Texas Turfgrass 1st Quarter Magazine

Texas Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 9928 College Station, Texas 77842

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT No. 143 BRYAN, TEXAS 77801

TURFGRASS 1st Quarter 2018

TEXAS

Calibration of Tank Sprayers

Final Project TTREEE Report

2017 Football Field of the Year

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

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Page 2 of 10

CONTENTS

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One needs measuring cups, tape measure, stopwatch, and calculator to calibrate a sprayer.

ermine sprayer velocity (ft / sec). One on tractors come in various sizes that may ometer to give false readings. When nd drive it over the turf area that will be sprayer drove a 100 ft course several times

93mile (Note: 2 decimal places) hr 0 = ” in a calculator.

President’s Message.................................................................. 4 Welcome New Members!......................................................... 5 Calibration of Tank Sprayers..............................................6-12 TTREE Report................................................................. 14-17 Football Field of the Year..................................................18-22 2018 TTA Summer Conference & Equipment Rodeo......23-27

roduced later. Vehicles tend to spray at 4ng a sprayer.

prayer by calculating the required gallons situation.

MPH ´ W 40

ozzle) utput over an acre)

pray swath of 1 nozzle) )

nozzle spacing of this boom is 15 5/9/2018 inches er_Calibration_Cummings.doc

ADVERTISERS All Seasons Turf Grass.......................................................... 22 Helena.................................................................................... 19 King Ranch Turfgrass..............................................Back Cover Pump, Motors & Controls, Inc............................................... 17 Target Specialty Products...................................................... 19 Thomas Turfgrass.................................................................. 13 Tri-Tex Grass........................................................................... 7 TTA Conference & Show Sponsors......................................... 2

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Greetings,

OFFICERS __________________________________

This past March the TTA Board of Directors met in College Station for their Spring board meeting.

We had a very productive day with many ideas and suggestions for the future of the TTA. Many thanks to the directors and advisors that took time out of their busy schedules to make this day possible.

President - Patrick Pankratz, MCPTM 830.981.4658

Together, we have made a productive move to launch our new updated website: www.texasturf.com. Many thanks to Brian and Carol Cloud and Katie Flowers for getting our site up and running.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming TTA Summer Conference which will be held in Bastrop, TX. The Conference will be held at the beautiful Hyatt Lost Pines Resort on July 15th-17th. The education and conference committee have been working hard and have a great lineup of educational speakers and a great list of exhibitors that will be there displaying their products. On Monday morning there will be the equipment rodeo that will give you the opportunity to have a “Hands on” demo of their products.

Visit our new website with all the details along with conference registration and hotel reservations. This is a great venue to bring the family and enjoy the resort.

In closing a HUGE THANK YOU to all our sponsors. With your continuing support the TTA continues to strive.

See you in Bastrop,

Patrick Pankratz Patrick Pankratz, MCPTM 2018 TTA President

First Vice President - Mike Chandler, MCPTM 254.681.0725 Second Vice President - Whitney Milberger-Laird 713.899.2844 Past President - Danny Smith, CPTM 817.994.4559 Executive Director - Katie Flowers (800) 830.8873 • Fax 979.690.1335 Advisors Dr. Hennen Cummings, Tarleton State University Dr. Joseph Young, Texas Tech University Dr. Ben Wherley, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Website.........................................www.texasturf.com DIRECTORS ________________________________ Region I Brian Noel, CPTM...........................806.341.2933 Scott Anderson, CPTM....................915.368.3551 Region II Rusty Walker, CSFM, CPTM...............817.229.0416 Raymond Miller.............................813.363.9059 Region III Corbett White...............................210.326.7091 Clark Wheatley, CPTM....................512.712.3161 Region IV Neal Iverson..................................972.207.2058 Phil Lozano. MCPTM........................972.317.7430 Region V Craig Potts, CSFM...........................979.862.5439 Russell Coe, MCPTM........................214.768.1290 Region VI Brad Bentsen, MCPTM.....................956.580.8760 Emory Thomas, MCPTM..................979.532.2593 Region VII John Walker...................................713.557.0279 Irene Gavranovic-Sipes..................281.375.7505

_______________________________________________ Published quarterly by the Texas Tur fgrass A s s o c i at i o n , I n c . S t at e m e n t s o f f a c t a n d opinion are made on the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion or endorsement on the part of the officers and members of the Texas Turfgrass Association, Inc. For information on advertising rates contact Texas Turfgrass, P. O. Box 9928, College Station, Texas 77842. Email any questions to info@texasturf. com. Design and printing by AlphaGraphics, Bryan/ College Station, Texas, 979.779.1234

55

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Company

Contact Region

Company

Contact Region

Tres Miller

Mira Vista Country Club

Christopher Blair

2

Adams Wholesale

Greg Phillips

3

Motor Controls, Inc.

Chris Dove

4

Advanced Water Well Technologies, LLC

Roxana Bagwell

3

North TX Turf

Ross Pry

4

Affordable Turf and Specialty Tire

Joe Landis

On Duty Tree Services

Jose Rodriguez

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Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance

Patti Beckham

2

Paragon Sports Constructors

Stephanie Harris

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Aquatrols

Stacy Peters

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Paragon Sports Constructors

Stephen Harris

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Aquatrols

Scott Poynot

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Preston Trail Golf Club

Kurtis Clintsman

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Bladerunner Farms

Darin Doguet

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Preston Trail Golf Club

Joel Crouch

4

Blounts Sod Installation

Grady D. Blount

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Preston Trail Golf Club

Benjamin R. Greulich 4

Blue Planet Environmental

Jody Fitzpatrick

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Prime Sod

Justin Thomas

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Bonus Crop Fertilizer

Eric McGinnis

4

Ranchwood Outdoors

Craig Turner

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Brandt

Chris Cartin

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Ridgewood Country Club

Brian Mitchell

Brookside Equipment

Johan Sagermark

7

RS 3 Turf

Jared Olson

3

City of Burleson

William Arthur

2

SOLitude Lake Management

Ann Marie Dori

5

City of College Station Parks and Recs

Steven Chernosky

5

Sports Field Solutions

Robert Blum

4

City of Coppell

Alex Rueter

4

Sports Field Solutions

Aaron Boone

3

City of DeSoto

Adante Austin

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Sports Field Solutions

Brannon Burks

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City of DeSoto

Kerry Hayes

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Sports Field Solutions

Noah DeLaura

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City of DeSoto

Mark Jernigan

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Sports Field Solutions

Justin Gregory

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City of DeSoto

Jimenez Juvenal

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Sports Field Solutions

Paul McIndoe

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City of DeSoto

Jonathan Rutledge

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Sports Field Solutions

Jonathan Miller

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City of Kyle

Chance Padier

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Squaw Valley Golf Course

Andrew Moore

5

City of Plano

Jose Quiroz

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SSC Service Solutions

Brandon Morgan

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City of Plano Parks

Kym Hughes

4

SSC Services for Education

Jonathan Cavazos

5

College Station I.S.D.

John Cruz

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Suagr Creek Country Club

Jim Brown

3

College Station I.S.D.

Agapito Ramirez

5

Synagro Technologies

Denise Winter

4

Coolwater Ranch

Joel Garcia

3

Tapatio Springs Resport

Jim Pressley

Coolwater Ranch

Steve Jimenez

3

Target Specialty Products

Jim Travis

4

Dr. Green Services

Ryan Van Haastrecht 3

Texas A&M Athletic Dept.

Amanda Folck

5

Drone Flight Services

Ross Rains

4

Texas Rangers Baseball

Steve Ballard

4

Eco Lawn Care

Cheryl McLaurin

3

The Cliffs Resort

Jeff Case

4

El Coyote Ranches

Paul Goodman

3

The Fire Ant Man LLC

James Tobias

3

Four Pines Design

Spencer Hodge

4

Timberland Pinestraw Specialists LLC

Clay Alverson

5

Garland I.S.D.

Steve Hogue

4

TreeNewal/MitoGrow

Jeremy Casey

2

Garland I.S.D.

Tom O’Leary

4

Turf and Soil Management

Michael Copenhaver 2

Garland I.S.D.

Chuck Todd

4

Turf and Soil Mgmt. Contract Services LLC Jeff Currin

2

Glasco Landscaping, INC

Brandon Bryant

5

Turf Materials, Inc.

Doug Meador

4

Grassperson Lawn Care & Landscape

Jack Moore

4

Turf Specialties

Rusty Potter

1

Gulf Coast Turf Farms, LLC

Lee Sanders

Turfgrass Producers International

Karen Cooper

0

Harrell’s, LLC

Hannah Pratt

UT Arlington

Andrew Siegel

2

King Ranch

Troy Schubach

Viatrac Fertilizers, LLC

Morgan Barnett

3

Lakeside Village POA

Colby Lisenby

4

Waterborne Pumps LLC

Charlie Carthan

2

Longhorn, Inc.

Stephen McGee

4

0

6

ARTICLE

CALIBRATION OF TANK SPRAYERS

Calibration of Tank Sprayers How Much Water and Product Should Be Added to the Tank?

Dr. Hennen Cummings • Tarleton State University

Determining how much product and water should be added to a urea herbicides which are applied at low rates like 1 oz/A. Untrained spray tank is a simple calculation once one knows the size of the area or inexperienced people may have made improper adjustments or Hennen Cummings Page 2 of 10 that a full tank or a specific volume of spray solution will cover. If a repairs to the sprayer, and one would want to calibrate a sprayer person can change the volume of spray output (nozzles) or speed of following their use of it. the sprayer, a spray tank canThere cover aare wide variety of areas, and one four main factors that affect sprayer would calibrate a sprayer for his/her particular situation. If one has There are four main output. They are: ground speed, pressure, nozzle spacing, only one nozzle and cannot vary the output of the sprayer or speed of factors that affect and nozzle flow rate (gallon per minute).

The number of the sprayer, then one could physically measure the spray output of the sprayer output. nozzles a boom doesornot factorvolume into the sprayer and calculate the areaonthat a full tank a specific of calculations They are: ground spray solution would cover.

Or if one has only one nozzle and cannot speed, unless there is only one nozzle, and this situation willpressure, be vary the output of the sprayer or speed of the sprayer, then one could nozzle spacing, discussed later. There are only a few items that one needs to also physically measure the area that a certain volume of water that and nozzle flow rate calibrate a sprayer. They are: collection cups (gallon that can was applied from the sprayer could cover. Then one would be able to per minute). measure volume, stopwatch, 50 ft tape measure, calculate how much product to place in the tank, like a single nozzle Theand number of wand sprayer tank.calculator. The collection cups are used to measure nozzles the on a boom does not factor spray volume from each nozzle. The stopwatch is used to into One needs measuring cups, tape measure, Calibrating a sprayer is the process varying speed, pressure, and the calculations measure both spray collection time and sprayer velocity (ft / stopwatch, and calculatorcups, to calibrate a sprayer.

One: Nees measuring tape measure, nozzle size in order to deliver a specific volume both in a specific unless there is stopwatch and calculator to calibrate sec). The tape measure is used to measure both nozzle amount of time (gallons per minute) and over a specific area (gallons only one nozzle, a sprayer. spacing in inches and a 50 – 100 ft area which is used to determine sprayer velocity (ft / sec). One per acre). Turfgrass managers should calibrate a sprayer in order to and this situation should never trust a speedometer oncarrier a tractor will because tires onlater. tractors in various sizes that ensure that the correct recommended amount of product and be discussed Therecome are only a few items that onemay needs (water) are being applied per acre.

If too much product is applied over to calibrate a sprayer.

They are: collection cups that can measure have different circumferences which would cause the speedometer to give false readings. When a known area, the turfgrass could bethe injured, and could befill excess volume, stopwatch, ft tape measure, determining speed ofthere a sprayer, it half full of water and 50 drive it over theand turfcalculator. area thatThe willcollection be runoff or movement from the treated area. Over applying products is cups are used to measure the spray volume from each nozzle. The sprayed which will create an average situation.stopwatch Supposeis the sprayer drove a 100 ft course several times environmentally irresponsible and a waste of time and money. Sprayers used to measure both spray collection time and sprayer in both directions in a average time of 23.3 sec. are calibrated to ensure that enough product is applied over a known velocity (ft / sec). The tape measure is used to measure both nozzle area. If too little product is applied, the pest may not be controlled or spacing in inches and a 50 – 100 ft area which is used to determine not enough nitrogen would be supplied to100 the turfgrass, and the area velocity2(ft sec). One should never trust a speedometer on a ft 1mile 60 sec sprayer 60 min . 93/ mile (Note:come 2 decimal places) sizes that may have ´ lead to wasting ´ ´ = tires on tractors may need to be retreated at a higher rate which would tractor because in various 23.one 3sec 5280when ft the 1min different 1hr circumferences hr which would cause the speedometer to give time and money. Proper calibration allows to control ´ 60 false ÷ 23.3 ÷ 5280 Type = ”determining in a calculator. tank is empty like near a place where it is efficient to “100 remix ´ or 60 at the readings.

When the speed of a sprayer, fill it half end of the area being treated. Calibrating automatically checks sprayer full of water and drive it over the turf area that will be sprayed which uniformity and leaks. will create average situation. the tend sprayer Record the gear and RPM setting, so the velocity can beanreproduced later.Suppose Vehicles todrove spraya 100 at 4-ft course several times in both directions in a average time of 23.3 sec.

7 mph, and people tend to walk at 2.3 to 3 mph when pushing a sprayer.

Sprayers should be calibrated regularly even if one knows from prior experience the nozzle size and pressure required to achieve a specific 100 ft 1 mile 60 sec 60 min 2.93 mile Chose a GPA, GPM GPM because nozzles can wear over Calculate time and emit more(Method and more I) 23.3 sec x 5280 ft x 1 min x 1 hr = hr volume at a given pressure. In addition, nozzles can which become spray clogged, One can determine nozzle to use on a sprayer by calculating the required gallons Note: 2 decimal points replaced with different nozzles, or lost resulting a non-uniform per size minute (GPM) of sprayinsolution needed for a particular situation. application. These situations can be identified during calibration.

Type “100 x 60 x 60 ÷ 23.3 ÷ 5280 = ” in a calculator Further more, if there was a leak or similar problem with the sprayer, GPA ´ MPH ´ W it would be best to find and fix the problem while the sprayer has GPM Record = the gear and RPM setting, so the velocity can be reproduced only water in it rather than a pesticide. Sprayers should be calibrated later. Vehicles5940 tend to spray at 4-7 mph, and people tend to walk at every time they are used and especially before applying very expensive 2.3 to 3 mph when pushing a sprayer. products or products that are active at very low use rates like the sulfonyl

GPM = Gallons per minute (Rate of output from one nozzle) GPA = Gallons per acre (Sprayer solution output over an acre) MPH = Miles per hour

››› 8

77

8

he velocity can be reproduced later. Vehicles tend to spray at 4to 3 mph when pushing a sprayer.

CALIBRATION OF TANK SPRAYERS

ARTICLE

‹‹‹ 6

hod I) Chose a GPA, Calculate GPM (Method I) y nozzleOne to use on a sprayer calculating the can determine whichby spray nozzle to use onrequired a sprayer bygallons calculating eeded for particular situation. thea required gallons per minute (GPM) of spray solution needed for

product which reduces the chances for a mixing error. Some people may not be able to mix a full tank because the spray solution may slosh out on a slope.

a particular situation.

GPM =

GPA ´ MPH ´ W GPA x MPH x W GPM = 5940 5940

of output from one nozzle) GPM = Gallons per minute (Rate of output from one nozzle) (Sprayer solution output over an acre) GPA = Gallons per acre (Sprayer solution output over an acre) MPH = Miles per hour W = Nozzle spacing in inches to the spray swath of 1 nozzle) (Equivalent to the spray swath(Equivalent of 1 nozzle) 5940 = Constant (for unit conversion) (for unit conversion)

Suppose the nozzle spacing was 15 inches; average speed was calculated to be 2.93 mph; and one planned to spray 40 gal/acre based on the label of the product, the size of the tank (80 gal), and size of the area to be sprayed (87,120 ft²).

80 gal xgal = x = 40 gal/A 2 87,120 ft 43,560 ft2 Note: acre is written as 43,560 ft² because the area to be treated is in sq ft.

Type “80 ÷ 87120 x 43560” in a calculator.

40 x 2.93 x 15 GPA * MPH * W = 0.30 gal/min GPM = 5940 Note: 2 decimal points Constant

ing on of the bel of GPAs. bed

Type “40 x 2.93 x 15 ÷ 5940” in a calculator.

The nozzle spacing of this boom is 15 5/9/2018 inches n It/TTA/Ads/TTASprayer_Calibration_Cummings.doc The nozzle spacing of this boom is 15 inches.

The GPA should vary depending on the product being applied and the size of the tank and area being treated. On the label of each product is a range of acceptable GPAs. For example, soil applied or root absorbed products may have a high GPA because the product needs to be washed off the turf canopy and into the root zone. Typical soil applied GPAs range from 60 to 250. Foliar absorbed products will have lower GPAs because these products need to remain on the foliage. Sometimes, the GPA may be written as 1-5 gal / 1000ft² on a product label. This value is still a volume per unit area and can be converted to GPA by solving for “x” in the following ratio.

Since 1 acre = 43,560 ft² then

2 gal xgal = x = 87 gal/A 2 1000 ft 43,560 ft2 Type “2 ÷ 1000 x 43560 =” in a calculator.

When spraying at a high GPA, a tank will not cover as much area.

One may be able to spray soil applied products at a lower GPA if he/ she irrigates the sprayed area immediately with ½” or more of water.

Generally, soil applied products are watered in after application. Tank mixing products whose ranges of GPAs on their respective labels do not overlap is not recommended because one product will be on the foliage when it should be in the soil and vice versa.

Once one knows the range of GPAs from the product label, one should calculate a specific GPA that is based on the size of the area to be treated and either a specific volume of spray solution or the volume of the spray tank which allows for an even number of tanks to be used.

One may want the tank to become empty at a certain point where mixing another tank can occur efficiently. When more than one tank is required, some people want every tank to have the same volume of spray solution in it, so each tank will require the same amount of

The GPM is calculated in order to select a specific spray nozzle.

Spray nozzles have a code on them which gives two important pieces of information: spray angle and GPM @ 40 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure. The boom height and nozzle spacing will determine which spray angle is required in order to achieve 33% overlap in spray between two adjacent nozzles. The result of the GPM calculation will determine which nozzle’s flow rate (GPM) is best.

When trying to decipher the code on a spray nozzle, mentally draw a line between the two zeros (8003, 11003,  80|03, 110|03). All the numbers to the left of the line are the spray angle, and everything to the right is the gal/min that the nozzle will render at 40 psi. Mentally add a decimal point after the zero on the right (8003, 11003,  80|0.3, 110|0.3). An 8003 nozzle has a spray angle of 80° and emits 0.3 gal/ min @ 40 psi. In conversation, one may refer to an 8003 nozzle as an “eighty O’three nozzle” or a 11004 nozzle as a “one ten O’four nozzle”.

An 11003 nozzle has a spray angle of 110° and emits 0.3 gal/min @ 40 psi. A 110° spray angle allows a boom to be closer to the ground and still have the correct overlap between adjacent nozzles which helps to reduce spray drift which could injure non-target organisms.

Turfgrass spray tips usual emit between 0.1 and 0.9 gal/min @ 40 psi.

Once one has calculated the average sprayer speed, an appropriate GPA, and the corresponding GPM, one can select a nozzle and collect spray from each nozzle to see if the output (GPM) from each nbozzle is within an acceptable range of outputs (±10%).

New Example: A tank on a sprayer holds 50 gallons, and the boom has 8 nozzles with 10 inch nozzle spacings. A spray technician wants to treat 25,000 ft2 with a soil applied product while driving at 3.0 mph. He wants to mix a full tank and not have any spray solution left over after spraying 25,000 ft². The number of nozzles (8) is not included in the calculations.

99 50 gal xgal = x = 87 gal/A 2 25,000 ft 43,560 ft2

0.44 gal xgal 0.147 gal = x= 60 s 20 s 20 sec

Note: Acre is written as 43,560 ft2 because the area to be treated is in sq ft.

Note: 1 minute is written as 60 seconds, so the units are the same on both sides of the “=” sign.

Type “50 ÷ 25000 x 43560” in a calculator.

Type “0.44 ÷ 60 x 20 = ” in a calculator.

A GPA of 87 is within the range of GPAs on the soil applied product label.

87 x 3.0 x 10 GPA * MPH * W = 0.44 gal/min GPM = 5940 Constant Type “87 x 3 x 10 ÷ 5940 = ” in a calculator.

Use the calculated GPM (0.44) to help select a nozzle. Due to a low boom height and wide nozzle spacing, a nozzle spray angle of 110° is required. Thus, there are two nozzles from which to choose, either a 11004 or 11005. A 11004 would require 48 psi to achieve 0.44 GPM, and a 11005 would require 31 psi to achieve 0.44 GPM. Spraying at a low pressure is preferred because when spraying at a low pressure, the spray droplets are larger, and larger droplets do not drift as far which results in less non target injury and more effective applications. Thus, the 11005 nozzle would be the best choice. Each nozzle type (flat fan, turbo, air induction, etc.) has its own range of operating pressures and obtainable GPMs. Pressure is varied in order to fine tune the nozzle output to a second decimal place. Thus, a single nozzle has a limited range of possible GPMs. The pressure has to be quadrupled in order to double the output (GPM) of a nozzle, and the operating pressure range of most nozzles does not allow the pressure to be varied this much.

In the previous example, one may not be able to collect exactly 0.44 gal/min. One can collect 10% more or less than the target GPM and still be calibrated.

Convert 0.147 gal / 20 sec to fl oz / 20 sec in order to use a measuring cup.

0.147 gal 128 floz 19 floz x = 20 s 1 gal 20 sec Type “0.147 x 128 = ” in a calculator (ignore the 20 sec).

Put it all together in one calculation.

0.44 gal 128 floz 1 min x x x 20 sec = 19 floz 1 gal 1 min 60 sec Type “0.44 x 128 ÷ 60 x 20 = ” in a calculator.

19 fl oz x 0.9 = 17 fl oz 19 fl oz x 1.1 = 21 fl oz Thus, the sprayer would be calibrated if the output of each nozzle was within the range of 17 – 21 fl oz / 20 sec. If one nozzle’s output in 20 sec is outside the range, it may be either clogged or worn out and should be repaired/replaced.

The GPA ultimately determines the area that a specific amount of water will cover and consequently, how much product to place into the tank. Suppose one wanted to treat 4,000 ft² with a 50 gal tank calibrated to apply 87 gal/A.

x gal 87 gal = x = 8 gal 4,000 ft2 43,560 ft2

0.44 - (0.44 x 0.1) = 0.40 gal/min Type “0.44 - 0.44 x 0.1 = ” in a calculator.

Type “87 ÷ 43560 x 4000 = ” in a calculator.

0.44 + (0.44 x 0.1) = 0.48 gal/min Type “0.44 + 0.44 x 0.1 = ” in a calculator.

Thus, one should try to collect between 0.40 – 0.48 gal/min from each nozzle. A short cut to finding the lower range is to multiply the target GPM by 0.9 (90%). The upper range is calculated by multiplying the target GPM be 1.1 (110%).

0.44 x 0.9 = 0.40 gal/min Type “0.44 x 0.9 = ” in a calculator.

0.44 x 1.1 = 0.48 gal/min Type “0.44 x 1.1 = ” in a calculator.

One does not have to collect for an entire minute; one could collect for just 20 or 30 sec.

Thus, the 50 gal tank sprayer needs a total of only 8 gals of spray solution including all products and water. The amount of product that should go into the tank is determined using the equation: Area x Rate. Suppose the rate was 6 fl oz / 1000 ft².

Area x Rate

4000 ft2 x 6 floz 2 = 24 floz 1000 ft Type “4000 x 6 ÷ 1000 = ” in a calculator.

Note: Units of area must be the same in the area to be treated and the rate.

Thus, if 24 fl oz of product was added to a tank with 7 gal 104 fl oz of water (sum to 8 gal) and the sprayer was calibrated to apply 87 gal/A, then the product would be applied at 6 fl oz / 1000 ft² over 4000 ft², and the tank would be empty after covering 4000 ft². Thus, it is ››› 10

10

ARTICLE

CALIBRATION OF TANK SPRAYERS

gal Type “87 ÷ 43560 ´ 4000 =” in a calculator. ‹‹‹ 9

43,560ft² because the areatotoalso be treated feet). important knowis in thesquare exact area of the features one is applying

products too. If the last tank sprayed is a fraction of a full tank (the same fraction of areasolution that a fullincluding tank covers), volume ofand water and tal of only 8 gals of spray allthe products volume of products to be added to this tank would be the same ´ uld go into the tank is determined using the equation: Areafraction of water and products that would be added to a full tank.

00 ft².

00 ´ 6

Suppose a sprayer was calibrated to spray 87 gal/acre, and a full 50 tank treated 25,034 ft². In order to treat 25,034 ft² at 6 fl oz/1000ft², 150 fl oz of product is required. After the tank was sprayed, a person ÷ 1000to=” in an a calculator.

(Note:ft². unitsThe of area must be the same decided treat additional 4,000 person would notinhave to recalibrate.

xft2 43,560 ft2 x= ft2 the =of water (sum o a tank with 7 gal 104 fl oz to 25,034 8 gal) and 50 gal 87 gal , then the product would be applied at 6 fl oz / 1000 ft² over “43560it÷is87 x 50 =” in atocalculator. fter covering 4000 Type ft². Thus, important also know the products Note: too.TheIfnormal the last tank sprayed is a fraction ofGal/acre a fullis written GPA ratio was inverted to make the math easier. because the area to be treated is in square feet.

The units need to to be the as gal/43,560 ft tank covers), the volume of water and volume of products same on both sides of the “=” sign. At 87 GPA, a 50 gal tank covers 25,034 ft ). fraction of water and products that would be added to a full 4,000 ft = 0.16 or 16% d to spray 87 gal/acre, and a full ft502 tank treated 25,034 ft². In 25,034 t², 150 fl oz of product is required. After the tank was 50 gal x 0.16 = 8 gal of spray solution is required to cover 4,000 ft2. ditional 4,000 ft². The person would not have to recalibrate.

150 floz x 0.16 = 24 floz is required to apply a product at 6 floz/1000 2

2

ft2 over 4,000 ft2.

÷ 87 ´ 034 ft² Type “43560 in aabove calculator.

Compare these values to 50 the =” values that were also based on 4,000 ft².

h easier. Gal/acre is written as gal / 43,560 ft² because the area to be treated is in square feet. th sides of the “=” sign. At 87 GPA, a 50 gal tank covers 25,034 ft²).

Physically Measure GPM, Calculate GPA (Method II) Suppose a person has a wand sprayer with only one nozzle and this person has only one nozzle to use on the sprayer. Can this type of sprayer be calibrated? How does one determine the nozzle spacing?

Why can’t product labels state how much product should be diluted in a gallon of water? Single nozzle sprayers can be calibrated, but one required to cover 4,000 ft². will have better results if one can maintain a constant pressure by apply a product at 6 fl regulator oz / 1000ft² 4,000spacing ft². is the same as the using a pressure valve. over The nozzle nozzle’s spray swath. Holding the nozzle closer to the ground yields a narrower sprayon swath; holding e that were also based 4,000 ft². the nozzle higher results in broader swath. If one can continuously hold the nozzle at a specific height while

PA

rayer with one nozzle prayer be e nozzle how much

7” b oom 2 0”

boo

heig

ht

m

heig t/TTA/Ads/TTASprayer_Calibration_Cummings.doc 5/9/2018 ht Holding the nozzle closer the ground yields a narrower swath; holding nozzle highertoresults in a broader Holding thethe nozzle closer the ground yields swath.

a narrower swatch; holding the nozzle higher results in a broader

spraying, the spray swath will be constant. Product rates are always given on an area basis like fl oz / 1000 ft² or pt / acre and not a dilution.

An exception is gylphosate (RoundUp) where the label may indicate a dilution like 5 fl oz / gal or 4 %. That is why there is confusion when calibrating for spot spraying. In order to calibrate the single nozzle sprayer, one must know the GPA, so one can calculate how much area a full tank or specific volume of spray solution can cover. Once this area is known, the amount of product that should be added to the tank can be calculated On dry pavement, a person should walk at his/her normal walking speed, hold the nozzle at the height that he/she would normally hold it while spraying, and spray a straight 5 ft long swath. The average width of the spray pattern in inches along the 5 ft swath should be determined. The average spray swath width is the same as the nozzle spacing (W) in the GPM = (GPA MPH W) 5940 equation. Since one cannot easily change the GPM on these sprayers, the GPM should be physically measured, and the GPA can be calculated. Nozzles whose spray pattern can be adjusted by twisting the nozzle may need to be calibrated every time because the spray swath width may be different every time. One should consider replacing adjustable nozzles.

Operate the sprayer as normal, half full with water; and collect the output from the nozzle for 30 seconds while maintaining constant pressure. Collect several times to make sure that the output is reproducible. Determine the width of the nozzle’s spray swath.

Suppose an average of 23 fl oz was collected in 30 seconds.

23 floz 1 gal 60 s = 0.36 gal/min x x 30 s 128 floz 1 min Type “23 x 60 ÷ 30 ÷ 128 =” in a calculator.

Calculate GPA by rearranging the following formula:

GPM =

GPA x MPH x W 5940

GPM x 5940 = GPA MPH x W

Example: A person is able to repeatedly collect 23 fl oz in 30 sec or 0.36 gal/ min, and the average swath of the spray pattern when the nozzle is 10 inches above the ground is 18 inches. The person measured his/ her average walking speed while carrying the sprayer half full of water to be 2.75 MPH.

0.36 x 5940 GPM x 5940 = 43.2 gal/A GPA = MPH x W 2.75 x 18 Type “0.36 x 5940 ÷ 2.75 ÷ 18 =” in a calculator.

The GPA (43.2) ultimately determines the area that a specific amount of water will cover. Suppose the tank held 4 gal, and one wanted to mix a full tank.

1111 xft2 43,560 ft2 = = 4,033 ft2 43.2 gal 4 gal Type “43560 ÷ 43.2 x 4 =” in a calculator.

Note: The normal GPA ratio was inverted to make the math easier. Gal / acre is written as gal / 43,560 ft² because the area to be treated is in square feet. The units need to be the same on both sides of the “=” sign. At 43.2 GPA, a 4 gal tank covers 4,033 ft².

Thus, the 4 gal tank sprayer will cover 4,033 ft² when applying 43.2 gal/A. The amount of product that should be added to the tank is determined using the equation: Area x Rate. Suppose the rate was 6 fl oz / 1000 ft².

4,033 ft2 x

6 xfloz = 24 floz 1000 ft2

Note: units of area must be the same in the area to be treated and the rate.

Type “4033 x 6 ÷ 1000 =” in a calculator.

Thus, if 24 fl oz of product was added to a tank with 3 gal 104 fl oz of water (sum to 4 gal) and the sprayer was calibrated to apply 43.2 gal/A, then the product would be applied at 6 fl oz / 1000 ft² over 4,033 ft², and the tank would be empty after covering 4,033 ft².

Physically Measure GPA (Method III) A more exact way to calibrate a single nozzle sprayer is to physically measure the GPA. Suppose a person measured a large rectangular area that was 10’ by 100’ (10 ft x 100 ft = 1000 ft²). Starting with a full tank, the person sprayed the entire area with water as if he/she were spraying a product on the area. The nozzle height, spray swath, and walking speed were what the person would actually (normally) be doing. After the area was sprayed, the amount of water required to fill the tank back to the full mark was determined.

Example: After spraying 1000 ft², 127 fl oz was required to fill the tank to the full mark.

127 floz x

1 gal = 0.99 gal 128 floz

Type “127 ÷ 128” in a calculator.

0.99 gal xgal = x = 43.1 gal/A 1000 ft2 43,560 ft2 Type “0.99 ÷ 1000 x 43560” in a calculator.

Note: Gal / acre is written as gal / 43,560 ft² because the treated are was in square feet.

Thus, this sprayer has a GPA of 43.1 when operated by that particular person. Another person may hold the nozzle in a different position or walk at a different speed and have a different GPA. Compare this measured GPA to the GPA range listed on the product label. If the

measured GPA does not fall within the range of GPAs on the label, one could theoretically change the nozzle height (spray swath) or walking speed; however, these adjustments are hard to maintain over time because they are unnatural to a person. In this situation, one should consider buying a second nozzle, a nozzle with a low GPM for foliar absorbed products and a nozzle with a high GPM for soil applied products.

Being able to physically measure the GPA will help one double check another’s calibration. One can compare the volume sprayed from the tank to the volume required to treat the area. In this case, one would need to know the exact measurements of the treated area.

Example: After spraying 15,000 ft² with a GPA of 61, one could determine if the amount of spray solution required to treat 15,000 ft² had been removed from the tank.

xgal 61 gal = x = 21 gal 2 15000 ft 43,560 ft2 Type “61 ÷ 43560 x 15000” in a calculator.

One could check to see if 21 gal had been sprayed from the tank. A commercial lawn care manager could compare the amount of spray solution that the combined areas for the day should have required to the volume that was sprayed that day. If more gallons were sprayed than expected, the company lost money or left it on the table. In this situation, one should re-measure the square footage of the treated areas or observe and train the applicators again. Keeping records will help one fine tune the best GPA for a given situation and make sure the tank is empty at the best location.

Many people apply an excess rate of a product when spot spraying with a wand. Plants are drenched instead of misted. One way to address this concern is to add a large amount of colorant to the tank.

The concentration of dye is not related to the concentration of the herbicide in anyway. But a darker spray solution seems to have more herbicide. Be careful, the public may also make this false assumption.

Too much dye may reduce the efficacy of a herbicide whose mode of action requires sunlight. Drenching plants waste money and does not follow the GPA range listed on the label for foliar absorbed products like glyphosate. Consider using a lower GPM nozzle in the case of drenching.

This article discussed calibrating sprayers by using three different methods. The main method selects a specific GPA and solves for the GPM which helps one select the most appropriate nozzle when one has several different size nozzles from which to choose. This method is used when one can change nozzles, GPA, pressure, speed, and possibly the nozzle spacing. When one cannot change the GPM because he/ she has only one nozzle and can maintain only one pressure, he/she could calibrate by physically collecting and measuring the GPM and by measuring the swath width and speed and then solving for the GPA. Under these same circumstances, one could also physically measure the GPA by measuring the amount of spray solution required to spray a specific area which automatically includes a person’s natural walking pace and nozzle height (spray swath). Physically measuring the GPA ››› 12

12

ARTICLE

CALIBRATION OF TANK SPRAYERS

‹‹‹ 11

is more precise, but it is specific to the individual who operated the sprayer and may not be appropriate for another worker. Knowing the GPA is essential because the GPA will determine the area that a

Conversion: 1 A = 43,560 sq ft = 0.405 ha 1 ha = 2.471 A 1 gal = 7.48 ft3 = 8.3357 lb

specific volume of spray solution will cover, and therefore, will allow one to calculate how much product to add to the tank.

Formulas: GPM = (GPA * MPH * NSI) / 5940 GPA = (GPM * 5940) / (MPH * NSI) mph = (feet * 3600) / (seconds * 5280)

1 gal = 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 cups =128 fl oz = 3785 mL 1 tbs = 3 tsp = 0.5 fl oz 1 m = 39.37 in

1 in = 2.54 cm

1 lb = 16 oz = 454 g

1 oz = 28.375 g

Concentration: Ai rate / Formulation = Product Rate (1 lb Ai/acre) / (2lb Ai/gal product) = 0.5 gal product/acre

1 kg = 2.2 lb

1 yd3 = 27 ft3

Gal product / tank =

1 hr = 3600 s

1 fl oz = 29.57 mL

Amt Herbicide Tank Capacity Ai Rate (want) = * Tank GPA Formation (got)

1 mile = 5280 ft

1 ft water/acre = 325,887 gal

lb/A * 1.12 = kg/ha

1 ft of head = 0.433 psi

Dr. Hennen Cummings

Email: hcummings@tarleton.edu

[9 gal/tank) / (gal/acre)] * [(lb Ai/acre) / (lb Ai/gal product)] Dr. Hennen Cummings

TTA Summer Conference & Equipment Rodeo Hyatt Lost Pines • Bastrop, TX July 15-17, 2018

Email: hcummings@tarleton.edu

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14

ARTICLE

TTREE REPORT

TTREEE Report

Characterization of Herbicide Resistance in Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua L.) Populations Collected in Texas Golf Courses

Dr. Muthu Bagavathiannan (Weed Science) • Dr. Casey Reynolds (Agrilife Extension Turfgrass Specialist) Dr. Vijay Singh (Assistant Research Scientist)

Title: Characterization of Herbicide Resistance in Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua L.) Populations Collected in Texas Golf Courses Project period: 2016-2017 Investigators: Dr. Muthu Bagavathiannan (Weed Science) Dr. Casey Reynolds (Agrilife Extension Turfgrass Specialist) Dr. Vijay Singh (Assistant Research Scientist) Background: Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) is one of the most troublesome weeds in turfgrass systems worldwide. A single plant can produce an average of 1,000 to 2,500 seeds, and a seedbank size of over 115,000 seeds/ y2 has been reported in golf course fairways. In the United States (U.S.), herbicides have been heavily relied upon for the management of annual bluegrass in golf courses. Simazine, a photosystem-II (PSII) inhibitor, is the most commonly used preemergence (PRE) herbicide, whereas acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors especially sulfonylureas [trifloxysulfuron (Monument®) and foramsulfuron (Revolver®)] are widely used for postemergence (POST) control of this species due to excellent selectivity in established turf. In Texas golf courses, a standard bluegrass management program includes sequential applications of simazine PRE followed by a POST application of a sulfonylurea herbicide with need-based application of amicarbazone (Xonerate®).

Xonerate® is a PSII-inhibitor herbicide, which is occasionally used as a late-POST application to control any escapes.

Frequent use of ALS- and PSII-inhibitor herbicides has resulted in widespread herbicide resistance in golf course annual bluegrass populations across the U.S. In particular, some of these populations exhibit cross [resistance to multiple herbicides affecting the same site of action (SOA)]- as well as multiple-resistance (resistance to herbicides with different SOA).

The major objective of this research was to survey golf course annual bluegrass populations in eastern Texas for cross- and multipleresistance to ALS- and PSII-inhibitor herbicides.

Materials and methods

Plant material Annual bluegrass plants were collected during spring 2015 in eastern Texas golf courses (Table 1; Figure 1) where the superintendents witnessed control failures and suspected resistance. These plants were transplanted to pots and grown in a growth chamber to harvest seeds.

Immediately after harvest, the seeds were air dried and subjected to cold treatment for 2 months in order to break dormancy. After being gradually brought to room temperature, the seeds were sterilized in a 10% bleach solution supplemented with 0.1% enzyme grade surfactant (Tween), and then washed with tap water. Seeds were incubated in a growth chamber, and germinated after 2-3 days. One-inch seedlings were then transplanted to trays filled with a commercial pottingsoil mix for POST herbicides, or with field soil (silt loam) for PRE herbicides. The transplants were nurtured in the greenhouse until used for herbicide screening.

Herbicide Screening The herbicide screening was conducted during spring 2016 at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Annual bluegrass populations were screened for resistance to the PSII-inhibitor herbicides simazine (Princep® 4L) and Xonerate®, and two ALS-inhibitor herbicides Revolver® and Monument®. Initial herbicide screening was conducted based on the recommended field rates (1X) of 70, 196, 21, and 21 g ai ha-1 for Princep®, Xonerate®, Revolver®, and Monument®, respectively.

For each herbicide and for each sample, three 6-cell trays (18 seedlings in total) were evaluated and the screening was then repeated for a second run. Herbicide treatments were applied to plants at the 3-tiller seedling stage for POST and immediately after planting for PRE. Herbicide applications were made using an automated spray chamber fitted with a flat fan nozzle (TeeJet XR110015) calibrated to deliver ~15 gal ac-1 of spray volume at 33.1 psi pressure, at an operating speed of 3 mph.

Survival and visual injury were recorded (scale of 0-100; 0 = no injury and 100 = complete plant death) at 3 and 6 weeks after treatment (WAT). After the assessment 6 WAT, the survivors were sprayed again with a 4X rate of each herbicide; survival and injury ratings were carried out at 2 weeks after the subsequent application.

Dose-response Assessments Dose-response assessments were carried out for the two highest surviving populations (ATX14 and ATX27) during the initial screening, along with a susceptible control (ATX-S). The more resistant populations were treated with eight rates (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64X) of Revolver®, and Monument® or Xonerate®, and seven rates (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32X) of Princep®. The control was treated with seven rates (0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4X) of each herbicide. The experiment was designed with three replications and two experimental runs.

1515 For PRE herbicide (Princep®) screening, five intact seeds were planted per pot and treated immediately after planting. A non-treated control was maintained for each population to account for germination differences between populations. For POST herbicides, four healthy seedlings were transplanted in each pot filled with potting mix and treated at the 3-tiller growth stage. Herbicide applications were made as described above. Survival and injury ratings (0-100%) were carried out at 3 WAT. At 4 WAT, above-ground biomass was harvested and oven dried for 7 d before weighing. Green leaf tissues were collected from the susceptible and resistant populations for molecular analysis. Leaf tissues were placed immediately in air tight containers and preserved in cold storage until used for DNA extraction.

was estimated from the regression equations. A resistance ratio (R/S) was calculated from their respective GR 50 values divided by the GR 50 of the susceptible sample. Higher R/S values indicate greater observed resistance.

Results: Results from the screening has revealed the widespread occurrence and distribution of annual bluegrass resistance to various herbicides. The sample collection locations are illustrated in Figure 1. The resistance profile, populations and dose-response regression equations are provided in Table 1. The resistance ratio (R/S) was the highest for simazine resistance (>490-fold) in populations ABTX15-14 and ABTX15-27, followed by resistance to amicarbazone (186-fold) in the ABTX15-14 population.

Data were subjected to ANOVA for herbicide screening and dose response. Dry biomass was regressed against herbicide dose. Data were pooled across the two experimental runs for final analysis. The Table 1. GR50a values and resistance levels to herbicides in annual amount of herbicide that1.would 50%and growth reduction ) bluegrass (Poabluegrass annua) populations from east Texas, US a 50 Table GR50cause values resistance levels(GR to herbicides in annual (Poa annua)sampled populations

sampled from east Texas, US Herbicide

Populationsb

Regression equation

R2

GR50

SEc

R/S

g ai ha-1 ABTX15-14

Y = 80/[1+e-0.001(x-1930)]

0.95 2583.9

154.8

186

ABTX15-27

Y = 89/[1+e-0.13(x-205)]

0.97 225.7

9.6

16

ABTX15-SUS

Y = 93/[1+e

]

0.98 13.9

1.6

_

ABTX15-14

Y = 79/[1+e-0.16(x-9.9)]

0.78 13.1

1.1

10

ABTX15-27

Y = 77/[1+e-0.08(x-29)]

0.90 36.7

2.6

28

ABTX15-SUS

Y = 93/[1+e-3.76(x-1.3)]

0.99 1.3

0.1

_

ABTX15-14

Y = 49/[1+e-0.0001(x-9084)]

0.89 _

_

>490

ABTX15-27

Y = 34/[1+e

0.91 _

_

>490

ABTX15-SUS

Y = 99/[1+e-0.008(x-70)]

0.98 73.1

10.5

_

ABTX15-14

Y = 75/[1+e-0.06(x-27)]

0.87 38.6

3.6

29

Trifloxysulfuron ABTX15-27

Y = 51/[1+e-0.04(x-34)]

0.81 126.5

41.8

93

Y = 88/[1+e

0.94 1.4

0.3

_

Amicarbazone

Foramsulfuron

Simazine

ABTX15-SUS a

-0.17(x-13)

-0.0006(x-1824)

-1.28(x-1.2)

]

]

GR50 is the herbicide concentration that reduced the plant growth by 50% based on above ground dry

biomass at 4 WAT. b

Putative resistant populations (ABTX15-14 and 27) were treated with 8 rates (0.5 - 64X) of

Xonerate®, Revolver® and Monument®, and 7 rates (0.5 – 32X) of Princep®. Susceptible standard was treated with 7 rates (0.062 – 4X) of respective herbicides. c

SE = standard error of the estimate

d

R/S (resistance ratio) was calculated based on GR50 values of the putative resistant populations

relative to the susceptible standard. ››› 16

16

ARTICLE

TTREE REPORT Fig. 2. Dose response of putative resistant and susceptible populations to Monument®

‹‹‹ 15

Formatted: Font:Adobe Jenson Pro Formatted: Font:Adobe Jenson Pro

Fig 3. Dose response of putative resistant and susceptible populations Fig 3. Dose to response of putative resistant and susceptible populations to Revolver® Revolver®

Fig. distribution of annual bluegrass (Poa annua accessions collected in 2015 from Fig.1.1.Geographic Geographic distribution of annual bluegrass (PoaL.) annua L.) accessions collected in 2015 from Golf courses of Northeast Golf courses of Northeast Texas, USA Texas, USA Detailed dose-response analyses for Monument®, an ALS-inhibitor herbicide on the most tolerant Detailed dose-response analyses for Monument®, an ALS-inhibitor standard are shown in Figure 2. populations ABTX15-27 andABTX15-14, a known susceptible herbicide onABTX15-14, the most tolerant populations ABTX15-27 and a known susceptible are shown in Figure 2.® on Likewise, Likewise, dose-response forstandard another ALS-inhibitor Revolver ABTX15-14 and ABTX15-27 are dose-response for another ALS-inhibitor Revolver® on ABTX15-14 ® presented in Figure 3. Moreover, dose-response for Xonerate and Princep® on ABTSX15-14 and and ABTX15-27 are presented in Figure 3. Moreover, dose-response for Xonerate®areand Princep® on ABTSX15-14 and ABTX15-27 are ABTX15-27 shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively.

A known susceptible standard was also shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively. A known susceptible standard included in the dose-response for all herbicides. was also included in the dose-response for all herbicides.

6

Formatted: Font:Adobe Jenson Pro

Fig 4. Dose-response putative resistant and susceptible Formatted: of Font:Adobe Jenson Pro to Xonerate® Figpopulations 4. Dose-response of putative resistant and susceptible populations to Xonerate® Fig 4. Dose-response of putative resistant and susceptible populations to Xonerate®

5

Fig. 2. Dose response of putative resistant and susceptible populations to Monument®

Fig. 2. Dose response of putative resistant and susceptible populations to Monument®

Formatted: Font:Adobe Jenson Pro Formatted: Font:Adobe Jenson Pro

® Fig 5. of Dose response and susceptible Fig 5. Dose response putative resistantof andputative susceptibleresistant populations to Princep populations to Princep® Fig 5. Dose response of putative resistant and susceptible populations to Princep®

1717 Summary: Results from this research illustrate the current distribution of resistance to various commonly used herbicides in annual bluegrass populations across Southeast Texas. Results reveal that resistance to ALS- and PSII-inhibitor herbicides is common and multiple resistance to both is prevalent. Development and implementation of best management practices are critical for protecting the utility of available herbicide options for turf systems.

Presentations/abstracts: Singh V, Reis F, Reynolds W, Elmore M, Bagavathiannan M (2017) Cross and multiple resistance in annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) populations in Texas golf courses. In: Proceedings of the Southern Weed Science Society Annual Meeting, Birmingham, AL Grant proposal submitted: Bagavathiannan M, Reynolds C, McCurdy J, Brosnan J, McElroy S, McCullough P, McCarty L, Gannon T, Unruh B, Ervin D, Frisvold G. Research and extension to address herbicide resistance epidemic in annual bluegrass in managed turf systems in the Southern United States. NIFA-SCRI ($5,000,000) -This proposal was reviewed well and placed at the High Priority, but was not funded. We will continue this research with additional molecular studies to understand physiological and molecular mechanisms conferring resistance in the lines obtained during this survey. We will revise the proposal and submit it again during FY201819 funding cycle for the SCRI program. Appreciate the seed grant from TTREEE in initiating this research work.

For more information on managing Annual Bluegrass resistance, check out the following publication from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Program: https://aggieturf.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/ESC036.pdf

18

ARTICLE

FOOTBALL FIELD OF THE YEAR

Football Field of the Year

City of DeSoto Parks & Recreation Meadowcreek Park Football Complex - Championship Field 1 By: Phil Lozano, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, City of DeSoto • Editor: Katie Flowers

Meadowcreek Park is a City of DeSoto Regional Athletic Complex designated for youth football. The park was built in 2003 and consists of one premier football field (Championship Field 1) with a press box, two additional football game fields, and one practice field. The premier field is used for city youth football, events, DeSoto ISD Jr. High football, and tournaments.

The City of DeSoto is located in the southern part of Dallas County just south of Dallas on Interstate 35. The park is located in the southeastern part of the city on Uhl Rd. Our maintenance program the past several months has been unique in that we transitioned from remediation of the entire park as a result of a tornado to preparation and maintenance for fall football.

Aftermath Debris Safety of the patrons was our highest priority and our second priority was to ease the financial burden on the city. Staff immediately starting working with FEMA, the State of Texas, and consultants to assess the damage and to understand the federal and state guidelines for remediation and reimbursement. After understanding the guidelines, staff worked closely with the consultant to develop a remediation plan for the site. Everything vertical such as buildings, goal posts, scoreboards, stadium lighting, and other amenities were easy to identify and repair. What was challenging and most difficult was the remediation of the athletic fields and passive areas. Staff worked closely with the consultant to build a debris removal and remediation process for the fields and passive areas.

Meadowcreek Championship Field 1 Tornado Aftermath THE TORNADO AND ITS DESTRUCTION On December 26, 2015, the park was hit by an F4 Tornado and was completely devastated. The damaged encompassed the entire 102acre park, including buildings, stadium lighting, bleachers, fencing, goal posts, scoreboards, athletic fields, and passive areas. The Park Maintenance staff began removing large debris the following day, and through this process, staff noticed smaller debris embedded into the ground. The embedded materials posed a significant safety hazard including glass shards, sharp pieces of metal, nails, screws, and other unidentified materials that could pose injuries to the park patrons.

ATHLETIC FIELD AND PASSIVE AREA REMEDIATION PROCESS The consultant’s damage assessment recommended the following processes into three phases for removing embedded debris and field remediation Phase I – Our staff would begin mowing, vacuuming grass clippings and small debris, and removing other metallic debris with a magnetic device.

Phase II – We would then begin remediating planter beds, verticutting lawns and fields, vacuuming exposed debris, re-mowing lawns and ››› 20

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20

ARTICLE

FOOTBALL FIELD OF THE YEAR

‹‹‹ 19

Championship Field 1

Verticutter and Magnet

Dr. Matt Elmore

Fraze Mowing

fields, sifting debris and documenting debris types and volumes, repairing indentations with topsoil, and repairing irrigation systems as necessary.

The remediation budget for the fields and passive areas was approximately 1 million dollars.

Phase III – Finally , our team would begin marking and excavating random grids of soil, sifting excavated soil samples and recording debris types and volumes three (3) times, applying topsoil to the affected areas, re-sodding the affected sample areas, and re-striping the playing field as requested by the Parks and Recreation staff.

The above-mentioned remediation process was used in the bid documents for Meadowcreek Park Remediation.

Remediation equipment consisted of verticutter, vacuum, athletic field mowers, pro-force blower, industrial magnet equipped with spring tine teeth, soil screening equipment, street roller, skid loader, fraze mower, tractors, laser grading equipment, fertilizer spreaders, spray rig, and dump trailers.

In July 2016, Sports Field Solutions(SFS) recommended, “Fraze Mowing” the entire field .05” to remove any remaining debris on the fields. The staff agreed and called in Texas A&M Turf Extension Specialist Dr. Matt Elmore to recommend a grow-in program after fraze mowing. Dr. Elmore’s recommendation was as follows: “After the fraze mowing is complete, an appropriate amount of nitrogen (N) fertilizer will facilitate recovery. It would not be unreasonable to apply soluble N (urea, ammonium sulfate, or similar) at 2 to 4 pounds of N per 1000 sq ft within the first month after fraze mowing if the field manager felt it was appropriate and can keep up with the increased mowing requirement associated with the high fertilization rate. Do not apply more than 1 lb of N per 1000 sq ft per application. Irrigate approximately 0.25” after application. Once turfgrass cover reaches >85%, reduce N application to 1 to 2 lbs of N per 1000 sq ft per month

2121

Laser Grading

South End of the Field

Championship Field 1 Now and do not apply N after November 15 until greenup the following spring. Other macro and secondary nutrients such as potassium and magnesium can be applied so that the potassium rate is 1/2 the nitrogen rate, especially if a soil test indicates a deficiency. Apply phosphorus to meet sufficiency according to a soil test. Using a potassium source such as sulfate potash of magnesia (e.g., KMag or Sul-Po-Mag; 0-0-22) can help achieve a good balance of potassium and magnesium.

Soil potassium sufficiency (as indicated by the soil test) is important to prevent Bermuda grass winter kill. Assuming turfgrass cover is 90-100% after greenup in 2017, apply N at 1 pound per 1000 sq ft per growing month (mid-April, May, June, July, August, September, October).

This N rate can be adjusted based on turfgrass density and wear from athletic events.”

The contractor, SFS, achieved grow-in on September of 2016, and at that time, the staff then took over and continued to follow Dr. Matt Elmore’s program through the 2017 growing season.

In addition, staff performed the following maintenance tasks: • Eradicated 95% of the weeds with post and preemergent applications.

• Eradicated Fire Ants by applying Top-Choice.

• Arified once a month.

• Increased mowing the fields to three times a week.

• Upgraded the irrigation heads to Rain Bird Falcons.

• Upgraded the irrigation controllers to Hunter I-CORE. • Slice aerifying between hash marks and sidelines during the season.

• Use of designer Polyon fertilizer.

The following is a list of equipment used on the field by staff: • Kobata Tractor ››› 22

22

ARTICLE

FOOTBALL FIELD OF THE YEAR

‹‹‹ 21

• • • • • •

Toro Grounds Master 4500 Mower Lely Spreader Toro Core Arifier John Deere Gator LCET Spray Rig Street Roller

One and a quarter staff are assigned to Meadowcreek Park for routine maintenance such as mowing and trimming. Three additional staff are brought in for intensive maintenance programs.

The Operations Budget for Championship Field 1 including staff is approximately $32,000.00 annually. Currently, the field has stadium lighting for night games. Championship Field 1 has approximately 70 events a year.

The remediation of Meadowcreek Park was a tremendous effort and took a tremendous amount of collaboration with contractors, city staff, the media, FEMA, the State of Texas, TML, youth football association, residents and many local officials. After 18 months, staff has this field and complex back on line in time for the 2017 football season. This is why we believe that Meadowcreek Championship Field 1 is the best Parks and Recreation football field in the state.

Editors Note- At the Texas Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show in Arlington- the City of DeSoto Parks and Recreation, along with Meadowcreek Park Football Complex was named, 2017 Football Field of the Year.

Field Maintenance

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2018 TTA CONFERENCE & EQUIPMENT RODEO

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2018 2018

TEXAS TEXAS TURFGRASS TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION SUMMER SUMMER CONFERENCE CONFERENCE & & EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT RODEO RODEO JULY 15-17, 2018 JULY 15-17, 2018 HYATT LOST PINES RESORT HYATT LOST PINES RESORT BASTROP, TX BASTROP, TX

"Keeping "Keeping Texas Texas Green" Green"

24 TTA 2018 TTA CONFERENCE & EQUIPMENT RODEO ARTICLE CONFERENCE & EQUIPMENT RODEO SUNDAY • JULY 15 • LOST PINES ROOM 9 - 11:00 AM

Registration

11:00 AM

Exhibits Open

1:00 PM

What in the World in Wrong with my Turf?

Dr. Joey Young, PhD, Texas Tech University

2:00 PM

Managing Crepe Myrtles for Maximum Impact with Minimal Inputs Laura Miller, County Extension Agent Commercial Horticulture, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension

3:00 PM

BREAK with Exhibitors

3:30 PM

Protecting the Home Turf: Preventing and Recognizing Sun-related Skin Cancers Gabriel Neal MD MA (Bioethics), Fellow, American Academy of Family Physicians Assist. Clinical Faculty; Dept of Primary Care, Texas A&M University College of Medicine

4:30 PM

Minimizing Herbicide Drift Raymond Miller, Corteva AgriScience Ag Division of DowDupont

2018 Summer Conference Exhibitors Ag Workers Insurance All Seasons Turf Grass, Inc. Aqua-Aid, Inc. Bayer Corteva Agriscience Agricultural Division of DowDupont Ewing Irrigation Exmark Manufacturing GLK Turf Solutions Growth Products, Ltd HARCO Fittings Harrell’s, LLC Heathly Ponds by Bioverse Horizon Distributors, Inc.

King Ranch Turfgrass, LP PBI/Gordon Pumps, Motors & Controls, Inc. Redox Chemical Select Source Target Specialty Products Textron Specialties Vehicles - Jacobsen Thomas Turfgrass Trimax Mowing Tri-Tex Grass Turfgrass Producers International Viatrac Fertilizer Winfield United

MONDAY • JULY 16 • 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

DON’T MISS THE EQUIPMENT RODEO Let us treat you to breakfast with the exhibitors!

Take advantage of this great opportunity to check out equipment to see why it would be a great choice for your property.

2525 MONDAY • JULY 16 • LOST PINES ROOM LUNCH break on your own, we encourage you to stay on site.

1:00 PM

Laws and Regulations Dr. Don L. Renchie, Extension Program Leader and Coordinator Pesticide Safety Education Program, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

2:00 PM

How Much Light is Enough?

Dr. Benjamin G. Wherley, PHD, Associate Professor-Turfgrass Science and Ecology Texas A&M University

2:45 PM

BREAK with Exhibitors

3:15 PM

What’s Bugging you, Mosquitos?

Ed Bredemeyer, Central Life Sciences

4:15 PM

Weed Indicators: Using Weeds to Diagnose Turfgrass Problems Becky Grubbs , PhD, Assistant Professor, Turfgrass Extension Specialist Texas A&M University

CPTM LECTURES & EXAM (Mina Room) 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Everything You Need to Know to Become a Certified Professional Turf Manager: Mowing, Irrigation, Pest Management, Cultivation (Exam will follow immediately at the conclusion of this session) Dr. Hennen Cummings

NOTE: This session is primarily for the CPTM; however, anyone may attend these sessions.

TUESDAY • JULY 17 • LOST PINES ROOM 7:00 AM

Breakfast with Exhibitors

8:00 AM

Foliar Fertilization- A Component of Your Overall Nutrient Management Program Dr. Benjamin G. Wherley, PH.D., Associate Professor-Turfgrass Science and Ecology Texas A&M University

9:00 AM

Turfgrass Entomology Gary Brooks, Bayer

10:00 AM

Principals of Precision Turfgrass Management Becky Grubbs, PhD, Assistant Professor, Turfgrass Extension Specialist Texas A&M University

APPROVED CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 2 General, 3 IPM, 1 Laws & Regulations, 1 Drift

STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE 1 General - Other, 1 General - Laws, 1 General - IPM, 2 L&O, 1 Weed GCSAA Approved CEU’s July 15th - .40 • July 16th - .35 • July 17th - .30

2018 TTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT Patrick Pankratz, MCPTM 1st VICE PRESIDENT Mike Chandler, MCPTM 2nd VICE PRESIDENT Whitney Milberger-Laird PAST PRESIDENT Danny Smith, CPTM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Katie Flowers ADVISORS Dr. Hennen Cummings Dr. Joseph Young Dr. Ben Wherley DIRECTORS REGION 1 Brian Noel, CPTM • Scott Anderson, CPTM REGION 2 Rusty Walker, CSFM, CPTM • Raymond Miller REGION 3 Clark Wheatley, CPTM • Corbett White REGION 4 Phil Lozano, MCPTM • Neal Iverson REGION 5 Craig Potts, CSFM • Russell Coe, MCPTM REGION 6 Brad Bentsen, MCPTM • Emory Thomas, MCPTM REGION 7 Irene Gavranovic-Sipes • John Walker

SUMMER CONFERENCE & EQUIPMENT RODEO

JULY 15-17, 2018

HYATT LOST PINES RESORT

You Can Also Fill Out Your Registration On-Line at www.texasturf.com Name____________________________________________________________________________ Employer_________________________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________________ State/Zip______________________________ Phone_____________________________________ Fax___________________________________ Email____________________________________________________________________________ Registration Fees (Circle All that Apply): In Advance (Closes 07/01) On-Site Current TTA Member $195 $230 Non-Member $230 $250 Employee (Current Member Must be Attending) $180 $200 One Day Only Registration: $80 (Circle One) Sunday Monday Tuesday Equipment Rodeo Only (If Not Attending Conference) $40 Exhibitor Registration $100

CPTM Application Fees if Not Currently in Program $50 (TTA Member) $100 (Non-Member) Return to: Texas Turfgrass Association PO Box 9928 College Station, TX 77842

979.690.2201 Phone 979.690.1335 Fax info@texasturf.com

Check Enclosed_________________ Or Charge____________________ VISA/Mastercard/Discover/AMEX Number_______________________________________________ A 3% Convenience Fee Will be Applied Name as Listed on Card_________________________________________ Exp. Date____________ Cardgholder’s Signaure__________________________________________ Billing Zip____________

For Hotel Reservations Call 512.308.1234 http://book.passkey.com/go/TTASummer2018Conference Hotel Rates: $189 (Single) • $189 (Double) • $214 (Triple) • $239 (Quadrouple)

IS THERE A PERFECT ZOYSIAGRASS?

MAYBE SO… ASK ANY ONE OF THESE GROWERS: • Billy Mayfield Farms

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• Oakland Plantation, Inc.

• Turfgrass of Tennessee

• Hussey Sod Farm

• Pike Creek Turf, Inc.

Check out the #1 rated Zoysia at NTEP.org.

And, contact King Ranch Turfgrass for more info on the best performing Zoysia.

#1 NTEP TESTED GREENS GRASS #1 IN PROVEN PERFORMANCE COMING TO A COURSE NEAR YOU Contact King Ranch Turfgrass for more info.

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713-287-2700