Virginia Turfgrass Journal - July / August 2012

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

Battling Heat Stress on

Cool-Season Putting Greens

Biosolids for Cool-Season Sod Production Weed Control on a Budget

July/August 2012

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | July/August 2012

21

14 13 Upcoming Event

2012 Virginia Tech Turfgrass Field Days, August 28–29

14 Cover Story

Battling Heat Stress on Cool-Season Golf Course Putting Greens 18 Feature Story

Biosolids for Cool-Season Sod Production

22 Departments 06 From the President

from Frank Flannagan

08 Director’s Corner

from Tom Tracy, Ph.D.

10 Editor’s Perspective

from Mark Vaughn, CGCS

12 VTF Report

from Betty Parker

26 Turfgrass Calendar 26 Index to Advertisers

21 Recent Event

Bob Ruff Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament, June 4, Spring Creek G.C.

22 Applied Research

Weed Control on a Budget

Cover photo: Spring Creek Golf Club (Gordonsville, VA). Photo courtesy of Tony Montgomery.

Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) 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, Virginia Turfgrass Journal, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or VTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright ©2012 by the Virginia Turfgrass Council. Virginia Turfgrass Journal is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of VTC. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to VTC, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Virginia Turfgrass Journal allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to VTC. 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 37068-0142, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524. Deadlines are the first of the month prior to the following month’s publication. (Example: August 1 for the September issue.)

4 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal July/August 2012 www.vaturf.org

Virginia Turfgrass Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Office: (757) 464-1004 Fax: (757) 282-2693 vaturf@verizon.net Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editor Mark Vaughn, CGCS VTC OFFICERS President Frank Flannagan Belmont Golf Course (804) 262-4939 Vice President Fredrick Biggers, CGCS Wintergreen Resort (434) 325-8252 Treasurer Brian Vincel, CGCS Spring Creek Golf Club (434) 566-2580 Past President Melissa Reynolds Dura Turf Service Corp.

(804) 233-4972 VTC DIRECTORS Gil Grattan Rick Owens, CGCS Marc Petrus Mark Roberts Steve Slominski Steve Smith Rick Viancour, CGCS Scott Woodward ­ VTC ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mike Goatley, Ph.D. (Chair) Shawn Askew, Ph.D. Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. Erik Ervin, Ph.D. Rajandra Waghray, Ph.D. Rod Youngman, Ph.D. Executive Director/ Director of PROGRAMS Tom Tracy, Ph.D. (757) 681-6065 Virginia Turfgrass Foundation Betty Parker (757) 574-9061

From the President

Protect Yourself from

Skin Damage Frank Flannagan 2012–2013 VTC President

If

you ran into me in March, you were probably thrown by my “aging alligator” appearance. As penance for my many years of unprotected sun exposure, I was undergoing my second treatment to repair sun damage and prevent the development of more serious consequences of my years of neglect.

Due to the nature of our industry, turfgrass managers are at high risk for cumulative sun damage, including the development of skin cancer. Making preventative measures a part of your daily routine now could save you the necessity of treating a serious preventable disease. Here at Henrico County, our Wellness and Fitness Department has been on top of its game by educating staff members who must be out in the sun. Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancer. You can decrease your risk of skin cancer by following some simple rules when outside.

The following guidelines are recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology: • If possible, seek the shade from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., when the sun is the strongest.

• Cover up with protective clothing.

If possible, wear dark, loose clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

• Always apply a broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB) sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating. A rule

of thumb is to apply minimum of 2 oz. of sunscreen (to exposed parts) every two hours while in the sun. (My dermatologist told me I should be using 12 to 14 bottles of sunscreen each summer.)

What are the risk factors?

A few risk factors significantly increase a person’s risk of getting melanoma: • Sun exposure: It is important to protect the skin with sunscreen or clothing and avoid sunburn.

• Light skin: However, people of color do get melanoma.

• Family history: If one or more firstdegree relatives (parent, sibling or child) has had melanoma.

• Number of moles: Having many moles (50-100 or more) or several atypical moles.

• Types of Moles: An atypical mole is not cancerous, but because of its different appearance, these moles need to be closely monitored for changes.

• Medical history: Having had melanoma also increases your chances of having additional melanoma.

Learn to recognize AK: (actinic keratosis)

AK is a skin condition caused by years of exposure to UV radiation. Over time, UV rays damage cells under the skin and lesions appear on the surface.

AK is considered a precancerous skin condition and can appear in many different ways. Usually small and noticeable red, brown or skin-colored patches (all called fields) that appear on the face, neck and scalp, with the following characteristics: • A rough or scaly texture, like sandpaper

6 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal July/August 2012 www.vaturf.org

• Itch, burn or sting • Ranging in size from 3 mm to 6 mm or wider • Numerous, with several patches close together • Surrounded by red, irritated skin Sometimes, AK lesions can appear and then go away. No matter how it appears, there is no way to tell whether AK will develop into skin cancer.

Therefore, it needs to be evaluated and treated by a dermatologist.

Who gets skin cancer?

People of all colors, ages and race get skin cancer. More than 1,500 dermatologists volunteer their time each year to conduct free cancer screenings. I found I had a skin problem while I was attending a National Golf Course Superintendent Conference several years ago.

Skin self-examination

Early detection and treatment is key to surviving melanoma. It is beneficial to get assistance from a partner in performing skin self exam. Get familiar with your skin and your pattern of moles, freckles and body marks. Make sure to look at your entire body every month or two. Finally, consult a dermatologist promptly if you noticed changes.

I have always felt fortunate to be in a profession that allows me to spend so much time outdoors to enjoy the beauty of Virginia. Those of us in the turfgrass industry are often envied by those who gaze out windows in climatecontrolled buildings and wonder what the weather is like. A few simple precautions can ensure your continued enjoyment of one of the best benefits of the job. c

Director’s Corner

Pesticide Recert Training Is

Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director

VTC

Now Free Yes, Free — for VTC Members!

membership benefits are soaring to new heights in 2013! Thanks to the insight of VTC board member Steve Smith, our pesticide recertification classes will be offered gratis to members. Yes, you read that correctly — FREE. For years, we have made it convenient for all turf managers in Virginia to get the training needed to apply pesticides safely and to keep their licenses current. Starting in 2013, that training will be included as a nocost member benefit.

If you apply — or advise the use of — pesticides commercially, you must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Two steps must be taken every two years to keep that license active: (1) you must mail a renewal form and the requisite fee to the state regulatory agency, and (2) you must attend an approved training class. For VTC members, the second step will not be a financial burden.

Three years ago, the VTC began conducting pesticide recertification classes across the state, holding them in Fairfax, Virginia Beach, Fredericksburg, Staunton and Hampton. Over those years, thousands of people came to hear unbiased presentations led by

industry professionals. In our endeavor to focus on the industry, we strove to have the classes be much more than a “read-from-the-book” recitation. Comments from attendees tell us we succeeded. One state investigator even said he looks forward to coming to the VTC’s sessions more than any of the others.

We offer pesticide recertification training in categories 3A, 3B, 5A, 6, 8, 10 and 60 (for the associated commercial categories). We know that taking time to attend classes is time that you’re taking away from something else, like work or family. We did some research and discovered that

8 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal July/August 2012 www.vaturf.org

approximately 90% of our attendees need only 3A or 3B recertification, but they were spending entire days in training classes that also covered several other categories. We approached the state regulators with a plan and were able to structure the training so that anyone who needs only 3A or 3B training is finished — and on their way back home — by noon.

If you are not a member, or if you want to renew, please go to the membership page of our website: www.virginiaturf.org. All membership benefits — including our work for the industry with legislators and regulatory agencies — are listed on that site. c

Editor’s Perspective

Mark Vaughn, CGCS Virginia Turfgrass Journal Editor

Do

Our Newest App

you love technology? I do. Well, in it’s purest sense. I mean, what hasn’t gotten easier in the last 30 years or so? My climate-controlled house is programmed to be cool for me when I get home; my car senses that I am standing beside it and unlocks the doors for me; my computer can connect me visually to my daughter in another state; and I figure I’m pretty much still alive because of medical technology.

But, just like food stamps and welfare, good ideas can go bad in the wrong hands. For example, here is the phone tree at my cardiologist’s office: “You have reached the office of Dr.______. If you are a referring physician, press 1. If you are requesting a prescription refill, press 2. If you would like to make or change an appointment, press 3. If you would like to speak to a nurse, press 4. Etc, etc.

If you are dying, do not press option 23, take your nitro, and call 911.”

And now, thanks to Steve Jobs (moment of silence, please), we live in the “app” world. Yes, yes, I know I’ve referenced the beloved and his creations many times in past columns.

at Goodyear GC

And yes, I’m drinking the Kool-Aid right now as I type on my MacBook.

Siri reports that there are now over 500,000 apps in the Apple App Store.

One of the newest is an app that allows you to complain instantaneously about your TSA airport screening. Yep, with the serious financial problems of this country, apparently this issue (along with who J-Lo is sleeping with this week) is of utmost importance in the United States of the Offended. Having flown twice in the last couple of months, I can tell you that I don’t mind the TSA process one bit. Oh sure, that last cavity search was a little rough, and I’ve had to buy a couple pair of new socks, but if it keeps the latest nut job from blowing me out of the sky, I’m all in.

So, we’re trying something here at Goodyear GC to show we are on the razor’s edge of tech. We’ve combined smartphone technology with the old phone tree to come up with what we like to call “Kvetch.”

Simply touch the Supt.-in-theGuillotine icon, and the app launches, immediately dialing our customized crisis-control number as the red head falls in the basket. It goes something

10 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal July/August 2012 www.vaturf.org

like this: “If the greens are too hard, please press 1. If the greens are too fast, please press 2. If your ball has landed in goose poop, please press 3.

If the fairways are too tight, please press 4. If the fairways are too shaggy, please press 5. If you’ve gotten a bad lie in the rough, please press 6. If your ball has ended up in a bunker footprint, please press 7. If the greens are too soft, please press 8. If the greens are too slow, please press 9. If Sasquatch is playing in front of you and dragging his feet, please press 10. If the bunkers are too soft, please press 11. If you feel the pin placement on the prior hole was unfair, please press 12. If grain caused you to miss that 18" putt, please press 13. If the maintenance staff seems to have nothing better to do than harass you and your foursome, please press 14. And, if you think the entire maintenance staff should be fired because you never see them doing anything, please press 15.”

I’m working on a similar app for the pro shop. “If the group in front of you is playing too slow, please press 1. If the group behind you is pushing you around the course, please press…” c

VTF Report

Betty Parker VTF Manager

I

The Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center

have written about the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HRAREC) in a past article, but I feel it is worthy of a follow-up. With all the state cutbacks and economic crises that surround us, the HRAREC station stands out as a unique facility, offering opportunities for turfgrass research that benefits an area of the state in which warm-season grasses thrive. Turfgrass research done in Blacksburg concentrates primarily on cool-season grasses, and most of Tidewater and areas east and south of Richmond rely heavily on the warm-season grasses.

The Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center is nestled between the bustle of Interstate 64 and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. It is a gem amidst the metropolitan growth that surrounds its 70 acres. Here, at its Diamond Spring Road location, it houses an office complex, laboratories, an 80-seat classroom, farm buildings, cropland, irrigation pond and Virginia Tech display gardens. Many of the acres of turf found at the center are field trials

for the various turf research being conducted by the following Virginia Tech personnel: Dr. Jeffrey Derr: Professor of Weed Science, who oversees the turf program.

Adam Nichols: Research Assistant, who handles all day-to-day operations of the turf program.

Dan Sykes: Part-time employee/ college student, who handles most of the mowing for the turf plots.

Matthew Cutulle: who just completed his degree in 2011 and was named outstanding graduate student at the Northeastern Weed Science Society annual meeting in January.

In addition to their specific trials, they also maintain trials for Dr. Mike Goatley, Dr. Erik Ervin and David McCall, who are part of the turf team in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Their work on turfgrass management and evaluation constitutes a vital role in the research being funded by the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation. Many others are involved in research that deals with nursery crops and Virginia’s Waterways. Horticul-

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ture and forestry also represent an integral part in the greater picture of the green industry. All of these endeavors benefit one another.

The data produced by one type of research is often an advantageous part of another project.

Within the components of the box that we call the green industry, we see a constant overlap of the common goal in protecting the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways in Virginia.

We cannot wash our hands of one without affecting the other, and we cannot turn our backs on the role that this research plays in promoting so much more than something listed as turfgrass research. Much attention has been given to their ability to work in an environment that exists in harmony with the Chesapeake Bay and all the unique treasures it provides for our state. The Virginia Turfgrass Foundation looks forward to working closely with them as they continue to improve the quality of our lives not just in Hampton Roads, but also throughout the state and beyond. c

Upcoming Event

AUGUST 28–29 2012 Virginia Tech Turfgrass Field Days, Blacksburg, VA TUESDAY (AUGUST 28) 10:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Turf Club Golf Tournament Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Turfgrass Question & Answer Session Hahn Horticulture Pavilion

WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 29)

8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Opening Remarks

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Tours

8:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Research Tours Track A – Golf Track B – Sports Track C – Lawn and Sod

2:30 p.m.

Adjourn

PART TWO Turfgrass Center (off Southgate Dr.) 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Travel (use your own vehicle)

PART ONE Glade Road Research Facility

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Lunch

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Registration

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Announcements

Registration details Registration fee: $40 (VTC member), $60 (non-member) or $95 ( join/renew membership and attend).

Register online at:

http://www.vaturf.org/events.html

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

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Cover Story

Battling

Heat Stress

on Cool-Season Putting Greens

By Mike Goatley Jr., Ph.D., Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist, CSES Department, Virginia Tech • Photos courtesy of Tony Montgomery

A

fter a ferociously hot summer last year, creeping bentgrass and/or Poa annua (annual bluegrass) putting greens throughout Virginia are again now experiencing difficulties associated with summer heat stress. Whether on greens, tees or fairways, the effects of extreme heat are basically the same.

Heat stress results in the grass becoming weakened to the extent that it becomes much more vulnerable to both mechanical and biological stress.

Summer decline is therefore a complex of individual factors that can interact to cause more summer problems than each individual stressor acting alone.

The challenges of high relative humidity combined with persistent daily highs in excess of 90°F and night temperatures that do not dip below 70°F present a powerful combination for a superintendent to try to manage, much less overcome. Close-cut putting green turf can tolerate brief periods of heat, especially if the soil temperature remains cool. However, the fact that such high temperature extremes arrived after a relatively mild spring has resulted in direct heat-stress injury, as well as increasing the greens’ vulnerability to damage from other summer-related stresses (e.g., excessively close mowing, traffic and wear, warm-

weather fungal diseases,poor water quality, poor soil drainage, poor air movement, algae, nematodes and bacterial wilt on creeping bentgrass).

As a result, heat-related injury and the associated decline in turf quality results from a complex of individual factors acting together. Stated quite plainly, during a period of mid-summer heat stress, the grass plants are more vulnerable to anything that can cause damage. During cooler times of the year, these stresses are most often negligible. Also remember that, besides air and soil temperatures, another extremely important environmental influence on the plant’s ability to cool itself is high relative humidity. High humidity reduces evaporatranspiration rates, and plants are more prone to heat buildup and direct heat injury.

An important point to remember in measuring heat stress is that standard meteorological weather data records temperature at five feet above the ground and that temperatures at the turf canopy level may exceed the recorded high. For example, with air temperatures of 90°F, the actual temperature at the surface canopy of most putting greens will likely be in the 105°F to 110°F range. Prolonged heat stress significantly increases soil temperatures, and this directly impacts root growth, root health and function.

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High air temperatures in spring are less damaging since the soil temperatures remain relatively cool (i.e., the soil is much more buffered against changes in temperature than the air is). However, that high buffering capacity of the soil means that once it does warm significantly, it resists rapid cooling. Root production declines significantly under these conditions.

The soil’s high buffering capacity to resist temperature change is not inherently bad. This is something we consider beneficial in the fall when we can optimize fertilization, recovery and establishment of our cool-season grasses.

A profile of each golf course and isolated microenvironments will involve a number of “inventories” as they relate to susceptibility to prolonged heat stress. Conditions and brief explanations of how they might influence summer decline of coolseason grasses are as follows.

Creeping bentgrass vs. annual bluegrass greens

Annual bluegrass is not nearly as tolerant of heat, drought or traffic as creeping bentgrass is. The heat may kill some annual bluegrass, but its departure is likely only temporary.

Tremendous amounts of annual bluegrass seeds remain in the soil where it has been growing. These seeds will germinate this fall and re-infest the green.

For greens that have been severely thinned, measures should be taken to reseed the greens with creeping bentgrass in late August/early September in advance of the annual bluegrass germination. Seeding at 1 to 2 lbs. per 1,000 square feet is appropriate.

Higher mowing heights and traffic control (and maybe even constructing some temporary greens) may be required for a good stand of creeping bentgrass to get established.

Drainage and water

Greens with good internal drainage (with USGA-type sand construction) and good surface drainage have the benefit of being able to avoid excessive soil water buildup. Frequent syringing and/or hand watering is most appropriate in severe heat stress.

Even well-drained greens, however, can be excessively moist if the course receives frequent rain showers (a constant complaint by many superintendents when they lose control of soil moisture) or if the greens are over-watered.

For courses closer to the coast, don’t forget that salt buildup in the soil from brackish irrigation water imparts an additional physiological drought stress to the turf.

Air movement

Trees and turf are at no greater odds with each other than in periods of heat stress. Any trees that block air and wind movement should

be removed or greatly thinned to provide adequate ventilation for putting greens. Putting greens that by hole design are in low areas or surrounded by mounds will also suffer from lack of air movement. Oscillating electric fans are part of the solution, but they do not make up for poor design or natural air movement that is blocked by trees or other vegetation.

Mowing heights and frequencies

Golf courses, both public and private, strive to deliver the highest-quality putting greens year-round, and this usually involves close and frequent mowing. To continue to mow in this manner invites summer decline, especially with severe heat stress since heat hardiness is reduced at short mowing heights. Close and frequent mowing during heat stress will result in greater turf decline than if mowing heights are raised and if mowing frequency is Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 15

Cover Story continued

reduced. Increases in soil temperatures are more likely under shorter mowing heights.

Traffic stress

Golf courses with high amounts of play are likely to be most affected during periods of summer stress. In addition to reducing plant vigor, traffic damage will be slow to recover. Higher mowing heights will help.

Public perception and maintaining maximum playability

Seasonal environmental conditions will often dictate what should and should not be done to the grass to maintain “playability.” Often, club officials that determine the standards of maintenance strive for maximum playability all year! This is fine when the grass is not overly stressed. However, a turf management program should be flexible enough to “ebb and flow” with the vagaries of weather, especially in the mid-Atlantic transitionzone environment.

Summer diseases and other pests

Heat stress weakens plants, and they can become more susceptible to disease activity at a time of year when the disease pressure is the greatest. Summer fungal diseases are often the most difficult to control. Damage from Pythium (both foliar blight and root Pythium), Rhizoctonia brown patch, summer patch, Fusarium blight, takeall patch and nematodes is often most severe during periods of extreme day and night temperatures.

Last year, there was a great deal of talk regarding bacteria-incited diseases on bentgrass. The number of reports of bacteria associated with bentgrass around the state and region were unprecedented. There are no clearcut chemical alternatives to bacterialrelated problems at this time, and there is no doubt that this topic will be closely scrutinized again this summer. In general, disease-control programs will increase their frequency and rates on bentgrass/Poa greens

during summer stress periods, but superintendents must still use caution and follow label directions. It is highly possible that excessive chemicalmanagement approaches can actually exacerbate problems rather than correct them.

If nematodes are suspected, have the soil analyzed to confirm whether problems really do exist. Chemical strategies for managing nematodes are quite limited.

Soil aeration

The soil must be well aerated for plants to function. Soils that become sealed off at the surface — either from compaction or from algae formation — will impair root growth and function and the ability of the turf to cool itself.

Tight soils will not readily absorb water, and they can make efforts at irrigation difficult. Tight soils, once wet, can often stay wet too long.

The result is what is called “wet wilt,” when a near-saturated soil condition exists, which also reduces plant vigor and function.

Venting the greens with pencil tines continues to be a very sound philoso-

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phy to keep the rootzone oxygenated, even during the stressful environmental periods. It is always prudent, however, to perform venting during the least stressful periods of the day.

Fertilization

Although it seems somewhat counterintuitive, it is appropriate to continue to feed small amounts of nitrogen to heat-stressed greens. Note the emphasis on small! Anywhere from 0.1 to 0.15 lb. N/1,000 square feet every 2 to 3 weeks will benefit overall plant health and recovery potential. Then, when the consistently cool temperatures of fall arrive, initiate more aggressive N fertilization programs.

Final thoughts

Summer heat injury is highly complex, and it is frustrating with how quickly it can and does happen, even with our best preventative efforts. I hope this information helps in your understanding and your ability to communicate the complexities of heat stress on cool-season grasses to your clientele. Please let me know if I can assist you with any of these challenges. c

Feature Story

Biosolids for Cool-Season

Sod Production

By Derik Cataldi, Erik Ervin, Ph.D., and Greg Evanylo, Virginia Tech

A

pplying municipal biosolids to sod-production fields may benefit sod growers and taxpayers, who must otherwise bear the cost of wastewater sewage-sludge disposal. As urban areas expand, sod growers must produce and distribute sod for new homes, apartments and parks. Wastewater treatment facilities, meanwhile, must treat and dispose of more sewage. Linking sod production and waste management may produce

a cost-competitive product, while providing a beneficial reuse pathway for biosolids. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of biosolids treatments to synthetic fertilizer for sod production.

Materials and methods

At Woodward Turf Farms (in Remington, VA), an anaerobically digested class-A dewatered biosolids cake from the Alexandria Sanitation Authority

Figure 1. 2010 Turfgrass Quality, using a 1–9 scale (with 9 being excellent and 6 being acceptable).

and a blended biosolids dewatered cake (with woody fines) were applied and incorporated to supply three estimated nitrogen-availability rates (87, 174 and 261 lbs. N/acre). These rates respectively are 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 times the agronomic N rate estimated to be required to produce tall fescue sod.

All treatments were compared to a 174 lbs. N/A (the recommended agronomic N rate) synthetic fertilizer

Figure 2. 2011 Turfgrass Quality, using a 1–9 scale (with 9 being excellent and 6 being acceptable).

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control that mimicked sod producers’ conventional production practices.

The synthetic fertilizer control consisted of three applications over the growing season: once at seeding with a mixture of urea and diammonium phosphate to supply 65 lbs. N/A and 150 lbs. P2O5/A; again in the fall with 44 lbs. N/A from urea; and a spring application of 65 lbs. N/A using calcium-ammonium nitrate. The biosolids products provided very little potassium, so all plots (including the synthetic fertilizer control) received 150 lbs K2O/A via 0-0-50.

Each September after biosolids application, the material was incorporated into the top 2" within 3 days and seeded within a week using an 85% tall fescue/15% Kentucky bluegrass mixture at 210 lbs. seed/A (tall fescue: Rebel Exeda, Rebel IV and Justice; Kentucky bluegrass: Wild Horse).

Establishment was tracked every two weeks during fall and spring develop-

ment by determining percent vegetative cover. On those same dates, turfgrass quality was rated using a 1–9 scale, with 6 being considered a commercially acceptable turfgrass stand.

Harvest occurred 10 months after establishment, and soil export and phosphorus accumulation data were collected. The sod was harvested at a 1" depth in 2010 and a 0.75" depth in 2011. Soil export data were determined by taking plugs from pieces of harvested sod, and ashing the soil in a furnace at 500°C. Phosphorus accumulation to 4" was measured by taking soil samples from each plot after harvest.

The study was conducted for three production cycles: September to June of 2009 through 2012. Data from only the first two cycles are presented here.

Results and conclusions

Digital-image analysis indicated no difference in establishment density

by November of both years for the 1.0x cake and blended biosolids treatments relative to the mineral fertilizer control (Table 1). This shows that enough nitrogen in the biosolids is mineralized each fall to promote adequate establishment.

Visual quality is an indication of shoot density, uniformity and color.

For both years, the 1.0x cake biosolids rate was able to produce an acceptable quality sod (Figures 1 and 2). Nitrogen mineralization from the biosolids may be faster or slower, based on the weather conditions present during each production cycle. The quality ratings indicate that supplemental N fertilizer may be required when biosolids are used to push a crop to harvest in certain years.

Mineral soil export at sod harvest was similar across all treatments in year one, and in year two there were no differences between the control and 1.0x biosolids treatments

Table 1. Percent cover during establishment in year 1 and 2 of the trial.

Treatment

Oct. Year 1

Oct. Year 2

Mid Oct. Year 1

Mid Oct. Year 2

Nov. Year 1

Nov. Year 2

Control, 1.0x N

11% a

8% a

42% a

66% a

82% ab

93% ab

Cake, 0.5x N

10% a

4% a

35% a

53% a

64% c

89% ab

Cake, 1.0x N

10% a

3% a

40% a

60% a

74% abc

96% ab

Cake, 1.5x N

9% a

5% a

36% a

64% a

76% abc

98% a

Blend, 0.5x N

11% a

4% a

40% a

50% a

70% bc

85% b

Blend, 1.0x N

11% a

5% a

41% a

57% a

73% abc

90% ab

Blend, 1.5x N

13% a

7% a

48% a

64% a

84% a

95% ab

LSD0.05

4.0

4.0

13.5

16.6

12.0

11.0

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

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Feature Story continued

Table 2. Mineral soil export in tons per acre for years 1 and 2.

Treatment

Soil export (tons/A) Year 1

Soil export (tons/A) Year 2

Control 1.0x N

88.9 a

66.5 b

Cake 0.5x N

75.3 a

89.4 ab

Cake 1.0x N

84.9 a

80.5 ab

Cake 1.5x N

73.9 a

63.6 b

Blend 0.5x N

91.3 a

96.6 a

Blend 1.0x N

82.2 a

86.4 ab

Blend 1.5x N

84.5 a

71.9 ab

LSD0.05

22.4

25.8

(Table 2). Addition of a greater organic fraction via biosolids incorporation should have diluted the surface soil mineral fraction and resulted in less export, but our results are fairly inconclusive on this point, perhaps due to high field variability.

Soil tests indicated that P added via the biosolids was not accumulating in the production field, but was mostly

Table 3. Mehlich I extractable phosphorus (P) in ppm for years 1 and 2.

Treatment

Soil P (ppm) Soil P (ppm) Year 1 Year 2

Control 1.0x N

12 c

10 d

Cake 0.5x N

11 c

12 cd

Cake 1.0x N

13 c

15 bc

Cake 1.5x N

13 c

16 bc

Blend 0.5x N

12 c

14 bc

Blend 1.0x N

18 b

18 b

Blend 1.5x N

25 a

26 a

LSD0.05

3.4

3.2

20 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal July/August 2012 www.vaturf.org

exported with the sod (Table 3). Lack of P accumulation on the sod production field for two consecutive years of 1.0x biosolids application indicates that this practice may be environmentally sustainable.

Our results strongly indicate that utilizing biosolids for sod production is economically and agronomically beneficial. c

Bob Ruff Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament, June 4, 2012

On

a gorgeous day for golfing on a meticulously manicured course, 31 fiercely competitive teams gathered at Spring Creek Golf Club (in Gordonsville, VA) for fellowship, fun and fundraising for turfgrass research. Here are just a few of the highlights.

Recent Event Congratulations to Our Winners!

Commonwealth Cup

Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Association

Gus Constantino Trophy Goodyear Team

NET WINNERS

First Place: Goodyear Team Second Place: Agrium Team One Third Place: Woodward Turf Team

Gross Winners

First Place: Tom Rash Team Second Place: Growth Enhancer Team Third Place: Agrium Team Two

Closest to the Pin Nathan Warren

Longest Drive

Matt Hammerstein

Break the “Window” Trip Carper

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Eagle Sponsors

BASF Smith Turf & Irrigation

Commonwealth Cup Winners Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Assn. Team

Beverage Cart

Landscape Supply

Beverage Station

Arysta LifeScience

Breakfast Sponsor

Innovative Turf Services

Dinner Sponsor

Southern States

Gus Constantino Trophy Winners Goodyear Team

Additionally, special thanks to all of our Birdie, Club and Hole Sponsors. Please see the golf tournament page of our website (www.vaturf.org) for a complete list.

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 21

Applied Research

Weed

Control on a Budget

By James T. Brosnan, Ph.D., and Greg K. Breeden, The University of Tennessee

O

ver the past several years, budgets for turfgrass maintenance have been reduced dramatically all across the country.

Lawncare operators, golf course superintendents and athletic field managers have all had to adjust to the struggles associated with maintaining highquality turf with less money.

To conquer these challenges from a weed-control perspective, turf managers must comprehensively evaluate their management programs to determine where valuable budget dollars should be spent. The steps presented here can be used as a guide for making weed-control decisions on a restricted budget.

been treated in the past, with fewer dollars in the budget now, it is critically important that turf managers determine what parts of their facility need to look the best (i.e., be free of weeds).

Many turf managers grade these areas. For example, in sports turf, game fields for varsity sports may be deemed A-level areas, practice fields may be deemed B-level areas, and those used for band or physical education class may be deemed C-level areas.

On golf courses, putting greens, fairways and roughs may be considered A, B and C-level areas, respectively.

#1. Prioritize your areas.

Once key areas have been identified, it is important to determine when these areas need to look the best. If sites are used more during the fall, weed control in early spring becomes less important.

The first step in effectively controlling weeds on a restricted budget is to realize that any program implemented most likely will not be comprehensive.

While the entire facility may have

#2. Plan for optimal timing.

22 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal July/August 2012 www.vaturf.org

This especially rings true in transition-zone climates. There are significant costs associated with fall overseeding, including the cost of seed, fertilizer, water (in some cases), labor for mowing and herbicides for weed control. Chemically removing the overseeded turf in spring can cost as much as $150 per acre, in addition to the cost of selective winter annual broadleaf and grassy weed control.

So, if your budget is tight, consider not overseeding in fall and then controlling weeds with a non-selective herbicide in spring while the bermudagrass is still dormant. This strategy will provide economical control of winter annual broadleaf and grassy weeds with a single herbicide application. Lack of competition from the overseeded turf will also allow bermudagrass to recuperate from fall traffic more efficiently in spring. Research conducted at The University of Tennessee found that programs deliver-

ing non-selective herbicide applications to dormant bermudagrass provide more effective and economical weed control than those that incorporate fall overseeding and selective herbicide applications.

#3. Determine acceptable weed pressure.

Another important step in controlling weeds with less money is to determine the amount of weed pressure that warrants a herbicide application.

This is directly related to the expectations of users (athletes, golfers, homeowners, etc.) and the scope of the budget provided. While a 100% weedfree stand may have been the standard in the past, budgets may require that this be shifted to 85% or 90%.

Another option is to ensure that Alevel areas are 100% weed-free, while B and C-level areas remain at 70% to 80%. These adjustments may help stretch dollars for weed control.

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 23

Applied Research continued

#4. Maintain your cultural practices to maximize turf density.

A dense stand of vigorously growing turf is the best defense against weed invasion. Weeds invade turf stands only if there is a void in the canopy in which to do so. With fewer budgetary dollars available for weed control, turf managers should thoroughly evaluate their cultural practices to ensure that everything possible is being done to maintain turf density and vigor.

Practices such as selecting traffictolerant cultivars, applying fertilizers to meet soil-test recommendations, sufficiently irrigating to meet plant needs, mowing at a proper height of cut, aerifying regularly and applying plant growth regulators all serve to maximize turf density and consequently reduce the likelihood of weed infestations. In a world of smaller budgets, implementing cultural practices to maximize turfgrass density should be thought of as preventative weed control.

#5. Check your equipment calibration.

Correctly calibrating your spraying equipment is probably the easiest way to save money when budget dollars are limited. Studies have shown that over 80% of licensed pesticide applicators have calibration and/or mixing errors greater than 5%. These errors have been found to range from a 40%

under application to a 60% over application, resulting in over $4 million in lost revenue. Sprayers should be calibrated at least one time per growing season, with nozzles changed regularly. Taking the time to check that spraying equipment is calibrated and operating properly will ensure that dollars are not wasted on improper herbicide applications.

#6. Select the correct product.

Proper herbicide selection depends on many factors, including the weed requiring control, the stage of weed maturity and the species of turfgrass in which the weed has invaded. New herbicides are entering the marketplace with a focus on broadening the weed-control spectrum of a single herbicide application. These products typically combine two or more herbicides (that have been sold individually) into a single formulated product. Examples include Solitaire (sulfentrazone + quinclorac) and Onetime (quinclorac + MCPP + dicamba). Both of these products offer postemergence control of crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) and various broadleaf weeds. Using a product with a wide weed-control spectrum will reduce the number of herbicide applications required during the season.

#7. Prepare for the loss of MSMA.

The loss of an effective, economical postemergence herbicide like MSMA

will make weed control even more difficult with restricted budgets. Questions about legal applications of MSMA still linger throughout the industry.

Details of the MSMA phase-out are as follows.

Golf Courses

Registrants of MSMA will not be permitted to sell the product for golf course use after December 31, 2012; however, distributors will be able to sell products containing MSMA until June 30, 2013. Use of MSMA on golf courses after December 31, 2013 will be prohibited.

Until the December 31, 2013 deadline, newly constructed courses will be allowed one broadcast application, and existing courses will be able to use MSMA only as a spot treatment, providing that spots are less than 100 ft2 and that no more than 25% of the course is treated within a given year.

These restrictions were made effective on September 30, 2009.

Sod Farms

Registrants of MSMA will not be permitted to sell the product for sod farm use after December 31, 2012; however, distributors will be able to sell products containing MSMA until June 30, 2013. Use of MSMA on sod farms after December 31, 2013 will be prohibited.

Until the December 31, 2013 deadline, two broadcast applications of MSMA will be allowed per season, and a 25’ buffer strip will be required for farms bordering permanent water bodies. These restrictions were made effective on September 30, 2009.

Highway Rights-of-Way

Registrants of MSMA will not be permitted to sell the product for use on highway rights-of-way after December 31, 2012; however, distributors will be able to sell products containing MSMA until June 30, 2013. Use of MSMA on highway rights-of-way after December 31, 2013 will be prohibited.

Until the December 31, 2013 deadline, two broadcast applications of MSMA will be allowed per year, and a 100' buffer strip will be required when 24 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal July/August 2012 www.vaturf.org

spraying near permanent water bodies.

These restrictions were made effective on September 30, 2009.

Sports Turf, Residential Turf and Commercial Turf Maintenance

Registrants of MSMA for use on residential turf, commercial turf and sports turf use can no longer sell the product; however, distributors will be able to sell products purchased before December 31, 2009 until December 31, 2010. After December 31, 2010, existing stocks of MSMA can be legally used for weed control on residential, commercial and sports field turf until they are exhausted, provided that these uses comply with the EPAapproved label and labeling of the affected product.

Other uses that fall under this restriction include forestry, non-bearing fruit and nuts, citrus (bearing and nonbearing), seed production (bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass), drainage ditch banks, railroad, pipeline, utility rightsof-way, fencerows and storage yards.

Final thoughts

The loss of MSMA will certainly make managing weeds in warm-season turf more difficult and, inevitably, more expensive. The EPA has agreed to conduct a scientific review in 2012, evaluating available information describing the mode of action of MSMA and benefits conferred by its use as a herbicide. If this review is favorable, use of MSMA on golf courses, sod farms and highway rights-of-way may continue beyond 2013. Until then, research is continually evaluating new compounds, as well as combinations of existing compounds, that will help soften the blow of losing MSMA as an option for weed control in turf.

All aspects of turfgrass management, including weed control, become challenging after budget cuts. Taking the time to evaluate why certain practices have been implemented in the past should help identify the key components of your maintenance program requiring attention (and budget dollars) in the future. c

Index of Advertisers BASF.................................................................................................. 17 www.basf.com Bayer.................................................................................................... 9 www.bayerprocentral.com Buy Sod................................................................................................ 5 www.buysod.com Collins Wharf Sod............................................................................. 23 www.collinswharfsod.com Dixie Chopper........................................................Inside Back Cover www.dixiechopper.com East Coast Sod & Seed..................................................................... 11 www.eastcoastsod.com Egypt Farms Inc................................................................................ 20 www.egyptfarms.com FMC Professional Solutions.............................................................. 3 www.fmcprosolutions.com Harrell’s, LLC................................................................................... 26 www.harrells.com Luck Stone Corporation................................................................... 25 www.luckstone.com Modern Turf, Inc............................................................................. 25 www.modernturf.com Newsom Seed Inc..................................................Inside Front Cover www.newsomseed.com Oakwood Sod Farm, Inc.................................................................... 5 www.oakwoodsod.com RBB Sales & Consulting, Inc........................................................... 13 http://rbbturflandscapeconsultants.com Roxbury Farm & Garden Center....................................................... 8 www.roxburyfarmgarden.com Southern States Cooperative........................................................... 17 www.southernstates.com The Andersons Technologies, Inc................................................... 23 www.andersonsgolfproducts.com The Turfgrass Group.................................................... 7, Back Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com WeedMan.......................................................................................... 26 www.weedmanfranchise.com Winfield Solutions, LLC................................................................... 20 Woodward Turf Farms Inc.............................................................. 23 www.woodwardturf.com

Turfgrass Calendar July 30 – August 3

January 9–11

(Turfgrass Producers International) Asheville, NC

Baltimore Convention Center Baltimore, MD

August 28–29

STMA Annual Conference & Exhibition

TPI Summer Convention & Field Days

Virginia Tech Turfgrass Field Days

Blacksburg, VA

Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show

January 15–19 Daytona Beach, FL

January 28–31

October 6

VA Sod Growers Field Day

Woodward Turf Farms Remington, VA

October 24–26 Green Industry & Equipment Expo

Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville, KY

December 11–13

VTC 53rd Annual Turf & Landscape Conference and Trade Show

Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center Fredericksburg, VA

February 6–7 Golf Industry Show

San Diego Convention Center San Diego, CA

Virginia Tech’s Turfgrass Short Course

Fredericksburg, VA

Digital Marketplace

26 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal July/August 2012 www.vaturf.org

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