Alabama Turf Times - Summer 2021

Summer 2021

Building a Four-Season Management Schedule for Turfgrass Maintenance

Member Spotlight on

Dr. Austin Hagan Some Random Thoughts about the

Benefits of Turf

EXTRAORDINARY DESIGN DESERVES

It Deserves the World’s One & Only

www.THETURFGRASSGROUP.com

Summer 2021

TOP FEATURES 12

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Recent Event —

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Upcoming Event —

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ATA Member Spotlight —

Lawn and Landscape Field Day Deep South Turf Expo Dr. Austin Hagan

Cover Story — 14 Building a Four-Season Management Schedule For Turfgrass Maintenance

Feature Article — 20 Some Random Thoughts about the Benefits of Turf

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DEPARTMENTS 6

From the President’s Pen

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ATA Annual Sponsors

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Calendar of Events

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Index of Advertisers

The cover photo taken by James Horton of the well maintained Sulligent Sports Complex was used with permission given by Mayor Scott Boman of Sulligent, Alabama located in Lamar County. The fields are used by local sports associations and the Sulligent schools.

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim es > >> Su m mer 2021

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Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM For turf news & updates, follow: TWITTER.COM/THETURFZONE

The Alabama Turfgrass Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Alabama Turf Times, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Alabama 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 © 2021 by the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Alabama Turf Times is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display

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and classified advertising rates and insertion please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

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From the President’s Pen >>>

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim es > >> Su m mer 2021

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RENEWE D ENT HUSIA S M

am writing to you in the midst of what has to be the busiest spring I have ever experienced. It appears that the postponements of virtually everything from last spring, through the summer and fall, and then this past winter, have all come due this spring. As events and lifestyles gently progress toward some kind of normalcy, all of us in the green industry have managed to take on even more work, and somehow, we have found ways to get it done. For me personally, I have worked as hard as I ever have this spring, trying to manage the delayed events with the increasing number of current events. Believe me when I tell you, I understand. As we manage this daunting pace, we need to be cognizant of our own personal health and wellbeing.

Please take care of yourself; take time to do the things you enjoy outside your work and take advantage of the breaks you get when you can. It is so important to your quality of life to take time to experience the joy of your family and friends, your hobbies and interests, or your quiet time. Unwind a little and come back to your professional life with renewed enthusiasm. We will all be better at our tasks with fresh minds.

Speaking of refreshing the mind, the ATA held an outstanding educational event in Gardendale in March at the Lawn and Landscape Workshop. Attendance at these inperson events will gradually increase as more members are able to venture away to gatherings. Those who did attend the Workshop experienced a slate of speakers who came with excellent and timely information. I feel confident each attendee learned something they didn’t know before they arrived, and it will help them moving forward.

An investment of a single morning listening to learned professionals pays tangible dividends and helps us to get better at our chosen careers. This is what membership in the ATA is all about, providing access to information specifically designed to make your work easier and help us produce a better product. We all benefit when we collectively raise the bar of our industry. Professionalism and knowledge pays in many ways.

The ATA has some forthcoming events designed for education and for fun. Be on the lookout for information about the upcoming Auburn Turf Unit Field Day and the Poa Annua Classic in July. I encourage all members and others who can benefit from hearing about the latest in turfgrass research to attend. Ask questions, learn something new, and enjoy a great lunch at the turf research unit, where you can welcome the new Director, Alan Hill. Attend the Poa Annua Golf Tournament the day before to network with your peers and have some fun as well as support turfgrass research. Proceeds from the Poa are used to fund turfgrass research through the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation.

In this edition of the Turf Times, Dr. Scott McElroy is an advocate for turfgrass and presents us with some fascinating photography! Dr. Dave Han shares some great information in his article on building an all season turfgrass management plan. I have to say that we in Alabama are lucky to have an outstanding collection of University educators that have dedicated their careers to providing us with the latest in scientific data and know-how. Everything they do in a professional capacity is aimed at helping us in this industry to make better decisions when it comes to managing our turf. I expect many members will agree that this resource is invaluable and we can’t thank them enough for the work they do.

Keep the Deep South Turf Expo on your personal radar. It will be held November 1–4th this year in Biloxi. Our association, allied with other organizations within and around Alabama come together each year for great education and fellowship centered on Turfgrass management. The accompanying trade show will showcase the latest in equipment, supplies, and services. Above all that, in many respects, is that the Show is just a good time. Make plans now to attend, it will be worth your time.

Sincerely,

Joe Collins, CSFM ATA President 6

Joe Collins, CSFM

2021 ATA ANNUAL SPONSORS GOL D • Bayer Environmental Science • Beard Equipment Company • Greenville Turf & Tractor • Harrell’s, Inc. • Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation • Simplot, Inc.

SI L VE R • BWI Companies • Corteva Agriscience • Ewing • Nufarm, Inc. • SiteOne Landscape Supply • Syngenta

BRON ZE • Agromax • BASF • GreenPoint Pro • PBI-Gordon • Southern States Turf • Sur-Line Turf • Walker/Wright Mowers

Alabama Turf Times is the official publication of the: Alabama Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 70 Auburn, Alabama 36831 Tel: (334) 821-3000 Fax: (334) 821-3800 Email: mailbox@alaturfgrass.org www.alaturfgrass.org

PROVIDING THE BEST SELECTION OF TURF AND LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS, COMPETITIVE PRICES, AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 Tel: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Executive Director Melanie Bonds Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Joe Collins, CSFM Samford University Vice President Ben Anderson Arrowhead Country Club Secretary/Treasurer Ben Williams Maxwell Airforce Base / Cypress Tree GC

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BWI MERIDIAN

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Past President Deven Peek Full Bloom Landscapes, LLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Golf Patrick Pierce Grand National Golf Club Industry Chris Moras Ground Works Distribution Institution David White University of Alabama at Birmingham

POWER UP YOUR SOIL.

Bring on the heat! Keep turf color and density through summertime.

Lawn Care Reynolds Cook Southern Lawns Park & Recreation Heath Puckett Guntersville State Park Sod Randall Murphy Murphy Turf Farms At Large Darrel Arnold Heritage Lawn & Tree Care Tony Culberson Bayer

High Performance Plant Nutrients Fertilizers ▪ Specialty Products Soil Amendments ▪ Custom Blends

EX OFFICIO/EDUCATION ADVISORS David Han, Ph.D. Auburn University (334) 844-3980 handavi@auburn.edu Jim Jacobi, Ph.D. Alabama Cooperative Extension System (205) 879-6964, Ext. 19 jacobjc@auburn.edu

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Alabam a T u rf Tim es >>> S u mm er 2021

Mark Irwin City of Foley

Recent Event >>>

Lawn and Landscape Workshop 2021!

The ATA “Comes Together” with a Hybrid Workshop

By Melanie Bonds

Our

Association was able to hold an “in person” education meeting for the first time since March of 2020 at our Lawn and Landscape Workshop on March 10th. Our choice of venue made social distancing possible for this “hybrid” meeting. Gardendale Civic Center offered a spacious meeting center, and all the room we could use for outside exhibitors. It was a beautiful early spring day in March! Participants were pleased to be able to network in person again, even though masked and socially distant!

The program was solid, with one speaker, Dr. Bryan Unruh, University of Florida, being Zoomed in for his presentation on “Ride-On Applicators.” We were fortunate to have Landscape Design Architects Ed Norton and Sean Hufnagel of Holcombe Norton Partners join us. They spoke on commercial and institutional design. Ed has a special interest in athletic turf and sports facility design.

Daniel Strickland of Site One provided an update on new chemicals available for lawn and landscape. We were fortunate to have our old friend, Cory Blair, come over from Georgia to speak on “Irrigation Products for the Landscape.” Peter Lange of PBI Gordon also spoke. Special thanks to Peter and PBI Gordon for their lunch sponsorship!

In closing, I want to acknowledge our appreciation for Dr. David Han, our education advisor who has helped us tirelessly with our educational meetings and didn’t let us down at our first live event this year! He and Dr. Jacobi do a wonderful job! Also, James Horton, editor of the ATA Turf Times is always willing to lend a hand and is so much appreciated! Please take time to thank these individuals for all they do for the ATA next time you see them!

Peter Lange of PBI Gordon

Outdoor venue allowed for an in-person event

MANY THANKS to our sponsors and exhibitors at the event:

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim es > >> Su m mer 2021

Alabama Green Industry Training Center Corteva Agriscience Greenville Turf & Tractor Harrells Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Prime Source SiteOne Landscape Supply Walker Mowers/Wright Mowers

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Calendar of Events >>>

GROWERS OF QUALITY TURF SINCE 1987

Mark your calendar and

SAVE THESE DATES JULY 6 Poa Annua Classic

COOSA VALLEY TURF FARMS LLC MEMBER OF

Auburn University Club

JULY 7 Auburn Turfgrass Research Field Day Auburn Turfgrass Research Facility

CENTIPEDE NOVEMBER 1 - 4 Deep South Turf Expo

TIFWAY 419

Mississippi Coast Convention Center Biloxi, MS

November 3, 2021 ATA Annual Business Meeting

FESCUE www.CoosaValleyTurfFarms.com (256) 927-4228 • (256) 927-4758 FAX • cvtf@tds.net 900 County Road 492 • Centre, AL 35960

Mississippi Coast Convention Center Biloxi, MS

Location TBD

Randy Emens 256-255-5231 • SouthEastTurf.com • seturfmaint@gmail.com 211 Skyline Road • Madison, AL 35758 9

Alabam a T u rf Tim es >>> S u mm er 2021

December Sponsor Appreciation Outing

Southeast Turf utilizes the best deep aerification equipment available today to address any type of turf aerification need, including Deep Drill and Drill & Fill.

Upcoming Event >>>

COMING TOGETHER AGAIN!

By Melanie Bonds

We

are pleased to announce that plans for an in-person event are on track with the Deep South Turf Expo scheduled for November 1–4th at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center in Biloxi.

Our schedule has been confirmed, and online registration for both exhibitors and attendees should be open by the time you receive this publication. We are excited to showcase our new online registration platform by E-Show. Registration through this platform will make for a much easier and more seamless process for exhibitors and attendees alike.

In response to demand, we have revamped our sponsor/ exhibitor packages. Sponsorship and purchase of exhibit space can now be a turn-key opportunity. Please consider one of the packages listed below.

A complete schedule is included here! Don’t miss this great opportunity for gaining insightful information from experts in the field and earning CEU credits!

To register, go to the Deep South Turf Expo website:

DeepSouthTurfExpo.org

For reservations at our host hotel, the Beau Rivage, visit:

https://book.passkey.com/e/49632785 Our special Expo room rate will be available until Oct 1, 2021. Make plans to register for your rooms before the room block expires on October 1st!

2 0 2 1 S P O N S O R S H I P and E X H I B I T O P P O R T U N I T I E S PLATINUM SPONSOR – $10,000 INCLUDES: 50 x 20 Exhibit Space (10 Booths) 20 Name tags for Staff Golf Scramble Sponsorship 1—Four-Person Team in Scramble Tailgate Sponsorship Tee Sign in Scramble Tourney Tradeshow Flag in Exhibit Booth Logo on Website & Program Signage at Event Online Registration Assistance

GOLD SPONSOR – $8,000 INCLUDES: 30 x 20 Exhibit Space (6 Booths) 12 Name tags for Staff Four-Ball Golf Sponsorship 1—Two-Person Team in 4-Ball Tailgate Sponsorship Tee Sign in Scramble Tourney Tradeshow Flag in Exhibit Booth Logo on Website & Program Signage at Event Online Registration Assistance

SILVER SPONSOR – $5,000 INCLUDES: 20 x 20 Exhibit Space (4 Booths) 8 Name tags for Staff Breakfast Break Sponsorship Tradeshow Break Sponsorship Tee Sign in Scramble Tourney Tradeshow Flag in Exhibit Booth Logo on Website & Program Signage at Event Online Registration Assistance

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim es > >> Su m mer 2021

EXHIBIT SPACE

REGULAR: 1 booth (10 x 10) $ 850 2 booths (20 x 10) $1,700 4 booths (20 x 20) $3,000 6 booths (30 x 20) $4,400 10 booths (50 x 20) $7,300

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SPONSORSHIPS LATE: $ 950 $1,800 $3,100 $4,500 $7,400

Tradeshow Bags.......................................... $2,250

Website Ad......................................................$500

Bus Shuttle.................................................. $2,000

Tailgate (plus food expense)...........................$500

Drink Sponsor—Scramble............................ $1,000

Board Dinner..................................................$500

Drink Sponsor—2-Ball.....................................$500

Board Breakfast..............................................$500

Sports Turf Tour.......................................... $1,500

Tee Signs.........................................................$200

Trap & Skeet Tournament........................... $1,500

Tradeshow Flags in Exhibit Booth.................. $150

Lanyards...................................................... $1,500

Ads—Registration Mailer..................$250 — $1,000

Price includes two nametags for staff per every 10 x 10 booth. Additional nametags $50.

Keynote Speaker.......................................... $1,000

Ads—Conference Program................ $125 — $1,000

Online Registration Ad................................ $1,000

2021 SCHEDULE MONDAY, November 1

of

EVENTS

TUESDAY, November 2

8 am

DSTE Board Meeting & Breakfast at The Beau Rivage

8 am – 4 pm 10 am

12 pm

Deep South Four Ball Classic Golf Tournament (2 man/4 ball) at The Preserve Golf Club (2 Day Event)

10 am

4 pm – 6 pm

Large Equipment Move-In

7 pm

DSTE Board Dinner at Beau Rivage

10 am 11 am 5 pm

Registration Open & Exhibitor Move-In Sports Field Tour – meet in lobby of Beau Rivage Skeet and Trap Tournament at Coastal Rifle and Pistol Club Deep South Four Ball Classic Golf Tournament (2 man/4 ball) – 2nd day at Fallen Oak Scramble Golf Tournament at the Preserve (one day event with grill lunch) Tailgate Party/Dinner at The Preserve — All attendees and exhibitors welcome!

WEDNESDAY, November 3 7 am – 4 pm 7 am 8 am – 11 am

Registration Open Continental Breakfast – MCCC Foyer General Session: Keynote Speakers

8 am 9 am 10 am

General Session – Sponsored by BASF, Inc. Weather Apps and Weather Decisions, Let’s Make the Most of Both! – Bradley Jakubowski, Ph.D., Penn State University Herbicide Resistance-Big Ideas, etc. – Jim Brosnan, Ph.D., University of Tennessee Technologies for Turfgrass Management: Current Trends and Future Applications – Chase Straw, Ph.D., Texas A & M University

11 am 12 – 3 pm

3 – 5 pm

Tradeshow Grand Opening (tradeshow open 11 am – 4 pm) Annual Business Meetings 12:00 pm Alabama Turfgrass Association & Mississippi Turfgrass Association 1:00 pm Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation & Louisiana-Mississippi GCSA 2:00 pm Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association Breakout Sessions

3 pm

Turfgrass Management Nematodes Billy Crow, Ph.D., Univeristy of Florida

4 pm

4 pm – 6 pm

Poa Annua Panel Discussion Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., University of Florida Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Auburn University Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Mississippi State University Jim Brosnan, Ph.D., University of Tennessee

Landscape Management Irrigation Heads & Controllers Bradley Jakubowski, Ph.D., Penn State University Pond and Aquatics Management David Cline, Ph.D., Auburn University

Career Management Superintendent Job Search 101 Armen Suny, Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace

Tradeshow Closing & Move Out Dinner on your own

THURSDAY, November 4 7 am Continental Breakfast 8 am – 12 pm

8 am

9 am

11 am

12 pm

Sports Turf and Grounds Sports Field Variability and Its Impact on AthleteSurface Interactions Chase Straw Ph.D., Texas A & M University Using Communication Skills to More than a beauty pageant: Enhance a Strong BMP Program Comparing divot recovery and Tim Hiers, CGCS, wear tolerance of bermudagrass White Oak Conservation cultivars – Jason Kruse, Ph.D., University of Florida BMP’s and Water Safety Game Day Preparation J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., John Sochoran, Ph.D., University of Florida University of Tennessee

Lawn Care & Landscape Ecologically Beneficial Turf — A Changing Landscape Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Mississippi State University and David Held, PhD, Auburn University Common Homeowner Misconceptions Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University

Goosegrass Control Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Auburn University

Home Lawn Weed Control Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University

New technologies in athletic field stripers Doug Schattinger, Pioneer Athletics

Sod Sod Fertility Beth Guertal, Ph.D., Auburn University

Advancements in Sod Production Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Mississippi State University and Amy Wilber, Etension Associate, Mississippi State University

Worker Safety and Spray Safety Ms. Kim Pope Louisiana State University

CEU & Pesticide Sign-ins and Expo Adjournment 11

Alabam a T u rf Tim es >>> S umm er 2021

10 am

Golf Water Issues: Bad Water, Too Little and Everything in Between Marco Schavion, Ph.D., University of Florida

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON

AUSTIN HAGAN, Ph.D. EMERITUS PROFESSOR AND VISITING SCIENTIST, AUBURN UNIVERSITY:

“Professionals Must Take Advantage of Educational Opportunities”

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim es > >> Su m mer 2021

A

ustin Hagan earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania; He later attended Ohio State University where he received his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees. Dr. Hagan’s areas of expertise are in Etiology and Management of Diseases of Amenity Crops, Peanut, Cotton, and Bioenergy Feedstock Crops. “I was fortunate to work with Dr. Philip Larsen, Turfgrass Research and Teaching faculty at Ohio State, as well as Dr. William Gazaway, Extension Plant Pathologist, at Auburn University. Each of them influenced the direction of my career.

During his work on his Master's and Ph.D., Dr. Hagan focused on Identification, Epidemiology, and Management of Diseases of Cool-Season Turfgrasses. Opportunities for research projects, along with funding for his graduate education program, were main factors leading him to pursue turfgrass pathology as a specialization. With the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and later, Auburn University, his crop responsibilities included turfgrass, ornamentals, small grain, and peanut pathology.

Austin was encouraged and expanded his extension and research activities.

With time, Dr. Hagan’s responsibilities shifted from extension to applied field research. His primary focus was on ornamentals, particularly small flowering trees, along with corn, cotton, peanut, and bioindustrial feedstock crops. “I came to really enjoy conducting field research projects, which allowed me to provide timely information to extension clientele, as well as expand my own professional knowledge base.”

As Dr. Hagan further stated "During my career, I was surprised to see the dramatic changes in research that led to the emergence and application of molecular techniques to enhance disease diagnosis and turfgrass breeding. The objective to identify desirable traits in breeding material, along with the introduction of those traits to produce agronomically superior lines were new methods that I didn't foresee."

Fresh challenges come nearly every day from every direction. “Professionals must take advantage of educational along with professional opportunities to prepare them to meet and overcome those challenges, as well as maintain a high level of professional productivity and personal integrity.

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Dr. Hagan is married to Susan Hagan, a retired teacher.

He enjoys relaxing with Susan at their beach home and saltwater fishing during his spare time. They have one son, Kent Hagan. Kent is an MD who specializes in sports medicine and is a staff physician with Advanced Orthopedics in Fayetteville, AR. Kent is married to Caitlin Hagan, a Program Manager with Jefferson University. They have one son, Wheeler, who is one year old.

Dr. Hagan is a member of the American Peanut Research and Education Society and the American Phytopathological Society. He has received many honors over the course of his career. He is Alumni Professor, Auburn University; received the Past President Award from the American Peanut Research and Education Society in 2002 and 2009; American Peanut Research and Education Society Dow AgroScience Extension Award; a Fellow of the American Peanut Research and Extension Society; the Porter-Henegar Memorial Award, Southern Nursery Association; Auburn University Scholarship Incentive Award (2013, 2015, 2016), Auburn University College of Agriculture Deans Grantsmanship Award (2014, 2015, 2018) Auburn University College of Agriculture Senior Extension Award.

We thank Dr. Hagan for his distinguished service in his career and contributions to our industry!

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Alabam a T u rf Tim es >>> S umm er 2021

Learn how your company can sponsor or advertise!

Cover Story >>>

Building a Four - Season Approach to Warm Season Turfgrass Management

By Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University and Alabama Extension

A

nyone who has ever managed turfgrass, whether in their own lawn or professionally, will have lots of questions. In my experience, the word that pops up most frequently in questions about turf management is “when.”

We’ve all asked or been asked: When should I fertilize? When do I put out my preemergence herbicide? When is the right time to sprig / seed / sod? When should I take a soil test? When should I irrigate? The list goes on.

With so many questions related to timing, calendars are a very popular product to remind people when to do certain things. Calendars can be very useful, but they are not foolproof.

Mother Nature does not always provide weather that fits the calendar date, and since so many decisions about turf management are driven by temperature, rainfall and humidity (or should be), there is no substitute for looking at actual thermometers and rain gauges before making decisions. But what I think can be more valuable is a general seasonal guideline of what to expect, what to look out for, and how to plan so when a particular season comes around, turf managers are making good decisions on a monthly or weekly time scale.

Since the Alabama turfscape is dominated by warm-season grasses, this article will focus on those.

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim es > >> Su m mer 2021

SPRING Spring is usually the hardest season to deal with because it brings unpredictable weather. Wild temperature swings, severe weather outbreaks, and a human tendency to want to rush things can all lead to making some bad calls when it comes to spring turf management. Spring is the season when warm season grasses begin their growth after dormancy or semi-dormancy in the winter, when summer annual weeds begin to germinate, and when winter annual weeds are their most noticeable and troublesome. It is also when plans should be made to plant sprigs or seed of warm season grasses.

The main factors to consider in the spring are: •W hen to apply postemergence herbicides to control winter annual weeds •W hen to apply preemergence herbicides for summer annual weed control • When to begin fertilizing the turfgrass

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All of these decisions will be influenced heavily by air and, especially, soil temperatures. Table 1 provides an overview of some important soil temperatures that affect management decisions. Timing becomes tricky, as soil temperatures will vary wildly from year to year, and even swing up and down within weeks during any given spring. What happened last year may not have much to do with the appropriate timings for this year’s management decisions, especially when it comes to herbicide treatments.

FIGURE 1. Centipedegrass lawn in the midst of greenup (top) and at the end of greenup (bottom).

Photos taken on May 18, 2020 and June 1, 2020, respectively, in Auburn AL by the author.

is in the middle of greenup, just coming out of dormancy.

Many warm season grasses can be damaged by herbicides at this time, even though they are perfectly tolerant when actively growing. I recommend avoiding all postemergent herbicides if possible while the turf is greening up – when this happens and how long it lasts, again, varies from year to year. Let a soil thermometer be your guide; when the soil temperature hits 70 degrees F, it’s likely safe to apply postemergents as usual.

Figure 1 shows a centipedegrass lawn in Auburn, AL that was still in mid-greenup phase in the middle of May 2020, due to an extended warm, but not hot, spring that year. As temperatures warmed at the end of May, the lawn was fully green and growing by June 1.

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Alabam a T u rf Tim es >>> S umm er 2021

Preemergence herbicides should ideally be made before the conditions are right for weed seed germination. Some years, the soil will warm quickly and applications will need to be made in January. Other years, they may wait until late February.

Also, since there is such a variety of soil temperatures at which various weeds germinate, multiple applications of preemergents may be needed depending on which weeds are problems for any given turf.

Applying postemergence herbicides can be done very early in the spring, providing that the air temperature at the time of application is above 55 degrees F. When it is cooler, the efficacy of postemergence herbicides is greatly reduced.

Special caution should be used when the warm season grass

Cover Story >>> Continued

Fertilizer (specifically nitrogen) should not be applied too early. If it is too cool to support grass growth, fertilizers will be used by weeds instead of the turf. Timing is especially important when using soluble, quick-release fertilizers. Slow release fertilizers can usually be applied at any time, as they tend to release more nitrogen when the soil is warm, which is when the grasses will use more nitrogen.

More, sometimes much more, nitrogen will be used on golf courses and athletic fields with heavy traffic. Nitrogen should be applied at 1 pound of actual N per 1000 square feet. Be aware that higher N rates will mean more mowing. See Figure 2 for an example of how N rate affects mowing frequency in bermudagrass lawns.

SUMMER Once the soil temperature is consistently in the 70s F and the air temperature is hitting 90 regularly, it’s time to think about summer turf care.

The major issues with most turfgrass during the summer are: • Irrigation: How much and how often?

•W eed control, especially of summer annual broadleaves

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim es > >> Su m mer 2021

• How much fertilizer to apply Most warm season grasses will use between 1 and 1.5 inches of water per week during the summer months. This does not mean that the grass will need to have 1 to 1.5 inches of irrigation applied each week. The primary aim of irrigation should be to SUPPLEMENT natural rainfall. A rain gauge is your best friend when irrigating, while a calendar is your worst enemy. In an Alabama summer, weeks may go by with no need for irrigation at all on a native soil lawn. Applying too much irrigation not only wastes water but can also promote disease and weeds/moss/algae in turfgrass.

Professional turf managers will also want to monitor the moisture content of the soil using a commercial moisture probe and meter. Golf course putting greens and athletic fields often are kept drier and firmer than a lawn for better playability, so it is important to monitor soil moisture closely. The exact water content that works best for a given green or field without causing wilting will have to be determined locally.

Many times, this will be somewhere between 15%–20%, but again, this will need to be worked out for each location individually.

Many summer annual weeds can continue to germinate all summer long in very warm soil, so for controlling weeds like doveweed, spurges, chamberbitter, etc. a summer preemergence herbicide application may be necessary. These weeds can be killed post emergence too, but the continuing seed germination means that a postemergent herbicide will need to be applied monthly during the summer to keep summer annuals at bay.

Fertility requirements vary widely depending on grass species and the amount of traffic. For general lawns, the recommend rate of nitrogen to apply during the growing season is: • Bermudagrass: 3–5 pounds N per 1000 square feet • St. Augustinegrass: 3–4 pounds N per 1000 square feet • Zoysiagrass: 1–2 pounds N per 1000 square feet • Centipedegrass: 0-1 pounds N per 1000 square feet

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Phosphorus and potassium should be applied according to soil test recommendations. There is no substitute for a soil test to determine whether turf needs these nutrients, and how much. The same is true for lime requirements.

Fire ants are pests anytime that grass is growing, but especially in the summer. Baits are the most cost-effective way of managing fire ants, but they must be used correctly. Baits only work if they are spread while fire ants are out looking for food. If it is too hot, they may not be foraging and so will not pick up bait. Test to see if fire ant workers are active by placing a potato chip or hot dog on the grass and waiting for 10 minutes. If the food is covered in fire ants, it is a good time to spread bait.

FALL As air temperatures and soil temperatures drop in the fall, warm-season turf managers should be thinking about: • P reemergence applications for controlling winter weeds • Overseeding (athletic fields in particular) • Tapering off fertilizer application Perhaps the most troublesome winter annual weed is annual bluegrass, Poa annua. Many times, Poa is the main winter weed and it can be difficult to control because of its wide genetic variability. The extreme variability of Poa means that there are some Poa populations that can germinate in very warm soil (upper 70s or warmer), some that can germinate in cool to cold soil (lower 50s or cooler) and some that germinate in all temperatures in between. This means that Poa germinates for a long time in the fall, winter, and early spring, so repeat applications of preemergence herbicides are often needed. When soil temperatures drop into the low 70s, it’s time to start thinking about the first preemergence application for Poa.

Cover Story >>> Continued

Another problem with Poa is that some populations have developed resistance to almost all of the modes of action that are available in preemergence herbicides. Rotating modes of action can help, but if you are cursed with resistant Poa, then plan on a lot of post emergent sprays as well.

Overseeding with ryegrass is common on athletic fields, especially fields that will see heavy use while the grass underneath is dormant, such as baseball, softball, and soccer fields.

Perennial ryegrass is the main species used to overseed athletic turf, and it will germinate when the soil temperature drops into the 60s F (see Table 1). Overseed rates vary based on location and budget, but around 400–600 pounds per acre is a good baseline for an athletic field. More seed will be needed for heavily used fields. Remember to save seed to fill in damaged spots.

When overseeding, do not fertilize the ryegrass until a week or two after it is up and growing. This will ensure that the ryegrass is able to absorb the fertilizer, not the warm season grass. Ryegrass typically will need 1–2 pounds of N per thousand square feet during an overseed season. Be sure not to overirrigate while establishing overseed – keep the seeds moist but do not saturate the soil.

Fall is also a time when diseases can be an issue in warm season turf (excepting putting greens, of course, which see disease problems all the time). As the grass growth slows down, the turf is more susceptible to fungal infections. This is most noticeable in areas that do not drain well or are over irrigated. Managing water is critical to keeping diseases under control. Remember that warm season grasses need less water in the fall than in the summer. Keeping the irrigation at summer levels often causes problems.

Fertilizer applications should also taper as the soil cools.

Remember that warm season grasses need soil temperatures in the 70s F for good root and rhizome growth. As the soil cools below 70, N applications should end. Potassium could still be applied if soil tests indicate a need. Fall is also a good time to apply lime, if needed, as it will react over the winter.

WINTER Dormant turf may not need as much care as actively growing turf, but several issues recur every year: •W inter weed control besides Poa, especially lawn burweed • Colder than normal temperature concerns • Warmer than normal temperature concerns Winter broadleaf weeds include lawn burweed, which has been especially problematic in recent years. This weed germinates in cool soil (60s F) usually in the late fall, but grows all winter. It is easy to miss in the winter because of its low growth habit. It becomes a major problem in the spring after it flowers and sets fruit, because the fruits have sharp spines which injure people who step or fall on them. Winter is a great time to scout for burweed plants and kill them before they make the spiny fruits. Figure 3 shows a young lawn burweed plant as it appeared in November 2020. Most of the commercially available postemergence herbicides for broadleaf control will kill lawn burweed. Postemergence herbicides can be tank mixed with a preemergence herbicide to provide control in the late winter after a fall application has worn off.

Some years, cold weather presents a threat of winter kill.

Although it is rare to have widespread winter kill on zoysiagrass or bermudagrass lawns in Alabama, it does happen occasionally. Putting greens with bermudagrass can be more affected by cold weather, and covers have been shown to prevent winter damage. Covers do have drawbacks: they are labor intensive to install and remove, and they must be removed to avoid trapping humidity and heat during the day and increasing disease pressure.

Warmer than usual temperatures cause their own problems.

One major issue with warm winters is that it can cause weed

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim es > >> Su m mer 2021

FIGURE 3. Young lawn burweed in Auburn, AL on November 25, 2020. Photo by the author.

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Continued <<< Cover Story

seeds to germinate earlier than “normal.” This means that turf managers are caught unprepared to deal with weeds that they are not expecting to appear so early in the year. Disease issues are also more prevalent during warm winters, especially if the weather is also wetter than usual.

A seasonal mindset can help to mitigate problems that can occur when reality does not match a calendar. Knowing what to expect, and how that can change, in each season lets turf managers anticipate their needs better and provide better turf year round.

REFERENCES McCarty, L.B. 2011. Best Golf Course Management Practices, 3rd ed. Prentice Hall, River, NJ. Turgeon, A.J. and Kaminski, J.E. 2019. Turfgrass Management, edition 1.0. Turfpath, State College, Pa. Vargas, J.M & A.J. Turgeon. 2004. Poa annua: Physiology, Culture and Control of Annual Bluegrass. Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ.

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Feature Article >>>

Some Random Thoughts about the

BENEFITS OF TURF Scott McElroy, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass and Weed Science Auburn University • Auburn, Alabama, USA

1

Sometimes I just want to write an article that is a little more lighthearted. I hope you enjoy.

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim es > >> Su m mer 2021

I

have been going through a lot of my old pictures from traveling and I came to a conclusion – people love turfgrass. I realize this is a not so startling conclusion considering the audience who is reading this, but there is something sobering when considering this basic thought. People tend to gravitate to a green, healthy stand of turf. So much so that signs must be posted to keep said persons “off the grass,” (Photo 1) which I find completely absurd considering turfgrasses have evolved to withstand trampling (and being eaten).

As turfgrass managers, broadly speaking, we fully understand the aesthetic value, usability for sport, and environmental benefits of turfgrass, but have you ever considered how much humans enjoy planting their posterior on a patch of turf? Do you yourself ever stop and simply sit down on a lawn or fairway and simply enjoy the comfort it provides? It is glorious.

Truly. To steal from the phrase, “stop and smell the roses," sometimes I think turf managers should stop and plant their cheeks down on those green blades. Maybe take off their shoes and feel the blades between their toes.

On a visit to Paris a few years ago, my family and I happened to be traversing the city on a bank holiday (we don’t let banks tell us when to holiday in the United States so this was a bit odd to me, but I went with it anyway). When making our way through Luxembourg Garden, we tried to find a spot to have a picnic and found all the available space to be taken. People were sprawled out on the lawns, enjoying the spring sun.

Were they sitting on the gravel paths? Absolument pas! On a visit to Kensington Palace, I took a picture of people enjoying a sunny day in Hyde Park in London. (Photos 2a, 2b) Do you see anyone sitting on the sidewalk? Absolutely not! A sidewalk is for the feet, but grass is for the… umm, rear-end to sit down. I suppose.

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2a 2b

THE GRADES ARE IN and the Head of the Class is:

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) 2013 – 2017 National Bermudagrass Test Final Report NTEP No. 18 – 14

NTEP TRIALS FINAL REPORT CARD VARIETY

FINAL GPA

FINAL GRADE

TifTuf

93%

A

Iron Cutter

80%

B

Tahoma 31

73%

C

“Based on NTEP’s latest test cycle 2013-2017 for all Bermudagrass comparative testing at 20 locations over the 5 year trial period. (Page 201, Append ix Table)”

www.THETURFGRASSGROUP.com

Feature Article >>> Continued

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim es > >> Su m mer 2021

3 One of the reasons I write all of this is because it seems that turfgrass is constantly under attack by those who only seek to see the negative. For example, here is a popular podcast and with the completely unbiased title: How Stupid is Our Obsession with Lawns? http://freakonomics.com/podcast/how-stupidobsession-lawns/]. If you take the time to listen to the podcast the one thing you will hear is that all turfgrass seems to fall under the same category and while the management of utility turf along roadsides is vastly different than that of golf or sport fields, outsiders seem to view them as the same. The fact is, when viewed this way, the vast majority of turf never receives the slightest bit of additional irrigation, fertilization, or pesticide application. The overwhelming majority of turf can be classified as unmanaged and the turf that is intensely managed represents only a small percentage of all turfgrass out there.

There are the turfgrass zealots that will defend turf under any circumstance. That, for good or bad, is not me. In my opinion, the majority of turfgrass should remain managed as low-intensity utility turf with the intensely managed turf reserved for parks and lawns, golf, and other sports turf. And the utilization of high-intensity vs low-intensity turfgrass should change depending on the resources of the region. Water availability in Southern California is vastly different than the Southeastern US and the same constraints cannot be placed on both areas. The utilization of turfgrass in desert or semidesert environments such as Los Angeles should be limited due to scarcity of water.

22

In the end, the determining factor that distinguishes if a turf stand should be intensely managed or not, should depend on how people want to use it. Do people want to walk on it? Do they want to play a game on it? Or do they want to simply sit on it?

The horticulturalist will tell you that the lawn is a place from which to observe the flowers. Turfgrass certainly does not have the aesthetic of a rose garden or tulip field. But that does not mean it is without beauty. The freshly mowed turf, distinct edges and contours all work together to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and usable. The roses and the lawn are not mutually exclusive. They can coexist and even enhance the landscape when they are together.

People love turf so much that we make fake turf. Yes, the fake stuff is fake. I understand. But that should show you how much people like turf. When visiting Hampton Court outside of London, we ran across a playground scaped with the fake stuff (Photo 3). It may not be real, but it was a lot of fun.

So, keep up the hard work everyone. During these pandemic times people are seeking out turf and all its benefits more than ever. Golf is booming, people are out in parks and gardens more than ever, and everyone seems to be concerned about their lawn. Enjoy it while it lasts and maybe people will continue these habits even when the pandemic is over.

Please note that this was just a sly way to get people to see my vacation pictures.

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