MTF Dollars and sense: why ask why?

RESEARCH NEWS

MTF Dollars and sense:

why ask why?

By Thomas A. Nikolai, PhD Michigan State University

Sir

Robert Blyth Greig (23 March 1874 – 29 November 1947) was a Scottish agriculturalist that served as Chairman of the Scottish Board of Agriculture from 1921 to 1928 and was Secretary to the Department of Agriculture for all Great Britain from 1928 to 1934. Sir Robert was also an ardent golfer, rightfully proud of its Scottish origin, and therefore understandably agitated that the USGA was leading the world in turfgrass research. In February of 1929 he wrote the article, Research Work Planned in Great Britain, for an issue of Golf Illustrated (London) which advocated the benefits of research and he noted, “Times have changed, and a good player wants now to have a reasonable chance to hole a 10-foot putt, a feat which would have been pure fluke in earlier days.” That quote indicates how research can quickly benefit the game especially when one considers The Old Course at St Andrews was over 350-years old at the time.

Reputable turfgrass research takes a minimum of 2-years to reproduce results that can be used for recommendations with expected outcomes. However, studies can continue for decades to determine “why” the results are produced. Knowing why can be just as important, if not more so, than the result itself. I am certain that statement is somewhat

confusing, so let me give some examples of MTF funded research that has impacted our industry nationwide.

In 1995 I initiated putting green research with the express purpose of documenting the impact lightweight rolling had on turfgrass pests. By the fall of 1996 it was apparent frequent rolling decreased localized dry spot and the disease dollar spot, so the question became, “Why the decrease in the disease”?

For years numerous theories persisted but it was not until 2010 that masters student Paul Giordano found that numerous bacteria populations were increased by frequent rolling which decreases the disease that is caused by a fungus. Additionally, it is apparent the increase in bacteria is corelated with an increase in soil moisture.

In 2011 Nancy Dykema initiated a 3-year masters study focused on the impact of turfgrass irrigation on disease. Nancie’s treatments included irrigation applied daily at 10 pm, applied daily at 5 am, and applied 2 times per week at 10 pm. Among her results, irrigating at 10 pm resulted in the least amount of disease and irrigating infrequently resulted in the most disease.

Tying it all together, my results proved it was not only safe to frequently roll putting greens, but it was beneficial by decreasing dollar spot and localized dry spot. Paul’s research verified my findings that rolling decreased disease by increasing soil moisture holding capacity which correlated with an increase in bacteria. Nancie’s research helped verify Paul’s results because among her treatments it is clear irrigating at 10 pm daily resulted in the greatest soil moisture holding capacity which also resulted in the least amount of dollar spot.

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Along those same lines, in 1989 Dr. Rieke and Dr. Branham initiated proactive leaf mulching studies because the disposal of yard waste in landfills would be eliminated when the solid waste management act became effective in 1995. Concerns included mulching tree leaves into the turfgrass canopy could suffocate the turfgrass over winter or increase the C/N ratio that would result in the need for more fertilizer. However, results indicated no negatives from the practice and a surprising benefit which included that maple leaves decreased dandelion and crabgrass populations.

Results from those studies changed the way tree leaves are disposed of while sparing the budgets of numerous municipalities and businesses, however, the question of “why” maple leaves suppress dandelion growth remain, but perhaps that is about to change using the skill set of Dr. Eric Patterson and his lab. Eric took a position at MSU in the fall of 2019, and we immediately began to confer. He has been working with indaziflam resistance in Poa annua and has earned a Project GREEEN grant due, in part, to support from MTF Executive Director Carrie Michelson. I recently gave Eric several bags of tree leaves and with a portion of my annual funding from the MTF we are attempting to isolate the compound in tree leaves that suppresses dandelion germination. Imagine the possibilities of knowing “why” a naturally occurring compound can suppress weed growth.

Other studies I am performing with the aid of MTF funding this year include: n Efficacy of Corn Gluten Meal and Fiesta Herbicide (a BMP study) n Crabgrass application timing study (I doubt current GDD models are of any effective use) n Triplex mower/walk behind green mower quality of cut study (a labor shortage customer satisfaction study)

n Triplex ring study (see above) n PGR impact on accelerating green speed study (BTW, the first type study of this kind was performed by myself and Dr. Rogers in 1992 which was also funded by the MTF) n Lawn/rough height of cut study (a BMP study that I believe can have tremendous benefits to some LCO and homeowners)

With that I would like to thank the MTF for their support but close with how I started, with quotes by Sir Robert Blyth Greig about the importance of research that I believe are as true today as when he published them in 1929.

“A considerable body of knowledge has been built up by the Golfers’ Research Association of America (USGA). . . The first problem then is to get together the knowledge that does exist and make it available to all. The second problem is by scientific research to add to the existing knowledge and fill up the blanks in our ignorance. This is an operation that shall never cease, but there is no reason why it should never begin. Judging from the success of the American Golfers’ Research Association, the small subscriptions required of each club will be many times repaid by the additional pleasure which the game will give when played under better conditions. But golfers must be patient. They must not expect quick returns. Research is slow, but it is very sure, and it pays not in fives and tens but ultimately in hundreds and thousands per cent.”

Now please consider the following, Sir Robert was writing in 1929 about the USGA Green section which initiated there turfgrass research in 1920, however, 40 years prior turfgrass species and mixture evaluation studies were initiated around 1880 at the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station by the noted botanist W.J. Beal. I don’t think there is any need to ask “why” I am proud of these facts.

MTF NEWS NOTES | SUMMER 2021 13