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 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2009
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Cover Story
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Turf Tips
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Weed Watch
F E AT U R E D A RT I C L E S
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Highlights from TTA’s 43rd Annual Conference & Trade Show Turf Tips — Managing Overseeded Bermudagrasses as They Resume Growth in the Spring Weed Watch — Keys to Successful Preemergence Control of Crabgrass Turf Talk — Turfgrasses and Global Warming
D E PA RT M E N T S From the TTA President, Bob Hogan
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From the TVSTMA President, Stephen Crockett 8
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From the MAGCSA President, Doug Estes
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News from TTA
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News from TVSTMA
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Industry News
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Calendar of Events
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Index of Advertisers
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2009
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
FROM THE PRESIDENT Bob Hogan
hat a show! I believe I said that in my last president’s letter. But, let me quote an old hunter from my childhood, Elmer Fudd, “It’s True! It’s True!” We had a great conference and trade show this past January. We had 421 attendees this year, with 471 attending in 2008. That is only a 9% drop. As your board of directors, we are not pleased with any decrease. But with other statewide conferences around us having from 15% to 20% decreases, we are thankful to all of you who attended. If you could not make this year’s conference and trade show, your loss was great. The education portion was excellent, the best in years. Thank you, Education Committee and board! Make plans to attend in 2010 (I believe that could be our next year’s slogan). We also had more vendors to exhibit this year than last. Thank you, vendors! Even though we are still showing with small booths, the atmosphere in the trade show was wonderful. People were happy to be there. We got to laugh with old friends, share last year’s story and brag on what we plan on doing in 2009. Some of us even got to sell a thing or two. I hope you enjoyed the ice cream, too. I’m looking forward to a good year in 2009, and after talking to several of you, I believe you are, too. However, not everyone believes the way we do, especially the news media. They seem to be preaching doom and gloom about the economy. I wish that they would stay out of politics, quit creating the news, stop forecasting the economy and leave our chemicals alone.
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Please don’t get me wrong. I too am concerned about our economy, but that hasn’t changed. As owner of a small business, I believe we should always be concerned, in the good times as well as the bad. I believe the key to keeping an economy alive and well is based on buying and selling wisely and not on government programs. An estimated 76% of all spending in the United States comes from people like you and me and not from any government bailout. As I said at our Annual Meeting in January, 93% of the working people are still working and earning income to spend, which is only 2% less than when times were great. We need to keep buying and selling wisely and encourage our customers to do the same. Please make the choice to buy great products at a good price and expect excellent service. We have elected new officers and new board members to serve in 2009. Their names, addresses, phone numbers, and email are listed here in our magazine on page 24. If you have any questions or if I could be of any assistance, please call me at The Hogan Company (1888-224-6426), or call Jim Uden, TTA’s executive secretary (615-591-8286). Let’s make 2009 greener than 2008. Finally, I pray that you will have more time to spend with your family and God in 2009. Bob Hogan TTA President
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association
Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 591-8286 tnturfgrassassn@aol.com www.ttaonline.org 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 Jay Willis Glen Eagle Golf Course (901) 508-1986 Secretary/Treasurer Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms (731) 692-3515 Past President Bill Francis The Ridges Golf & CC (423) 913-2276 Executive Secretary Mr. Jim Uden (615) 591-8286 TTA 2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Joel Beckham Mr. Dick Breedlove Mr. Paul Carter Mr. Doug Estes Mr. Thomas Garner Mr. Bill Marbet Mr. Scott McNeer Mr. Tommy Mittlesteadt Mr. Mitch Parker Mr. Scott Severance Mr. Doug Ward Mr. Sean VanHoose TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mr. Bill Blackburn Mr. Lynn Ray Dr. Tom Samples Dr. Dennis Shepard Dr. John Sorochan
FROM THE TVSTMA PRESIDENT Stephen C. Crockett, CSFM
we move into 2009, we are all faced with many challenges within our profession. As an organization, TVSTMA also faces many challenges in the coming year, and we must work together to make our organization continue to grow and improve. Among these challenges is filling our committees. We have three standing committees — the Membership Committee, Program Committee and Communications/Publicity Committee — that we need members to take careful consideration in filling positions. If we can return our committee structure to its past strength, we can only move forward as an organization. In the Membership Committee, we need to fill positions in each of the following areas: Greater Knoxville-Northeast, Greater Chattanooga-Southeast, Cumberland Plateau, Greater Nashville-North Middle, South Middle, Northwest, Southwest and Greater Memphis. Several members have expressed interest in these positions, but no one has made a firm commitment. Please let me know if you are interested; the Membership Committee needs strong individuals within each of these areas to begin a grassroots membership campaign. Also, the Program Committee has been given the task of improving our scholarship program in years to come and will be an integral part of our future as an organization. Communications/Publicity speaks for
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itself, but we need members who are committed to improving this area. As in any organization, we need for our members to make a commitment. Whether meeting with other professionals, networking locally or stepping up to take on committee responsibility, it will take all of us moving forward to make this organization a strong and viable local chapter of the STMA. I encourage each of you to feel free to contact me or any member of the TVSTMA board of directors with your personal ideas and vision for the future of our organization, as it will take all of us to truly make TVSTMA what it can be in the future. I would also like to thank our former directors for their work and to welcome the 2009 TVSTMA board members: Theo Langkford, President-Elect; Dawson Thomes, Commercial Vice President; and Stephen Callis, Secretary/Treasurer. Also, I would like to congratulate Marty Kaufman, at Ensworth School, on being elected to the STMA national board of directors as a K-12 representative. As we move through 2009, let us all work together with the full intent of making TVSTMA one of the truly outstanding chapters within our organization. Stephen C. Crockett, CSFM TVSTMA President
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 Š2009 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.
FROM THE MAGCSA PRESIDENT Doug Estes
the president of the Memphis Area Golf Course Superintendents Association (MAGCSA), I and the MAGCSA board of directors wish everyone associated with the TTA an auspicious start to the New Year. This year will be challenging for most turfgrass managers, if not all. Our association will use these tough times to pull together and use our networking to help each other. Attending your local association meetings is a great way to interact and discuss the challenges you face. Use this year to share knowledge and help a neighbor. The MAGCSA has put together another great board and wonderful sites to host our meetings. Listed below are the names of our officers and meeting locations. If you are a member of any TGCSA, you are entitled to attend meetings across the state.
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2009 MAGCSA Board of Directors President: Doug Estes Vice President: Scott McNeer Treasurer: Dave Brown Secretary: Ben Haddad At Large: Cal Hill
MAGCSA Meetings March 16: Germantown Country Club April 20: AutoZone Park May 11: Stonebridge Golf Club June 15: Links at Whitehaven July: Ridgeway Country Club September 28: Memphis Country Club (Scholarship & Research Tournament) October: TBA November 16: Cottonwoods Golf Club The MAGCSA has been committed to funding research at two universities: Mississippi State University and The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Each of these universities shows great dedication towards research for our association, and we thank them. With the help of Maria Tomaso-Peterson, staff and students, Mississippi State has used our research funds towards these three projects: • the efficacy of spring fungicide applications plus organic fertilizer for controlling spring dead spot of bermudagrass 10
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• the influence of host resistance and nitrogen levels on leaf spot of bermudagrass • identification of strobilurin and benzimidazole resistance in Colletotrichum cereale isolates causing anthracnose of creeping bentgrass in the Mid-South Data collected for these projects will be given in detail during an MAGCSA meeting. With the help of Dr. John Sorochan, staff and students, UT Knoxville has used our funds towards these two projects: • the impact of various lightweight rolling/mowing frequency treatments on soil physical properties, playability and turfgrass health • evaluation of soil wetting agents, spray nozzles and postapplication irrigation for improved water infiltration and percolation in hydrophobic greens soils with sandorganic layers This data will be given in detail during an upcoming MAGCSA meeting. We also provided funds to UT’s Entomology and Plant Pathology Dept. We thank each and every one of these groups for their involvement with the TGCSA and TTA. This year, we awarded two $1,500 MAGCSA scholarships. The first recipient was Larry Robinson Jr., who is a senior at Mississippi State University. The other recipient was Andrew Edgerly, a senior at Penn State University. On behalf of our association, we wish these two individuals the best of luck in their continuing education. In closing, remember to use this year to share your knowledge and insight with those around you. Your support could help someone get through the tough times we face. Remember to use our website — www.tgcsa.net — for any information pertaining to each association. This website is for everyone, and I advise each member to visit. I hope everyone has a great year. Doug Estes Germantown Country Club
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
COVER STORY HIGHLIGHTS FROM TTA’S 43RD ANNUAL
CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW 2009 Tennessee Turfgrass Association’s Annual Conference and Trade Show was held January 11-13 at the Cool Springs Marriott in Franklin, which has proven a popular venue for the event over the past three years. Coordinated by TTA’s Education and Programs Committee and Dr. Tom Samples (with The University of Tennessee’s turfgrass program), the outstanding education sessions were packed with sports turf managers, golf course superintendents and lawncare professionals. And, despite the nation’s bleak economic climate, the participantfriendly trade show was exceptionally well attended by cheerful, optimistic turf managers from across the state. At the organization’s Annual Business Meeting and Awards Luncheon on Monday, TTA president Bob Hogan recognized and thanked this year’s outgoing board members, including Shelia Finney, Theo Lankford, Bill Marbet, Scott McNeer, Scott Morgan, Robert Stroud and Sean VanHoose. Marbet, McNeer and VanHoose were re-elected for two-year terms, while Joel Beckham (Old Fort Golf Course), Doug Estes (Germantown Country Club) and Thomas Garner (Pigeon Forge Parks & Recreation) — were elected to fill the remaining vacated two-year slots.
The
In the awards portion of the program, a very surprised and happy Shelia Finney received the 2009 TTA Professional of the Year award, which was presented by her former boss and longtime mentor Jim Kerkley. Tommy Middlesteadt, chair of TTA’s Nominations and Scholarship Committee, also announced three scholarship recipients. Sean Elvert and Brock Turner both won an Ernest Hardison Memorial Scholarship, which attracted ten applicants this year. Cassie Thomas (daughter of longtime TTA member Jim Thomas) won the Legacy Award, which was last presented ten years ago and is available to children, stepchildren and grandchildren of TTA members. Later that afternoon, during the TTA board meeting, the following executive committee was elected: Bob Hogan, president; Jay Willis, vice president; and Bob McCurdy, secretary/treasurer. Replacing Willis and McCurdy on the board (filling in for the second year of their two-year terms) were Dick Breedlove (Breedlove Landscaping) and Doug Ward (Belle Meade Country Club). If you missed this year’s event, be sure to mark your calendars for January 10–12, 2010, when the TTA celebrates its 44th Annual Conference and Trade Show again at the Cool Springs Marriott.
Traditionally held at breakfast, TTA’s Scholarship and Awards program was held this year at lunch and was particularly well attended. 12
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CONTINUED
Vendors and attendees at the trade show mixed, mingled and networked, sharing stories from 2008 while planning for 2009.
Tommy Middlesteadt presents one of this year’s Ernest Hardison Memorial Scholarships to Sean Elvert, a turfgrass student at The University of Tennessee. The other winner of an Ernest Hardison Memorial Scholarship was University of Tennessee student Brock Turner, who was unable to attend the ceremony.
Shelia Finney, golf course superintendent at Gaylord Springs Golf Links, receives the 2009 TTA Professional of the Year Award from Jim Kerkley (left) and Tommy Mittlesteadt (right). On behalf of his daughter, Cassie Thomas (who was unable to attend the awards ceremony), Jim Thomas accepts the 2009 Legacy Scholarship from Tommy Middlesteadt.
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
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COVER STORY
A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS!
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
BASF Bayer Environmental Science Bioverse, Inc. BWI Companies, Inc. Carolina Turf Products Charles Williams & Assoc., Inc. Cleary Chemical Crossroads Sod Farm Dickens Turf & Landscape Supply Double Springs Grass Farms Ewing Irrigation Co. FMC g2 Turftools Grassroots, Inc. Greenville Turf & Tractor Grigg Brothers Gunnison Tree Specialist Harrell’s, LLC Huntsville Tractor & Equipment Jackson Sand John Deere Golf JRM
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2009
Jones Aeration Company Keeling Company Ladd’s Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. Modern Turf, Inc. Oasis Irrigation, Inc. ProSource One Regal Chemical Co. Shelton Landscape Supply Sigma Organics Smith Turf & Irrigation (STI) Southeastern Turf, LLC Southern Athletic Fields Sur-Line Turf Syngenta TGCSA The Andersons Turf & Specialty The Hogan Company The Pond Lady Tuckasee Irrigation UT Turfgrass Club Watertronics Pump Company
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
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TURF TIPS
By Tom Samples, Ph.D.; John Sorochan, Ph.D.; Jim Brosnan, Ph.D.; and Greg Breeden, The University of Tennessee
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CONTINUED verseeded bermudagrass usually transitions from winter dormancy much more quickly in the Deep South than in the northern transition zone. High temperatures and drought during spring and early summer severely stress perennial ryegrass, which is the cool-season turfgrass species most often used to overseed dormant bermudagrass sports fields and golf courses in this region of the U.S. Within a few weeks after dormancy break, the perennial ryegrass plants are usually gone, leaving behind a bermudagrass monostand. In the Upper South and transition zone (including Tennessee), however, overseeding with perennial ryegrass in late summer or fall often reduces bermudagrass stand density the following spring. Although the number of bermudagrass shoots per square foot of turf may severely decline in one year, a drop in aerial-shoot density often occurs gradually for several years. This loss is due, in part, to the competition by ryegrass plants for light. As a species, bermudagrass often performs poorly in shade (including shade produced by the blades of taller ryegrass). When plants are shaded, the growth of lateral stems and the production of carbohydrates are usually reduced. The good news is that shade tolerance varies among bermudagrass cultivars (Table 1). In greenhouse studies in 2005 and 2006 at Clemson University, ‘Celebration’, ‘Tift No. 4’, ‘Tift No. 1’ and ‘Transcontinental’ had the best shade tolerance. Cultivars with intermediate shade tolerance included ‘Aussie Green’, ‘MSChoice’, ‘Princess 77’, ‘SWI-1045’, ‘SWI-1041’ and ‘SWI-1012’. The cultivars ‘SWI-1014’, ‘Arizona Common’, ‘Sundevil’, ‘SR 9554’, ‘GN-1’ and ‘Patriot’ were very shade sensitive. The shade tolerance of a bermudagrass variety may influence how quickly perennial ryegrass needs to be removed each spring (and even whether or not that variety should be overseeded at all). Also, turf-management practices that affect soil moisture, the availability of light and the temperature of the soil may influence the recovery of bermudagrass from winter dormancy. Bermudagrass growth can be very slow if cool, wet weather persists in the spring. Research conducted at North Carolina State University in Raleigh demonstrates that cultural practices alone do not consistently improve the natural transition of perennial ryegrass to bermudagrass following winter dormancy. Established ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass maintained at fairway conditions was overseeded with either ‘Gator’ (> heat tolerance) or ‘Derby Supreme’ (< heat tolerance) perennial ryegrasses. The bermudagrass plots were either vertically mowed once every two weeks, scalped, vertically mowed and scalped, core aerified or fertilized with two applications of ammonium nitrate. Although cultural treatments did affect the level of perennial ryegrass cover during spring and early summer, none resulted in its disappearance. Overseeded bermudagrass receiving core cultivation had less aerial shoot density at the end of the transition period than bermudagrass in nontreated plots. Fertilization with ammonium nitrate improved the density of bermudagrass shoots. Several herbicides — including Manor and Blade (metsulfuron), Kerb (pronamide), Monument (trifloxysulfuron), Revolver (foramsulfuron) and TranXit (rimsulfuron) — effectively remove
O
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
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TURF TIPS Table 1. Classification of the relative shade tolerance of 42 bermudagrass cultivars (adapted from Baldwin, et al., 2008).
Excellent
Celebration
Very Good
Tift No. 4, Tift No. 1 and Transcontinental
Good
SWI-1003 and Sunbird
Intermediate
Aussie Green, MS-Choice, Princess 77, SWI-1045, SWI-1041 and SWI-1012
Fair
B-14, Riviera, SWI-1046, Tift No. 3, Southern Star and Tift No. 2
Poor
Sunstar, SWI-1044, FMC-6, Mohawk, SWI-1001, Tifway, Midlawn, TifSport, Premier, Ashmore, CIS-CD5, CIS-CD6, CIS-CD7, Panama, LaPaloma, Yukon, OKC-70-18 and Numex Sahara
Very Poor
SWI-1014, GN-1, Patriot, Sundevil, SR9554 and Arizona Common
perennial ryegrass from bermudagrass. Unlike Kerb (pronamide), which often requires six or more weeks for good control, Revolver, TranXit and Monument usually kill ryegrass plants in two to four weeks. As an added benefit, annual bluegrass is also sensitive to these three post-emergence herbicides. Virginia Tech researchers suggest that several factors — including the aggressiveness of the bermudagrass cultivar being managed, the competitiveness of the perennial ryegrass cultivars that have been seeded, the expected aesthetic level during spring transition and the timing of herbicide application(s) — deserve primary consideration when developing a ryegrass-removal plan. They concluded that lessaggressive bermudagrass cultivars, such as ‘Midiron’ and ‘Vamont’, require more intense effort to control perennial ryegrass to ensure successful spring transition than more aggressive cultivars including ‘Patriot’ and ‘Tifway.’ Efforts to identify and develop “temporary” species and cultivars of perennial ryegrass with excellent turfgrass characteristics and limited high temperature hardiness continue. Results of studies conducted in Alabama, Arizona and Arkansas show that, in addition to perennial ryegrass cultivars with two sets of chromosomes (diploid), both perennial ryegrass with four sets of chromosomes (tetraploid) and meadow fescue show promise for overseeding dormant bermudagrass. Seeds of these species germinate well, and seedlings appear to have good vigor.
W E E D WAT C H Keys to Successful Preemergence
CRABGRASS CONTROL By J.T. Brosnan, Ph.D.; G.K. Breeden; T.J. Samples, Ph.D.; and J.C. Sorochan, Ph.D.; The University of Tennessee nfestations of crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) occur annually on athletic fields, golf courses and residential and commercial lawns throughout Tennessee. Both smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) (see Photo 1) and large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) (Photo 2) are summer annuals that germinate primarily in the spring and grow throughout the summer. If left uncontrolled, crabgrass infestations will decrease the playability, usability and overall aesthetic quality of any turfgrass stand during the growing season. Uncontrolled crabgrass plants will also produce seeds in the fall that overwinter in the soil and germinate the following spring, ensuring that infestations will be a problem that becomes more prolific every year. Most turfgrass managers opt to control crabgrass in spring with preemergence herbicides. Numerous preemergence herbicides are available, and research conducted at The University of Tennessee has shown that these products perform similarly when applied correctly under the same environmental conditions. For information on specific products and rates, refer to UT Extension Bulletin W146, “Crabgrass Control in Turfgrass.” This publication can be downloaded for free from http://tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org. While research has regularly reported that many preemergence herbicides provide an equal level of crabgrass control, failures are reported every year; most of these failures can be attributed to improper application. Steps can be taken to ensure that these herbicides are applied correctly and effectively, resulting in successful crabgrass control this coming season.
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Application timing Improper timing is arguably the most common reason that preemergence herbicide applications fail to control crabgrass. For preemergence herbicides to work properly, they must be applied before seedling emergence; once seedlings are visible, a preemergence herbicide application is too late. Crabgrass seed germinates in the spring when soil temperatures exceed 55°F for four consecutive days and nights. This usually occurs sometime between late February and early March in West Tennessee and in mid-March to early April in East Tennessee. The blooming of the forsythia plant, also known as golden bells, is a visible indicator that soil temperatures are increasing. Therefore, be sure to make the 20
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first preemergence application of the season before the last forsythia bloom falls from the tree. What happens if preemergence herbicides are not applied during these ideal timings? All hope is not lost. Certain herbicides (dithiopyr, marketed as Dimension; and sulfentrazone + prodiamine, marketed as Echelon) can be applied to control newly emerged (1-3 leaf) crabgrass seedlings and provide preemergence control of those that have not yet emerged.
Irrigation or rainfall Preemergence herbicides need to be activated with water. Most labels indicate that treated turfgrass areas should receive approximately 1/2 inch of irrigation or rainfall within 24 to 48 hours. The bottom line is that if the site does not receive irrigation or rainfall, the herbicide will not work. When applying materials to turfgrass sites that are not irrigated, try to coordinate the preemergence herbicide application with a rainfall event.
Application strategy Generally, most preemergence herbicides will provide crabgrass control for 12 to 16 weeks after application, depending on application rate. However, the level of control provided will dissipate over time. Research at The University of Tennessee has found that using a split application strategy — where each herbicide is applied twice at the lower labeled rate — can extend the length of residual control provided by a preemergence herbicide. Additionally, this strategy can provide increased control of other summer annual grassy weeds — like goosegrass (Eleusine indica) — that germinate later in the spring and are harder to time than crabgrass. For split applications, make the first application sometime during late February or early March in West Tennessee or midMarch to early April in East Tennessee. The second application should then be made six to eight weeks later.
Conclusion Always refer to the product label for specific information on proper product use, tank-mix compatibility, and turfgrass tolerance. For more information on turfgrass weed control, visit The University of Tennessee’s turfgrass weed science website, http://tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org.
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CONTINUED
Photo 1. Smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum).
Photo 2. Large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis).
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
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T U R F TA L K
Turfgrasses AND
GLOBAL WARMING By Tom Samples, Ph.D., John Sorochan, Ph.D., and James Brosnan, Ph.D., Plant Sciences Department, The University of Tennessee hich of the following — light, temperature, water (H2O), atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) or nutrition — is most important for turfgrass survival? One correct answer: All are equally important. More difficult and complex questions are: “What is turfgrasses’ capacity to remove and store, or sequester, carbon (C) from the atmosphere?” and “Does this help prevent global warming?” These questions force us to recall what we’ve learned about photosynthesis (6CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy _C6H12O6 + 6O2), the ability of turfgrasses to capture and store C, the greenhouse effect and the oceans’ role in C sequestration. Approximately one-half of the photosynthesis on Earth occurs on land, and the remainder occurs in water. Both ocean and land plants share the same basic requirements for photosynthesis and growth. These requirements include light, an appropriate temperature, H2O, CO2 and nutrients. Although the gases nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) account for 78% and 21% of the dry atmosphere, respectively, they contribute very little to the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere — including CO2, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ozone (O3), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and water vapor — act as a partial blanket for long-wave radiation coming from the earth’s surface. They let energy from the sun in, but they don’t let all of the heat energy out. This blanketing results in a natural greenhouse effect, warming the earth’s surface. Water vapor and CO2 are two very important greenhouse gases. Human activities have had only a small, direct influence on the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. During the
W
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CONTINUED past 20 years, though, fossil-fuel burning has contributed about three-quarters of the atmospheric CO2 emissions resulting from human activities. For several thousands of years before the Industrial Era, which began about 1750, the atmospheric CO2 concentration was 280±10 parts per million by volume (ppmv). Since then, it has risen, reaching 379 ppmv in 2005. Although individual plant cells containing chloroplasts may be only a few microns wide, collectively, they greatly influence the earth’s atmosphere and climate. More than 10% of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is reduced to carbohydrate by organisms capable of photosynthesis. More than 49 million acres of urban land in the U.S. are covered by turfgrasses. After absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, turfgrasses produce a number of sugars that can be transported to, and eventually become a part of, roots. Sequestered C in turfgrass soils is often a combination of decomposing roots and shoots that have been mixed with soil. Research indicates that turfgrasses may sequester up to 800 pounds of atmospheric C per acre per year. Based on this estimate, urban turfgrasses in the U.S. could remove about 20 million tons of C from the atmosphere annually. Researchers Ronald F. Follett (USDA-ARS Soil-PlantNutrient Research Unit, Ft. Collins, CO) and Yaling L. Qian
(Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO) are studying the impact of turfgrasses on C levels in soil. They report that, in Colorado, four years after turf establishment, about 14% to 16% of the soil organic C (SOC) at a depth from 0" to 4", and 7% to 11% of the SOC at a depth of 4" to 8", came from turfgrasses. Fine fescue and creeping bentgrass sequestered more C than Kentucky bluegrass. In a previous study of 15 golf courses near Denver and Ft. Collins, CO, and one golf course near Saratoga, WY, research results show that, after turfgrasses are established, C sequestration continues for up to 31 years in fairways and 45 years in putting greens. The most rapid SOC increases take place during the first 25 to 30 years. Trade-in greenhouse-gas “offsets” paid by companies and individuals worldwide may total more than $100 million this year. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute suggests that homeowners managing lawns may not need to look any further for a C offset than their own back yard. According to a research report by Ranajit Sahu, turfgrass in an average-managed lawn removes four times more C from the air, and a well-managed lawn removes five to seven times more C from the air, than is produced by today’s typical lawn mower.
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
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N E W S F R O M T H E T TA Announcing TTA’s Officers & Directors for 2009 PRESIDENT Bob Hogan The Hogan Company Springfield, TN (888) 224-6426 Fax: (615) 384-6424 thehogancompany@att.net
VICE PRESIDENT Jay Willis Glen Eagle Golf Course Millington, TN (901) 508-1986 Fax: (901) 874-5630 jwillisgleneagle@ gmail.com
SECRETARY/TREASURER Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms Dyer, TN (731) 692-3515 Fax: (731) 692-3596
PAST PRESIDENT Bill Francis The Ridges Golf & CC Jonesborough, TN (423) 913-2276 Fax: (423) 913-2903 wlf20@comcast.net
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Jim Uden Tennessee Turfgrass Assoc. 400 Franklin Road Franklin, TN 37069 (615) 591-8286 Fax: (615) 790-8600 tnturfgrass@aol.com
DIRECTORS Joel Beckham Old Fort Golf Course Murfreesboro, TN (615) 890-9047 Fax: (615) 849-2690
Doug Estes Germantown Country Club Germantown, TN (901) 754-7755 Fax: (901) 754-3866
Scott McNeer Spring Creek Ranch Collierville, TN (901) 850-1129 Fax: (901) 850-9582
Scott Severance Fox Den Country Club Knoxville, TN (865) 966-2531 Fax: (865) 675-5260
Dick Breedlove Breedlove Landscaping Dyersburg, TN (731) 286-6524
Thomas Garner Pigeon Forge Parks & Rec. Pigeon Forge, TN (865) 428-3113 Fax: (865) 774-2141
Tommy Mittlesteadt Ladd’s Cookeville, TN (931) 526-4211 Fax: (931) 520-3444
Sean VanHoose Dorchester Golf Course Fairfield Glade, TN (931) 484-3743 Fax: (931) 484-3773
Paul Carter Bear Trace @ Harrison Bay Harrison, TN (423) 344-6374 Fax: (423) 344-6281
Bill Marbet Southern Athletic Fields, Inc. Columbia, TN (800) 837-8062 Fax: (931) 380-0145
Mitch Parker Ladd’s Memphis, TN (901) 324-8801 Fax: (901) 324-6814
Doug Ward Belle Meade Country Club Nashville, TN (615) 292-6752 Fax: (615) 385-6214
TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
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Bill Blackburn Smith Turf & Irrigation Co. Nashville, TN (615) 726-8811 Fax: (615) 242-3274
Dr. Tom Samples University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN (865) 974-2595 Fax: (865) 974-6421
Lynn Ray Golf Management Group Brentwood, TN (615) 373-9400 Fax: (615) 370-2585
Dr. Dennis Shepard Syngenta Prof. Products Franklin, TN (615) 790-3281 Fax: (615) 599-3263
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2009
Dr. John Sorochan University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN (865) 974-7324 Fax: (865) 974-8850
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
NEWS FROM THE TVSTMA Meet Your TVSTMA TEAM LEADERS FOR 2009
On
Monday afternoon, January 12, 2009, at the TVSTMA business meeting held at the Cool Springs Marriott in Franklin, TN, the following TVSTMA officers for 2009 were elected.
PRESIDENT Stephen Crockett City of Union City Turf Management Union City, TN (731) 885-8838 crockett71@hotmail.com
COMMERCIAL VICE PRESIDENT Dawson Thombs Sigma Organics Nashville, TN (615) 383-0206 Fax: (615) 383-0677 dawson@sigmaturf.com
PAST PRESIDENT Stephen Callis The Hogan Company Springfield, TN (888) 224-6426 Fax: (615) 384-642 stephen@thehogancompany.us
PRESIDENT ELECT (2010) Theo Lankford Clarkland, Inc. Fairview, TN (615) 347-6095 theo_clarkland@bellsouth.com
TREASURER Stephen Callis The Hogan Company Springfield, TN (888) 224-6426 Fax: (615) 384-642 stephen@thehogancompany.us
COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLICITY Robin Francis
INDUSTRY NEWS UT Athletic Department to Support Turfgrass Research and Teaching University of Tennessee’s turfgrass-management research and teaching program will expand its faculty due to the generous support of one of its prime cooperators. The UT Athletic Department has committed to fund a new faculty member in the turfgrass research and teaching program of the UT Department of Plant Sciences. The UT Athletic Department will donate a total of $535,000 over five fiscal years to support the new research and teaching position within the program. “We have long had a great relationship with the Institute of Agriculture,” says UT athletic director Mike Hamilton. “Our relationship has allowed turfgrass management students real laboratories for learning, and we have utilized their faculty’s immense expertise in our facilities.” Hamilton called the new collaboration to expand the turfgrass program a “winning proposition for everyone.”
The
I N D E X O F A DV E RT I S E R S Battle Ditch Sod Farm www.battleditchsod.com ..............................7
CA L E N DA R O F E V E N T S April 13
Location: Vanderbilt Legends Club, Nashville, TN
BWI Companies www.bwicompanies.com ....................................18 Covermaster, Inc. www.covermaster.com ........................................9
April 16–18
Location: Portland, OR April 20
April 21
Keeling Company www.keelingcompany.com ................................15
RCH Distributors www.seriousred.com ..........................................11
April 22
TVSTMA West Tennessee Field Day
Location: Union City, TN May 11
MAGCSA Meeting
Location: Stonebridge Golf Club, Lakeland, TN May 11
MTGCSA Meeting
Location: Nashville Golf & Athletic Club, Brentwood, TN
Sigma Organics Inc. www.sigmavalidation.com ............................25 Smith Turf & Irrigation www.smithturf.com ......................Back Cover
ETGCSA Meeting
Location: Signal Mountain Country Club, TN
Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. www.midtennturf.com ....................................19 Modern Turf, Inc. www.modernturf.com ..........................................7
MAGCSA Meeting
Location: AutoZone Park, Memphis, TN
John Deere Landscapes www.JohnDeereLandscapes.com ............21
Kesmac / Brouwer, Inc. www.kesmac.com ......................................5
Equipment & Engine Training Council 13th Annual Conference
Ewing Irrigation www.ewing1.com ........................Inside Front Cover Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc. www.JohnDeere.com ........................3
MTGCSA Meeting
May 19
ETGCSA Meeting
Location: Oak Ridge Country Club, Oak Ridge, TN
Syngenta Turf & Ornamental ..........................................................9 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com The Pond Lady www.thepondlady.com ..........................................25
June 9
MAGCSA Meeting Location: Links @ Westhaven, Memphis, TN
June 15
ETGCSA Meeting Location: Ridgefields Country Club, Kingsport, TN
July 14
MAGCSA Meeting Location: Ridgeway Country Club, Memphis, TN
The Turfgrass Group www.theturfgrassgroup.com ..................14, 23 Turf Mountain Sod, Inc. www.turfmountain.com ..............................7 Winstead Turf Farms, Inc. www.winsteadturf.com ....Inside Back Cover July 27–31
WMI, Inc. www.wmitsh.com ........................................................19
TPI Summer Convention & Field Days (Turfgrass Producers International) Michigan State University Location: East Lansing, MI
September 3
University of Tennessee Turfgrass Field Day
Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN October 29–31
Green Industry & Equipment Expo
Location: Louisville, KY December 2–4
29th Annual International Irrigation Show
Location: San Antonio, TX January 10–12, 2010
44th Annual TTA Conference & Trade Show
Location: Marriott Cool Springs, Franklin, TN
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2009
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com