New England Blade - June 2019

June 2019

Let’s Go Organic Effects of Integrated Pest Management Cultural Practices NESTMA Programs Announced

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Contents • June 2019

Features

16 Member Spotlight

NESTMA Board Member Andrew Walsh

Departments

18 Feature Story

Let’s Go Organic

20 Industry Research Effects of IPM Cultural Practices

On the cover: The Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Gardens at Elm Bank in Wellesley, MA are the site of NESTMA’s Summer Field & Turf Education Day on July 31. Photo credit: Douglas Lyons

Advancing professionalism in sports turf management and safety through education, research, and scholarships.

The official publication of the New England Sports Turf Managers Association (NESTMA), the New England Blade is dedicated to educating, advising, and informing members of the profession and furthering the goals of the Association. The New England Blade carries news and features related to the sports turf management profession. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to edit any article or advertisement submitted for publication and to refuse advertising not in keeping with the goals of the Association. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the validity of claims in connection with items appearing in the New England Blade. Mention of a commercial product does not imply endorsement by the New England Blade, NESTMA, or Leading Edge Communications, or preference over similar products not mentioned. The New England Blade is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of NESTMA. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. 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.

4 President’s Message 4 Calendar of Events 6 NESTMA HQ Update 12 Industry News 13 Index of Advertisers

Officers

Directors

Board of Trustees

President Ben Polimer Town of Weston Weston, MA

Ed Ball Brewster Academy Wolfeboro, NH

Kim Britton Saint Anselm College Manchester, NH

Mark Casey Finch Services, Inc. Andover, MA

Michael Buras, CSFM Longwood Cricket Club Chestnut Hill, MA

Mark DeWolf Wolfeboro, NH

John Cunniff Walpole, MA

Ed Downing Read Custom Soils/ A.D. Makepeace Hingham, MA

Management Team

President Elect Chris McGinty Framingham Parks Department Framingham, MA Treasurer Art Goodhind Town of Natick Natick, MA Secretary Brian Boesch University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI Past President Victoria Wallace UConn Extension Norwich, CT Special Advisor Mary Owen UMASS Turf Program Rochdale, MA

Ian Lacy Tom Irwin Advisors, Inc. Burlington, MA Matt McDonnell The Governor’s Academy Byfield, MA Ed Olsen Town of Needham Parks & Forestry Needham, MA Jason Puopolo Clark University Worcester, MA Andrew Walsh Pine Banks Park Malden, MA

Virginia Wood, Executive Director Peggy Benjamin, Finance Kristen Dreyer, Education Carrie Martin, Registration Charissa Sharkey, Membership & Sponsors NESTMA Headquarters 8-D Pleasant Street South Natick, MA 01760 P: (508) 653-1241 F: (508) 653-4112 NESTMAinfo@gmail.com Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 P: (615) 790-3718 info@leadingedge communications.com

June 2019 • New England Blade • 3

President’s Message

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Working Together Industry Wide

pring is here in full force in New England! I hope the April showers brought you May flowers and green turf! Spring time is always a fun time for us in this industry. We get to see how our agronomic plans last fall helped us have a successful spring.

This spring, we in New England have been bombarded with potential new legislation in many of our states that would make our jobs as Sports Turf Managers more difficult.

In Connecticut, we partnered with STMA and submitted a social media campaign, public testimony and written letters that helped stop the potential elimination of pesticide usage and a ban of synthetic turf in the state.

Thanks to our new legislative alliance with GCSAA, we were also notified about a possible preemption law change to pesticide applicators in Maine. We shared resources from GCSAA with our Maine members and they responded! One member in particular was called out by GCSAA for going the extra mile with written testimony in opposition of the pending legislation.

Please keep NESTMA posted on potential legislation in your state. If we don’t know what’s coming, we can’t be a resource.

As a professional in our industry, you are a leader and can be a teacher to people who may want to change the way we do business. Let them know we are stewards of the environment, we don’t apply chemicals and fertilizer for no reason, and we regularly attend educational programs to better understand current trends and new technologies.

We are New England’s leading turf professionals with years of knowledge and experience!

As always, please contact any board member with your great ideas, offers to host an event, or volunteer to serve on a committee or the Board of Directors.

May your infields be playable and your turf green,

Upcoming Events!

June 25 & 26, 2019 Municipal and Grounds Sports Turf Academy

8:00 a.m. – 3 :00 p.m.

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT ipm.uconn.edu/ events-trf-acdmy-2019.php

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

NESTMA Turf Techniques Workshop Effective Water Management in Sports Fields 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

DeFazio Sports Complex & Fields Needham, MA NESTMA.org

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 UMass Turf Research Field Day

Ben Polimer NESTMA President Fields and Grounds Coordinator, Town of Weston, MA

800-247-BEAM www.BEAMCLAY.com STATE APPROVED CO-OP PRICING

email: sales@beamclay.com

THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFIELD MIXES, MOUND CLAYS & RED WARNING TRACKS OVER 5,000 INFIELD & SPORTS PRODUCTS 4 • New England BLADE • June 2019

Troll Turf Research Center South Deerfield, MA Ag.umass.edu/turf

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

NESTMA Summer Field & Turf Education Day Modern Sports Turf Management: Adapting to Change 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Hosted by Town of Natick MHS Gardens at Elm Bank Natick, MA NESTMA.org

Wednesday, August 14, 2019 Using BioControl In the School Landscape

CT School IPM Workshop 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT Ipm.uconn.edu

New eNglaNd Specialty SoilS changing the game with specialty soils across New england

Tuesday, September 3, 2019 ATG’s 15th Annual Joseph Troll Turf Classic

Honoring Mary Owen, UMass Turf Extension 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

TPC Boston Norton, MA alumniturfgroup@gmail.com.

Thursday, September 5, 2019 NHRPA/NESTMA Maintenance Workshop 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Concord, NH NHRPA.com

Thursday, October 3, 2019

MALCP/NESTMA Golf Tournament 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Butter Brook Golf Course Westford, MA MALCP.org

Thursday, October 3, 2019 UConn Native Plant and Pollinator Conference

New england Specialty Soils is a leading provider of athletic field materials throughout New england. centrally located in lancaster, Ma, we serve all corners of New england with consistent, quality materials! we have a lineup of native infield mixes, warning track mix, as well as packing clay and conditioners for all your baseball and softball field needs. we’ve also got you covered with everything from equestrian and tennis court soils to topdressing sands and root zone mixes. looking for a custom product? Not a problem. we can meet whatever material challenge you may have.

www.NeSoilS.coM coNtact our SaleS teaM for More iNforMatioN !

Bob doran 978-230-2244 bob@nesoils.com

lauren Baldarelli 978-860-5496 lauren@nesoils.com

John toomey 978-660-0175 jt@nesoils.com

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT Ipm.uconn.edu/events-native-plantconference-2019.php

Coming this Fall!

NESTMA Turf Techniques Workshop Design, Maintenance & Care of Natural Grass Systems 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

NESTMA.org

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Blogs

NESTMA Winter Dinner Meeting Know Your Audience: Strategies for Discussing Pest Management Speaker: Jim Brosnan, Ph.D., University of Tennessee 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Ken’s Steak House Framingham, MA

Watch your email for regular updates and registration information via NESTMA’s E-newsletter.

Increase your social media awareness and grow your business in all the right circles.

Leading Edge Communications info@LeadingEdgeCommunications.com | 615.790.3718 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

June 2019 • New England Blade • 5

NESTMA HQ Update

Collective Wisdom

By M. Virginia Wood, Executive Director

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estselling author and Harvard Business Review columnist Bill Taylor said it best: “Nobody is as smart as everybody!” That maxim certainly rang true at this year’s Annual Meeting and Lunch. Everyone agrees 2018 was a tough year. Wet weather, pests and diseases, bureaucracy, and more conspired to test the mettle of New England’s most seasoned sports turf professionals. With that in mind, we asked members at the Annual Meeting to share a single idea that drove significant change and meaningful improvement at their facility during a difficult season. In other words, we drew on the collective wisdom of the group. The networking and resulting ideas were fantastic!

Check out a round-up of NESTMA members’ Best Great Ideas below.

Making new connections, sharing professional challenges, and learning from each other are the greatest benefits of NESTMA involvement.

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The Best “Great Ideas”

he annual meeting was packed and buzzing as members met up and talked about the lessons learned from the year that was and the changes they plan to make in the year ahead. During lunch, NESTMA board member Ed Olsen emceed a lively exchange of ideas. As Ed said, “Our goal is to provide everyone here with a good meal and the chance to take away new thinking and practical advice that you can put to work right away.”

Each table had a volunteer moderator and members were encouraged to talk about anything that helped improve productivity, communication, turfgrass health, morale, or the bottom line. No idea was too big or too small, just as long as it was something that had a positive impact on operations. Each table held a good-natured vote and then shared their BEST great idea with the group. Here are the highlights:

Professionalism/Communication

• Early field closure decisions and strong communication with stakeholders is key • Education as main driver for addressing areas of concern and training staff to go above and beyond • Develop strong schedules throughout the season, with clear goals and hit your marks • Understand “why we do what we do” – focus on the “why” • Cloud-based records and schedules

6 • New England BLADE • June 2019

Speaking of involvement — we are grateful to all of you who renewed your membership in 2019. Now we need your help to grow our ranks. Take a look at Charissa’s Membership Matters message on page 10 and think about who you’d recommend as a new NESTMA member. Share that information with us and we’ll be sure to reach out and extend a personal invitation.

June marks the beginning of a great series of educational opportunities for members. From new Turf Technique Workshops and an innovative Summer Field Day hosted by the Town of Natick, MA at the Gardens at Elm Bank, to the introduction of an early winter dinner meeting and regular TurfZone podcasts, members can take advantage of many chances to dig deep and learn from cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art technologies, and trend setting equipment.

As Spring 2019 revs at full speed, you won’t want to miss a thing. Stay tuned and stay involved! •

•C reate a strong list of vendors you can depend on – problem solve together •B uild interpersonal skills – communicate with legislators, town officials, coaches, etc.

•T eam building — “build each other up and have each other’s backs” •N etworking is priceless •C ollaborating with Coaches and A/Ds on how to best use, maintain & protect fields

Turfgrass health/issues

• Wetting agents for softball/baseball infields • Aeration aeration, aeration • Aerating infields — deep tine — fracture soil • Seed moisture • Turf coverage/dormant seed • Herbicide resistant weed species • Biological grub control • Sustainable practices in all aspects of turf maintenance • Promoting safe playing surfaces • Updating and utilizing the latest equipment — tools and technology • Water management/rain sensors Everyone agreed it was a beneficial exercise that really got people talking! Many thanks to Ed Olsen and our table moderators for their help with NESTMA’s first Great Ideas Exchange. •

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Proudly serving Massachusetts for over 20 years. info@gfialkosky.com 617-969-2335 www.gfialkoskylawnsprinklers.com June 2019 • New England Blade • 7

NESTMA HQ Update • continued

Annual Meeting Highlights

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ore than 120 members gathered on March 6, 2019 for NESTMA’s annual meeting and lunch held in conjunction with the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. The meeting provided a great opportunity for members — old and new — to connect, look back on the year that was, and plan for the coming season.

Highlights included a “state of the association” update from

8 • New England BLADE • June 2019

NESTMA president Ben Polimer, a recap of the many ways the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation supports local research from NERTF representative Mike Buras, association award and scholarship presentations, and a lively exchange of “great ideas” moderated by Ed Olsen. Many thanks to our friends at Tom Irwin for their generous support of this annual event. •

continued • NESTMA

HQ Update

NESTMA Presents Awards at Annual Meeting Sport Turf Manager of the Year NESTMA’s Sports Turf Manager of the Year is the highest honor NESTMA bestows upon one of its members. It recognizes a Sports Turf Manager who has made significant contributions to our industry.

Best management and maintenance practices, creative staffing and budgeting strategies, successful partnerships, technical research and improvements, and environmental stewardship — Roth Schmidgall has long been a respected member of our association and a valued resource for many of us. He’s always willing to share his knowledge and we got to see the results of his collaborative research and integration of sustainable practices last August when he hosted NESTMA’s Summer Field Day at Wellesley College. Congratulations Roth Schmidgall, Assistant Head of Grounds & Athletic Fields at Wellesley College — NESTMA’s Sport Turf Manager of the Year!

Roth’s father, Jack Schmidgall, was not able to attend but sent his best wishes via an email that was read during the awards ceremony. An excerpt follows: “ It is quite unique for a group of employees to share such undivided camaraderie amongst each other and perform at an outstanding level of facility management as you all do at Wellesley College. Your entire staff sets a great example of a successful operation. You’re a valuable asset to the group and help lead the team to top performance with refined detail. True attributes of a professional grounds and sports turf manager.

As one of NESTMA’s founders, long term board director, past president and honorary member, [you have my] sincere admiration. While moving forward, openly share your knowledge, listen with respect, stay humble, lead with dignity and retain your passion for our great industry.”

Commercial Partner of the Year NESMTA’s Commercial Partner of the Year recognizes an industry supplier who has gone above and beyond to help support the Sports Turf Management industry.

This year’s recipient is a successful businessperson and an involved member of the turf and irrigation communities. Kyle McNerney is the founder and owner of Smart Water Management, based in Hopkinton, MA. He is past president of the Irrigation Association of New England, is an EPA WaterSense Partner, and a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. He has been an active member of NESTMA and often shares his turf and water management knowledge by speaking at industry events. Kyle is certified in LEED AP O&M, in addition to having earned Irrigation Association certifications. Congratulations Kyle!

Charles Mruk Student Scholarship Garrett Maxey is this year’s recipient of the $1500 Charles Mruk Scholarship. He is a graduate student of Dr. Jason Henderson of the University of Connecticut. Garrick completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri and was chosen as one of the five interns from across the country for the Boston Red Sox in 2013.

His current research is focused on management of sports fields using pesticide-free approaches. He tells us he wants, “to become a leader in this industry by exhibiting the best management practices that produce the safest and highest quality playing surfaces for athletes.” Congratulations Garrett! •

June 2019 • New England Blade • 9

NESTMA HQ Update • continued

Membership Matters

By Charissa Sharkey, Membership Manager

Our

Annual Meeting in March was a great opportunity for us to get to know more of our current members and encourage guests to join this great organization. It was terrific to see all the networking and ideas that were exchanged during the meeting.

One member remarked, “Sometimes I learn more over a cup of coffee or a beer, than I do sitting in a seminar room.” This sentiment definitely underscores the importance of face-to-face industry gatherings.

Invite a Guest

NESTMA is 400+ members strong and represents the region’s leading sports turf professionals. You are all “players” in the industry and we appreciate your involvement. There are other sports turf managers out there who need to know what they’re missing by not being a member. If they’re an industry player, they need to belong to NESTMA! Please take some time this spring to think about the many ways you benefit from membership and then invite a nonmember turf manager to join you at a NESTMA event. We’ll extend the member discount to your guest because we’re

confident that once they see all NESTMA has to offer, they’ll want to become a member.

Join a Committee or Board

Volunteer leadership is a great way to expand your industry network, advance your career, and give back at the same time.

Watch your email for information on how you can volunteer to help out NESTMA by volunteering to serve on a committee or the board of directors. Elections take place in the Fall and members begin their tenure at the beginning of 2020.

Dues Reminder

Many thanks to everyone who renewed their membership in 2019. The board of directors views every renewal as a vote of confidence in the benefit NESTMA is providing its members.

If you haven’t had a chance to renew for 2019, it’s super easy online at NESTMA.org — or call the NESTMA office, we’re happy to help.

Any questions? Feel free to reach out to me via email: NESTMAinfo@gmail.com or phone: (508) 653-1241. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming NESTMA event.

Don’t miss an issue!

If you want to continue to receive the New England Blade magazine for free, be sure your NESTMA membership is current.

Join or renew online at NESTMA.org or call (508) 653-1241 for more information.

Membership Levels:

Commercial Partner – $150 – Persons engaged in commercial enterprises providing services or products to the sports turf profession. Active voting members eligible to hold elective office.

General Member – $95 – Persons engaged in maintenance, research, or teaching pertaining to sports turf surfaces at parks, educational institutions, municipalities or professional and private facilities. Active voting members eligible to hold elective office.

Commercial Affiliate – $100 – Additional member from an organization that already has a Commercial partner.

Non-voting member, not eligible to hold elective office.

Member Affiliate – $75 – Additional member from

Student – Free – Full-time college students are invited

an organization that already has a General member. Nonvoting member, not eligible to hold elective office.

10 • New England BLADE • June 2019

to join on a complimentary basis. Please call the NESTMA office to enroll. A photocopy of your school ID is required. •

SPORTS FIELD SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION www.sportscapesunlimited.com 617.913.8958 Duxbury, MA

June 2019 • New England Blade • 11

Industry News

EXPERTS IN THE FIELD, PARTNERS IN THE GAME

S Y N T H E T I O R N A T U R A L S P O R T S F WHAT ARE CONSTRUCTION COSTS? SYNTHETIC TURF

Single-field building costs range from $6.00-$10.25/sq ft.

NATURAL GRASS

Single-field building costs are dependent on soil used: On-site native soil: $0.60-$1.50/sq ft Native soil: $1.50-$3.00/sq ft Sand cap: $2.75-$4.00/sq ft Sand: $5.50-$8.00/sq ft

WHAT ARE MAINTENANCE COSTS? SYNTHETIC TURF

A K-12 School in Kansas spends $6,800 on maintenance annually. Additionally, the field averages 360 labor hours.

Michigan State University spends about $22,760 on maintenance and labor annually. The field averages 280 hours in labor.

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T U R F

G R A S S I E L D S ?

HOW HOT IS EACH SURFACE? SYNTHETIC TURF

High surface temperatures are directly related to clear, sunny, and hot conditions. The maximum surface temperature recorded is 183°F. NATURAL GRASS

Surface temperatures rarely rise above 85°F, however, in dry conditions midsummer, temperatures have been recorded at 98°F.

WHAT CAUSES FIELD HARDNESS AND WHAT IS THE THRESHOLD? SYNTHETIC TURF

Areas that lose infill, such as inlays, painted areas, seams, and highuse areas can have increased surface hardness. The values of 100 Gmax* (Clegg Impact Tester, ASTM 1702) and 164 Gmax* (ASTM F355 missile A) are the upper limits.

NATURAL GRASS

NATURAL GRASS

A native soil field at a K-12 School in South Carolina spends roughly $9,450 on maintenance annually. Additionally, the field averages 300 labor hours.

Duke University spends roughly $24,550 annually on maintenance and labor for a sand-based field.

The field averages 480 hours in labor.

stma.org/institute

Gmax* of natural grass fields can vary greatly over short periods of time due to changes in soil water content and the amount of field usage. The same values of Gmax* apply to natural grass fields. *Gmax is the value generated when testing surface hardness and provides an indication if a field is safe for play or if steps must be taken to reduce surface hardness. Gmax testing should occur annually, with more frequent testing suggested on heavily-used fields.

Share

STMA advances professionalism in sports field management and safety through education, awareness programs and industry development.

12 • New England BLADE • June 2019

Advertiser Index

News from STMA

Atlantic Golf and Turf................................. 7 rick@atlanticgolfandturf.com

NESTMA/STMA Collaborate on Infographic

Beam Clay.................................................... 4 www.BEAMCLAY.com • www.PARTAC.com

The Institute

Charles Hart Seed Company.....................17 www.hartseed.com

STMA has established the Institute of Sports Field Management, the goal of which is to expand existing educational resources beyond turfgrass management topics and further position members as well-rounded professionals. Collaborating with industry organizations, The Institute offers access to top content areas including: • Stadium •F acility Operations Construction

• Career Development

• Event Management

• Professionalism

Visit stma.com/institute to learn more about each theme and explore how the best opportunity to achieve personal and professional goals. •

NESTMA Members Serve STMA Congratulations to NESTMA president, Ben Polimer, who has been appointed Chair of STMA’s Chapter Relations Committee and NESTMA past president, Vickie Wallace, who will chair STMA’s Environmental Committee. The Chapter Relations Committee is charged with creating a chapter structure that is beneficial locally and nationally; to financially assist chapters with their administrations, operations, and educational efforts; and to facilitate the sharing of best practices. The Environmental Committee develops environmental strategies that position STMA and its members as leaders in environmental stewardship and the related health and safety issues that impact fans and players. Congratulations Ben and Vickie! •

UMass Turf Club Thanks NESTMA! April 12, 2019 Dear NESTMA Members: First, we would like to thank the New England Sports Turf Manager’s Association for their generous donation which was used for the [UMass] Turf Club’s trip to the STMA Conference in Phoenix. While in Phoenix, the team participated in the Seminar on Wheels. This seminar gave us an amazing, in-depth look at State Farm Stadium, Camelback Ranch, and Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium. We were blown away by the quality and professionalism of all three venues. In addition to the seminar, we toured the conference trade show and saw new industry equipment and resources.

Finally, the team participated in the STMA Student Challenge, and although we did not win, we were pleased with our results, as it was the first time three of the four of us had ever competed in such an event. Phoenix was an extremely welcoming site for the conference, and we look forward to sending a team to the STMA Conference again next year. Thank you to NESTMA again, your generosity is appreciated greatly.

Sincerely, Josh Fortier John Timothy Locke Renee DeAngelis Matthew Campbell

Covermaster, Inc.......................................22 www.covermaster.com CoverSports USA.......................................14 www.coversports.com Gary Fialkosky Lawn Sprinklers................. 7 www.gfialkoskylawnsprinklers.com Harrell’s LLC............................... Back Cover www.harrells.com Leading Edge Communications.................. 5 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com New England Specialty Soils...................... 5 www.nesoils.com Progressive Turf Equipment Inc..............15 www.progressiveturfequip.com Soil Technologies / American Natural Products / Amorex Goose Repellent.......19 www.soiltechcorp.com Sportscapes Unlimited LLC......................11 www.sportscapesunlimited.com Tech Terra Environmental........................11 www.techterraenvironmental.com Turf Products Corp....................................23 www.turfproductscorp.com/about Turf Tank........................ Inside Front Cover www.turftank.com

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Industry News • continued

The Partnership of NESTMA and NERTF

By Michael Buras, CSFM

Friend: You’re a sports turf manager?

Me: Yes Friend: Cool! What have you been up to this winter? It must be a quiet part of the year.

Me: Actually, I have been quite busy getting ready for the upcoming season. An important part of my job is continuing education and the off season is the best opportunity to do this.

Staying up to date with technology, laws, best management practices and in general — better ways to grow healthy grass while protecting the environment.

Friend: How do you do that? Turf management seems like such a narrow field.

Me: Well, there are lots of ways to learn — online, vendors, books, but the best way is by attending a turfgrass conference and trade show and here in New England we have one of the best!

14 • New England BLADE • June 2019

In 1996 the seven New England golf course superintendent associations, New England Sports Turf Managers Association and Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Providers got together and formed the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation (NERTF). NERTF’s mission is to fund turfgrass research in New England and provide education for turf managers. They do this by hosting one of the largest regional turfgrass conferences in the nation. It has been held in Providence, RI since 1998.

Research: Through 2018, NERTF has donated $2,341,000 to turfgrass research at New England universities. $553,000 of this has been sports specific research along with many other projects that encompass the entire turf industry. Recently, much needed research on pesticide free athletic fields and pesticide exposure has been happening at The University of Connecticut, with NERTF investing over $150,000 on this since 2017. The NERTF funded research can be accessed many ways; the researchers present their findings at the NERTF conference, NERTF.org has links

continued • Industry

to the results, university web sites, NESTMA’s Blade magazine and the NERTF newsletter.

Funding: Where does the funding for the research come from?

It comes from the turf conference profits, the conference auction and Tee-Up New England. Over 1600 turf managers attended the conference in 2019 plus over 300 booths at the trade show yields most of the money needed for the research. The balance comes from auctioning turf products at the show and Tee-Up New England. Tee-Up New England is an online auction of rounds of golf at over 100 northeast courses that are donated by superintendents.

Education: Experts on turf management from all over the world are featured at the NERTF conference. On the first day, in depth seminars are provided in two or four hour sessions. The next two days of sports turf education feature researchers, turfgrass professors and fellow sports turf managers speaking on current turf management issues.

The New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show is a wonderful resource for sports turf education. If you have any suggestions on speakers or topics you would like to hear about, please let me know and check out all the outstanding research that is being done right here in New England. •

News

Michael Buras is Director of Grounds at Longwood Cricket Club in Chestnut Hill, MA and serves as NESTMA’s representative to the NERTF board of directors. Contact him via email at mburas@longwoodcricket.com or phone 617-731-2900.

June 2019 • New England Blade • 15

Member Spotlight

NESTMA Member Spotlight

Meet Andrew Walsh Superintendent • Pine Banks Park • Malden/Melrose MA

How long have you been a NESTMA member?

I was still in college when I joined in 2005.

Where did you go to school?

I graduated from UMass Amherst in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences with a concentration in turfgrass management.

What was your first job in the industry?

My first job was a grounds staff position at Mount Hood Golf Course in Melrose, MA when I was a freshman in high school.

Where did you go from there?

In college I did internships at Essex Country Club, The Boston Red Sox, and Longwood Cricket Club. I then worked full time at Longwood for several years, did a stint at The Country Club, and back to Longwood for a few more years before landing at Pine Banks Park.

Who was your mentor when you were starting out in the business?

Michael Buras of Longwood Cricket Club has easily made the most impact in my career. He gave me the confidence to believe in myself. The training and education I got while working with Mike shaped my agronomic understanding and development.

His actions as a turf manager, industry advocate, and volunteer are admirable and I hope to make at least a fraction of the positive impact he has.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

The best professional advice I ever received was to keep an open mind when looking at potential career paths. When I was in college, very few students were interested in sports turf. Being open to the idea of working in areas of turf management other than golf was the best thing I have done for my career.

What advice would you share with people starting out in sports turf management today?

Along the same lines as keeping an open mind, I would advise to learn about other aspects of grounds management. Arbor care, horticulture, mechanics, and basic carpentry are a few areas that come to mind. Being a versatile and balanced employee will open you up to more, and potentially better, career opportunities.

Very few jobs, if any, are dedicated solely to turf management.

16 • New England BLADE • June 2019

Since the beginning of your career, what is the biggest change you’ve seen in the sports turf industry?

The level of professionalism has increased dramatically. We now have a national certification program (CSFM), professionals from all areas of turf management are seeking jobs in our sector of the industry, and even the general public is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of green space in our communities. This is leading to the implementation of more intense agronomic programs and hiring of more qualified candidates.

What is the next “game-changer” you see on the horizon for the sports turf industry?

In the climate of increasing legislation against the use of pesticides, I think that fraze mowing could be a sustainable alternative. The concept of re-grassing every year or few years goes against what we’ve always tried to do — which is to grow a perennial stand year after year. The advantages are that you can remove thatch, weeds, and can plant the best new cultivars available. Especially for those without many options chemically speaking, this could be the foundation of the agronomic program of the future.

What’s your favorite/most useful: Equipment? Hands down our tractor. Attachments we have include a blower, backhoe, forks, and front-end loader. It does so much for us, and with more implements, hopefully it will be able to do even more.

Product? Since the addition of calcined clay topdressing on our infields, managing the moisture content of our skinned surfaces has become much easier. The fields handle rain events much better, allowing for fewer rainouts/delays, and in drier weather the fields retain moisture from watering much better.

Technology? We recently purchased a soil moisture meter with GPS technology. Hopefully with this technology we will be able to identify any problem areas as well as water much more efficiently and accurately as soil moisture dictates.

What have you enjoyed most about being a NESTMA member?

NESTMA has been a large part of my professional life. From receiving the Charles K. Mruk Scholarship as a student, to learning at the many educational events, to developing relationships with others in the industry, I have endlessly benefited from my membership. The job I currently hold is due to one of my relationships with a fellow NESTMA member who helped guide me through the process.

Andrew and son Liam

Andrew and his “coworker” Maggie.

Can you share a bit about your family life and/or what you enjoy doing in your free time?

I am blessed with a beautiful, loving, and supportive family. My wife, son, daughter, and my (co-worker) golden retriever allow me to do what I love and keep me plenty busy! If I had more free time, I’d try to take a few strokes off my golf game.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow NESTMA members?

I would ask that if you are not active in NESTMA, become more active. Even simple things like making suggestions or comments (we as a board rely on the input of the members, so do not be shy), offering to host an event, or reaching out to fellow members for advice is participation. Everyone is approachable and willing to help. NESTMA is so much more than a just a source for pesticide credits, so please utilize the resources you have. •

June 2019 • New England Blade • 17

Feature Story

Let’s Go Organic A fresh look at the findings from one of the rare studies on organic turfgrass management.

By Beth Guertal, Ph.D. The following article appeared in the February 2019 issue of Golf Course Management magazine. The research it cites was funded by the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation, which is supported by NESTMA. It is reprinted with permission.

F

rom food labels to cotton sheets, the concept of going “organic” is alluring. The idea is open to much discussion and debate, but it’s a fact that many municipalities are imposing bans or restrictions on the use of pesticides, especially around schools, sports fields and public grounds.

Now, the magazine you are reading is focused on golf courses, and the article I’m discussing is about sports fields, but I’m writing about it because it’s a novel paper that examines the effects of organic management programs for turfgrass that include things such as compost teas and manures. Although there’s a ton of interest in organic programs for turfgrass, there’s actually not a lot of published work in this area, and this paper is a detailed look at organic programs.

As of 2010, the state of Connecticut has prohibited the use of many turfgrass pesticides on public and private school grounds (through eighth grade). To help develop management programs, researchers at the University of Connecticut examined the quality of trafficked Kentucky bluegrass athletic fields as affected by conventional and organic management regimes.

For two years, research plots received one of the following six programs: 1. conventional (fertilizers were urea, triple superphosphate and potassium chloride) 2. organic manure (dehydrated poultry litter) 3. organic protein (soy + alfalfa + molasses) 4. manure + compost tea (vermicompost-based) 5. organic protein + compost tea 6. nothing (control) In all, 4 pounds nitrogen/1,000 square feet (195 kilograms/ hectare), 1 pound phosphorus/1,000 square feet (49 kilograms/ hectare) and 4 pounds potassium/1,000 square feet were applied in each year to the conventional plots. In the organic protein treatments, the yearly totals were 4 pounds nitrogen/1,000 square feet, 2.8 pounds phosphorus/1,000 square feet (122 kilograms/hectare) and 1 pound potassium/1,000 square feet. In the manure treatments, it was 4 pounds nitrogen/1,000 square feet, 3 pounds phosphorus/1,000 square feet (147 kilograms/ hectare) and 1 pound potassium/1,000 square feet.

Weed control in the conventional plots was done via applications of dithiopyr and quinclorac, and in the organic

18 • New England BLADE • June 2019

plots, corn gluten meal was applied (this also supplies nitrogen, and nitrogen was applied to the conventional plots at the same time to get a uniform nitrogen rate). On conventional plots, the fungicides azoxystrobin and propiconazole were applied, while organic plots were treated with the biofungicide Bacillus licheniformis SB 3086. For white grub control, conventional plots were treated with the insecticide imidacloprid, and organic plots received a treatment of parasitic nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora). And last, all of this was studied with and without a fall overseeding of perennial ryegrass, which was seeded at 260 pounds/acre/week (292 kilograms/hectare/week) for 10 weeks, starting in August.

Collected data included turfgrass color, turfgrass quality, percent cover (artificial traffic was applied) and weed populations.

The conventional management regime outperformed the organic regimes for overall quality, reduced weed populations, and better color in mid- to late fall. By the second year, there was no difference in percent turfgrass cover, and plots under organic regimes were equal to those under conventional management.

Application of compost tea never enhanced turfgrass color, quality or cover during the duration of the study. Application of corn gluten meal was largely ineffective as well.

The best management strategy in the organic systems?

Overseeding.

Overseeding with perennial ryegrass in every management system decreased broadleaf weeds (and crabgrass), increased cover and improved turfgrass quality. The authors concluded that the greatest limitation to their organic turfgrass management was weed control, and much more work is needed in this area.

Source: Miller, N.A., and J.J. Henderson. 2012. Organic management practices on athletic fields: Part 1. The effects on color, quality, cover and weed populations. Crop Science 52: 890-903. •

Beth Guertal, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama and the 2019 president of the Crop Science Society of America.

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“Bac-pack has worked as well as any fungicide I’ve used and it’s less money per application than any fungicide I’ve used. We’ve cut our greens fungicides about 65%, right about 2/3 for this year, compared to last. We’re making Bac-pack a cornerstone of our Agronomic program for next year.”

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anthracnose evaluation using Microbial inoculant (Bac-pack) Disease Severity

6 5 4 3 2 1 Untreated

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Plots treated with Bac-Pack (3 apps./2 week intervals) showed reduced levels of Anthracnose disease compared to the untreated control plots.

— Cornell University, Dept. of Plant Pathology, Ithica N.Y. Evaluation was conducted on bentgrass/Poa annua putting green at the R.T. Jones Golf Course at Cornell University.

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Industry Research

Effects of Integrated Pest Management Cultural Practices (Mowing, Fertilization, and Irrigation) on Weed Populations in Turfgrass

By Emily Braithwaite, Brian McDonald, Tim Stock and Alec Kowalewski

Introduction

It is speculated that proper cultural management practices can reduce weed populations in turfgrass without the use of herbicide applications. With new laws restricting access to certain pesticides within turfgrass management and increased pressure to move away from traditional chemistries, implementing an efficient and conscientious cultural management strategy is important. Across the United States, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Centers are focusing on providing education and training to turfgrass grounds and field managers in an effort to implement an appropriate IPM plan. The goal of these programs is to promote healthier school communities by reducing pests, pesticide use, and pest management costs in and around public schools. Part of Oregon State University’s commitment to healthier school communities is teaching IPM coordinators and grounds staff proper turfgrass management practices; primarily mowing, fertilization and irrigation. These cultural practices improve turfgrass health and reduce reliance on herbicides for management of invasive weeds. To supplement this training a series of research projects evaluating the effects of mowing, fertilization and irrigation on mixed stands of cool-season turfgrass were initiated in spring 2018. The primary objectives of these projects is to determine how variations in the cultural practices effect weed populations and provide demonstration plots for field extension events (Figure 1).

Materials and Methods

Three field research trials were initiated in the fall of 2017 and will conclude in the fall 2020. These trials are being conducted on a mixed stand of turfgrass (consisting primarily of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass) at the Lewis-Brown Horticulture Research Farm, Corvallis, OR. Six weeks prior to initiation of each trial, two herbicide applications of Speedzone (Carfentrazone-ethyl, 2,4-D, 2-ethylhexyl ester, Mecoprop-p acid, and Dicamba acid) were administered (1.8 fl. oz./1000ft2) with a four-week interval between sprays which allowed trials to begin with a clean stand of turfgrass and no weeds. Perennial ryegrass was then over-seeded (9lbs/1000ft2) to fill in voids left by weeds.

Experimental design for the mowing height and frequency trial is a 2 by 3 factorial randomized complete block design with four replications. The mowing heights of 2 inches and 4 inches and the mowing frequencies of one, two, and four times 20 • New England BLADE • June 2019

per month were selected based on the typical practices IPM coordinators use in the Pacific Northwest. With the exception of the initial applications, traditional herbicides are not being applied to the trial area. Fertilizer applications for this study occur four times per year at a rate of 1.0 lbs Nitrogen/1000ft2 per application, twice in the spring and fall. This trial also receives regular irrigation during the summer (Figure 2).

Experimental design for the fertilizer rate and frequency trial is a randomized complete block design with four replications; fertilizer rates within this study were 0, 2, and 4 lbs N/1000ft2 annually. Fertilizer applications occur either two or four times per year at a rate of 1.0 lbs Nitrogen/1000ft2 per application.

As with the mowing trial, traditional herbicides are not being applied to the trial area and the plots receive regular irrigation during the summer months.

Experimental design for the irrigation rate and frequency trial is a randomized complete block design with four replications.

Treatments include a non-irrigated control, 1.0 inch applied once a month, 0.25 inch applied four times per week, and water applied four times per week with rates adjusted to replenish evapotranspiration (ET).

A non-irrigated control was included since there are several incidences of areas in the Pacific Northwest where irrigation is not applied during the summer months. An infrequent irrigation treatment (1.0 inch once a month) was included to determine if minimal irrigation would help maintain turf density while using minimal resources. The idea being, watering enough to limit available areas for weeds to move in, which will likely occur after complete desiccation. A rate of 0.25 inch applied four times per week reflected current recommendations made to IPM coordinators. Previous research conducted determined that 0.25 inch applied four times per week was not optimal in late July and August in Corvallis, OR; therefore, a treatment with rates based on evapotranspiration (ET) data collected from the weather station at the Lewis Brown farm. The frequency remained the same, but rates were increased to 0.3 inch in July and August. Fertilizer applications occur four times per year at a rate of 1.0 lbs Nitrogen/1000ft2 per application. With the exception of the initial applications, herbicides were not applied.

Visual quality (1-9 scale, where 1 = worst, 9 = best, and 5= acceptable) is being assessed every other week. Weed counts are being collected with a 20 in x 40 in transect with 36 intersects four times per year. An initial count with the transect showed each trial beginning with no weeds (Figure 3).

Figure 1: IPM Field Day and Coordinator Training at Oregon State University, August 2018.

Figure 2: Various mowing heights (2 and 4 inches) and frequencies (1x, 2x, 4x per month) at Oregon State University, August 2018.

Preliminary Findings

Preliminary findings showed that a higher mowing height (4 inches) resulted in significantly fewer broadleaf weeds, but the frequency of mowing (once, twice, and four times per month) did not have an effect on weed populations. Over the course of this three-year study, we expect to see mowing frequency also show significance, with lower frequency mowing resulting in higher weed populations. Infrequent mowing at both 2 inches and 4 inches generates large amounts of debris left on the surface which smothers the grass beneath it, opening areas for weeds to move in.

Fertilizing turfgrass with 2 or 4 lbs Nitrogen/1,000ft2 annually reduced weed population as compared to non-fertilized turfgrass (Table 1), with higher rates showing the lowest incidence of weeds. Applications of nitrogen increased the density of the turfgrass. The dense stands made it more difficult for weeds to move in. Plots that did not receive any fertility had more voids where weed seed was able to germinate and move into the plots.

Figure 3: Grid intersect for assessing weed populations (20”x40”).

Table 1: Effects of nitrogen application rate on percent weed cover within a mixed stand of cool-season turfgrass maintained at a 2 inches height in Corvallis, OR, 2018.

Fertilizer Rate (per year)

Percent Weed Cover (%) 18-July

Percent Weed Cover (%) 13-Sep

None

2.8

3.5

2 lbs N/1000ft2

0.7

2.1

4 lbs N/1000ft2

0.0

1.4

June 2019 • New England Blade • 21

Industry Research • continued

Analysis of the irrigation plots showed no significance of treatments on weed incidence, but we expect to see the differences over the course of this trial. Plots that received no irrigation over the summer months had the lowest turfgrass density and quality ratings (Figure 4). As the trial progresses, there will be space for weeds to encroach into the unirrigated plots and subsequent grid counts should reflect this. Plots receiving 1 inch per month had a slight improvement compared to plots that were not irrigated. The plots that received 0.25 inch four times per week, and the plot receiving irrigation rates adjusted monthly according to evapotranspiration rates had the highest turf density and greatest turf quality.

Conclusion

The addition of legislation that restricts access to certain pesticides as well as an increased interest in finding alternative methods to managing weeds in both school grounds and home lawns relies on research to explore both the benefits of cultural management practices and the best ways to implement them. Previous research in other areas of the United States has showed that mowing, fertility, and irrigation can significantly reduce weed incidence.

The goal of this research is to find optimal rates and frequencies of those primary practices that can then be demonstrated and taught to IPM coordinators and others managing these turfgrasses in the absence of traditional herbicides. •

22 • New England BLADE • June 2019

Figure 4: Irrigation plots three months after initiation of trial (taken Sep 2018); A) no irrigation applied; B) irrigation applied at 0.25 inch four times per week; C) irrigation adjusted monthly based on evapotranspriation rates (ET) from weather station data; D) irrigation applied at 1.0 inch once per month.

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