unfortunately, the price can be high.

In building our case for the secret ingredient, this article will review our winter/spring travels and the successes/failures we saw. Although most Poa annua is long gone, now is the time to plan for control in 2008-2009.

2007â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2008: Failures and Successes in Weed Control As far as weed control is concerned, the winter and spring of 2007â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2008 were typical. Poa annua is enemy number one, and it likes to do battle in bermudagrass tees, fairways and rough.

Preemergence treatments began in late August last year and ended sometime in late March. The level of control typically is not fully known until February or March.

Levels of Poa annua control in the region ranged from outstanding to unacceptable. No parts of the Southeast region were necessarily better than others. Golf courses only a few miles apart had completely different levels of control.

24

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008

When visiting a golf course with disappointing levels of control, we often hear several reasons. We will review these and offer our comments, too.

The herbicide did not work, or it broke down too quickly.

All herbicides used for Poa annua control are thoroughly tested prior to being released, and numerous weed scientists in the region have ongoing Poa annua control programs. It is unlikely that the herbicide did not work or that it broke down too soon. It is far more likely that either the herbicide was not put down at the proper time or that the turf manager expected control to last longer than is realistic.

Our Poa annua is resistant to the herbicides used.

Please note that we are not weed scientists, but we do know that weed scientists advise that resistance is not likely to be a serious issue in less than seven years of using the same herbicide.

It was too wet to spray.

This may have been true. However, after reading about the secret ingredient, superintendents who manage golf courses that were too wet to spray may want to revisit this belief.

The bermudagrass was not dormant enough to spray glyphosate.

This may have been true, but just because you can find a semigreen stolon the third week of January does not mean that

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

CONTINUED glyphosate (Roundup) is not a viable option. Dr. Fred Yelverton at North Carolina State University has conducted numerous trials on spraying semi-dormant bermudagrass (25% green), and the most damage he could induce was to delay greenup by a few weeks. Remember, bermudagrass did not become the top agricultural weed in the world because it is easy to kill!

The secret ingredient The secret ingredient is desire. It is puzzling to visit two golf courses of similar budgets in the same week separated by only a few miles and see vastly different levels of Poa annua control. This winter, we made it a point to ask those superintendents with excellent Poa annua control what their secret was. They described a program that included products that everyone else has access to, but most importantly, they said that having a weedy golf course in the spring was unacceptable. They added that the staff, from the top down, developed an attitude that they would do whatever it took to control Poa annua.

Be advised that there is a price to pay for the secret ingredient. Yes, there will be times when the herbicide used

doesn’t produce the desired results. The plan will need to be adjusted. There will be times when it is too wet to spray. A spray program will either need to be started earlier, or some other solution will be needed. There may be parts of the golf course that are dry enough to spray, and others too wet to spray. There may even be times when a nonselective herbicide needs to be sprayed when there is a small amount of green bermudagrass present. The secret ingredient will require questioning the entirety of the Poa annua program each year, staying up to date on the latest research and making adjustments as needed.

Conclusion The battle against Poa annua is an annual occurrence. Take the time to develop a program that is appropriate for your golf course. Plenty of free resources on NC State and Clemson University turf websites can help you develop a program for your location and budget. Ultimately, the secret ingredient — desire — must come from the golf course staff. With a great plan and the desire to have a clean golf course, Poa annua will not stand a chance.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

25

T U R F TA L K

25 Fast Phrases: Communicating about Turf with Spanish-Speaking Employees

By Tony Cortes, Turfgrass Management Student, University of Tennessee

O

utlining goals and directing daily tasks to a grounds crew can be challenging if your employees are limited to communicating in Spanish. For turfgrass and landscape managers who may not be fluent in Spanish, here are translations of 25 key phrases that were invaluable to me in preparing for the 2007 PGA Championship during my spring and summer internship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, OK. 1 I need you to help me.

Te necesito que me ayudes.

28

6 Please help the other guys mow the turf.

Por favor ayuda a los otros muchachos cortar el pasto.

7 Mow the greens every day.

Corta los greens diariamente.

8 Mow the fairways three times a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday [Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday].

Corta los fairways tres veces cada semana: Lunes, Miercoles, Viernes [Martes, Jueves, Sábado, Domingo].

9 Mow the grass on the hill.

Corta el pasto en la colina.

2 Do you understand what you have to do? ¿Entiendes lo que tienes que hacer?

10 Mow around the trees with this machine.

Corta alrededor de los árboles con esta máquina.

3 Try to work as quickly as possible.

Intenta trabajar lo más rápido posible.

11 Don’t mow the areas that are really wet.

No cortes las áreas que estan realmente mojadas.

4 What days can you work next week? ¿Que diaz puedes trabajar en la próxima semana?

12 Please hand-rake the bunkers.

Por favor usa el rastrilla para las trampas de árena.

5 Please mow the ditches.

Por favor corta las zanjas.

13 How do the greens look? ¿Cómo se miran los greens?

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

CONTINUED 14 Go hand-water the dry areas on the greens.

Pon agua en las areas secas de los greens (o verdes).

15 Change the hole locations this week.

Cambia las localizaciones de las banderas (o agujero) esta semana.

16 Fix the ball marks on the greens.

Aregla las marcas de las pelotas en los greens.

17 Use this machine to spray the greens.

Utiliza esta máquina para sprayer los greens.

18 Be careful not to spray the greens with this chemical.

Ten cuidado no sprayer los greens con este químico.

19 Please weed-eat around the ponds.

Por favor corta alrededor de los charcos.

20 Go spray the weeds on the flowerbeds.

Ve a esprayar (rociar) las hierbas en las áreas de flores.

21 We are going to lay sod today.

Vamos a poner el pasto hoy.

22 Remove large rocks and sticks from the tilled area.

Quita las piedras y los palos grandes del área labrada.

23 Use the hand blower to blow leaves off the greens.

Usa el soplador de mano para soplar las hojas de los greens.

24 Try to trim all the bushes.

Intenta ajustar todos los arbustos.

25 Did everything go well today? ¿Todo estuvo bien hoy?

I N D E X O F A DV E RT I S E R S

CA L E N DA R O F E V E N T S

BASF www.basf.com ..................................................................17

August 19

TVSTMA Lower East Tennessee Field Day

Location: Chattanooga Parks & Rec., Chattanooga, TN

Bayer www.bayerprocentral.com ..................................................22 BWI Companies www.bwicompanies.com ..................................5, 9 September 8

Covermaster, Inc. www.covermaster.com ......................................16

MTGCSA Expanded Educational Meeting and Golf

Location: Graymere Country Club, Columbia, TN

E & S Soil and Peat www.eandssoil.com ......................................29 Ewing www.ewing1.com ......................................Inside Front Cover

September 15

Location: Spring Creek Ranch, Collierville, TN

Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc. www.JohnDeere.com ........................3 Harrell’s Custom Fertilizer www.harrells.com ................................23

MAGCSA Meeting

September 18

University of Tennessee Turfgrass Field Day Location: Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

October 6

ETGCSA Scholarship and Research Tournament

John Deere Landscapes www.johndeerelandscapes.com ................9 K-Rain Manufacturing Corp. www.krain.com ................................27 Keeling Company www.keelingcompany.com ................................22

Location: Tennessee National, Loudon, TN

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. www.midtennturf.com ....................................25 Pennington Seed, Inc. www.penningtonseed.com...........................26

October 14

MTGCSA Scholarship & Research Tournament

Location: Clarksville Country Club, Clarksville, TN

Sigma Organics Inc., Nashville, TN www.sigmavalidation.com ..........5 Smith Turf & Irrigation www.smithturf.com ......................Back Cover October 14–18

Southeastern Turf, LLC www.southeasternturf.com ..........................7

MAGCSA Meeting

Location: Wyndyke Country Club, Memphis, TN

Sur-Line Turf, Inc. ........................................................................11 Syngenta Turf & Ornamental ..........................................................7 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com

November TBA

TVSTMA Middle Tennessee Field Day Location: to be announced, Nashville, TN

November 4

MAGCSA Meeting

The Turfgrass Group ................................................................5, 11 Turf Mountain Sod, Inc. www.turfmountain.com ............................29

Location: Chickasaw Country Club, Memphis, TN

Turf Specialties www.turfspecialties.net ........................................29 Winstead Turf Farms, Inc. ......................................Inside Back Cover www.winsteadturf.com

30

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008

January 11–13, 2009

43rd Annual TTA Conference & Trade Show

Location: Marriott Cool Springs, Franklin, TN

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com