North Carolina Turfgrass - May/June 2019

May/June 2019

Misconceptions, Understanding Fate and Optimizing Pesticide Applications in Turfgrass New Technology to Improve Turfgrass Management Efficiency?

The Future May be Here!

A Publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina

A BreAkThrouGh In SuSTAInABIlITy

“ While researching TifTuf TM, i was impressed by the cultivar’s tolerance to adverse conditions, particu- larly drought, low fertility, traffic and cool weather. in the trial work i conducted, TifTuf TM was the first cultivar to green up in the spring, the last to go dormant during drought conditions and the most tolerant to traffic. Other notable characteristics of TifTuf TM include fine leaf texture and high turf density, as well as aggressive growth and establish- ment rates.”

Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D., Oregon State University

As water restrictions tighten in many drought-stricken areas of the U.S., golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, property owners and sod producers increasingly value drought-tolerant turfgrass. Selected for its superior drought and wear tolerance, TiFTUF™ has been rigorously developed and tested for more than two decades by a team of researchers led by Dr. Wayne Hanna and Dr. Brian Schwartz at UGA’s Tifton Campus.

TiFTUF™ was bred in 1992, as one of 27,700 experimental bermudagrass genotypes. in 1999, ninety of the most promising genotypes were planted under a rainout shelter and evaluated through 2001 under deficit irrigation.

Under this drought stress, TiFTUF™ (tested as experimental name DT-1) maintained its quality and green color the longest. in 2011 continuing drought study testing established that TiFTUF™ requires 38% less water than Tifway. Since then, TiFTUF™ has been further tested in 19 drought-stress trials, 2 sports field wear tolerance trials and 4 irrigated, non-stress trials at The University of Georgia, The University of Florida, North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M University as part of the Federal Specialty Crop research initiative (SCri) grant. it has now been determined that TiFTUF™ will become the University research standard by which all drought tolerance will be determined. in 2013, TiFTUF™ was entered into the National Turfgrass evaluation Program (NTeP) bermudagrass trials where it is being evaluated in 20 locations across the United States until 2017. NTeP results from 2014 reveal that TiFTUF™ scored the highest quality ratings in the following test locations: North Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma and California.

TiFTUF™ also ranked in the highest statistical group for quality in Alabama, Georgia, indiana, Kansas, Kentucky and Missouri.

Fine textured and dense, TiFTUF™ exhibits several additional stellar qualities, including superior wear tolerance, early spring greenup, excellent fall color retention and extremely rapid grow-in. if you’re seeking a truly superior turfgrass for performance, aesthetics and sustainability, you’ve just found it.

“ With its combination of drought tolerance, aggressive growth and superior fall color, it has a great place in the industry.”

Grady Miller, Ph.D., North Carolina State University “ it also survives winters in Kansas. With 94% survival, it is no different than Latitude 36 TM, Yukon, Patriot TM and Riviera.”

Jared Hoyle, Ph.D., Kansas State University “ TifTuf TM performed very well on our large-scale Linear Gradient irrigation System at the university of florida. it maintained good quality with signif- icantly less water compared to the other commer- cially produced cultivars.”

J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., University of Florida “ We found evidence that TifTuf TM used less water than Tifway 419 and TifSport. it’s just a very tough and drought-tolerant grass. As soon as it quits raining, TifTuf TM is still performing well, unlike others that can start to fail.”

Brian Schwartz, Ph.D., University of Georgia “ With today’s extreme environmental conditions, there has never been a greater need for a superior drought- and wear-tolerant grass like TifTuf TM. its aggressive grow-in under cold and drought conditions makes TifTuf TM the environmentally and financially successful turfgrass choice. This rigorously tested grass that maintains its color and quality will create the most sustainable, environmentally friendly lawns, sports fields and golf courses around the world.”

Ken Morrow, Co-Founder of The Turfgrass Group

USDA drought-tolerance trial (left to right): TiFTUF™, Latitude 36™ and Celebration™.

Engineering Better Turfgrass One Blade At A Time

For more information on licensing opportunities, please contact: The Turfgrass Group, Inc. (770) 207-1500 or (770) 710-8139 www.THeTUrFGrASSGrOUP.com

North Carolina Turfgrass is the official publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina 110 Horizon Drive Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27615 919-459-2070 fax 919-459-2075 www.ncturfgrass.org

Executive Director

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Anna Brooks Whichard, CAE IMI Association Executives annabrooks@imiae.com 919-459-2070 Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-3718 fax 615-794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com

2019 TCNC Officers President

Photo courtesy of Patrick Maxwell

Gene Queen Nature’s Select Premium Turf Services Winston-Salem, NC 336-768-7999

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Past President

table of contents May/June 2019

10 Cover Story

More Features:

M isconceptions, Understanding Fate And Optimizing Pesticide Applications In Turfgrass

16 Green Light

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on Technology

N ew Technology to Improve Turfgrass Management Efficiency?

The Future May be Here!

North Carolina Turfg r a s s

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Nanobubble Aeration: A Technological Break- Through in Sustainable Lake & Pond Management

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From the President

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TCNC Deluxe Members

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Calendar of Events

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Welcome, New Members

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Index of Advertisers

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Damon Dean Keith Hills Country Club West End, NC 910-893-1372

Treasurer Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green, Inc. Raleigh, NC 919-818-9640

2019 Directors H. Dean Baker Kinston Country Club Kinston, NC

Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP Green Resource Dunn, NC Wilson Sutton Kinston Country Club Kinston, NC Andrew Wampler Southern Ag Hendersonville, NC

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From the President

Finding

Solutions S

pring is finally here and I am sure that all turfgrass profes- sionals are busy this time of the year. It has been a challenge deal- ing with the wet conditions over the last eight to nine months. 2018 set a record for highest amount of rainfall and 2019 has started in the same manner. All this rain has caused many issues and challenges for all of us in the turfgrass industry.

10680 East Finch Avenue • Middlesex, NC 27557

1-800-682-1102

Fax: 252-235-4196 www.southernseedsinc.com

Due to the heavy amounts of rain, we are expecting an increase of disease pressures in turfgrass. A great resource for dealing with disease issues is NC State TurfFiles. TurfFiles can help you identify turf diseases and also help with treatment recommendations. If you are not familiar with TurfFiles, the website www.turffiles.ncsu.edu is a wealth of information. Another great resource is your fellow TCNC members. You can find fellow TCNC members in the TCNC Directory and within our membership you will find many knowledgeable and experienced turfgrass professionals.

With help from NC State TurfFiles and TCNC members I feel confident you can find solutions to your turfgrass challenges. I have been in the turfgrass industry for over 30 years and it seems that every year there are new challenges.

I have used these resources with great success in solving many turfgrass problems.

I hope everyone has a successful year working in this great industry. I believe we as turfgrass professionals have the opportunity to make the world we live in a better place.

Best Regards,

Gene Queen

TCNC President

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At Amick’s Superstore, you’ll find some of the best values available today from some of the finest manufacturers in the world— eXmark Products

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TCNC Deluxe Members Companies wishing to support TCNC with multiple members can join as Deluxe Members.

New for the 2018–2019 membership year, Deluxe Memberships can be purchased in one of three tiers: 1–5 employees; 6–10 employees; or 11+ employees.

If you'd like to learn more about the Deluxe Membership, please contact the TCNC office at (919) 459-2070 or info@ncturfgrass.org.

Thank You to Our Deluxe Member Organizations

The Biltmore Company

Givens Estates

Revels Turf & Tractor

Green Resource

Smith Turf & Irrigation

Barefoot & Associates Inc.

JRM Inc.

BASF Corporation

Keith Hills Country Club

Buy Sod Inc Carolina Farm Credit Carolina Green Corp.

Kinston Country Club Leap Frog Landcare Inc.

Sod Solutions Inc. Southern Ag Southern Seeds Inc

City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation

McConnell Golf LLC

Town of Cary Public Works

The Club at Longview

Nature's Select Premium Turf Services

Triangle Chemical Company

Country Boy Landscaping Inc

NCSU Landscape Construction Services

Turf Mountain Sod Inc

Duke University

North Carolina A&T State University

UNCG

Fairway Green Fayetteville Technical Community College

Pennington Seed – ProTurf Division Quality Turf

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SiteOne Landscape Supply

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May/June 2019

Vereens Turf Products Wake Forest University

New Members

Welcome, New TCNC Members!

David Fruchte Mid Pines Inn Golf Club Southern Pines, NC

Ryan Silver Student Asheville, NC

Calendar of Events

Mark Your Calendar and

Save These Dates May 17–19, 2019

Got To Be NC Festival NC State Fairgrounds Raleigh, NC

June 20, 2019

August 14, 2019

McKimmon Center Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, NC

The 9th Annual GIC Water Symposium

NC State Turfgrass Field Day

Joshua Eisenschmidt Dreamscapes LLC Raleigh, NC

Marty Parish NC State University Raleigh, NC

James Stroope Stroope’s Lawn Care, LLC Sneads Ferry, NC

Brandi Merrick Omni Grove Park Inn Asheville, NC

Alexa Wright Bayer CropScience Clayton, NC

Cam Coor Triangle Chemical Company Wilson, NC

Daniel Greenwell Piedmont Technical College Greenwood, SC

William Craig NC State University Smithfield, NC

Adam Smith Catawba County Cooperative Extension Newton, NC

Congratulations, New NCCTP! Sean O’Connell Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Fletcher, NC

The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, North Carolina Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or TCNC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2019 by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. North Carolina Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of TCNC. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: North Carolina Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to TCNC. 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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Green Light on Pesticides

Misconceptions, Understanding Fate, and Optimizing Pesticide Applications in Turfgrass

By Travis W. Gannon, PhD, NC State University • Travis_gannon@ncsu.edu • @TravisWGannon

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Misconceptions around pesticides and their use in today’s society While there is currently much scrutiny around pesticides and their use, synthetic pesticides are an integral component of comprehensive pest management programs in all facets of agriculture including athletic fields, golf courses, lawns, sod production and other turfgrass areas. While this is not a new interest or concern, it is currently heightened, likely for a number of reasons including the International Agency for Research on Cancer classification of glyphosate as a Class 2A probable carcinogen to humans in 2015 and subsequent events. While pesticides are an integral component, they must be used judiciously. It is imperative that facility managers understand various aspects of their utilization so environmental and human health aren’t adversely affected.

Let’s start with a partial list of common misconceptions about pesticide use and we’ll address a few in limited detail: • Pesticides offer little (or no) benefit in today’s society • Pesticides persist a very long time (some believe forever) • Pesticides adversely affect human and environmental health, cause various diseases and illnesses • Pesticides move off-target and contaminate streams, surface water bodies, etc.

• Pesticides aren’t adequately evaluated prior to commercialization and aren’t regulated after commercialization • Facilities maintained with organic products are safer than those maintained with synthetic pesticides • Pesticides are to blame for bee colony collapse disorder

Pesticides offer little (or no) benefit in today’s society.

In major agronomic crops, the primary benefit of pesticides is to increase or maximize yield. While yield isn’t of concern in turfgrass systems, pesticides offer various environmental, human, social and economic benefits. Specifically, pesticides are a component of comprehensive pest management programs which enable turfgrass managers to maintain an aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe playing surface.

Pesticides aren’t adequately evaluated prior to commercialization. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulation and oversight at the federal level. The EPA has a very rigorous set of guidelines and laws for evaluation before a pesticide is registered, as well as when it is reregistered. Further, a comprehensive battery of biology, environmental fate, and toxicological studies are required prior to registration. While it’s not within the scope of this article, those interested can refer to the following federal laws to learn more about the agency’s oversight: The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, The Food Quality Protection Act and The Endangered Species Act of 1973. Further, pesticides must be registered at the state level which may require additional tests for registration. Finally, some local governments, municipalities, etc. may require additional tests or impose additional regulations for registration and/or use.

Pesticides adversely affect human and environmental health. First and foremost, pesticides should always be used in accordance with label directions and it is a violation of federal law to use a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its label.

One doesn’t have to search hard to find reports of glyphosate in various foods (Cheerios, oatmeal, granola and snack bars, etc.), there have even been reports of detection in beer. Obviously, no one wants to intentionally consume glyphosate (or any other pesticide for that matter) but what are the implications of this?

Combining toxicity and exposure is an area many laypeople do not think about or do not understand.

Let’s take the highest amount of glyphosate detected in oats and combine that with California’s very conservative limit for glyphosate, how much would a person have to eat to reach an adverse effect level? Answer: > 12 servings each day.

Similarly, let’s take the highest amount of glyphosate detected in beer and combine that with allowable intake, how many beers would a person have to drink to reach an adverse effect level (from glyphosate)? Answer: > 2,800–12 oz beers in a day.

Pesticides are to blame for bee colony collapse disorder.

While scientists acknowledge pesticides contribute to colony collapse disorder, many other factors play a significant role including: varroa mite, various diseases and parasites, stress due to management practices (transporting hives to various locations to provide pollination services), changes in habitat, and loss of forage/poor nutrition, among others. Further, associated pesticide exposure is due to agricultural applications as well as applications directly to hives.

Understanding pesticide fate after application Understanding pesticide fate after application is important in all agronomic systems including turfgrass systems. After a pesticide is applied, various processes ensue and its fate depends on many chemical, biological and physical properties. After application, pesticides are subject to various transfer and transformation processes. Fundamentally, transfer processes involve the movement of a pesticide from one compartment to another while transformation processes involve degradation or alteration of the pesticide.

Key transfer processes include: • Adsorption – binding to soil colloids • Absorption – uptake by plants and/or microorganisms • Volatilization – conversion from liquid or solid to gas or vapor • Runoff – lateral movement across a soil surface • Leaching – downward distribution within a soil profile Key transformation processes include: • Photodecomposition (photolysis) – degradation by sunlight • Hydrolysis – degradation by water • Microbial decomposition – degradation by microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, etc.)

• Chemical decomposition – degradation by various chemical reactions in soil A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f N orth Carolina 11

Green Light on Pesticides | continued

Specifically, in turfgrass systems, if a pesticide is not incorporated and remains on the foliage, major routes include foliar absorption, photolysis, and volatilization, among others.

If a pesticide is incorporated (most commonly with irrigation in turfgrass systems), varying amounts move into the turfgrass canopy, thatch layer, or soil where it is subject to root absorption, adsorption to soil colloids or organic matter, leaching, and biological and chemical degradation, among others.

Understanding biology of the target pest as well as behavior of the pesticide enables turfgrass managers to optimize pesticide applications resulting in fiscal savings and reduced pesticide inputs.

Optimizing Pesticide Applications General practices • Measure accurately • Calibrate often • Thoroughly read and follow label directions • If there’s a question, contact a reputable, trusted resource • Consider weather conditions Prior to, at application, as well as after application • Use split applications when appropriate (ex. preemergence herbicides) • Be mindful of edaphic properties Pesticides behave much differently in sand medium versus soil containing clay Be aware of the amount of organic matter in your system and make necessary adjustments • Develop comprehensive pest management plans

Pesticide selection • Select pesticide based on use site, turf species, positive pest identification, etc.

• Understand biology of the pest and schedule application according to maximum susceptibility or efficacy • Use minimum effective application rates

Pesticide application timing • Schedule pesticide applications to minimize pesticide exposure.

Dermal contact with treated surfaces is a major route of exposure for nonworkers. A common question that arises from athletes or parents is “how long after a pesticide is it safe for us to use the area”. Recent research from our program at NC State University has investigated factors that affect dislodgeable pesticide residues from treated turf surfaces.

While there are many factors that influence this, time between application and activity is the most influential factor. Specifically, for compounds with short persistence, dislodgeability declined as days from application increased with limited or no detection beyond ~10 days. Further, dislodgeability declined as time progressed within a day with limited or no detection during the afternoon hours which is likely due to turfgrass canopy moisture varying throughout the day. Other factors such as turfgrass species, pesticide, time of day, irrigation inputs, and pesticide formulation, among others, also influence the amount of a pesticide that may be transferred from the turfgrass surface to users. In conclusion, pesticides may dislodge from treated surfaces after application; however, through appropriate management practices and scheduling, dermal exposure can be managed below adverse thresholds.

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Green Light on Pesticides | continued

Conclusions

• Schedule pesticide applications accordingly with cultural practices to maximize efficacy.

As previously stated, all pesticides registered in the US are subject to a rigorous battery of tests which combine toxicity and exposure to ensure risks don’t outweigh benefits (i.e. they don’t adversely affect human or environmental health). Specifically, with glyphosate, the International Agency for Research on Cancer stands alone with their assessment as no other pesticide regulatory authority in the world has concluded glyphosate is a cancer risk to humans. While scrutiny around pesticides and their use is currently heightened, it’s not a new phenomenon and will most likely increase in the future in most parts of the United States.

What can turfgrass managers do if questioned about pesticide use:

I t is important for turfgrass managers to schedule pesticide applications appropriately with other cultural and management practices to maximize efficacy. Many cultural and management practices including mowing and irrigation inputs can influence pesticide fate and behavior and have been the focus of much research recently. Specifically, a single mowing event one day after a pesticide application can remove up to 35% of the applied pesticide from a managed bermudagrass, zoysiagrass or tall fescue system which has significant implications on efficacy. Further, if clippings are returned to the turfgrass canopy, most pesticides will not be bioavailable as they must be released from the clippings, at which point most will be sorbed to soil or organic matter. In conclusion, to maximize foliar absorption and efficacy, mowing should be delayed after pesticide applications.

• Be professional • Don’t dismiss or ignore concerned individuals

If targeting soil-borne pests, application carrier volume, irrigation timing and amount and other tools such as wetting agents may aid in moving the pesticide to the target. This is also an area of ongoing research but preliminary data suggest irrigating immediately after application enhances pesticide distribution in the soil profile compared to delaying irrigation for as few as 4 hours. Increasing carrier volume and irrigation amount as well as the inclusion of a wetting agent can also aid in pesticide placement when targeting soil-borne pests.

• Educate yourself on pesticide related topics • Communicate factual information, don’t spread misinformation • Try to understand why individuals have their beliefs, empathize if appropriate • Discuss alternatives and associated problems (cost, toxicity, efficacy, etc.) G

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Green Light on Technology

New Technology to Improve Turfgrass Management Efficiency?

The Future May be Here!

By James Horton

T

oday’s turfgrass managers have seen unbelievable change in equipment, tools and technology during their careers.

New innovations have allowed turf- grass managers to become more efficient with manpower and budg- ets. The best turfgrass managers have been trained to look for the latest innovations, however small or large, that will give them an edge in performing their jobs. We’ve all seen those new inventions that made huge, positive impacts in our daily tasks. Some seemed so simple that we wished we had thought of it first. Others we didn’t even see on the horizon, and the next one is no exception. In fact, you will have to look skyward to see it coming.

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Drones are here! It may seem farfetched but in the near future drones may be standard equipment for turfgrass managers across our industry. Sod producers, sports field managers, golf course superintendents, lawn care companies, institutions, etc., may very well own and use drones in conducting daily business, maintenance and sales in the years to come.

Introduction to Drones Satellites and low-altitude aircraft have been commonly used in agriculture, especially row crops, for a variety of reasons, but only minimally in turfgrass due to the smaller acreage. However, all types of turfgrass venues could be ideal niches for drones, or more correctly stated, small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).

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The word drone was coined from the buzzing hum made by this small aircraft’s propellers, which is similar to that of a male honeybee known as a drone. A grading system is used to classify sUAS by use and delineates which drones are toys and which are not. The grading criteria considers the overall size of the unit (sUAS are defined as weighing 55 pounds or less, while full-scale UAS weigh more than 55 pounds), plus its capabilities such as flight endurance, method of operation and type of payload. There are three categories of sUAS; Hobbyist, Enforcement, and Commercial. The hobbyist grade has been available at almost every hobby and toy store for several years. The enforcement grade is used by military and law enforcement and are not available to the average citizen

Green Light on Technology | continued

due to the array of sensors and weapons they could carry. The commercial grade is the type used for agricultural research and by serious pilots for business and profit.

The use of drones by turfgrass managers would be considered commercial.

The pilotless nature of these unmanned aircraft raised the concern of the Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA) years ago since it has jurisdiction over the National Airspace through its network of air navigation facilities using Air Traffic Control centers and airports. In 2007, the FAA issued a policy that stated “no person may operate a UAS in the National Airspace System without specific

authority.” In 2013, the FAA created six UAS testing sites to better understand the use and safety of UAS. The government has primarily been concerned over safety as it relates to crashes, radio frequency, insurance issues and privacy.

As usual, government is trying to play catch up with technology. For now, UAS operators/pilots must comply with the FAA’s current licensing policy which has two certifications: Certification of Authorization only for public entities such as government agencies and universities; and for all others a Certification of Airworthiness is required to ensure the aircraft and its systems will not pose a public threat. Incidentally, public entities also are required to attain a Certificate of Airworthiness. Those seeking to operate a drone should first understand the regulatory process to legally pilot a sUAS. To that point, passing Part 107 FAA Drone Pilot Exam is required to pilot commercial sUAS aircraft, and this is not an easy test. In fact, there are study courses that you can pay to take that will prepare you for this test.

Other Details You Should Know Drone Kit containing the DJI Phantom 4Pro V2.0 Remote controller using an iPad to view live camera stream of flight

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There are two basic body styles for sUAS: Rotary and Fixed-wing.

• Rotary drones are helicopter-like, with multiple propellers depending on its size and payload, and can take off from its current position unassisted as long as it has minimal clearance. These aircraft are highly maneuverable and capable of hovering or flying at slow or fast speeds. Two-thirds of all sUAS aircraft are rotary.

• Fixed-wing drones are plane-like, vary in size depending on their payloads, and require some kind of launch assistance or runway for take-off. These aren’t used as often as rotary but do offer certain advantages such as longer flight times and greater distances covered.

Flying sUAS takes skill and practice since they are controlled remotely using handheld radio controllers equipped with joy sticks to adjust the drones speed, range and attitude via WiFi. It should be noted, the FAA has placed altitude restrictions over the entire country. Drone pilots can use an app called AirMap to see the restrictions. Drones cannot fly above 400 feet so not to interfere with commercial airplanes, in some areas

less and still other areas not at all. In addition, the range of the aircraft is constrained within the Line-of-Sight (LOS) of the pilot or visual observer. This has been an FAA rule, but one that doesn’t seem to be enforced very often. In fact, many new sUAS models now have autopilot capability. Auto-pilot software has gotten easier to program and is available to the public. One such software is Arduino. This software works with the pilot manually flying the drone to certain locations and marking the location with GPS coordinates. Once that information is input, along with the desired attitude and speed for the drone to reach each location in the sequence selected, the drone will fly itself and return to the start point. If the drone is equipped with a real-time imaging camera, the image will be seen on the controller’s laptop or IPad. This will allow the remote control operator to virtually sit in the “cockpit” of the drone and see exactly what the drone sees on the controller’s screen.

It’s not uncommon for drones to have 20 Megapixel still picture and 4K video camera capability and with lithium batteries supplying 30 minutes of flight time (less in windy conditions) abundant images can be captured.

As you can see, drones have amazing capability and, since they are unmanned, they can handle certain jobs that are considered laborious, routine and in some cases too dangerous for humans. Here is a short list of how drones have been used: Aerial photography; agricultural applications; border surveillance; bio-security; suspect tracking; surveying forest and structure fires; traffic monitoring; disaster response, relief and rescue; damage assessment and surveying; atmospheric and weather research; infrastructure monitoring; wildlife monitoring; power, pipe line and mining surveillance; movie production; aerial news coverage; mail and freight transport; flood mapping; real estate mapping; and sporting event coverage.

Drone directly overhead hovering in flight

Sensors Used by Drones Engineers and system designers have been working with other researchers to meet the growing uses and needs of sUAS users across the many applications they could be used. One of the biggest challenges has been the miniaturization of sensors so that the payload did not over tax the light weight aircraft.

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Green Light on Technology | continued

Drones normally carry built-in sensors to aid in navigation, collision avoidance and flight operation. Collision avoidance can be turned off to allow the drone to fly closer to objects such as trees or buildings. Additionally, sensors can be added for specific data collection. The type and sophistication of sensors being used in agricultural research is growing with potentially endless types of information being collected. Below are some of the sensors currently being used in agriculture that could have roles in managing turfgrass in the near future.

• Global Information Systems (GIS) to track the unit’s location during flight and to collect data on a target subject.

• RGB Digital Cameras are full frame digital cameras using a variety of special filters to capture red, green and blue (RGB) photons to create a high quality visible-band image.

• Modified RGB Digital Cameras are RGB cameras that have been modified with different filters for specific data acquisition.

• Multispectral sensors can discriminate specific wavelengths, and use this information compared to correlations developed with plant biophysical processes using vegetation indices for specific plant targets being scanned.

These scanners can be used for nutrient, water stress, disease, weed and general crop monitoring.

• Hyperspectral sensors capture narrow spectral bands over a continuous spectral range, thus capturing more detailed information than multi-spectral sensors.

• Laser scanning can be used to capture the shape of objects, including plants, by steering laser beams in a controlled fashion at the target and then measure the distance at every pointing direction.

Lasers have been used in construction and surveying for years and are very accurate for measurements. They can then be used to generate two- and three-dimensional images of the target.

A laser system known as LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) is used in forestry to measure canopy cover, biomass, tree count and height. Other laser scanners are used for 3-D mapping.

• Thermal infrared imaging sensors for sUAS are becoming more common as both weight and size are reduced. They are mostly used to monitor water stress and disease detection.

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• Spectrometer sensors measure the electromagnetic spectrum and can show intensity as a function of wavelength or frequency. One such system is used to assess “soil health”.

of ensuring profitability, providing sustainability and protecting the environment.

Processing the Data

Currently, drones with a good camera can be used by turfgrass managers to view obvious, real time conditions of their turf, but from an entirely different bird’s eye view perspective. Here are some of the ways drones could be used today: • Aerial photos of complexes, courses, fields, farms and client lawns • Before and after photos of projects • Use photos as sales promotion • Monitor “grow-in” rates • Monitor sod harvesting • Track and monitor fertilizer and pesticide applications • Monitor research plots • Irrigation system mapping and “as-built” documentation • Monitor health and level of irrigation ponds • Drought stress mapping • Flood plain mapping • Identify weak turf • Document storm damage • Monitor storm damage clean-up • Map persistent disease incident locations • Monitor tree health and identify weak upper limbs or trunks not easily seen

This is a relatively new field of study with emerging technology, and researchers are learning how to best use drones to provide fast, affordable and useful surveys. Some of the research approaches are broad-scale, but as time passes, more specific surveys will be designed. Researchers are continuing to develop algorithms and methodology for collecting and analyzing the airborne data being collected by the various specific sensors placed on drones.

Phenotyping, spatial analysis and vegetation indices are all being used to interpret the aerial data being collected per specific surveys. The aerial data is then compared to on-ground tests and observations to make sure the researchers understand the results, and using that understanding, recalibrate the instruments on board the drone as needed.

So What Can Drones Do For Turfgrass Managers? Current agricultural research, some of which includes turfgrass applications, uses drones to identify, monitor and study the following: • Nutrient Status • Water Stress • Disease Incidence • Weed Infestation • Chemical and Nutrient Applications • Asset Tracking, Management and Mapping • Turf Inventory Management • Species Classification • Crop Yield > Growth, Biomass, Canopy Density • Monitoring of Invasive Grasses and Vegetation, Especially in Remote Areas When the day comes that turfgrass managers are able to use drone technology on their fields, courses and lawns, they could more precisely apply chemicals, fertilizers, water and other materials, not to mention more efficient allocation of manpower and assets to give turfgrass exactly what it needs for optimum health and productivity. This approach is known as Precision Agriculture and has the goal

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Until Then

The possible uses for drone photography are endless!

Flying into the Future It’s an exciting time and we’re just at the beginning of this new field of drone-aided data collection. Agricultural research using drones will only increase and as it does, applications will be developed for turfgrass managers to become more efficient with their manpower and budgets. Certainly it won’t take researchers, engineers and designers long to produce newer generations of drones that will do even more tasks accurately, in less time and at a lower cost than conventional methods. With future drone sales predicted to increase exponentially, they may very well become as ubiquitous as the lawn mower. The big question is… Will drones prove as important a game changer as any innovation to date to move turfgrass management efficiency forward?

Hummmm…. only time will tell! G

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Southern Seeds, Inc................................6 southernseedsinc.com Southern Specialty Equipment.............21 www.ssequip.net Super-Sod................................................3 www.supersod.com The Turfgrass Group...Inside Front Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com Trimax Mowing Systems.......................17 www.trimaxmowers.com Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.........................21 www.turfmountain.com Vandemark Farms.................................13 www.vandemarkfarms.com

Andy Rushing arushing@cgcfields.com Phone: (704) 634-9799 Toll Free – Office: (866) 753-1707

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Download your favorite QR reader to your phone, and scan the code to learn more about this company.

Smith Seed Services................................6 www.smithseed.com

Digital Marketplace

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc...........23 www.progressiveturfequip.com

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Feature Story

Nanobubble Aeration: A Technological Break-Through in Sustainable Lake & Pond Management

By Bo Burns, Biologist & Market Development Manager at SOLitude Lake Management

A

lgae: it comes in many forms and colors. It’s slimy, stinky and can ruin the beauty and function of your golf course lakes and irrigation systems. It’s also one of the oldest known organisms on this planet, which might explain its knack for survival, even under the toughest conditions. Over time, golf courses and prop- erty management companies have learned to pick sides when it comes to the safe eradication of stubborn and harmful algal blooms — some in favor of natural manage- ment techniques; others in support of applying EPA- registered algaecides to ensure the job gets done.

But this year, a new game-changing technology will make the management of stubborn algae blooms a no-brainer with more long-lasting results that are beneficial for the environment.

Nanobubble aeration is a premium innovative technology designed to exceed the capabilities of traditional lake and pond aeration systems by providing up to 79,000x more oxygen! Put simply, nanobubbles are like traditional aeration systems on steroids. Produced by compact on-shore generators, these ultrafine bubbles are completely invisible to the eye and about 1 million times smaller than ordinary bubbles. As a result of their tiny size, nanobubbles have no natural buoyancy and do not rise to the surface of the water and burst like you might expect.

Amazingly, they remain within the water column for up to 2 – 3 months, providing unparalleled oxygenation to struggling lakes and ponds at your property.

The benefits of a continuously oxygenated lake or pond are enormous. First, oxygen is a key player in the battle against undesirable nutrients by facilitating the conversion of phosphorus to forms that do not sustain algae development. Excess nutrients can easily enter golf course lakes and ponds in the form of grass clippings, lawn fertilizers, trash, and droppings from geese and other wildlife. The presence of oxygen also helps to balance pH and other related water quality parameters that encourage the growth of fish, native organisms and beneficial phytoplankton — rather than detrimental bacteria like E. Coli, and cyanobacteria species that can be toxic to humans and wildlife and are believed to contribute to degenerative diseases like ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Another amazing benefit of nanobubbles? In addition to engulfing an entire aquatic ecosystem in concentrated oxygen, nanobubbles are negatively charged and, therefore, attracted to positively charged organic matter in the water column. When they connect with positively charged metals and pollutants, including dangerous cyanobacteria toxins, nanobubbles cause them to implode(!), holistically cleansing the waterbody from the inside out.

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This innovative water quality solution did not just appear overnight. Nanobubbles have been used in the medical field, the oil and gas business, food preparation areas, and even the beauty industry for purification purposes. However, SOLitude Lake Management is the first environmental firm to advance this technology for large-scale freshwater management applications through continuous research and development with select manufacturers and regulatory agencies.

Through many promising tests and trials, we’ve learned some exciting things: Golf course superintendents and property managers who utilize nanobubbles can expect to significantly reduce and even eliminate reliance on traditional algaecides. Nanobubbles have no negative impacts on turfgrass or ornamental vegetation when monitoring and managing dissolved oxygen levels. Nanobubbles help strengthen the health and longevity of the entire food chain, providing unparalleled aesthetic and ecological balance.

Nanobubble aeration isn’t just a quick fix or band-aid; it’s a custom, data-driven solution rooted in years of scientific study and first-hand monitoring experience. The technology doesn’t necessarily replace regular proactive management strategies, but it is truly one of the missing pieces to the puzzle of sustainable freshwater management. Used in conjunction with traditional tools like floating fountains, buffer management, mechanical hydro-raking and regular lake and pond inspections, nanobubbles can help keep your water resources healthier and prettier for much longer periods of time, while eliminating nuisance algae and dangerous cyanotoxins before they begin causing problems.

Nanobubble aeration is poised to transform the entire way we approach the management of lakes and ponds and will be an invaluable tool as urban development and undesirable nutrient loading continue to increase. We’re excited to shepherd this new technology in to the freshwater management realm and look forward to further enhancing water quality on your property and throughout the world. G

Bo Burns is a Market Development Manager at SOLitude Lake Management, an industry-leading environmental firm. He specializes in the research and development of new technologies using more than 30 years of industry experience along with a Master of Environmental Management degree in Resource and Wetland Ecology from Duke University. This article is the first in a series featuring new breakthrough technologies that will revolutionize the management of lakes, stormwater ponds, wetlands and fisheries in 2019. Learn more at www.solitudelakemanagement.com/knowledge

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Before

After

Within a few days—even hours—nanobubble aeration can help restore balance to poor water quality.

This “after” photo was taken just 72 hours after nanobubbles were introduced to the waterbody.

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NCCTP Program

Fast Facts about the NCCTP Enrollment Requirements:

Become a NC Certified Turfgrass Professional!

The

North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program devel- oped to enhance the technical competency of turf- grass professionals, while elevating their professional image, that of your business and of the turfgrass management industry. Administered by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, the NCCTP designation confirms your expertise in turfgrass management to prospective customers and your peers.

Reasons to Begin Earning Your NCCTP Designation Today he NCCTP program increases and enhances your turfT grass industry knowledge, career, and business development through a course of study of in-depth coverage of the science of turfgrass management.

The NCCTP designation offers immediate confidence and credibility of turfgrass management practices to customers and prospective employers.

Promote and market yourself as a North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional.

• Use the NCCTP logo on your business materials.

• Use NCCTP pins, uniform patches, and vehicle decals.

• Your TCNC Member Directory listing is distinguished with the NCCTP logo.

We Are Partnered With The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course he NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course, a comT prehensive turfgrass education program, is offered at select NC State Extension offices and at NC State University.

This Short Course offers a full curriculum of the science of turfgrass management as well as Continuing Education Credits for NCDACS Pesticide and NCLCLB Landscape Contractors’ license holders, and it will help you prepare for the NCCTP exam.

This Short Course is recommended but not required to take the NCCTP exam.

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old a current TCNC membership. If not currently H a member, go to www.ncturfgrass.org and click ‘JOIN NOW’ to join online or download an application.

Have a minimum of one full year of work experience in the turfgrass industry.

Agree to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics as detailed on the application form.

Submit: • A current and valid NC Pesticide Applicators license • A completed NCCTP application (current TCNC members may apply online).

• NCCTP Program Application: $150 • Self-Study Materials: $50 • Exam Fee: $50

Curriculum and Exam: urriculum covers nine core areas: Turfgrass CharacterisC tics; Establishing Turfgrass; Soils & Nutrient Management; Cultural Practices; Pests & Integrated Pest Management; Pesticides & Plant Growth Regulators; Landscape Safety & Pesticide Use; Calculations & Calibration; Turfgrass Business & Economics.

Candidates have six months from the date of their enrollment acceptance to complete the NCCTP exam.

Candidates have six hours to complete the exam and must score 80% or more on each section to receive the NCCTP designation.

Exams can be taken at the TCNC office in Raleigh during normal business hours, or arrangements can be made at your local NC State Extension location.

Exams will not be graded if any application information is missing or if TCNC membership status cannot be confirmed.

Please allow two to three weeks for exam grading and reports.

Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive communication with their results and either next step options or their graduation packet.

Maintenance Requirements: aintain a current TCNC membership as a means of M demonstrating ongoing support for the industry.

Submit an annual $50 renewal fee, which supports the NCCTP program and related promotional activities.

Designation year is the same as the TCNC membership year, from July 1st to June 30th.

Hold a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Subscribe to, actively support and uphold the TCNC Certification Code of Ethics.

The NC Certified Turfgrass Professional designation (NCCTP), the NCCTP logo and related programs materials are the trademarked property of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina and cannot be used without TCNC’s written permission.

For additional information, contact TCNC at (919) 459-2070.

May/June 2019

NCCTP Certification Program

Enrollment Application Name___________________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_ ____________________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TCNC Membership #*_ ___________________________________________________ Pesticide Applicator License #_______________________________

Qualifications / Requirements Please read the items below and check each one that is true for you.

Membership: I am now, or I am applying here to be, a member in good standing of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. esticide License: I hold a current North Carolina Pesticide Ground Applicator License with subclass L, turf, and ornamental P (or equivalent from another state).

Experience: I have completed a minimum of one full year of turfgrass industry professional work experience.

Exam: Upon acceptance into the program, I plan to complete my study and take the required exam within six months. uty: I have initialed the following page of this application to show that I strongly support and willingly subscribe to the D Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics, and I pledge to uphold the credibility and integrity of the program. ontinuing Education: I agree to successfully complete additional future curriculum materials or sections that may be C required as a result of new technology or regulation.

Company________________________________________________________________ Title_ _____________________________________________________ Supervisor_______________________________________________________________ Supervisor’s Phone_________________________________________ Supervisor’s E-Mail___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company’s Address_ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_ ____________________________________ Work Experience_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Describe your turfgrass industry professional work experience; one full year is required to apply.

NCCTP Application Fee: $150, Study Materials: $50, Exam Fee: $50, TCNC Dues (call for amount, based on date) Total $____________________

Check Number__________________ (payable to TCNC) Credit Card:

AMEX

Visa

MC

Discover

Billing Zip Code____________________

Credit Card #____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date______________________ Sec Code____________ Name on Card___________________________________________________________ Signature______________________________________________ By signing this application, I verify that all the information is true and correct, I acknowledge and assume full responsibility for the charges on this application, and I agree to honor and abide by the terms of this non-refundable payment.

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________

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NCCTP Program | continued

Certified Turfgrass Professional

Code of Ethics Please read and initial each section below that you support and commit to uphold.

Duty to the Public Conduct service first and foremost with regards to the safety, health, and welfare of the general public. Provide service, recommendations, and information based upon honest experience, and scientifically accurate and factual knowledge.

I Agree

Duty to the Environment Operate in such a manner to protect and preserve our environment. Use and monitor all equipment, products, and materials in a manner consistent with the label and safe for the environment.

I Agree

Duty to the Laws of Our Land Abide by all laws and regulations affecting the turf industry and support the enforcement of these laws.

I Agree

Duty to Our Fellow Professionals Refrain from the use of false, misleading, or deceptive marketing and advertising practices. Practice and insist upon sound business management practices. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct to reflect credit and add stature to the turf industry. Recognize the importance of strong relationships within the industry.

Abstain from untruthful debasement, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation or practice of another turfgrass professional.

I Agree

Duty to the Association Participate in association activities and events to help further the profession.

Abstain from any unfair exploitation of my association, industry, or profession.

I Agree

By signing this Code of Ethics, I agree to follow the duties and intentions outlined above, and I commit to supporting and upholding these ethics with consistency and integrity.

Printed Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________ Please Return Entire NCCTP Application To TCNC Via: email: info@ncturfgrass.org fax: (919) 459-2075 or mail: TCNC, 110 Horizon Dr. Ste 210, Raleigh, NC 27615 26

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May/June 2019

Give water a break tiftuf bermudagrass is the new drought-tolerance superstar.

The newest edition in the “Tif” (Tifton) series of bermudagrasses to originate from the renowned University of Georgia turfgrass breeding program, TifTuf promises to be a true game-changer in stellar yet environmentally friendly performance. Providing unbeatable drought tolerance, it uses 38% less water than Tifway 419, and it is significantly more drought resistant than all other bermudagrasses.

In addition to its incredible drought tolerance, TifTuf is more aggressive than Tifway and provides superior wear and traffic tolerance (even better than Celebration), excellent cold tolerance (equal to Latitude 36 at Kansas State University), fast spring green-up and excellent fall color retention. In the 2015 NTEP trials, TifTuf was the highest-ranked cultivar in North Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi, and across all 17 locations overall, it was the highest-ranked, commercially available cultivar.

TifTuf will not only pay for itself in water savings, but more importantly, it will create more-sustainable athletic fields for the future.

In fact, it will soon become the ultimate must-have grass for sports turf managers who want to take a break from water use.

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Buy Sod VarietieS: Golf Putting Greens: Bentgrass and Champion Dwarf bermudagrass

Bermudagrass: TifTuf, TifGrand, Celebration, Patriot, TifSport, Tifway and T10 St. Augustine: Raleigh • Zoysiagrass: Zeon and El Toro • Paspalum: SeaStar Centipedegrass: TifBlair and Common • Bluegrass: Tournament • Fescue/Bluegrass Mixtures