with BETTER GENETICS
STUDENT’S INTERN EXPERIENCE at TPC TWIN CITIES
Plus, SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 58 th ANNUAL TTA CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW JANUARY 8 – 10, 2024
The Almost Showtime
first day of fall was officially September 23rd, but in my opinion, fall begins when college football season kicks off. My Hokies are off to a terrible start, but I’d suspect that most of you are happier than I am with so many SEC ties, most notably the Big Orange. Guess I’ll jump on the bandwagon, so Go Vols!
Another growing season is about in the books and a much-needed reprieve from the summer grind is just around the corner. We will have a little more time to focus on the future which includes some education. The older I get the dumber I feel, so I have a strong desire for continuing education these days.
The Tennessee Turfgrass Show is literally now just around the corner and is full of outstanding educational opportunities. I cannot wait to see you all at the 58th Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Conference Tradeshow as you will not want to miss it. As the old saying goes, the early bird gets the worm, so REGISTER NOW to take advantage of the ‘early bird’ discount.
See you soon,
Chris Sykes
TTA President
Chris Sykes
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FEATURE
Introducing the
UT CERTIFIED LAWN CARE PROFESSIONAL
PROGRAM
his introductory, online course will provide you with the education and skills needed to effectively establish and maintain turfgrasses. This course is taught by University of Tennessee Faculty and Staff. It is entirely online and self-paced. It is ideal for those who are new to the industry as well as those looking to market themselves as industry professionals.
Who should take this course?
This course is well-suited for anyone who manages turfgrass on lawns, sports fields, or golf courses, as well as those who are new or looking to enter the industry.
How long does it take to complete?
The course contains 11 modules and is entirely self-paced. On average, it should take 12 to 15 hours to complete.
What topics are covered?
This course provides introductory information on:
• Introduction to UT Extension
• Turfgrass Identification
• Turfgrass Selection
• Soil Fertility
• Water Management
• Planting and Establishment
• Turfgrass Weeds
• Turfgrass Diseases
• Turfgrass Insect Pests
• Integrated Pest Management
• Maintenance and Operation of Turfgrass Equipment
Who teaches this course?
Course materials were developed by University of Tennessee faculty, staff, and students with expertise in turfgrass management.
Does this course focus on warm- or cool-season turfgrass?
The course covers both warm- and cool-season turfgrass management.
How much does the course cost?
The course costs $250 per person
How
to register for the course:
The course is administered through Canvas. You can register for the course at https://www.tnturfgrassweeds.org/clcp
BULK REGISTRATION of multiple individuals from the same business is available.
Here’s what participants say about the CLCP Program:
“This has hands down been one of the most educational courses I have ever taken. Everything was clear and concise, and the quizzes hit on the most important material from each section!”
“I thought this was a great introduction of the basics of turf for a beginner coming in new to this field or even for field veterans.
Excellent work!”
Program Coordinator Anna Duncan says, “Our hope for this course is to provide a strong, researchbased education upon which our participants can build a successful career. This program provides a foundational understanding of both the science and the art of turfgrass management. Both new and seasoned professionals from all facets of the turfgrass industry can benefit from this course as it highlights the “why” behind many management practices. Course topics are taught through realworld examples, conversations with industry experts, and research-based resources.”
NOVEMBER 1, 2023
8:00 AM (CDT)
2023 MTGCSA Scholarship & Research Golf Tournament
Gaylord Springs Golf Links Nashville, TN
NOVEMBER 7, 2023
11:00 AM (CST)
Memphis Area Annual Skeet Shoot & Shrimp Boil
Bubba’s Farm
NOVEMBER 9, 2023
9:00 AM (CST)
Middle Tennessee November Meeting
Brentwood Country Club
JANUARY 8 – 10, 2024
58th Annual TTA Conference & Trade Show Embassy Suites Murfreesboro, TN
JANUARY 31, 2024 7:00 PM (EST)
CONFERENCE
58 TH ANNUAL & TRADESHOW
JANUARY 8 – 10, 2024
ince 1965, the Tennessee Turfgrass Association has held strong to its core mission: To promote the turfgrass industry through education, scholarship and research. We invite you to join us at this year’s conference and trade show at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro. This year’s conference features an excellent education program and an expanded
tradeshow floor, plus our annual awards recognitions with keynote speaker Jason Kuhn. This is a conference you will not want to miss! Tennessee Turfgrass Association’s annual Conference and Trade Show has historically been a favorite event for members. A world-class education lineup, along with certifications, networking, and award recognition rounds out full lineup of events and workshops that are essential for turfgrass professionals.
We anticipate a great turnout once again for our 2024 gathering. Be sure to register early and make plans to join us!
REGISTRATION
Please complete the registration form on page 18 and return it along with a check for all fees payable to The Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Additional copies of the form may be made as needed. Members are encouraged to email a copy of the registration form to The TTA and then mail the original with a check. Please keep a copy of the completed registration form for your confirmation. Everyone is encouraged to register early.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
The TTA has reserved a block of rooms at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro, TN until December 3. After December 3, reservations will be subject to availability and regular rates. The room rate is $172. Please call 615-890-4464 and reference the Tennessee Turfgrass Association room block to get the group rate or use the group code TRF.
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Contact your Progressive Dealer to find out why Progressive products are outstanding in any field!
Turf Grass Production Mowers
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LOCATION
The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro is located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. From I-24 East or West take exit 76 Medical Center Parkway. Head north on Medical Center Parkway, hotel is located on the right. It is located 29 miles (35 minutes) from the Nashville airport (BNA). You may reach the hotel by calling 615-890-4464.
PESTICIDE POINTS
Applications for pesticide points have been submitted to Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi.
GCSAA CONTINUING EDUCATION
This program has been submitted for GCSAA continuing education.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, call The Association office at 615-928-7001, email info@ttaonline.org
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE PESTICIDE SESSION
MONDAY, JANUARY 8th, 2024
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Embassy Suites • 1200 Conference Center Blvd Murfreesboro, TN 37129
You must pre-register for this session. The last day to register will be on December 10.
Learn all you need for the Category 3 exam required to be a certified applicator in TN. At the end of the session, all individuals have the opportunity to take the exam.
REGISTRATION FEES
The registration fees for this session are $195. These fees include instruction, materials, lunch and the exam.
REGISTRATION
Please complete the registration form on page 18 and return it along with a check for all fees payable to The Tennessee Turfgrass Association. You can also pay online. You must pre-register for this session no later than December 1, 2023.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, call The Association office at 615-928-7001, email info@ttaonline.org
Don’t miss your opportunity to exhibit your products and services at the trade show. Complete the form on page 17 and return to TTA!
58 TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW
JANUARY
8 – 10,
2024 • EMBASSY SUITES • MURFREESBORO, TN
MONDAY – JANUARY 8, 2024
TIME
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
8:10 AM – 9:00 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks The Mission of TTA
Chris Sykes TTA President
A New Member of the UT Turf Team
Dr. Becky Bowling University of Tennessee *will be introduced by Dr. Samples*
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM BREAK
9:10 AM – 10:00 AM
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Tee Up Your Team for Success
Tyler Bloom
Tyler Bloom Consulting
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Fundamentals of Winning: Performance Training and Team Building
Jason Kuhn Stonewall Solutions
Training for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Pesticide Certification Exam
Learn all you need for the Category 3 and Category 7 Exams required to be a certified application in TN
Dr. Darrell Hensley
University of Tennessee
TTA Awards Luncheon and Annual Business Meeting
Dr. Brandon Horvath University of Tennessee
1:45 PM – 3:15 PM The Current Status of Turfgrass Internships
Dr. John Sorochan University of Tennessee
Tyler Bloom
Tyler Bloom Consulting
Luke Bennett (intern, Seminole GC)
Wesley Flatts (intern, Boston Red Sox)
FIFA World Cup 2026: A UT Turfgrass Update
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Dr. John Sorochan University of Tennessee
Dr. Kyley Dickson University of Tennessee
Take the Exam to Become a Certified Applications in TN
Dr. Darrell Hensley
University of Tennessee
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION / 58TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE &
TUESDAY – JANUARY 9, 2024
TIME
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM
8:15 AM – 12:15 PM
* 10 min break at 10:15 am
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Turfgrass Deep Dive Workshop
2022 Rounds for Research Update
Paul Carter, CGCS, Bear Trace at Harrison Bay
What is the Modern Transition Zone?
Growing conditions in Tennessee have always been challenging and continue to present new challenges. This session will provide a comprehensive, data-driven, overview of growing conditions in the state and discuss implications for turfgrass management.
Garret Bastardi T3 Weather
Dr. Jordan Booth United States Golf Association
Bland Cooper PGA Tour Agronomy
Dr. Jim Brosnan
University of Tennessee
Dr. Brandon Horvath
University of Tennessee
Dr. John Sorochan
University of Tennessee
WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 10, 2024
Residential & Commercial Landscape Irrigation Overview
This session will provide hands-on training to optimize residential and commercial landscape irrigation systems, including both drip and bed irrigation.
Kyle Denham Ewing Irrigation
8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Golf Course Renovations Across the Volunteer State
Bill Bergin ASGCA
Scott Freund Richland CC
Brad Erickson Brentwood CC
Ryan Emerson McLemore
Lunch and Fun on the Trade Show Floor
Top Golf Event Transportation Provided
Maximize the Bang for Your Buck
Dr. Austin Grimshaw Simplot
Turfgrass Management at Western Kentucky University
Kyle Davenport WKU Behind the Scenes at AutoZone Park in Memphis
Tylor Meppelink Memphis Red Birds
Bart Cash Crossroads Sod
Mid-South Turf Council Information Exchange
Spanish for Turfgrass Managers
Jose J. Vargas University of Tennessee
Ivan Navarrete University of Tennessee
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM BREAK
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
A Look Behind the Curtain at the PGA Championship
David Elliot Oak Hill CC
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM TGCSA Update & Annual Meeting
Sports Turf Irrigation to Minimize Pest Pressure
Dr. Becky Bowling University of Tennessee
TVSFMA Update & Annual Meeting
12:00 PM ADJOURN CONFERENCE
Saving America’s Water
In just 7 years, over 1.5 billion square feet of TifTuf has been installed on residential and commercial landscapes, golf courses, and collegiate and professional sports fields across our country. As a result, over 46.5 billion gallons of our precious water resources have already been saved . TifTuf has absolutely changed the face of the American landscape! www.THETURFGRASSGROUP.com
58th Annual Conference & Tradeshow
January 8 10, 2024 | Embassy Suites, Murfreesboro, TN
Exhibiting and Sponsorship Opportunities
Listing in Official Conference Program
Sponsorship ribbons attached to name badge of each company representative attending
Special Recognition in Tennessee Turfgrass magazine x
Recognition on Conference Agenda
Advertisement on TTA webpage from November 2023September 2024
Acknowledgement on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
Recognition on all 2024 TTA Conference & Tradeshow emails
Recognition on all TTA emails from November 2023September 2024
Listing in the Industry Partttner section on TTAOnline.org
Opportunity to distribute promotion item with your company logo at on-site registration desk (promotional items to be provided by the sponsor - i.e. pens, bags, mugs, hats, etc. )
Recognition During Conference Welcome
Promotion During Breaks on Looped Slides
Up to 1 minute pre-recorded video emailed to attendees and membership
Up to 2 minutes pre-recorded video emailed to attendees and membership
CONTACT INFORMATION
Company Name Representative to Contact:
Mailing Address
City/State/Zip
Phone Email
January 8 -10, 2024
Embassy Suites Hotel
Murfreesboro, TN
Submission of this registration form to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association constitutes your commitment to serve as an exhibi tor and your agreement to pay exhibitor fee.
Amount Due
W SUSTAINABILITY TURFGRASS GENETICS BETTER IMPROVING
By Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. WITH
hen it comes time to reseed or renovate an area in the fall or spring, selecting the most suitable grass variety can be a challenging task. Over the years, plant breeders and seed companies have made significant advancements in enhancing their grasses through plant breeding. These improvements include developing grasses with resistance or increased tolerance to specific diseases, better drought tolerance, and an enhanced ability to withstand extreme climatic conditions. However, verifying these claims is crucial. To address this, various research programs conduct tests on new turfgrass varieties under different conditions, comparing them with standard grasses that have been used for many years.
Research programs are essential in identifying new varieties of turfgrasses that stand out as premium performers and discovering how much they have improved. For instance, Kentucky 31 tall fescue, which was identified in Kentucky in 1931, is still available for purchase at most stores that sell grass seed today. The improvements in technology have increased efficiency and overall performance of turfgrasses, just like how cars have evolved from 1931 to today. Plant breeders make major improvements every year, with many of these new varieties being more efficient with fewer inputs and more adapted to difficult environments. Breeders look at several variables such as plant density, color, leaf thickness, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and traffic tolerance to improve turfgrasses.
The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) is a renowned turfgrass research program that has gained global recognition. It has expanded to evaluate seventeen turfgrass species across forty U.S. states and six Canadian provinces. The program collects and summarizes data on various aspects of turfgrass, including quality, color, density, resistance to diseases and insects, and tolerance to heat, cold, drought, and traffic. NTEP’s findings are used by plant breeders, researchers, extension personnel, local and state government entities, growers, and consumers worldwide. The program has become the standard for turfgrass evaluation in the United States and many other countries.
The NTEP trials are carried out over a consecutive fiveyear period at various research universities across the nation. The researchers monitor the quality of each variety, recording monthly results. At the end of each year, they publish an updated report on the trials. The NTEP data is a valuable resource that can help determine grass varieties that are ideal for low maintenance, traffic tolerance, and overall quality. This is due to the wide range of trials conducted by the program. The data is freely accessible to everyone on NTEP.org. Additionally, the NTEP has introduced a new search tool that allows users to identify different grasses based on species, location, or variety. You can also scan the QR code provided to visit the NTEP website directly.
It’s important to note that while the data is available online, there are no certifications or approval of varieties from the NTEP. The information solely reflects how well a particular grass variety performed in the trials. Nevertheless, this resource is highly beneficial when selecting turfgrass varieties. Next time you purchase a seed bag, take a moment to examine the tag and review how the grasses fared in the NTEP trials. Opting for a variety that performed well in your area according to NTEP results will likely yield superior results. Keep in mind that certain varieties may thrive better in specific regions of the country compared to others. Therefore, it’s advisable to consider the locations of the tests and select a variety that closely represents your area.
There are organizations that offer approved varieties or certifications. Two such organizations are the Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST) and the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA). Similar to the NTEP, both the A-LIST and TWCA conduct research trials at universities across the
U.S. to evaluate grasses. Currently, these trials are limited to cool season grasses.
The Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST) is a national non-profit organization that aims to assist turfgrass managers and grass growers in achieving sustainable plant growth. The organization comprises universities and industry companies that work together to test, identify, and promote grass varieties that combine high turf quality with low-input performance. These varieties are designed to reduce water, chemical, and fertility requirements. The A-LIST provides information on certified, highquality turf that is verified through transparent protocols and independently tested. The A-LIST focuses on varieties respond to reduced inputs such as water, fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and fertility. To become A-LIST approved, grasses must be in the top statistical grouping at multiple locations over multiple years.
The Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) is a non-profit organization committed to water conservation and dedicated to preserving the ecological benefits of turfgrass in the managed environment. The organization believes that by improving the plant materials available, they can reduce the water needs of the managed environment while preserving the vital ecological services provided by green space. The TWCA provides independent transparent analysis of objective data, which anchors their peer-reviewed qualification process. The TWCA program assesses drought tolerance of grasses using rainout shelters to simulate drought conditions and measure their resilience.
The research funded from these organizations instills confidence that the grasses possess the improved traits claimed by the respective organizations. Both programs indicate their approval by displaying their logos on seed tags located on each bag. Currently, there are only approvals for seed for cool-season grasses. These programs have resulted in greater breeding efforts that has resulted in the traits each of these organizations are focused on. The work these organizations have done to improve areas of breeding that have not always been the highest priority is tremendous. Both organizations are formed from groups of seed companies that saw a need and have funded research to further breeding in each area and decided to make it happen. For a comprehensive list of approved varieties, please refer to each organization’s websites https://a-listturf.org or https://www.tgwca.org, or scan the QR codes.
Using grass varieties that require lower inputs is better for the environment. These varieties are more sustainable because they need less water, or fertilizer, or pesticides to thrive. By reducing the use of these inputs, we can minimize the environmental impact and promote a healthier ecosystem. These new varieties require fewer chemical treatments and less water, making them more environmentally friendly. Additionally, they can help conserve water resources and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.
If you think, “It’s great that they have these approvals for low inputs and water reduction, but how did they do in our area?”
Well for those who live in Tennessee, table 1 is a top ten list of reduced input of tall fescue varieties and table 2 is for Kentucky
bluegrass. These tables show either A-LIST or TWCA varieties that did well in Tennessee’s NTEP and all the NTEP trials overall that grass species overall. There are three varieties of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrasses that are in bold, these highlighted varieties would be the top three varieties for use in Tennessee due to their superior performance in research trials. The other top ten are great varieties perform well in Tennessee, the bolded varieties simply highlight the top performers according to the criteria used to rank the grasses overall. All the grass varieties in both lists should have superior performance in these conditions and can survive in more stressful conditions than traditional standard varieties. Not all grasses are great in all circumstances, sticking with the car analogy you would not use a small car to try and pull a semi-trailer, as with grasses some are adapted for certain uses better than others. Keep in mind that even the most adapted grasses can still die and do poorly if the conditions for growth become too harsh.
The data from the NTEP is from Knoxville at the University of Tennessee trial site. To explain the table there is an X by each area that a grass was the top statistical category for that area. The columns show if they are A-LIST or TWCA approved. Additionally, there is a column indicating they were in the top statistical performer for the NTEP traffic trial, this indicates that the varieties had superior traffic tolerance good for high use areas. Additionally, the top statistical category for the NTEP trial in Knoxville, this helps to see how these varieties would do in an area with similar growing conditions to Knoxville.
TABLE 1. Top Ten Tall Fescue Reduced Input Varieties for Tennessee
The last column is when all the NTEP locations for that trial are taken and averaged, these grasses were in the top performers for the trial overall.
One of the limitations of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) is that many of the varieties it tests are not commercially available or may never go into commercial production for various reasons. However, this article aims to provide tables of commercially available varieties that can be purchased today. These varieties can help improve management situations where inputs are limited or where you simply want a variety with improved genetics that offers optimum performance. However, locating these improved varieties can be challenging. I have included a list of companies that currently sell these products in the tables. It is important to note that these higher-end products are typically not available at big-box stores; instead, they can be found at landscape supply stores, distributors, or sod farms.
It is important to note that grass varieties that thrive in one region may not perform well in another. Therefore, it is advisable to look at the NTEP data for your specific area. The NTEP provides valuable information about grass varieties that excel in different regions. For instance, certain varieties may flourish in Utah but struggle in Tennessee. By selecting the right variety for your area, you can optimize your turfgrass management and achieve better results.
Grass breeding efforts have significantly contributed to improving sustainability and adaptability. Universities such as
Rutgers, Oklahoma State University, University of Georgia at Tifton, Texas A&M University, University of Florida, Mississippi State University, and North Carolina State University, along with seed companies, have made remarkable progress in breeding grass varieties with improved genetics. These varieties listed in the tables are more resistant to pests, diseases, and drought. They require fewer chemical treatments and less water, making them more environmentally friendly. By leveraging these advancements in grass breeding, you can enhance your turfgrass management situation and contribute to a greener and healthier environment.
In a world where resources are becoming increasingly scarce, it is crucial to choose grasses that are well-suited to their environment. This article presents an overview of some of the top cool season grasses to consider when making selections in Tennessee. In the southern part of the state, cool season grasses may struggle to thrive, making warm season grasses a more viable option. Tennessee has seen great success with many warm season grasses, including Bermudagrass and Zoysia. The tables are specifically cool season grasses that are two commonly used grasses in Tennessee. The advancements in breeding in the last two decades show some amazing improvements in a short period of time. When renovating or reseeding an area this fall, consider opting for seeds with improved genetics. Doing so will result in better turf quality and contribute to a healthier environment overall. If you are unsure whether to choose cool or warm season grasses, consult with a University of Tennessee County Extension agent for guidance.
TABLE 2. Top Ten
Reduced Input Kentucky
Bluegrass Varieties for Tennessee
TPC TWIN CITIES
3M OPEN I
It is no secret that job opportunities abound in the turfgrass management industry. Students in the University of Tennessee Turfgrass Science program have the immense benefit of a strong group of professors to advise them on training, internships and job opportunities. Here, Dr. Horvath’s student, Jared Marshall shares his exciting internship experience and future plans. Our pipeline of future turfgrass professionals looks strong at UT!
am Jared Marshall and am currently a student at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. I was born and raised in Nashville, TN. I originally got into golf course maintenance as a summer covid job. I was frantically looking for a job after the restaurant I worked at did not offer me a job back in the summer due to Covid restrictions, so I started to apply for all different kinds of jobs. One of those jobs was a golf course maintenance job at Temple Hills Country Club in Franklin, TN. They reached out to me within two hours of me applying and had me working in the next few days when all the paperwork cleared. Since day one, I have absolutely loved what I do. Being able to see the sunrise every morning and to be working outside is the best job out there.
I started college at UTC majoring in Kinesiology. I ended up transferring after a year to UTK and was set on becoming an athletic trainer, but after going back home every winter and summer to work on the golf course I decided that is what I wanted to do. So, I decided to change my major to turfgrass management at the beginning of my senior year and dove straight into it. I ended up getting offered an internship at Hyde Park Country Club, which is where I got the opportunity to volunteer at TPC Twin Cities for the 3M open.
I had the privilege over the summer to volunteer on the maintenance crew at the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The course is a championship level 18-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer. Since its opening in 2000 it has hosted the 3M championship, later changed to the 3M Open, every year. I got to spend six days volunteering and learning about how a tournament is run, as well as learning about the challenges faced on a daily basis.
Each day I worked two shifts, one at 4:30am and the next at 4:30pm. The morning shifts consisted of hand raking bunkers, walk mowing, rolling, and watering greens, mowing fairways, tee boxes and the collars (step-cut). The afternoon shifts consisted generally of the same tasks but instead of raking bunkers we would fill numerous divots in the fairways with divot mix, and also data collection which I got the privilege to help out with. The data we would collect were using a stimp meter to measure the speed of the greens, which we were shooting for around 12-13, and testing the firmness of the greens. Data collection is very important during a tournament. It helps the maintenance crew determine how much we need to mow, roll, or water the greens to keep them consistent throughout the week.
Learning about the maintenance side of things was not the only thing I took away from my time there. I made numerous connections that will benefit me in the future. I got to talk with
the superintendent and assistants, and they were extremely good at their jobs and would happily answer any questions I had regarding the course. I also got to meet the lead PGA Agronomist for the region, Alex Stuedemann. The most notable people I met were two TPC assistants from Sawgrass and San Antonio. I got to know them very well throughout the week as I carpooled with them from our hotel. I got to talk with them about what challenges they have at their golf courses and how they manage their courses in different climates. I was very surprised how well they can grow grass in Texas with how hot it is. I also got the opportunity to tour the par-aid manufacturing facility led by the lead marketing team and the president of the company. Seeing the other side of how all of the little things that we buy to make our golf courses stand out was really eye-opening and has made me develop a respect for the finer details that give course that “wow” factor, like hole signs, tee markers, cups, flag sticks, ball washers, etc.
The course looked amazing throughout the week, but it came with many problems the golfers and spectators would never notice. The day before the tournament there was a 12-inch main line crack which flooded right in front of the 10th tee box and required them to shut off the entire back nine’s water supply. The lead agronomist hired an irrigation company to come fix it and they were there within a couple of hours and worked throughout the night to have it fixed before play. Another issue was rain, in most cases rain is awesome for golf courses, but in this case, it was an issue. There were three rain delays during the tournament, the longest one lasting five hours, which put us on a very tight schedule for getting the course ready for play. During one of the storms however, a tent set up near one of the greens got loose from the ground and flew across the 15th green leaving scratches all the way across the green. Though there were these problems, through proper leadership and the react and change, the course looked amazing.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY WITH
PRODUCTION = PROFIT
Overall, my experience at Twin Cities was unforgettable. I learned many things not only about maintaining the course but also managing workers, overcoming challenges quickly and effectively, and how to deal with professional golfers. I will in the future volunteer at more tournaments as this experience has given me a great insight into what it takes to run a PGA level course, and maybe one day I would like to work at one of these courses. It was also really cool to be able to watch professional golfers play on the course that me and the rest of our team helped make play and look incredible. I would like to thank Pat O’Brien for giving me this opportunity to further my career in turfgrass, he is an amazing at what he does, and any course would be lucky to have him.
Go Vols, Jared Marshall
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 © 2023 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 Jefferson City, MO. 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, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
STATE OF MATTERS TECHNOLOGY COATING FERTILIZER
By Max Schlossberg, Ph.D.
No more than zero artificial intelligence resources participated in the composition of the following chronicle.
In the beginning…
By the time NASA successfully landed their unmanned ‘Surveyor 1’ spacecraft on the moon (1965), numerous slow-release, granular N fertilizers were available in the US. Natural organic fertilizers derived from sewage sludge or livestock manure/litter were the original slow-release N carriers. Next came the urea-formaldehyde reaction products; e.g., methylene urea, isobutylidene diurea, and the eponymous ureaform, all characterized as synthetic organic carriers. However, neither these natural nor synthetic organic N sources completely satisfied the Green Industry’s need for a dependably long-lasting, controlled-release, N fertilizer.
But by the time Jacobsen released the original ‘Greens King’ triplex putting green mower (1968), agricultural and material scientists had developed coated fertilizers. Their purpose was to improve the utilization efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer, most notably urea (46-0-0). This effort improved the granular fertilizer at its core by adding one (or more) layer(s) of a persistent coating that limited nutrient diffusion from inside to outside the coating/membrane.
Alkyd resins, synthetic polymers derived by reacting polyhydric alcohols with polybasic acids or anhydrides, were the original fertilizer coatings. Yet the high cost of this added value precluded widescale adoption of the urea fertilizer featuring it. Subsequently, scientists of the Tennessee Valley Authority patented a more economical process of coating urea with elemental sulfur. In 1970, sulfur-coated urea (SCU) became the first, mass-produced, controlled-release fertilizer by which plant-availability of urea-N was initiated by physical rupture or ‘failure’ of the sulfur coating.
The prolific marriage of urea and sulfur was hardly a proverbial crapshoot, given sulfur’s already established role as a plant essential macronutrient, fungicide, and additive mitigating the caking tendency of many fertilizers. Moreover, elemental sulfur comprises a biodegradable and inexpensive acidulent that facilitates plant recovery of urea-N in neutral to alkaline soil. Relative to granular urea and confirming all coatings remained intact through application, numerous University studies showed SCU to significantly improve fertilizer N recovery by treated turfgrass.
This is likely why the next generation of coated fertilizer built upon, rather than replaced, the sulfur component. While the controlled release of urea N from SCU is governed by the sulfur-coat thickness, the addition of a thin thermoplastic or resin envelope around the SCU prill improved the coating integrity without further N dilution. These polymer-sulfur-coated urea (PSCU) or polymer-coated/ sulfur-coated urea (PC/SCU) hybrids featured a more linear release rate than SCU and were widely adopted in the late 1980’s.
Yet the 21st century ushered in a new era of reduced polyurethane/polyolefin cost and a specialty fertilizer marketplace heralding granules coated by a thin layer of polymer as the preferred technology (Figure 1). Owing to their thinner coat, synthetic polymer-coated fertilizers possess a higher grade than their sulfur coated counterparts. Polymer-coated urea (PCU) is minimally affected by microbial activity and remains a highly popular blending source within the turfgrass, landscaping, and horticultural production industries.
While polymers proved aptly supportive of the original, impermeable coating mechanism; newer synthetic polymers marked the advent of semi-permeable coatings. In contrast to the physical rupture or coating ‘failure’ release mechanism exhibited by firstand second-generation coated fertilizers, semi-permeable coatings facilitate a multi-stage diffusion release mechanism governed by an osmotic nutrient transfer from the fertilizer–polymer interface to the polymer–soil interface. Progression through the following sequence; (i) diffusion/swelling; (ii) degradation of the polymer coating, and (iii) fracture or dissolution, is governed by coating
thickness, soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil N concentration gradient; all ideally falling in synchrony with vegetative growth and nutrient requirements.
Over the last twenty years…
I have had the honor of evaluating numerous slow- and controlled-release N fertilizers, at the very facility where the first experimentally-coated fertilizers were evaluated by Drs. Duich and Waddington almost sixty years ago. These recent results from the Joseph Valentine Turfgrass Research Center confirm improved plant recovery of urea-N to be a benefit of ongoing technological refinement by polymer-coated granular fertilizer manufacturers.
While different granular fertilizers may share a common 100% polymer-coated urea (PCU) attribute and support equivalent cumulative recovery by Kentucky bluegrass or similar turfgrass species, significantly varied patterns of N release have been shown to manifest over 17-week experimental periods (Figure 2).
POLYMER COAT UREA
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 1. Courtesy of Allied Nutrients
The duration of polymer-coated urea (PCU) fertilizer N release is controlled by impermeable coating thickness and its mass ratio to semi-permeably-coated prills (specific to the blended product). Figure 3 depicts data collected the last 10 years in numerous PSU field trials illustrating the relation of fertilizer N content (%N in grade) to release duration (days until assimilation of 50% of fertilizer N; higher number=slower release). The scatter plot shows little relation between these two parameters when all coated, natural organic, and synthetic urea formaldehyde reaction product fertilizers are considered. Yet regarding PCUs (blue circles), containing only urea and whose N content is diluted by polymer coating thickness, the inverse relationship between PCU fertilizer N content and duration of N release becomes apparent (Figure 3).
Perhaps of greater interest to our readership is that recent PSU research shows under typical Mid-Atlantic US conditions, a single 1.8 lbs N / 1000 ft2 application of 100% PCU fertilizer to a mature Kentucky bluegrass lawn poses no greater environmental risk than conventional urea applied at a 0.9 lbs N / 1000 ft2 rate.
The current state of affairs…
It wasn’t long before the fertilizer industry branched out from urea to diversify coated fertilizers and appeal to additional commodity markets. Polymer-coated ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate are currently available in select regions of the US. If compound fertilizers are more your thing, then you’re encouraged to contact one of the numerous commercial vendors with
1. What is Matrix?
• Reinforced product grown at bottom of sand based profile
• Sprigged field to insure highest percolation rates
• Ready to Play product
2. Where is it used?
• High demand athletic fields: football, soccer, baseball, softball, and rugby.
• High traffic areas: Horsetracks, goalmouths, and tournament crosswalks.
polymer-coated potassium nitrate or diammonium phosphate available for delivery. There are even polymer-coated complete fertilizers that feature all the primary nutrients in a single bag of controlled-release splendor.
The coating materials currently used in synthesis of PCU, PSCU, or alternative N source fertilizers are polyolefins, polyvinylidene chloride, acrylic resin, and polysulfone synthetic polymers. And despite years of woeful commitment to collecting and sorting used plastic containers in support of recycling, these polymeric materials continue to be sourced from non-renewable resources. Furthermore, the very properties of polymers that make them such effective barriers to nutrient diffusion contribute to their persistence in nature and resulting microplastic pollution.
Which all begs the following question: ‘Do the negative environmental impacts associated with the manufacture and application of PCU fertilizers outweigh their proven agronomic benefits?’ This is sure to spawn an extraordinary complex answer... one I’d certainly open with ‘It depends.’ But that’s as far as I can currently go with this apples to oranges comparison, perhaps better posed as: ‘How many grams of legacy microplastic is offset by a pound of urea not volatilized as NH3 or N2O?’ Once I am notified this article is off to press, perhaps I’ll ask ChatGPT.
Like some scientists, I appreciate objectivity and have been reading up on experimental fertilizer coatings accordingly. Which seems understated considering the last Web of Science search I queried using ‘fert*’ and ‘coat*’ as keywords returned 1,511 papers published since 2018! I’ll be honest, I didn’t read the whole lot. But please... I’m an author on two of them anyhow.
To summarize, the majority of material scientists currently developing and evaluating innovative urea coatings do not believe the agronomic benefits of polymer coatings outweigh the negatives. Rather, they’re hellbent on preserving humanity by replacing synthetic polymer coatings with biodegradable membranes. But in the spirit of objectivity, they may not be hellbent, perhaps just allergic to plastic. Deathly allergic, like the Wicked Witch of the West to water kind of allergic. Ding Dong!
Nevertheless, recent advancements in nanotechnology and material science afford us a wide array of encapsulation technologies and unlimited possibilities. Most research has focused on renewable and biodegradable chemistries, and/or efficient coating processes. Compounds that have recently been investigated as a fertilizer coating and described in a peer-reviewed publication include (among others): alginate, biochar (of course biochar, as if there is anything it can’t improve), cassava (Manihot esculenta) starch composite film, castor oil, cellulose, chitin/chitosan, graphene oxide, humus, lignin, natural rubber, pectin, phase-transitioned whey protein, xanthan gum, and zeolite.
The future of coated fertilizers…
In one recent paper, scientists polymerized castor oil and magnetite (Fe 3O 4) nanoparticles into a cross-linked membrane with high thermal stability. This is an intriguing approach that checks both the ‘recycles waste oil’ and ‘contains nanoparticles’ boxes, while relieving current industry reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.
Lignin also comprises an organic fiber of great potential, primarily due to its high carbon content, biodegradability, tensile strength, and oxidation resistance. As a component of slow-release fertilizer coatings, lignin is shown to delay the release of fertilizer nutrients and subsequently improve water holding capacity and quality of treated soils.
The above are a few of the more promising results my literature review revealed. It seems the most likely progression in coating technology will be avoiding non-renewable resources and incorporating agronomically advantageous compounds. Such additives may include biological agents; e.g., beneficial microbes, NBPT (urease inhibitor), dicyandimide and nitrapyrin (nitrification inhibitors), biostimulants; and/or surfactants, micronutrients, zeolite, etc.
Further along the innovation pipeline await ‘smart coatings.’ A given name I hope will do as much for coatings as phones. The only thing I love more than my smart phone is keeping it encased in acrylic, charged, dry, financed, and continuously updating its operating software and 37 apps I can’t open. But smart coatings will ultimately have to earn that lofty title by filing tax forms, graphing your caloric intake by week, and releasing nutrients in response
to environmental stimuli like temperature, moisture, and/or turfgrass uptake. I hope I am around long enough to evaluate that last responsibility in the field.
Which seems like a decent segue to my take-home point: an important and final aspect of fertilizer innovation is unbiased, thirdparty evaluation in the field. Perhaps the most entertaining parts of those 1,511 papers, or less (that I read), were the agronomic validation efforts directed by the very material scientist(s) who engineered the experimental coatings. Many of which I would characterize as somewhere between marginally critical and straight-up flimsy; i.e., conducted in a glasshouse over short duration, limited to 2 or 3 replications, and offset by peculiar positive controls.
As you assimilate new fertilizer, amendments, and/or pesticide promotions; please remind vendors and technical reps of your insistence on impartial, University-grade field research results when making purchasing decisions. Field trials capture highly-variable growing conditions that may exacerbate limitations, or advantages, of new or experimental products. Likewise, University personnel will include appropriate positive controls; i.e., respected industry bellwethers that support practical new product assessment.
José Javier Vargas Almodóvar Research Associate II Turf & Ornamental Weed Science
The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-7379 jvargas@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org @UTweedwhisperer
Greg Breeden Extension Specialist, The University of Tennessee 2431 Center Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7208 gbreeden@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org @gbreeden1
Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. Professor, The University of Tennessee Director – UT Weed Diagnostics Center 112 Plant Biotechnology Bldg. 2505 EJ Chapman Drive. Knoxville, TN 37996 Office: (865) 974-8603 tnturfgrassweeds.org weeddiagnostics.org mobileweedmanual.com @UTturfweeds
Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. Associate Director, Center for Athletic Field Safety Turfgrass Management & Physiology (865) 974-6730 kdickso1@utk.edu @DicksonTurf
Midhula Gireesh, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
The University of Tennessee UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211 mgireesh@utk.edu (615) 835-4571
Brandon Horvath, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Science
The University of Tennessee 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. 2431 Joe Johnson Drive Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-2975 bhorvath@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @UTturfpath
Becky Bowling, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist The University of Tennessee 112 Plant Biotechnology Bldg. 2505 E.J. Chapman Dr. Knoxville, TN 37919 (865) 974-2595 Rgrubbs5@utk.edu @TNTurfWoman
John Stier, Ph.D. Associate Dean
The University of Tennessee 2621 Morgan Circle 126 Morgan Hall Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7493 jstier1@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @Drjohnstier
John Sorochan, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 363 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @sorochan
Nar B. Ranabhat, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
University of Tennessee UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center 5201 Marchant Drive, Nashville, TN, 37211 (615) 835-4572 nranabhat@utk.edu @UTplantPathoDoc
