Tennessee Turfgrass - February / March 2015

February/March 2015

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

ns for

Four Consideratio

Pre Herbicide Use in 2015

Nitrogen Rates and Timings for Bermudagrass Home Lawns

A Valuable, New Resource

For Pesticide Applicators Also, Highlights from the

2015 TTA Turfgrass Annual Conference & Tradeshow

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS february/march 2015

18

FEATURED ARTICLES

14 15 16 18 22 24 27

TTA Member Spotlight — Jason Sanderson, Cherokee Country Club TVSTMA Member Spotlight — Marty Wallace, Jackson Generals TTA Award Winners — Professional of the Year, Greg Breeden, University of Tennessee Cover Story — Four Considerations for PRE Herbicide Use in 2015 Applied Research — Nitrogen Rates and Timings for Bermudagrass Home Lawns

22

Turf Talk — A Valuable, New Resource For Pesticide Applicators Recent Event — Highlights from the TTA Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow

DEPARTMENTS

4

From the TTA President, Paul Carter, CGCS

6

From the TVSTMA President, Marty Wallace

8

From the MTGCSA President, Jarrod Kepple

10

News from TTA

12

Index of Advertisers

29

Calendar of Events

30

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/march 2015

24

From the TTA Presid ent

Paul L. Carter, CGCS

Seeds for the

Future A

nother growing season is just around the corner, and as I look back at 2014 and ahead to 2015, I can see that the Tennessee Turfgrass Association is definitely moving in the right direction and is in good hands for the future. The 2015 TTA Conference and Tradeshow in January was a resounding success, with great attendance and fantastic education. I would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Jim Brosnan at The University of Tennessee for continuing to bring us a top-notch and well-rounded educational program. To all our speakers who joined us to share your experiences and wisdom, a heartfelt thank you. To our vendors and sponsors, we could not hold our conference if it were not for your unwavering support and dedication to our association, and we are extremely grateful.

We were able to present scholarships to two well-deserving young students, Mr. Michael Medley (recipient of the Ernest Hardison Memorial Scholarship) and Mr. Robby Turner (recipient of the TTA Legacy Scholarship). Many of our members were

io The miss

recognized for their outstanding work at their properties through our industry awards. Our Professional of the Year Award was presented to Mr. Greg Breeden, an award that was most deserved and long overdue. Thanks to Mr. Cal Hill for chairing the Awards and Scholarship Committee, along with those who helped select the winners. Congratulations to all those recognized (see page 16).

As TTA’s president, I realize more and more that no one person can do it all by himself, and I have a fantastic support staff. I would like to thank Mr. Cal Hill, Mr. Joe Hill, Mr. Sean VanHoose, Mr. Bill Marbet, Mr. Scott Freund and Mr. Luke Hankins for their service to TTA, as their two-year term concluded at this annual meeting. We are fortunate to welcome back Mr. Cal Hill, Mr. Joe Hill, Mr. Bill Marbet and Mr. Scott Freund to the board of directors, as they were reelected to the board, along with Mr. Doug Estes, Mr. Kurt Dryden and Mr. Chris Sykes. Mr. Theo Lankford will continue as TTA’s vice president, and Mr.

Jason Pooler was elected by the board to be our secretary/treasurer. Welcome to all new and returning board members.

With the 50th anniversary of TTA coming up at the 2016 Conference and Tradeshow, I am extremely excited about having the best conference and tradeshow to date to celebrate this great accomplishment for our association. We have a special committee, headed by Theo Lankford, which is working on many events and activities that will set this upcoming conference apart from any other. So, go ahead, and get it in your mind to attend in 2016. You won’t want to miss it.

As always, TTA exists to promote the development of the turfgrass industry in Tennessee. If there is anything your association can do to help further your career or give you assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are one big happy family, continuing to GROW.

Paul L. Carter, CGCS 2014–2015 President

n of the Te nn essee Tur fg ra ss A s s o c i at i o

To promote the turfgrass industry through education, scholarship and research.

6

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS february/march 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

n

From the TVST M A President

Marty D. Wallace

Growth

Ahead My

name is Marty Wallace, and I am head groundskeeper for the Jackson Generals, the AA affiliate of the Seattle Mariners baseball team. It is truly a privilege to serve as your 2015 president of TVSTMA. One of my goals this year is to continue to grow and improve our organization. I would like to thank T.J. Derrick for his

leadership and dedication as our president last year. It takes everyone working together to build upon that strong foundation. A special thanks goes out to all of those who have accepted leadership positions within TVSTMA this year.

The recent TTA Annual Conference was again a huge success, and we would like to thank TTA for its continued support of our organization. We look forward to

what 2015 will bring for both organizations. By both associations working together, I am confident that we can continue to have success.

A special thanks to all TVSTMA members who attended the conference this past year. I would like to reflect on what T.J. talked about in his last article — a buddy system. We need to start inviting someone to come with us to the different TVSTMA meetings around the state. It could be a new person or someone who hasn’t attended in a few years. All of our members are valuable and can contribute something to our organization.

Let’s all roll up our sleeves and make this one of the best years ever for TVSTMA. Finally, I would like to thank the speakers we had at our February meeting: James Bergdoll, CSFM, Sports Park Manager, Elizabethtown Sports Park (KY); Bill Brunner, Sports Turf Manager, Father Ryan High School; Marcus Dean, CSFM, Sports Turf Manager, University of Kentucky; Dr. Gregg Munshaw, Extension Specialist/Turfgrass Agronomy, University of Kentucky; Terry Porch, Sports Turf Manager, Tennessee Titans; and Adam Thoms, Director, University of Tennessee Center for Athletic Field Safety.

Thanks again, and let’s have a great 2015!!

Marty D. Wallace 2014 TVSTMA President

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 591-8286 tnturfgrassassn@aol.com www.ttaonline.org Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Editor Dr. James Brosnan TTA OFFICERS President Paul Carter, CGCS Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (423) 344-6374 Vice President Theo Lankford Nashville Sports Leagues (615) 799-8664 Secretary/Treasurer Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc. (731) 642-3092 Past President Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms (731) 692-3515 Executive Secretary Jim Uden Tennessee Turfgrass Assn.

(615) 591-8286 TTA 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Doug Estes Kurt Dryden Scott Freund Cal Hill Joe Hill Timothy Long Mickey Lovett Bill Marbet Mitch Parker Jason Sanderson Chris Sykes Doug Ward TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Bill Blackburn Dr. Jim Brosnan Dr. Brandon Horvath Lynn Ray Jeff Rumph, CGCS Dr. Tom Samples Dr. John Sorochan Dr. Wes Totten

From the M TGCSA P resident

Jarrod Kepple

News from the

MTGCSA I

hope that everyone has had a good winter so far. The new season is fast approaching, and before we know it, summer will be here!

The Middle Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association (MTGCSA) has a great board in place for this year —

President

Jarrod Kepple

Vice President Mathew Powell

Secretary/Treasurer Joe Galbreth

Directors Scott Freund Dan Johnson Craig Ketelsen Michael Brownlee Shelia Finney The board has been working hard to set up a rewarding and informative 2015

meeting schedule. I would like to encourage everyone to take advantage of your memberships — whether you’re in east, middle or west Tennessee. Our goal is to set up meetings that you look forward to attending.

Future meeting dates for the MTGCSA are as follows —

April 28 Richland Country Club Brentwood, TN

May 19 Five Oaks Golf & C.C. Lebanon, TN

June 2 Nashville Sounds (casual get-together) Nashville, TN

September 28 S&R Tournament The Grove Arrington, TN

October 20 Stones River C.C. Murfreesboro, TN

November TBA Bluegrass Yacht & C.C. Hendersonville, TN I hope that everyone has a great start to the 2015 season, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the meetings!

Jarrod Kepple

2015 MTGCSA President

10

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS february/march 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

We do this …

so you get this.

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You’ll see it in some of the most beautiful landscapes around. From home lawns to golf courses, this fine-bladed turfgrass is specifically designed to be low-maintenance and requires little fertility. It can handle full sun and is extremely shade tolerant. With its deep, rich color it produces a very lush turf and has already been called one of the most beautiful grasses of the warm-season cultivars. Available only through licensed producers, make Zeon your next choice and see firsthand what we do best.

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NEWS FROM T HE TTA

Announcing TTA’s Officers & Directors for 2015

PRESIDENT Paul Carter, CGCS Bear Trace at Harrison Bay Harrison, TN (423) 344-6374 paul.carter@tn.gov

VICE PRESIDENT Theo Lankford Nashville Sports Leagues Fairview, TN (615) 799-8664 theo@nashvillesports leagues.com

SECRETARY/ TREASURER Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc. Paris, TN (731) 642-3092 triturfsodfarms@ bellsouth.net

PAST PRESIDENT Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms Dyer, TN (731) 692-3515 mccurdyb@bellsouth.net

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Jim Uden Tennessee Turfgrass Assn.

400 Franklin Road Franklin, TN 37069 (615) 591-8286 Fax: (615) 790-8600 tnturfgrass@aol.com 12

DIRECTORS Doug Estes Winstead Turf Farms Arlington, TN 38002 (901) 867-8116 doug@winsteadturf farms.com

Mickey Lovett Harrell’s Fertilizer 1110 Brentwood Street Paris, TN 38242 (731) 333-6189 mlovett@harrells.com

Kurt Dryden Advanced Turf Solutions Springfield, TN (615) 507-4360 kdryden@advanced turf.com

Bill Marbet Southern Athletic Fields Columbia, TN (931) 380-0023 bill@mulemix.com

Scott Freund Richland Country Club Nashville, TN (615) 370-0600 sfreund@richlandcc.com Cal Hill Winfield Solutions Memphis, TN (901) 412-0121 cchill@landolakes.com Joe Hill ProSolutions Maryville, TN (865) 567-4210 jhill@ourpro solutions.com Timothy Long Smith Turf & Irrigation 12600 Broken Saddle Road Knoxville, TN 37934 (615) 726-8811 timothy.long@ smithturf.com

Mitch Parker Ladd’s Memphis, TN (901) 324-8801 mparker@bobladd.com Jason Sanderson Cherokee Country Club Knoxville, TN (865) 588-2208 jsanderson1907@ bellsouth.net Chris Sykes Tellico Village Loudon, TN (865) 458-5408 csykes@tvpoa.org Doug Ward Belle Meade Country Club Nashville, TN (615) 292-6752 dougw@comcast.com

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS february/march 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Bill Blackburn Smith Turf & Irrigation Co. Nashville, TN (615) 726-8811 bill.blackburn@smithturf.com Dr. Jim Brosnan The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN (865) 974-8603 jbrosnan@utk.edu Dr. Brandon Horvath The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN (865) 974-2975 bhorvath@utk.edu Lynn Ray Golf Management Group Brentwood, TN (615) 373-9400 lraygmg@raskinco.com Jeff Rumph, CGCS Gatlinburg Country Club Gatlinburg, TN (865) 453-3638 fourlakebums@msn.com Dr. Tom Samples University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN (865) 974-2595 tsamples@utk.edu Dr. John Sorochan University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN (865) 974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu Dr. Wes Totten The University of Tennessee at Martin Martin, TN (731) 881-7936 wtotten@utm.edu

TTA Member sp otlight TTA Member Spotlight on

Jason Sanderson, Cherokee Country Club ÂŤ Jason Sanderson with daughter Olivia (left), daughter Alaina and wife Katy.

Where did you attend

college, and what year

did you graduate? The University of Tennessee in 2000 Location: Knoxville, TN Job Title: Golf Course Superintendent Number of years in this position: 11

What was your major? Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design How long have you been a member of TTA? 15 years

What year did you get started in the turfgrass industry? 1997 Why did you choose a career in the turfgrass industry? Because of my love of being outside and my love of golf.

What did you do before your current job position? I was a waiter in college, and then I served as an assistant superintendent for four years at Cherokee Country Club, working under Chris Sykes.

Who have been your mentors in the industry? Chris Sykes, Scott Wicker, Gary Weller and Jeff Rumph.

What do you enjoy most about your job? Being outside and working with an ever-changing environment.

Have you won any job-related awards?

If so, what? Yes, Cherokee Country Club won TTA’s Private Golf Course of the Year in 2011.

How has TTA enhanced your career?

Through the continuing education at the conference and seminars, as well as the networking through the TTA with peers.

What are your hobbies? Golf and spending time with my kids.

Tell us a little about your family. In April, I will have been married for 20 years to my wife, Katy. We have two daughters, Alaina (age 14) and Olivia (13) and two dogs, a great dane (Lucy, age 5) and a boxer (Sophie, age 7). T

14

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS february/march 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

tvstma member sp otl ight TVSTMA Member Spotlight on

Marty Wallace, Jackson Generals Baseball and the 2015 TVSTMA President

Location: Jackson, TN Job Title: Sports Turf Manager, for the Jackson Generals Baseball, the Seattle Mariners’ AA Affiliate Number of years in this position: On March 10, I will have been here for four years.

Where did you attend college, and what year did you graduate? Columbia State Community College and The University of Tennessee, from which I graduated in 2011.

Have you won any job-related awards?

If so, what? No but we as team here in Jackson keep striving for great and safe playing surface, day in and day out Has TVSTMA enhanced your career, and if so, how? Yes, TVSTMA has helped by discussions and networking in the industry.

What are your hobbies? Watching sports and spending time with my family.

Tell us a little about your family. I married my wife Kelsi in September 2013, and we have three-month-old baby boy, Neyland Phillip. T

What was your major?

Turfgrass Science How long have you been a member of TVSTMA? Since 2010.

Why did you choose a career in the turfgrass industry? I loved being around sports, and I knew I wasn’t good enough to play professional baseball, but I had a chance to stay near it by working in the turf industry.

What did you do before your current job position? I was blessed to work with the grounds crew on the football and baseball fields at the University of Tennessee while I was a student there. I supervised all the student workers on the fields.

Who have been your mentors in the industry? Bill Marbet, Dan Bergstrom, Bob Campbell, Darren Seybold and the entire staff of the University of Tennessee grounds crew.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Teaching our employees and showing them the pride in what we do on daily basis.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

15

TTA award w inners Congratulations to TTA’s 2015 Professional of the Year

Greg Breeden with UT!

Greg Breeden, M.S., Extension Specialist, The University of Tennessee

By Liz Nutter, Leading Edge Communications (publisher of Tennessee Turfgrass)

H

aving worked in turfgrass research at The University of Tennessee for the past 12 years, Greg Breeden is one of the most familiar faces at the Annual TTA Conference. So, it came as little surprise to anyone who knows him that he was honored at this year’s event with the 2014 TTA Professional of the Year Award, an accolade that TTA president Paul Carter said was “long overdue.”

An east Tennessee native and resident all of his life, Breeden is (naturally) a lifelong Vol fan. He was born and raised in Vonore, a small town about an hour south of Knoxville, and that’s as far from UT that he has ever lived.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Plant and Soil Science from UT in 1996, he was hired by the University to work in weed-control research in agriculture. “My master’s degree is actually in tobacco production. My family raised tobacco, so I’d been around it all my life,” Breeden comments.

“When I entered my master’s program, sulfentrazone herbicide was coming onto the market for tobacco, which was ideal for my master’s work. I worked full time while earning my master’s degree, which I received in 2000.”

Greg worked in agricultural weed control for six to eight years before transferring into turfgrass. “I worked with Dr. Scott McElroy in the turf weed science program, when he came here in 2003,” Breeden says, “and since he left in 2007, I’ve been working with Dr. Jim Brosnan.

As with most turf professionals, Breeden’s work is very seasonal. In the spring, summer and early fall, he spends

16

his days with the turf crew (primarily graduate students and hourly employees) at the research facility. Breeden also often travels to research locations in middle and west Tennessee, and he helps Dr. Brosnan plan and coordinate the annual UT Turfgrass Field Days. “During the growing season, I’m usually in the office only one day a week, typically on Friday,” he says.

In winter, he spends much of his time at Extension meetings around the state, as well as presenting research at various conferences and scientific gatherings. For example, he has attended the Southern Region Weed Science Society meeting in January the last 19 years.

A prolific writer, Breeden has been the primary author or a co-author of more than 100 research articles that have appeared in publications such as Golfdom, Golf Course Management, SportsTurf magazine, HortTechnology, Weed Science, Weed Technology, Applied Turfgrass Science, Crop Science and the International Turf Society Research Journal.

He has also written numerous University of Tennessee Extension factsheets and bulletins, and he has made many appearances to present research at various scientific meetings and conferences.

Breeden and his wife, Malisa, live in Clinton (about 40 minutes north of Knoxville) with their three children: daughter Taryn (age 8), daughter Malea (age 4) and son Jameson (age 3). In his spare time, Breeden enjoys deer and turkey hunting, as well as fishing, and he has five horses, to which he feeds his homegrown (of course) hay. T

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS february/march 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

cover story

Four Considerations for

PRE Herbicide Use in 2015

18

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS february/march 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Editor’s note: A version of this article was published in the February 2015 issue of SportsTurf magazine.

By Jim Brosnan, Ph.D., and Greg Breeden, The University of Tennessee

E

very year, many turf managers make preemergence (PRE) herbicides an integral part of weed-management programs. By and large, PRE herbicides are used to control summer annual weeds such as crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) and goosegrass (Eleusine indica), in addition to small-seeded broadleaf weeds. Numerous options are available for use in warm- and cool-season turf at variable price points. Regardless of product selected, turf managers should consider four things to improve efficacy of PRE herbicide programs in 2015.

#1. Check for potential winter injury.

Many turfgrass managers lost areas of warm- or cool-season turfgrasses following the extreme winter conditions of 20132014. Losses occurred from winter desiccation, exposure to lethal temperatures or a combination thereof. Characteristics of affected sites included turf with shallow root systems, turf subjected to winter traffic, turf in areas of heavy shade (particularly during morning hours) and poorly drained areas of turf.

In many cases, the extent of winter damage was not fully apparent until early summer, several weeks after PRE herbicides are commonly applied. This was problematic in that many PRE herbicides have soil residual activity that can compromise rooting from stolon growth or prevent establishment of new seed altogether.

It is highly recommended that turf managers check sites for potential winter injury before applying a PRE herbicide in 2015.

The basic process of evaluating potential winter injury is simple: remove a core of turf from the field, place it in a south-facing window, and keep it watered. New leaf growth is a sign that winter conditions have not harmed the turf, and PRE herbicides can be used. If no new leaf growth forms, that should be a signal that winter conditions may have harmed the turf to the extent that re-establishment could be required; thus, PRE herbicide use in these areas should be avoided (see Photo 1).

#2. Explore labels.

Many turf managers think of PRE herbicides as tools used only for grassy weed control. Exploring product labels will reveal that many PRE herbicides are labeled for the control of dozens of small-seeded broadleaf weeds, as well as sedge and kyllinga species. For example, dithiopyr (e.g., Dimension) and pendimethalin (e.g., Pendulum AquaCap) labels claim control of more than 25 different broadleaf weed species. Moreover, prodiamine + sulfentrazone (e.g., Echelon) and pendimethalin + dimethenamid (e.g., FreeHand) labels claim PRE control of numerous broadleaf weeds, as well as yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and green kyllinga (Kyllinga brevifolia).

To maximize the efficacy of PRE herbicide programs in 2015, turf managers can review the diversity of weeds across their fields and then select a product that helps manage as many weeds as possible.

Cover St ory Photo 1. The turf sample on the left shows no new leaf growth, so winter damage should be suspected, and preemergence herbicides should be avoided on those turf areas. The turf sample on the right, however, is resuming growth, so PRE herbicides can be used.

#3. Manage turf to reduce weed pressure.

Another step that can be implemented to improve the efficacy of PRE herbicide programs is to manage turf with an eye on reducing weed pressure during the summer season. Annual weeds such as crabgrass germinate from seed present in the uppermost layers of soil. Like all plants, these seeds require sunlight for germination. Practices to maximize turf cover during the season will minimize the amount of sunlight reaching the soil surface, ultimately lowering crabgrass pressure.

Practices to maximize turf cover include everything from the selection of traffic-tolerant cultivars and management of summer diseases that can reduce turf cover, to changes as simple as increasing mowing height. Recent research has shown that increasing turf mowing height during the summer can improve the efficacy of several PRE herbicides, including dithiopyr, oxadiazon (e.g., Ronstar), pendimethalin, prodiamine (e.g., Barricade) and prodiamine + sulfentrazone. Increasing mowing height will also improve the ability of the turf to compete against weeds for essential water, nutrient and light resources.

Research has shown that increases in mowing height as small as 1/64 of an inch can increase photosynthesis as much as 13%. Thus, increasing mowing height not only improves PRE herbicide efficacy but also helps turf produce carbohydrates needed for growth and vigor during fall sports.

#4. Acknowledge that resistance is real.

Perhaps the biggest step that turf managers can take in maximizing PRE herbicide efficacy this year is to acknowledge that herbicide resistance, particularly to PRE chemistry, is a very real phenomenon that can compromise weed-management programs. Biotypes of annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and goosegrass (Eleusine indica) with resistance to commonly used PRE herbicides are being identified, with increasing frequency, throughout the transition zone and southward. In 20

most cases, these biotypes have evolved following repeated use of the same PRE herbicides over consecutive years without rotation to different herbicides that make use of variable mechanisms of action to control weeds.

Many turf managers mistakenly assume that herbicides with different trade names or active ingredients work differently — this is not the case. For example, prodiamine, dithiopyr and pendimethalin all control weeds in the same manner (inhibiting cell division). Therefore, if resistance evolves following exclusive use of one of these products, then weeds will be resistant to the others as well.

Failure to rotate herbicides with different mechanisms of action or implement diverse weed-management strategies (other than spraying) can lead to severe consequences, should herbicide resistance manifest. Case studies of facilities suffering from herbicide resistance have shown that the cost of weed control can increase three-fold, once resistance is apparent.

For example, the cost of annual weed management at a facility with resistance to dinitroaniline herbicides (e.g., prodiamine, pendimethalin, etc.) was $143 per acre compared to around $50 per acre before resistance reached a critical level.

In addition to economics, resistance can drastically reduce the number of herbicide options available for effective weed management, regardless of price. This is concerning, given that no new herbicidal mechanisms of action have been introduced into the agricultural marketplace since the late 1980s. Fewer tools available for weed management, coupled with an increased implementation cost, is troubling, especially since the presence of weeds on athletic fields can directly compromise athlete safety.

Summary PRE herbicides can be a highly effective tool for managing weeds in turfgrass. Always refer to the product label for specific information on proper use, tank-mixing compatibility and turfgrass tolerance. The mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. For more information on turfgrass weed control, visit the University of Tennessee’s turfgrass weed science website at www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org. T

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS february/march 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

applie d research

By Beth Guertal, Ph.D., Professor, Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Auburn University

T

Nitrogen Fertilization Rates and Timings

for a Bermudagrass Home Lawn A recent (spring 2014) photograph from our N rate and N timing experiment.

The square of white clover in the foreground is the plot that has received no nitrogen since 2010.

ypical nitrogen (N) fertilization recommendations for hybrid bermudagrass lawns in the southeastern United States are 3 to 6 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 ft2 per growing season, with the N rate varying with intensity of use and length of the growing season.

However, there is limited information about best management of N rates and N timing for hybrid bermudagrass lawns.

The objective of this project was to examine N rates (totals of 3, 4, 5 and 6 lbs. N per 1,000 ft2 per growing season) and N timing (all season, early spring, late fall) on the growth and performance of hybrid bermudagrass managed as a home lawn. We installed our study in 2010, and the experiment will continue through 2015.

The specific experiment — what we did The turfgrass for this study was a hybrid bermudagrass (likely ‘Tifway’), which was treated as a lower-input lawn, with a mowing height of 2". The study was a randomized complete block design of 19 N rate x timing treatments, with 4 replications of each treatment. The nitrogen (all granular urea, with that N watered in after application) was applied in April, May, June, July, August and September in each year as split applications to total 3, 4, 5 or 6 lbs. N 1,000 ft2.

The nitrogen was applied in the following “programs”: • Equal — April, May, June, July, August and September (at 1/2, 2/3, 5/6 or 1 lb. N per 1,000 ft2 in each month) •S pring — April, May, June and July (at 3/4, 1, 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 lbs. N per 1,000 ft2 in each month) • Spring Short — April, May and June (at 1, 1-1/3, 1-2/3 or 2 lbs. N per 1,000 ft2 in each month) • Middle Months — May, June, July and August (at 3/4, 1, 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 lbs. per N 1,000 ft2 in each month) • Slow — All in May (6 lbs. N per 1,000 ft2 only in May) • None — Nothing

Table 1. Shoot density of hybrid bermudagrass as affected by N rate and timing of N applications, 2011 and 2012, Auburn, AL.

All treatments were first applied in 2010, with no data collected in 2010.

Thus, when data collection began in 2011, an entire year of N treatments had been applied. The slow-release N source was a polymer-coated urea with an estimated N release time of 120 days (Agrium Products).

The plots were mowed so that we could keep track of the number of times each treatment required mowing. In June, July and August of each year, the specific treatments were mowed only when grass height in those plots exceeded the 1/3 rule (1/3 higher than the 2" desired height of cut). The plots were always mowed with a rotary mower at a 2" height, and clippings were left on the plots. The mowing direction was changed at each mowing to eliminate ruts and wear patterns. Irrigation was applied only in severe drought, applied using home-lawn-type sprinklers.

Collected data were for color, quality, shoot density and number of mowings per treatment.

2011 Treatment N Rate Lbs./1,000

April 11 ft2

June 11

2012

July 11

Aug. 11

Aug. 12

Shoots per Square Centimeter

0

0.9 b

1.3 b

1.7 c

1.5 b

2.1 a

3

1.5 a

2.5 a

2.2 b

2.4 a

2.0 a

4

1.4 a

3.0 a

2.8 a

2.5 a

2.3 a

5

1.5 a

2.6 a

2.6 a

2.4 a

2.2 a

6

1.5 a

2.8 a

2.7 a

2.5 a

2.3 a

0.9 c

1.3 c

1.7 b

1.5 b

2.1 a

Spring Short

1.3 abc

3.2 a

2.5 a

2.4 a

2.3 a

Spring

1.4 ab

2.6 b

2.5 a

2.4 a

2.1 a

Equal

1.6 a

2.8 ab

2.8 a

2.7 a

2.3 a

Middle

1.6 a

2.6 b

2.5 a

2.5 a

2.1 a

Slow

1.2 bc

1.5 c

2.4 a

1.7 b

2.2 a

Timing of N Control

†Timing: • Spring Short: applied April, May and June • Spring: applied April, May, June and July • Equal: applied April through September • Middle: applied May, June, July and August • Slow: applied all in May

What we have found (so far) • An N timing x N rate study is quite challenging, as results are confounded in every month due to varying N rates of application. Thus, we have to run such studies for a long time to see differences.

• Typically, as N rate increased, both bermudagrass color and quality increased.

• Although bermudagrass that received one application (May) of slow-release N often had the darkest color, the quality was not as high, sometimes because shoot density was reduced.

• Applying N only in spring did not supply N for a long enough time to ensure quality color through the summer and fall.

Some application of N in the summer was needed.

• In general, a total N rate of 3 lbs.

N/1,000 ft2 was too low to maintain acceptable turf quality, and crabgrass invasion was a result.

• Color and quality differences were less apparent at the two highest N rates, indicating that the highest rate of N (6 lbs.) was not needed to maintain acceptable color. T

Figure 1. Relative quality of fertilized hybrid bermudagrass in 2011 as affected by fertilizer application schedule, averaged over all N rates.

• Spring Short: April, May and June (at 1, 1-1/3, 1-2/3 or 2 lbs. N/1,000 ft2 in each month) • Spring: April, May, June and July (at 3/4, 1, 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 lbs. N/1,000 ft2 in each month) • Equal: April, May, June, July, August and September (at 1/2, 2/3, 5/6 or 1 lb.

N/1,000 ft2 in each month)

•M iddle: May, June, July and August (at 3/4, 1, 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 lbs. N/1,000 ft-2 in each month) • Slow: All in May (6 lbs. N/1,000 ft2)

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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Turf T alk

A Valuable, New Resource for Pesticide Applicators and the Environment

By Wayne Buhler, Ph.D., Professor, Assistant Dept. Head and Extension Specialist, Dept. of Horticultural Science, NC State University

The

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship (PES) website — at http://pesticidestewardship.org — is a central, online resource for information on proper pesticide handling and environmental stewardship. The site is designed for anyone who applies, sells, stores or disposes of pesticides; provides advice or training on pesticide use; or is involved in pesticide stewardship or regulation. Each major topic area (of which there are currently 18) contains research-based information, links to key external resources and federal and state regulations where appropriate.

The goals of the PES website are to: • Summarize general principles of pesticide stewardship.

• Provide category-, pesticide- and geography-specific stewardship principles where appropriate.

• Direct users to key resources (links), by stewardship topic, category of use, pesticide and location (including state-specific regulations).

• (coming soon!) Provide quizzes and assessment tools to improve critical thinking and decision-making skills regarding pesticide/non-pesticide options and potential impacts.

All content appearing directly on the PES website is not copyrighted and may

24

PesticideStewardship.org Homepage

PesticideStewardship.org Resources Page

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS february/march 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

be used or adapted by Extension and other educators to support or enhance their current pesticide-education efforts.

This includes the various “Pesticide Stewardship” brochures in the “Resources to Download” link on the homepage (http://pesticidestewardship.org/Pages/ Resources.aspx). PES content is directly linked to the USDA’s eXtension website (http://www.extension.org/pesticide stewardship) where PES is recognized as a Community of Practice. Content is vetted by subject-matter experts, where available.

Educational materials are continually solicited, and editorial support is encouraged from many stakeholders or partners, which include agrochemical industry, government agencies, national grower organizations and other professional groups. See the list of PES website “Supporting Organizations” (at http://pesticidestewardship.org/Pages/ About.aspx).

I serve as the National Coordinator and have recruited a dynamic team of colleagues that has contributed substantially to the development of PES. Since

PesticideStewardship.org Pesticide Drift Page

PesticideStewardship.org Wildlife Protectors Page

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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turf talk the inception of the website project in the mid-2000s, team members include: Ron Gardner (Cornell University); Carol Black and Carrie Foss (Washington State University); Jim Wilson (retired, South Dakota State University); Fred Whitford (Purdue University); and Clyde Ogg (University of Nebraska). Dean Herzfeld (University of Minnesota), Patricia Hastings (Rutgers) and Kerry Richards (Penn State) will participate in 2014.

The website retains independence from specific companies, universities or states.

The PES Website is entirely funded with external monies administered by the Center for IPM (CIPM). CIPM was established in 1991 as part of the National Science Foundation’s Industry/ University Cooperative Research Centers Program.

CIPM involves scientists from universities across the nation through grants, contracts or other formal working relationships to foster IPM in both agricultural and urban settings. It is housed within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University.

The PES Website has garnered an enthusiastic response from educators across North America, members of the “Supporting Organizations” indicated above and leaders of national regulatory agencies. It has been selected as the National Clearinghouse for PPE Educational Materials, which will be developed, updated and approved by the National Pesticide PPE Training Solutions Committee (NIOSH). And, the U.S. EPA requires that 2014 labels of certain neonicotinoid pesticides contain a text box that lists specific application restrictions to protect pollinators. Among these statements, the label advises applicators to log onto the Pollinator Protection module of the PES website (http://pesticidestewardship.org/ PollinatorProtection/Pages/default.aspx) for “information on protecting bees and other insect pollinators.”

The PES Website is developed with MS SharePoint and resides on a server at Cornell University. Website development and content enhancement is ongoing. It is accessible by smart phones. Several thousand visits to the site have been recorded per month so far. T 26

PesticideStewardship.org Nozzle Tip Selection Page

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS february/march 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Highlights from TTA’s 49

th

Annual

re cent event

Conference and

Tradeshow

Kudos to TTA’s Award Winners for 2014!

Professional of the Year

Environmental Stewardship Award

Private Golf Course of the Year

(with Cal Hill, left)

(with Cal Hill, left)

Public Golf Course of the Year

Municipal Sports Field of the Year

Professional Sports Field of the Year

(with Cal Hill, left)

(with Bill Marbet, left)

(with Bill Marbet, left)

Greg Breeden University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN

(with Dr. Jim Brosnan, right)

McCabe Golf Course Superintendent: Mark Littlejohn Nashville, TN

The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay Superintendent: Paul Carter, CGCS Harrison, TN

Shelby Park Baseball Field Manager: Mickey Hiter Nashville, TN

Memphis Country Club Superintendent: Rodney Lingle Memphis, TN

LP Field / Tennessee Titans Head Groundskeeper: Terry Porch Nashville, TN

High School Sports Field of the Year

Donelson Christian Academy • Nashville, TN TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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Rec ent E vent A Very Special Thanks to Our Trade Show Exhibitors Advanced Turf Solutions A.M. Buckler & Associates BASF BWI Champion Turf Farms Dickens Turf Supply DryJect of Tennessee Ewing Irrigation Golf Links Grassroots, Inc. Greenville Landscapes Greenville Turf & Tractor Harrell’s Helena Chemicals Huntsville Tractor Jackson Sand John Bouchard & Sons John Deere Landscapes JRM, Inc. Keeling Company Ladd’s Liles and Tippit

Mid Tenn Turf Modern Turf New Life Turf ProPump & Controls ProSolutions Regal Chemical Sigma Organics Smith Turf & Irrigation Sod Solutions Standard Golf Company Sunbelt Rentals Sur-Line Turf Syngenta TenBarge Company TGCSA The Andersons The Hogan Company Thomas Brothers Grass Tri-Turf Sod Farm WinField Solutions Winstead Turf Farms

Congratulations to TTA’s Scholarship Winners!

Ernest Hardison Memorial Scholarship

Michael Medley The University of Tennessee (with Cal Hill, left)

In Recognition In Recognition of

Jim Uden, TTA Executive Secretary

Jim Uden (right), TTA’s long-time Executive Secretary, will retire in April. To honor his service, Paul Carter, CGCS (TTA’s President), presented a special gift for Jim and his wife.

Legacy Scholarship

Robby Turner The University of Tennessee Son of TTA Member Frank Turner (with Cal Hill, left)

Index of Advert CONTINUE isersD Battle Ditch Sod Farm........................................... 30 www.battleditchsod.com Bayer..................................................................... 17 www.bayerprocentral.com Brouwer Kesmac................................................... 21 www.kesmac.com Buy Sod........................................ Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com BWI Companies.................................................... 13 www.bwicompanies.com Champion Turf Farms............................................ 10 www.championturffarms.com Covermaster, Inc..................................................... 7 www.covermaster.com Crossroads Sod Farm.............................................. 9 Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc................................. 3 www.greenvilleturf.com John Deere Landscapes........................................ 15 www.johndeerelandscapes.com Leading Edge Communications............................... 9 www.leadingedgecommunications.com Lebanon Turf........................................... Back Cover www.lebturf.com Mid Tenn Turf, Inc.......................................... 14, 30 www.midtennturf.com Modern Turf, Inc..................................................... 8 www.modernturf.com

NewLife Turf, Inc.................................................. 13 www.newlifeturf.com RD Murphy, LLC.................................................... 29 www.rdmurphy.com Sigma Organics, Inc.............................................. 29 www.sigmaturf.com Smith Seed Services............................................. 30 www.smithseed.com Southern State Turf.............................................. 30 www.ssturf.net

Sur Line Turf............................................................ 7 www.surlineturf.com The Turfgrass Group......................................... 5, 11 www.theturfgrassgroup.com Tri-Turf Sod Farms................................................ 30 www.triturfsod.com Turfgrass of Tennessee........................................ 29 Winstead Turf Farms...................Inside Front Cover www.winsteadturffarms.com

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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Calendar o f Events April 28 MTGCSA Meeting

Richland Country Club Brentwood, TN

May 19 MTGCSA Meeting Five Oaks Golf & C.C. Lebanon, TN

June 2 MTGCSA Meeting

July 19–21 PLANET Legislative Day on the Hill Washington, D.C.

July 9–11 TPI Live Show & Tell (Turfgrass Producers International) Portland, OR

Nashville Sounds Nashville, TN

September TBA UT Turfgrass & Ornamental Field Day

June 23 Tennessee Green Industry Field Day

September 15–17 NRPA Congress and Expo

University of TN Gardens Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, TN

(Nat. Rec. and Park Assn.)

Las Vegas, NV

Digital Marketplace Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone, and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

October 22–24 GIE+Expo – Green Indsutry Equipment Expo and School of Grounds Management Kentucky Expo Center Louisville, KY

January 2016 50th Annual TTA Conference and Trade Show

Marriott Cool Springs Franklin, TN

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 ©2015 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, 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, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 7903718, Fax (615) 794-4524.