Pennsylvania Turfgrass - Fall 2021

Fall 2021 • Vol. 10/No. 4

Mid-Season Field Checkup PLUS

Coming Soon to University Park: Class ‘A’ Reclaimed H2O

Saving America’s Water In just 5 years, over 730 million square feet of TifTuf has been installed on residential and commercial landscapes, golf courses, and collegiate and professional sports fields across our country. As a result, over 11 billion gallons of our precious water resources have already been saved. TifTuf is absolutely changing the face of the American landscape!

www.THETURFGRASSGROUP.com

For test results check www.ntep.org

www.burlinghamseeds.com

Vol. 10 / No. 3 • Fall 2021 Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 99 Boalsburg, PA 16827-0550 Phone: (814) 237-0767 Fax: (814) 414-3303 info@paturf.org www.paturf.org Publisher: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 info@leadingedgecommunications.com Pennsylvania Turfgrass Editor Max Schlossberg, Ph.D. Penn State University • mjs38@psu.edu

10

Pennsylvania Turfgrass Associate Editor Heather Welch Penn State University • hgw1@psu.edu President Tom Fisher Wildwood Golf Club – Allison Park, PA (412) 518-8384 Vice President Rick Catalogna Harrell’s Inc Territory Manager (412) 897-0480 Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Kister Longwood Gardens, Inc. – Kennett Square, PA (484) 883-9275

16 Features

Departments

10 Cover Story

5 Advertiser Index

Mid-Season Field Checkup

16 Between the Lines

Turf Management is a Family Matter for Madison Manos

18 Feature

Coming Soon to PSU Park: Class ‘A’ Reclaimed H2O

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

4

Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2021

Past President Pete Ramsey Range End Golf Club – Dillsburg, PA (717) 577-5401 Director of Operations Tom Bettle Penn State University

6 President’s Update

Assistant Director of Operations Nicole Kline Pennsylvania Turfgrass Association

6 Penn State Turf Team

Directors

8 Research Updates

Steve Craig Centre Hills Country Club

P I C T U R ED AB O VE

Tanner Delvalle Penn State Extension

TOP: Inspecting Field Prior to NFL ProBowl.

Elliott Dowling USGA

BOTTOM: Madison Manos on the field.

Andy Moran University of Pittsburgh

ON THE COVER Serensits Inspects Gillette Stadium.

Tim Wilk Scotch Valley Country Club Matt Wolf Penn State University

Advertiser Index

Aer-Core, Inc....................................... 15 www.aer-core.com

Covers That Make the Difference

Beam Clay.............................................9 www.BEAMCLAY.com

MAST R BRANDE ING

Burlingham Seeds.................................3 www.burlinghamseeds.com

Coombs Sod Farms...............................9 www.coombsfarms.com

Covermaster, Inc...................................5

From our supreme lightweight raincovers right to the classic vinyl ones, there are cover models and accessories to meet your specific needs.

www.covermaster.com

East Coast Sod & Seed.........................7 www.eastcoastsod.com

Fisher & Son Company, Inc................. 23 www.fisherandson.com

FM Brown’s & Sons...............................9

EVERGREEN™ turf covers outsmart mother nature. Exclusive color lace coatings provide proven results.

FOOTBALL FIELD COVERS are made of superior strength material, providing protection from rain or snow.

www.fmbrown.com

George E. Ley Co..................................9 www.gelcogolf.com

Leading Edge Communications...... 7, 21 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc.......... 15 www.progressiveturfequip.com

Seedway.............................................. 17 www.seedway.com

Shreiner Tree Care.................................5 www.shreinertreecare.com

TARPMATE™ AIR roller is a revolutionary An INFLATABLE FIELD COVER allows storage and handling system for field for ongoing field maintenance during covers. 2-3 people can roll out or roll up a inclement and extreme cold weather.

100’ wide cover.

100 Westmore Dr., 11D, Rexdale, ON M9V 5C3 3909 Witmer Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14305

1-800-387-5808

Tel: +1-416-745-1811 • Fax: +1-416-742-6837 www.covermaster.com • info@covermaster.com

Mike Kachurak

ISA Certified Arborist PD-2739A SmartGate Conveyors.......... Back Cover www.smartgate.us

334 South Henderson Road King of Prussia, PA 19406

The Turfgrass Group... Inside Front Cover

Office 610.265.6004 Cell 570.262.3612

Turf Science......................................... 13

mikek@shreinertreecare.com www.shreinertreecare.com

www.theturfgrassgroup.com

www.turfscience.net

Fall 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass

5

President’s Update

TIME FLIES WHEN THEY’R E H AV ING FUN

As

Jeffrey A. Borger Senior Instructor in Turfgrass Weed Management 814-865-3005 • jborger@psu.edu

Michael A. Fidanza, Ph.D. Professor of Plant & Soil Science 610-396-6330 • maf100@psu.edu

David R. Huff, Ph.D. Professor of Turfgrass Genetics 814-863-9805 • drh15@psu.edu

another summer slips away, we instinctively dig deep within ourselves finding the gear that powers us through the “second season” that is autumn in the Commonwealth. Though we have a less severe relationship the sun during this time of year, seasonably stiff winds and high skies will keep us on our toes as we count down to the day when the irrigation pipes are dry. Despite the delayed sunrises and temperatures that flirt with frost, golfers will still show up en masse as our summer help steps onto the school busses that seemingly double your commute time to work. Workload will increase as acorns and leaves make their journey back to the earth. With any luck we will all be graciously granted a few moments here and there to reflect on another busy season. But for the wisdom accrued via the rigors of every “normal” summer, I hope this season presented valuable resources for the years that lie ahead. With any luck the past few months provided the opportunity to test a new cultural procedure, mentor a young employee, or retool your operation for the better. Hopefully you were on the giving and receiving end of pats on the back and gracious handshakes. If you are so lucky, invaluable memories created this summer with family and friends outshined it all.

Hopefully you were able to step away for a day to experience Turf Field Days held at the H.O. Smith Botanical Garden and Joseph P Valentine Turf Research Center. This year’s event boasted a robust crowd who enjoyed real time research they could take home to their properties. If you haven’t experienced a Turf Field Day, please consider attending or sending your skilled employees as the broad spectrum of information offered appeals to so much we do on our properties. Though we won’t gather for the Annual Penn State Turf Conference, the Thomas Watschke Memorial Golf Tournament held at the Penn State Golf Courses brought us together to honor the legacy of Dr. Watschke.

Looking ahead to winter, be on the lookout for our usual slate of regional conferences that serve so many of our members. As always, thank you for your continued support of the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council.

Brad Jakubowski Instructor of Plant Science 814-865-7118 • brj8@psu.edu

Tom Fisher

Max Schlossberg, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Turfgrass Nutrition / Soil Fertility 814-863-1015 • mjs38@psu.edu

2021 PTC President

The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council (PTC) 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, Pennsylvania Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or PTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Copyright © 2021 by the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council.

Pennsylvania Turfgrass is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to PTC members. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Pennsylvania Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to the PTC. 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, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

6

Penn State Turf Team

Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2021

John E. Kaminski, Ph.D. Professor of Turfgrass Science 814-865-3007 • jek156@psu.edu

Peter J. Landschoot, Ph.D. Professor of Turfgrass Science 814-863-1017 • pjl1@psu.edu

Ben McGraw, Ph.D. Associate Professor of

Turfgrass Entomology 814-865-1138 • bam53@psu.edu

Andrew S. McNitt, Ph.D. Professor of Soil Science 814-863-1368 • asm4@psu.edu

Al J. Turgeon, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Turfgrass Management aturgeon@psu.edu

Wakar Uddin, Ph.D. Professor of Plant Pathology 814-863-4498 • wxu2@psu.edu

202 2 ED UCATIONA L CONF ERENCES (GCSAA Approved Education and PA Pesticide Credits available at all)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Eastern Pennsylvania Golf, Lawn, Landscape and Sports Turf Conference Shady Maple Conference Center • East Earl, PA Maryland and Delaware Pesticide Credits will also be available.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022 – WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

Western Pennsylvania Golf, Lawn, Landscape and Sports Turf Conference The Meadows Racetrack and Casino • Washington, PA TUESDAY: Welcoming Reception and POA Symposium in the afternoon.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Northeastern Pennsylvania Golf, Lawn, Landscape and Sports Turf Conference

WEDNESDAY: Full Day Conference Ohio and West Virginia Pesticide Credits will also be available on both days.

The Woodlands Inn and Resort • Wilkes-Barre, PA

TheTurfZone.com is the central hub for turfgrass research and information from multiple state turf associations.

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of Upcoming Turfgrass Events 273 Podcasts and Many More to Come!

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Fall 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass

7

Research Updates from PSU

Bluemuda Research Update

By Tanner Delvalle, Pete Landschoot, and Mike Fidanza

R

esearch examining mixtures of Kentucky bluegrass and cold-tolerant hybrid bermudagrass, often referred to as “bluemuda,” for sports turf applications in Pennsylvania was initiated at Penn State University Park and Berks campuses in 2020. The bluemuda concept has been successfully implemented on some sports fields in transition zone states, but not in Pennsylvania.

The advantage of mixing these two species is that bermudagrass grows rapidly during summer months and can tolerate hot, dry conditions better than cool-season grasses. Bermudagrass also tolerates traffic very well in summer months and can recuperate from wear and other types of injury relatively quickly. However, bermudagrass does not retain color or produce growth from midlate fall to early-mid spring in the Mid-Atlantic region, hence the need for a cool-season species in the mix.

Preliminary results of experiments revealed that ‘Tahoma-31’ bermudagrass sprigged in June of 2020 was very quick to establish,

8

Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2021

providing 100% cover in less than 5 weeks. When Tahoma-31 and ‘HGT’ Kentucky bluegrass were combined, seasonal changes in species composition occurred. In summer, bermudagrass dominated the stand, whereas in late September through October, a transition to primarily Kentucky bluegrass occurred, as bermudagrass became less competitive. Preliminary observations thus far indicate that stand uniformity and quality is improved when Kentucky bluegrass is seeded into existing bermudagrass during September, rather than sprigging bermudagrass into established Kentucky bluegrass in late spring. The use of growth covers resulted in earlier spring green-up of bermudagrass, with greater than 50% green cover in early April at the Penn State Berks campus near Reading. Even in the absence of growth covers, Tahoma-31 survived the winter of 2020 with no winterkill at either location. Additional experiments are being carried out in 2021.

Fairy Ring Liked the Summer of 2021!

By Mike Fidanza

If

you visited the Twitter this summer, and entered the commonly used hashtag of #FriskyFairyRingFriday, you would have discovered many awesome photos of fairy ring affecting turf. Well, it’s “awesome” to a turfgrass pathologist. Not so much for the turfgrass manager. The wet spring and early summer, followed-by a challenging hot and dry period, caused or perhaps “revealed” fairy ring symptoms to literally show-up overnight. Fairy ring expresses itself as Type-III (appearance of mushrooms or puffballs), Type-II (lush turf growing in dark green rings or arcs), or Type-I (dead necrotic turf in a circle or arc, often the result of hydrophobic soil conditions). These three types can occur singularly or all together. Even the best preventive fungicide programs were a challenge to keep fairy ring suppressed this year. For curative control, good success was observed when the affected sites are first aerified (i.e., poke a lot of holes), apply a soil surfactant and irrigate thoroughly, and then apply a fairy ringlabeled fungicide and irrigate again. It also helps to irrigate again every few days to ensure uniform soil moisture.

This should halt the fairy ring and give your turf the best chance for recovery.

And if it’s any consolation, fairy ring is mother nature’s way of saying you have healthy soils.

130 Devereux Road

610-942-3809

gelcogolf.com

Irrigation Systems Golf Course Alterations • Field Drainage

• •

Glenmoore, PA 19343 Fax: 610-942-9556

Pump Stations Vibratory Plowing • Pond Cleanout

Trenching Stream Bank Stabilization • Drainage on Existing Greens

•

•

•

•

•

•

Type I fairy ring in mid-July 2021 (photo by @scott_viking)

Fall 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass

9

Cover Story

Mid-Season FIELD CHECKUP

By Tom Serensits and Andy McNitt

The

heart of the fall sports season is now upon us.

Although the stresses of summer heat have passed, the rigors of games and practices are not only hard on players and coaches, but the playing field too (Fig 1).

A few simple tips can help minimize the effects of field wear and tear whether you are managing natural or synthetic turf – or both.

Seed Early and Often The importance of overseeding heavily-used fields and heavily-used areas within a field cannot be emphasized enough. Seeding is one of the most important in-season maintenance practices on heavily-used fields (Fig. 2).

You should not wait until the turf begins to thin. Seeding highuse areas before significant turf loss creates a “temporary seed bank” in the soil, which is ready to spring into action as the existing turf stand thins.

In almost all cases, perennial ryegrass provides the most in-season seeding success. Compared to other options such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, perennial ryegrass offers several advantages.

FIG. 1. Worn Turf due to Excessive Traffic

10 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2021

First is speed. Perennial ryegrass germinates in five to seven days and grows quickly after germinating. Germination and maturation time for both Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue is much slower. Plus, perennial ryegrass will establish under slightly cooler temperatures compared to bluegrass or tall fescue.

Second, perennial ryegrass is less expensive (even though seed costs are up this year). You often will see blends of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, but for the best bang for your buck, stick with 100% perennial ryegrass. You don’t have time for Kentucky bluegrass to get established and it’s not very traffic tolerant when it’s young and immature. Plus it’s expensive in comparison to ryegrass. Previous research at Penn State shows that ryegrass is more traffic tolerant than tall fescue until both have been established for 14 weeks. That’s three and half months. You don’t have that kind of time, stick with ryegrass.

As for selecting the cultivar of perennial ryegrass to use, visit www.ntep.org and select the latest perennial ryegrass test date.

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program consists of turfgrass cultivar evaluations conducted at universities throughout the United States.

When looking at the perennial ryegrass data for several of the NTEP test sites closest to your location, don’t get hung up selecting the cultivar at the top of the list. Pick the cheapest cultivar in the top two-thirds of the list. Quality is important, but so is quantity, and if you can pick a good cultivar that is inexpensive, you can buy more seed. Also, the textbook suggestion of always mixing a minimum of three cultivars can be ignored in the case of highly trafficked turf.

FIG. 2. Seeding High School Field

First, the breeders tell us that there is already significant genetic variation within perennial ryegrass cultivars. Secondly, you are growing this grass almost like an annual. It gets worn out and replaced via additional seeding often. So the mantra is: cheap price for adequate quality and most importantly volume, volume, volume. Shoot for a minimum of 30 lbs per 1000 square feet per year. That seems like a lot, but we believe it should be set as your minimum for highly trafficked locations. Lower trafficked areas likely require much less (Fig 3.).

FIG. 3. Plots at Penn State demonstration Effect of Varying Rates of Early Season Ryegrass Overseeding after equal amounts of simulated traffic applied over a season.

Perennial Ryegrass

•

Overseed Rate: 5lbs / 1000 ft 2

Timing — Dr. Dave Minner and Dr. Andrew Hoiberg (2013), authored several foundational research publications on this topic.

Their conclusions were that seeding early in the season was more beneficial than seeding later. Upon reflection, this makes sense.

Seed spread in mid-November doesn’t help the surface much during our fall season. Maybe it’s around to help next spring, but it’s not helping your field right now because it’s still in the bag.

We’ve discussed this with Minner et al. over some adult beverages on more than one occasion. The one thing their research didn’t account for was divots. If a divot is removed, chances are the seed in that spot is also displaced (Fig. 4.).

We came to a bit of a compromise. Let’s consider the 30 pounds that the researchers found provided the highest return on investment (more seed continued to yield a better surface). The bulk of that seed (20 pounds) should be applied to the typical high wear areas at the beginning of the fall season. In Pennsylvania that would be sometime between the third week in August and Labor Day. Now with the remaining 10 pounds, apply about two pounds per 1000 square feet after each varsity football game. That will allow the JV or JH football team to cleat it in. Again, more seed is better and it’s not too late to seed right now.

Focus on the high wear areas – soccer and lacrosse goal mouths, between the hashes on a football field, etc. Low use areas may not require any seeding so spread your seed where it is needed most.

Fertilizing

Perennial Ryegrass

•

Overseed Rate: 15lbs / 1000 ft 2

For heavily-used fields, a target amount of nitrogen over the course of the growing season is 3–5 pounds per 1000 square feet.

Fertilization will help your field grow out of damage and recover along with providing nutrients to newly germinating plants.

The best bang for your buck comes from quick release forms of nitrogen such as urea. There are many fertilizers on the market, but fertilizer research trials continue to show that urea often outperforms other much more expensive formulations.

Its not too late to fertilize now but the window is closing. Fast release formulations are suggested this late in the season with a maximum application rate of one pound nitrogen per 1000 square feet.

FIG. 4. Damage due to divots as opposed to abrasion

Perennial Ryegrass

•

Overseed Rate: 25lbs / 1000 ft 2

Fall 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 11

Cover Story • continued

Mowing Of course with fertilization comes the need to mow. Due to limited resources, one of the most common mistakes that people make is not mowing often enough. During the times that grass is actively growing, mowing once per week simply doesn’t cut it.

In most cases, a high-profile football field should be mowed at least twice per week. Believe it or not, this will help the grass resist damage due to wear. Frequent mowing promotes a healthy, dense playing surface, and it avoids post-mowing clumps from being left behind.

Clumping can be reduced by mowing when the grass is dry.

Mowing when the grass is dry also results in a healthier turf plant that is better able to withstand the wear and tear of football.

FIG. 5. Insulation Depth G a u g e wo r k s we l l t o measure infill depth.

FIG. 6. Distributing Small amounts of Infill

Synthetic Turf While synthetic turf typically does not wear out in a single season or recover like natural turf, proper management practices are still required to maximize safety and playability.

The infill component of a synthetic turf field helps keep fibers upright, allows for cleat penetration and provides a cushioning effect. Over time, infill levels often drop as small amounts of infill are constantly leaving the field in athletes’ shoes, clothing, equipment bags and from other maintenance activities.

Excessively low infill levels can result in accelerated fiber degradation (from both field use and UV light), fiber layover and increased surface hardness. Routine monitoring of infill levels is an integral part of managing a synthetic turf field. In fact, NFL field managers are required to measure infill depth before every game.

You can find out the target infill depth range from your turf manufacturer. If the infill level drops below that limit, additional infill should be added. That means you should have extra infill on site – crumb rubber in most cases.

Infill depth can be measured using devices specifically designed for measuring infill depth or a less expensive fire-proofing depth gauge (Fig. 5). These can be found from multiple vendors with a simple internet search and typically cost less than $20. Pay particular attention to heavy-use areas such as goal mouths if the field is shared by lacrosse and/or soccer teams.

Infill depth should be measured on a routine (monthly) basis to ensure infill levels have not fallen below your turf manufacturer’s specified infill depth range. Infill depth should be measured across the entire field (at least 20 locations), with the majority of testing taking place at locations of heavy use.

If infill is needed in these or other small areas, a few buckets of crumb rubber likely can do the job. Spread a thin layer of rubber onto the area, brush it into the fibers with a broom and repeat until the infill level is within the acceptable range (Fig. 6 & 7).

For bigger areas, larger pieces of equipment, such as a topdresser, can be used to spread crumb rubber across the field (Fig. 8).

No matter the size of the area, it is important to use the same size and type of rubber originally installed by the turf manufacturer.

12 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2021

FIG. 7. Working Infill into Surface

FIG. 8. Preparing to Topdress Additional Infill into High School Field

Cover Story • continued

Infill depth is highly correlated to surface hardness. In most cases, if infill depth is maintained at the manufacturer-specified depth, surface hardness levels will be within industry standards.

Along with managing infill depth, grooming helps keep turf fibers upright and infill evenly distributed across the field. Grooming refers to both brushing and the loosening of infill granules.

Brushing the field with equipment specifically designed for synthetic turf should be done every three to four weeks during the season. The brush should be set to “tickle” the surface and not so that the entire weight of the unit is on the turf. The brush can be set to a slightly deeper depth when leveling infill on uneven areas (Fig 9).

Aerating also helps loosen infill. Grooming units consisting of vertical star-shaped, non-powered “slicers” that roll through the turf and infill should generally be used no more than two or three times per year.

It is important that you check with your field manufacturer for grooming information that is specific to your field.

For synthetic turf fields, inspections should include items such as infill depth, degree of paint build-up, seam and inlay inspection, fiber condition, and field hardness. Natural turf field inspection items typically include amount of turf cover, amount of weeds present, surface evenness, and field hardness.

Regardless of field type, items such as padding on vertical surfaces close to the field, anchoring of goal posts and goals, and drains should be inspected and conditions documents.

Reference: Hoiberg, A. H., and D. D. Minner. 2013. Seedbanking potential of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass in athletic fields.

Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 12:p. 641-648.

Field Inspection Routine field inspections are another way to ensure you are providing the safest possible conditions for field users. Documenting field conditions is not only a proactive approach to field safety, it also provides a record should you be asked to provide field information or justification for new equipment, supplies, and additional labor.

A field inspection checklist is a great way to be sure to not overlook any elements of your field inspection. It also provides a record that the field was inspected should an injury occur and the safety of the field be questioned. You can make your own checklist or use one that has already been created. The Sports Turf Managers Association has created a thorough field checklist (Fig. 10) that is available on their website – www.stma.org.

FIG. 9. Grooming Synthetic Turf Field

FIG. 10. Football Field Safety Checklist Available from STMA.org.

Football/Soccer Field Safety and Maintenance Checklist

www.stma.org

Prior to practice or a game, assess the following field characteristics and make the necessary corrections to the statements marked, ‘No/Needs Attention’ before allowing players on the field. If your field is experiencing major problems, including excessive wear, drainage issues, design flaws, etc., contact the STMA at ph.

800-323-3875, or STMAinfo@STMA.org for a referral to a local STMA chapter volunteer in your area for advice.

Playing Surface – All Types

Playing Surface – Natural Grass

Yes

Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

o

o

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

Comments

Goals and Goal Post

Yes

No/Needs Attn

Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

Football/Soccer Field Safety and Maintenance Checklist

o

Playing Surface – Synthetic Turf

Maintenance equipment, such as rakes, hoes, etc.have been removed from the field.

Litter and unsafe debris have been removed from the field and player/ spectator areas.

Irrigation heads are installed as per manufacturer’s recommendations with no protrusions on the playing surface.

If there is an automatic system, the runtimes for the stations should be scheduled as per game times

The field was constructed according to recommended industry specifications.

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

Comments

There is at least 75 percent coverage of turfgrass on the field.

There are no bare spots with a hard soil surface exposed.

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o o

o o

Comments

There are no worn areas on the synthetic material.

There are no rips or tears on the synthetic material.

Seams are secure.

The synthetic material is not buckling or bulging.

Synthetic fibers are standing upright.

Comments:

There is adequate infill material that is evenly spread.

There are no holes or mounds made by moles, gophers, or other animals.

There are no ruts or trenches caused by equipment use or field wear.

There has been communication between the maintenance staff and coach/ facility user.

No/Needs Attn

o

o

Concrete for goal posts is below the surface.

o

o

There are not sharp edges, protrusions or fractures on the goal.

Goals are anchored securely.

All bolts, screws, and connections for the goal are intact and securely tightened.

The footwear that is being worn by players is acceptable.

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

Comments:

(If your field does not have bleachers/facility, skip this section)

Yes

Fences are securely set in the ground.

Fence posts are outside of the playing area.

There are no concrete footings exposed above ground.

Fencing is securely attached to its posts.

There are no large gaps in the fencing or between the ground and the fence.

Top and bottom tension wires are in place to secure the fence.

The wire ends of the fence are not exposed at the top or corners.

Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

If multi-use field, lines are distinguishable between sports.

o

o

o

o

Lines are correctly marked per the appropriate governing body.

o o

Comments:

Field Markings Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

o

o

Comments:

Lines are bright.

There is a minimum of 25 ft. around the field for players to run safely out-of-bounds.

There is a minimum of 50 ft. between fields (if multi-field complex).

All catch basins are adequately covered.

The transition area to the track is easily identifiable and level.

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

There are no damaged areas that protrude, are sharp or loose.

Out-of-Bounds/Transition Areas

Turfgrass is uniform in color, height and density.

There are no weeds with thorns, bristles or burrs.

Yes

Goals posts are adequately padded.

Bleachers/Facility

(If your field does not have fencing, skip this section)

Goal posts are straight and securely anchored.

Water is readily available for washing away undesirable fluids.

Soil is well drained with no standing water.

Turfgrass has strong root system, limiting “blow-outs.”

Football/Soccer Field Safety and Maintenance Checklist Fencing

Comments:

1

14 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2021

2

The plank or railing end caps are securely in place.

There are no splinters or worn areas (wooden bleachers).

There are no hazardous protrusions or sharp edges.

The supply and location of waste cans is adequate.

There is appropriate signage notifying players and spectators of rules, appropriate behavior and deficient conditions.

There are public telephones or a staffed office for emergency situations.

Areas under repair are identified and posted appropriately.

(If your field does not have lighting, skip this section)

Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

Comments:

Your Resource for Safer Fields • Brought to you by the Sports Turf Managers Association and its charitable Foundation, The SAFE Foundation • ph. 1-800-323-3875 • www.stma.org

Guard rails are securely in place.

Lighting

Lighting has been installed/inspected by a trained engineer or technician.

All lights are working.

General

The light’s beam adequately and uniformly covers the field.

The lighting foot candles meet industry recommended specifications.

Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

Comments:.

Your Resource for Safer Fields • Brought to you by the Sports Turf Managers Association and its charitable Foundation, The SAFE Foundation • ph. 1-800-323-3875 • www.stma.org

Nuts and bolts are tight and in sufficient number.

3

There is a flag or other signaling system to alert players to leave the field if inclement weather or other danger is imminent.

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(800) 668-8873 (519) 527-1080 Fall 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 15

Between the Lines

Turf Management is a Family Matter for

MADISON MANOS

The

Pennsylvania turf family welcomes new board member Madison Manos to the KAFMO Board of Directors this year. But while she may be new to the board, her involvement with KAFMO goes all the way back to a high school internship with Dan Douglas and the Reading Phillies, followed by a four-year degree in Turf Science at Penn State. Madison is currently the Head Groundskeeper for the Hempfield School District. A recent conversation with her made it clear that turf management is truly a family affair for Madison Manos and evidence that the new generation growing up in the profession has an eye to the future.

Madison on the field

this day, opened her eyes and made her realize the many career options that lay before her. Madison completed a wide variety of internships in order to explore those options and then worked briefly in landscaping after graduation. All of these experiences prepared her for her current role. She is now in sole charge of the grounds and playing fields of the Hempfield School District, which consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, an administration building, outbuildings, and athletic fields on one large campus.

REWARDING CAREER

When asked what initially attracted her to the field of Turf Science, Madison recalls that her father was an important early influence.

A turf professional and golf course superintendent himself, he saw Madison’s two older brothers choose different lines of work. But Madison loved the idea of a job where she could be outside in nature, and he took pride in encouraging her and showing her the ropes. She recalls the moment at a Lancaster Barnstormers game with him when she realized she was much more interested in the turf on the field than in the game itself, and the decision to pursue turf as a career followed naturally from that. When we wonder if her Dad is still involved in her career, she laughs and says that, while they are in close contact, he “only gives wanted advice.”

The job has many positives in her eyes. “I love being outdoors in all weathers, surrounded by the sounds and smells of nature,” she says. “I find it therapeutic.” Another bonus for her is that there is nothing routine or repetitive about her job. “Every day is different — new problems to be solved, new people to meet, new things to learn.” One new project she is particularly looking forward to is building her school district’s relationship with the FFA and KAFMO school outreach efforts. She is working on developing a First Green program of field trips designed to introduce students from local schools to the world of turf. Madison wants young women, who are currently underrepresented in the profession, to know that a career in turf can be very rewarding. “If all high school students are exposed to the possibilities early, the turf profession can only benefit by their interest,” she says.

EXPLORING OPTIONS

CHALLENGES

IN THE FAMILY

Madison Manos especially credits her 2015 internship with the Baltimore Orioles with giving her the self-confidence to pursue her professional future. She says that the example of Head Groundskeeper Nicole Sherry, who remains a mentor and close friend to

Keystone Athletic Field Managers Organization 1451 Peter’s Mountain Road Dauphin, PA 17018-9504 www.KAFMO.org • Email: KAFMO@aol.com

16 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2021

As in any job, there are also challenges. Madison is the only fulltime groundskeeper at the school district, although she can call on the assistance of maintenance staff. As a young professional in a position of leadership, she is required to wear many different hats

Contact: Linda Kulp, Executive Secretary Phone: 717-497-4154 kulp1451@gmail.com

Contact: Dan Douglas, President Phone: 610-375-8469 x 212 KAFMO@aol.com

and to interact with key people, from athletic director and coaching staff to parents — all of whom have their own priorities and perspectives. Sometimes, she says, she needs to educate people on why certain things are necessary — or impossible. But the common goal of making sure that conditions for the students are safe and optimal wins out and draws the school athletic community together.

Madison confesses that her biggest challenge currently is maintaining a good, healthy work-life balance. She and her husband are both turf professionals — in fact, they bonded over turf and are able to offer each other valuable professional support and opinions after hours. But, as she says, “there are two sides to that coin.”

His work as a golf course superintendent and hers at the school district can be hectic and driven by the same needs of the season and the weather. After they welcomed their baby daughter, Athena Jo, last July, they both had to make a serious effort to establish balance, set boundaries, and not bring their work home — “to turn off the phone,” she laughs. Madison is grateful that she is able to work four ten-hour days, which gives her an extra day to spend with her daughter each week.

THE NEXT GENERATION

Now that Madison Manos has settled into her professional niche, she is ready to turn her energies to mentoring the next generation. She feels that as a woman in a visible position, she can serve as a role model for high school girls who might not otherwise even think that a career in turf management was possible. The First Green Field Trips she is planning are intended to open their eyes.

When asked what advice she would give to students who do go on to consider a future in turf science, Madison uses her own experience as a reliable road map.

“Learn the science and do as many varied internships as you can, from major league ball fields to golf courses to horticultural gardens. That is the only way you will develop your skills, gain respect, and find out which path is best suited for you,” she counsels. It is also, of course, the best way to make contacts in the profession, to find mentors, and to experience the expertise and comradeship of the turf family that she has come to enjoy so much.

Madison Manos at work

Madison and Athena Jo

Fall 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 17

Feature

Coming Soon to

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PARK:

CLASS ‘A’

Reclaimed H2O

By Max Schlossberg

C

omprising 60 to 75% of green vegetation by mass, there is no more essential a component of plants than water.

Accordingly, the quality and resilience of local ecosystems rely on its availability. Penn State’s leadership has long recognized the importance of water quality. Likewise, WE ARE wholly committed to local resource recovery and protection that supports base flow to Spring Creek and its delicate tributaries. A full summary of past and present initiatives supporting these objectives is available here: opp.psu.edu/sustainability/water.

Regarding effective wastewater treatment, the less impact on our ecosystems…the better. While the end of an engineered system’s functional life ideally yields replacement for some, Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant recently seized an opportunity to make an inestimably effective upgrade. This, combined with highly efficient bio-engineering and membrane filtration technology advancements, now comprises new infrastructure that will facilitate the recovery, treatment, and delivery of ‘Class A’ reclaimed water across the University Park campus!

18 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2021

What does this mean?

Those of us managing plant systems in support of Penn State’s mission should embrace and commit to effective resource adoption when afforded the opportunity. The extent to which we utilize reclaimed water protects valuable ground water resources! Doing so essentially ‘skips the middleman’ and avoids risk and expense incurred through land application of ‘Class C’ reclaimed water 365 days a year. Only ‘Class A’ reclaimed water is permitted for irrigation of unrestricted public areas and edible crop systems of the Commonwealth. Resultingly, the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) mandates more intense water quality testing protocols for ‘Class A’ than all lesser reclaimed water designations. Furthermore, every gallon of safe and convenient Class A effluent used to foster plant growth, function, and health, precludes the energy-intense extraction and treatment of one-gallon potable water from the ground. It’s not unlike what Charlie Sheen calls winning, but in a wholesome way that the Lorax approves.

FIGURE 1. Water balance diagrams from 30-year average atmospheric data collected in the Northern Hemisphere.

How is irrigating with reclaimed water different from potable water?

Good question. It is different in that it contains a greater number of soluble, or dissolved, solutes. The degree to which certain concentrations have changed in recent period varies by solute.

Irrigation water quality parameters most influencing plant nutrition and physicochemical properties of receiving soils include total solute, alkalinity, sodium, and chloride concentration. While the primary goal of irrigation is supplementing natural precipitation to satisfy plant water requirement in support of optimal growth and yield, delivery of plant essential nutrients often comprises a benefit. Penn State’s reclaimed water at University Park contains dependable levels of Ca, K, Mg, NH4, NO3, P, and S; all essential macronutrients in plant available forms (Table 1). Furthermore, the reclaimed water contains trace to measurable concentrations of the following plant essential micronutrients: B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn. Nutrient and liming agent delivery loads are shown in lbs per foot•acre (325,851 US gallons) irrigation applied.

Salt affected soil and climatic conditions exacerbating risk Salt affected soils continue to form and persist worldwide. The most common salt affected soil conditions are sodicity and salinization. Either can be caused by sodium, but only sodicity is for certain. Potassium, bi/carbonate, sulfate, and/or chloride solutes can be as significant an influence on soil salinization as sodium.

Drought and/or saltwater intrusion are common causes of salt affected soil, yet irrigation with low quality water also contributes.

Particularly in highly populated and arid, semi-arid, or Mediterranean climatic regions, where irrigation water constitutes the sole provision for meeting crop water requirements. The extent to which growers rely on irrigation water to satisfy crop/plant needs is a heavy, if not overriding, influence on the risk of a soil becoming salt affected.

Figure 1 shows the 30-year average monthly precipitation totals (blue columns) in University Park, USA or Marrakech, Morocco.

TABLE 1. Plant nutritional properties of reclaimed water (2021), University Park Campus Constituent and/or plant essential nutrient Alkalinity as CaCO3 Ammonium-N (NH4-N) Boron (B) Calcium (Ca)

Annual mean concentration (mg /L)

Irrigation Load lbs / foot • acre

370

1006.4

1

2.7

0.06

0.2

95

258.4

Chloride-Cl

239

650.1

Copper (Cu)

0.01

<0.1

Iron (Fe)

0.10

0.3

Magnesium (Mg)

47

127.8

Manganese (Mn)

0.01

<0.1

Molybdenum (Mo)

0.09

0.2

Nitrate-N (NO3-N)

9

24.5

Phosphorus (P)

2

5.4

Potassium (K)

12

32.6

Sodium (Na)

156.50

425.7

Sulfate-S

50

136.0

Zinc (Zn)

0.02

0.1

Clearly, University Park receives more total precipitation annually than Marrakech, and that precipitation is distributed more evenly throughout the year. The other data displayed in each half of Figure 1 is the estimated 30-year average monthly evapotranspiration (ET) rate (black line). The magnitude and monthly distribution of soil water extraction, or reference ET rate, is influenced by mean air temperature, atmospheric vapor pressure, solar radiation intensity, photoperiod length, and windspeed. The two locations have a similar annual distribution of reference ET rate. Due to its higher elevation and arid climate however, soil water in the Marrakech landscape experiences greater atmospheric tension, i.e., extraction, than its University Park counterpart April to September.

Fall 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 19

Feature • continued

For any given month, the reference ET rate affords us an estimate of a plant’s average maximum water requirement in head units. The disparity between that line and the blue column, in any month, indicates a plant water surplus or deficit (requirement) in head units. To optimize plant growth and yield, irrigation is needed to rectify water deficit conditions. It is important to realize that the values shown for both the blue columns and the black line are 30-year averages. While the University Park panel in Figure 1 indicates an irrigation requirement over the summer months, Central PA residents undoubtedly recall the extent to which this may vary by year! For example, a 7" water deficit accrued from June to July in 2016, whereas optimal plant growth over the entire summer of 2018 required a mere 2" of supplemental irrigation (Fig. 2).

Soil salinization prevention Returning briefly to the Marrakech, Morocco water balance diagram (Fig. 1), most salt affected soil degradation worldwide results from growers rectifying water deficits using limited quantities of low-quality irrigation water. Salts applied in irrigation water, if not diluted and mobilized downward by natural precipitation, will accumulate to problematic concentrations at the soil surface. As fortunate benefactors of dependably frequent precipitation, open-air facilities in University Park are unlikely to be affected by salts. Yet under high tunnels or glass, plant-available

FIGURE 2. Water balance diagrams for recent summer seasons in University Park, PA, USA.

water is supplied exclusively by irrigation. As a result, the associated soil or potting media is at marginal risk of becoming salt affected by solutes in reclaimed water.

Fortunately, most plants are tolerant of the solute concentration observed of Penn State reclaimed water as defined by its mean electrical conductivity (ECw = 1.5 dS /m). For salt-sensitive plant species, agronomists have refined methods for preventing soil salinity from developing. The common approach is counterintuitive, yet effective, so just trust me . For technicians and managers of greenhouse and high-tunnel systems, the continued health of salt- sensitive plants is sustained by employing the maintenance leaching requirement (MLR). Essentially, this means over-irrigate!

The same advice pertains to managers of open-air facilities experiencing drought conditions (>2" plant water deficits, June through Sept). Presuming moderate to high soil permeability, the MLR strategy pushes salt out the bottom of the root zone to prevent accumulation. Table 2 shows the % MLR requirement and irrigation multiplier based on the maximum observed electrical conductivity of Penn State reclaimed water (ECw =1.74 dS /m) and ECe (electrical conductivity of soil extract) thresholds for very sensitive (0.75 dS /m) to moderately tolerant (5 dS /m) plant species. ECe thresholds for grasses, ornamentals, and trees common to mid-Atlantic landscapes are maintained by the USDA (plants. usda.gov) and Food & Agriculture Organization (fao.org/3/ y4263e/y4263e0e.htm).

TABLE 2. Threshold plant sensitivities for irrigation mgmt. per maintenance leaching requirement of reclaimed water (2020), University Park Campus *Reference Threshold ECe dS/m or mS/cm

mmhos/cm

% Maintenance Leaching Req.

0.75

750

87

1.87

1

1000

43

1.43

1.5

1500

25

1.25

2

2000

18

1.18

3

3000

11

1.11

4

4000

8

1.08

5

5000

6

1.06

Irrigation Multiplier

* Specific to plant genus, species, or sub-species / variety.

20 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2021

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Feature • continued

The MLR strategy effectively fosters optimal production of even the most salt-sensitive species. However, there are two important governing requirements: 1. Moderately- to highly-permeable root zones free of impeding layer(s), and 2. Reliable and uniform irrigation delivery.

Most Penn State facility managers have already recognized and attained these goals. Otherwise, greenhouse and high-tunnel systems can achieve Req. 1 through installation/maintenance of subsurface drainage and use of coarse-textured potting media (avoid clayey mineral soils) or soil amendments (sand, compost, expanded/ calcined clay), respectively. Agronomic and horticultural managers of rainfed landscapes or production systems can facilitate soil structural percolation (permeability) through organic amendment and mulching. Similarly, turfgrass managers should take opportunities to incorporate compost into seedbeds being prepared for establishment or after physically cultivating (coring, dethatching, etc.) mature turfgrass systems. Req. 2 is achieved by assessing/ auditing overhead irrigation coverage, adjusting pressure/nozzles for uniformity, and scheduling intermittent (pulse) application of overhead irrigation in the early morning hours (2 to 6 am).

Increasing drip irrigation flow rate may necessitate replacement and/or more frequent inspection and maintenance of line/tape by landscape, nursery, and high tunnel growers/managers.

Soil sodicity prevention While the only kind of salt-affected soil more difficult to reclaim than a sodic soil is a saline-sodic soil, development of either requires specifically unfortuitous circumstances. These include, among others; clayey soil, an arid climate, and dependence on irrigation water having high sodium and bi/carbonate relative to calcium and magnesium levels. While the mean sodium adsorption ratio (SARw= 3.25) of Penn State’s reclaimed water is elevated relative to previous potable water sources, it falls well short of the moderate sodium permeability hazard (SARw= 10) threshold. In layman’s terms, the ratio of sodium to both calcium and magnesium in Penn State reclaimed water comprises a non-issue. Likewise, the negative mean residual sodium carbonate (RSC= –3.1) mitigates sodium activity. Thus, naturally occurring precipitation and/or adherence to the MLR by managers irrigating with the reclaimed water will reliably protect the soil or potting media cation exchange suite from sodium adsorption, a.k.a. sodicity development.

Assessment of salt affected soil or potting media The best way to assess what you suspect may be salt-affected soil or potting media, is to collect a representative soil sample and submit it for saturated paste extract (SPE) analysis. If this sounds more specialized than a routine soil test, it should…because it is.

A partial list of Soil Laboratories offering SPE analysis includes: • Logan Labs LLC (loganlabs.com) 620 North Main St. Lakeview, OH 43331

22 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2021

• UC Davis Analytical Lab (anlab.ucdavis.edu) Hoagland Annex One Shields Ave. Davis, CA 95616-5270 • Waypoint Analytical (waypointanalytical.com) 2790 Whitten Rd. Memphis, TN 38133 In the meantime, sample the soil to the depth plant roots are capable of exploring. For turfgrass, this is typically a 0 to 4" soil depth. For herbaceous/woody ornamental, native grassland, pasture, or horticultural production systems, an appropriate sampling depth is 0 to 6". For understory or forested landscape systems, a 0 to 8" or 6 to 12" depth should be sampled. An important aspect of soil sampling is obtaining a composite sample representative of the soil depth. There are countless tools available to sample soil, but resilience and repeatability make punch-type soil probes very popular. Using a spade to sample soil typically over-represents the surface two or three inches. The Penn State Cooperative Extension Service features video tutorials on this topic (https://extension.psu.edu/soil-sampling).

Summary Once available, Penn State’s reclaimed water will support resource conservation, environmental quality, and pursuit of the University’s mission. This ‘Class A’ reclaimed water contains safe, yet supportive, levels of essential minerals and plant nutrients. These and other intensely monitored constituents will supplement liming agent and fertilizer requirements of maintained turfgrass, herbaceous, ornamental, pasture, horticultural, agronomic, and forested systems across our campus facilities and landscape.

Relative to recent campus potable water, experienced managers will not detect any differences in the appearance, utility, or presence of the reclaimed water. Only under severe drought conditions should managers of open-air, rainfed facilities invoke a maintenance leaching requirement (MLR) strategy. For managers of greenhouses or other irrigation-reliant production facilities, particularly those managing salt-sensitive plant species; employing an MLR facilitated by under-drained soil or potting media may prove a worthwhile new adoption.

REFERENCES Carrow, R.N., and R.R. Duncan. 2012. Best Management Practices for Saline and Sodic Turfgrass Soils: Assessment and Reclamation. CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL. Li, L., J. Young, and S. Deb. 2019. Effects of Cultivation Practices and Products on Bermudagrass Fairways in a Semiarid Region. Agron. J. 111:2899–2909 doi:10.2134/ agronj2019.04.0262.

Sanchez, E., T. Ford, and R. Berghage. 2019. Irrigation Water Quality for High Tunnels. Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension. https://extension. psu.edu/irrigation-water-quality-for-high-tunnels.

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