MTC Turf News - Fall 2016

Fall 2016

Impact of Fraze Mowing on SDS Severity and Recovery The Heating Characteristics of Various Harvested Sods

2016 Nutrient Management Guidelines

for Turfgrass Seeding and Sod Establishment

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18 contents • Fall 2016

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10 Upcoming event

18 Turf Talk

Departments

2017 Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Expo (M-A-T-E),

January 30 – February 2

Impact of Fraze Mowing on Spring Dead Spot Severity and Recovery

12 Cover Story

20 Sod Notes

2016 Nutrient Management Guidelines for Turfgrass Seeding

and Sod Establishment

The Heating Characteristics of Tall Fescue/Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermudagrass Sods

06 President’s Message 08 From the MTC Executive Director 11 MTC Membership Application 22 University of MD Turf Team 22 Index of Advertisers 22 Calendar of Events

MTC Turf News

President’s Message

Support

Turf Research through upcoming

mtc events!

I

hope you are enjoying the fall weather. I know I am, after this past summer.

I was thankful for the summer rains. Unfortunately, with the high nighttime temperatures, the extra rainfall added the final component for a Rhizoctonia or brown patch outbreak on a few of our tall fescue sod fields. Now, we follow a regular IPM program, but this past summer was extraordinary for that disease.

Thankfully, there was help to be found. A quick correspondence with University of Maryland turf professors got those production fields back on track in no time.

The University of Maryland’s Department of Plant Sciences and Landscape Architecture is a great resource for all of your turfgrass needs. Current research includes integrated pest management (IPM), species and cultivar evaluations, fertility, soil modifications, disease management and programs for reduced management inputs. Last August 10, the UMD turfgrass pathology team hosted an “End-of-Season Turfgrass Disease Tour.” This was a great golf-centric field day with plenty of turf trials, conversation and a delicious BBQ dinner. The turfgrass team and your MTC will host another Field Day at its Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility on October 19, 2016. This event will cover the lawn and landscape industries, sod production and general turfgrass, and everyone is welcome to attend.

The Maryland Turfgrass Council is proud of our relationship with the University of Maryland turfgrass program. The MTC works hard to support the turf program in a variety of ways, which include the Mid-Atlantic Turf Expo (M-A-T-E) and our 2016 Golf Tournament for Turfgrass Research. The proceeds from these events go directly to turfgrass research at the university. I am grateful for their research, as it helped me get out of a summertime jam.

Please support the University of Maryland turfgrass program by attending these upcoming MTC annual events.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your fall!

Bill Warpinski

2015–2016 MTC President

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MTC Turf News

MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL P.O. Box 389 | St. Michaels, MD 21663 ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com www.mdturfcouncil.org MTC Turf News is published quarterly for the MTC by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge St. Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-3718 (phone) 615-794-4524 (fax) info@leadingedge communications.com

2016 Board of Directors PRESIDENT Bill Warpinski Central Sod Farms Centreville, MD Office: 800-866-1387 Cell: 410-827-5000 bill@centralsod.com

VICE PRESIDENT Jamie Roell Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks Millersville, MD Office: 410-222-6250 Cell: 443-370-2582 rproel09@aacounty.org

SECRETARY/ TREASURER Cheryl A. Gaultney Churchville, MD Home: 410-734-0650 Cell: 410-322-8275 sandqueen10@aol.com

PAST PRESIDENT Lester Dubs Larchwood Landscape Co. Pasadena, MD Cell: 443-623-1745 ldubs@verizon.net

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Vernon W. Cooper P.O. Box 389 St. Michaels, MD Cell: 443-742-6618 Office: 410-745-9643 Fax: 410-745-8867 ExecDir@ MDTurfCouncil.com

ONE-YEAR DIRECTORS Clifton Cullison PD&E, LLC Stevensville, MD Cell: 410-428-4188 cullisonclifton@gmail.com Geoffrey Rinehart National Arboretum Washington, D.C. Office: 202-245-5956 Cell: 202-245-5965 geoffrey.rhinehart@ ars.usda.gov Chuck Wilkes Pennington Seed Laurel, MD Office: 800-732-3332 Cell: 240-319-0043 cwilkes@pennington seed.com

TWO-YEAR DIRECTORS Kimberly Bohn Newsom Seed Fulton, MO Office: 800-553-2719 Cell: 443-875-5533 kimberly@newsom seed.com Ben Ellis The Courses at Andrews Joint Base Andrews, MD Office: 301-440-9882 Cell: 571-340-0122 benjamin.ellis@aafbgc.com Mark Tavares Aquarius Supply Millersville, MD Office: 804-381-9335 Cell: 732-691-1251 mark@aquariussupply.com

THREE-YEAR DIRECTORS Doug Lechlider Laytonsville Landscaping Laytonsville, MD Office: 301-253-1481 Cell: 240-372-2788 doug@laytonsville landscaping.com Dave Nehila Genesis Turfgrass Fallston, MD Cell: 410-404-0112 dave@genesis turfgrassinc.com Les Phelps Les Phelps Lawn Care Linthicum, MD Cell: 443-623-5472 phelpslawncare@ yahoo.com

from the mtc executive director

Evolution A

ccording to Webster, “Evolution is a gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually better or more complex form.” If this does not describe the turfgrass Industry in Maryland, I don’t know what does. The methods we use, the environment, our business, regulations… everything in a turfgrass professional’s life is always changing and usually is getting more complex.

In Maryland, we are fortunate to have one of the top turfgrass research and teaching programs right here in College Park. Additionally, we are fortunate to also have close ties and working relationships with another excellent turfgrass program nearby at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. MD and VA are two of the most difficult states in which to produce turfgrass, thus the need for educated, trained and dedicated turfgrass professionals.

This past January, the MTC and the VTC combined forces to hold a mega-turfgrass conference in Fredericksburg, VA, called M-A-T-E (Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Expo). The education program was jointly developed by Dr. Tom Turner (University of Maryland) and Dr. Mike Goatley (Virginia Tech), and what a fantastic program it was.

Perhaps one of the biggest evolutions was the fact that ALL profits from the conference went straight to the turfgrass research programs at each school. Even with Mother Nature dumping a three-foot blizzard on us the day before the show, we were still able to raise nearly $20,000 for turfgrass research.

Last year, we learned, and we have evolved to plan for the blizzard this year the first week of December to get it over with. Too bad we couldn’t have gotten some of it in August when we were dealing with 100-degree temperatures.

Plan now to join us at the 2nd Annual M-A-T-E Conference, January 30 to February 2, 2017. Once again, we will be at the Fredericksburg Conference Center,

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MTC Turf News

which is centrally located physically for both states. It has plenty of free parking, motels right next door and many fabulous places to eat. So, don’t wait — check out turfconference.org, or e-mail Tom Tracy at tom@turf conference.org or me at execdir@mdturfcouncil.com.

One of the highlights we are trying to bring you this year is credit for Pesticide Recertification and Fertilizer Applicator Recertification on numerous days so you can pick and choose the days you can attend and still get your recertifications.

Monday afternoon we will have two main tracks: a “Turfgrass 101” and a “Golf Track.” Tuesday, you will not want to miss Dr. Dan Potter from Kentucky delivering a key note talk on “Bee Decline, Pesticides and Politics: Challenges and Opportunities for the Green Industry.” Afterwards, we’ll have the Mechanic’s Seminar, another Golf Track, a Lawn Care track, a specific track for Sod Growers and, new this year, a Sports Turf Track. Wednesday and Thursday will be even more informative for anyone wanting to stay up on the latest techniques and be the leaders in the evolution of the turfgrass Industry.

The expanded tradeshow has lots of new as well as returning vendors, but there are still a few spaces left. Would YOU like to be an exhibitor? Go to www.turfconference.org to download the vendor forms and/or if you prefer become a sponsor.

Get your registration done today, and remember that all profits go directly to the University of MD and Virginia Tech for local turfgrass research to help us all evolve. Contact me for an application or assistance at execdir@mdturfcouncil.com or 410-745-9643.

Keep the green side up!

Vernon W. Cooper MTC Executive Director

Upcoming Event

January 30 – February 2, 2017

Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Expo (M-A-T-E) Fredericksburg Conference & Expo Center • Fredericksburg, VA A joint conference between the Maryland Turfgrass Council and Virginia Turfgrass Council

The

Maryland Turfgrass Council and the Virginia Turfgrass Council are delighted to invite you to the organizations’ second annual combined conference — the Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Expo (M-A-T-E) — slated for January 30 – February 2.

Again this year, all profits from the event will be given to the turfgrass research projects at Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland. Last year, we donated nearly $20,000 to turfgrass research, and that was right after a three-foot blizzard that hindered attendance from both states. Just think what we can do this year!

Fredericksburg is an easy drive from the D.C. metro area.

Turfgrass professionals from southern Maryland can take the 301 bridge south over the Potomac and avoid the D.C. traffic altogether.

Dress for both the educational sessions and the Expo is business casual. It’s easy to find plenty of free parking, hotels right next door and all the hospitality you will ever need. •

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MTC Turf News

Why you should come to M-A-T-E ✔ Pesticide certification and recertification points ✔ GCSAA points ✔ S pecific educational tracks for Golf, Sports Turf, Lawn Care and Sod Production ✔V aluable research updates from the University of Maryland and Virginia Tech ✔O ne of the region’s largest turfgrass tradeshows, with two free lunches ✔ A two-day Mechanic’s Seminar ✔ A fun and competitive Corn Hole Tournament ✔ MTC and VTC annual meetings and board of director elections

MTC Membership Application _____________________________________________________________________ Name _____________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address (where you want MTC Turf News delivered) _____________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code _____________________________________________________________________ Company Name _____________________________________________________________________ Company Address (if different from above) _____________________________________________________________________ Company City, State, Zip Code _____________________________________________________________________ Email Address _____________________________________________________________________ Business Phone Cell Phone Additional Company Members: Please attach a listing of additional members.

Detach and Send to: Maryland Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 389 • St. Michaels, MD 21663

___ Individual Member.......................................................$50 ___ Student/Educator/Retiree..............................................$15 ___ Master Gardener/ Non-Profit Volunteer Member........$25 ___ Public Agency (all employees

per county or location)...............................................*$75 ___ Business (circle one):

(1 to 5 employees)*..................................... $175 (Bronze)

(6 to 10 employees)*......................................$350 (Silver)

(11 to 15 employees)*.................................... $500 (Gold)

(16 to 20 employees)*............................ $1000 (Platinum)

(21+ employees)*..................................$1,500 (Palladium) * Submit employee names for membership cards to the MTC Executive Director.

Amount Included $______________________________________ ___ Check made to MTC ___ Credit Card (MC or Visa) ______________________________________________________ Name as it appears on credit card ______________________________________________________ Address where card is billed ______________________________________________________ Card Number ______________________________________________________ Exp. Date 3-Digit Security Code (on back)

Fall 2016

11

Cover Story

2016 Nutrient s e n li e id u G t n e m e g a Man t n e m h lis b a st E od S d an g in d ee S for Turfgrass

E

levated levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) have been identified as major contributors to the decline of the health of the Chesapeake Bay. As such, potential sources for the movement of these nutrients into waters impacting the Bay have been identified, and goals have been established for the reduction of N and P loads entering the Bay. Potential sources include agricultural production, air pollution, point sources (including waste-treatment facilities, leakage from sewer infrastructure, septic systems, runoff from impervious surfaces, pet and animal waste) and other urban inputs (including fertilization of landscapes).

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MTC Turf News

Nutrient management laws passed by the Maryland Legislature in 1998 require that commercially established turfgrass be fertilized according to University of Maryland Cooperative Extension guidelines. When establishing a new site by seeding turfgrass, proper fertilization at the time of establishment is essential for obtaining a satisfactory stand of turfgrass for both the short term and long term.

In 2011, additional regulations were enacted that further specify how N and P may be applied to turfgrass in Maryland.

These regulations regarding turfgrass fertilizer applications became effective in 2013. The following information serves as

a nutrient-management guideline update for the establishment of turfgrass from seed or by installing sod in Maryland.

One of the major concerns regarding the health of the Chesapeake Bay is soil erosion and the subsequent movement of nitrogen (N) and particularly phosphorus (P) into the Bay. Thus, the rapid establishment of turfgrass on disturbed soil is environmentally important and can drastically reduce the movement of soil (and thus, nutrients) by erosion into sensitive areas. A critical factor in the rapid establishment of turfgrass is providing adequate N and P at the time of establishment. In addition, once turfgrass has been estab-

lished successfully, soil loss is negligible, water runoff is greatly reduced, and water infiltration is increased.

Phosphorus applications Phosphorus is essential for the growth and development of seedling turfgrass.

Inadequate P in the seedbed will result in poor initial growth and a stand that rapidly thins, resulting in a site that is prone to soil erosion and weed encroachment. Research has shown that providing adequate P at the time of seeding will reduce long-term weed-encroachment problems, reduce soil erosion and reduce runoff, while increasing water infiltration.

The following are the specifics of the turfgrass fertilizer regulations as they are being interpreted and being applied to the application of P during the establishment of a turfgrass stand from seed or from installation of sod.

1. Although highly recommended, a soil test for P application to the seedbed or prior to installation of sod is not required if the following conditions are met: a) the nutrient application is made for the purpose of establishing turf on bare ground, and b) the application rate is made in

accordance with the seeding recommendations of the University of Maryland Extension (Table 1), and c) the land has been disturbed, such as by construction or tillage, or d) a lawn patch product is used.

It should be noted that although a soil test is not required under the aforementioned conditions, it is still highly advisable if time permits. Excessively low soil pH is a common problem affecting new seedlings, and proper liming recommendations can be obtained only with a proper soil test.

2. A soil test is required for P applications

Fall 2016

13

cover story • continued

Photo

1

if an existing turfgrass area is being overseeded but the area is not being tilled. For example, overseeding existing athletic fields, fairways, tees or lawns with a slicer-seeder would require a soil test before P can be applied.

3. S oil tests shall be associated with individual properties or management units. Areas with different soil types, soil conditions or different past uses or management histories must be sampled separately.

4. No P can be applied to a seedbed or an area to be sodded between November 15 and March 1. Thus, any establishment efforts during this blackout period must by done without the application of a P-containing product. On soils testing low in P, it would be advisable to delay seeding until after March 1 so that P can be applied at the time of seeding.

Soil erosion can be greatly minimized by proper seedbed fertilization and rapid turfgrass establishment. Soil erosion can be a major source of Chesapeake Bay nutrient pollution.

Potassium applications Photo

2

Potassium (K) is generally not critical during the establishment phase of turfgrass unless soil levels are particularly low. However, adequate potassium can be important for established turf in improving tolerance to environmental stresses and wear, and it may increase the resistance to some diseases.

It is recommended that soil K levels be adjusted at the time of seeding so that no deficiencies develop as the turfgrass matures. This is particular advisable if fertilizer is being incorporated into the soil during soil preparation so that the entire potential rootzone can be modified.

Potassium applications are not regulated

by Maryland law.

Nitrogen applications

No phosphorus was added during the establishment of the research plot on the left. Phosphorus was added during establishment according to soil test recommendations to the research plot on the right. Photos were taken eight weeks after seeding. The no-phosphorus plot exhibits very poor density and substantial weed encroachment, and it is highly susceptible to soil erosion compared to the plot with the recommended P fertilization.

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MTC Turf News

Nitrogen has a dramatic impact on root, shoot, rhizome and stolon growth rates of turfgrass plants. Adequate N is essential in maintaining a dense turfgrass stand that minimizes soil erosion, increases water infiltration, competes against weed encroachment and recovers from physical or biological damage. However, excessive N may reduce resistance to some diseases and drought tolerance, and it could poten-

Table

1

tially leach if the amounts applied exceed the amount utilized by the turfgrass plant.

A wide range of N-containing fertilizers are available. These fertilizers generally fall into one of two broad categories: (1) fertilizers that contain only soluble, quickly available N and (2) fertilizers that contain some N in a slowly available form that is not immediately available for plant use. The amount of N that can be applied to a turfgrass seedbed or prior to installation of sod is regulated based on the type of N-fertilizer being applied.

Nitrogen recommendations are not obtained from soil tests; however, extensive research has been conducted to determine rates that are adequate for successful turfgrass culture. Whereas N rates recommended for maintaining turfgrass vary considerably (depending on a variety of factors such as turfgrass species, length of growing season, management practices and use), the N rates recommended for establishing turfgrass from seed or installation of sod are generally

Phosphorus Application Recommendations for Turfgrass Seeding or Sod Installation*

Phosphorus Application Depth

Phosphorus Soil Test Category Low

Medium lbs. P2O5/1,000

Optimum** ft2

Excessive

(lbs. P2O5/acre)

Broadcast

2 – 3 (90 – 130)

1 – 2 (45 – 90)

0 – 1 (0 –45)

0

Incorporated to a depth greater than 2"

3 – 4 (130 – 175)

1 – 2 (45 – 90)

0 – 2 (0 – 90)

0

* When no soil test has been obtained (as allowed under the conditions described previously), the P recommendations for the medium P soil-test category should be used. A soil test is required to determine if any additional P applications may be warranted after establishment. ** In cool weather, seedbed application of P may prove beneficial despite soil test results that indicate “optimum” levels of soil P.

Table

2

Potassium Application Recommendations for Turfgrass Seeding or Sod Installation

Potassium Application Depth

Potassium Soil Test Category Low

Medium

Optimum

Excessive

lbs. P2O5/1,000 ft2 (lbs. P2O5/acre) Broadcast

2 – 3 (90 – 130)

1 – 2 (45 – 90)

0 – 1 (0 –45)

0

Incorporated to a depth greater than 2"

3 – 4 (130 – 175)

1 – 2 (45 – 90)

0 – 2 (0 – 90)

0

Fall 2016

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Cover Story • continued

Photo

3

Compost applications that are tilled into a 6” depth are considered a soil amendment.

Otherwise, they are regulated as a fertilizer application.

uniform. Following are the restrictions imposed on N applications prior to turfgrass seeding or sod installation.

1. N o N can be applied to a seedbed or an area to be sodded between December 1 and March 1. Between November 15 and November 30, 0.5 lb. N/1,000 ft2 (22 lbs. N/acre) using a soluble N source can be applied to these areas, but no P can be applied during this period. Thus, any establishment efforts during this blackout period must by done without the application of N or P fertilizer.

2. N itrogen can be applied only at a maximum rate of 0.7 lb. N/1,000 ft2 (30 lbs. N/acre) if a soluble N source is used. If a slow-release N source is used, a maximum of 0.9 lb. N/1,000 ft2 (39 lbs. N/acre) can be used. To be considered a slow-release N fertilizer, the fertilizer must contain at least 20% water-insoluble or controlled-release N. 3. A n enhanced-efficiency N fertilizer can be applied to a seedbed or an area to be sodded at the rate of 2.5 lbs. N/ 1,000 ft2 (109 lbs. N/acre), but not to exceed 80% of the total annual N rate recommended for maintenance of the turfgrass species used. Enhancedefficiency N fertilizers are a type of slow-release N fertilizer that further decrease the potential of nutrient loss to the environment and release less than 0.7 lb. N/1,000 ft2 per month.

In addition, the amount of N applied from the enhanced-efficiency fertilizer must be accounted for in the following year’s N maintenance applications.

The enhanced-efficiency N fertilizer must have been formally classified and approved for use in Maryland by the Maryland State Chemist’s Office.

4. T he amount of compost that can be applied during establishment is dependent on incorporation techniques. If compost is tilled into soil, it is considered a soil amendment, and nutrient analysis is not required.

One inch of compost tilled into a 6" depth is generally recommended.

5. However, if compost is not tilled into

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MTC Turf News

the soil, it must be considered a fertilizer. Compost applied without tillage and natural organic fertilizers used during the establishment of turf areas must take into account their N and P content. Compost materials must have a nutrient-content analysis within the last 12 months. Compost and natural organic fertilizers cannot be applied at a rate greater than the N and P allowed by the Maryland fertilizer regulations for establishment (Table 1). Discussions with regulatory agencies are ongoing regarding compost use for turfgrass establishment.

Soil reaction Maintaining soil pH in an optimum range is important for maximizing the efficiency of nutrient use, and it can be important in reducing weed and disease problems.

Turfgrass can withstand a rather broad range of soil pH, but 5.8 to 6.4 is generally considered ideal. Wide deviations from this range can result in reduced P and micronutrient availability, and it can interfere with soil N metabolism and availability. Depending on the turfgrass species, problems in turf may start to occur at soil pH above 7.8 and below 5.4.

Thus, to maximize the efficiency of nutrient availability and use, soil tests should be taken as recommended previously for soil P and K to determine soil pH. If diseases such as take-all patch of bentgrass, summer patch of Kentucky bluegrass or spring dead spot of bermudagrass are of concern, maintaining lower soil pH (5.4 to 5.7) may be desirable, and reduced or no limestone should be applied to achieve this level. Also, it is recommended, when practical, that limestone be applied approximately one month or more before seeding to minimize potential P availability problems and the potential for volatilization loss of applied N. It should be emphasized that the information presented within this article for N, P, K and limestone applications is meant only as a guideline. While these recommendations should result in satisfactory establishment in most situations, there are many factors that could impact whether modifications of these recommendations are warranted for a specific site. •

Fall 2016

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Turf talk

Fraze mowing is an aggressive cultural and renovation practice. Full recovery usually takes six to eight weeks, but surfaces may be playable in as little as two weeks.

Impact of

Fraze Mowing

on Spring Dead Spot Severity and Recovery

By Cam Shelton, Graduate Research Assistant; Jordan Booth, Graduate Research Assistant; and David McCall, Research Associate, Virginia Tech; with research coordinators Rodney Hopkins, Innovative Turf Application and Consulting, and Lee Miller, Ph.D., University of Missouri

H

ybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is one of the most desirable turfgrass species for sports fields and golf course playing surfaces in Virginia because of its aggressive growth habits, traffic tolerance, uniformity and color. Spring dead spot (SDS), caused by the fungal pathogens Ophiosphaerella korrae and O. herpotrica, is one of the most destructive diseases of bermudagrass and one of the biggest limiting factors to the success of hybrid bermudagrasses as playing surfaces.

As the name implies, symptoms of SDS first appear in the spring, when bermudagrass resumes growth from its normal

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MTC Turf News

winter dormancy. As the turf breaks dormancy and begins to turn green, circular patches or rings of turf appear to remain dormant and eventually collapse to the ground and die. The disease is usually most severe after the turf is three to five years old as fungal populations and thatch accumulation increases. The pathogen survives in the thatch and infects the plants in the late summer and fall. Hybrid bermudagrasses that tend to produce excessive thatch are more prone to the disease.

A unique characteristic of SDS is that the pathogens do not kill bermudagrass directly. These fungi attack the roots, rhizomes and stolons of bermudagrass

in the fall and winter and increase the bermudagrass’ susceptibility to cold and freezing injury. Fall fungicide applications, properly timed cultural practices and cold-tolerant bermudagrass varieties form an integrated approach to managing the disease.

Cultural practices are a vital part of an integrated pest management program.

Cultural practices include but are not limited to proper mowing and watering practices, core aeration, sand topdressing and vertical mowing. Most of these practices are designed to manage thatch in the profile. The inherent problem with these practices is the disruption to the playing

surface, and a common result is an insufficient thatch-management program that never really keeps up with the excessive thatch produced by hybrid bermudagrasses and other varieties. A new technique being employed is a process known as “fraze mowing” or “fraise mowing.”

Fraze mowing and the equipment used to fraze mow was developed by Ko Rodenburg of the Netherlands for the renovation of cool-season turfgrass fields.

Rodenburg developed a rotary tiller-type machine (KoRo) that takes off the top layer of the turf, leaving just the roots, rhizomes and some crowns, depending on the height of cut. The debris, which can be utilized as compost or sprigs in bermudagrass applications, then comes out on a conveyer belt located on the side of the machine.

Fraze mowing helps promote new growth and also eliminate thatch and organic buildup on the surface. It also helps decrease weed seed and some cases of black layer. This process is very aggressive (not applicable in all situations), and it takes some time to recover. The noted benefits of thatch removal after fraze mowing led to the question amongst turf researchers: Can fraze mowing reduce SDS incidence and/or severity and aid in the recovery in hybrid bermudagrass?

Our research A split-plot research trial was designed to compare SDS occurrence, severity and recovery in hybrid bermudagrass plots under different fraze mowing depths and nitrogen sources. The trial was established on a ‘Patriot’ hybrid bermudagrass soccer field at the Striker Park, West Creek Complex in Richmond, VA. Fraze mowing occurred on May 29, 2015, and again on June 24, 2016, using a KoRo Imants Field Top Maker (Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom). Fraze-mow treatments consisted of 0, 4 and 8 mm depths. Plots received weekly applications of 0.5 pounds of nitrogen for six weeks following fraze mowing, in the form of ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) or urea (46-0-0).

The plots were rated weekly for bermudagrass recovery, SDS recovery and overall turf quality. Spring dead

Reduction of spring dead spot occurrence and severity was statistically significant between the 8 mm and 0 mm fraze-mow depths.

spot severity, incidence and percent disease were rated in June 2016 after overseeded ryegrass was transitioned.

Plots are receiving weekly fertility again in 2016 following the June 24 fraze mow, and they are being rated for recovery. Disease ratings will be collected in late spring of 2017.

Our results to date After one season, fraze mowing at a depth of 8 mm reduced the incidence (number of SDS patches), severity of patch destruction and overall diseased area compared to the non-fraze-mowed control, when both were fertilized with urea. Fraze mowing at a depth of 4 mm compared favorably with both the 0 mm and 8 mm depths.

Turf-quality reflectance mapping in 2016 showed that split-plots treated with ammonium sulfate were inadvertently

impacted by irrigation non-uniformity and were removed from our analysis.

Plots treated with urea had higher overall quality than those treated with ammonium sulfate, but this is attributed to the non-uniform irrigation instead of nitrogen source.

Plots recovered from fraze mowing in 2015 within four weeks and had higher overall density and quality than non-fraze-mowed bermudagrass by six weeks after mowing. Recovery was faster at the 4 mm depth than 8 mm, but the more aggressive depth had a greater impact on SDS the following spring.

Although more research is needed to validate these results, our data suggest that fraze mowing at a depth of 8 mm can reduce SDS severity and incidenceimpacted ‘Patriot’ bermudagrass playing surfaces. Data collection will continue throughout 2016 and in spring 2017. •

Fall 2016

19

SOD NOTES

Temperature sensors were installed near the bottom, middle and top layers of stacked sod in order to monitor sod-pallet heating characteristics over three or more days in the field at Woodward Turf Farms, Remington, VA.

Photo

The Heating Characteristics of Tall Fescue/ Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermudagrass Sods

By Mike Goatley Jr., Ph.D., Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist; Whitnee Askew, Turfgrass Program Manager; Jon Dickerson, Senior Research Specialist, Virginia Tech; with research cooperators Jeff Everhart and Scott Woodward Woodward Turf Farms

K

nowing more about the effects on sod-pallet heating — as influenced by turfgrass sod-harvest timing (morning vs. afternoon), turf cutting height and soil moisture at harvest — will allow producers to make informed decisions regarding the anticipated shelf life of cool-season turfgrass sods. This study was conducted in May, August and October of 2015 on an 85/15 (% by weight at seed establishment) mixture of tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea L. (Schreb.)]/Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) sod at Woodward Turf Farm (Remington, VA) and on a tall fescue sod at the Virginia Tech Turfgrass Research Center (Blacksburg, VA).

The research utilized small-roll sizes (8.5 ft2) stacked on a pallet (510 ft2 total)

Photo

2

at Remington or as individual rolls on a pallet at Blacksburg. For the sod farm site, remote temperature sensors set to record temperatures on 15-minute intervals for periods of at least 3 days were installed to record temperatures at specified lower, middle and upper locations of the sod on the pallet for sod harvested in either the afternoon or morning of the same or consecutive days (Photo 1). At the Blacksburg site the pre-harvest treatments included varying mowing height (7.5 cm vs 5 cm) and dry (soil % volumetric water content targets of 15-20%) vs. moist (> than 25% VWC) at harvest. The sod was either immediately replaced in the field or handrolled with a sensor installed in the center of the roll and placed on a pallet for 1, 8 or 24 hours when it was returned to the

field and irrigated to monitor recovery.

Time of harvest data varied for the three harvest months, with the afternoon harvest having the highest temperatures recorded for May and October.

As anticipated, heating was less in October than for other harvest months.

While not part of the planned research, rain events on the harvested sod on the pallet in the field impacted internal heating characteristics, seemingly trapping the accumulated heat load. While moist soil warmed more than dry when left on the pallet for 24 hours, moist soil at harvest was highly beneficial for sod recovery (Photo 2). There were no significant differences in heating or recovery characteristics based on variable cutting heights in these trials. •

Greater % volumetric soil water (VSW) contents at harvest provided much better recovery in the field trials at the Blacksburg Turfgrass Research Center.

1

Digital Marketplace

Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

Fall 2016

21

University of Maryland Turfgrass Team

Index of advertisers

Pete Dernoeden, Ph.D.

All States Turfgrass Consultants, LLC........ 17

Professor Emeritus University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-1337 pd@umd.edu

Buy Sod....................................................... 5 www.buysod.com www.centralsodmd.com

Chesapeake Valley Seed............................ 15 www.chesapeakevalleyseed.com

Dept. of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-403-4431 tturner@umd.edu

Collins Wharf Sod Farm............................. 19

Mark Carroll, Ph.D.

East Coast Sod & Seed.............................. 21

Kevin Mathias, Ph.D.

January 24–27, 2017

STMA Conference and Exhibition Orlando, FL

Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc........... 21

Tom Turner, Ph.D.

Dept. of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-1339 mcarroll@umd.edu

Calendar of Events

www.collinswharfsod.com

CoverSports USA....................................... 16 www.coversports.com

Crop Production Services Professional Products................................ 11 www.eastcoastsod.com

Ernst Conservation Seeds.......................... 17 www.ernstseed.com

January 30 – February 2, 2017 Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow

(a joint conference between the Maryland Turfgrass Council and Virginia Turfgrass Council) Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center Fredericksburg, VA

February 4–9, 2017 Golf Industry Show

Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL

Leading Edge Communications.................... 9 www.leadingedgecommunications.com

Lebanon Turf..................... Inside Front Cover www.lebturf.com

Institute of Applied Ag. University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-4692 jkm@umd.edu

Mid-Atlantic STIHL, Inc.......Inside Back Cover

Joseph Roberts, Ph.D.

www.shadyoaksturffarm.com

Dept. of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture College Park, MD 301-405-4355 robertsj@umd.edu

Smith Seed Services.................................. 21

www.stihldealers.com

Progressive Turf Equipment, Inc................ 21

February 20–23, 2017 TPI International Education Conference & Field Day

(Turfgrass Producers Intl.)

Saddlebrook Resort Tampa, Florida

www.progressiveturfequip.com

Shady Oaks Turf Farm............................... 21

www.smithseed.com

Summit Hall Turf Farm, Inc...........Back Cover The Turfgrass Group................................ 3, 7 www.theturfgrassgroup.com

July 19–22, 2017 TPI Summer Program

(In conjunction with the 2017 International Turfgrass Research Conference) The Heldrich New Brunswick, NJ

Dave Funk Manager, Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-403-8195 dfunk@umd.edu

MTC Turf News is the Maryland Turfgrass Council magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTC members. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its board of directors, MTC Turf News, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of MTC Turf News. Copyright © 2016 by the Maryland Turfgrass Council. MTC Turf News is published quarterly. Presorted standard postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTC allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to MTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

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