Tennessee Turfgrass - October / November 2004

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association

TTA 2004 Conference & Trade Show Registration Information

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118 Park South Court • Nashville, TN 37210 Phone: (615) 244-9871 • Fax: (615) 255-4917

BOB LADD INC. P.O. Box 820269 • Memphis, TN 38182-0269 Phone: (901) 324-8801 • Fax: (901) 324-6814

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS october/nove m ber 2 0 0 4

FEATURED ARTICLES

10 14 22 28

10

Memphis-Area Greens Baseline Study Has Begun

Memphis-area greens

wastewater irrigation

Wastewater Irrigation Issues for Turf Managers Planting Techniques for Trees & Shrubs Sports-Turf Covers . . .

Research Update

14

DEPARTMENTS From the President, Jeff Case

6

A Message from TVSTMA, Billy Clark

8

Green Gatherings, TTA 2005 Conference

31

Ernest Hardiman Memorial Scholarship

39

Calendar of Events

42

Index of Advertisers

42

Cover Photo – Hole #18 South at Colonial Country Club in Memphis, TN. Photo by Derek Oglesby, golf course superintendent.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

22

planting trees and shrubs

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

JEFF CASE The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association

Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 591-8286 tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

TTA

is working hard to bring you the latest in turfgrass research and information!

As promised, the Tennessee Turfgrass Association has some new and exciting things in store for you at the 39th Annual TTA Conference and Show on January 4-6, 2005. For starters, representatives from the University of Tennessee will present a comprehensive research summary with fourteen individuals involved. This “must-see” event will showcase all the latest research information, all in one place. Mr. Darian Daily, turf superintendent for the Cincinnati Bengals, will tell us some interesting stories involving turf management at Paul Brown Stadium. Ms. Judy Lowe, Living/Garden editor for The Christian Science Monitor, will compare northeastern and southern landscapes. Dr. Milt Engelke, Mr. Chris Hartwiger and Mr. Gary R. Baird will also make presentations, and these are just a few of the many informative speakers lined up. Many more newcomers and old friends will help make this one of the best educational events ever!

The Show portion of our annual gathering will be improved, as well. Instead of setting up downstairs (a short marathon away from conference rooms), our vendors will be much more accessible. This year, their exhibits will be located in the Governor’s Ballroom, right around the corner and on the same level as many of the seminars. Since equipment will not be set up in the Ballroom, areas will be available for you to sit down and talk with peers. Several organizations, including those in the turf industry, have enjoyed much success offering this new format.

A new partnership for turfgrass research

Which universities come to mind when you think of leaders in the turf industry? Certainly, the University of Tennessee wants to make the short list. As you probably know, UT has already recruited industry leaders to staff their turf program and take it to the next level.

That’s a huge first step.

Now, UT and TTA have partnered to form the Tennessee Turfgrass Advancement Committee. This committee is charged with developing methods of procuring sustainable funding for turfgrass research at UT. Just like most turf programs at other major universities, much of the financial help must come from other sources. This committee will be implementing some of their ideas very soon. When asked to participate, please consider doing so. It’s exciting to think about the potential of where the UT turf program could go!

Jeff Case

TTA President T The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 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, Tennessee Turfgrass Magazine, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication.

Copyright ©2004 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly.

Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Tennessee Turfgrass Association, 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Franklin, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Turfgrass allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. 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, P.O. Box 680142, Franklin, TN 37068-0142, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC P.O. Box 680142 Franklin, Tennessee 37068-0142 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editors Mr. Bill Blackburn Mr. Derek Oglesby Mr. Lynn Ray Mr. Jeff Rumph TTA OFFICERS President Mr. Jeff Case Quail Ridge Golf Course (901) 388-9114 Vice President Mr. Phil Luckett Brentwood Country Club (615) 370-8054 Secretary/Treasurer Mr. Bill Francis The Ridges Golf & Country Club (423) 913-2276 Executive Secretary Jim Uden (615) 591-8286 TTA 2004 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Dick Breedlove Mrs. Monica Lalinde-Cooper Mr. Bill Francis Mr. Roger Frazier Mr. Bob Hogan Mr. Mickey Lovett Mr. Tommy Mittlesteadt Mr. Derek Oglesby Mr. Mitch Parker Mr. Bobby Stringer Mr. Dan Stump Mr. Tommy Warden Mr. Scott Wicker TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mr. Bill Blackburn Mr. Jeff Rumph Mr. Lynn Ray Dr. Tom Samples Dr. Dennis Shepard Dr. John Sorochan

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A MESSAGE FROM TVSTMA

TVSTMA Annual business meeting & educational session november 18th in chattanooga

W

e are deep into 2004 with the football season in full swing. As sports-turf managers, we will now see how well our turf withstands the test of time.

So far, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association has had very successful events in 2004. First was the Tennessee Turfgrass conference in January. Second was the TVSTMA at the Nashville Sounds in April. Third was our mid-season East Tennessee event, TVSTMA Field Days at the University of Tennessee, in June. Most recently, we held the TVSTMA West Tennessee Field Day at the University of Tennessee at Martin and City of Martin Parks and Recreation in September.

These events provided information and education on the latest sports-turf management practices. TVSTMA, along with the national STMA, is constantly searching for new technology and ideas to be introduced to you, the sports-turf manager. As the technology and chemistry improves, our organization strives to be the source to get the word out to our members to help us produce the best and safest sports fields possible.

TVSTMA is holding its annual business meeting along with an educational session on November 18th. It will be hosted by the Chattanooga Lookouts Baseball Organization in Chattanooga, TN. Bo Henley, the head groundskeeper, has graciously invited TVSTMA to be their guest for this event.

In addition, Bo successfully put together a turf program in 2004 that did not include a bermudagrass turf overseeded with perennial ryegrass. We are talking NO ryegrass overseeding for his 2004 playing season.

I’m sure there will be lots of questions for Bo at this event.

We are looking forward to seeing many sports-turf managers at the November event in Chattanooga. Also, mark your calendars for the 2005 Tennessee Turfgrass conference on January 4-6, at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. Good luck with those football fields!!!

Billy Clark President, TVSTMA T

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

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I

am sure, as superintendents, you’ve all had greens that were

By Terry L. Vassey,

historically good ones and easy to manage and those that

Assistant Professor,

were perennial problems. How many times have you asked

University of Tennessee

yourself why? Surely you’ve also said, “I do the same

things to this green as I do to that green, and yet they are so different. What can I do?”

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

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at Martin, and Steve Davis, Sales Representative, Bayer Crop Science

this series, we hope to provide helpful insight into the magic of golf-greens management.

As part of the study, we asked each superintendent to identify his or her best green, as well as the worst. We then sampled each green for various physical and chemical parameters. Each green received a somewhat subjective quality rating, and the green speed for that day was measured. The data is being analyzed now, and our findings will be presented in subsequent issues of this magazine.

Greens Baseline Study

This study is actually part of a much bigger project started in 1980 by Steve Davis, who was working with Target Specialty Products in California at the time. As Steve’s wife is in the Navy and they traveled a lot, Steve was faced with regional differences in greens quality and management strategies at each stop.

Because of these differences, Steve decided to examine how he could determine best management practices (BMPs) for each region and ultimately provide useful advice to the local superintendents.

In the early 90’s, Larry Stowell of Pace Consultants and Dr. Bob Carrow of the University of Georgia joined the effort. Steve brought them on board for their technical expertise in quantifying more of the physical and chemical parameters involved. To date, they have sampled over 250 courses representing seven areas of the country, including California, Minnesota, Illinois, Hawaii, the Florida Panhandle, Southern Mississippi and now the Memphis/Mississippi area. Ultimately, Davis and Carrow hope to internationalize this effort to include such countries as Japan and Australia.

Some of the initial data have already been published in Golf Course Management [Vol. 71 (9): pgs. 81-85, and Vol. 72(1): pgs. 189-193, 194-198]. Also, information concerning the project can be found at www.pace.ptri.com, the website for Pace Consulting.

Looking down the fairway on hole 11 at The Memphis Country Club.

Photo by Rod Lingle, golf course superintendent.

Well, recently I had the privilege of participating in a unique study in the Memphis area on several golf courses managed by some really good superintendents. The goal of the effort was to find some of the answers to those very questions. More specifically, our objectives were to develop a baseline of data that may allow us to draw some inferences as to what makes a golf green good and, conversely, what makes one bad.

This article is the first in a three-part series covering the efforts of Steve Davis of Bayer Crop Science; Andy Milligan and Jeff Gordon, of BWI Golf Market and Golf and Lawn Care, respectively; Cal Hill of Pro Source One; and myself, all of whom participated in this phase of the study. Through TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

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GREENS BASELINE STUDY

continued

Steve’s initial hope was to provide insights into greens management strategies and to identify the parameters most instrumental in the success or failure of any green. Is it environmental, management or luck of the draw? At this point, who can say?

The long term objectives for the National Project • Develop baselines in soil and water chemistry, turfgrass disease pathogens, nematodes, and physical and microbial parameters on historically best- and worst-responding golf greens.

• Better understand how to use these baseline levels to manage golf turf in all parts of the US. • Promote the general educational process and partnership between industry, university and golf course superintendents.

Memphis Study

Below is a list of our study par- Method of determining infiltration.

Photo by Terry Vassey. ticipants. We sampled 20 courses managed by 15 different superintendents. You can see from the list that we were able to sample a wide range of grass types. Not shown in this table, however, is the diversity of greens mixes we encountered. This will be discussed in future issues.

Testing was done as con­ sistently as possible for each green sampled and by the same person each time. Our analyses will include relevant information on soil pH, organic matter, nutrient limitations, salts, nematodes, infiltration rate, penotrometer readings, irrigation-water quality and overall visual quality ratings.

In addition to the onsite testing, Bayer Crop Science will provide each participating superintendent with complimentary disease diagnosis through Texas A&M University. These disease analyses will also be included in the study.

participating go lf co urses for 2004

MEMPHIS-AREA GREENS BASELINE STUDY course

Colonial CC Colonial CC Colonial CC Cherokee Valley Plantation Jackson CC Germantown CC Germantown CC Memphis CC Quail Ridge GC Glen Eagle GC Cottonwood GC Windyke CC Windyke CC Memphis National GC Memphis National GC Ridgeway CC Chickasaw CC Spring Creek Ranch River Bend Links 12

address

city

cultivar

2376 Countrywood Parkway 2376 Countrywood Parkway 2376 Countrywood Parkway 6230 McNeil Drive 9425 Plantation Road 31 Jackson CC Lane 1780 Kimbrough Road 1780 Kimbrough Road 600 Goodwyn Street 4055 Alturia Road 5722 Integrity Drive 13615 Old Highway 61N 8535 Winchester Road 8535 Winchester Road 10135 National Club Drive 10135 National Club Drive 9800 Popular Avenue 3395 Galloway Avenue 380 S. Collierville–Arlington Road P.O. Box 158

Memphis Memphis Memphis Olive Branch Olive Branch Jackson Germantown Germantown memphis Bartlett Millington Robinsville Memphis Memphis Collierville Collierville Memphis Memphis Collierville Tunica Resorts

Penncross Crenshaw TE&Ch Crenshaw Penncross Pennlinks Champion Champion Champion Champion TifEagle Crenshaw Champion Crenshaw Crenshaw Champion Penncross Penncross

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

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L93

A green at Germantown Country Club in Germantown, TN. Photo

by Bobby Stringer, golf course superintendent.

Steve Davis of Bayer Crop Science (left) and Rod Lingle, golf course superintendent at The Memphis Country Club (right). Photo by Terry Vassey.

Terry L. Vassey, Assistant Professor University of Tennessee at Martin 731-881-7266 tlvassey@utm.edu

Ultimately, we hope to draw some conclusions as to why a good, somewhat trouble-free green is as it is.

conclusion

Ultimately, we hope to draw some conclusions as to why a good, somewhat trouble-free green is as it is and what parameters make a green difficult to manage.

Interestingly, at first glance, I could not point to any obvious things as a cause for the good or poor quality of most of the greens we sampled. Yes, some had shade problems or poor air movement or were somewhat compacted. Strangely enough, though, there was no consistent trend or cause we could blame.

To conclude this first account, let me first thank each of the superintendents and their club officials for allowing us the opportunity to intrude on their time and courses. We received the fullest of cooperation and were treated with the utmost respect.

Finally, I hope that all of you are as excited as I am about this project. We do not hope to solve the problems of the world–just to provide a better understanding of the dynamics of greens management and the possibility that we will gain another inch on successful turfgrass science.T

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

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TURF TALK

[Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the July/August 2004 issue of GGCSA’s Through the Green and is reprinted with permission.]

By Drs. R.N. Carrow and R.R. Duncan, University of Georgia Adopted from an article written for Greenskeeper International (July 2003)

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

I

ncreasingly, turfgrass sites are irrigated with wastewater (effluent, reclaimed water) in many countries. For turfgrass managers who are not familiar with this practice, initial thoughts may be about health or public-safety issues. While specific criteria differ somewhat with the regulatory government agency, basically the water-treatment facility (wastewater provider) is responsible for (1) meeting safety levels for health factors including BOD/COD, turbidity, total or fecal coliform bacteria, stable or refractory organics; and (2) environmental concerns such as phosphorus and nitrogen content within the wastewater. The turfgrass facility is responsible for regulatory concerns relating to wastewater storage and distribution on its site.

Generally, the first thoughts related to the use of wastewater by turfgrass managers concern the chemical, biologic and physical constituents in the water. However, two other factors are also very important and should be of major concern: (1) Contract stipulations with the wastewater provider should not require wastewater to be accepted by a turf facility when irrigation is not needed. Unnecessary irrigation to a turf site will result in extra runoff, leaching of water and soil chemicals, excessively moist soils and a host of turf maintenance problems. Storage capacities could also be exceeded in the event of prolonged wet weather. Any overflow of water from storage features is often considered an environmental spill; therefore, the turf facility should not accept un-needed wastewater.

(2) Who will pay the direct and indirect costs associated with acquiring and using wastewater? It is not unusual for government agencies in the midst of a water shortage to initially decree that golf courses use wastewater, use all the water they send, pay for the costs of supply lines and pay more for the water than potable sources. The turf industry must be proactive in addressing these issues by defending the following rights:

irrigation of turfgrass sites (a) The golf industry is like any other industry and desires to take its part in governmental policies that require all water users to implement waterconservation measures, but policies must be fair and not target specific water-using industries. (b) Golf courses offer an envi-ronmentally friendly place to help dispose of wastewater in a manner that reduces governmental watertreatment costs and conserves potable water. (c) When government mandates use of water, it must also provide assistance in bearing the burden for increased costs and cannot unilaterally transfer costs to a user. (d) The golf course industry can be a very important part of a community/regional waterconservation plan, but it must be considered as a component and not a group to target. When this does happen, the costly lawsuits that follow are most often not favorable to the governmental agencies, especially when there are very good models of more responsible government policy approaches to these issues.

Turfgrass irrigation water-quality guidelines for chemical constituents in the water are similar to those used for other crops, with some refinements. Resources and guidelines are available at www.usga.org and www.turf-grasswater.com. A good irrigation water-quality test determines constituents in the water and should include information on general water characteristics, nutrient and element content of water and salt-related assessment information.

General Water Characteristics Water pH

This is only a concern if the pH is unusually alkaline or acidic.

Bicarbonate and carbonate content

These ions react with calcium and magnesium ions in the water to form lime in the soil or, in some unusual situations, in irrigation lines. The lime is not harmful, and many turfgrasses are grown on calcareous soils.

In a humid climate, lime additions to the soil are often needed. However, when irrigation water has appreciable sodium ions that may create sodic soil conditions, alleviation requires relatively high levels of moderately slow-release calcium (e.g., gypsum). If bicarbonates and carbonates are present in high quantities, the result is lime formation where the calcium in lime is very slowrelease in comparison to gypsum. These ions in the soil can also cause soluble calcium released from gypsum to be tied up in the lime form. The net result is insufficient soluble and moderately slow-release forms of calcium to displace sodium from the soil cation exchange sites (CEC), TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

15

irrigation of turfgrass sites causing sodium carbonate to precipitate. It is in these situations where acidification of irrigation water is recommended to dispel bicarbonates and carbonates as carbon dioxide gas from the water.

Nutrient and Element Content

Wastewaters usually contain more nutrients than potable water, and some contain appreciable nutrients. Additionally, some wastewater sources require acidification treatment and the addition of large quantities of soil amendments. The nutrient additions, whether directly from the water or as a result of water/soil treatments resulting from the water characteristics, must be considered as part of the on-going fertilization plan to maintain a balanced fertilization program. Additionally, nitrogen and phosphorus content can dramatically influence algae and aquatic weeds in storage-water features, while sulfur may contribute to black layer.

Nitrogen content

Wastewater treatment plants are often required to maintain total nitrogen under a specific level, especially if the wastewater will be going into any surface water. The regulatory level is usually based on limiting algae and aquatic plant growth. Turfgrass managers should understand how much total nitrogen is being added per 100 square meters (m2) for every 10 centimeters of irrigation water added (10 ppm or mg/L of N = 0.102 kg per 100 m2 of N for every 10 cm of irrigation water applied). Some wastewater sources contain appreciable nitrogen, so the turf managers should decrease their nitrogen fertilization accordingly to avoid its over-application.

Phosphorus content

Regulatory phosphorus levels for waters discharged from treatment facilities are normally very low, since phosphorus in water is the most important nutrient controlling algae and aquatic plant growth. As a result, wastewater phosphorus contributes only a small amount of phosphorus to the fertilization needs of the turfgrass. However, if phosphorus levels exceed 0.10-0.40 ppm or mg/L, algae and aquatic-plant control will be a challenge.

Calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, molybdenum and nickel levels

It is important to consider the contributions of each of these nutrients to the overall fertilization needs of the grass and make adjustments as needed. The most common problem is for a particular nutrient to be very high in the water, which may induce nutrient imbalances in the soil and eventually in the turf plant. For example, a wastewater very high in calcium but low in magnesium can result in a potential magnesium deficiency over time. Sometimes the nature of the irrigation water requires certain amendments to be added to the soil in large quantities, such as when high sodium in the water may require high calcium additions to the soil. In these situations, nutrient imbalances can also be induced.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

CONTINUED

Sulfur content

Sulfur (usually designated as SO4-2) is a nutrient that is often high in many wastewater sources or becomes high as a result of acid treatment when water acidification is necessary. Turfgrass plants require only 1.5-3.0 kg of sulfur per 100 m2 per year as a nutrient. If high sulfur levels occur in the soil because of high sulfur in the wastewater, the soluble sulfur can rapidly revert to reduced sulfur forms when anaerobic conditions occur in the soil, regardless of the source of the anaerobic conditions (e.g., excess rain, perched water table from a layer in the soil, soil compaction, excess organic matter accumulation, sodic conditions).

Reduced sulfur results in formation of iron sulfide and manganese sulfide precipitates that cause the black coloration in black layer. These precipitates cause more anaerobic conditions. The sulfur in wastewater can react with calcium in the water to form gypsum, which is much less prone to becoming reduced. If the calcium is not sufficient to “scrub� the excess sulfur from the water, light applications of lime can be added to the soil surface, where the sulfur will react with the lime to form gypsum over time (it requires 1 kg of lime per 1 kg of excess sulfur added).

A high level of sulfur would be greater than (>) 90 mg/L sulfur = 0.304 kg per 100 m2 sulfur for every 10 cm of water added.

Trace elements

Sometimes, trace elements are unusually high in a wastewater source. Thus, an initial analysis of a potential wastewater source may include testing for any expected trace elements. The guidelines for these are based on long-term use of the water, assuming that the particular element may accumulate.

Salt-Related Assessment

In many locations, wastewater does not contain sufficient quantities of the major salt ions to cause salt-related problems. When salt ions are low, the primary problems for wastewater sources would be the nutrient or element content discussed in the previous section. However, when salt ions are high, salt-related problems can be very important and will require appropriate management regimes, including grass selections, possible chemical amendment of the water or soil, leaching, cultivation programs or alterations in fertilization regimes.

Total salinity

Electrical conductivity (ECw) is a measure of total soluble salts in water, which in the case of irrigation water could cause salt accumulation in the soil and lead to salt-induced drought or specific ion toxicities. Since high soluble salt levels inhibit plant water uptake, the plant is exposed to a salt-induced drought stress, which causes more injury to turfgrasses than all the other salt-induced plant problems combined. Total soluble salts in irrigation water may also be reported as Total Soluble Salts (TSS) or Total Dissolved Salts (TDS), where ECw in units of dS/m X 640 = TSS or TDS in mg/L or ppm.

Sodium permeability hazard

If the wastewater has high sodium content, it can create a sodic soil condition. Sodium causes deterioration of the soil structure by destroying natural aggregation and dispersing clay or organic colloids that can plug soil pores. Sodium bicarbonate precipitates can also form and cause soil pore obstruction. The net result is a reduction of macropores (> 0.10 mm diameter pores) for water

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CONTINUED permeability (infiltration, percolation, drainage), reduced gas/ oxygen exchange and fewer root channels.

No single water parameter can by itself determine sodium permeability hazard, but several parameters are used: • SARw = Sodium Absorption Ratio, where sodium, calcium and magnesium contents in the water are used to calculate SARw. SARw is used when sodium, bicarbonate (HCO3-) and carbonate ion (CO3-2) are < 100, 120, 15 mg/L, respectively.

• AdjSARw by pHc adjustment. Uses sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and carbonate ion to adjust the original.

• AdjSARw by Cax adjustment (sometimes noted as adjRNa).

Also uses sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and carbonate ion to adjust the original SARw. • RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate), which uses the RSC calculation calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and carbonate ion contents.

The adjSARw by the CAx method is considered more accurate than the adjSARw by the pHc method, and generally adjSARw by CAx = 0.5 adjSARw by pHc. Any of the SARw values can be used in published tables that contain information on SARw. The RSC is important because it determines whether bicarbonate and carbonate ion levels are high enough to precipitate all or most of the calcium and magnesium as lime, thereby leaving the sodium to adversely affect soil structure without soluble calcium to alleviate the problem.

In addition to SARw, adjSARw and RSC values, the following factors are used in determining the severity of a sodium permeability hazard: • Individual water concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, bicarbonate and carbonate ion. For example, it is possible to have a high SARw in irrigation water with very low calcium and magnesium content and only modest sodium. Another example: A high bicarbonate concentration and high RSC would not be a problem if the water does not contain sodium.

• ECw level influences the susceptibility of a soil to structure deterioration from a high SARw, where high ECw allows soil to withstand higher sodium without structure loss.

• Some clays, such as kaolinitic clays that are not shrink/swell types and do not crack upon drying, are much less prone to sodium permeability hazard than shrink/swell clays.

Specific Toxic Ions

Specific ion toxicities are of several types and require guidelines to assess the potential for each type of problems, namely: • Ions that may accumulate in the soil and cause direct root toxicities (sodium, chlorine, boron). Plants that have high total salinity tolerance normally have high tolerance to at least sodium and chloride.

• Ions (sodium, chlorine, boron) that are taken up by plants and accumulate in the foliage to cause a reduction in physiological activity or color and enhance tissue leaf firing or desiccation.Since turfgrasses are regularly mowed, foliage accumulationof these ions is much less of a problem for turf than for trees or shrubs.

• Direct contact injury to the foliage from the irrigation water, where sodium and chlorine are of greatest interest. Trees and

shrubs are more sensitive than most grasses.

Other Considerations

Turf managers should consider other factors beyond the constituents in the wastewater, namely: • If the turf facility has concerns about maximum levels of particular constituents in the wastewater, such as phosphorus levels, they should stipulate the maximum allowable levels.

• Since wastewater-treatment plants must measure certain parameters on a regular basis, it may be possible to make contractual agreements that result in the treatment facility providing all or most of the irrigation water quality data to the turf facility on a long-term basis.

• Total Suspended Solids (TSS) refers to any suspended materials in the water that may contribute to plugging of the irrigation system or add excessive fines to recreational turf areas. While TSS are of concern for many non-potable irrigation water sources, it is generally not a concern for treated wastewater since effective treatment for fecal coliform bacteria (indicator organisms for more harmful microorganisms) requires low levels of suspended solids and is monitored by turbidity measurement at the treatment complex.

• For more information and a detailed discussion of the various costs associated with the use of wastewater, please see the following article – “Effluent water: Nightmare or dream come true?” by M. Huck, R.N. Carrow and R.R. Duncan, in the USGA Green Section Record, 38(2), pages 15-19.

Wastewater characteristics can vary greatly depending on the particular source.

However, most wastewaters, treated for application to public sites, are good sources of water for turfgrass irrigation. Obtaining a good water-quality test is essential for determining any potential problems or adjustments to management practices that may be needed.

Whether the water quality changes over time should also be determined by appropriate testing.

If water quality remains rather consistent, annual testing may suffice. T

TURF TALK

The following article is a compilation of information originally published in the following three separate articles in the USGA Green Section Record.

“Too Hot to Handle,” by James Snow, Oct. 1999 “Politics, Religion, and Winter Play on Greens,” by James Snow, Nov/Dec. 1987 “Playing Par with Jack Frost,” by Charles White, 1984 Compiled by Liz Nutter, Leading Edge Communications. Printed with permission from the USGA Green Section Record.

s winter begins, many golfers set aside their clubs for a time and settle down to watch football. But after the football season ends, their minds quickly return to golf, and their bodies avidly follow. Thus we encounter an ageold problem: morning delays to allow the frost to clear or enable the green surface to thaw. Often a confrontation arises between the golf superintendent, who wishes to protect the course during its dormant months, and club members, who view winter as another phase of the playing season and therefore resent restrictions on their pastime.

Winter play, unfortunately, can not only harm the greens, but in many instances it also has a significantly negative impact on the health and

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playability of the turf during the following golf season.

During the growing season, turf is able to daily regenerate new leaves and stems to replace injured tissue; in winter, though, turf growth and self-repair completely stops. The resulting thinning of the turf canopy often encourages the establishment of such weeds as Poa annua, crabgrass, goosegrass and others during the spring and summer. In addition, the turf on greens played during winter tends to wilt more readily during the next season’s hot weather, and it often is more susceptible to a wide array of primary and secondary disease organisms.

A more subtle and perhaps more important consequence of winter traffic is soil compaction. Cold winter temperatures and a lack of active turf

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

growth greatly reduce the loss of excess soil moisture through evaporation and transpiration. In addition, frozen subsurface soils may completely block the movement of excess moisture through the soil profile. Saturated soil conditions can persist for weeks or longer.

Winter golfers argue that sand-based greens drain well and don’t compact, making them suitable for winter play at any time. While it is true that sand-based greens don’t suffer from compaction to the extent that older soil-based greens might, it is also true that directwear injury is likely to be more severe on sand greens.

With the loss of turf density from injury and the loss of

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turf vigor caused by soil compaction, greens played during winter tend to be hard, slow and bumpy. They are also slower to develop during the spring, compared to greens that are not subjected to winter traffic. Footprinting is often a problem, and golfers tend to complain about the lack of trueness, even after several topdressings in the spring. Finally, the effects of compaction on the health of the turf can last for much of the season, making it difficult or impossible to keep the greens as closely cut and intensively groomed as some golfers might desire.

Hazardous situations for turf

Everyone knows frost must clear off the grass before play can begin, but few golfers know why. Frost on the grass blades indicates that the water inside the leaves is frozen.

When this water is frozen, traffic on the turf causes the ice crystals to puncture through the cell walls, killing the plant tissue. If only a light frost occurs, little damage is done to the crowns (growing points) or roots; however, when the frost is heavy, cell disruption may occur at the crown, thus killing the entire plant. Evidence of frost damage where traffic has passed includes white to light-tan leaves.

Melting the frost with a light syringing of the greens when soil and air temperatures are above freezing can minimize traffic damage. The simplest approach, however, is to avoid traffic until the frost melts.

The most favorable condition for winter golf is when the soil surface is frozen but the grass blades have thawed.

The frozen soil reduces compaction and the penetration of spikes, thus preventing damage to the grass roots, and since the blades are not frozen, they retain the resiliency needed to withstand light foot traffic. Heavy traffic or golf carts on greens, tees and even fairways, however, should be restricted during these conditions.

Traffic damage on frozen turf usually occurs during periods of active freezing or thawing. The most devastatingsituation occurs when the grass blades and the upper one-half to one inch of soil have thawed, but the ground beneath remains

frozen. At this time, traffic will create a shearing action on the roots, rhizomes and crown tissues, comparable to cutting the plant tissue from the underlying root system with a sod cutter. Complete kill of leaves, crowns and rhizomes can occur if the temperatures soon drop below 20° F. Symptoms from this severe injury include whitish to dark-brown leaves that may mat on the surface.

Once temperatures allow thawing to a depth of three to four inches, the probability of turf damage declines, since about 75 percent of the root system is in the upper four inches of soil.

Frequently, soil probing is the only positive way to effectively monitor the freezing level. Traffic should be adjusted accordingly.

Understanding the effects of traffic must be carried one step further. Cart and foot traffic can be devastating to dormant bermudagrass, and golfers don’t realize the damage that traffic funneling can cause. They absolutely must use roads for golf carts.

Another problem with playing partially thawed greens is created by heaving action at the frost line in the soil. Since soils do not thaw or freeze uniformly throughout the putting surface, some areas on the greens may be softer than others, thus accentuating the effects of tracking or footprinting.

Footprinting is even more damaging when a frozen subsurface disrupts water percolation, leaving a wet layer on top.

A course of action

Now the superintendent is faced with a difficult decision. Should such greens be removed from play (using alternate winter greens if they’re available), or should the regular greens be aerified in the early spring to check upper-profile compaction and to improve the soil-to-waterto-air ratio in the root zone?

If the greens are aerified in the early spring, the superintendent and members can anticipate an increased crop of Poa annua on the greens later in the spring and summer (with all of its attending problems)!

It’s not an easy choice. Each course must consider a variety of additional factors to determine whether winter play should be allowed. They include: • Grass species: If you’re trying to grow bentgrass on greens, winter play will encourage the inva-sion of Poa annua.

• Anticipated traffic: Volume is a critical factor. Damage is directly proportional to the rounds played.

• Soil type: Do you have sand-based or old, soil-based greens?Sand-based greens drain better when the ground is not frozen, but the turf can suffer greater injury.

more subtle and perhaps more important consequence of winter traffic is soil compaction.

A

• History of winter injury: If there is a history of ice or other damage, winter play will make it worse.

• Golfer acceptance of needed maintenance practices: How well will golfers accept renovation work — aeration, topdressing, overseed- ing — to repair damage done by winter play?

• Recent stress problems: If the greens took an earlier beating from flood, disease or summer heat, it is best to stay off during the winter.

• Previous weed problems:If crabgrass, goosegrass, Poa annua (especially) o r other weeds have been a problem o n the greens, winter play will make i t worse.

• Trees: If the greens are shaded during the growing season, it is best to keep traffic off during the winter.

• Standards for the regular season: If you want smooth, fast greens in the spring, skip the winter play.

Even if a course faces extreme damage to its greens from winter traffic, it can still remain open for limited play, if alternate options are made available. Some courses establish winter greens — temporary areas cut in the approach or rough near the regular greens. A few courses reverse their routings and play from green to tee, or establish cross-country holes that also take traffic away from high-volume areas and greens.

Assessing winter injury on warm-

20

season grasses can easily be initiated in late winter just before spring green-up.

The easiest method is to collect five to ten plugs from areas of suspected winter kill and pot them in a greenhouse to monitor their recovery. Renovation plans, if needed, may be made early.

If the golf-course superintendent and other club officials make a

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

con-centrated effort to educate their membership as to why traffic is not allowed on the golf course on particular winter days, they will gain their members’ support. More than likely, they’ll also eliminate the Saturday morning standoffs at the pro shop and the descriptive name-calling sessions that inevitably arise. T

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LANDSCAPE CORNER

By Kim Powell, Extension Landscape Specialist, Dept. of Horticultural Science at NC State University

properly planted tree or shrub will be more tolerant of adverse conditions and will require less management than one planted incorrectly.

Planting technique impacts environmental concerns – especially water quality - as it can reduce water, fertilizer and pesticide use, when done properly. When making decisions on planting techniques, consider how the plant was grown in the nursery, 22

the plant’s drainage requirements, the soil type and drainage characteristics, as well as the availability of irrigation water. The plant should be specifically appropriate to the site, or the site should be physically amended to specifically fit the plant.

The decline of newly installed trees and shrubs is usually attributed to one of two extremes – too little water or too much water.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

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LANDSCAPE CORNER Plant material Landscape plants are grown by various production methods, such as bare-root, balled-and-burlapped, fabric container and plastic container. Some large landscape trees are mechanically dug up with a tree spade and placed in wire baskets. Each of these harvesting and growing techniques is acceptable, but each requires a specific planting and management technique.

Planting dates and specific site conditions for each method will determine the water and nutrient efficiency. For example, balled-and-burlapped plants will require much less additional water to ensure transplant success if they are planted between November and February, as compared to being planted in late spring and summer.

Bare-root plants Advantages of planting bare-root plants are mostly economical. Plants are less expensive to produce because of the ease of harvesting, storing and shipping.

Many species respond well to bare-root harvesting. A greater portion and longer roots are retained after harvesting, and roots are easily inspected at planting time. Damaged roots can be trimmed, and girdling roots can be removed before planting.

Bare-root plants should be planted while they are completely dormant.

Landscape-sized bare-root trees usually require staking.

Balled-andburlapped plants Larger trees and shrubs are traditionally dug up in the nursery field, with their rootballs wrapped in burlap – i.e., balled-and-burlapped (B&B). A major advantage of B&B plants is that soil types can be matched, thereby reducing problems that might inhibit water and nutrient movement between the rootball and surrounding soil.

The main disadvantage of B&B material is that a large portion of the roots is severed at harvest time.

24

Horticulture researchers have estimated that 95% of the roots may be lost when digging field-grown nursery stock. The percentage of harvested roots is influenced by the nurseryman’s cultural practices, such as root-pruning, irrigation, fertilization, rootball configuration and digging techniques.

With the much-reduced root system, water is a critical element in the successful transplanting of B&B material. The most favorable seasons for planting B&B trees and shrubs are fall, winter and very early spring, when transpiration demand is low and rootgeneration potential is high.

Container-grown plants Production trends today include offering trees in 25-, 50- or even 100-gallon containers. Such plants, which are typically grown in a soil-less medium (usually bark and sand), are much lighter than B&B material.

Another major advantage of container-grown plants is that they can be planted year-round, since 100% of the roots are in the container, still attached to the tree. Thus, the plant goes through limited transplant shock, if given adequate follow-up care.

The main disadvantage of container-grown plants is the possibility of deformed roots. Rootbound plants have entangled roots circling inside the container, creating a physical barrier to future root growth and development. If this condition is not corrected by loosening the root mass at planting time, the plant may experience slow growth and establishment.

Small container-grown plants establish faster than large B&B plants and are more economical. Many consumers, however, want the “instant” landscape look from larger plants. Demand for large, landscape-size trees has certainly increased over the last decade. With large mechanical digging equipment, trees with 6˝ to 8˝ diameters can be transplanted. These large trees may achieve the instant effect, but costs and

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

CONTINUED post-transplant stress increase with the size of the plant.

Transporting and handling Correct planting technique begins with the loading of the plant at the nursery.

Landscapers should be very careful when handling plant material. Here are a few important considerations.

• Never pick up a plant by the trunk.

Trees are particularly vulnerable to damage if growth has started, and in the spring, the bark is easily injured. B&B trees are very susceptible to this type of injury due to the weight of the rootball.

• Use the appropriate equipment to lift plants from underneath the rootball. Container-grown plants should be handled by the container and never by the tops of the plant.

• During transport, protect the roots, stems and foliage. Shield plant tops from wind.

• If plants must be held or stored on the landscape site, it is best to place them in a location protected from the wind and sun. Do not let the roots freeze or dry out during this time.

• If the delay in planting is more than a few days, you should “heel in” B&B material by covering the roots with bark or some other mulch. Supplemental irrigation is critical for the nursery stock during this holding period.

The planting site A current trend in landscape design is to plant trees and shrubs in large beds.

When using this design concept, prepare the entire plant-bed area, and not just individual holes.

In many urban areas, gardeners will find that the soils are compacted and sometimes poorly drained. In these situations, you should create a good rootzone by amending the beds with a sandy-loam topsoil and by aerifying the soil as deeply as possible.

The addition of organic matter provides little or no advantage to the planting hole in good soils. Backfill should, in most cases, be the soil removed

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LANDSCAPE CORNER from the planting hole. In other words, what comes out, goes back in. This is especially important for B&B material and bare-root planting stock.

An exception would be where entire beds can be amended to create a homogeneous rootzone. The organic matter, such as compost or composted pine bark, should be uniformly mixed with the soil. This makes room for future growth and increases aeration to the backfill.

In very poorly drained soils, installing drain tile under the beds is necessary. If a french drain or tile drain is installed, be sure that it drains downhill at a 2% minimum slope, with an outlet on the downhill side. When setting plants, be certain to plant them high. If the poor drainage condition cannot be corrected, don’t plant a tree or shrub in the area, unless it can tolerate these conditions.

If the soil is sandy and moisture is difficult to hold, a heavier topsoil can be added. In this situation, organic matter will be valuable, as it improves the water-holding capacity of sandy soil.

After planting, add a 3˝ to 4˝ layer

of organic mulch on the soil surface around the plant. This will conserve moisture, discourage weeds and moderate soil temperatures. Also be sure to consider the aesthetics of the mulch.

The most important con-sideration in planting trees and shrubs is the planting depth.

Don’t plant too deep. It is better to plant in a raised manner so the roots will not drown or suffocate. Dig planting holes two to three times wider than the rootball, but at the same depth or less than the rootball. Locate the rootball on solid soil and not loose backfill.

Wire baskets do not need to be completely removed from large field grown trees. Cut and fold down the top half of the basket, fold back the organic burlap material, and remove all nylon strings and straps. Be sure to all remove plastic linings and synthetic or chemically treated burlaptype materials from around the rootball.

For the most efficient use of water, construct an earthen dam 4˝ to 6˝ high around the dripzone area of the plant after planting. Water will be able to collect in this saucer and move slowly down into the planting hole, minimizing run-off.

Pruning trees at transplanting Traditionally, trees have been pruned at transplanting time, but this practice has been amended. The traditional rationale was that reducing the top by 25% to 40% compensated for root loss and would result in better tree survival.

Now we recommend that pruning should be done only to remove damaged branches and to improve the structure of the plant. Overlapping, parallel and crowded branches should be pruned at installation. Cosmetic pruning, to improve the form and shape of the plant, is also recommended. This is best accomplished when the tree is on the ground and not standing up, out of reach.

26

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

CONTINUED

Water requirements There are no set rules on when and how much to water. All supplemental watering of newly transplanted trees will be dependent of current weather conditions. Usually, trees planted in the dormant season (November to February) will not require additional water following transplanting.

Rainfall, sleet and/or snow is usually sufficient during this time.

Trees planted outside of the dormant season will require additional water. This can be done by automated irrigation systems or by manual, handapplied water.

The important issue is knowing when and how much is needed. Too much water can kill a tree just as fast as too little water. That’s why correct hole depth, tree location, drainage and knowing irrigation precipitation rates are extremely important. Planting a tree too deep and overwatering is a guaranteed death sentence.

Supplemental irrigation will likely be required until the tree becomes established. It is very rare to plant a tree and never have to water it, leaving everything to nature. After the tree generates new roots and begins to grow, it usually can survive on natural rainfall. Drought periods are the obvi-

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CONTINUED ous exceptions. Common sense and basic horticultural knowledge apply to these times.

Usually a year or so of good growing conditions (minimum) is needed for a tree to become established. Monitoring the tree’s progress and looking for signs of stress is necessary during this time.

Wrapping the trunks In theory, trunk wraps help prevent sunscald and frost cracks on thinbark trees such as maple and birch.

They also offer some protection from rodents and maintenance equipment.

Recently, however, this practice has been questioned. These injuries are usually winter injuries due to extreme environmental conditions. Trees in

exposed sites where trunks are open to direct south and southwest winter sun may require protection. The decision on whether to apply a tree wrap should be made on a tree-bytree basis.

Staking and guying Research has proven that an unstaked tree grows faster than a staked one.

Prolonged staking not only reduces the taper of the trunk, but also creates the possibility of personal injury, particularly if it is not clearly flagged.

Sometimes, however, a newly planted tree will require additional support, anchorage or protection. For instance, trees that were staked in the nursery may require additional support once they are transplanted. Trees planted in open,

windy sites also may require staking.

Large transplanted “tree-spaded” trees may require heavy-gauge guy wires (guying), especially evergreens such as magnolias or cedars. Followup management of the wires attached to the tree trunk is mandatory. Girdling can become an irreversible problem, if wires are left more than one growing season.

For protection from mowers and other mechanical equipment, recently planted small trees can benefit from stakes placed around them (without wires attaching the stakes to the trees). When the trees reach sufficient size, the stakes can be removed.

A 3˝ to 4˝ layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree also offers protection. T

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

27

TURF TALK

Sports-Turf Covers on Kentucky Bluegrass...

Researchers Evaluate the effects {Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: This article was first published in the September/October 2004 issue of the Virginia Turfgrass Journal.} Information presented here may be useful to sports-turf managers in Tennessee.

By Joshua McPherson, Graduate Research Assistant, and Erik Ervin, Ph.D., Turfgrass Physiologist, Virginia Tech

28

In 2001, researchers at Iowa State concluded that covering Kentucky bluegrass from November to March with different color tarps had a significant effect on turf color and growth. At Virginia Tech, we wanted to see if we could use the tarps in shorter intervals (three to five days at a time) and still improve Kentucky bluegrass color and cover.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

We conducted our research at the Virginia Tech football practice field.

Most field managers have neither the time nor the labor to add and remove tarps every day, so we tried to imitate what a field manager would be able to do. In a typical football week, the football team is off the practice field from Friday through Sunday.

Consequently, we placed the tarps on

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the field Friday morning and removed them Monday night, placing them in the center of the field, where most of the wear would occur.

The tarps, constructed of 12-ounce vinyl-coated polyester, were provided by BondCote Corporation. The tarp colors were blue, red and orange. We also compared these tarps to an Evergreen tarp and an uncovered control.

Results from fall covering In the fall, from September 1 through the weekend of October 17-19, we found that the temperature under the tarps, as well as the color of the tarp, did influence color and cover. If outside temperatures were between 75( F to 85( F, the temperatures under the tarps would reach 90( F to 100( F. These temperatures exceed the optimum temperatures for Kentucky bluegrass growth, so they reduced turf color and quality. In these same outside temperature ranges, however, the Evergreen tarp did improve the color of the turf.

As temperatures declined, starting the weekend of October 23-27, a difference between the tarps became apparent. For turfgrass color and cover, the red, orange, Evergreen and uncovered control plots were significantly better than the blue-tarped plots. The blue tarps did not allow the proper wavelengths of sunlight to pass through to enhance turf growth. The other tarps allowed enough photo-synthetically active radiation to pass through, while keeping temperatures in an optimum range for Kentucky bluegrass. Red and orange tarps did increase color and cover more than the Evergreen and the uncovered control plot, but these increases were not significant.

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After two weeks under tarps, turf color and cover were significantly better than non-covered plots.

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Results from spring covering After our fall results, we wanted to see if covering in the spring would improve color and cover for spring practice. This time, we covered the plots for two weeks, March 11-26.

After removing the tarps, the vinyl-coated polyester tarps had a significant color difference compared to the Evergreen and uncovered control. The temperature under the vinyl-coated polyester tarps was higher than under the thin Evergreen tarp and the uncovered control. This produced a darker green color by raising temperatures for optimum Kentucky bluegrass growth.

This time, temperature was more important than the photosynthetic properties of light passing through the tarps.

Summary One year of research shows that different tarps work in different situations. A heavier-material tarp is better in cold weather to keep temperatures in the optimum range for Kentucky bluegrass growth. A thinner material tarp, like the Evergreen will work better when temperatures are warm. This research continues, and a full report on the completed project will be presented in the future.

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39th Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Association C on f erence and trade show

JANUARY 4TH – 6TH, 2005 O P R Y L A N D H O T E L • NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Program & MEMBER REGISTRATION TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

31

Educational Program

39th Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Association Conference and Trade Show

J a n u a r y 4 TH- 6 TH, 2 0 0 5 Opryland Hotel • 2800 Opryland Drive Nashville, TN 37214 • 615-889-1000

TUESday, January 4 Golf Course Symposium

12:30 pm “ The University of Tennessee Turf Management and Turfgrass Weed Science Research & Extension Review.”

Ms. Pamela Baird Mr. Gregory Breeden Mr. Matthew Goddard Mr. Paul Hahn Dr. Frank A. Hale Dr. J. Scott McElroy Dr. Darren K. Robinson Mr. John Robison Dr. Tom Samples Mr. Stephen Sayrs Dr. John C. Sorochan Mr. Daniel Strunk Dr. Alan S. Windham Dr. Janice M. Zale 2:00 pm BREAK 2:15 pm “Roundup-ready Bentgrass – An Update.”

Dr. Eric K. Nelson

8:15 am – “ Workplace Preparation and Communication.”

Ms. Susan Herrington Preparing for the day’s activities and learning how to better communicate with others are valuable skills. Learn how to improve workplace efficiency and your ability to commun-icate, as well as listen.

8:15 am – “ Small Engine Care and Maintenance.”

Mr. Gary S. Honea Learn more about maintaining small engines and lubricants for improved performance and longer engine life.

10:15 am – “ New and Not-So-New Herbicides for Broadleaf Weed Control.”

Dr. J. Scott McElroy and Mr. Gregory Breeden

ew, as well as reliable N older chemistries, are available for controlling broadleaf weeds. Learn how to identify and manage broadleaf weeds in turf.

10:15 am – “ Getting the Most from Turfgrass Soils.”

Dr. F. Clinton (Clint) Waltz, Jr. Learn more about amendments that can be used to improve soils and the health of turfgrasses growing in them.

10:15 am – “Resolving Workplace Conflicts Quickly and Successfully.”

Ms. Susan Herrington Resolving conflicts in today’s workplace can be difficult and stressful. Several steps will be discussed to help turfgrass professionals identify potential solutions.

2:45 pm “ The Effect of Equipment Changes on Golf Course Design, Construction and Maintenance.”

Mr. Gary R. Baird 3:30 pm “Rules For Superintendents.”

Mr. Matt Vanderpool 4:00 pm “Golf Course Management 2020.”

Mr. Chris Hartwiger 4:30 pm “ The University of Tennessee Turf Management and Turfgrass Weed Science Research & Extension Review (Continued).”

WEDNESday, January 5 Workshops

8:15 am – “Have You Seen This?”

Dr. Alan S. Windham, Dr. Frank A. Hale and Dr. Tom Samples Test your turfgrass troubleshooting/problem solving skills and learn what to look for when diagnosing the cause(s) of problems in turfs.

8:15 am – “Sedges, Rushes and Weed Grasses, Uh Oh!” Dr. J. Scott McElroy and Mr. Gregory Breeden Learn to identify and manage troublesome sedges, rushes and weed grasses in warm- and cool-season turfs.

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10:15 am – “ Financial Planning Now with the Future in Mind.”

AmSouth Investment Services, Inc. This workshop is intended to help attendees identify investment opportunities and develop a plan to meet personal short- and long-term financial goals.

12:00 pm – Lunch Special Topics 1:00 pm – “ Biostimulants and Turfgrasses – A Research Update.”

Dr. Eric Irvin 1:00 pm – “ Commonly Asked Questions Concerning Pesticides.”

Dr. Dennis Shepard 1:35 pm – “ Personnel Management – A Layman’s Perspective.”

Dr. Greg Bell 1:35 pm – “ Using Tall Grass Species in the Golf Course Landscape.”

Dr. Terry L. Vassey 2:15 pm – Trade Show

THURSday, January 6 Golf Course Session 8:00 am – Welcome

8:05 am – “Futuristic Turf Fertilization.”

Dr. Greg Bell 8:45 am – “ Controlling Algae and Moss on the Green Surface.”

Dr. Douglas E. Karcher

CONTINUED

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8:05 am – “ Cost-Effective and Environmentally Sound Approaches to Insect Management.”

Dr. Rick L. Brandenburg

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8:45 am – “ Comparing Northeastern and Southern Landscapes.”

Ms. Judy Lowe

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Sports Turf Session 8:00 am – Welcome 8:05 am – “ Biostimulants on High-Wear Athletic Fields.”

Dr. Eric Ervin 8:45 am – “Managing Cincinnati Bengals Turfs.”

Mr. Darian Daily

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9:30 am – Trade Show (until 12:30pm) 12:45 am – Award and Honors Luncheon (until 2:00pm) Golf Course Session 2:00 pm – TN GCSAA Business Meeting 2:30 pm – “Three-Dimensional Mowing.”

Dr. Milt C. Engelke 3:15 pm – “ Effective Management of Golf Course Insect Pests with Today’s New Products.”

Dr. Rick L. Brandenburg

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4:00 pm – “ Managing Organic Matter and Recovery Time Following the Cultivation of Sand-Based Greens.”

Dr. Douglas E. Karcher 4:30 pm – ADJOURN – Please have a safe trip home.

Lawn and Grounds Session 2:00 pm – “Trees and Tennessee Landscapes” Mr. Hubert P. Conlon

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2:30 pm – “Be a Water-Wise Landscaper” Ms. Elizabeth W. Babbit 3:00 pm – “Tennessee Green Roofs.”

Mr. David Evans and Mr. Curtis E. Stewart

4:30 pm – ADJOURN – Please have a safe trip home.

Sports Turf Session 2:00 pm TVSTMA Business Meeting 2:30 pm – “S oil Physical Properties 101 – Determining Proportions of Sand, Silt and Clay for Athletic Fields.”

Dr. Jason Henderson & Dr. Warren Anderson 3:15 pm – “My Sports Turf Management Experiences.”

Mr. Dale Getz 4:00 pm – “T he Role of Herbicides in Overseeded Bermudagrass.”

J. Scott McElroy 4:30 pm – ADJOURN – Please have a safe trip home.

Presentation titles, times and speakers are subject to change.

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3:45 pm – “Managing Weeds in the Landscape – An Update.”

Dr. Darren K. Robinson

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Tired of getting wet while adjusting sprinklers? The SuperPro allows you to turn rotors off while you set or reset the others.

Waiting for the other half of the sod to be installed? No need to shut off the entire zone; the SuperPros can be turned on individually as sod is installed.

You can count on simplicity, versatility & dependability in every K-Rain product.

K-Rain SuperPro with Flow Shut-off…

The Next Generation of Professional Rotors.

1640 Australian Avenue, Riviera Beach, FL 33404 561-844 1002 Fax: 561-842 9493 Web: www.krain.com © 2004 K-Rain Manufacturing Corp.

IRRIGATION SOLUTIONS WORLDWIDE™

C on f erence and trade show

Please complete, sign and return this form with your payment.

BOOTHS

BOOTHS 1 – 72

SIZE UNIT PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL 80 SQ FT

$495

(Max limit of 4)

ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP TO TTA: (1 included with 10’ x 8’ booth rental.

$50

Attend the TTA Luncheon & Business Meeting!

$25/person

January 6, 2005

Please make checks payable to :

Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, TN 37069 (No Credit Cards)

TOTAL

FIRST CHOICE

SECOND CHOICE

THIRD CHOICE

BOOTH PREFERENCE All reservations are made on a first-paid, first-reserved basis only. Please note the cancellation policy as outlined in the section of the brochure entitled “Rules & Regulations.” If electricity is required, please contact Opryland Hotel at (615) 889-1000. Purchased luncheon tickets will be included in vendor packet upon registration and setup.

Please print or type the following: Name:

(Person responsible for the booth)

MEMBER Name:

(To be included in Directory)

Signature: Firm:

(As your ID sign should read)

Mailing Address: City:

State:

Zip:

Telephone: Fax: EMAIL: **ADDITIONAL NAMES FOR BADGES:

(**If more space is needed, please attach a complete list)

**ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

(**If more space is needed, please attach a complete list)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCTS/SERVICES YOU SELL OR PROVIDE:

CONTRACT FOR EXHIBIT SPACE

39th Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Association

35

Y O U WA N T I T . . .

W E ’ V E G O T I T. Athletic Field & Golf Course Construction Sprigging Prompt Delivery W!

NE

Manchester & Benton, TN

Blended Fescue Quickstand Bermuda Certified 419 Bermuda Certified Tifton 10 Bermuda Meyer Zoysia

Professional Installation 21 Square Yard Rolls for Easier Installation!

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. 800-782-4083 Professional Tools for the Professional

Complete Pump Units Order Toll Free 1-800-888-5502 or Visit us on the web at www.oldhamchem.com

featuring

OLDHAM’s 200-GALLON LAWN SPRAY UNIT

Call for SPECIAL Pricing and for our 2004 Equipment Catalog 1-800-888-5502

39th Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Association C on f erence and trade show

Please complete, sign and return this form with your payment.

Please list all information as you would like it to appear in the directory.

address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ city/state/zip:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ telephone:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ fax:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ email:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRIMARY FUNCTION COMMERCIAL VENDOR TURF MANAGER q Commercial Lawn Care q Equipment Dealer q Golf Course q Retail Center q Distributor q Parks & Recreation q Landscaping q Manufacturer q Sports Field q Irrigation Contractor q Other_______________ q Hotel/Resort q Hospital/Health Care q DOT q Other_______________ q School/University q Cemetery q Other_______________

Please list the first and last names of the persons attending the 2005 Conference & Trade Show. Attach separate list if needed.

1 2 3

4

5

6

PLEASE CHECK THE BOX FOR ADDITIONAL ASSOCIATION AFFILIATIONS:

q PGMS

q TNLA

q TVSTMA

q TGCSA

q Other _____________

7 8

REGISTRATION OPTIONS 1 Primary Member Registration

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

$ 175.00

$

Price includes 2005 Membership Dues

Associate Member Registration

TOTAL

$ 120.00 $

Registrants from the same facility are eligible for Associate Membership if the facility has two primary members.

Student Member Registration

$ 60.00

One Day Pass (Limit 1)

$ 75.00

One Day Student Pass (Limit 1)

$ 10.00

Awards Luncheon Ticket

$ 25.00

Endowment Fund Contribution q Research q Scholarship

q

$ $

REGISTRATION FORM

company name:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

$ $

Extension

$

Please make checks payable to:

Tennessee Turfgrass Association • 400 Franklin Road • Franklin, TN 37069

GRAND TOTAL

$

(No Credit Cards)

TTA Office Use Only

Date______________

Check No. ______________

Cash ______________

Amount _________________

37

RULES & REGULATIONS Opening and Closing: The exhibit officially opens at 2:15 P.M., Wednesday, January 5, 2005, and will close at 12:00 P.M., Thursday, January 6, 2005.

Exhibit Set-up and Breakdown: General booth set-up will be from 9:00 A.M., January 5, 2004, until 2:00 P.M. All exhibits must be completed by 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 5, 2004.

Insurance and Fire Protection: The Tennessee Turfgrass Association will exercise all reasonable care for the protection of exhibitor’s material and displays. An official of the trade show committee will be on duty in the exhibit area during set-up and breakdown periods. The exhibit area will be secured during nonexhibit hours.

Contract for Space: The application for space and the formal notice of assignment constitutes a contract for the right to use the space so allotted. In the event of fire, strikes, or other uncontrollable circumstances, the contract will not be binding. The Tennessee Turfgrass Association reserves the right to cancel any contract with any exhibitor any time prior to or during the conference.

Liability: The exhibitor agrees to make no claim against the Tennessee Turfgrass Association nor its members or employees for loss, theft, damage or destruction of goods, nor any injury to himself/herself, or employees prior, during or subsequent to the period covered by the exhibit contract, nor for any damage whatsoever, including the damage to his business by reason of failure to provide space for the exhibit, nor for failure to hold the Conference as scheduled. The exhibitor, upon signing the contract for exhibit space, expressly releases the foregoing named conference and individuals from any and all claims for such loss, damage or injury.

Use of Space: All demonstrations, interviews, distributions of advertising material or other activities must be confined to the limits of the exhibit booths. No exhibitor shall assign, sublet or share the whole or part of the space allotted without the knowledge and approval of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association.

Cancellation: In the event an exhibitor must cancel, and cannot exhibit, the following will apply.

A. If the reserved booth or island can be contracted, a 100% refund will be granted.

B. If the reserved booth or island can not be contracted, a 50% refund will be granted.

Booths: There will be seventy two (72) 10’ x 8’ booths available. Each will be piped and draped. Each will have a 6’ skirted table, 2 chairs, wastebasket and one I.D. sign.

floor plan Please indicate preferences on Exhibit Space contract 38

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2004

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

scholarship Application the ernest hardison memorial scholarship Applications must be postmarked no later than November 12, 2004. Please type or print neatly.

SECTION I: PERSONAL INFORMATION Name: Home Mailing Address: Campus Mailing Address: Home Phone: Campus Phone: SECTION II: EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION Institution Name: Graduation Date: Major: Overall GPA: GPA in Major: Advisor Name: Phone: Advisor Address: Signature Of Advisor: (Note: Handwritten signature of advisor must appear on this form.)

Advisor’s Comments:

SECTION III: BACKGROUND INFORMATION Name(s) and relationship(s) of any relatives associated with the golf or turfgrass industry:

Name(s) and relationship(s) of any relatives who are members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association:

Have you previously received a Tennessee Turfgrass Association scholarship?

If yes, please list year and amount: What aspect or career opportunity within the turfgrass industry most interests you?

SECTION IV: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Please include the following with your application: 1. A copy of your resume.

2. A list of references (minimum of 3).

3. An essay (300 words or less) describing:

• Your reasons for requesting this scholarship.

• Your requirement for and sources of financial support for college and related expenses.

Applications must be postmarked no later than November 12, 2004.

Awards will be presented at the annual Tennessee Turfgrass Association Conference in January 2005.

Please submit your application to:

Derek Oglesby • TTA Scholarship & Awards Committee Chairman • 1990 Abbott Lane • Cordova, TN 38016 39

Greenville Turf & Tractor 701 Sandy Springs Road Piedmont, SC 29673 1-866-485-8873

7526 Old Nashville Hwy. Murfreesboro, TN 37129 1-877-647-8873

I N D E X O F AD VERTISERS Aquatrols................................................................... 23 Blalock Machinery...................................................... 23 Covermaster, Inc......................................................... 7 E & S Soil and Peat...................................................... 7 Flowtronex PSI........................................................... 33 Greenville Turf & Tractor............................................ 40 Harrell’s Custom Fertilizer.................... Inside Back Cover Jackson Sand............................................................ 32 Keeling Company.......................................................... 25 Kesmac Inc............................................................... 41 K-Rain Manufacturing Corp........................................ 34 Landforms................................................................. 30 Mid Tenn Turf, Inc..................................................... 36 Oldham Chemicals Co.....................................................36 Patten Seed Company/Super Sod............................... 27 Pennington Seed, Inc................................................. 20 ProSource One........................................................... 30 Quail Valley Farm......................................................... 5 Regal Chemical......................................................... 21 Smith Turf & Irrigation....................................Back Cover Southeastern Turf, LLC................................................ 7 Sprigger’s Choice, Inc................................................ 29 Sur-Line Turf, Inc....................................................... 33 Syngenta Turf & Ornamental...................................... 25

CALENDAR OF EVENTS October 12

MAGCSA Meeting Location: Colonial Country Club, Cordova, TN

October 25

MTGCSA Scholarship and Research Tournament Location: Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, TN

November 1

MAGCAA Scholarship & Research Tournament Location: Tunica National, Tunica, MS

November 3-6

The Green Industry Expo PLCAA 25th Green Industry Conference & GIE Preview (Professional Lawn Care Assoc. of America) 2004 PGMS School of Grounds Management (Professional Grounds Management Society) Location: Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC

November 14-16

25th Annual International Irrigation Show Location: Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, FL

November 15

MAGCSA Meeting Location: Glen Eagles GC, Millington, TN

November 18

TVSTMA Annual Business Meeting Location: Chattanooga, TN

January 4-6 2005

TTA 39th Annual Conference & Trade Show (Tennessee Turfgrass Association) Location: Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN

January 11-13 2005

Virginia Turfgrass Council’s Annual Turf & Landscape Conference and Marketplace Location: Richmond, VA

January 17-19 2005

North Carolina Turfgrass Industry Expo

Location: Winston-Salem, NC

January 19-23 2005

STMA Annual Conference (Sport Turf Managers Association) Location: Phoenix Civic Center, Phoenix, AZ

February 10-12 2005

Golf Industry Show (GCSAA and NGCOA) Location: Orlando, FL

Tieco Inc..................................................................... 3 TifSport Growers Association................Inside Front Cover Turfgrass America..................................................... 29 Turf Mountain Sod, Inc............................................... 34 Turf Solutions, Inc...................................................... 15 Winstead Turf.............................................................. 9 42

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2004

Target Your Advertising Audience

To find out more information on advertising in Tennessee Turfgrass, call the Ad Sales Department at

(615) 790-3718!

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Time.Your Most Important Resource.

So many blades of grass, so little time. When you are responsible for a golf course, it seems there aren’t enough hours in the day to meet all the challenges you face. That’s why STI has developed a portfolio of equipment, service and support that is unmatched in the golf industry. As the exclusive distributor of TORO irrigation systems and TORO commercial turf care equipment since 1925, we provide total turf solutions that maximize efficiencies. Time after time.

Office 1.615.726.8811 • Orders 1.800.585.4784 www.smithturf.com