Tennessee Turfgrass - December / January 2012 by leadingedgepubs

December/January 2012

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

Nutrient Runoff from Urban Lawns Disease Control Options with the SDHI Class of Fungicides

Special Inside â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

46th Annual TTA Conference & Tradeshow... Educational Program & Registration Forms

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

December/January 2012

FEATURED ARTICLES

Upcoming Event — 46th Annual TTA Conference & Tradeshow, Educational Program and Registration Forms

18 26 28

Cover Story — Nutrient Runoff from Urban Lawns Turf Talk — Disease Control Options with the SDHI Class of Fungicides

Turf Tips — Winter Management Practices with Turf Colorants

DEPARTMENTS From the TTA President, Jay Willis

From the TVSTMA

From the TGCSA President, Shelia Finney

Industry News

Calendar of Events

Index of Advertisers

FROM THE TTA PRESIDENT Jay Willis

From the Efforts of Many

Comes a

Great Event Hello,

everyone! This year has flown by for me, and sometimes that is good and sometimes bad. I know that a lot of people would love for it to have flown by, but for me, it was a really good year in turf. Actually, I was hoping for the summer to have lasted a little bit longer so that our golf course could have stayed a little busier in these months going into winter. Just around the corner, we have a great educational conference for you this year, one I know you will not want to miss. Each year, the TTA Annual Conference and Trade Show seems to get better and better. This year we have implemented PayPal for your convenience in registering for the conference, so please visit ttaregistration.org today to book your registration. Thanks to you, our members, the TTA will continue to grow and prosper as the leading local education conference for the turf industry. This is the last president’s letter that I will write. It has been an honor serving on the board, and I hope I have done a decent job filling the shoes of the past presidents this association has been privileged to have over the past years. To be honest with you, the great ideas come from an awesome group of turf professionals who work very hard to make the TTA what it is today. The board consists of guys that you voted in to serve the association to the best of their ability. I would like to say thank you to the TTA board for doing just that these past two years — for making it as enjoyable as it has been, with great discussions, and for offering several different angles on topics we have discussed for the association. With every TTA Conference, we get the best educational program available in this region. That could not be possible without the long hours and relentless work of the TTA Education Committee, headed up by Dr. Jim Brosnan. I would like to personally thank Dr. Brosnan for making the education portion of our annual Conference run so smoothly over the past years. While staying grounded to the state of Tennessee, Dr. Brosnan has reached out nationally to bring us the cutting-edge topics and speakers available each January. With our board and the education set up, how does it all come together? Didn’t think about that part, did you? A lot of us don’t, since most of the work is behind the scenes. One man puts together all the working pieces of this puzzle we call the TTA Conference and Trade Show. Thank you, Jim Uden, for being understanding, always willing to learn new things and putting up with all types of turf professionals who have come through the doors. The TTA is better because of you, and I thank you for that. So, I ask you, the member, to make plans to visit your family in the TTA this year at the Conference and Trade Show, and show your appreciation to all who make it possible for us to have such a great event! Jay Willis 2010–2011 TTA President

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 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@leadingedge communications.com Editor Mr. Bill Marbet TTA OFFICERS President Jay Willis Glen Eagle Golf Course (901) 508-1986 Vice President Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms (731) 692-3515 Secretary/Treasurer Paul Carter Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (423) 344-6374 Past President Bob Hogan The Hogan Company (888) 224-6426 Executive Secretary Mr. Jim Uden (615) 591-8286 TTA 2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Bob Elliott Mr. Thomas Garner Mr. Cal Hill Mr. Joe Hill Mr. Theo Lankford Mr. Bill Marbet Mr. Scott McNeer Mr. Tommy Mittlesteadt Mr. Mitch Parker Mr. Chris Simon Mr. Doug Ward Mr. Sean VanHoose TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mr. Bill Blackburn Mr. Lynn Ray Mr. Jeff Rumph Dr. Tom Samples Dr. Dennis Shepard Dr. John Sorochan

From the TVST M A Stephen Callis

The Year Changes, But

Our Goals Remain the Same As

we come to the end of 2011 and look to 2012, we all reflect back on the good and bad things that have happened, so that we can improve for the future. TVSTMA is no different. This has been a “different” year for a multitude of reasons, but our organization’s goals remain the same: • To serve the sports-turf profession in the Tennessee Valley. • To promote the art of managing the sports-turf function. • To encourage professional dialogue and development in sports–turf management. • To encourage and develop membership in the TVSTMA and STMA. To achieve these goals, we need everyone’s input and participation. If you have ideas for improving any area of the TVSTMA, feel free to contact any board member. The current board is working on meetings for 2012. If you have an interest in hosting a meeting, or an idea about the topics or presentations at a meeting, contact a board member. If you want to be more involved in the TVSTMA, well, you know, contact a board member. We invite as much participation as possible to keep the ball of fresh ideas rolling and to continue to grow the TVSTMA. And just in case you don’t know who to contact, feel free to send me an email at stephen@thehogancompany.us, or give me a call at 1-888-224-6426. I hope you, your staff and your family have a great Christmas and a happy, healthy, prosperous 2012. Stephen Callis TVSTMA Secretary/Treasurer

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

From the TG C SA Shelia Finney

News from the National and Local Levels It’s

early November, and I just got back from the Chapter Delegates Meeting in Kansas City. I love serving as your Chapter Delegate — it has been one of the most rewarding things that I have been allowed to do for you. A bunch of items were discussed at the Delegates meeting, as well as the new candidates running for the national GCSAA board. Make sure that you come by the TGCSA booth at the TTA Conference and Tradeshow in January, since I want to make sure that you are aware of what is happening with your association and get your input on the vote for the national GCSAA board. Also, there are some exciting new things. For instance, the GCSAA webcasts — both the on-demand ones and the live ones — are now free to GCSAA members. That is a huge savings for you on education. And the new GCSAA Field Staff position for our region is slated to be filled in 2012. This person will be of great help to us (too many benefits to list in a short newsletter). But, there’s more! Come by or call, and I’ll fill you in. One thing that I want to tell you about is the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), which is the arm of GCSAA that does the case studies, environmental research questionnaires and grant funding. The EIFG staff members are the ones who play an important role by advocating

with the government for us — they try to stop legislation that could hurt or hinder the way we do business. I sit on the Environmental Programs Committee for GCSAA, and it is down-right scary, listening to what is happening in other states, such as NPES permitting, water restrictions, mandated nutrient-management programs. One state even charges you for evaporation out of your ponds! Only 10% of the GCSAA membership donates money to EIFG (you know, that spot on your dues statement that allows you to donate $50). They get the big money from other organizations such as Toro, John Deere, Rainbird, etc. It’s really hard for them, though, to convince corporations to donate when only 10% of the membership is on board. GCSAA recently realigned the board of EIFG; the majority of the seats are now occupied by GCSAA board members. They have also redesigned the logo and the website. It now looks like the GCSAA website, and the logo is similar to the GCSAA logo. I saw a preview of them — they’re fantastic. Donated funds are tax deductable, since this is the philanthropic arm of the GCSAA that provides the funding for the research grants. Did you know that you can donate more or even less than the $50? Please do something. Even $5 will go a long way in helping them raise

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

funds, by increasing the percentage of the membership supporting EIFG. If you are already one of the 10%, way to go! MTGCSA had a great year, with wonderful meetings and wonderful speakers at wonderful golf courses. Our fundraiser was at Brentwood Country Club. What a great place to play! Thanks so much to everyone who participated and to our generous vendors that sponsored the event. If you want to know who “steps up to the plate” to support, just ask. Speaking of stepping up, do you participate? Have you hosted a meeting at your course? Do you come to at least some of the meetings? Do more than just your job, and be a part of your organization. Do you have any comments? Are there speakers that you would like to see? Just let me know. We are here to serve you! Make sure that you are getting the information about the meetings. If you haven’t been getting email from me, it means that I don’t have your email address. Please make sure that I have it. Don’t forget to come by the TGCSA booth at the TTA Tradeshow; I’ll log your points for you! Shelia Finney 2011 MTGCSA President TGCSA Chapter Delegate

industry news

Good News from TPI… EPA Announces Plans to Remove 40% Turfgrass Restriction from WaterSense Program

Turfgrass Producers International (TPI), along with coalition partners, has had success in convincing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remove the 40% turfgrass restriction in the landscape section of its WaterSense program. The EPA has announced a “Notice of Intent” to remove the restriction from the WaterSense single-family new-home specification, to accommodate for varying regional climate conditions. “Many TPI members may not realize the efforts that have gone into getting this done,” said TPI’s executive director, Kirk Hunter, who was actively involved in meeting with and providing information to EPA decision-makers in Washington. “This is a huge success for TPI and our coalition partners who worked on this for over three years and have repeatedly met with EPA in an effort to remove the turfgrass restriction.” The WaterSense single-family newhome labeling program that enabled a new home to qualify for a WaterSense label had previously contained two options for landscape design: (1) adhere to the water-budget tool or (2) restrict the use of turfgrass to 40 percent of the landscapable area. With the recent announcement by WaterSense, the only requirement for builders wishing to be eligible for this labeling would be to adhere to the water-budget tool. Hunter went on to say, “Through our coalition efforts, we have also submitted letters and comments regarding the IGCC

(International Green Construction Code) limitation of 40% turfgrass in the landscape, which may have been influenced by the initial guidelines proposed by the EPA that are now going to be removed.” Response from various green-industry organizations echoed TPI’s enthusiasm over the decision. John Farner, federal affairs director for the Irrigation Associ-

ation commented, “This announcement by WaterSense is a huge win… and green industry partners should celebrate.” The official WaterSense “Notification of Intent” to remove the 40% restriction can be viewed at the following location: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/docs/ NH_modification_NOI-final_508.pdf. T

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

A Growing Tradition in Tennesseeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Industry

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

CONFERENCE PROGRAM MONDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 9

General Session

GCSAA – 0.20 pts., Pesticide – 2 pts. Moderator: Dr. Jim Brosnan, The University of Tennessee 1 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. Welcome to the 46th Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Conference Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee 1:10 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. New Innovations in Turfgrass Education Dr. Brandon Horvath, The University of Tennessee

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Reality of Organic Turf Management Dr. John Stier, The University of Tennessee 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Building a “Green” Maintenance Facility Mr. Matt Shaffer, Merion Golf Club

3:30 p.m.

TTA Business Meeting and Awards Reception

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast

Afternoon Classes Pesticide – 1 pt.

Concurrent Session #1

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. New Strategies for Managing Turfgrass Pests Dr. Rick Brandenburg, North Carolina State Univ. Dr. Jim Brosnan, The University of Tennessee Dr. Brandon Horvath, The University of Tennessee

Morning Classes GCSAA – 0.40 pts., Pesticide – 2 pts. 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Athletic-Field Painting and Field Setup Mr. Darren Seybold, The University of Tennessee 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Preparing for the Open Championship Dr. Micah Woods, Asian Turfgrass Center 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Chemical Fertilizer Programs for Sand-Based Rootzones Dr. Micah Woods, Asian Turfgrass Center 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Golf Course Turf — Panel Discussion Mr. Rod Lingle, CGCS, Greens Perfection Mr. Matt Shaffer, Merion Golf Club Mr. Chris Hartwiger, USGA Green Section Dr. Micah Woods, Asian Turfgrass Center Moderators: Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee Dr. Brandon Horvath, The University of Tennessee Mr. Al Davis, CGCS, Ridgeway Country Club Mr. Jeff Rumph, CGCS, Gatlinburg Golf Course

2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Break 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Golf Course Management in Asia Dr. Micah Woods, Asian Turfgrass Center

Concurrent Session #2

Morning Classes GCSAA – 0.40 pts., Pesticide – 2 pts. 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 2011 Year in Review Mr. Chris Hartwiger, USGA Green Section Record 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. The Transition Zone’s Top Insect Pests Dr. Rick Brandenburg, North Carolina State Univ. 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Nutrient-Management Legislation — Be Proactive Dr. John Stier, The University of Tennessee 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. LUNCH (on your own)

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

CONFERENCE PROGRAM TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 (continued) 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Sports Turf — Panel Discussion Dr. Jim Brosnan, The University of Tennessee Mr. Theo Lankford, Clarkland Sports Fields Mr. Darren Seybold, The University of Tennessee Mr. Adam Thoms, The University of Tennessee Moderators: Dr. Tom Samples, The University of Tennessee Mr. Billy Clark, Clarkland Sports Fields Mr. Bo Henley Mr. Stuart Morris, Tennessee Smokies Baseball

1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Are You Getting the Most from Your Granular Fertilizer and Fertilizer/ Pesticide Combination Products? Dr. Tom Samples, The University of Tennessee 2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Break 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Weed-Management Options for Tennessee Turf Mr. Greg Breeden, The University of Tennessee

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. LUNCH (on your own)

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Irrigation Association Meeting (Franklin, TN)

Concurrent Session #2

3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. TGCSA Annual Meeting

Afternoon Classes Pesticide – 1 pt.

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Transitioning to Ultradwarf Bermudagrass — The Pros and Cons Mr. Joe Kennedy, The Legends Club

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

TRADE SHOW

(with refreshments) Please support our vendors!

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

Concurrent Session #2 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

GCSAA – 0.15 pts., Pesticide – 1 pt.

(with breakfast) Please support our vendors!

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Selecting Turfgrass Varieties to Minimize Pesticide Use Mr. Johnny Parham, The University of Tennessee

Concurrent Session #1

GCSAA – 0.15 pts., Pesticide – 1 pt.

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Plant Physiological Effects of DMI Fungicides: Do They Improve Plant Health? Mr. David Shell, The University of Tennessee

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Univ. of Tennessee Summer Internship Feature Ms. Molly Heath, The University of Tennessee Mr. Aaron Noble, The University of Tennessee

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Performance of Strobilurin Fungicides for Turfgrass Health Mr. Jesse Benelli, The University of Tennessee

TRADE SHOW

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. New Strategies for Annual Bluegrass Control Mr. Matt Elmore, The University of Tennessee 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Equipment Maintenance to Prevent Turfgrass Pest Invasion Mr. Lucas Freshour, The University of Tennessee 14

1:00 p.m. CONFERENCE ADJOURNS Please have a safe trip home.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

46th Annual

Tennessee Turfgrass Association Conference

and

trade shoW

Please complete, sign and return this form with your payment.

company name:

Please list the first and last names of the persons attending the 2012 Conference & Trade Show. Attach separate list if needed.

address:

2) city/state/zip:

telephone:

fax:

5) 6)

email:

PRIMARY FUNCTION TURF MANAGER q Golf Course q Parks & Recreation q Sports Field q Hotel/Resort

q q q q q

COMMERCIAL

ospital/Health Care H School/University Cemetery Sod Producer Other________________

qC ommercial Lawn Care q Retail Center q Landscaping

VENDOR

q Irrigation Contractor q DOT q Other________________

q Equipment Dealer q Distributor q Manufacturer q Other_________________

PLEASE CHECK THE BOX FOR ADDITIONAL ASSOCIATION AFFILIATIONS: q PGMS q TNLA q TVSTMA q TGCSA q Other ________________________________

Registration options 1

Primary Member Registration.................... $185.00

TOTAL $

Price includes 2012 Membership Dues

Returning Member Registration................... $130.00 $

For members who haven’t attended the Conference in the past three years. Fee includes free 2012 TTA membership.

Associate Member Registration.................... $125.00 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).................................. $80.00

One-Day Student Pass (Limit 1)................... $10.00

First-Time Attendee One-Day Pass................ FREE

Endowment Fund Contribution q Research q Scholarship

q Extension

Please make checks payable to :

GRAND TOTAL

Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road • Franklin, TN 37069 (No Credit Cards)

TTA Office Use Only

Date______________

Check No. ______________

Cash ______________

Registration Form

Please list all information as you would like it to appear in the 2012 TTA Annual Directory.

CONTRACT FOR EXHIBIT SPACE 16

46th Annual

Tennessee Turfgrass Association Conference

and

trade shoW

Please complete, sign and return this form with your payment.

BOOTHS

SIZE

UNIT PRICE

BOOTHS 100 – 823 (Max limit of 4)

80 SQ. FT.

$510

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

$50

QUANTITY

TOTAL

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:___________________________________________________ State:___________ Zip:___________________________ Telephone:____________________________________________ 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:__________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover stor y

Nutrient Runoff from Urban Lawns

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

}}}

By John Stier, Ph.D., Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, The University of Tennessee; Douglas Soldat, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Dept. of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin; Tom Samples, Ph.D., Professor, Dept. of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee; and John Sorochan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee

The

protection of groundwater and surface waters from nutrient contamination is an environmental issue and public concern. Specifically, nitrate (NO3-) and phosphates (HPO4--, H2PO4-) continue to receive much attention. Urbanization results in more and connected, impervious surfaces (roads, parking lots, rooftops), fewer pervious ground covers (forests and fields), less water infiltration and greater runoff. As the volume of runoff increases, the potential for pollution of surface waters with nutrients, sediments and other compounds also increases. In 2005, based on satellite imagery, total turf area in the U.S. was estimated to be 40.3 million, ±9.6 million acres (Milesi et al. 2005). Lawns and roadsides account for the greatest and secondgreatest amounts of managed turf, respectively. There are an estimated 70 million detached single-family homes nationwide (U.S. Census Bureau 2010). If the average home-lawn size ranges from 1/4 to 1/3 acre, this represents about 17.5 to 23 million acres. Lawns are a highly visible and very important component of an urban environment. When properly sited, designed, installed and managed, they form a dense, perennial and erosion-resistant vegetative cover capable of absorbing carbon dioxide and water at low mowing heights. They also generate oxygen, cool the air in summer, trap dust and organic compounds (which are then degraded by soil microorganisms) and contribute organic matter to the soil.

The need for fertilizer Soils in which turfgrasses are maintained seldom provide enough nitrogen (N) and may lack adequate phosphorus (P) or potassium (K) to support healthy lawns. As a result, supplemental granu-

lar or foliar applications of fertilizer containing N, P and/or K are often recommended. These three essential mineral nutrients vary in ionic, plantavailable form and movement within soils (Table 1). A basic soil test performed in a soil-testing laboratory will determine soil phosphorus, potassium and pH levels. Fertilization and liming guidelines based on soil-test results most often accompany the soil test results. The University of Tennessee Soil Testing Laboratory reports soil phosphorus levels as: low = 0 to 18 lbs. P per acre; medium = 19 to 30 lbs. P per acre; high = 31 to 120 lbs. P per acre; and very high = >120 lbs. P per acre (Table 2, page 22). An accurate assessment of the amount of N in a soil sample that is available for plant uptake is very difficult to obtain. One reason is the ability of N to be rapidly converted in soil from one form to another (e.g., from nitrate to ammoniacal N to ammonia to nitrogen gas). Many people believe that lawn fertilization contributes substantially to nutrient runoff in urban areas. This perception has led to proposals to limit inputs and reduce the size of lawns. In an effort to reduce the amounts of suspended solids and nutrients in urban runoff and to comply with the U.S. Clean Water Act, some states and municipalities have enacted legislation restricting lawn fertilization. For example, in 2005, Minnesota became the first state to ban most turf applications of P-containing fertilizers. Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin have, or are consider-

}}}

ing enacting, similar bans. In January this year, New Jersey passed the most restrictive law (The New Jersey Fertilizer Law, A2290) to date, limiting applications of both N and P to lawns. According to research conducted within the last 20 years, stormwater runoff from a healthy, dense lawn growing on soils of even moderate compaction and slope rarely occurs. In all but very intense rainfall occurrences, stormwater runoff from a healthy, dense lawn is at or near zero. Most notable exceptions include 1) very steep slopes, 2) saturated or 3) frozen soils and 4) severe soil compaction.

A research summary This summary is based on a much more comprehensive article by Drs. Stier and Soldat, titled “Lawns as a Source of Nutrient Runoff in Urban Environments,” published in the Fall 2011 issue of the Watershed Science Bulletin, Journal of the Association of Watershed and Stormwater Professionals. For more information, the references cited below are listed at the end of this article. • According to a three-year study conducted in the area of Baltimore, Maryland, N deposits from the atmosphere averaged 10 lbs. per acre, compared to 12.8 lbs. per acre from fertilizers, as potential inputs to the watershed (Groffman et al. 2004). • Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are able to absorb 70% to 80% of an application of 50 lbs. soluble N per acre within 24 hours

According to research conducted within the last 20 years, stormwater runoff from a healthy, dense lawn growing on soils of even moderate compaction and slope rarely occurs.

cover stor y Table 1. Symbol, Ionic Form and Relative Soil Mobility of Thirteen Essential Plant Mineral Nutrients.

Major Nutrient

Symbol

Nitrogen

Ionic Form(s) Commonly Absorbed By Plants NH4+, NO3-

Phosphorus

H2PO4-, HPO42-

Potassium

K+

Somewhat Mobile

Calcium

CA2+

Mainly Immobile

Magnesium

Mg2+

Immobile

Sulfur

SO42-

Very Mobile

Boron

BO33-

Mobile

Chlorine

Cl-

Mobile

Copper

Cu2+

Immobile

Iron

Fe2+, Fe3+

Immobile

Manganese

Mn2+

Mobile

Molybdenum

Somewhat Mobile

Zinc

MoO42Zn2+

Relative Mobility in Soil1

NH4+ Immobile; NO3- Mobile

Mainly Immobile

Micronutrient

Immobile

1 Soil texture, structure, pH, clay type and organic-matter content influence nutrient retention and/or plant availability in soil (Roberts 2000). For example, sandy soils usually hold fewer nutrients and have higher water-infiltration rates than soils high in clay (e.g., clay, clay loam, sandy clay and silty clay). The availability (solubility) of boron, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus and zinc for uptake by plants is reduced in soils having a very high pH. Other nutrients (including calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulfur) are readily available for plant uptake from soils with a high pH. Montmorillonite clay is capable of holding more nutrient cations (positively charged ionic form) than illite or kaolinite. The nutrient-holding capacity of a soil most often increases as the organic-matter content increases.

}}} 20

Many naturalized areas in a home landscape have a rough texture and are capable of retaining precipitation. A properly designed and sized, bermed rain garden (flat-bottomed depression planted with trees, shrubs and native vegetation) or turf swale can intercept flowing water before it reaches an impervious surface (Asleson et al. 2007; Schneider 2007).

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

and almost all of the applied N within 48 hours following application (Bowman et al. 1989). • According to sales data, Scotts Miracle Gro estimates that about 50% of U.S. homeowners fertilize the lawn (Augustin 2007). On average, the number of annual fertilizer applications of about 50 lbs. N per acre per application was 1.8, including an estimated 10 million lawns receiving professional lawncare treatments. This frequency of application of N is much lower than that usually recommended by most University Extension turf professionals. • In 1999, it was estimated that the atmosphere deposits 0.36 lbs. P per acre per year (UN Environment Programme 1999). • In Wisconsin, a conventionally recommended lawn fertilization program of 130 lbs. N per acre per year, using a 27:1.3 N:P fertilizer, would supply 6.2 lbs. P per acre per year. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin (Soldat and Petrovic 2008) found a range of 0 to 17 lbs. P per acre per year reported in turf field-plot research projects, with typical losses from established turf of about 0.4 lbs. P per acre per year. This compares to annual P losses from native prairies of about 0.18 lbs. P per acre, from conventionally tilled agricultural systems of about 1.69 lbs. P per acre and from construction sites of more than 11.5 lbs. P per acre (Daniel et al. 1979; Sharpley 1995). • In many cases, runoff is reduced as the stand density of a lawn increases. The contiguous mass or matrix of aerial shoots of turfgrass plants creates a “tortuous pathway,” slowing the flow of water and allowing greater infiltration (Linde et al. 1995; Kussow 2008). In one investigation conducted on a mixture of cool-

CONTINUED season turfgrasses, runoff was reduced three-fold when infiltration increased as shoot density increased in response to fertilization (Easton and Petrovic 2004).

• Soil compaction may contribute to runoff. A study of 15 lawns in central Pennsylvania revealed that a soil’s condition, structure and history may be more likely to affect water infiltration rates in lawns than the

texture (percent sand, silt and clay) of the soil (Hamilton and Waddington 1999). The researchers noted that the condition, structure and history of a soil are largely a function of construction practices before planting.

• Returning clippings to the lawn as it is mowed does not appear to contribute to P runoff (Bierman et al. 2010). • Surface roughness coefficients are commonly used by civil engineers to predict the potential of surfaces to contribute to overload water flow. High coefficient values reflect a potential for less runoff. In a simulated rainfall experiment, pavement had a low roughness coefficient (about 0.01); Short grass prairie, a value of 0.15; and both bluegrass and bermudagrass sod, a value of about 0.4 (Engman 1986). • Most or all of the runoff from lawns can occur when soils are frozen or saturated (Kussow 2008; Steinke et al. 2007). A study evaluating the effect of prairie and turf buffer strips on runoff from concrete slopes revealed that a vegetative buffer twice the size of the sloped (5%) concrete area reduced annual runoff by more than 60%, compared to a 1:1 concrete-to-buffer design (Steinke et al. 2007). However, the 1:1 concrete-to-buffer design was effective, allowing less than 1.5% of precipitation to run off during non-frozen conditions. Most of the runoff from both prairie and turf plots occurred when soils were frozen, at which time runoff totals for both types of vegetation were similar. • Many naturalized areas in a home landscape have a rough texture and are capable of retaining precipitation. A properly designed and sized, bermed rain garden (flat-bottomed depression planted with trees, shrubs and native vegetation) or turf swale can intercept flowing water before it reaches an impervious surface (Asleson et al. 2007; Schneider 2007). TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

cover stor y Table 2. Tennessee Soil-Test Ratings for Phosphorus1.

LOW:

In most cases, plants will respond to the application of that nutrient. If the nutrient is not applied, deficiency symptoms may occur, and crops usually yield less than 75% of their potential.

MEDIUM: Plants may or may not respond to the application of that nutrient. Deficiency symptoms are not likely, and soils can be expected to produce 75% or more of their potential without the application of the nutrient. HIGH: The soil will produce at or near 100% of its potential without the addition of the nutrient. Any amounts recommended are primarily to maintain present soil-test levels.

VERY HIGH: Supply of the nutrient in the soil is well in excess of the amount needed to produce 100% of the soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential. Application of the nutrient is not recommended, since further additions may create nutrient imbalances. 1 From: Savoy, H. 2009. Interpreting Mehlich 1 and 3 Soil Test Extractant Results for P and K in Tennessee. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, Extension Publication W229.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

CONTINUED

Kirk GRADING

AND

SODDING

• Installation of 42" Rolled Sod • Rough & Finished Grade • Laser Leveling & Seeding

(901) 481-0334 Rickie Kirk (901) 508-1817 Jeremy Kirk 9701 Osborntown Road • Arlington, TN 38002 • Fax: (901) 829-5033

}}}

Core aerification of established turfgrasses growing in compacted soils can improve the speed at which water moves into soil (Partsch et al. 1993; Stier 2000).

• Recently, research in an upper Midwest lawn demonstrated that, in some cases and over time, the effect of pre-plant soil compaction on the rate of water infiltration may be less of a problem than perceived (Kussow 2008). A silt loam soil with a 5% slope was intentionally compacted using a vibratory roller before an additional 3 inches of silt loam topsoil was placed on top of the compacted area and either tilled or left in a layer before seeding Kentucky bluegrass. By year two of the study, runoff amounts from both compacted and non-compacted plots were similar (e.g., 1.2 to 1.5 inches of runoff annually from 25.2 total inches of annual precipitation). • Core aerification of established turfgrasses growing in compacted soils can improve the speed at which water moves into soil (Partsch et al. 1993; Stier 2000). The growth of turfgrass roots, freezing and thawing of soil and the activity of soil macroorganisms, including earthworms, can also improve infiltration (Easton et al. 2005).

cover stor y • The loss of sediment from healthy lawns is often very low (Soldat and Petrovic 2008) and is unrelated to the level of P in soil unless it is unusually high (Soldat et al. 2009). The small but consistent level of soluble P in runoff waters from turf probably originates from plant tissue (Soldat et al. 2009). • When reactive P loss from unfrozen turf fertilized for three years with a high P:N (1:2) fertilizer was compared to reactive P loss from unfrozen turf receiving a low P:N (1:27) fertilizer, a K:N fertilizer and no fertilizer annually, a significantly greater reactive P loss (0.1 lb. P per acre) from turf receiving the high P:N fertilizer occurred in the first year only (Bierman et al. 2010). In the second and third years of the study, reactive P losses from nonfertilized turf were greater than those from any of the fertilized turfs. The researchers attributed this increase to limited density and higher runoff volumes compared to fertilized turfs.

Final thoughts Runoff from lawns is typically 5% or less of precipitation if the soil is not saturated or frozen and the lawns are not maintained on severe slopes. Nutrient loads in runoff from urban areas appear to be directly related to runoff volume, which can be reduced by maintaining a dense lawn and, possibly, by creating swales of turf and/or bermed rain gardens between vegetated sites and paved areas designed to concentrate and funnel runoff into storm sewers or surface waters. Nitrogen and P should not be applied to turfs when soils are saturated or frozen, or when turfgrasses are not actively growing or are dormant. Phosphorus should be applied in accordance with soil-test recommendations. If turf is irrigated, water should not be allowed to “pool” on the lawn surface for long periods of time or to move onto impervious surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks and roads. Similarly, fertilizer granules lying on impervious surfaces after fertilizing should be brushed or blown back into the lawn. T 24

References Asleson, B. C., R. S. Nestingen, J. S. Gulliver, R. M. Hozalski and J. L. Nieber. 2007. The development and application of a four-level rain garden assessment methodology. Anthony Falls Laboratory Engineering, Environmental, Biological, and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Project Report No. 501. University of Minnesota. Augustin, B. 2007. Perception vs. reality: How much nitrogen do homeowners put on their lawn? Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, New Orleans, Louisiana, November 4-8. Bierman, P. M., B. P. Horgan, C. J. Rosen, A. B. Hollman, and P. H. Pagliari. 2010. Phosphorus runoff from turfgrass as affected by phosphorus fertilization and clipping management. Journal of Environmental Quality 39:282–292. Bowman, D. C., J. L. Paul, and W. B. Davis. 1989. Nitrate and ammonium uptake by nitrogen-deficient perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass turf. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 114:421–426. Daniel, T. C., P. E. McGuire, D. Stoffel, and B. Miller. 1979. Sediment and nutrient yield from residential construction sites. Journal of Environmental Quality 8:304–308. Easton, Z. M., and A. M. Petrovic. 2004. Fertilizer source effect on ground and surface water quality in drainage from turfgrass. Journal of Environmental Quality 33:645–655. Easton, Z. M., A. M. Petrovic, D. J. Lisk, and I.-M. Larsson-Kovach. 2005. Hillslope position effect on nutrient and pesticide runoff from turfgrass. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 10:121–129. Engman, E. T. 1986. Roughness coefficients for routing surface runoff. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering 112:39–53.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Groffman, P. M., N. L. Law, K. T. Belt, L. E. Band, and G. T. Fisher. 2004. Nitrogen fluxes and retention in urban watershed ecosystems. Ecosystems 7:393–403. Hamilton, G. W., and D. V. Waddington. 1999. Infiltration rates on residential lawns in central Pennsylvania. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 54:564–568. Kussow, W. R. 2008. Management practices affecting nitrogen and soluble phosphorus losses from an Upper Midwest lawn. In: The fate of nutrients and pesticides in the urban environment, vol. 997, ed. M. Nett, M. J. Carroll, B. P. Horgan, and A. M. Petrovic, 1–18. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society. Linde, D. T., T. L. Watschke, A. R. Jarrett, and J. A. Borger. 1995. Surface runoff assessment from creeping bentgrass and perennial ryegrass turf. Agronomy Journal 87:176–182. Milesi, C., S. W. Running, C. D. Elvidge, J. B. Dietz, B. T. Tuttle, and R. R. Nemani. 2005. Mapping and modeling the biogeochemical cycling of turf grasses in the United States. Environmental Management 36:426–438. Partsch, C. M., A. R. Jarrett, and T. L. Watschke. 1993. Infiltration characteristics of residential lawns. Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers 36:1695–1701. Schneider, J. 2007. Urban rain gardens for controlling stormwater runoff and increasing groundwater recharge. MS thesis, University of Wisconsin–Madison. Sharpley, A. 1995. Identifying sites vulnerable to phosphorus loss in agricultural runoff. Journal of Environmental Quality 24:947–951.

C ONTINUED Soldat, D. J., and A. M. Petrovic. 2008. The fate and transport of phosphorus in turfgrass ecosystems. Crop Science 48:2051–2065. Soldat, D. J., A. M. Petrovic, and Q. Ketterings. 2009. Effect of soil phosphorus levels on phosphorus runoff concentrations from turfgrass. Journal of Water, Air and Soil Pollution 199:33–44. Steinke, K., J. C. Stier, W. R. Kussow, and A. Thompson. 2007. Prairie and turf buffer strips for controlling runoff from paved surfaces. Journal of Environmental Quality 36:426–439. Stier, J. C. 2000. Lawn establishment and renovation. Extension Bulletin A3434. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin. U.N .Environment Programme. 1999. Planning and management of lakes and reservoirs: An integrated approach to eutrophication. International Environmental Technology Centre Technical Publication 11. Paris, France: UN Environment Programme.

turf talk

Disease Control Options with the

SDHI Class of Fungicides Winter

Jesse Benelli and Brandon Horvath, Ph.D., The University of Tennessee

is fast approaching, and now is a great time to reevaluate your disease control options for the upcoming season. Tennessee is in the heart of the transition zone, and disease activity from a wide array of pathogens is common on both warm- and cool-season grasses. SDHI (succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor) fungicides have been used in the turf industry since the 1980s. These fungicides interfere with the electron transport chain within fungal cells, which in turn prevents energy production needed for fungal growth. This relatively new class of fungicides may be a valuable addition to your fungicide lineup for the upcoming season. Currently, the only two SDHI fungicides registered for turfgrass use are flutolanil and boscalid. Penthiopyrad is a new SDHI fungicide and is soon to be released. All three fungicides have a similar mode of action, but disease control associated with these compounds is uniquely different.

Flutolanil Flutolanil (Prostar), from Bayer Environomental Science, was the first SDHI

fungicide labeled for use in turfgrass. This fungicide has become an industry standard against basidiomycete diseases (fairy ring and Rhizoctonia) in both warmand cool-season grasses in Tennessee. One of the more challenging and costly diseases to manage in Tennessee is large patch of zoyziagrass. Research conducted at our Knoxville location has shown excellent results when flutolanil is integrated within a large patch program in both Z. matrella and Z. japonica zoysiagrass (Table 1 and Photo 1). Application timing is crucial when managing this disease preventively. It is best to initiate your large patch program when soil temperatures reach 70ยบF to 74ยบF in the fall and then reapply 28 days later. A spring application may be necessary to achieve complete control of this disease. In cool-season grass, flutolanil is an excellent alternative control option for

brown patch, when rotating with strobilurin fungicides. Turfgrass diseases such as dollar spot, anthracnose, Pythium blight, and spring dead spot, however, are not effectively controlled by this fungicide.

Boscalid In 2004, BASF launched boscalid (Emerald) as the second SDHI fungicide labeled for disease control in turfgrass. This fungicide, much like flutolanil, controls a very specific set of diseases. Despite a similar mode of action and target site within fungal cells, these two fungicides offer no overlap in disease control. Boscalid is primarily used for dollar spot control on creeping bentgrass putting greens. This fungicide prevents dollar spot development up to 28 days when the high rate (0.18 oz./M) is applied preventively. In Tennessee, applications of boscalid should be made in late spring and early fall when the dollar spot pathogen is most active. Boscalid is also sold in a pre-mixture product called Honor. Honor includes

Table 1.

Percent large patch Treatment and rate per 1,000 ft2

Application timing

Untreated check

Z. japonica

Z. matrella

April 11

April 25

May 16

April 11

April 25

May 15

11.5%

29.3%

58.8%

12.0%

13.0%

21.3%

8.8%

1.8%

3.8%

6.5%

3.3%

7.5%

Prostar 70WG, 2.2 oz.

Fall

Triton FLO, 0.75 fl. oz.

Spring

Prostar 70WG, 2.2 oz.

Fall

Triton FLO, 0.75 fl. oz.

Fall (28 days after Prostar) & Spring

0.8%

1.8%

2.8%

2.3%

3.0%

Prostar 70WG, 2.2 oz.

Fall & Spring

3.3%

1.8%

8.3%

6.5%

4.8%

9.5%

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

CONTINUED boscalid, in combination with pyraclostrobin (Insignia), to control a broader range of diseases associated with coolseason grasses.

Penthiopyrad Penthiopyrad (Velista) is the latest SDHI fungicide from DuPont. This fungicide has a broader range of disease control, compared to flutolanil and boscalid. Research trials conducted at the University of Tennessee and Penn State University have shown excellent control of brown patch, dollar spot and anthracnose (Photo 2), as well as suppression of Pythium blight, when penthiopyrad is applied preventively (Table 2). Rotating this fungicide with DMI (demethylation inhibitors, such as propiconazole, triticonazole, tebuconazole, etc.) or contact fungicides (chlorothalonil, mancozeb) for anthracnose control is recommended to reduce the potential of resistance associated with this disease. When it is rotated with other fungicides with a different mode of action, such as DMI or strobilurin fungicides, penthiopyrad may also provide effective control of large patch. This fungicide’s primary strength is its spectrum of activity against multiple pathogens. When two or more diseases are active, penthiopyrad could be applied as a stand-alone product in a spray solution, when historically a tank-mixture of other fungicides would be needed.

Final thoughts The SDHI fungicides are an important class of control products for turfgrass diseases in Tennessee. Reliance solely on this class of fungicides for disease control is not recommended. To help minimize resistance, always rotate your spray applications with products that have a different mode of action. When constructing a fungicide program, it is also important to consider cost and threshold of acceptable disease control. To maximize the effectiveness of these chemicals, remember to always refer to label instructions, and follow proper application techniques. T

Photo 1. Large patch control with a fall application of Prostar, followed by a spring application of Triton Flo.

Photo 2. Anthracnose control with Insignia and Velista. Table 2.

T-1 creeping bentgrass Treatment and rate per 1,000 ft2

% brown patch

% anthracnose

Aug. 19 Sept. 2 Sept. 27 Aug. 5 Aug. 19 Sept. 2

Untreated check

0.0%

85.0%

28.0%

37.6%

26.0%

Velista, 0.408 oz.

0.0%

6.6%

0.0%

Velista, 0.68 oz.

0.0%

1.0%

0.0%

Insignia, 0.9 oz.

0.0%

19.0%

28.6%

16.3%

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

turf tips Turf treated with Becker Underwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transitionâ&#x201E;˘ dark turf colorant on the left, untreated turf on the right. Photo taken at Veenker Memorial Golf Course, Ames, IA.

Winter Management Practices with Turf Colorants By Mark Howieson, Ph.D., Technical Team Lead, and Scott Dunham, South Central Territory Manager, Becker Underwood

the winter season approaches in Tennessee, many turf managers are preparing their courses and fields for longer play. Common management practices include dethatching, verticutting, extra watering, starter fertilizer and overseeding. For years, many turf managers have invested in costly fall overseeding programs to keep their turfgrasses green through the winter when warm-season grasses are dormant. But when budgets are tight around the whole country, especially in the green industry, turf managers have found new ways of using products to meet the challenges that come with limited budgets.

One solution Awareness of the benefits of using turf colorants has been growing over the past several years. Growth in this trend is largely due to application efficiencies associated with turf colorants, especially when compared to the cost of overseeding programs. The direct costs associated with annual overseeding programs include seed, fertilizer, water, pest-control products and the hours of labor it takes to prepare and convert the course to winter play conditions. An indirect cost of the programs is revenue losses from decreased rounds played and clubhouse purchases. With just one application of most turf colorants, you get instant green color without all the additional inputs. That means less money spent on labor, fertilizers, pesticides and water costs. University research shows that turf treated with permanent turf paints absorb more solar radiation in the winter and spring. This elevates soil and surface temperatures, creating a more desirable microclimate. Consistent turf color and an extended golf season are additional benefits exhibited by the application of turf colorants.

Easing spring transition The elimination or reduction of seeding perennial winter turfgrasses provides a clear agronomic benefit to the quality of warm-season turf as it emerges from dormancy 28

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

the following spring. Dark-colored turf readily collects and holds solar heat, improving the transition out of cool-season dormancy. Warm-season grasses like bermudagrass find spring emergence easier with less competition from cool-season turf types.

Tips for success Application rates vary by brand, so you may need to experiment to get the color and the consistency you want. Multiple applications will enhance the turfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appearance and color longevity. When using turf colorants, avoid overspray on concrete, masonry or other objects you do not want to color. Remove accidental overspray with a water rinse before it dries. Immediately following the use of turf colorants, rinse spray tanks, spray nozzles and screens thoroughly with water. For more information on turf colorants, contact Scott Dunham, south central territory manager for Becker Underwood, at 979-255-3980 or by email scott. dunham@beckerunderwood.com. T

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ADVERTISERS

January 9–11

January 27–28, 2012

Becker Underwood............................................21 www.beckerunderwood.com

46th Annual TTA Conference and Trade Show Marriott Cool Springs Franklin, TN

Mid-States Horticultural Expo (TN Nursery & Landscape Assn. and KY Nursery & Landscape Assn.) Kentucky Intl. Convention Center Louisville, KY

Champion Turf Farms.........................................9 www.championturffarms.com

January 30 – February 3

John Deere Landscapes....................................17 www.johndeerelandscapes.com

TPI Mid-Winter Conference (Turf Producers Intl.) Scottsdale, AZ

Kesmac..............................................................3 www.kesmac.com

January 10–14 STMA Annual Conference & Exhibition Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA

January 16–20

February 20–21

NCAN “Green & Growin’ Show” (NC Nursery & Landscape Assn.) Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, NC

TNLA Winter Education & Exhibits (TN Nursery & Landscape Assn.) Music Road Convention Center Pigeon Forge, TN

January 25–28

February 27 – March 2

ANLA Management Clinic Galt House Hotel & Suites Louisville, KY

Golf Industry Show & GCSAA Conference Las Vegas, NV

Covermaster, Inc..............................................25 www.covermaster.com Jackson Sand...................................................29 www.jacksonsand.com

Kirk Grading and Sodding..................................23 Mid Tenn Turf, Inc..............................................7 www.midtennturf.com Modern Turf, Inc...............................................11 www.modernturf.com Penn State World Campus................................17 www.worldcampus.psu.edu/turfgrass Quali-Pro................................... Inside Back Cover www.quali-pro.com Redexim Turf Products......................................23 www.redexim.com Sigma Organics, Inc..........................................29 www.sigmaturf.com Smith Turf & Irrigation..........................Back Cover www.smithturf.com Syngenta Turf & Ornamental.............................25 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com Sur-Line Turf, Inc..............................................29 The Pond Lady.................................................29 www.thepondlady.com The Turfgrass Group...........................................5 www.theturfgrassgroup.com Turf Mountain Sod, Inc......................................30 www.turfmountain.com Turfgrass America..............................................7 www.turfgrassamerica.com Unimin Corporation ..........................................23 Winstead Turf............................Inside Front Cover www.winsteadturf.com Wood Bay Enterprises, Inc.................................22 www.woodbayturftech.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 ©2011 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, 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) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2012 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com