Tennessee Turfgrass - December / January 2008 by leadingedgepubs

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

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S DECEMBER/JANUARY 2008

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

11 18 24

18 Cover Story

Upcoming Event — 42nd Annual TTA Conference & Trade Show Program Beyond the Drafting Table: Six Simple Steps to Creative Landscape Design Turf Talk — Sprucing Up Your Sports Field’s Irrigation System

Turf Basics — Making Turfgrass Fertilizers Work — and Pay — For You (Part 3 of 3)

Turf Tips — Determining Cup Holes for Putting Greens

Turf Talk

Turf Basics

D E PA RT M E N T S

From the TTA President, Bill Francis

From the TVSTMA, Al Ray

Calendar of Events

Index of Advertisers

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2008

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

FROM THE PRESIDENT BILL FRANCIS

reetings from Upper East Tennessee! It’s hard to believe that it is already “conference time” again. This year’s TTA Annual Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show is right around the corner and will be held January 13–15, 2008, at the Cool Springs Marriott in Franklin. Last year, this site proved to be a fabulous venue, and once again, this year’s educational program is packed full of great topics and speakers (see pages 11–17 for an outline of the program). If you have not already registered for the 2008 Conference and Trade Show, do it quickly, as we expect another great turnout. In addition, to receive TTA’s special conference room rate when you are making your room reservations at the Marriott, be sure to specify that you are attending the TTA Conference. Remember, TCNC members who have qualified as Retired Members can attend the Conference & Tradeshow at no charge. The 2008 TTA Conference will close the book on my term as your TTA president. Therefore, I would like to

thank you for the opportunity to serve our association over the past two years. It has truly been a privilege. Having had the good fortune of working with two outstanding boards of directors, I hope you feel we have contributed to the betterment of the association. Personally, serving in this role has not only provided me with an invaluable experience, but it has also afforded me the opportunity to build many new friendships. For this, I am most thankful, and I hope to continue my future TTA involvement in an advisory role. With that said, on behalf of the TTA board of directors, I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season. See you in Franklin!

Bill Francis

TTA President

Photo by Eric Stars

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2007

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

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. Bobby Stringer Scientific Editor Dr. J. Scott McElroy TTA OFFICERS President Mr. Bill Francis The Ridges Golf & CC (423) 913-2276 Vice President Mr. Bob Hogan The Hogan Company (888) 224-6426 Secretary/Treasurer Mr. Bobby Stringer Germantown Country Club (901) 754-7755 Past President Mr. Jeff Case (901) 373-4344 Executive Secretary Mr. Jim Uden (615) 591-8286 TTA 2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Cory Blair Ms. Shelia Finney Mr. Roger Frazier Mr. Mickey Lovett Mr. Bill Marbet Mr. Bob McCurdy Mr. Scott McNeer Mr. Tommy Mittlesteadt Mr. Scott Morgan Mr. Mitch Parker Mr. Robert Stroud Mr. Frank Turner 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 AL RAY

A Leader’s FAREWELL S

ince my position as your TVSTMA president comes to an end at our Annual Business Meeting during the TTA Conference and Trade Show in January, this will be my last TVSTMA message. For the past two years, I have wanted to address the topic of becoming a Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM), but I was just not sure how to do it. I finally realized that the best way to raise awareness would be for this message to come from a CSFM. Marty Kaufman, CSFM and TVSTMA member, was gracious enough to deliver. So, allow me to share some parting thoughts and yield to what I think all sports turf professionals should seriously consider — certification. I would also like to thank everyone who has put his or her valuable time and energy into our chapter during my tenure; it has been my pleasure and honor to work with each of you. I appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow that serving as chapter president has given me. As I have said before, we are blessed to do what we love and to do it with friends. I hope to see you all at our 2008 Annual Business Meeting, to be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, January 15, at the Cool Springs Marriott in Franklin, TN. Al Ray 2006–2007 TVSTMA President

Ever Heard of a CPA? CSFM? By Marty Kaufman, CSFM, Head Groundsman and Sports Field Manager for Ensworth Schools, Nashville, TN anaging turfgrass in Tennessee can be a challenging proposition. How many people know what the transition zone is? Some might think it is a demilitarized zone in Iraq or Korea. Does the general public realize all the possible turf types we may grow in Tennessee? Do they realize what it takes to make turf look green and usable for their purposes? Does the average Joe even want to know how to grow grass? A CSFM knows. If you have struggled with a tax return, own a business or communicate with the administration of your organization, you may have dealt with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Most of us go through a budget process annually so that we may function in a fiscally responsible manner. A CPA may be the professional “numbers person” that your organization relies on to help make the budget work.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2008

I mention this because I am now a CSFM — a Certified Sports Field Manager — one of only three in the state of Tennessee and one of 79 nationally (at the time of this publication). You may choose to become certified, as well. I am writing this article to share with you my path and why I chose to become certified, as well as why I think you should, too. Becoming a CPA requires education, experience and examination. The same is true for becoming a CSFM. I certainly desired to become a CSFM when the program began several years ago; however, I was not eligible. Eligibility is based upon a point system. You may earn points based on your level of education or the degree of education you have obtained, as well as the field of study. For example, a bachelor’s degree in business would earn fewer points than a bachelor’s degree in turf management.

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 ©2008 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.

Please keep in mind that an educational degree is not required for CSFM eligibility. A degree helps earn points for eligibility, but so does experience. You may not become eligible for the exam based upon education alone, but you may become eligible based only upon experience. We all know that education is important; however, experience is a key factor in what drives our maturity as a person and as a turfgrass manager. Is agronomy or agriculture the only required experience to be successful at what we do? Absolutely not! You know as well as I that turfgrass managers are expected to be competent in many disciplines. There’s a difference between an operator, a laborer and a manager, as well as an administrator. In most cases, we are expected to fill all four positions at the same time. I believe this is why most of us are passionate about our profession. We enjoy the challenges along with the variety. Eligibility points for experience are similar to points for education — you will earn more points for being the head of your department than you would occupying a labor position. To learn more about becoming eligible for the CSFM exam, go to www.stma.org and click on “Professionalism.” Becoming eligible is the first step. Once that information is compiled and confirmed with STMA headquarters, you may sit for the exam. An examination may be proctored at a location near to you at any time of the year you choose to set up. I personally chose to sit for the exam at the STMA National Conference this past year. It seemed logical for me, since I attend the Conference each year and would be

focused upon education rather than the weather or a sporting event at our school. (I highly recommend attending the National Conference and Trade Show. You may go to www.STMA.org for registration information.) The exam itself is composed of four parts: Agronomics, Pest Management, Administration and Sports-Specific Field Management. Each part is taken separately and may be retaken individually if necessary (for instance, if you pass three parts, you are only required to retake the category that you did not pass). The exam is offered twice at the STMA Conference and Trade Show each year. It is possible to sit for the exam at the beginning of the week and then retake any parts necessary at the end of the week when the second examination is offered. I chose to become a CSFM for a few reasons. I am passionate at what I do, and I enjoy it. I don’t believe that just anyone is capable of doing what I do, just as I don’t believe that just anyone is capable of being a CPA. There are many accountants and financial people who manifest “the business office,” but they are not all capable of being CPAs. The turf industry is similar to the accounting industry, as there are many different people involved. Becoming a CSFM requires passion, commitment and professionalism. I am a professional, I have passion for what I do, and my commitment continues by growing the standards in the turf industry. I believe that being a CSFM is a demonstration of growing the standards for myself, as well as for others. I challenge you to become a CSFM!

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

42ND ANNUAL

2008 TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW PROGRAM

JANUARY 13TH, 14TH AND 15TH, 2008 FRANKLIN MARRIOTT COOL SPRINGS 700 COOL SPRINGS BLVD. â&#x20AC;¢ FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 37067

PROGRAM & MEMBER REGISTRATION

CONFERENCE PROGRAM SPEAKERS AND TOPICS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SUNDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GCSAA .50 PTS

The University of Tennessee Turfgrass Research, Teaching and Extension Team Update

Golf Course Symposium Saddlebred, Highland and Morgan Moderators: Dr. Patricia Cobb

Saddlebred, Highland and Morgan 1:00 p.m. Update from the University of Tennessee Turf Management and Turfgrass Weed Science Research, Teaching and Extension Team 4 PTS Moderator: Dr. John Sorochan Mr. Steven M. Borst Mr. Gregory Breeden Mr. Matthew A. Cutulle Mr. T. Jonathan (Jon) Dorris Dr. Frank A. Hale Mr. John M. Kauffman Ms. Rebecca (Becky) M. Koepke Dr. William E. Klingeman III Mr. James D. McCurdy Dr. J. Scott McElroy Mr. John M. Parham Dr. Tom Samples Dr. John C. Sorochan Mr. Adam Thoms Mr. Rodney V. Tocco Dr. Alan S. Windham Dr. Janice M. Zale

3:00 p.m. 60 Minutes: 2007 Golf Course Tales Mr. Chris Hartwiger, USGA Green Section

4:00 p.m. The Media: Can't Live with ’Em, Can't Live without ’Em Mr. John Reitman, TurfNet the Magazine

4:45 p.m. BREAK 5:00 p.m. How a Greenhouse Can Enhance Your Career Mr. Gary Shetler, Evansville Country Club, Evansville, IN

5:45 p.m. Get Motivated! Get Excited! Mr. Bryan Fiese, Performance Motivation

6:30 p.m. ADJOURN

2:45 p.m. BREAK

MONDAY MORNING, JANUARY 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GCSAA .50 PTS

7:00 a.m. PRAYER BREAKFAST (Continental Style)

10:00 a.m. BREAK

8:15 a.m. Workshops

10:15 a.m. Workshops

8:15 a.m. Franklin Identifying and Managing Weeds & Brush Species in Sensitive Areas, Including Streambanks & Meadows 2 Mr. Gregory K. Breeden, University of Tennessee

10:15 a.m. Williamson Turfgrass Management: Starting at the Bottom — Soils 2 Moderator: Mr. Bob Hogan Dr. Robert N. Carrow, University of Georgia

PTS

8:15 a.m. Williamson Hiring for Success / Coaching Skills Moderator: Dr. Tom Samples Mr. Bryan Fiese, Performance Motivation 8:15 a.m. Salons 1&2 Diagnosing and Managing Diseases of Transition-Zone Turfgrasses 2 PTS Dr. Maria Tomaso-Peterson, Mississippi State University Dr. Alan S. Windham, University of Tennessee 8:15 a.m. Salons 3&4 Irrigation System Maintenance: Troubleshooting and Correcting an Electrical Problem Moderator: Mr. Cory Blair Mr. Vince Nolletti, Paige Electric Company

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2008

10:15 a.m. Salons 1&2 Diagnosing and Managing Diseases of Transition-Zone Turfgrasses Dr. Maria Tomaso-Peterson, Mississippi State University Dr. Alan S. Windham, University of Tennessee 10:15 a.m. Franklin Turfgrass Weed Management: An Update 2 Dr. Scott McElroy, Auburn University 10:15 a.m. Salons 3&4 Insects of the Southern U.S. 2 PTS Dr. Frank A. Hale, University of Tennessee Dr. David W. Held, Mississippi State University 12:00 noon LUNCH

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

PTS

MONDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 14 Special Topics 1:00 p.m. Franklin New Concepts for Meadow-Type, Low-Maintenance Areas 2 PTS Moderator: Dr. Tom Samples Mr. Donald Woodall, Scotts/Landmark Seed Company

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:45 p.m. Salons 1&2 Communication to Meet Members’ Needs Mr. Scott McNeer, CGCS, Spring Creek Ranch, Collierville, TN Mr. Scott Severance, CGCS, Fox Den Country Club, Knoxville, TN Mr. Gary Weller, Council Fire, Chattanooga, TN

1:00 p.m. Salons 1&2 Bridging the Gap Between Golf and Environmental Permitting 2 PTS Mr. Cory Blair, CGCS, Rarity Communities, Sweetwater, TN

1:45 p.m. Williamson Is Zoysia a Part of Your Golf Course Renovation Plan? 2 PTS Moderator: Mr. Bobby Stringer Mr. Ken Mangum, CGCS, Atlanta Athletic Club, Atlanta, GA

1:00 p.m. Williamson Renovating Richland Country Club 2 PTS Mr. Brad Erikson, Richland Country Club, Nashville, TN

TRADE SHOW

2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Salons 5-10

1:45 p.m. Franklin Self-Inflicted Motivation Mr. Jim Harris, CGCS, Cottonwoods Golf Course, Cordova, TN

TUESDAY MORNING, JANUARY 15 6:45 a.m. Mustang, Quarter Horse and Palomino AWARDS BREAKFAST and TTA BUSINESS MEETING

TUESDAY SESSIONS, JANUARY 15 Golf Course Session

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GCSAA .30 PTS

TRADE SHOW

8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Salons 5-10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sports Turf Session

Saddlebred, Highland and Morgan

Salons 1-4

Moderators: Mr. Jeff Rumph and Mr. Tommy Mittlesteadt

Moderators: Mr. Bill Marbet and Mr. Bob McCurdy

11:00 a.m. Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association Meeting

11:00 a.m. Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association Meeting

11:30 a.m. About Wetting Agents 2 PTS Mr. Greg McManic, Adjuvants Unlimited

11:30 a.m. Cool-Season Turfgrasses for Southeastern Sports Fields 2 PTS Dr. Stacy A. Bonos, Rutgers University

12:15 p.m. Breeding Warm-Season Turfgrasses for the Turfgrass Transition Zone 2 PTS Dr. Dennis L. Martin, Oklahoma State University 1:30 p.m. What’s New at The Country Club of Birmingham Mr. Lee McLemore, CGCS, The Country Club of Birmingham (AL)

12:15 p.m. Managing Sports Fields within Budget 2 PTS Mr. Ken Edwards, CSFM, Sports Complex Superintendent, Gulfport, MS 1:30 p.m. (tentative) University of Arkansas Athletic Fields: An Overview Mr. Pat Berger, University of Arkansas

2:15 p.m. Breeding Cool-Season Turfgrasses for the Turfgrass Transition Zone 2 PTS Dr. Stacy A. Bonos, Rutgers University

2:15 p.m. Warm-Season Turfgrasses for Southeastern Sports Fields 2 PTS Dr. Dennis L. Martin, Oklahoma State University

3:00 p.m. ADJOURN Please Have a Safe Trip Home.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

AKE TO M E R U THE BE S S AT N O I T VA RESER KLIN

FEATURED SPEAKERS Mr. Pat Berger Director, Athletic Dept. University of Arkansas 479-841-0105 pberger@uark.edu

Mr. Bryan Fiese Motivated Performance 866-465-7073 susie@getumotivated.com www.getumotivated.com

Mr. Cory Blair, CGCS Director of Agronomy Rarity Communities, Inc. Sweetwater, TN 423-884-3007 coryblair@raritybay.com

Dr. Frank A. Hale Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology The University of Tennessee Nashville, TN 615-832-6802 fhale@utk.edu

Dr. Stacy A. Bonos Plant Biology and Pathology Cook College, Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ 732-932-9711, ext. 297 bonos@aesop.rutgers.edu

Mr. Jim Harris, CGCS Cottonwoods Golf Course at Grand Casino Cordova, TN 901-870-1179

Mr. Steven M. Borst Graduate Student, Weed Science The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-0213 sborst1@utk.edu

Mr. Chris Hartwiger Senior Agronomist Southeast Region, USGA Green Section Birmingham, AL 205-444-5079 chartwiger@usga.org

Mr. Gregory K. Breeden Extension Assistant II The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7208 gbreeden@utk.edu

Dr. David W. Held Assistant Extension/Research Professor of Entomology Mississippi State University Biloxi, MS 228-546-1019 dheld@ext.msstate.edu

Dr. Robert N. Carrow Professor, Crop & Soil Sciences Griffin Campus, Univ. of Georgia Griffin, GA 770-228-7277 rcarrow@griffin.uga.edu

Mr. John M. Kauffman Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 jkauffm1@utk.edu

Mr. Matthew A Cutulle Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-0213 mcutulle@utk.edu Mr. T. Jonathan (Jon) Dorris Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 tdorris@utk.edu Mr. Ken Edwards, CSFM Sports Complex Superintendent City of Gulfport Gulfport, MS 228-832-3612 kedwa37326@aol.com Mr. Brad Erikson Superintendent Richland Country Club Nashville, TN 615-370-0060

Dr. William E. Klingeman III Associate Professor The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 wklingem@utk.edu Ms. Rebecca M. Koepke Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 rkoepke@utk.edu Mr. Ken Mangum, CGCS Director of Golf Courses/Grounds Atlanta Athletic Club Duluth, GA 770-448-2166 Dr. Dennis L. Martin Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist Oklahoma State University Horticulture and Landscape Stillwater, OK 405-744-5419 Dennis.L.Martin@okstate.edu

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2008

FRAN IOTT MARR RINGS

COOL

Mr. James D. McCurdy Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-0213 jmccurd1@utk.edu Dr. Scott McElroy Assistant Professor The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-8603 mcelroy@utk.edu Mr. Lee McLemore, CGCS Director of Golf Course Operations The Country Club of Birmingham Birmingham, AL 205-803-4268 lmclemore@ccbham.com Mr. Greg McManic Manager of Sales and Marketing Technology Adjuvants Unlimited 7975 Courtyard Plaza Memphis, TN 901-755-8036 gmcmanic@adjuvantsunlimited.com Mr. Scott McNeer, CGCS Superintendent Spring Creek Ranch Collierville, TN 901-850-1129 Mr. Vince Nolletti Vice President Irrigation and Landscape Lighting Operations Paige Electric Co. Fresno, CA 559-431-2346 vnolletti@paigeelectric.com www.paigewire.com. Mr. John M. Parham Research Associate II The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-0213 jparham2@utk.edu

Mr. Gary Shetler Superintendent Evansville Country Club Evansville, IN 812-422-6461 gary@evansvillecountryclub.com Dr. John C. Sorochan Associate Professor The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu Mr. Adam Thoms Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 athoms@utk.edu Mr. Rodney V. Tocco Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 rtocco@utk.edu Dr. Maria Tomaso-Peterson Assistant Research Professor Entomology and Plant Pathology Mississippi State University 662-325-2593 mariat@pss.msstate.edu? Mr. Gary Weller Superintendent Council Fire Chattanooga, TN 423-855-0844

Mr. John Reitman Editor TurfNet the Magazine 800-314-7929 jreitman@turfnet.com

Dr. Alan S. Windham Professor The University of Tennessee Nashville, TN 615-835-4572 awindha1@utk.edu

Dr. Tom Samples Extension Turfgrass Specialist Knoxville, TN 865-974-2595 tjsamples@utk.edu

Mr. Donald Woodall Scotts/Landmark Seed Co. Don.Woodall@Scotts.com

Mr. Scott Severance, CGCS Superintendent Fox Den Country Club Knoxville, TN 865-966-2531

Dr. Janice M. Zale Assistant Professor The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 jzale@utk.edu

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

4 2 N D A N N U A L TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

AND

TRADE

SHOW

PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR PAYMENT. Please list all information as you would like it to appear in the 2008 TTA Annual Directory.

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ FAX: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRIMARY FUNCTION COMMERCIAL VENDOR TURF MANAGER ❑ Commercial Lawn Care ❑ Equipment Dealer ❑ Golf Course ❑ Retail Center ❑ Distributor ❑ Parks & Recreation ❑ Landscaping ❑ Manufacturer ❑ Sports Field ❑ Irrigation Contractor ❑ Other_______________ ❑ Hotel/Resort ❑ DOT ❑ Hospital/Health Care ❑ Other_______________ ❑ School/University ❑ Cemetery ❑ Other_______________ PLEASE CHECK THE BOX FOR ADDITIONAL ASSOCIATION AFFILIATIONS:

❑ PGMS

❑ TNLA

❑ TVSTMA

❑ TGCSA

❑ Other _____________

Please list the first and last names of the persons attending the 2008 Conference & Trade Show. Attach separate list if needed.

❶ ❷ ❸ ❹ ❺ ➏ ❼ ❽

REGISTRATION OPTIONS ❶

❷

❸

❹

❺

➏

❼

❽

Primary Member Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 175.00

TOTAL

Price includes 2008 Membership Dues

Associate Member Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 120.00 REGISTRANTS FROM THE SAME FACILITY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP IF THE FACILITY HAS TWO PRIMARY MEMBERS.

Student Member Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

60.00

One Day Pass (Limit 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

75.00

One Day Student Pass (Limit 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

10.00

Awards Breakfast Ticket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

25.00

Endowment Fund Contribution ❑ Research ❑ Scholarship

❑

$ $ $

Extension

Please make checks payable to:

Tennessee Turfgrass Association • 400 Franklin Road • Franklin, TN 37069

GRAND TOTAL

(No Credit Cards)

TTA OFFICE USE ONLY

Date______________

Check No. ______________

Cash ______________

REGISTRATION FORM

COMPANY NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONTRACT FOR EXHIBIT SPACE

42ND ANNUAL TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR PAYMENT.

BOOTHS

SIZE

UNIT PRICE

BOOTHS 59

80 SQ FT

$495

QUANTITY

TOTAL

(Max limit of 4)

ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP TO TTA: (1 included with 10' x 8' booth rental.

$50

Attend the TTA Breakfast & Business Meeting!

$25/person

Tues., Jan. 15, 2008, 6:45 a.m.-8 a.m.

TOTAL

Please make checks payable to : Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, TN 37069 (No Credit Cards)

FIRST CHOICE

SECOND CHOICE

THIRD CHOICE

BOOTH PREFERENCE All reservations are made on a first-paid, first-reserved basis only. Please note the cancellation policy as outlined in the section of the brochure entitled “Rules & Regulations.” If electricity is required, please contact Jim Uden at (615) 591-8286 for Marriott form and further information. Purchased luncheon tickets will be included in vendor packet upon registration and setup. PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE THE FOLLOWING: NAME:

MEMBER NAME:

(Person responsible for the booth)

(To be included in Directory)

SIGNATURE: FIRM: (As your ID sign should read)

MAILING ADDRESS: CITY: TELEPHONE:

STATE:

ZIP: FAX:

EMAIL: **ADDITIONAL NAMES FOR BADGES: (**If more space is needed, please attach a complete list)

**ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: (**If more space is needed, please attach a complete list)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCTS/SERVICES YOU SELL OR PROVIDE:

RULES & REGULATIONS OPENING AND CLOSING: The exhibit officially opens at 2:30 p.m., Monday, January 14, 2008, and will close at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 15, 2008. EXHIBIT SET-UP AND BREAKDOWN: General booth set-up will be from 9:00 a.m., Monday, January 14, 2008, until 2:00 p.m. All exhibits must be completed by 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 14, 2008.

INSURANCE AND FIRE PROTECTION: The Tennessee Turfgrass Association will exercise all reasonable care for the protection of exhibitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s material and displays. An official of the trade show committee will be on duty in the exhibit area during set-up and breakdown periods. The exhibit area will be secured during non-exhibit hours.

CONTRACT FOR SPACE: The application for space and the formal notice of assignment constitutes a contract for the right to use the space so allotted. In the event of fire, strikes, or other uncontrollable circumstances, the contract will not be binding. The Tennessee Turfgrass Association reserves the right to cancel any contract with any exhibitor any time prior to or during the conference.

LIABILITY: The exhibitor agrees to make no claim against the Tennessee Turfgrass Association nor its members or employees for loss, theft, damage or destruction of goods, nor any injury to himself/herself, or employees prior, during or subsequent to the period covered by the exhibit contract, nor for any damage whatsoever, including the damage to his business by reason of failure to provide space for the exhibit, nor for failure to hold the Conference as scheduled. The exhibitor, upon signing the contract for exhibit space, expressly releases the foregoing named conference and individuals from any and all claims for such loss, damage or injury.

USE OF SPACE: All demonstrations, interviews, distributions of advertising material or other activities must be confined to the limits of the exhibit booths. No exhibitor shall assign, sublet or share the whole or part of the space allotted without the knowledge and approval of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association.

CANCELLATION: In the event an exhibitor must cancel, and cannot exhibit, the following will apply. A. If the reserved booth or island can be contracted, a 100% refund will be granted. B. If the reserved booth or island can not be contracted, a 50% refund will be granted.

BOOTHS: There will be fifty nine (59) 10' x 8' booths available. Each will be piped and draped. Each will have a 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; skirted table, 2 chairs, wastebasket and one I.D. sign.

FLOOR PLAN

Please indicate preferences on Exhibit Space contract

JANUARY 2008

COVER STORY

CONTINUED

By Garry L. Menendez, Landscape Architect and Associate Professor, Dept. of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee ave you ever jumped out of bed to jot down a really great idea floating through your head? I know I have. Most of the time, these visions occur during REM sleep, which I don’t really understand, but I know it has something to do with that wondrous wake-up sequence when your brain is kicked into a super-conscious state in those moments before you open your eyes. I once actually sprung out of bed to scribble down sloppy notes for what I was convinced was a really great beer commercial. I won’t bore you with why that idea didn’t go anywhere. Anyway, winter is nearly here, and that means some of our outdoor maintenance and construction activities are also on the verge of hibernation. Between clearing leaves and mulching planting beds, it’s time to develop dream plans! That’s right — it’s time to think big and make steps toward creating the perfect landscapes that you, your clients (if you are a lawncare contractor) or your employer (if you are a golf course superintendent or parks and recreation manager) have always wanted. The following six-step sequence may help you make sense of this creative challenge.

Step 1: Inventory

What do you have to work with — in other words, what plants are already growing on the site? This is the first question you must answer. Inventory the site by making a list or a base plan of all that currently exists in the area you want to design. If the property is pretty new, this is a piece of cake. If, however, there are many existing features and plants that need to remain, you must measure and be precise. Triangulation is a quick but accurate method for locating key points or features on your base plan. Even though the term sounds NASA-like, triangulation simply means taking measurements from two known points (like the gazebo and walking TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

COVER STORY path) to the third point (that big oak tree), thus forming a triangle. Take out a compass and open it up according to your measurement next to the scale at which you are drawing. Swing two arcs from both of your known points. Where these arcs intersect will be the exact location of the big oak tree. You must also show anything else on the site that can affect your design. Items often include potential drainage problems (such as low areas and downspouts exits), location of utility wires (both overhead and underground), soil conditions, water faucets, window locations and heights from ground level, HVAC units, etc. Don’t forget to note popular traffic patterns. If your lawncare client goes from the kitchen to the compost pile frequently, the last thing you want to do is triple this distance by planting too much vegetative screening directly in her path. But now I’m talking about the analysis stage that follows.

Step 2: Analyze

Now that you’ve identified and mapped every key element of the property, what’s next? This is the step when the design process actually begins. At this point, you start to pay attention to that inventory you’ve created and make logical design decisions. For instance, a hot south- or west-facing wall screams, “No azaleas or rhododendron here, pal!” The low spot on the site with poor drainage says, “Fix me!” or “Plant only those species that can tolerate

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CONTINUED occasional wet feet.” If your client likes the view of the lake but can’t stand the next-door neighbors’ dog pen, plant to block the view of only the latter. If soil-test results suggest that the site sits on top of an old parking lot, it’s time to add truckloads of soil amendment to the budget. Analyzing the site should be fun. You should constantly ask yourself questions like “This is what I have, so what can I do with it?” Think in generalities at this point. Avoid thinking about specific plants until later. Otherwise, you may build your entire design around one species that, while in itself may be extraordinary, fails to relate to anything else in the garden.

Step 3: Brainstorm

Now the real fun begins. If your lawncare client fondly recalls dining on a small, crushed-stone terrace covered by a rustic arbor and adorned with fragrant wisteria when she vacationed in some exotic locale, write it down. If your club manager says such things as “I’ve always wanted an enormous koi pond with a retractable dance floor over the top,” write that down, too. Brainstorming is the process of recording everything your client or employer desires for the garden. No limits, no budget, no “I can’t do that because…” Those decisions will come next. Envision yourself being six years old again and slowly flipping

through the Sears Christmas Catalog while putting together your very first “wish list.” Have fun. Your client will be quickly transported back to reality during the next stage.

Step 4: Prioritize

Okay. Let’s be real. Maybe the backyard isn’t big enough for a small putt-putt green complete with the plywood-cutout, bluetick-hound-with-a-moving-rear-leg obstacle. If you’re working with a small site, but the “wish list” has 20 big-ticket, must-have items, it may be time to prioritize. I use the analogy that garden designs are like puzzles, and there are times when all of the pieces just won’t fit in the frame. Identify the “can’t live without” elements — a water feature, brick patio, arbor and an heirloom specimen plant — and start to find homes for them on the site. You’ll probably want to scoot them around on the site until they look comfortable and “feel right” in their respective locations. This is easily done with many computer design programs, or you may just want to draw their rough shape and dimension onto construction paper, cut them out and move them about on your base plan. Prioritizing your desires horticulturally also makes sense. Landscape design is an art. It can and should be subjective. There will always be clients who want to plant one of

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COVER STORY everything they can get their green thumbs on, just as there will always be a few minimalists who go to the other extreme. Diversity in client tastes and preferences is what makes landscape design such a neat profession. Even my own design-style pendulum constantly swings back and forth between “less is more” and “simple is best” to “let diversity rule — I like a plant buffet.” The middle ground here is to have enough interesting specimen or focal plants in the garden (maintaining a certain distance between them) while incorporating some “glue” or common thread (often groundcovers or low masses) to hold the design together. I once read an interesting interview with a prominent landscape architect. When asked to name the one mistake most homeowners and landscape designers make when selecting plants for gardens, he replied, “Lack of restraint.” Think about it.

Step 5: Finalize

This is a toughie. In my opinion, no landscape creation is ever “finalized.” That’s what makes this profession or hobby so much fun. Landscapes are constantly in the process of change and succession. With that being said, let’s say you’ve mapped out the yard, analyzed it, created preliminary diagrams and pared the wish list down to a manageable and affordable size. Now it’s time to take that rough diagram and walk the site, looking at what you’ve drawn so far. Many clients have told me that they have a hard time visualizing, so I try to help them with photos, marking paint, garden hoses, etc. This is what you must do. Move outdoor furniture to the place where you envision a stone patio. Ask yourself if it is accessible, large enough and level enough or whether a wall will be needed. Place objects that may be roughly the same size as a particular landscape feature or have a bored-to-tears kid stand out in the yard and play “tree” for a while. It may help to take your plant books or magazines into the yard or onto the site with you, holding them before the client’s eyes, and then dropping them down to visualize

that particular color, form and texture in that specific location. Whatever works for the client is my point. After a while, the finalization process will become easier. If something doesn’t seem to “fit,” change your plan. Make sure visitors can get from point A to point B without walking on water.

Step 6: Make it happen!

Don’t be like the government. You will have spent way too much time and energy creating this beautiful landscape design only to have it sit on some dusty shelf for eternity. This plan has life! It wants to be implemented. Even if your client or employer can’t afford to do it all at one time (few of us can), recommend installing the “bones” of the design. That is, first make any additions or changes to the hardscape (walkways, paths, fencing, water features, patios, etc.). Remember to plan for “sleeves” (open, underground PVC pipe) for irrigation and/or lighting, before you lay any stone or brick or pour concrete. Next install any proposed shade or flowering trees. Larger shrubs should follow, and then (after your client has been approved for yet another home-equity loan) you may “finish” by installing groundcover, perennials, small accents, etc. To me, landscape and garden design is the most satisfying career I could ever imagine. I am convinced that all of the great gardens of the world began as dreams. No matter what the scale, I say, “Let your dreams flourish by acting on them and giving your clients their own private garden oases.” Happy winter! Garry Menendez is a Registered Landscape Architect and an associate professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at The University of Tennessee where he teaches “Specialty Landscape Construction,” “Advanced Landscape Design” and “Professional Practices in Landscape Design and Management.”

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TN UE W R FS TFARLOKM T H E T T A

By Liz Nutter, Managing Editor, Leading Edge Communications, Publisher of Tennessee Turfgrass

ore than likely, most sports-turf managers in Tennessee already have an irrigation system on their primary athletic field. If that irrigation system was fairly recently built, you also probably have efficient irrigation components that were installed based on modern irrigation-design principles. Lucky you!

If you’ve inherited an older irrigation system, however, its performance may not be as reliable or efficient as it should or could be. “With their increasingly tight budgets, most sports-turf managers can’t just rip out their existing system and completely start over,” says Mike Young, manager of the Landscape Products Group with Smith Turf & Irrigation. “The good news, in most cases, is that it probably isn’t necessary.” Instead, as Young and Dr. Grady Miller (a turf specialist at North Carolina State University) explain below, many options are available to help improve your current system.

Irrigation-design basics First, you must evaluate your system and identify potential problems caused by initial design flaws, component failures or maintenance damage. While you can’t change the design itself without installing new lines or respacing the rotors (irrigation heads), you can often improve the system’s performance with new (or repaired) components. If you select any square foot within any certain irrigation zone on your field and measure the amount of irrigation your system applies there, that amount should be the same as on any other square foot in that zone. In fact, for true uniformity of distribution, all sports-turf irrigation systems should be designed for “head-to-head coverage.” What, though, does that mean? “Let’s say you have three heads in a row, where head #1 throws water toward head #2, which in turn throws water toward head #1 and head #3,” Dr. Miller says. “Much of the water on the turf right around head #1 actually comes from head #2. And the water around head #2 comes from 24

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heads #1 and #3. The turf area closest to one head will get its water primarily from the next head over. That’s why, for uniform irrigation application, you want total overlap in your head coverage.” That’s also why most rotors today have multiple nozzles (usually two, but sometimes three). Typically, one of the nozzles throws finer droplets that land closer to the rotor, while the other nozzle throws larger droplets that travel farther out. “A lot of engineering and design have been put into today’s nozzles to make them more effective at delivering a uniform application of water,” says Young. Unfortunately, says Dr. Miller, some irrigation installers are talked into cutting corners by putting fewer heads in the system and violating the head-to-head coverage rule. “Often, the result is that the field will have donut shapes across it, where the turf in the inner circles around the heads is lighter green than the turf farther out in the spray patterns,” he comments. “As long as you’re getting plenty of rain, it may not be that noticeable. But it’s pretty easy to spot after you’ve gone through a decent drought.”

Evaluating your system Dr. Miller recommends that every sports-turf manager regularly (once a week or so) turn on the irrigation system and watch it operate for several minutes. This is especially important since many systems are programmed to irrigate in early morning, when no one is around to notice problems. “Sometimes a head or two will get damaged from heavy traffic or by aerification, or sometimes a gasket may wear and start to ‘leak,’ allowing the head to become clogged with sand or debris that causes it to malfunction,” he explains. “A clogged or damaged head may not pop up at all, or if it does pop up, it may rotate more slowly than it should, or it may not rotate at all. It’s not uncommon to have a few heads in different zones on a field that don’t work like they should.”

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CONTINUED

Images provided courtesy of The Torro Company.

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T U R F TA L K

That’s why, he says, you should regularly check your system. “Turn on each zone, let the heads activate and eyeball the distribution, to make sure all the heads are functioning properly,” he recommends. “Then put out a few catch containers in each zone and measure the amount of water each one collects, to make sure the application is uniform.”

Fixing problems If you notice a problem with a certain rotor not functioning correctly, first check to see if the gasket has become worn, allowing the inner mechanisms to clog. If so, removing the rotor, cleaning it out and replacing the gasket is an easy fix. If you have a uniformity problem, consider changing out some of the nozzles. “If a head is not applying enough water to the edges of the distribution pattern, you can most likely replace the nozzle with one that throws water out a little farther,” Dr. Miller suggests. “If that doesn’t work, then you can try changing out the rotors themselves. Some rotors work differently under different water pressures; they each have a different ‘ideal range.’ If your problem is a pressure issue — say you have only 45 psi instead of 55 psi — you could possibly find a head that will work better at 45 psi.” If you’re considering replacing all the heads in your system, be sure to look for a long-lasting model that’s fully adjustable. For instance, the Toro 640 rotor has an adjustable throwing radius of 47 feet to 67 feet, and it can operate at water pressures from 40 psi to 90 psi. “Made specifically to withstand the physical forces of heavy traffic, the 640 is an absolute tank,” says Young. “Even better, the 640 heads can be installed up to a half inch below grade, so that when they pop back down, they virtually disappear.” At a list price of about $110 to $115 each, the Toro 640 is about twice as expensive as most other sports-field irrigation heads. Due to its heavy-duty construction, however, Young says it also lasts up to twice as long (up to 20 years or more). Dr. Miller agrees that, especially for fields that are heavily 26

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played, you should invest in the best rotors you can afford. Also, he suggests buying a few extra rotors. “That way, if you have a problem with a certain rotor, you can just pop in a new one and take the other one back to the shop to find out what’s wrong with it, fix it and use it as a spare later,” he points out. “Many times, you’ll have parts and pieces that you can interchange and re-use in cases.”

Irrigation controllers As Young points out, “If your system was designed properly — with head-to-head coverage, safe water velocities of the piping system and enough water pressure to get the performance out of the heads that you expect — and if you have relatively modern nozzle design (within the last 10 years), improving your irrigation application is now more a matter of the type of controller you have.” In simple terms, a controller is the device that turns the system on or off. “Irrigation controllers have become much more accurate and sophisticated,” says Young. “Today’s controllers are electronic (digital), as opposed to the older electromechanical controllers that had motors, gears, springs and knobs. Today, you can program a modern controller to run for ten minutes on Sunday morning at six a.m., and that is exactly what will happen. That accuracy has given sports-field managers much more reliability in how they apply their irrigation.” At low-budget facilities, the most common type of controller (considered a basic controller) is one where the turf manager simply programs it to turn on the irrigation system on selected days of the week, at a certain time of day and for a desired amount of time in each zone. Generally, the programming is based on historical data (typical weather conditions for that month), and every couple of weeks or so, the turf manager makes adjustments to the program. “Today’s basic digital controllers are easy for people to understand and program, and they are much more accurate in irrigation timing than the old electromechanical controllers,” says Young.

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CONTINUED Basic controllers vary in price depending on how many stations (or zones) they can control. For instance, a popular Toro model, the TMC-424, is a modular controller where you buy however many four-station (four-zone) or eight-station modules that you need. An outdoor-mount TMC-424 that controls 24 stations (with three eight-station modules) lists for about $685. At the opposite end of the irrigation-controller price range (usually many thousands of dollars) are those that are connected to their own on-site weather station that calculates the field’s exact evapotranspiration (ET) rate every day. As Dr. Miller explains, evapotranspiration is the amount of water that is leaving the soil through evaporation and leaving the plant through transpiration. “ET sensors are based on complicated equations that consider a number of environmental parameters, like sunlight, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction,” he says. “An ET sensor uses all that data to mathematically predict how much water is being lost so that you can replace that amount with irrigation.” At the mid-range controller price are those that receive ET data sent by satellite signals from off-site weather stations, such as the Toro Intelli-Sense controller. “With the Intelli-Sense controller, you set up the precipitation rate of the zone, the plant type, soil type, sun exposure and the slope (if applicable)

for each zone,” says Young. “Then, the controller incorporates WeatherTRAK™-enabled software to create a scientifically calculated zone-specific irrigation schedule. It receives a weather-station page each day so that you also get ET accuracy within a square mile. That way, your irrigation system applies the correct amount of water based on your site condition and the needs of your turf plants.” An outdoor-mount 9-station Intelli-Sense controller lists for $469; a 12-station controller lists for $524; and a 24-station controller lists for $889.

Controller add-ons Every irrigation system, no matter how sophisticated, should have a rain sensor or soil-moisture sensor connected to its controller, says Young. For instance, if your controller is connected to an on-site weather station that takes ET readings at 2 a.m. and your system is programmed to come on at 5 a.m., your field will get irrigated even if you had a heavy rain shower at 3:30 a.m. ET sensors, as Young says, are not “prediction” devices — they simply measure conditions at a particular moment in time. Typically, a rain sensor is mounted in an area where it is open to the sky and exposed to unobstructed rainfall, such as on the

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T U R F TA L K roofline on the side of a building. If the sensor cap collects your pre-set amount of water, it will prevent the controller from turning on the irrigation system. However, because not all rainfall is actually usable to the turf (some may run off or leach down below the rootzone), a more accurate option is a soil-moisture sensor. As Dr. Miller explains, a soil-moisture sensor measures the current percentage of water in the soil, and based on the threshold you set it for, the sensor will either allow or disallow the irrigation system to run. Selecting the right soil-moisture threshold for your field depends on how much water your particular turf species needs for that part of the season (overseeded ryegrass in late fall, for instance, will need more soil moisture than dormant bermudagrass), as well as your field’s soil makeup. “Sandy soils hold less water than clay-based soils, so the threshold might be only seven or eight percent, perhaps even lower. Your controller will turn on the irrigation system only when the soil-moisture sensor senses that percent or less water in the soil,” says Dr. Miller. “On volume basis, however, clay soil will hold much more water than sandy soil, so the threshold will be higher. If a clay-based soil had only seven or eight percent moisture, the playing surface would be hard as brick. The threshold for a clay-based field might be fourteen to sixteen percent.” Young emphasizes, though, that with any irrigation controller or add-on sensor, you must be certain that your heads are functioning correctly. “Every controller ‘assumes’ that uniform application is occurring,” he explains. “If you actually have some dry spots because you don’t have even irrigation coverage, those areas still won’t get enough water, no matter what type of controller you have. True ‘head-tohead coverage’ is always vital for any sports-field irrigation system.”

Leading Manufacturers of Irrigation Components Hunter Industries (rotors, valves, sensors, controllers) www.hunterindustries.com Irritrol (rotors, valves, sensors, controllers) www.irritrol.com K-RAIN Manufacturing Corp. (rotors, nozzles, valves, controllers) www.k-rain.com Rain Bird (rotors, nozzles, valves, sensors, controllers) www.rainbird.com Rain Master (controllers) www.rainmaster.com Toro (rotors, nozzles, valves, controllers) www.toro.com

TURF BASICS

By Tom Samples, Ph.D., and John Sorochan, Ph.D., The University of Tennessee; and Brad Jakubowski, Ph.D., The University of Nebraska

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

In this issue of Tennessee Turfgrass, we discuss strategies for integrating turfgrass nutrition into a Best Management Plan for Tennesseeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s managed turf. We detail the value of soil testing and turf-tissue testing, and we discuss how several turfgrass types and environmental factors can influence turf and landscape management decisions.

Considerations when developing a fertilization plan

Soil-test and tissue-test results Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are relatively immobile nutrients, moving downward very, very slowly in most native 30

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soils. The amounts of these two primary macronutrients available for uptake by turfgrasses can be determined by soil testing. If soiltest results indicate low levels of P and K, these nutrients can be applied to turfs at rates greater than the turfgrass requirement for each. This will result in increased amounts of P and K in the soil. Technology is also available in many soil-testing laboratories to determine the amounts of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S), as well as micronutrients such as boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) in the soil. These tests are especially beneficial when managing turfgrasses in soils with a limited nutrient-holding capacity (such as those containing large amounts of sand) or soils that have a relatively high leaching potential. Dry clippings may also be submitted for nutrient analysis. Such a tissue test serves as a snapshot of the nutrient content of the turfgrass at the time the sample was taken. In addition to reporting the test results, both soil- and tissue-test reports usually contain specific fertilizer recommendations.

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CONTINUED Table 1. Nitrogen Fertility Requirement of Several Turfgrasses. Turfgrass

Relative N Fertility Requirement

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

Annual ryegrass

Medium

2/5 to 1 lb.

Bermudagrass

High

1/2 to 1-1/2 lb.

Centipedegrass

Very low

1/10 to 4/10 lb.

Chewings fescue

Low

1/5 to 3/5 lb.

Creeping bentgrass

High

1/2 to 1-1/2 lb.

Creeping red fescue

Low

1/5 to 3/5 lb.

Kentucky bluegrass

High

1/2 to 1-1/2 lb.

Perennial ryegrass

Medium

2/5 to 1 lb.

Tall fescue

Medium

2/5 to 1 lb.

Zoysiagrass

Medium

2/5 to 1 lb.

Characteristic

Quick-Release Nitrogen

Slow-Release Nitrogen

Application frequency

Frequently, at low rate

Infrequently, at higher rate

Cost per pound of N

Low

Moderate

Danger of foliar burn

High to very high

Low

Leaching potential

Moderate

Low

Residual N

Low

High

Turfgrass response time

Quick

Slow

Table 2. A Comparison of Quick- and Slow-Release Nitrogen Sources.

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

Turfgrass species and variety Nitrogen fertility requirements vary among the turfgrasses. Many varieties of bermudagrass and Kentucky bluegrass require a higher level of nitrogen (N) fertility to maintain optimum growth and stand density, compared to fine fescues (chewings, hard, sheep and strong creeping) or centipedegrass (Table 1). Turfgrasses that are low in N are usually weak and thin, while those receiving excessive amounts of N are often diseased, weedy and prone to insect attack.

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

Climatic conditions Fescues, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass grow best during cool, moist weather. In the summer, high temperatures and severe drought often stress these cool-season turfgrasses. Warm weather favors the growth of bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass. These species are often damaged by cold temperature while dormant. A successful fertilization program is one that delivers an appropriate level of nutrition to support plant growth during favorable climatic conditions and to sustain turfgrasses exposed to environmental stresses.

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TURF BASICS Nitrogen-containing fertilizers should be applied to coolseason turfgrasses during late summer, fall, late winter and early spring (e.g., September, October, November, March and April). Avoid applications of N in May, June, July and August when cool-season turfgrasses are experiencing heat and drought stresses and are prone to disease. Fertilize warm-season turfgrasses during spring, summer and early fall (e.g., from late April through early September), when weather favors plant growth. Applying N to warm-season turfgrasses too late in the fall and too early in the spring promotes the growth of annual bluegrass and winter annual broadleaf weeds like chickweed, henbit and purple deadnettle.

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

The desired level of turfgrass quality influences the amount of fertilizer applied annually. Fertilization affects both the visual quality and function of a turf. Aerial shoot density, color, smoothness and uniformity of turf often increase with increasing soil fertility (provided that nutrients are applied at appropriate rates and do not reach excessively high levels in the soil). Inadequate or excessive fertility can limit the ability of a turfgrass to recover from damage caused by disease, insects and traffic. Fertilization also influences the rate of thatch accumulation in turfgrasses. This layer of un-decomposed and partially decomposed organic residues enables the turf to absorb shock, a very important attribute of sports and recreational turfs. However, turfs with more than 1/2" of thatch may be weak, poorly rooted and easily injured by high temperatures and drought.

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

Some herbicides are mixed with extended-release fertilizers to provide essential mineral nutrients while controlling weeds. Combination products containing a post-emergence herbicide or herbicides and a fertilizer with a low foliar-burn potential are often referred to as “weed-and-feed” formulations. Many weedand-feed products work best when applied while dew is present so that the herbicide moves from the fertilizer granules onto the leaves of weeds before the granules move through thatch and into contact with the soil. Some crabgrass “preventors” are also sold in combination with granular fertilizers. Benefin (e.g., Balan®), bensulide (Betasan®), dithiopyr (Dimension®), pendimethalin (Pendulum®) and prodiamine (Barricade®) are examples of pre-emergence herbicides that are often marketed in combination with granular fertilizers.

Product size guide number and uniformity index

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

Fertilizer manufacturers and distributors in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico recognize the need for fertilizerproduct quality control. Most offer fertilizers in a variety of particle sizes (e.g., “greens-type,” “fairway- or lawn-type” and “utility-type”). The Canadian Fertilizer Institute and the American Plant Food Control Officials (APFCO) recommend

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CONTINUED two measures to describe the average particle size and the distribution of particle sizes in fertilizer blending materials. The first measure — the size guide number (SGN) — is the calculated diameter of the “average particle,” expressed in millimeters to the second decimal and multiplied by 100. The average particle represents that particle size (millimeters) that divides the total amount (mass) of all particles into two equal halves. One half has all larger particles than average, while the other half has all particles smaller than the average particle size. Size guide numbers often range from 80 (0.8 mm in diameter) to 240 (2.4 mm in diameter) or more. A product with a SGN of 80 is usually manufactured with golf greens in mind, while a product with a SGN from 150 to 215 may be sold for use on turfs maintained at a high level of intensity and at a cutting height from 3/4" to 1-1/2". Products with a SGN of 240 or more may be appropriate when fertilizing turfs maintained at a cutting height of 2" or more. The second measure — the uniformity index (UI) — estimates the ratio of small particles to large particles in the fertilizer product. To determine the UI of a product, multiply by 100 the ratio of the two extreme sizes in the range of particles retained by screening at the 95% level versus that retained after screening at the 10% level. A box of BBs of equal size would have a UI of 100.

A UI of 50 means that the smallest particle is one-half the size of the largest particle, while a UI of 33 means that the smallest particle is one-third the size of the largest particle. In addition to comparing the analyses and types of nitrogen in two or more fertilizers, by knowing the SGN and UI of each, turfgrass managers can compare products based on their physical characteristics.

Budget Finally, product cost usually influences which fertilizer the turf manager purchases, the fertilization schedule and the application rate. Extended-release fertilizer N sources — such as methylene urea, sulfur-coated urea (Photo 1), polymer-coated urea (Photo 2), polymer-coated + sulfur-coated urea and ureaformaldehyde (Photo 3) — are generally more expensive per pound of N compared to highly water-soluble N sources such as urea and ammonium sulfate. However, due to the greater potential to burn turfgrass foliage, quick-release N sources must be applied at much lower rates more frequently compared to extended-release sources. By knowing the seasonal fertility requirement of turfgrasses, the nutrient levels in the soil and plant tissue, and the particle size, uniformity and cost of individual fertilizers, turfgrass managers can choose products that will perform very well within budget.

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TURF TIPS

Presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

uperintendents have heard it all before. A golfer walks off a green and mutters, “What kind of idiot would put a pin there?”

What many golfers don’t understand is that there’s a method to the madness for placing hole locations. As a rule, most golf course superintendents will set up the course using a hole rotation with six placements in the front third of the green, six in the center and six in the back, with nine holes cut on the left side of the green and nine on the right. There are some deviations from this straightforward method. One involves dividing the putting surface into several sections or quadrants, but there is always a balance between locations in the front, center and back. That way, the overall length of the golf course does not change from day to day. “We strive to mix up the hole locations daily, rotating them clockwise for reduction of wear and variety of shot selection,” says Jon Shreve, certified golf course superintendent at Lakelands Golf and Country Club in Brighton, MI. It’s customary to relocate the hole to a new position on the green each day, especially during a multi-day tournament. Cutting the hole in different locations will vary the challenges posed to the golfers. Perhaps one hole location emphasizes a dangerous bunker located adjacent to the green. Maybe a different hole location emphasizes the slope or crown of the green. Yet another location toward the very front of the green may discourage the use of the bump-and-run shot. By varying the hole locations, a course can be made to test the versatility of all competitors, forcing them to demonstrate proficiency in several aspects of the game.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2008

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

CONTINUED As the golf season progresses and the weather changes, however, green speeds increase and weekly rounds double. This can make it very difficult to find a fair hole location where the turf is not worn. Since slowing down green speeds would entail altering Mother Nature, this is usually not an option. You’ll need other ways to simplify the selection of hole locations. Study the design of the hole as the architect intended it to be played. Take into account the length of the shot to the green and how it may be affected by the probable conditions for the day — that is, wind and other weather elements, condition of the turfgrass from which the shot will be played and the holding quality of the green. A proper hole location has enough putting surface between the hole and the front and sides of the green to accommodate the required shot. For example, if the hole requires a long iron or fairway wood to the green, the hole should be located deeper in the green and farther from its sides than if the hole requires a short pitch shot. The hole should also be cut as nearly vertical as possible, not perpendicular to the contour of the green. Because it takes three weeks for a cup to repair itself, the superintendent's rule of thumb is for every green to have approximately 21 hole locations (spots that are roughly flat for a yard in diameter). Technology may also provide an answer to tougher hole locations. The return of handmowing has allowed bunkers and other hazards to be moved closer to the edge of the greens. In the 1970s and ‘80s, the triplex riding mowers that were commonly used needed more room to turn around. So, a flagstick set at the edge of the green may in fact be closer to trouble than in years past. And though it's customary for a hole location to be at least three to five paces from the edge of the green, there are no official USGA rules prohibiting something even closer and more challenging. Still, many superintendents will go to great lengths to give golfers a little extra information that can improve their scores and make their round more enjoyable. Hole location sheets, fairway flags and GPS laser-guided yardages are all ways in which you can provide information about hole locations on a daily basis. TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

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

Bayer www.bayerprocentral.com ..................................................21

January 3-4

Mid-States Horticultural Expo Location: Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY

January 13–15

42nd Annual TTA Conference & Trade Show Location: Marriott Cool Springs, Franklin, TN

January 16

GCSAA Seminar Location: Marriott Cool Springs, Franklin, TN

January 15–19

STMA Annual Conference and Exhibition (Sports Turf Managers Association) Location: Phoenix, AZ

BWI Companies www.bwicompanies.com ................................7, 34 Covermaster, Inc. www.covermaster.com ......................................10 Dickens Turf & Landscape Supply ..........................Inside Front Cover www.dickenssupply.com E & S Soil and Peat www.eandssoil.com ......................................34 Ewing Irrigation www.Ewing1.com ........................Inside Back Cover Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc. www.JohnDeere.com ........................3 K-Rain Manufacturing Corp. www.krain.com ................................23 Keeling Company www.keelingcompany.com ................................27 Kesmac, Inc. www.kesmac.com ..................................................29 Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. www.midtennturf.com ....................................33 Pennington Seed, Inc. www.penningtonseed.com ............................5

January 28–February 2 Golf Industry Show and Education Conferences Location: Orlando, FL

ProSource One www.prosourceone.com ......................................10 Shelton Landscape Supply www.sheltonlandscape.com ................37

February 4–5

TNLA Winter Education & Exhibits (Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association) Location: Music Road Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, TN

February 4–8

TPI Midwinter Conference (Turfgrass Producers International) Location: Orlando, FL

February 7–8

ANLA’s Masters in Landscape Business Management Program (American Nursery & Landscape Association) Location: Louisville, KY

February 8–11

ANLA Management Clinic (American Nursery & Landscape Association) Location: Louisville, KY

Sigma Organics Inc., Nashville, TN www.sigmavalidation.com ........28 Smith Turf & Irrigation www.smithturf.com ......................Back Cover Southeastern Turf, LLC www.southeasternturf.com ........................37 Syngenta Turf & Ornamental ..........................................................7 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com The Pond Lady www.thepondlady.com ..........................................28 The Turfgrass Group ..............................................................20, 34 Turf Mountain Sod, Inc. www.turfmountain.com ............................37 Turf Specialties www.turfspecialties.net ........................................21 Turfgrass America www.turfgrassamerica.com ................................9 Winstead Turf Farms, Inc. www.winsteadturf.com ..........................35

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2008

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com