MTC Turf News - Fall 2020

FALL 2020

THE PENDING STORM Coming to An Athletic Field Near You PLUS – The ResistPoa Project Enters A New Phase

The World’s #1 Zoysiagrass

www.THETURFGRASSGROUP.com

MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL 303 S. Talbot Street #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 Street, Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: 615-790-3718 Fax: 615-794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com

2020 MTC OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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PRESIDENT Ben Ellis – Superintendent Fort Belvoir Golf Course 2806 Brewster Rd Waldorf, MD 20601 Cell: 571-340-0122 golfturf54@gmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT Brandon Sands MNCPPC M&D Randall Farm 4200 Ritchie Marlboro Rd Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Office: 301-780-2426 Cell: 240-821-7139 Brandon.sands@pgparks.com

SECRETARY

18 CONTENTS

24

TREASURER

• FALL 2 0 2 0

10 COVER STORY –

DEPARTMENTS

The Pending Storm Coming to an Athletic Field Near You

6 President’s Message

FEATURES – 18 The ResistPoa Project Enters a New Phase

24 Guest Column: The Balance Myth

8 Executive Director’s Corner 25 Index of Advertisers 26 News from MTC

MTC TURF NEWS

Vernon Cooper All States Turf Consultants 303 S. Talbot Street #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 Office: 410-745-9643 Cell: 443-742-6618 Fax: 410-745-8867 execdir@MDTurfcouncil.com

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM

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 © 2020 by the Maryland Turfgrass Council. MTC Turf News is published quarterly. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. 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 advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC – 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, sales@leadingedgecommunications.com.

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Katy Cooper 303. S. Talbot Street #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 Office: 410-745-9643 Fax: 410-745-8867 Cell: 443-496-0750 treasurer@MDTurfCouncil.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

22 Upcoming CBLP Certification Opportunities

Cheryl Gaultney 12 Pressie Lane Churchville, MD 21028 Home: 410-734-0650 Cell: 410-322-8275 Sandqueen10@aol.com

Jamie Roell Anne Arundel. Co. Rec. & Parks 1010 Kinder Farm Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 Work: 410-222-6250 Cell: 443-370-2582 Fax: 410-222-6138 Personal Cell: 410-215-1425 Rproel09@aacounty.org jamroell@verizon.net

Three-Year Director Terms Perry Whaley Newsom Seed P.O. Box 510 11788 Scaggsville Rd. Fulton, MD 20759 240-554-0359 Perry@newsomseed.com

Two-Year Director Terms Keith Bowman McHale Landscape Design 6212 Leapley Rd Upper Marlboro, MD 20722 Cell: 240-375-8753 keithb@mchalelandscape.com Matt Coates Nationals Baseball 1500 S. Capitol Street S.E. Washington, DC 20003 Office: 202-640-7545 Cell: 202-731-4774 Matt.Coates@Nationals.com Shaun Meredith Calvert County Rec & Parks 175 Main Street Prince Frederick, MD 20678 Cell: 410-610-9007 Office: 410-535-1600 Shaun.Meredith@ calvertcountymd.gov

One-Year Director Terms Kim Bohn Newsom Seed 209 Spruce Ave. Edgewater, MD 21037 Cell: 443-875-5533 kimberly@newsonseed.com Amanda Stillwagon Anne Arundel Co. Rec & Parks 1 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 Office: 410-553-7663 Cell: 704-877-8810 rpstil00@aacounty.org

Board Appointed 1 Year Directors Logan Freeman – Superintendent Mountain Branch Golf Club 1827 Mountain Rd Joppa, MD 21085 Cell: 208-866-6380 lfreeman@mountainbranch.com Pat Coakley Dura Edge Products 1121 Oakwood Lane Bel Air, MD 21015 410-241-3013 pcoakley@duraedge.com Jon Straughn – Sales Chesapeake Valley Seed 8869 Greenwood Place, Suite C Savage, MD 20763 301-725-7333 Fax: 301-725-7336 Cell: 443-253-3987 JStraughn@Chesapeake ValleySeed.com Scott Orndorff Landscape Supply 5325 Columbia Rd, Apt. D Columbia, MD 21044 301-458-5625 scott@landscapesupplyva.com

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

ATTENDING VIRTUAL CONFERENCES MY

inbox has been full of advertisements for upcoming conferences, including the emails that I send out on behalf of the Maryland Turfgrass Council for our annual winter conference. When I have been talking with others in our industry about what to expect I normally get the same answer or something similar to it, “We will have to just see how it works.”

I wanted to provide something beneficial for our members so I began looking around at how to really get the most out of a virtual conference, whether it be the Maryland Turfgrass Conference, the Golf Industry Show, or a number of other MTC events or conferences this winter and into the future. Hopefully you will be able to gain another perspective and really get the most value out of a virtual conference.

Blocking off your calendar •W ork never stops, but when you’re attending a virtual conference it should take a backseat – even if only for an hour or two at a time. After all, you chose to attend a virtual conference because you saw value in the speakers, educational sessions, and networking opportunities, so don’t throw away the time you have to learn and grow! Make sure your co-workers know when you’ll be busy and make an effort not to check email while you’re in sessions. – Madison Layman, CVENT

Keep an open mind •W hether consciously or unconsciously, you may be thinking that you will not learn as much from an online conference as you would in person. This can be especially true given the interruptions that COVID-19 has already caused to our daily life. Your conference may look a little different, but conference organizers work hard to plan an agenda that will provide you with actionable takeaways that you can use in your lab. Going in with an open mind will strengthen your motivation and willingness to participate. – Tara Luther and Allison Suchon, Promega Connections

Minimize distractions •W hether you’re working from home, the office, or the lab, distractions are bound to pop up. Limit them by setting up a quiet space where you can participate in the conference. Silence your phone, block your calendar, and consider putting a “do not disturb” message on your email. If you’re logging on from home, try to find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted by your furry, four-legged “coworkers” or children won’t come bounding into the room like you’re being interviewed on the BBC. But don’t worry about dressing up. Go ahead and wear those pajama pants and fluffy slippers. – Tara Luther and Allison Suchon, Promega Connections 6

MTC TURF NEWS

Familiarize yourself with the tools •D on’t wait until the day of the conference to test out the platform on your device. Test your audio and ensure a strong WiFi connection. Laptops or desktop computers work better than viewing on a smartphone, though most conference platforms, like the one ISHI is using this year, are compatible with mobile devices. – Tara Luther and Allison Suchon, Promega Connections

Be an active participant • I t can be tempting to slip in and out of sessions without participating during a live event and remaining anonymous is even easier online. Resist that temptation! What you get out of the conference depends on what you put in. Introduce yourself in the chat and see what new connections you can make. Is there a topic that you’re interested in discussing? Start a conversation! Do you have a question for the speakers?

Don’t be afraid to connect with them. You never know how the connections you make today will benefit you tomorrow.

It’s also a good way to feel closer and more connected to the presenters and other attendees, even if you’re far apart and have a computer screen in front of you. – Tara Luther and Allison Suchon, Promega Connections

Stand and stretch •D on’t feel confined to your chair. Build in breaks in between sessions to take a short walk or stand and stretch. And, if you aren’t on video during a session that hits in the middle of the afternoon, don’t be afraid to stand. Activity, even something as small as standing or walking in place, can wake you up and get you refocused on the content at hand. – Madison Layman, CVENT

Set up time to review and re-watch •A benefit of virtual conferences is that sessions are often available on-demand, whether during the conference or right after. If there was a session you want to re-watch or quickly review again, you can! Set aside time each day of the conference or on the final day to review your notes and make the most of the content you absorbed. – Madison Layman, CVENT

Ben Ellis

Maryland Turfgrass Council (571) 340-0122 SOURCES https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/events/10-tips-attending-virtual-conference https://www.promegaconnections.com/tips-for-attendees-making-themost-of-a-virtual-conference

MA20TURF04-12-143734-4

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S CORNER

All MTC Members and Friends: This is the latest from the University for a man who has touched many of our lives over the last 40 years. Please read below and search your own heart.

Vernon W. Cooper MTC Executive Director

Dr. J. Kevin Mathias ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND

IN

2017, the Dr. J. Kevin Mathias Scholarship at the University of Maryland’s Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA), was established to honor Dr. Mathias’ nearly 40 years of teaching, advising, and mentoring students, and his deep commitment enriching the turfgrass industry. The fund will specifically ensure our students have the resources available to pursue their education in agriculture-related fields by awarding annual scholarships to IAA students who intend to pursue careers in the areas of Golf Course and Turfgrass Management, Ornamental Horticulture, Landscape Management, Agricultural Leadership and Communication, and Agricultural Business Management. The overarching goal of the fund is to assist

students in reaching their goal of working in the many different areas of agricultural enterprises such as golf and sports turf maintenance, landscaping businesses and farming operations.

To achieve the endowment goal of $25,000 by December 31, 2021, we are asking for your help to support the Dr. J. Kevin Mathias Scholarship. To date, $9,000 has been raised for the fund. In addition, $5,000 has been generously offered to match incoming donations.

Additional fundraising strategies for the fund include soliciting IAA alumni and various vendors in the golf industry. Thank you in advance for considering making a donation in honor of Dr. Mathias.

WAYS TO GIVE

BY CREDIT CARD Visit

https://giving.umd.edu/giving/Fund.php?name=dr-j-kevin-mathias-scholarship

BY CHECK Check made payable to

University of Maryland College Park Foundation Inc.

In the memo line please write “ Dr.

J. Kevin Mathias Scholarship Fund (Account 21-31411).”

Please mail your check to: Office of Gift Acceptance 4603 Calvert Road College Park, MD 20740-3421

If you have any questions, please contact Carolyn Fernandez at (301) 755-7068 or via e-mail at cfernanc@umd.edu 8

MTC TURF NEWS

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FALL 2020

9

COVER STORY

THE PENDING STORM Coming to An Athletic Field Near You Mike Goatley, Jr., Ph.D., Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist, Virginia Tech David McCall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Pathologist, Virginia Tech Shawn Askew, Ph.D., Professor and Extension Turfgrass Weed Scientist, Virginia Tech

We’re

not forecasting catastrophic weather events (although given the way 2020 has gone, what might happen?) Instead, this article is intended to help you avoid disaster as it relates to the pending storm of what is about to play out on your sports fields.

Sports field managers are realizing what is on the horizon regarding the demands for use of their sports fields in 2021 with many fall sports now delayed until the spring. The sports field manager will once again face the reality that every sport is the most important in that particular coach’s, player’s, or parent’s mind and the perception (hopefully not expectation) that field access is unlimited. It was fascinating watching the progression of the ‘MLS is Back’ tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex where they hosted 51 matches on 3 fields over

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MTC TURF NEWS

35 days – and the natural grass fields performed marvelously well thanks to an excellent team of sports field managers and consultants. Most of you are facing budget and labor cuts etc. and are quite limited in physical acreage that can be utilized for a greatly expanded spring sports schedule. While there is no guarantee for success, planning and managing for the onslaught of field use in 2021 begins NOW! There are no quick and easy fixes to limitations in soil, a properly crowned field, and an effective irrigation system. So, if those limitations describe your facility, accept that you are somewhat handicapped from the start. However, there are basic cultural, chemical, and communication management concepts that you can employ to help you provide the safest, best playing surfaces under extreme traffic conditions in 2021.

Grow as much as grass as possible until cold weather arrives.

It doesn’t matter if it’s warm-season or cool-season, now is the time to grow the thickest, densest, healthiest turfgrass possible.

Many have had to reduce inputs on fields that were not in use; that was appropriate and even necessary for budgets. But given what is coming, you now need to do everything you can to optimize turf density and health prior to winter because the growth rates of both bermudagrass (4–5 months dormancy) and cool-season grasses (2–3 months of no or restricted growth potential) will decline in a few months.

– Soil pH and nutrient management: The makings of a healthy turf begin with a properly balanced soil in terms of pH and nutrients. A soil test is the only way to really know what the soil needs and there is no cheaper piece of insurance in making informed decisions than to soil test (Figure 1). Both warm and cool-season grasses will benefit from the utilization of a soil test in late summer through midfall. There is still time to benefit from nitrogen on bermudagrass fields, but keep the nutrient management standards of up to 1 lb N/1000 sq ft per active growing month in mind, and if possible, go to a light and frequent fertility program as the days get shorter. The strategy for a heavily trafficked sports field in the fall (that carries over to the spring) is to keep the bermudagrass actively growing as long as possible, but not extremely succulent heading into that period when frost/ freeze events are expected to occur. One point of caution regarding fertilization on bermudagrass next spring in the midst of all the traffic: the tendency is to want to begin fertilizing as soon as it starts to green in an effort to get as much regrowth as possible.

That’s a risky strategy that might pay dividends if Mother Nature cooperates (i.e. no more frost events), but for most locations the threat of late season frosts that can decimate all of that early season growth are enough reason to delay spring fertilization until the possibility of frost has passed (this occurred throughout the mid-Atlantic and mid-South in 2020 when March was warmer than April in many locations). For cool-season grasses, fall is the PRIMARY time to conduct the majority of your seasonal N fertility program for improved performance now and a carry-over in growth and color response into 2021. The standard rule of “if it needs mowing, it is growing” applies to developing your fertility program, with targets of 0.75 to 1 lb soluble N/1000 sq ft per active growing month on our cool season fields.

– Mowing height: This is a double-edged sword question and answer. Mowing your fields at the lower end of a grass’ cutting height tolerance range promotes lateral growth and better density during optimal growing periods (that might be 0.75 to 1.5" for a bermudagrass field, to 1.5 to 2.5" for a cool-season field). Mow the grasses regularly, keeping the 1/3rd rule in play, but keep in mind that more biomass (to a point… we’re not talking about letting grasses get too tall for the sport) generally equates to better wear tolerance.

– Cultivation: Two thoughts come to mind here. Many have had the opportunity to manage compaction during the down time on their fields, with some afforded opportunities that they never would have had during standard use schedules.

FIGURE 1: Two composite soil samples (denoted by X’s and Y’s in this image) from your rectangles and baseball fields will provide the science-based information you need to meet the lime and nutrient needs of your sports grasses.

FIGURE 2: The ‘Shockwave’ machine is one of many ways to perform what is known as ‘linear decompaction’ on an athletic field with blades cutting slits 10 or more inches deep into the profile, with minimal surface disruption.

Given what is coming with the traffic, compaction relief is especially critical now if it has not been addressed, and perhaps going as far as a linear decompaction treatment or deep tine application is warranted for its long-term benefits that will extend into 2021 (Figure 2)? Then I would suggest you do that this fall if budget permits. There is still time to address compaction on both bermudagrass and cool-season fields during late summer through mid-fall. Then, if time and resources allow, consider how you might be able to incorporate solid tine (or other less surface disruptive tools) into the intensively trafficked areas next spring.

You can’t likely do much traditional hollow-tine aeration on a dormant or slowly growing field because the turfgrass can’t recuperate quickly enough to maintain playability. As the spring progresses, you will need to schedule and implement your regular cultivation events to best address soil compaction.

FALL 2020

11

COVER STORY • continued

12

Also, remember that your cultivation programs don’t necessarily have to be on the entire field. The sport results in obvious traffic patterns to address (perhaps one of the biggest challenges will be that due to lack of space, sporting events will be relocated to fields that were previously dedicated to one or two sports.

Concentrate your cultivation programs on the trafficked areas if you have budget, equipment, or labor limitations and give them a couple of aeration events rather than poking holes in the best parts of a field that receive little traffic.

– Overseeding: Several sports field managers have indicated that while they did not overseed their bermudagrass the past few years that they thought it likely worth the investment in the seed and the management of the ryegrass in order to have an actively growing grass for all of the mid-late winter traffic. I think that has always been the best argument for overseeding bermudagrass with ryegrass – period. It remains an agronomic fact that the ryegrass is nothing more than a weed to bermudagrass, but intensive spring traffic is a very strong justification for winter overseeding. If you overseed bermudagrass, then OVERSEED your bermudagrass! At least 6–10 lbs of pure living ryegrass seed per 1000 sq ft, and I suggest you go towards the higher side rather than lower to ensure the best density. It will require periodic fertilization, regular mowing, and will be a detriment to your bermudagrass later next spring. However, it might be the best choice for you and your situation. Keep in mind that the ultimate product you seek to provide is a safe field, and clumpy ryegrass has long been one of the biggest reasons to not overseed a bermudagrass field (Figure 3). The debate will continue as to the pros and cons of winter overseeding with the answer to should you or shouldn’t you do it being ‘yes’.

As with fall fertilization on cool-season grasses, fall is also the preferred season to seed and/or renovate cool season turf.

Kentucky bluegrass remains a staple of cool-season fields because of its rhizomatous growth habit, perennial ryegrass fits well into cool-season renovation because of how fast it germinates, and the newest generation of turf-type tall fescues continue to expand in use on cool-season turf, especially in combination with Kentucky bluegrass. Dormant seeding of cool season grasses over worn areas will have the seed primed and ready to germinate when spring temperatures and moisture are suitable. For situations where it is critical to get seed up as soon as possible, turf blankets can be applied.

– Use covers if you have them or can afford them. Hopefully your fields will have dense grass cover because of reduced use in 2020, but reality is that a return to practices at some schools and planned fall parks and recreation use schedules, that many fields are likely going to be intensively trafficked even this fall.

Turf blankets can enhance late season recovery efforts with seeded cool-season grasses, promote the establishment of overseeded bermudagrass turfs, and protect bermudagrass from damage from winter temperature extremes. Turf blankets will also help keep traffic off of the fields. They are a significant expense, but they are pretty much the only way to stimulate offseason grass growth and development (Figure 4), and if they are properly handled and stored, they will last many years.

FIGURE 3: An improperly overseeded bermudagrass field can have very poor footing and playability for spring sports due to the clumpy nature of the ryegrass.

FIGURE 4: A winter-applied turf blanket removed in March in Blacksburg delivers a Kentucky bluegrass surface that is 4–6 weeks ahead of development compared to uncovered grass.

MTC TURF NEWS

Weed control strategies If procedures for maximizing turf density discussed above are followed, weed control requirements should be less than normal.

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COVER STORY • continued

Use herbicides that have the least injury potential and only target weeds that threaten to dominate the stand or compromise player safety. Avoid using long-residual, preemergence herbicides since expected wear pressure will be “off the charts” as fall and spring games will be combined in the spring.

Cool-season. Herbicides such as mesotrione, topramezone, triclopyr, halosulfuron, 2,4-D, dicamba, MCPP, and quinclorac should be part of your arsenal. Mesotrione is great for use during seeding to suppress winter annuals without harming cool-season seedlings. It has more residual performance than topramezone in that respect. Topramezone is best for large goosegrass plants, bermudagrass suppression, and general postemergence grass control. Halosulfuron is a safe option to control sedges when new seedlings may be established and grass growth potential must be maximized in a short period of time. Triclopyr should be avoided on turf seedlings or on Kentucky bluegrass during hot weather. On more mature stands, it controls hard-to-kill broadleaf weeds, helps suppress bermudagrass when mixed with topramezone, and reduces white symptoms on weed leaves when used with mesotrione or topramezone. The other broadleaf herbicides are safe options for postemergence control of unwanted broadleaf weeds. Quinclorac is the best product for cleaning up massive crabgrass plants late season.

It should be possible to address annual bluegrass without herbicides. Since fall play is omitted, make every effort to seed heavily and early, fertilize with nitrogen-based products while avoiding phosphorous unless a soil test demands it. Any excess phosphorous will only serve as a starter fertilizer for annual bluegrass. The nitrogen will maximize turf competition with new annual bluegrass seedlings and should reduce their invasion. The key is to get a solid stand of turf before annual bluegrass starts emerging (max. air temps consistently below 70°F) and promote maximum turf density and competitiveness. In addition to avoiding phosphorous, reduce irrigation frequency to match turf needs. Don’t maintain wet surfaces for long periods as this will promote annual bluegrass infestation.

Next spring, only use herbicides that allow for immediate seeding of cool-season turfgrasses as repair of damaged areas will likely be required. For example, don’t delay broadleaf weed control until spring since the products don’t work well in latewinter cold and many of them carry 3–4-week reseeding restrictions. Products like quincorac, mesotrione, and topramezone would be good choices depending on the weed spectrum.

Warm season. If managing bermudagrass fields, one has a tough decision to make: Overseed or don’t overseed. Repeating what was said earlier, overseeding will arguably place you in better shape for the coming wear stress but be advised that immense effort and resources will be needed this fall to achieve and keep a high-density stand so that it will be ready come February. Be prepared to defend 2–3 mowings per week, fertility expense, fungicides, etc. during a time when no one is on the field.

Overseed early and you may need to suppress bermudagrass growth with high rates of trinexapac ethyl and optimize ryegrass emergence with 1/8-inch sand topdressing. Aggressive core aeration or verticutting is not recommended as a means of reducing bermudagrass vigor as this will weaken the bermudagrass substantially for next summer. If coring is needed anyway,

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MTC TURF NEWS

FIGURE 5: Postemergent non-selective weed control with glyphosate on this dormant bermudagrass field provides an exceptional and safe playing surface.

that need will trump bermudagrass injury concerns. Thus, if soils are compacted, that is sufficient reason to coincide aeration with the seeding event. In fact, dragging cores can replace the sand top dressing as a means to promote ryegrass establishment in a dense bermudagrass stand. If overseeding at higher rates, early, and a successful stand establishment is gained, weed control inputs may not be needed. If you must overseed later or annual bluegrass has already started to emerge prior to overseeding, apply foramsulfuron one week prior to seeding to kill emerged annual bluegrass.

The counter argument in favor of not overseeding best applies to fields that are entering the fall season at above-average density.

In fact, any or all of the following may make non-overseeded bermudagrass fields a prudent choice: If your bermudagrass density is high, you have limited budget, if you can reduce the number of events played on any one field, or if you expect the field to be “blown up” regardless of what you do. When not overseeding, resources may essentially be held back and used for the recovery phase rather than for producing an optimal stand of perennial ryegrass in advance of the coming spring. The downside is that your only option when playing conditions become unsafe may be to close the field. Sand top dressing and divot fill can improve field safety but is a short-term fix when turf density is lost. Weed control needs will increase on non-overseeded fields.

Expect to use glyphosate or glufosinate to control winter weeds after the field enters dormancy (Figure 5). Since this often happens in February, you may be too close to the deferred season to clean up the fields. It is best to target winter broadleaf weeds with 3-way combo products the previous fall. Likewise, products like trifloxysulfuron applied in fall as bermudagrass is entering dormancy can help knock back winter weeds and allow for a glyphosate or glufosinate follow up to be more effective and aesthetically pleasing in late February.

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• IMPROVED DISEASE CONTROL

COVER STORY • continued

Disease control strategies Diseases will likely impact sports fields next spring, whether managing warm-season or cool-season grasses. As previously mentioned, improving the overall density, uniformity, and vigor in the fall will pay dividends next spring when traffic is at an alltime high. Following the advice on each of the cultural practices listed above will not only improve the appearance of the field, but will also allow the plants to defend themselves against turfgrass pathogens.

Spring dead spot continues to be the most prevalent disease on bermudagrass sports fields (Figure 6). If no actions are taken this fall, the only viable option will be to promote recovery in the spring through nitrogen fertilization and cultivation. The problem that we will likely run into next spring is that turfgrass managers will be attempting to do this without any breaks from foot traffic on the fields, something that will prove almost impossible. Both fall fertilization and mowing height can impact spring dead spot the following year.

As previously mentioned, applying small amounts of nitrogen into the fall will extend the photosynthetic period of the bermudagrass, resulting in a healthier root system to fight off the spring dead spot pathogen during the winter. However, be cautious not to overapply as too much top growth late into the season can be detrimental to the root system as well. Also pay attention to any macro- or micronutrient deficiencies that may show up during the soil test and supplement accordingly.

As for mowing height, bermudagrass is less susceptible to cold injury when mowing heights are increased as the stand enters winter dormancy. The end result of spring dead spot damage is caused by localized winterkill in patches that are weakened by the pathogen. We suggest slowly stepping up the mowing height by approximately 50% as the grass slows down. For example, if fields are maintained at 0.75" during the active season, consider raising to somewhere between 1" and 1.25" during the last couple months of fall growth.

If spring dead spot has historically plagued a particular sports field, this may be the year to strongly consider applying a preventative fungicide. Several fungicides have proven effective. The most consistent performers in Virginia Tech research trials have been the SDHI class; such as isofetamid (Kabuto), penthiopyrad (Velista), and pydiflumetofen (Posterity). Fungicides should be applied in the fall when soil temperatures fall between 70°F and 75°F. A repeat application approximately 3–4 weeks later may prove beneficial if we experience a long, gradual decline in soil temperatures. Fungicide applications for suppressing spring dead spot should be watered in immediately to maximize their performance.

Those needing to overseed their fields this fall with a coolseason grass should be wary of seedling diseases that can quickly wipe out a stand of new grass. Particularly, be cautious of gray leaf spot and ‘damping off’ during the first couple of weeks after seeding. Gray leaf spot, in particular, has become increasingly problematic on both perennial ryegrass and tall fescue in late summer to early fall. Both diseases are most severe during prolonged periods of leaf wetness in conjunction with high canopy temperatures. However, consistent moisture drives each disease

16

MTC TURF NEWS

FIGURE 6: Spring dead spot must be treated with appropriate fungicides in the fall prior to fungal infection in order to control/reduce the likelihood of disease symptoms on bermudagrass sports fields the next spring.

more than temperature. And, both diseases are also most severe when nitrogen is readily available. Consistently wet with plenty of readily available nitrogen describes establishment to a T, as seed needs to be watered continuously for the first couple of weeks, typically in conjunction with a starter fertilizer. The potential for these diseases shouldn’t prevent fall overseeding to prepare for next spring. Rather, extra caution should be taken to inspect the seedlings routinely to any symptoms of the diseases or, more importantly, signs of the pathogens. As with spring dead spot, this may be a year where it is worth the investment in a good fungicide to make sure overseeding establishment is a success.

Establishing and maintaining communication is more important than ever This article likely doesn’t do as much for you as it could your supervisors, administration, players, coaches, etc., so you might accidentally leave it in a place where they might take a glance at it! Even with all of the agronomic and pest management challenges detailed, the toughest part of your battle in sports field disaster prevention is always the management of the traffic on the field. You aren’t likely to win many of these battles, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wage the battle because two-way communication is always an important part of any successful operation. Regular communication with your coaches, administration, and players regarding upcoming field use schedules begins now as you plan for what is likely to happen beginning in early 2021. Getting buy-in from them regarding at least a basic understanding of the pending challenges is an important first step in your management program. Plainly stated, excessive traffic leads to compaction and compaction leads to the loss of grass because of a lack of oxygen and physical limitation to root penetration. Remember that one traffic event on a saturated soil in any season can likely destroy a season’s worth of efforts in providing a safe playable field; the magnitude of the damage is much greater if a wet field is trafficked over the late fall to early winter months when there is neither time nor conditions to adequately promote recovery. Fields exist to be used, but ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to understanding that field use guidelines and practices must ensure that athlete safety comes first. •

FEATURE STORY

THE

ResistPoa P R O J E CT

ENTERS A NEW PHASE

By Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mississippi State University

PHOTO 1: The ResistPoa team includes researchers from Texas A&M, University of Tennessee, Mississippi State, University of Georgia, North Carolina State, Clemson, University of Florida, Rutgers, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Penn State, University of Arizona, Portland State, Oregon State and Auburn.

18

MTC TURF NEWS

The

ResistPoa project seeks new and innovative strategies that help practitioners make informed decisions regarding annual bluegrass (Poa annua) control. The project is funded by a $5.6 million United States Department of Agriculture – Specialty Crop Research Initiative (USDA-SCRI) grant and involves 16 universities as well as their research laboratories and lab members. This is one of only a few federally funded turfgrass projects in the nation, and we’re grateful to reviewers and stakeholders who were involved in its selection (Photo 1).

Our objectives are to characterize nationwide distribution of herbicide resistant annual bluegrass, seek out new and novel means of control, and identify socio-economic constraints that affect practitioner behavior.

The project is now in its second year. We are proud to have teamed up with Leading Edge Communications to bring our stakeholders an update through a series of podcasts and written communications.

A Long-Rooted History: Poa Annua Through the Years Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a troublesome weed in managed landscapes and crops alike. It is one of the most widespread in the world. In fact, it has been reported on every continent, including Antarctica (Olech, 1996).

Annual bluegrass is thought to have resulted from a cross between weak bluegrass (Poa infirma) and creeping meadow-grass (Poa supina) perhaps 2.5 million years ago during the interglacial ice age periods on the European continent. More recently, these two parent species have been shown to cross quite readily (Tutin, 1957).

Annual bluegrass is an annual comprised of numerous biotypes or “populations” – many of which are capable of perennating, meaning that they may exist in a vegetative state throughout the year, all along reproducing through aggressive tillering and seed production. Though perennial biotypes are much less common than annual biotypes, they tend to occur in frequently mown or grazed scenarios in temperate climates with adequate year-round soil moisture.

Poa in ancient Greek means ‘fodder’; therefore, it should come as no surprise that temperate, cool-season pastures of the old-world have historically been comprised of at least some Poa species, including annual bluegrass and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). In the temperate environments of England, Poa annua is in fact referred to as annual meadow-grass, while Kentucky bluegrass is called smooth meadow-grass.

Annual bluegrass has been a research interest since the early 1900’s.

An often-cited early publication concerning annual bluegrass control was published by the USGA Green Section in 1922 – “How we controlled Poa annua at Old Elm.” This introspective piece is part self-congratulatory, part admission of defeat. It’s easy to find and well worth the read.

In our interviews with co-authors, one thing is clear: annual bluegrass isn’t going anywhere. We’re just trying to keep up. The ResistPoa project has a unique role to play. John Kaminski, a Penn State investigator, summed this up well: “This has been a long battle that people have dealt with, and I don’t think we’re going to solve all those battles, but by consolidating all the people from various geographic regions that really have different management styles and practices based on where they’re located, I think we’re going to be able to come up with concentrated information for people managing turf in specific regions. I think that hasn’t been done before.”

Our Challenge As a turfgrass weed, annual bluegrass’s color and texture are an aesthetic problem. It disrupts athletic performance as well as ball roll. It can survive and reproduce at almost any mowing height.

It results in thinned and vulnerable turfgrass stands. Practitioners and researchers alike find that controlling and managing it seems to be more art than it is science.

As an industry, we too quickly start our conversations regarding annual bluegrass by discussing chemical control options, but any astute turfgrass manager knows that we can’t keep doing the same things if they’re not working. We must also acknowledge societal and economic variables that influence our decision making. David Ervin at Portland State University and George Frisvold at University of Arizona are doing just that. Socio-economic investigations are collecting data through the use of focus groups and surveys. This approach challenges us to look beyond chemical control as a single dimension solution. Jim Brosnan from the University of Tennessee says: “This is the first time that I’ve been involved in an effort that is really trying to get at the sociological piece, the human element or decision-making piece of what we do. And my hope is that by trying to understand those dynamics, it’s going to make the solutions that come from the research easier to adapt.”

Beyond chemical control strategies, a critical objective of the ResistPoa project is to develop sound best management practices (BMPs) based upon a better understanding of the ecology and biology of annual bluegrass. “[W]hat it’s going to do is expand our knowledge a little bit better on those aspects of Poa annua control that are now solely dependent on which synthetic herbicide to spray today or tomorrow or next week,” says Shawn Askew from Virginia Tech. “We’re looking more at the biology of the weed and trying to exploit its weaknesses.”

Controlling annual bluegrass requires a diversified approach, incorporating proper cultural practices that favor the desired turfgrass species, appropriate herbicide application timings and combinations that account for known resistance issues.

Another objective is to understand seed production and seedling germination. Given adequate soil temperature and moisture, annual bluegrass seed germinate and establish relatively quickly. The project seeks to understand this through a series of experiments.

In ongoing studies, investigators at Georgia, Mississippi, Penn State, Purdue, and Tennessee have been studying the effects of growing degree day (GDD) accumulation on annual bluegrass seed formation and subsequent germination. In 2019 and 2020, we tracked GDD accumulation from January 1 through flowering and eventual seed ripening. Across sites, it appears that seed germination rates rise rapidly after 1,250 GDD (base 32°F) accumulation and that the highest germination rates occur for seed retained longest on the plant. Ongoing experiments at Texas A&M, Auburn, Clemson, Tennessee, Oregon State, Purdue, and Rutgers also seek to determine the effects of seed burial and persistence as well as seedling emergence patterns. Those efforts are complemented by studies investigating seedling emergence (led by researchers at Penn State) and other studies evaluating fraze-mowing as a mechanical means of depleting the soil seed bank (at Tennessee and Florida).

FALL 2020

19

FEATURE STORY • continued

Herbicide Resistance One of the most comprehensive objectives of the ResistPoa project is a national survey of herbicide resistant annual bluegrass.

This has proven to be a challenging objective. With more than 30 researchers involved, we have standardized procedures for population collection and developed workflows that keep whole greenhouses of plants alive at more than a dozen locations. We have developed techniques for rapid screening of an unprecedented number of annual bluegrass populations. Our findings will be made relevant through the development of a user-friendly decision-support tool that helps facilitate herbicide mode of action rotation, as well as the incorporation of effective cultural practices.

To date, we have screened more than 1,500 annual bluegrass samples for post-emergence resistance to the following herbicide modes/sites of action (and respective herbicides): • 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate-dioxygenase or HPPD (mesotrione) • 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase or ESPS (glyphosate) • acetolactate-synthase or ALS (trifloxysulfuron, foramsulfuron, and others) • glutamine synthetase (glufosinate) • microtubule assembly (pronamide) • photosystem I (diquat) • photosystem II (simazine)

20

MTC TURF NEWS

And preemergence resistance to the following herbicide modes/ sites of action: • i nhibition of cell wall biosynthesis (indaziflam) • microtubule assembly (prodiamine and pronamide) In year 1 of our study, we identified suspected resistance to many sites of action studied. Most of the resistant populations were from southern states. Of 776 samples collected in winter of 2018/2019 from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, 13% were suspected resistant to ALSinhibiting herbicides, 8% to glyphosate, 5% to simazine applied postemergence, 3% to pronamide applied postemergence, and 5% to microtubule synthesis inhibitors applied preemergence.

Our work analyzing for herbicide resistance has only just begun. Suspected resistant populations that escaped preliminary screens of labelled rates are now moving though secondary rateresponse screens to confirm and quantify resistance. Confirmed resistant populations will then move through target-site resistance screens at Auburn, where researchers will analyze for mutations within the genetic sequence for targeted enzymes. Unique cases (for instance, populations with multiple-herbicide-resistance) will then be screened for non-target site resistance by researchers at North Carolina and Georgia.

PHOTO 2: Poa annua survives where few others can.

continued • FEATURE STORY

Find Out More

PHOTO 3: ResistPoa.org offers resources for turf managers.

The best way to keep track of our results is by monitoring our @ResistPoa Twitter handle. We’re posting updates and retweeting relevant information there. The website ResistPoa.org is a handy tool for stakeholders. We have included a search function that allows folks to look for published information by State, Turf Type, and Control Method. There are educational videos and a repository of webinar recordings. We’ll be adding a decision support tool over time. This tool should account for herbicide application history, site/mode of action, and much more.

We look forward to sharing knowledge and best management strategies with you in the future.

For more information, please visit RESISTPOA.ORG, follow us on Twitter (@ResistPoa), and listen to podcasts at TheTurfZone.com.

3A (above): The tools tab provides links to support best management practices for controlling annual bluegrass.

3B (Below): The search feature allows visitors to find targeted information using filters for turf type, control method and state.

References: Alexander, W. A. 1922. How we controlled Poa annua at Old Elm. Bulletin of the Green Section of the USGA 2(7): 213-214.

Olech, M. 1996. Human impact on terrestrial ecosystems in west Antarctica. In Proceedings of the NIPR Symposium on Polar Biology (pp. 299-306). National Institute of Polar Research. •

DIGITAL MARKETPLACE DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVORITE QR READER TO YOUR PHONE AND SCAN THE CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE COMPANIES.

FALL 2020

21

FEATURE STORY

WINTER 2020 – 21

LEVEL 1 TRAINING R

egistration is now open for Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) certification program Level 1 training.

This highly interactive three-day course will combine online learning with a field day. Participants will choose one online session, which will run from 9 AM – 12 PM each day:

Session 1 – December 1 & 8 Session 2 – January 19 & 26 Session 3 – February 10 & 17 Online sessions will be followed by full-day field practicums.

Participants choose one field day (9:30 AM – 3:00 PM) in one of the following locations. Snow dates are listed on the CBLP website.

•

January 27 – Arlington, VA

•

February 18 – Lancaster, PA

•

February 23 – Annapolis, MD

•

February 26 – Norfolk, VA

•

March 2 – Fredericksburg, VA

•

March 9 – Columbia, MD

Level 1 registration is online: https://cblpro.org/training-calendar/ Register by November 16, and use the coupon BMPDAVE for a $50 discount. For those working in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, RISE grant funding may provide an additional discount. Email katie@cblpro.org and ask about RISE scholarships.

CBLP will follow CDC safety and hygiene protocols for outdoor field days, and will abide by all local and state guidelines for gatherings, which means we cannot rule out virus-related cancellations. We have instituted a flexible change policy in case you or we need to postpone. Masks or other face coverings are required.

22

MTC TURF NEWS

About CBLP CBLP is a voluntary, regional credential for professionals who design, install, and maintain sustainable landscapes in the Bay watershed. Visit http://cblpro.org/get-certified/ for information, and to apply. CBLP offers two levels of training: Level 1 is a baseline certification in design, installation, and maintenance of sustainable landscapes, emphasizing proper management of stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Level 2 is an advanced credential in design or installation, focusing on stormwater BMPs. CBLP’s active learning program engages participants to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative practice skills. We focus on the unique ecology and regulatory environment of the Bay region, but all are welcome to attend.

CBLP course attendees may earn continuing education credits from numerous professional organizations including ASLA, APLD, MNLGA, PLNA, VNLA, VSLD, VA DEQ SWM/ESC Inspectors and VA UNM. A searchable, online directory of certified professionals is available at http://cblpro.org/directory/.

Level 1 candidates must have a degree, certificate, or certification in a related field, or have professional experience. To qualify for Level 2, professionals must complete Level 1 and demonstrate experience designing or installing stormwater BMPs. CBLP has certified 623 Level 1, and 81 Level 2 professionals.

CO N TACT:

KAT IE PIN KHAM at katie@cblpro.org or 301-758-6574

FALL 2020

23

GUEST COLUMN

THE BALANCE MYTH

By Neal Glatt, CSP, ASM

For

many workers, work-life balance used to be a noble goal. The idea was that if we can do our jobs well for 40 (or more) hours per week, then it would be possible to provide for a family to go back to and spend time with off-the-job. If the time was in balance, we would not worry about the obligations of work when spending time personally, or about personal issues when at work, then things would be good. There are a number of reasons that this myth doesn’t make much sense.

For one, what does “in balance” even mean? How do you know when the equation is balanced? If I miss an hour of work, do I “owe” it back to the organization? Or I work an extra few hours on a big project, am I to be compensated more for them?

What if I like work so much that I want to spend more than 40 hours there – am I off-balance?

Second, who can possibly separate work and life anymore?

Even before COVID forced us to work from home, where my living room, clutter, and/or children are on full display for my coworkers, business cell phones meant I was expected to respond after-hours or on weekends, at least for emergencies. It seems like the line between work and life has been awful blurry ever since e-mail started showing up on cell phones.

Third, when I have a real problem, it bothers me no matter what I’m supposed to be doing. When I have a big problem at work, it affects my sleep and the balance idea doesn’t work

anymore. Conversely, my mom was very sick in 2010. She required many surgeries and eventually passed away in December.

There were times, especially for the weeks leading up and following her funeral, that I was heavily distracted even when I wasn’t on bereavement leave from work. When a family member has a problem, or bills are overdue, or anything emotionally devastating is happening to us personally, we simply won’t be performing at the same level at work.

So, what’s a better solution? Work-Life Integration. The idea is simple: let’s find a way for what we do at work to fit into our lives in an integrative way. Employees do their best work when the mission of an organization inspires them personally.

People want to feel part of something bigger than themselves and great managers help them bridge that gap between personal and work purpose. Gallup actually reports that workgroups which are mission-driven suffer 30%–50% less accidents and have 15% to 30% less turnover.

If you want to improve the personal and psychological wellbeing of your people (and we need to be doing so now more than ever!), introduce your organization’s mission regularly and help draw connections to individual contributions or roles.

When daily tasks are connected to a higher purpose, everyone realizes more success and feels better about their chosen job. After all, we only need work-life balance if we hate our work, right? •

Neal Glatt, CSP, ASM is a managing partner of GrowTheBench.com – a leading provider of affordable online education, professional development and peer networking for green industry professionals. Contact Neal via email at Neal@GrowTheBench.com.

24

MTC TURF NEWS

POWER UP YOUR SOIL.

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Beam Clay..........................................................9 www.BEAMCLAY.com • www.PARTAC.com

Take your Lawns to the

Level

It’s never too early to start planning for N-Ext season.

Buy Sod, Inc............................. Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com

Collins Wharf Sod Farm......................................9 www.collinswharfsod.com

East Coast Sod & Seed.....................................21 www.eastcoastsod.com

Concentrate

Concentrate

Soil & Plant Formula

Concentrate

0-0-5

Pro Directions For Use

SHAKE WELL!

Fisher & Son Company, Inc.................................3 www.fisherandson.com

CONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENT(S): 6.0% Humic Acids (Derived from Leonardite) 3.0% Sea Kelp Extract (Derived from Ascophyllum Nodosum) (Microbe food) INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: 91.00% Water Purpose Statement: Adds humic acid to the soil.

May increase micronutrient uptake.

May increase microbe food.

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html http://aapfco.o Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 1-855-606-3378 ▪ greenecountyfert.com SDS & Labels F2735

Greene County Fertilizer Co..............................25 www.greenecountyfert.com

Fertility Forward®

1.0 gal = 8.7 lbs at 68° F

□

net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

Do not exceed 3 ounces when daytime temps are above 85 degrees.

Tank Mixing: Apply at a minimum rate of 3 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. and a maximum rate of 6 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Dilute with enough water to cover 1 acre. Do not apply with less than a 7:1 dilution with water. wate Product is safe for use on all turf types and ornamental plants.

Product is intended to be used as an additive to current fertilizer program.

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

MIXING WITH FERTILIZERS: N-Ext RGS™ can be mixed with liquid fertilizers.

Apply in this order: 1) Water, 2) N-Ext RGS™, 3) Water Soluble or Liquid Fertilizer.

Mixing with Pesticide, Herbicide or Fungicide: N-Ext RGS™ can be mixed with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and applied. We recommend the following: Use the product within 24 hours of mixing products (especially with fungicides). Do not over-apply pesticides, ove herbicides or fungicides as they can have an adverse effect on the populations of soil organisms.

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service.

Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.

Caution: Apply only to turf, plants, and soil. If plants are flowering, apply to base of the plant to avoid staining of blooms.This product may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact with skin or eyes flush with water immediately.

□

net volume 5 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.

Slow Release Liquid Nitrogen plus Micronutrients

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Total Nitrogen (N).....................26.0% 13.2% Urea Nitrogen* 6.4% Ammoniacal Nitrogen 6.4% Nitrate Nitrogen Boron (B)...................................0.02% Iron (Fe).....................................0.4%

Derived from: Urea, Ammonium Nitrate, Ferrous Sulfate *13% urea nitrogen stabilized with N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Pro Directions For Use

SOLUBLE POTASH (K2O)..............5.0%

SHAKE WELL! The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

Warm Season Turf: Apply at a rate of 16 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft.

Mix with water at a minimum 10:1 dilution. Apply directly to foliage.

Cool Season Turf: Apply at a rate of 20 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft.

Mix with water at a minimum 10:1 dilution. Apply directly to foliage.

ALSO CONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENT(S): 8.0% Humic Acids (Derived from Leonardite) Purpose Statement: May increase micronutrient uptake.

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service. Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.

Derived from: Potassium Hydroxide

Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 1-855-606-3378 ▪ greenecountyfert.com F2735 SDS & Labels

Do not apply near water, wate storm drains, or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected.

Apply this product only to your lawn/garden, and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk, or street back onto your lawn/garden.

Caution: This product contains the secondary micronutrient iron. Iron may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces. Apply only to turf and soil.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact immediatel with skin or eyes flush with water immediately.

SDS & Labels: Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. ▪ P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 ▪ 1-855-606-3378 ▪ GreeneCountyFert.com ▪ F2735

□ net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

□

net volume 5.0 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)

1.0 gal = 10.7 lbs at 68° F

SHAKE WELL!

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service.

Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.

Do not apply near water, wate storm drains, or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected.

Apply this product only to your lawn/garden, and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk, or street back onto your lawn/garden.

Caution: Apply only to turf, plants, and soil. If plants are flowering, apply to base of the plant to avoid staining of blooms. This product may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact with skin or eyes immediatel flush with water immediately.

Fertility Forward®

1.0 gal = 8.1 lbs at 68° F

Fertility Forward®

Pro Directions For Use Tank Mixing: Apply at a minimum rate of 6 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. and a maximum rate of 9 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Dilute with enough liquid to cover 1 acre. Do not apply with less than 7:1 dilution with water. Apply in spring or fall; however, liquid aeration can be done anytime during the growing season. Product is safe for use on all turf types and ornamental plants.

Product is intended to be used as an additive to current fertilizer program.

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

MIXING WITH FERTILIZERS: N-Ext AIR-8™ can be mixed with liquid fertilizers.

Apply in this order: 1) Water, 2) N-Ext AIR-8™, 3) Water Soluble or Liquid Fertilizer.

Mixing with Pesticide, Herbicide or Fungicide: N-Ext AIR-8™ can be mixed with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and applied. We recommend the following: Use the product within 24 hours of mixing products (especially with fungicides). Do not over-apply pesticides, herbicides or fungicides as they can have an adverse effect e on the populations of soil organisms.

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

□

net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

□

net volume 5 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.

HollyFrontier Speciality Products.......................15 www.hollyfrontierlsp.com

Kesmac............................................................17 www.brouwerkesmac.com

Leading Edge Communications.........................26 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

Luck Ecosystems................................................5 www.luckecosystems.com

Fertility Forward® MFR/HQ: Greensboro, GA Orlando, FL • Salt Lake City, UT

High Performance Plant Nutrients Fertilizers ▪ Specialty Products Soil Amendments MFR BUY/SHIP DIRECT & SAVE GreeneCountyFert.com

Distributor of Lawn and Ornamental pest control products • EOP

Mid-Atlantic STIHL..............................................7 www.stihldealers.com

Nutrien Solutions..............................................25 www.nutrienagsolutions.com

Prosperity begins here.

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc..........................9 www.progressiveturfequip.com

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

No one knows keeping things green quite like you. Now with even broader resources and capabilities, your Nutrien Solutions location is even more equipped to help you become a more capable growing professional than ever. nutrienagsolutions.com

www.shadyoaksturffarm.com

Smith Seed Services...........................................9 www.smithseed.com

Summit Hall Turf Farm, Inc................. Back Cover www.summithall.com

The Turfgrass Group...........Inside Front Cover, 13 www.theturfgrassgroup.com

To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Leading Edge Communications:

615-790-3718 888-707-7141 ( TOLL FREE )

For support, please contact your local representative.

Tom Walsh MD/Northern VA 410-375-7226 tom.walsh@nutrien.com

Fred Heinlen Eastern Shore 443-669-4284 fred.heinlen@nutrien.com

Harry Kenney DE, MD/Northern VA 410-375-6148 harry.kenney@nutrien.com

sales@leadingedgecommunications.com www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com FALL 2020

25

NEWS FROM MTC

MTC GENERAL ELECTIONS Each year the MTC Bylaws call for the election of Officers and Directors. Officers are elected for a two (2) year term and Directors for a three (3) year term. The elections are normally held at the Annual Winter Turfgrass Conference. Since we are doing a virtual conference this year, the Board has decided to do the election by E-Mail, Fax, or U.S. Mail, sending your choice to the MTC Office:

The following Officers and Board Members are continuing their office commitment: President........................................................... Ben Ellis....................................... Ft. Belvoir Golf Course Vice President............................................... Brandon Sands.....................................MNCPPC – PG Parks Secretary...................................................... Cheryl Gualtney..........................................................Retired Treasurer.........................................................Katy Cooper...................................Patent Attorney, Retired Immediate Past President................................ Jamie Roell.................................Arundel Co. Rec. & Parks 2 yr. Board Member.......................................Perry Whaley................................................ Newsom Seed 1 yr. Board Member......................................Keith Bowman.............................McHale Landscape Design 1 yr. Board Member.........................................Matt Coats............................................ Nationals Baseball 1 yr. Board Member.....................................Shaun Meredith................................Calvert Co. Rec & Parks The following are the slate of candidates proposed by the Nominations Committee to fill the following vacancies:

PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE

MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL Vernon W. Cooper, Executive Director

______3 yr. Board Member......................... Patrick Coakley...................................... Dura Edge Products ______3 yr. Board Member...................... Amanda Stillwagon....................Anne Arundel Co. Horticulture ______3 yr. Board Member......................... Logan Freeman....................... Mountain Branch Golf Course ______2 yr. Board Member.......................... Scott Orndorff......................................... Landscape Supply ______2 yr. Board Member.............................Brian Haga.................................... Scientific Plant Service

303 S. Talbot St. #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 O. 410-745-9643 C. 443-742-6618 F. 410-745-8867 ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com www.MDTurfCouncil.org

______Write-In Candidate__________________________________________________________ ______Entire Slate

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