Tennessee Turfgrass - December / January 2016

december/january 2016

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

Special Inside! Details for

TTA’s 2016 Conference & Tradeshow, January 12–14, 2016, in Murfreesboro, TN

Including the 50th Anniversary Celebration Banquet, Featuring Keynote Speaker

Phillip Fulmer, Former UT Head Football Coach

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 2016

FEATURED ARTICLES

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Upcoming Event — 2016 TTA Conference, Tradeshow & 50th Anniversary Celebration Banquet, January 12–14 Cover Story — Better Soils, Better Turfs TTA Award Winner — 2014 Professional Sports Field of the Year: LP Field, Home of the Tennessee Titans Recent Event — 2015 UT Field Day Sets Attendance Record

DEPARTMENTS From the TTA President, Paul Carter, CGCS 6 From the TVSTMA President, Marty Wallace 8 From the ETGCSA President, Jeff Rumph, CGCS 10 Calendar of Events 34 Index of Advertisers 34 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 ©2015 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.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS decemBER/january 2016

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From the TTA Presid ent

Paul L. Carter

Thanks

for the Ride S

everal years ago, I sat in my first TTA board meeting, knowing only a few of the people in the room, but more than that, not knowing what I had agreed to take on or what would be expected of me. It was a simple request, “Would you like to serve on the TTA board?” My answer was, “Sure. Whatever I can do to help.” Many things have come to pass since that day, but as I compose my final president’s letter, I believe I have been helped more than I have helped.

It has been my distinct honor and pleasure to serve on the TTA board of directors for these past eight years and even more to serve as your president for the past two years, and I thank you for trusting in me to serve you in these positions.

Our association continues to head in the right direction and not due to anything I have done but due to the fields worked and the seeds planted by others before who have chosen to see the benefits in serving. Taking the step six years ago in agreeing to become the secretary/treasurer and get “in line” to become the president of TTA was a scary moment, but it is one that I am truly thankful I took.

Our association is in great hands as we move forward, and that is the best thought I could have as I write this. It has been a pleasure to work alongside of the other members of the board of directors and other individuals who make up this association as we have worked to change the outlook of the association, change the goals and desires of the association

io The miss

and broaden our vision on where the association can be in the future. It has been my pleasure to work with my fellow officers, Theo Lankford and Jason Pooler, who have kept me grounded and in line when some of my ideas would get a bit far fetched.

Theo has always been a great sounding board and voice of reason, always there when I needed some direction, and I know he will continue to serve you well as the next president.

Changes have to happen for growth to occur, and those have continued to happen during my years on the TTA board.

Dr. Samples stepped down as our education director and liaison to UT, and Dr. Brosnan stepped up to fill that void. Both men have served our association tremendously, and I consider myself fortunate to have worked with both of them. Mr. Jim Uden retired as our executive director, and Ms. Shelia Finney jumped at the opportunity to fill this vacancy. Her passion and commitment for our association has been evident from day one, which I know you will be able to see at the upcoming conference and tradeshow.

As my time to serve you has come to an end, I thank you again for one of the greatest honors of my career.

Sincerely,

Paul L. Carter, CGCS 2014–2015 TTA President

n of the Te nn essee Tur fg ra ss A s s o c i at i o

To promote the turfgrass industry through education, scholarship and research.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS decemBER/january 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

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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 Dr. James Brosnan TTA OFFICERS President Paul Carter, CGCS Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (423) 344-6374 Vice President Theo Lankford Nashville Sports Leagues (615) 799-8664 Secretary/Treasurer Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc. (731) 642-3092 Past President Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms (731) 692-3515 Executive Director Shelia Finney Tennessee Turfgrass Assn.

(615) 533-3925 TTA 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Doug Estes Kurt Dryden Scott Freund Cal Hill Joe Hill Timothy Long Mickey Lovett Bill Marbet Mitch Parker Jason Sanderson Chris Sykes Doug Ward TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Bill Blackburn Dr. Jim Brosnan Dr. Brandon Horvath Lynn Ray Jeff Rumph, CGCS Dr. Tom Samples Dr. John Sorochan Dr. Wes Totten

From the TVST M A President

Marty Wallace

I Encourage You to

Say Thank You! F

irst, I would like to encourage everyone to attend this year’s TTA 50th Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Conference and Tradeshow to be held at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro on January 12–14. This will be another great event, and with it being the 50th anniversary, it’s sure to be great!

Second, I would like to introduce you to your president for 2016, Thomas Trotter. I know he will do great things this next year. Stephen Callis will continue to serve as secretary/treasurer.

All other officers will be elected at the TVSTMA meeting on Tuesday, January 12, at 4 p.m., during the TTA conference. Anyone looking to seek an office position, feel free to contact a current officer, and let us know that you are interested.

Next I would like to thank you all for allowing me to serve as your 2015 TVSTMA president. This was an excit-

ing year, and we are looking forward to what we have in store for our members at the TTA conference as well as in 2016.

Now I would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to a person who has meant so much to me in turf management — Bill Marbet. I became interested in turf management when I was freshman at Columbia State Community College. This man took me in and pushed me very hard to be the person I am today. There were times I’m sure he probably wanted to kill me, but he didn’t; he just kept pushing me.

I can never thank him enough for all he has done for me. Also, I would like to recognize the entire staff at Southern Athletic Fields. TJ and Lane, thanks to you both for the time I was there and our continued friendship.

I would also like to express thanks to Bobby Campbell, Myron Roach, Darren Seybold, Jimmy Andes and the rest of University of Tennessee grounds

crew. My time there allowed me to grow as a turf manager as well as person in a management role.

Another thank you goes to Dan Bergstrom of the Houston Astros for all he did for me in my time in Houston and the life lessons that he taught me that I continue to use today.

I want thank my staff of the Jackson Generals grounds crew and the front office. For the late-night tarp pulls and being there whenever I needed help on the field, you will never know how much I truly appreciate you all.

Last but not least, I would like to acknowledge my wife and son, my parents, my brother and all of my family for allowing me to do what I love. I know that it takes a lot of time from them, but I’m thankful that I have a wonderful support system at home that allows me to do what I love, day in and day out.

In closing, I encourage all of you to sit down and think about the people who have impacted your life and be grateful to them as well, and don’t forget to thank your staff. We are all nothing without our staff and coworkers, and never forget about how special our family is to us.

Thank you all!

Marty Wallace

2015 TVSTMA President

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS decemBER/january 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

FROM THE ETGCSA P resident

Jeff Rumph, CGCS

Looking Back

on a Great Year!

As

we near the end of 2015, there are things to look back and reflect upon while looking forward to 2016. ETGCSA had another good year’s worth of meetings and speakers for the membership.

The year started in April at Sevierville Golf Club, hosted by superintendent D.J. Lerchen. Our speaker, Dave Esqueda, covered “Good Pesticide Training and Compliance Practices.”

In May, ETGCSA met at Creeks Bend Golf Club in Chattanooga, hosted by superintendent Patrick Shutters. The speaker was my former mentor and good friend, Dick Schulz from The Oaks Course in Covington, GA. Ultradwarf bermuda was the topic, appropriately, as The Oaks Course was the first Atlantaarea course to make the change from bentgrass to ultradwarf bermuda.

In June, our meeting was held at The Country Club in Morristown, hosted by superintendent Chris Lloyd. GCSAA director John Fulling, CGCS, was the speaker, covering superintendent/equipment technician relations. John also

promoted the program of offering a free membership to technicians as new members at GCSAA. This has been a very successful program for GCSAA, and speaking personally, my technician, Tommy Justus, joined GCSAA as a result of this program. He loves being involved and accessing the large amount of information that is available.

Toqua Golf Club at Tellico Village was the site of the July meeting hosted by superintendent Chris Sykes. Director of Golf at Toqua, Jim West, spoke about successful relations between club managers, golf professionals and golf course superintendents.

The big event for ETGCSA this year was held in August at The Honors Course in Chattanooga. This was our 25th Annual Scholarship and Research Tournament, and we were so glad to have it hosted by David Stone. For the first time, we had a double shotgun, with a field of 168 players.

With a host facility like The Honors, we had no trouble filling the field and actually had to turn down a couple of groups when the field was full. Funds from this year’s

tournament are going toward the Turf Industry Survey as well as to a couple of scholarships.

ETGCSA doesn’t typically have a meeting in September due to bentgrass aeration and not wanting to conflict with the University of Tennessee Turfgrass Field Day. The field day was a tremendous success. It seems like they add new features to the event each year. This year was the first time I had seen fraze mowing demonstrated. Amazing!

October was the last meeting of the year for ETGCSA. The site was Patriot Hills Golf Club in Jefferson City, hosted

by Dennis Robidoux. TTA’s president, Paul Carter, CGCS, from the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, was the speaker, covering environmentally friendly turfmaintenance operation.

Going into the end of the year, preparations are being made for 2016 with the Scholarship and Research Tournament scheduled to be in the Tri-Cities area.

Looking forward, the next really big event is the Tennessee Turfgrass Association Conference and Tradeshow, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Scheduled for January 12–14, 2016, in Murfreesboro, this should be a GREAT EVENT. In addition to the usual strong program, I am really looking forward to listening to keynote speaker Phillip Fulmer.

2016 is a leap year. Not only do we have a lot to look forward to in our industry, but also we get an extra day to enjoy it. Good luck to everyone. Have a great new year!

Jeff Rumph, CGCS

2009–2015 ETGCSA President

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS decemBER/january 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

2016 Conference & Tradeshow Embassy Suites Hotel • Murfreesboro, Tennessee

January 12–14, 2016 50th Anniversary

Celebration Banquet Tuesday, January 12, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Dinner, Awards, Keynote, More!

Don’t Miss Our Keynote Speaker at the Celebration Banquet —

Phillip Fulmer Former UT Head Football Coach

TTA’s 50th Anniversary Conference & Celebration Schedule at a Glance Tuesday, January 12, 2016

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

General Morning Sessions for Golf and Sports Turf

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch (on your own)

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Business and Professional Development Session

4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

TGCSA Annual Meeting TVSTMA Annual Meeting

4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TTA Annual Business Meeting

6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Celebration Dinner and TTA Awards Presentation, plus Keynote Address by former UT Coach Phil Fulmer

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Tradeshow Exhibitor Setup

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Concurrent Morning Sessions for Golf and Sports Turf

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch (on your own)

1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tradeshow and TTA Social

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Breakdown

Thursday, January 14, 2016

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

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Concurrent Morning Sessions for Golf and Sports Turf

Announcing Our New Conference Venue!

In anticipation of a larger-than-usual turnout for our 50th Anniversary Conference and Celebration, we have selected the new Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, TN, to serve as our 2016 venue! Not only will the education rooms be more roomy, but we will also have a more spacious tradeshow with exhibits from the industry’s leading suppliers and manufacturers.

This year’s special room rates of $149 to $159 per night include not only plush accommodations but also:

a FREE cook-to-order breakfast each day a FREE open bar and appetizers during the Manager’s Reception each day from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

FREE parking To make your reservations, call the Embassy Suites — 615-890-4464 — and use code TET for the TTA group rate.

Please reserve your room as soon as possible in order to help reduce the conference’s overall cost for the association.

Information for Sponsors and Exhibitors Vendor sponsorships for tables at the Celebration Banquet (which will include awards presentations and a keynote address by Phil Fulmer) are still available. Sponsored tables seat 10 and are located nearest to the podium for awards and the keynote.

Also, although the tradeshow is quickly filling, booths are also still available. We anticipate this show to be the biggest ever for TTA, so don’t miss your chance to reach as many prospects in one place as possible.

For more information on sponsoring a banquet table or to request forms for exhibit space, please contact Shelia Finney, TTA’s executive director, at smfinney319@gmail.com or (615) 533-3925.

University of Tennessee Student Internship Feature

Registration for Attendees

Conference Adjourns

To register for the Conference, Tradeshow and Celebration Dinner, visit http://ttaonline.org/event-1994216/registration.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS decemBER/january 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Celebration Banquet

Don’t Miss Our Special 50th Anniversary Celebration Banquet, Awards & Keynote!

Tuesday, January 12, 2016 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Keynote Speaker Phil Fulmer

This year, in honor of our 50th Anniversary, we’re celebrating with a special dinner on Tuesday, January 12! Not only will we announce scholarship recipients and TTA’s 2015 Award winners, including a special presentation for the Professional of the Year Award, but we will also have a roundtable discussion on the state of the turfgrass industry in Tennessee.

Yes, that’s right — our keynote address will be delivered by Phillip Fulmer, former head coach of The University of Tennessee Volunteers football team from 1992 to 2008! Coach Fulmer’s .745 winning percentage — with a 152–52 record — ranks in the top five in modern college football history. During his tenure, he coached and mentored 18 AllAmericans and 92 NFL draft picks. Coach Fulmer’s football team was consistently tough, winning the school’s first BCS national championship in 1998. A conference champion player himself in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Fulmer won two SEC titles as a head coach and led his squad to win or share the SEC East title seven times. His holistic approach earned Fulmer unprecedented recognition from his peers—the second coach in history to earn the Eddie Robinson Coach of Distinction Trophy, the presidency of the American Football Coaches Association and national, regional and conference Coach of the Year honors. Coach Fulmer most recently was inducted into the 2012 National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame.

Today, Fulmer is a founding partner at BPV Capital Management and serves as part of the company’s business-development team. In his keynote presentation, Coach Fulmer will share insights into his life and career at UT, how the preparation of the football fields changed during his tenure and about his many interactions with other sports turf managers and golf course superintendents.

You will not want to miss what promises to be a truly memorable evening!

Banquet Schedule in Brief Welcome from TTA President Dinner and Drinks Announcement of 2015 TTA Award and Scholarship Winners Dr. Tom Samples Lifetime Achievement Award TTA Professional of the Year Award History of TTA panel discussion, featuring: Bill Blackburn, Smith Turf & Irrigation Jim Kirkley Rod Lingle, Ridgeway Country Club David Stone, The Honors Course Jim Thomas, TPC at Southwind

Moderated by: Frank Turner, Cochran McDonalds Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee Keynote Presentation by Phillip Fulmer, Former UT Head Football Coach

Thanks To Our Celebration Banquet Sponsors

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

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TTA' s 50t h Anniversary Conference Pr o gram

Tuesday, January 12 Concurrent Morning Classes — Golf Turf

Concurrent Morning Classes — Sports Turf

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

What I Have Seen in 42 Years as a Golf Course Superintendent at Three Courses Mr. David Stone, The Honors Course David will discuss the things he has learned, both positive and negative.

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Challenges of Managing Turf in 2015 Mr. Kenny Franks, Jackson Sportsplex Mr. Terry Porch, Tennessee Titans Mr. Thomas Trotter, Nashville Sounds Learn the techniques of successful sports-field managers in a year with challenges.

Presented by TGCSA (Mirabella A–D Classrooms)

Presented by TVSTMA (Cambridge A–B Classrooms)

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Communications Skills for Today’s Superintendent Mr. Bill Maynard, CGCS, GCSAA Learn how to communicate with all stakeholders and your team to achieve your goals.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Preparing for the Ryder Cup Mr. Chris Tritabaugh, Hazeltine National Golf Club Discover what it really takes to prepare for a championship tournament.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Grass Can Take More Mr. Jerad Minnick, Growing Innovations New, creative, budget-responsible solutions can improve natural-grass field quality and meet the demand for increased use.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. • LUNCH (on your own)

Business and Professional Development (Mirabella A–D Classrooms)

1:00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m.

Economic Impact of the Turfgrass Industry in Tennessee Dr. Burton English, The University of Tennessee 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Key Interviewing & First Impression Strategies Ms. Laura Katen, Katen Consulting This session will: • Increase your overall awareness to key interviewing and self-presentation techniques.

• Share strategies that you can immediately use to develop, strengthen and refine your professional presence, interviewing skills and interactions.

• Facilitate interactive exercises or discussions to help you utilize key strategies.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Financial Skills for Tomorrow’s Successful Golf Course Managers Mr. Craig Current, Legacy Golf Management Be involved in the decisions that affect your budgets.

This session will cover decoding balance sheets, income statements and cash-flow concepts.

4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. • TGCSA Annual Meeting (Mirabella A–D Classrooms) • TVSTMA Annual Meeting (Cambridge A–B Classrooms) 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • TTA Annual Business Meeting (Mirabella A–D Classrooms) • All members are encouraged to attend.

Tennessee Turfgrass Association 50th Anniversary Banquet 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. • (Mirabella E–F)

Highlights will include: • Dinner and drinks • Annual Awards presentation • History of TTA panel discussion, featuring: Bill Blackburn, Smith Turf & Irrigation Jim Kirkley Rod Lingle, CGCS, Ridgeway Country Club 16

David Stone, The Honors Course Jim Thomas, CGCS, TPC at Southwind Moderated by: Frank Turner, Cochran McDonalds Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee • Keynote Presentation by former UT football head coach, Phillip Fulmer

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS decemBER/january 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

TTA' s 50th Ann iversar y Conferenc e Pr ogram

Wednesday, January 13 Concurrent Morning Classes — Golf Turf

Concurrent Morning Classes — Sports Turf

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Bent versus Bermudagrass: A Transition Zone Debate Moderators: Mr. Jason Sanderson, Cherokee Country Club Mr. Chris Sykes, Tellico Village Mr. Scott Wicker, Black Creek Club Team Bentgrass: Dr. Brandon Horvath, The University of Tennessee Mr. Jeff Huber, The Golf Club of Tennessee Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee Mr. Dan Stump, Chickasaw Country Club Team Bermudagrass: Dr. Jim Brosnan, The University of Tennessee Mr. Paul Carter, CGCS, Bear Trace at Harrison Bay Mr. Chris Hartwiger, USGA Mr. Rod Lingle, CGCS, Ridgeway Country Club Which turfgrass will work better for you?

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Integrated Pest Management for Sports Fields at All Levels Dr. Clint Waltz, University of Georgia Learn how to manage your fields to reduce inputs and maximize your results in pest management.

(Mirabella A–D Classrooms)

(Oakleigh A–B Classrooms)

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Overview of Hybrid Turfgrass Systems Dr. Adam Thoms, The University of Tennessee Learn how these new systems can help make your field more playable.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Fraze Mowing Explained Mr. Jerad Minnick, Growing Innovations What is it really? Where did it come from?

And, ultimately, can it help you? Bring your questions and curiosity, as this aggressive maintenance practice is anything but traditional!

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. • LUNCH (on your own) 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. • Tradeshow and TTA Social — Please support our vendors!

Tradeshow floor.

Thursday, January 14 Concurrent Morning Classes — Golf Turf

Concurrent Morning Classes — Sports Turf

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

PGA Forum on the Golf Professional and Superintendent Relationship Mr. Ken Crowder, Tennessee PGA President Mr. Scott Moran, Fox Den Country Club Mr. Chris Dibble, Holston Hills Country Club Mr. Jerry Williams, Oak Ridge Country Club Mr. Jim West, Tellico Village How to have a more productive relationship and improve communication.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Practical Water-Conservation Techniques for Sports Fields Dr. Clint Waltz, University of Georgia Learn how to manage your turf to conserve a valuable resource and make your turf happy.

(Mirabella A–D Classrooms)

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

2015 Golf Course Architect Feature — Why Renovate?

Mr. Bill Bergin, ASCGA, Bergin Golf Learn the questions you should ask before you decide whether to renovate or not.

(Oakleigh A–B Classrooms)

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Discussion on the State of Sod Industry in the Mid South Moderators: Mr. Doug Estes, Winstead Turf Farms Mr. Bob McCurdy, McCurdy Sod Farms Mr. Jason Pooler, Tri-Turf Sod Farms

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Roundtable Discussion on Sports Turf in Tennessee Moderators: Mr. Darrell Denney, The University of Tennessee Mr. Bill Marbet, Southern Athletic Fields Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee Dr. Adam Thoms, The University of Tennessee 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. • UT Student Internship Feature Mr. Hunter Salts, The University of Tennessee & Mr. Taylor Williams, The University of Tennessee 1:00 p.m. • Conference Adjourns • Please have a safe trip home.

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

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Cover St ory

By Tom Samples, Ph.D., and John Sorochan, Ph.D., The University of Tennessee

T

urfs are composed of leaves, tillers, thatch and fibrous roots, and depending on the turfgrass species, they may also have a contiguous network of above- (stolons) and/or belowground (rhizomes) stems capable of producing new plants. Because aerial shoots and thatch are located above the surface of the soil and are more noticeable, these two zones often receive more attention than the roots and the soil. The physical, chemical and biological properties of soil in which turfgrasses grow, however, have a major impact on turf performance and longevity.

Ecoregions The adaptability of a particular turfgrass species or variety in a specific region, or ecoregion, is determined by the environmental conditions it will encounter. The 18

World Wildlife Fund Classification includes a total of 867 ecoregions worldwide, of which the Global 200 are identified as the most biologically distinct terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecoregions on earth.

An ecoregion of land is a relatively large area containing geographically distinct natural plant and animal communities with boundaries that approximate those of the original natural environment before a major change in land use occurs.

The TN Department of Environment and Conservation recognizes eight ecoregions statewide (Figure 1). In terms of percent of total land area from greatest to least, they are: Interior Plateau (37.4%), Ridge & Valley (18.2%), SE Appalachians (12.1%), SW Appalachians (11.4%), Mississippi Valley Loess Plain (10.7%), Blue Ridge Mountains (6.0%), Central Appalachians (2.1%) and Mississippi Alluvial Plain (2.0).

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS decemBER/january 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Soil classification Similarly, soils are also grouped according to specific characteristics. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture soil-classification system recognizes six levels ranked from most general to most specific as order, suborder, great group, subgroup, family and series.

Dominant soil orders There are 12 dominant soil orders in the U.S. Two common dominant soil orders in TN are Alfisols (Photo 1), which make up about 10% of the world’s ice-free land surface, and Ultisols (Photo 2), which make up about 8% of the worlds ice-free land surface.

Alfisols, the most common dominant soil order in much of West TN, are soils in semi-arid to moist areas formed from weathering processes that leach clays and

Two common dominant soil orders in TN are Alfisols, which make up about 10% of the world’s ice-free land surface, and Ultisols, which make up about 8% of the world’s ice-free land surface. other constituents out of the surface layer and into the subsoil. The subsoil holds and supplies nutrients and water to plants.

Alfisols are productive soils most often formed under forests or mixed-species vegetative cover.

Ultisols, a common dominant soil order in East TN, are soils in humid areas formed from fairly intense weathering and leaching processes resulting in clayenriched subsoil with quartz, kaolinite clay and iron oxides. These soils are usually acidic, and most nutrients are concentrated in the upper few inches. Ultisols have a medium-low capacity to retain both lime and fertilizers.

Photo

1

Alfisols, the most common

dominant soil order in much of West TN. (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/detail/soils/edu/?cid=nrcs142p2_ 053588)

Photo

2

Ultisols, the most common

dominant soil order in East TN. (United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/ portal/nrcs/detail/soils/edu/?cid=nrcs 142p2_053588)

Soil series A soil series consists of soils in a family that have layers (horizons) similar in color, texture, structure, reaction, consistency, mineral and chemical composition, and arrangement in the soil profile. Many of the names of soil series in TN are taken from nearby cities, towns or landmarks.

There are 15,000+ soil series in the U.S. and 442 soil series in TN (Figure 2). The Dickson soil series, first established in 1923 and which occurs on more than 400,000 acres in TN, AL, KY and OK, is the official state soil.

Soils are also classified according to their potential to swell when wet and shrink when dry. Although the majority of soils in TN contain little if any swelling clays, the soils in West TN located in the red band on the map (Figure 3) are very high in montmorillonite clay, which has a high swelling potential. Soils located in the green bands generally contain less than 50% clay capable of expanding when wet.

Figure The eight ecoregions of Tennessee. (http://www.epa.gov/ naaujydh/pages/ecoregions/images/tn_eco_lg.jpg)

1

Figure There are 442 soil series in TN. (Tennessee Spatial Data Server)

2

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

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Cover St ory Hydrologic soil groups Figure

3

Table

1

Soils may be classified based on their potential to swell when wet and shrink when dry. (http://www.surevoid.com/assets/soil_maps/tn.jpg) A comparison of sand, silt and clay particles.

Soil Separate

Diameter (mm)

Number of Particles/gram

Surface Area (cm2/gram)

Very coarse sand

2.00 to 1.00

90

11

Coarse sand

1.00 to 0.50

720

23

Medium sand

0.50 to 0.25

5,700

45

Fine sand

0.25 to 0.10

46,000

91

Very fine sand

0.10 to 0.05

722,000

227

Silt

0.05 to 0.002

5,776,000

454

Clay

< 0.002

90,260,853,000

8,000,000

Figure Photo

3

Soils with a fragipan like the one pictured here are very common in West TN. (Soil Survey Staff. 2015.

Illustrated guide to soil taxonomy.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, Nebraska. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/ portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/ class/?cid=nrcs142p2_053580)

4

The 12 textural classifications of soils. (http://www.soilsensor. com/soiltypes.aspx)

20

Tennessee soils are also grouped based on the rate at which water infiltrates when the soil is thoroughly moist. Soils in Hydrologic Soil Group A have a rapid water-infiltration rate as a result of their high sand and/or gravel content. Group B soils have a moderate rate of water infiltration, are medium deep or deep, well or very well drained and are fine to medium-coarse textured. Group C soils have a slow water-infiltration rate, are moderately fine to fine textured and have a layer that restricts the percolation of water. Group D soils have a very slow water-infiltration rate as a result of large quantities of clay with a high shrink-swell potential. Group D soils may also have a claypan or clay layer at or near the surface.

The soil pictured in Photo 3 has a layer or fragipan below a depth of about 2' that is restricting water percolation. A fragipan is a firm, brittle layer of soil below the surface that is low in porosity and organicmatter content, low or moderate in clay content and high in silt or very fine sand. A fragipan restricts the growth of plant roots when dry and tends to rupture suddenly under pressure when moist. Soils with fragipans are very common in West TN. The presence of sedges such as yellow (Cyperus esculentus) and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) and rushes (Juncus spp.) in turf may indicate that the soil is poorly drained and remains wet for long periods of time. If annual bluegrass (Poa annua), a shallowly rooted, winter annual grassy weed, is problematic, the soil may not drain well.

Soil texture The textural class of a soil depends on the amounts of sand, silt and clay it contains.

The Soil Textural Triangle, first presented

The textural class of a soil depends on the amounts of sand, silt and clay it contains. The Soil Textural Triangle, first presented in 1965, is helpful when determining which of the 12 textural classifications a particular soil is in.

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in 1965, is helpful when determining which of the 12 textural classifications a particular soil is in (Figure 4). For example, a soil containing 30% percent sand, 55% silt and 15% clay is classified as a silt loam. The percentage of sand, silt and clay in soil affects how much water and how many mineral nutrients it is capable of holding, as well as the micro- and macropore space among soil particles. Although turfgrass plants are anchored in soil, turfgrass roots actually grow in the pores or voids among the soil particles. In addition to size, soil particles vary in other physical characteristics including shape, surface area and the number of particles per gram of soil (Table 1).

Not all of the water that a soil contains is available to turfgrass plants. For example, if a clay loam soil contains 21.5% water when saturated, only about 11.3% of this total amount is available for uptake by plants (Figure 5). Nearly one-half of the

Figure

5

Not all of the water that a soil contains is available to turfgrass plants.

The percentage of sand, silt and clay in soil affects how much water and how many mineral nutrients it is capable of holding, and the micro- and macro-pore spaces among the soil particles.

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Cover St ory total amount of water in a clay loam soil at saturation strongly adheres to the soil particles.

Photo

4

Soil structure

The structural classification of a soil depends on the arrangement of aggregates or peds. (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qudJsVkP_bs/S_ rQSvr2dkI/AAAAAAAABCI/M-dsrt2oI24/s1600/soil%2Bstructure.jpg)

Figure

6

Particles of soil often form peds, commonly referred to as aggregates. Aggregates contain pore space as well as solid material, and they vary in size, shape and adhesive strength. A soil’s structural classification depends on how these aggregates are arranged (Photo 4).

Soils with a granular structure have granules resembling cookie crumbs often less than 0.2" in diameter. Soils with a blocky structure contain stacked layers of soil “blocks” ranging from about 0.6" to 2" in diameter. Soils with a platy structure are easily compacted and very poorly drained due to thin, flat soil plates that lay horizontally one on top of another. Soils with a single-grained structure do not generally stick together. The individual grains of these soils are generally loose and free flowing. As the name implies, soils with a massive structure look cemented with particles clinging together to form a large mass. Soils moved during construction and when contouring landscapes often take several years to regain structure.

Soil fertility

An example soil test report form from the University of Tennessee Soil, Plant and Pest Center, Nashville.

Eighteen nutrients are considered essential for plant growth and reproduction.

Two of the essential nutrients, hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) are supplied by water.

Carbon dioxide supplies turfgrasses with the essential nutrient carbon (C). Soil supplies turfgrasses with the remaining 15 essential mineral nutrients. Because of the amount required by plants, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S) are called macronutrients. Although boron (B), chlorine (Cl), cobalt (Co),

The amount and availability of each essential mineral nutrient often fluctuates from one soil to the next. The primary goal of a soil-testing lab is to accurately predict the pH and the amount of the essentail mineral nutrient of interest in the soil sample being tested that is available to turfgrasses.

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copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) are required in lesser amounts and are referred to as micronutrients, each is no less or more important than the other essential nutrients. Nickel and cobalt are more recent additions to the list of essential nutrients.

Soil testing The amount and availability of each essential mineral nutrient often fluctuates from one soil to the next. The primary goal of a soil-testing lab is to accurately predict the pH and the amount of the essential mineral nutrient of interest in the soil sample being tested that is available to turfgrasses. A solution is used to saturate the soil sample and extract the nutrients that the sample contains. At the University of Tennessee Soil, Plant and Pest Center in Nashville, essential mineral nutrients are extracted from soils with a solution referred to as Mehlich 1. This extractant is especially effective when working with mineral, inorganic salts. The Basic soil test includes soil pH, buffer value, P, K, Ca and Mg. The Basic Plus soil test also includes Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, sodium (Na) and B. Although Na is not an essential mineral nutrient, too much sodium in soils can be toxic to turfgrasses.

The example soil-test report form pictured in Figure 6 shows that the sampled soil has a pH of 6.8 and contains 104 lbs. of plant-available P per acre and 260 lbs. of plant-available K per acre. Both P and K are in the High range. Calcium at 3,189 lbs. per acre and Mg at 281 lbs. per acre are sufficient at this time. The sampled soil also contains 3.7% organic matter.

Although a soil may have all of the mineral nutrients necessary to support turfgrasses, some nutrients may not be in a form that the plants can absorb. If the soil is too “acidic” or too “basic,” nutrients may not be available for plant uptake from the solution surrounding the roots. Most turfgrasses grow best in slightly acidic soil. A soil pH level of 7.0 is neutral. Soils with a pH of less than 7.0 are acidic, while soils with a pH greater than 7.0 are basic. Generally, a

Cover St ory

Figure

7

Soils often have distinct horizons. (https://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_horizon #/media/File:SOIL_PROFILE.png)

pH range of 6.0 to 6.5 is preferred when managing turfgrasses in native soils.

The presence of certain turfgrass weeds may indicate that the soil is acidic. For example, sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is tolerant of acidic soils. Like sheep sorrel, the creeping perennial broadleaf weeds ground ivy (Puccinia glechomatis) and cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex) generally tolerate acidic soils. If common plantain (Plantago major) is problematic, a soil test may reveal that the pH is above 7.0.

Cation exchange capacity (CEC) The surfaces of clay particles and organic

In addition to having texture, structure and the ability to hold positively and negatively charged essential mineral nutrients, the soil often has several horizons. A soil horizon is a layer generally parallel to the soil surface that has physical characteristics different from the layers above and/or below.

tms195

matter are negatively charged and, as a result, attract and hold positively charged essential mineral nutrients including K+, Ca++, Mg++, Mn++, Cu++, Fe++, Fe+++, Zn++ and N as ammonium (NH4+) in close proximity to turfgrass roots. As a result of a soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to attract and hold cations, or its CEC, these nutrients are not easily leached from the turfgrass rootzone.

Soils high in clay usually have a greater CEC than sandy soils. Organic matter usually has a very high CEC (for example, four or more times higher than clay) and serves as the primary source of CEC in many soils with a high sand content.

The CEC of a soil is usually expressed as milliequivalents per 100 grams of soil.

For example, if a teaspoon of soil contains one milliequivalent of CEC, it has 6.02 x 1020 negatively charged sites capable of holding nutrients with a positive charge.

Anion exchange capacity (AEC) Depending on the pH, degree of weathering and the amounts of organic matter, kaolinite clay, aluminum and iron oxide, a soil may also attract and hold essential mineral nutrients in negatively charged form, such as nitrate (NO3-), phosphate (H2PO4-, HPO4--), sulfate (SO4--), molybdate (MoO4--) and chloride (Cl-).

Although organic matter has an AEC at very low pH, it usually provides considerable CEC in soils maintained at a slightly acidic pH appropriate for managing turfgrasses.

Soil horizons In addition to having texture, structure and the ability to hold positively and negatively charged essential mineral nutrients, the soil often has several horizons. A soil horizon is a layer generally parallel to the soil surface that has physical characteristics different from the layers above and/or below. The soil illustrated in Figure 7 has four distinct horizons referred to by letter. â&#x20AC;˘ The O Horizon (surface layer 0" to 2"): Containing > 20% to 30% organic matter (less if the soil is high in clay); dark, dark-reddish brown or nearly black in color; low strength; light weight when dry; may have a high fiber content; and may feel greasy to the touch.

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• The A Horizon (2" to 10"): A mineral horizon forming at the soil surface, this horizon is often referred to as topsoil.

Flooding, landslides and landscape contouring (bulldozer) can bury the A horizon so that it is no longer located at the surface. This horizon can be high in organic matter that contributes to the dark color. Over time, clay and easily dissolved compounds can leach from the A Horizon, resulting in a coarser texture than the underlying horizons.

• The B Horizon (10" to 30"): A mineral subsurface horizon and zone in which clay, soluble salts and/or iron tend to accumulate.

• The C Horizon (30" to 40"): Primarily non-weathered rock or minerals from which the soil formed (parent material).

It’s often referred to as substratum.

Although some soluble salts may move from the B into the C Horizon and iron may change form, this horizon has changed very little if any since the time it was deposited.

Organic matter Soil organic matter is the fraction of a soil consisting of plant or animal tissue in different stages of decomposition. In TN, the amount of organic matter in native soil often ranges from less than 3% to more than 6%.

Turfgrasses add organic matter to the soil. It is conservatively estimated that a Kentucky bluegrass turf produces from 9,800 to 14,350 pounds of roots per acre and that the annual root system turnover rate for a Kentucky bluegrass turf is 42%.

Organic matter in soil provides several physical benefits. It often improves the stability of aggregates, increasing the rate of infiltration of surface water, reducing surface water runoff and improving soil aeration. Organic matter in clayey soils can limit their stickiness, making them easier to till. The surface crusting of soils being tilled prior to planting usually decreases with increasing organic matter.

Organic matter in soil is also chemically beneficial. As previously discussed, it contributes to the soil’s CEC. Decomposing organic matter supplies turfgrasses with essential mineral nutrients and

Cover St ory improves the soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to resist a change in pH. Nitrogen in soil organic matter becomes available to plants through mineralization. An estimated 20 to 30 pounds of N is released (mineralized to NO3-) per acre during one growing season from each 1% of organic matter, less from cooler and/or drier soils. The percentage of organic matter in soil is influenced by the length of time the temperature supports the activity of organisms that use organic matter as food. As a result, soils in the northern U.S. often have more organic matter than those in the South.

The biological advantages of having organic matter in soil include providing

energy for organisms living in the soil, improving the diversity of soil microorganisms (which may result in suppression of certain turfgrass diseases) and better aeration as a result of soil microorganism activity that results in an increase in the rate of surface water infiltration. In addition to an appropriate soil temperature, soil organisms must have moisture to actively decompose organic matter. Humus, the relatively stable organic residue in soil resulting from decomposition of plant and animal residues, contains on average 58% carbon (C), 3% to 6% nitrogen (N) and a C:N ratio from 10:1 to 12:1. Humus is also rich in humic acids, often referred to as humates.

Turfs are capable of preventing the loss of sediment, intercepting pesticides, absorbing nutrients, stabilizing soil and holding nutrients and pesticides until they are used or degraded by these macro- or microorganisms.

Soil organisms Soil is home to a vast number of species of both micro- and macro-organisms from both the plant and animal kingdom.

The total number of organisms and species varies depending on soil type, location and depth. The majority of these organisms are visible only under a microscope.

It has been suggested that there are as many as 13,000 species of bacteria in one gram of soil. A ranking of microbial groups by population in the soil is: bacteria > actinomycetes > fungi > protozoa > yeasts > algae. These microorganisms also contribute biomass. For example, there may be about 12 lbs. of bacteria, 16.4 lbs. of actinomycetes, 34.8 lbs. of fungi, 8.2 lbs. of protozoa, 4.1 lbs. of yeasts and 3.1 lbs. of algae per 1,000 sq. ft. of soil.

Soil macroorganisms also number in the millions on a per acre basis. For example, there may be ~78 million insects, ~8 million nematodes, ~8 million oligochaetes, ~4 million arachnids and ~2 million myriapods in one acre of soil.

Turfs are capable of preventing the loss of sediment, intercepting pesticides, absorbing nutrients, stabilizing soil and holding nutrients and pesticides until they are used or degraded by these macro- or microorganisms.

Surveys and maps of soils in Tennessee The USDA NRCS has made soil surveys and maps of most TN counties available online at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/ portal/nrcs/surveylist/soils/survey/state/? stateId=TN. Survey information is regularly updated and posted to this Web Soil Survey, which is the official source for most current information. Printed copies of soil surveys are available at federal depository libraries and in some cases at local USDA offices.

For more information regarding turfgrasses and their management, please visit: http://tennesseeturf.utk.edu/ http://www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org/ http://www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds. org/Pages/default.aspx http://www.mobileweedmanual.com/ default.aspx http://www.facebook.com/ SoilPlantPestCenter T 26

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TTA AWARD WINNER

Congratulations to

TTA’s 2014 Professional Sports Field of the Year,

LP Field, Home of the Tennessee Titans

By Liz Nutter, Managing Editor, Leading Edge Communications (publisher of Tennessee Turfgrass)

N

eedless to say, when any sports field is regularly seen on national television, expectations for quality, performance and aesthetics are at their highest. For representing Tennessee in stellar fashion, TTA awarded LP Field the association’s 2014 Professional Sports Field of the Year.

Located on the bank of the Cumberland River in Nashville, LP Field serves namely as home to the Tennessee Titans NFL football team. It is also as the site for occasional home games for Tennessee State University as well as for the annual Music City Bowl. In fact, last year, the field hosted 15 games — 10 Titans’ games, 3 TSU games, the Music City Bowl and the Vanderbilt vs.

Ole Miss game. LP Field was also the site for this year’s CMA Music Fest (held June 11–14, with a record-setting attendance this year of 87,680 fans each day) and a Rolling Stones concert (June 17).

Keeping the field in tip-top shape throughout the year is Terry Porch, head groundskeeper with the Titans since 1998.

Porch oversees all aspects of the maintenance at LP Field, as well as at St. Thomas Sports Park (the Titans’ practice

field). Previously, he was the landscape supervisor for the Carolina Panthers from 1996–98. Additionally, from 1981–1987, he worked with the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. Porch served on the grounds crew for 19 Super Bowls, as well as the 1995 and 2010 Pro Bowls.

Porch has also owned and operated his own lawn care company.

Originally grassed with TifSport bermudagrass for the first few years, the field is now covered with 419 bermudagrass, which Porch believes holds up better against wear and tear and is a bit more cold tolerant.

The field is re-sodded twice a year (after the CMA Music Fest and then again late

fall). “The sod we use comes from Carolina Green and is grown on plastic,” says Porch.

Porch begins overseeing the field in September with 12 lbs. of perennial ryegrass per 1,000 ft2, followed by 4 lbs. per 1,000 ft2 after every game. “We do not transition out of the ryegrass the next year since we re-sod in June anyway,” he comments.

The field is mowed at 3/4" every day while the grass is growing well, before every game and then as needed when the temperatures start dropping in fall. Aeration is conducted every month during the summer season, either with core or solid tines (depending on whether the crew has time to clean up the cores). T

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

29

RECENT EVENT

2015

UT Field Day

Sets Attendance Record

By Scott Boyle, Turfgrass Communications Coordinator, The University of Tennessee

The

annual University of Tennessee Turf & Ornamental Field Day was held on September 10 at the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, Plant Sciences Unit, in Knoxville. This marquee educational event — attended by more than 560 turf professionals, educators, and high school students — showcased on-going research and Extension education initiatives of several turfgrass and ornamental faculty housed within the Department of Plant Sciences at UT. The event, which set a record for attendees in 2015, has seen attendance climb steadily over the past several years.

During the 2015 Field Day, attendees saw demonstrations of the most cuttingedge research on managing weeds, disease and insect pests that affect turf.

“Field Day gives turf professionals the opportunity to learn about the research and new technology we are using at UT, and it is also an opportunity to connect with hundreds of their peers in Tennessee,” said Brandon Horvath, Ph.D., Associate Professor, UT Turfgrass Science and Management.

Field Day also focused on cultivar evaluations, athletic field turf, ornamental plant materials and the latest strategies for managing infestations of turfgrass

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

31

weeds and diseases. Professors, staff and graduate students presented seminars to attendees at the East Tennessee Research and Education Center in Knoxville.

“Undergraduate students get to see the scope of the industry outside of the classroom for the first time, while our graduate students get much-needed experience in presenting their research and the opportunity to network with turf professionals,” Dr. Horvath said.

“It is a win-win for everyone.”

For the second year, attendees were able to download a free, interactive

mobile app to enhance their event experience. The app, co-developed by Turf Republic and the UT Turfgrass Science and Management faculty and staff, included interactive station information, contact information for each presenter, a download center providing digital information from presentations and an interactive map of the Field Day layout.

The Field Day again went social in 2015. Again partnering with Turf Republic, this year’s social-media experience gave a look into the UT program with interactive photos, videos, interviews,

updates and a new live blog. Using the hashtag #UTTurfFD15, UT faculty and staff were able to have real-time interaction throughout the event with attendees and even those unable to attend.

“Using social media gives us the opportunity to reach and interact with pros and the general public,” Dr. Horvath said. “It is a great tool for us to share our research and shine a positive light on the great things our students are doing every day.”

Social-media analytics show that the 2014 Field Day generated just under 18,000 accounts reached and 50,000 impressions. In 2015, the numbers skyrocketed to 82,000 reached and more than 430,000 impressions on social media. T

Thanks

to Our UT Turf and Ornamental Research Field Day Sponsors Diamond Sponsor • AQUA-AID, Inc. / Campey Imants

Silver Sponsors

• Advanced Turf Solutions • Dow AgroSciences • FMC • PremierPro • SiteOne Landscape Supply (formerly John Deere Landscapes)

• Syngenta • Winfield Solutions

Bronze Sponsors • BASF Corporation • Dickens Turf and Landscape Supply • Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply • SePRO Corporation

Thanks

to Our Sponsors for the TTA Member Appreciation Social at Barley’s Taproom

32

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS decemBER/january 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

• Helena • Modern Turf • SiteOne Landscape Supply • Syngenta

Calendar of Events January 11–15

Green & Growin’ Show (NC Nursery & Landscape Assn.)

Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, NC

January 12–14

50th Annual TTA Conference and Trade Show Embassy Suites Hotel Murfreesboro, TN

January 19–22

STMA Conference and Exhibition San Diego, CA

February 6–11

Golf Industry Show San Diego Convention Ctr. San Diego, CA

Index of a dvertisers BWI Companies................................. 28 www.bwicompanies.com Carolina Green Sod............................ 34 www.carolinagreensod.com Champion Turf Farms........................... 7 www.championturffarms.com Coosa Valley Turf Farms.................... 34 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com Covermaster, Inc................................ 21 www.covermaster.com Ewing Irrigation.................................... 3 www.ewing1.com Helena Chemical Company.................. 8 www.helenachemical.com International Used Trucks.................. 24 www.nashvilleutc.com Jackson Sand..................................... 23 www.jacksonsand.com KWMI/K & W Products, Inc............... 12 www.kwmiequipment.com Lebanon Turf........................ Back Cover www.lebturf.com

February 22–25

TPI International Education Conference & Field Day (Turfgrass Producers Intl.)

Hyatt Regency Houston Houston, TX

Dig ital marketpla ce

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc....................... 25, 34 www.midtennturf.com Mid-Atlantic Stihl, Inc....Inside Back Cover www.sthildealers.com Modern Turf, Inc................................ 32 www.modernturf.com NewLife Turf, Inc............................... 28 www.newlifeturf.com Perdue AgriRecycle, LLC...................... 9 www.perdueagrirecycle.com RD Murphy, LLC................................. 10 www.rdmurphy.com Regal Chemical Company.................. 30 www.regalchem.com Riverside Turf..................................... 11 www.riversideturf.com Sigma Organics, Inc........................... 33 www.SigmaTurf.com SiteOne Landscape Supply................ 25 www.siteone.com

Smith Seed Services.......................... 34 www.smithseed.com Southern Athletic Fields.................... 34 www.safdirt.com Sur Line Turf, Inc................................ 33 www.surlineturf.com Syngenta Turf..................................... 26 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com The Turfgrass Group............................ 5 www.theturfgrassgroup.com Thomas Bros. Grass, LLC................... 27 www.thomasbrosgrass.com Tri-Turf Sod Farms............................... 7 www.triturfsod.com Turf Mountain Sod............................. 24 www.turfmountain.com Turf Pride, LLC.................................... 23 www.turfprideusa.com/info.html Turfgrass of Tennessee..................... 33 Winstead Turf...........Inside Front Cover www.winsteadturffarms.com