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The Newsletter of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundati

Volume 63 No

September October 20

Inside:2001 Field Day Re-capSee pages 45

2001 OTF Confer ence & Show UpdateSee pages 1013

Hole # 13, Par 3, 163 yards at theCountry Clubs of Fox Meadow.Plan now for the OTF Annual GolfTournament October 1. See pages 67

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The Newsletter of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation

OTF TurfNews Vol 63 No. 5 2001 Page 2

TurfNews distributes useful and timely advice,nformation and research from Ohios most

knowledgeable experts and professionals toOTF members and those in the turfgrass industry.

Vol. 63 No. 5 2001

TurfNews is produced by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation,

PO Box 3388, Zanesville, Ohio 437023388,

888OTF3445 and is available to all members.

www.ohioturfgrass.org

Inside:Message From The2001 OTF President . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2001 OTF Field Days & Golf . . . . . . 45OTF Golf Tournament. . . . . . . . . . . 67OTF Event

Golf Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2001 OTF Turfgrass FoundationConference & Show Preview . . . . 1011

2001 OTF Turfgrass Foundation

& Show Trade Show Update . . . . 1213Sports Turf Tips

Preparation For TheFall Playing Season . . . . . . . . . . 1418Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19New Growth and Technology

Considering Using a CompostTopdressing Application

On Your Fairways This Fall? . . . 2023New Growth and Technology

Broadleaf Weed Control. . . . . . . 2429New Growth and Technology

Foliar Nematodes on Hostaand Other Ornamentals . . . . . . . 3033Message from the Executive Director . . . . . . . . . 34

Corporate Sponsor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

OTF Calendar of Events 2001

For more information or to register for OTF events, please contact

the OTF office at 888-683-3445 or visit www.ohioturfgrass.org.

OTF Golf TournamentOctober 1, 2001Country Clubs of Fox Meadow, Medina

September October 2001

Sponsor ed By:

2001 OTF Conference & ShowDecember 36, 2001Greater Columbus Convention CenterColumbus, Ohio

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3/36OTOTF TurfNews Vol 63 No. 5 2001 Page 3

Fall is just around the cornerand it has been a trying seasonfor many in the turf grass

industry. Floods in southern

Ohio to droughts in the north,

most of us are looking forward

to the winter schedule.

The time to plan for next

year is rapidly approaching. Make the OTF Conference

and Show part of your December activities. The show will

be in Columbus again this year Decem ber 3-6.

We have an outstanding program this year with many

notable speakers. Our equipment show is second only to

the G.C.S.A.A. National Show. Some of the major m anu-

facturers choose our show to debut new products. You canget the latest on new chemicals and research projects

from our O.S.U Turfgrass Science Team and their peers

from other universities.

One of the changes this year will be our annual lun-

cheon. While p lanning th is years program it was suggest-

ed that OTF move the awards luncheon to the evening.

The lun cheon is always well attended, h owever most of

the company owners and representatives that support

OTF are on the exposition floor, and are unable to

attend. With this new format our strongest supporters will

have the opportunity to meet the awards and scholarship

winners, and see how their generous support is dispersed

to the turf grass industry. Everyone is invited to attend th eAwards and Scholarship d inner at 7:00 p.m., Wedn esday

December 5.

Sincerely,

Len Dunaway2001 OTF President

Message FromThe President

Time to Plan YourAttendance at OTF 2001Conference & Show!

2001 OTF Scholar shipApplications Accepted

OTF is committed to improving turfgrass through

research and education. One of the best ways to foster

this commitment is by providing scholarships to stu-

dents pursuing green industry studies. In 2000, OTFprovided over $22,000 in scholarships, and with the

establishmen t of the Oh io Tur fgrass Research

Trust and the Ronald D Baker, Sr. Memorial

Scholarship (see ar ticleMay/June 2001 TurfNews), this

amount is certain to grow.

OTF members are asked to recommend any of their

studen t employees who they feel would be qualified. An

application was recently mailed to all OTF members.

OTF scholarship information and applications are also

available on the OTF website at www.ohioturfgrass.org.

For more information on OTFs scholarship program,

contact Kevin Thompson at 888-683-3445.

Call For Nominat ionsAll OTF members will receive forms in the mail fornominating this years recipients of Professional of the

Year and Professional Excellence awards.

Nominees for Professional of the Yearawards are judged on the following attributes

Fellowshipwillingness to share knowledge with

and help train fellow turf personn el. Inventive Ingenuityleadership in developing n ew

ideas and trends in tur fgrass management.

Membership and activity in turf related and other

civic organizations.

Length of dedicated service to the turf industry

Professional Excellence awards are based upon simi

lar criteria, and are awarded to those deserving special

recognition for significant contributions to the turfgras

industry. Awards and scholarships will be presented at

the Annual Awards Banquet, December 5, at the Ohio

Turfgrass Conference & Show.

Do you know anyone who deserves recognition forcontributions to tur f management?

Watch your mail for details, or contact KevinThompson at 888-683-3445, ext. 3151, beforeNovember 1, to request a nomination form.

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2001 OTFField Days

Abeautiful, sunny day in the mid-eighties wel-comed more than 400 turfgrass professionals for the

2001 Oh io State Un iversity/ OTF Tur fgrass Research

Field Day August 15 at the OTF Research &

Education Facility. After welcoming comments fromOTF Vice President Mark Heinlein, Chair of the

OSU Department of Horticulture & Crop Science,

Dr. Stephen Myers, thanked everyone for supporting

OSUs Turf Program, making it one of the premiere

programs in the countr y. Next, OSU Tur fgrass

Researcher, Dr. David Gardn er, divided the group

into Golf Course and Sports/ Lawn/ Grounds tours.

Each group then spent time visiting nine differ-

ent research plots to learn about the latest research

being conducted at OSU.

More Than 400 Turf Pros Turn OutFor Turfgrass Research Field Day

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Topics cover ed atthe Field Day included:Sports/Lawn/Grounds

Mulch Pests

Sports Turf Studies

Plant Parasitic Nematodes

Surface Insect Control

Prim o Study

High Cut Turf Diseases

Kentucky Bluegrass Coloration Roundup Formulation Effect on Fastburn

Golf

Effect of Root Zone on Greens

Endophyte Study

Stress & Dollar Spot Management

Wetting Agents

Poa Annua Ecology

Drive Efficacy & Phytotoxicity on Bent

Dollar Spot/ Brown Patch Control

Fairway Dollar Spot Management

Divot Repair Using PGR

The OSU Turfgrass Science Team did an excellentjob preparing this years program and turfgrass

research facility. The team consists of members of the

OSU Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology,

School of Natural Resources, and Horticulture & Crop

Science.

After a delicious rotisserie ch icken lunch , par tici-pants were treated to an excellent afternoon program

covering n ew developm ents in spray techn ology and

precision application for tur fgrass, including nozzle

techn ology, GPS and calibration .

Thank you to everyone who attended, an d for those

whos hard work h elped make the Field Day a success.

The 2002 Field Day will be announced soon. For infor-

mation, contact the OTF office at 888-683-3445 or visit

the OTF website at www.ohioturfgrass.org.

A great amount of research and educationalinformation and comradity were transferred and

shared on a gorgeous summer, sunny day.

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OTF Golf New

OTF Golf TournamentPlanned October 1The Countr y Clubsof Fox MeadowIf you have not yet signed up for theannual golf tournament on October 1 atThe Country Clubs of Fox Meadowtimeis running out.

The Country Clubs of Fox Meadows is abeautiful, 563-acre course on an upscalereal estate development opened for playin 1995. OTF will play the MeadowsCourseone of two 18-hole courses atFox Meadow. Tim Cunningham is theSuperintendent at Fox Meadow.

The OTF Annual Golf Tournament is animportant fundraising activity for OTF.Money raised from the tournament willhelp support turfgrass research and pro-vide scholarships for students in Ohios

turfgrass programs. All members areencouraged to play and/or sponsor.

Registration information was mailed inAugust to all OTF members and was alsoincluded in membership packets. A reg-istration form may also be found on page7 of this newsletter and on the OTF web-site at www.ohioturfgrass.org. Sign upnow as space is limited to the first 144golfers. Call 888-683-3445 for moreinformation.

Dont Delay!Use this form to registerfor the Annual OTF GolfTour nament Oct ober 1.

Sponsor ed By:

Ohio Tur fgr ass FoundationThe Ohio State Univer sit yOhio State University ExtensionOhio Agr icultur al Resear ch& Development Center

2001 Conference & ShowHighlights Expanded Educational Pr ogram Discounted Gr oup Rates Exciting New Social Events Doorpr izes and Contests Re-Cert ification Cr edits Galor e And Mor e

OHIO LAWN CAREASSOCIATION

OLCASports

TurfManagers Association

OTF POBox 3388 Zanesville, OH USA 43702 888-683-3445 Fax: 740-452-2552 ww w.ohioturfgr ass.org

Weve Cover ed a Lot of Gr oundin 40 Year s,

And We Think It s Time t o Celebr ate.

Dont Miss Americas PremierGolf Cour se, Law n Car e

and Sports TurfManagement Event.

Weve Cover ed a Lot of Gr oundin 40 Year s,

And We Think It s Time t o Celebr ate.

Dont Miss Americas PremierGolf Cour se, Law n Car e

and Sports TurfManagement Event.

December 36, 2001Gr eater Columbus Convention Center Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio Tur fgr ass Confer ence and Show

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Make Checks Payable to:Ohio Turfgrass Foundation

Check Discover MasterCard Visa

Card #

Expiration Date Amount $

Cardholders Name (print)

Signature

Join other tur fgrass professionals on Monday, October 1, The Coun try

Clubs of Fox Meadow, Medina, OH for the Annual OTF Golf Tournament.

The tournament is limited to the first 144 golfers (36 foursomes).

Reservations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. For your

best chance at having space confirmed, complete the reservation form,

include your registration fees, and mail or fax them to us today.

Member #

Name

Address

City State Zip

Phone ( )

OTF Member Yes No

I am register ing as a single golfer @ $125.

I am registering more than one golfer @ $12 5 each.

(List names of golfers below.)I am registering as a foursome @$500.

(list organization and names of golfers below.)

Organization

1. Hdcp

2. Hdcp

3. Hdcp

4. Hdcp(combined team handicap must be 40 or more)

Mail or Fax with payment to:OTF Golf Tournament Ohio Turfgrass Foundation

PO Box 338 8

Zanesville, OH 437023388

Fax: (740) 452-2552

A map and directions will be sent wit h confirmations.

SponsorshipsPlease check one:

Hole Sponsor$160

Bronze Sponsor$250 Sponsor the Beverage Cart

Silver Sponsor$500 Sponsor the Lunch

Gold Sponsor$750 Sponsor the Awards Dinner

Highlights of the day include:

18 holes of golf at the beautiful Team Individual and door prizes

The Countr y Clubs of Fox Meadow Hole -in -one conte sts

Individual gifts for each golfer Putting con test

Sho tgun scramble beginning at 11:00 a.m. Social time following golf with

Box lunch a buffet dinner and awards

presentations

Registration Form

For Office Use Only:

Date Rcvd Amt $

Ck # Ackd

Please contact Kevin Thompson at 888-683-3445, ext 3151 oremail at [email protected] with any questions.

Use this Form to Register forThe Countr y Clubs of Fox Meadow on October 1

LAST CALL FAX US. Deadline For Reser vat ions: Fr iday, September 28, 2001(Reservations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.)


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WEBSITE NEWSAn OTF Website committee was recently formed asa sub-committee to th e Publicity Committee. Several

new features to be added to the site were discussed.

You will already see when viewing the site at www.oh io-

tur fgrass.org that recen t issues ofTurfNews have been

added. We will continue to add each new issue. We

also plan to add the OTF membership roster in the

near future.On the Calendar of Events page, if you go to

Conference & Show, you will see a listing of compa-

nies planning to exhibit at this years show. Many of

them have links to their websites, making it easy for

you to learn about the exhibitors prior to the show.

We will also be establishing additional links to

other valuable resources, along with connecting to

OSU researchers and their department websites. Your

emailed questions will be automatically routed to the

approp riate researcher.

Finally, the Message Center was reformatted - mak-

ing it easier to navigate (unfortunately all past mes-

sages were deleted). We encourage you to post ques-

tions and comments and make this a valuable

resource for our members. Please check out the revi-

sions - and continue to check back as we will constant-

ly add new features. Make sure you give us your feed-

back on either the Message Center or the Contact

Us pages.

Ohio Sports Turf Managersto Meet at OTF

The Ohio Sports Turf Managers Association(OSTMA) 4th Annual Meeting and awardsbreakfast will be held in conjunction withthe Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show inColumbus. This event will honor those turfprofessionals that really provide top qualityathletic fields in Ohio as well as deservingstudents and members that are awarded

OSTMA Scholarships.The breakfast will be followed by an excitingpanel discussion Morning with theNFL/MLB/MLS featuring Paul Zwaska,Beacon Ball Fields, Steven Wightman, SanDiego Chargers, and Darian Daily, TheColumbus Crew.

For more information, please contactOSTMA at 740-452-4541 (Phone), 740-452-2552 (Fax) or www.glstma.org.

Pictured above is Dr. John Street, Department ofHorticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio StateUniversity. John is holding a football autographed btwo time Heisman trophy winner Archie Griffin. Thifootball, along with many other items will be sold athe OTF live auction held during the 2001 OTFConference & Show.

The Live Auction will take place after the show closes on

Wedn esday, December 5, from 5-7 pm in the ballroom foyer o

the Greater Columbus Convention Cen ter. Items will be d ispla

during the show.

Items expected for this years auction are autographed base

balls, footballs, basketballs, and autographed pictures of baseb

players, NASCAR drivers, and other athletes. Well-known golfe

will donate autograp hed flags. Golf clubs, balls, golf outings an

tickets to athletic events will be auctioned. Turf maintenan ce

equipmen t, such as, mowers, trimmers, spreaders, blowers,

sprayers, replacement parts will be available. Do you need trap

sand, fertilizer, pesticides, grass seed or sod? How about a wee

end getaway, clothing, turf books, trap rakes? These are some the many items expected to be auctioned this year.

We can use your help. What do you have that can be donat

to the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust (OTRT) and sold at the

auction? More of the above items are great donations. Can yo

get a famous friend or acquaintance to give you an autograph?

vacation condo, fishing or hunting trip, golf tournament ticke

football and baseball loge tickets are needed. Do you have any

good equipment th at you n o longer use? How about Oh io Sta

Football, Basketball or other OSU event tickets? We already h

a comm itment for 2 OSU vs. Michigan Football tickets in 2002

Use your imagination to decide what to donate -

autographed sports memorabilia event tickets vacation and golf packages books your company products and services new or used equipment

Dont forget th e auction. It is a lively and fun event. You m

get a bargain. Donations to OTRT may be 100% deductible as

charitable contribution, giving you a big year end tax deductio

All for the benefit of turfgrass research and education.

If you have questions or need additional informatioplease contact the OTF Office at 888-683-3445.

WANTEDItems for

OTF Auction.

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OTF TurfNews Vol 63 No. 5 2001 Pa

As reported in the last issue of TurfNews,OTF is planning a group study-tour toScotland in 2002. If 20 or more participantsreserve their spot, the trip will follow this

preliminary itinerary:

Sunday, September 15Arrive at Glasgow Airportand travel to Turnberry in South Ayrshire - with

option to golf at Prestwick at own expen se. Overn ight

at Turnberry Hotel & GC.

Monday, September 16Golf Ailsa GC, Turnber ry.Non-golfers visit Burn s Countr y, Brig o Doon, and / or

Culzean Castle. Drive to Stirling and stay at Royal

Hotel, Stirling.

Tuesday, September 17Golf at Crieff FerntowerCourse. Continue to Perth . Visit Edradour Distillery.

Overnight at Kinfaun s Castle, Perth .Wednesday, September 18Golf at Carn oustie,home of 1999 British Open. Non-golfers visit Glamis

Castle. Continue south to St. Andrews. Overn ight

Scores Hotel, St. Andrews.

Thursday, September 19Golf at St. Andrews(subject to availability). After golf, visit the British

Golf Museum. Overnight, Scores Hotel.

Friday, September 20Golf at Kingsbarn GC.Non-golfers visit Largo Bay and Falkland Palace.

Continue south to Edinburgh.

OTF Event

Golf ScotlandSeptember1422. 2002

Saturday, September 21Visit Edinburgh Castleand Palace of Holyroodh ouse. Tour Edinburgh.

Evening Farewell Scottish Dinner & Entertainmen t at

the Carlton Highland Hotel. Overnight Bruntsfield

Hotel, Edinburgh.

Sunday, September 22Transfer to Glasgow air-port to return to U.S.

A variety of other sightseeing options are available for

golfers and non-golfers.Plans are also being discussed

with Dr. Martyn Jones, Head of the Turfgrass Academy

at Myerscough College to arrange meetings with many

of the superintenden t at the courses we will play.

At this time, fees for th e study-tour are being negotiat-

ed and will be available soon.

If you are interested in joining us, pleasecall Kevin Thompson at 888-683-3445,ext. 3151. Complete details will beannounced soon and made available at

www.ohioturfgrass.org.

Look for additional information in your mail, in

future issues of this newsletter, and at this years

Oh io Turfgrass Conference & Show, December 3-6.

The piper plays at Turnberry Golf Courses, British OpenVenue, Ayrshire, Scotland

Prestwick GC, British Open Venue, Ayrshire, Scotland.Stacked in history, Old Tom Morris was keeper of thegreens. The undulating land is as God intendednoearth moving.

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2001 Ohio Tur fgr ass FoundationConference & Show Preview

The 35th Annual Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show will take place December 3-6, 2001 in

Columbus. Already more than 200 companies have reserved more than 450 exhibit spaces.The Program Development Committee has planned the most comprehensive educational pro-gram ever offered at OTF, featuring speakers from universities across the country and eveninternationally. Complete details and registration information will be mailed in September.

Plan now to attend the nations biggest and best show of its kind!

Following is a brief listing of educational sessions to be offered this year:

Monday, December 3Pre-Conference WorkshopsWorkshop I

Pesticide Technology

Workshop II

Labor Issues & Human ResourcesAttracting,Recruiting, & Hiring Permanent, Seasonal,& Non-Traditional Employees in the Green Industry

Dr. Bernie Erven, The Ohio State University,Department of Agricultural Economics

Workshop II I

Assessment of the Physical & Chemical Properties of Soil

Dr. Chuck Darrah, CLC LabsDr. Norman Hummel, Hummel & Company, Inc.

Understanding Soil, Plant, & Water Quality TestingInformation & Their Use In Turfgrass NutritionalNeeds & Fertility Requirements

Dr. Bob Carrow, University of Georgia

Workshop IV

Sport Field Management for Schools, Municipalities,Small Colleges, & Other Recreational Complexes

Dr. Michael Goatley, Mississippi State University

Dealing With IPM Mandates and Protocols for Schools,Municipalities, & Recreational ComplexesPublic Relations,Liability/ Safety, & Agronomic Issues

Dr. John Stier, University of Wisconsin

Workshop V

Irrigation for Golf CoursesMr. James Chinni, Irrigation Design & Consultants, Inc.

Workshop VI (no charge)

Modern Theories of Golf Course Design and ConstructionDr. Michael Hurdzan, Hurdzan/ Fry Golf Course Design

Tuesday, December 4 SessionsEcological Landscape

IMP Turf Protocols & School IPM ProgramsDr. David Shetlar, The Ohio State University, Department of Entomology

Biostimulants and BioorganicsDr. Michael Goatley, Mississippi State University

Tree Health CareA Research UpdateDr. Dan Herms, The Ohio State University, Department of Entomology

Silent Spring in the 21st CenturyDr. David Shetlar, The Ohio State University, Department of Entomology

Managing Turf With Biorationals: The New England ExperienceDr. Patricia Vittum, University of Massachusetts

Golf Technology Sessions

Top Dressing and Management Perspectives for the New BentsDr. John Stier, University of Wisconsin

Influence & Management of Organic Matter Dynamicson Creeping Bentgrass Greens Performance

Dr. Bob Carrow, University of Georgia

The Turfgrass Ant: Biology & Management on Golf CoursesDr. Patricia Vittum, University of Massachusetts

Management Strategies to Maintain Healthy RootsDr. Bob Carrow, University of Georgia

Crabgrass & Goosegrass Control in Fairways & RoughsDr. Peter Dernoeden, University of Maryland

ODA Update & Case StudiesMr. Bob DeVeny, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation

Panel: Stress Management

Dr. Karl Danneberger, The Ohio State University,Department of Horticulture & Crop ScienceDr. Joe Vargas, Michigan State UniversityDr. Peter Dernoeden, University of MarylandBob Brame, USGA Greens Section

Keynote

Keynote Speech: Building the Dream WorkforceMr. Mark Mayberry, The Mayberry Group

Sports Turf Sessions

Preparing Fields for Olympics and SuperbowlMr. Joe Motz, The Motz Group

Professionalism in the Sports Turf IndustrySteve Trusty

Managing Soil-Based Sports Fields for Maximum PlayabilityDr. Richard Gibbs, New Zealand Sports Turf Institute

Surface Renovation TechniquesDr. Trey Rodgers, Michigan State University

Turfgrass Blends & Mixtures for Athletic FieldsCorrelated Confusion Clarified


Challenges & Future Developments in Sports Turf IndustryDr. Richard Gibbs, New Zealand Sports Turf Institute

Managing Practice Fields & High Traffic Areas (Panel)

Mr. Phil Williams, The College of WoosterMr. John Mott, The Ohio State UniversityMr. Steve Wightman, QualComm ParkMr. Paul Zwaska, Beacon BallfieldsMr. Boyd Montgomery, Sylvania Recreation/ OSTMA ChapterDr. Richard Gibbs, New Zealand Sports Turf InstituteDr. Michael Goatley, Mississippi State University

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Turf/Landscape Technology

ODA Update & Case StudiesMr. Bob DeVeny, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation

Turfgrass Blends and Mixtures f or the LandscapeCorrelated Confusion Clarified


Year In ReviewMr. Joseph Rimelspach, The Ohio State University

Natural/ Biological Approaches to Turgrass Weed ControlDr. Nick Christians, Iowa State University

Insect Control Update for LawnsDr. Harry Niemczyk, T he Ohio State University, Department of Entomology

Wednesday, December 5 SessionsEcological Landscape

Creating Wildlife HabitatsDr. Amanda Rodewald, T he Ohio State University, School of Natural Resources

Diagnosing and Solving Drainage ProblemsDr. Chris Carlson, Kent State University

Management Strategies to Avoid Tree Decline and Tree StressDr. Chris Carlson, Kent State University


BiostimulantsDr. Michael Goatley, Mississippi State University

Current Topics & Issues Regarding PGRsDr. Nick Christians, Iowa State University

Gray Leaf SpotMr. Paul Vincelli, University of Kentucky

PanelQ & ADollar Spot Symposium

Dr. Joe Vargas, Michigan State UniversityDr. Peter Dernoeden, University of MarylandDr. Mike Boehm The Ohio State University, Department of Plant Pathology

Landscape Technical Basics

Turf Ecosystem ResearchDr. Parwinder Grewal, The Ohio State University, Department of Entomology

Safe Pesticide Handling & Record KeepingMr. Terry Grace, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation

Management Approaches for Borers & Mites

Dr. David Shetlar, The Ohio State University, Department of EntomologyDr. Parwinder Grewal, The Ohio State University, Department of Entomology

Ornamental Weed Control StrategiesDr. Hannah Mathers

Ornamental Disease Control StrategiesDr. Pierluigi Bonello, The Ohio State University

Lawn CareBusiness Management

Creative Ways to Compensate Seasonal EmployeesState of the Lawncare Industry (Panel)

Lawn CareTechnical

Turfgrass & Grassy Weed I.D. Workshop/ Contest

Dr. David Gardner, The Ohio State University,Department of Horticultu re & Crop Science

Broadleaf Weed Control Strategies

Dr. David Gardner, The Ohio State University,Department of Horticultu re & Crop Science

Disease Management StrategiesMr. Joseph Rimelspach, The Ohio State University

Basic Concepts for Pesticide Licensing TestingMr. Terry Grace, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation

Major Insect Pests of Ohio LawnsIdentification & Control ApproachesDr. David Shetlar, The Ohio State University, Department of Entomology

Lawn Care Business Management

What You Need to Know About Chemical SpillsMr. Bob Avenius, TruGreen/ Chemlawn Corp.

ODA UpdateWhere You Stand Legally on Insurance,Licensing & Liability

Mr. Bob DeVeny, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation

Lawn Care Business ManagementBusiness

Are You Interested in Saving up to 70%on Your Workers CompensatioMr. Andre Bradley, CCI

Mr. Gary Hanson, A.S.H.

Awesome & Irresistible ServiceMaximizing Custom CommunicationMr. Mark Mayberry, The Mayberry Group

Mechanics

Mechanics Workshop

Sports Turf SessionsMorning With NFL/ MLB/ MLS (Panel)Mr. Steve Wightman, QualComm ParkMr. Darian Daily, Columbus Crew Stadium

Mr. Paul Zwaska, Beacon Ballfields

Innovations in Sports Field Design & ConstructionDr. Richard Gibbs, New Zealand Sports Turf Institute

Surface Amendments for Topdressing Sports FieldsDr. Trey Rodgers, Michigan State University

Gray Leaf SpotMr. Paul Vincelli, University of Kentucky

Infield MaintenanceMr. Paul Zwaska, Beacon Ballfields

Thur sday, December 6 SessionsEcological Landscape

Using Mulches Correctly

Mr. Jim Chatfield, Ohio State University ExtensionMr. Joseph Boggs, Ohio State University Extension, Hamilton County

Recertification GuidelinesMr. Terry Grace, Ohio Department of Agriculture

Insects & Other Pests Associated With Landscape Mulches

Mr. Kyle Jordan, T he Ohio State University, Department of EntomologyDr. Susan Jones, The Ohio State University, Department of Entomology


Using & Understanding Weather Data InfoDr. Jim Hoke, National Weather Service

Golf Superintendents PanelsFour different panels of superintendents discussingtheir ideas and philosophies on grow-in techniques,course fertility, aerification clean-up, and the next step.

Mr. Todd Voss, Double Eagle ClubMr. Terry Bonar, Canterbury Golf ClubMr. Frank Dobie, The Sharon Golf ClubMr. Mark Jordon, Westfield CompaniesMr. Mark Rawlins, Longaberger Golf ClubMr. Don Sutton, Scioto Reserve Golf & Athletic ClubMr. Eric Moulin, Four Bridges Country ClubMr. Randy Shaver, Strategic Golf AllianceMr. Chad Dorrell, Double Eagle ClubMr. Bob Brame, United States Golf Association

Nuisance Pests Sessions

Managing Raccoons, Skunks, & GeeseMr. Andrew Montoney, United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Ser

Safe Use of Aquatic Herbacides in & Around Ponds & StreamsDr. Carole Lembi, Purdue University

Managing Aquatic Weeds & Algae in Turf & Landscape PondsDr. Carole Lembi, Purdue University

Sports Turf Sessions

Sports Feld Irrigation Design & TroubleshootingMr. James Chinni, Irrigation Design & Consultan ts, Inc.

Understanding Soil Test ResultsDr. Chuck Darrah, CLC Labs

* All topics, sessions and speakers are subject to change without notification.

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2001 Trade Show Update

ABI Irrigation

Acorn Farms

Advanstar Landscape Group

Agro Chem, Inc.

Allegheny Lawn & Golf Products

Allen Pump Co.

Alvis Materials

Americalist

AMS, Inc.

Anderson Instrument Co.

The Andersons, Inc.

Ann Arbor Press

Applied Biochemists

Aqua-Aid, Inc.

Aquatrols Corp.

Atlantic Mills, Inc.Aventis Environmental Science

Backyard Putting Greens

Bannerman Ltd.

BASF Corp.

Bayco Golf

Bayer Corp.

Becker Underwood, Inc.

Best Sand Corp.

Brookside Labs

Broyhill Co.

Bush Hog, L.L.C.

Every turf maintenance product and service imaginable will be on display at the trade show. This is agreat chance to preview the latest the industry has to offer. NEW this year

FREE TRADE SHOW FOR EVERYONE!

Plan to visit the following companies already planning to exhibit (as of 8/22/01):

C & S Turf Care Equipment

Cart-Parts, Inc.

Cemex

Central Ohio GCSA

Century Equipment, Inc. (Toro)

The CISCO Companies

Clark State Community College

CLC LABS

The Clear Solution

Cleary Chemical

Club Car, Inc.

Commercial Tire Service

Compensation Consultants

Compost Facility

Creative Sales, Inc.

Cub CadetDavey Golf

Davey Tree Farm

Deep Roots Aerification Serv.

Diversified Waterscapes, Inc.

Dow AgroSciences

DTN Weather Services

Dura Plastic Products

Eagle One Golf Products

Earth and Turf

EarthWorks Natural

Organic Products

Easy Lawn Ohio Valley

Fafard, Inc.

Finn Corp.

Firestone Building Products Co.

First Products, Inc.

Floratine Products

Flowtronex PSI, Inc.

FMC Corp.

Foley United

Forestry Suppliers, Inc.

From Tee To Green, Ltd.

Glenmac, Inc.

GNC Industries, Inc.

Golf Course News

Golfweeks Superin tenden t News

Great Lakes GolfGreat Lakes Inter-Drain

Green Mountain In tl., Inc.

Green Prairie Turf, Inc.

Green Velvet Sod Farms

Grounds Maintenance Mag.

Growth Products, Ltd.

HARCO Fittings

Haz-Stor/ CTI

Heftee Ind ustries

HH & J Ents., Inc.

Howard Johnsons Ents.

Americas PremierTurfgrass Event

December 36, 2001

20012001

8/14/2019 119875


Huggett Sod Farm, Inc.

Hun ter Inds.

IPEX, Inc.

Irrigation & Green Industry

Irrigation Injection Technologies

Irrigation Supply, Inc.

IVI Golf

J. Davis Marking Systems

Jacklin Seed

Jacobson Golf Course Design, Inc.

Kincaid Ents., Inc.

Knox Fertilizer Co.

Kubota Tractor Corp.

Lanphear Supply

Larry Dismore & Assoc.

Lavy Enterprises

Lawn & Landscape Magazine

Lebanon Turf Products

Leemco, Inc.

Lesco, Inc.

The Manderley Corp.

Mar-Co Clay Products, Inc.Markers, Inc.

Mid-Ohio Golf Car

Millcreek

Milliken Tur f Products

Minuteman Rollers

Monsanto Co.

Morral Companies

Motz Ents., Inc.

Mulch Mfg.

Naiad Co.

National Lime & Stone Co.

National Mower/ Tur fco

Nature SafeNeary Techn ologies

Nu-Gro Technologies

Nutramax Laboratories, Inc.

Oglebay Norton STS

Oh io Earth Food, Inc.

Ohio Lawn Care Association

OSTMA

Otterbine Barebo, Inc.

Pace, Inc.

Par Aide Products Co.

PBI-Gordon Corp.

Perfco Printing

Perma-Green Suprem ePinh igh Compound

PJS Products, Inc.

Pond Supp lies of Ohio

Power Equipment Dist.

Precision Laboratories

PRO-SOL, Inc.

Profile Products

Progressive Turf Equipmen t, Inc.

ProSource One

PSB/ Div. of White Castle

R&R Products, Inc.

R. W. Sidley, Inc.

Raden Enterprises

Real Green Systems

Reel Tur f Equipment Ltd.

Regal Chemical Co.

Reist Welding ( Elmira) Ltd .

Reliable G. C. Supplies

Reynolds, Inc.

Riverdale Chemical Co.

Salvarani Nor th Amer ica

Sand Dam

The Seed Center

Seed Solutions

Seeds Ohio, LLC

SGD Golf

Shemin Nurseries, Inc.

SIGNetics

Simplot Partners, Inc.

SISCO

Smithco, Inc.

SNG EquipmentSolution One, LLC

Southern Green, Inc.

Spraying Devices, Inc.

Standard Golf Co.

Steiner-Brouwer Tur f Equipmen t

Steinke Tractor Sales

Strategic Turf Systems, Inc.

Sustane/ Nat. Fert. of Amer.

Syngen ta Professional Products

T.A. Turn er Const. Srvcs.

Textron Golf, Turf &

Specialty Products

Tri State Turf Mgmt., Inc.Tri-Pro, Inc. C/ O CMG Mktg.

True Surface Rollers

Turbo Technologies, Inc.

Turf Magazine

Tur f Products

Turfgrass South

Ty-Crop Mfg. Ltd.

Tyler Ents., Inc.

United Horticultural Supp ly

USDAWildlife Services

Walker Supply, Inc.

Watertronics, Inc.

Weed ManWolf Creek Co.

Wood-Mizer/ Lastec

Xenia Power Equipment

(John Deere)

Yocom LLC

To add your name tothis list, call OTF at888-683-3445.

Hotel AccommodationsPlanning on an overnight stay duringthe 2001 Ohio Turfgrass Conference &Show? If so, youll want to plan aheadand reserve your hotel rooms early, asmany hotels will be sold out due toexpected high attendance.

Following is a list of hotels offering special rates

for OTF participants. To make accommodation

please contact the hotel directly and mention

that you are attending th e Ohio Turfgrass

Conference & Show.

Hyatt Regency Columbus(Headquarters Hotel)

350 N High St

Columbus OH 43215

614-463-1234

$108 + tax Single/ Double$128 + tax Triple

$138 + tax Quad

Reservation cut-off date: November 12, 2001

Crowne Plaza Hotel

33 East Nationwide Blvd

Columbus OH 43215

614-461-4100

$112 + tax Single/ Double

$122 + tax Triple

$132 + tax Quad


Red Roof Inn Columbus Downtown

111 Nationwide Blvd

Columbus OH 43215

614-224-6539

$90 + tax Single-Quad


Hampton Inn & Suites

501 North High St

Columbus OH 43215

614-559-2000

$105 + tax Single

$112 + tax Double-Quad


(refer to Code OT1 when making reservations)

Complete details of the 2001 Ohio Turfgrass

Conference & Show, December 3-6,

Columbus, OH will be mailed in September.

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Sports TurfTips

September is a stressful time for all of us

working in the sports turf industry. Summerdrought and high temperatures may havecaused grass dormancy and even death.Management of the key factors: soil, water,plant nutrition & mowing, are paramount atthis time of year because the fall playing sea-son is just around the corner. Now is the timeto get the field looking and growing at itsbest. We can approach field maintenance intwo ways:

1. Renovation Maintenance

(e.g. soil cultivation, overseeding)2. Presentational Maintenance(e.g. mowing & painting)

Renovation mainten ance is necessary in all spor ts if

you are to return the field to 100% desirable grasscover that will withstand the rigors of play. Renovation

may involve complete field reconstruction or merely

light overseeding, depending on damage, the level of

use, & money available.

An innovative machine from the Koro equipment

company (from H olland) has made field renovation

more accessible to many field managers in Europe and

more recently in the United States. The Field

Topmaker from Koro could be described as a high-pow-

ered flail mower th at has the ability to remove debr is by

mean s of a conveyer in to trailers for disposal. The top

of the grass is removed but the body of the plant

remains intact, thus allowing re-growth. In essence, one

pass with the Koro machine can outweigh the benefits

Preparation ForThe Fall Playing SeasonJohn R. Street and Pamela J. SherrattThe Ohio State University Department of Horticulture & Crop Science

Figures 1 thru 3:There are many types of decompaction and aeration equipment commercially available.(1) hollow core, (2) sand injection, (3) verti drain


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of continual scarification. The machine is also being used

to remove the entire surface of the field in one swift oper-

ation. O nce the field sur face is removed, it is re-cultivated,

possibly amen ded , and seeded with desirable grasses. This

process has had an enormous impact in Europe, where

the majority of clubs have no financial resources to

undertake reconstruction but h ave succeeded in attaining

a suitable degree of surface drainage.

While some facilities have the time an d th e money tocarry out major renovation prior to the fall playing season,

realistically this does not happen for many field man agers.

The window of opportunity between playing seasons is

very short, and in many cases, non -existent.

Concentrated efforts are needed during these windows

of opportunity for implementation of several key manage-

men t strategies:

Alleviation of soil compaction Adequate, uniform irrigation A fertilizer program suited to the fields needs Mowing

Over-seeding and/ or sodding

For easy reference, Table 1 can be used as a guide to

these management points. Remember that there is a

geographical and agronomic diversity throughout playin

fields that may demand specific maintenance and no

managemen t plan is a panacea.

Most importantly, undertake regular field inspec-

tionstake the time to walk the entire field so that an

effective management program can be put together.

Carry out a visual inspection to check grass color/ desity & health. Identification of certain weeds, e.g.

knotweed, can be a sign of soil compaction

Inspection of the grass may indicate that the mower

blades are dull and have ripped the turf plants leavin

an undesirable surface.

Always be alert for pest or disease damage. For

example, grub season will be upon us soon, so initiat

monitoring techniques to identify these problems.

Perform a soil inspection to check dryness/ depth of

water penetration after irrigation, compaction, and

root length . Send samples away for a routine soil test

at a reputable laboratory.

Figure 4:The Koro machinecan remove theentire surface ofthe field in oneswift action.

Figure 5:Total surface ren-ovation may bepossible if thewindow of oppor-tunity is longenough betweenplaying seasons.

Figure 6:Roots need air! A recentcolumn study with TheMotz Group TSII turf stabi-lizer shows increased rootgrowth where holes weredrilled into the sides ofthe column

Figur e 7:Compacted soil sample


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Table 1: A Guide to Key Renovat ion Oper at ions Under taken in the Fall

Same as seedbed preparation(i.e. good soil contact crucial).Lay the sod in a line with over-lapping seams in a brickworkfashion. Lightly roll only whenthe sod has rooted. Mulch couldbe applied to prevent erosionand desiccation. Topdress andirrigate following the operation.

Do not remove more than 1/3 ofthe grass plant - any more willshock the turf and weaken thegrass plants. Change the direc-tion of mowing each time.Ensure mower blades are sharpand at the correct height. Donot mow too fast.

Mowing heights vary:

Grass Lowest to highest height*

Kentucky bluegrass 1 1/4 to 3

Tall Fescue 11/2 to 3

Perennial ryegrass 11/4 to 3

Soil De-Compaction andimprovement

Core removal or soil fracturingto loosen soil particles andencourage macropores within therootzone and underlying material.

Removal of cores and topdress-ing with compatible material iftime and budget permits

Every month ideally, but realistically, asmuch as time and budget permits. Multiplepasses over the field best, depending onlevel of compaction.

Perform when soil is dry to moist, but notwet to create maximum soil fissures.

Late season fertilization and coring are agreat combo operation for late fall.

Hollow core, verti-drain,shatter-tine, mole-plough,deep drill, and many othercommercial machines thatmove soil or create fis-sures within the soil.

Overseeding Seed-soil contact is crucial forsuccessful germination.Cultivate, verticut, core, orscarify the field surface to pro-duce a fine tilth. After seeding,lightly rake in and lightly irrigate

Seed or sod anytime, as long as adequateirrigation is available until grass is estab-lished. High soil temperatures can be mod-erated by regular syringing (i.e. light, fre-quent irrigation to cool the surface). Ofcourse, seeding is best done during coolerperiods of the year, spring and fall.

(a) Contravator or similarsurface disrupter, slit seeder,verticutter or core cultivator.

(b) Hopper or cyclone seeder

Sodding

Irrigation

As a guide, it is advisableto replace water lostthrough evapotranspiration

(ET)

The ET rate can be obtainedthrough the local MET office. Avisual daily inspection of thesoil will also indicate drynessand depth of water penetration

after irrigation (ideally about 6inches)

There are many variables like amount ofplay, soil percolation and infiltration rates,game times, etc. that affect irrigation rates,timing, and frequency. Agronomically, lessfrequent irrigation is best. Wet soils should

be avoided as much as possible prior toanticipated play.

Pop-up sprinkler heads, rotat-ing sprinkler, water-train orsimilar. The key issues areuniform distribution with norun-off.

FertilizerApplication

Regular soil tests will indi-cate how much fertilizer isneeded over the season.

Apply fertilizer in a uniformfashion, slightly over-lappingthe previous row. Application indifferent directions can reducestriping

Irrigate the fertilized area thor-oughly after application to pre-vent burn.

ALSO SEE LATE SEASON FER-TILIZATION BELOW

Most soil athletic fields require 1 to 2 com-plete fertilizer application/yr. supplementedby a total of 3-4 N. Sand fields may require4 or more applications/yr.

A granular, slow release fertilizer is lesslikely to cause burn and does not need tobe applied as frequently as quick-release**A nitrogen fertilizer application prior to thestart of the playing season is strongly rec-ommended.

Drop or cyclone spreader

Mowing during the field inspection,look for grass shredding ortearing, this is an indica-tion of dull blades or mow-ing too fast

Oper at ion Method Timing & Fr equency Appar atus


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There is no ideal mowing height. Seasonal

changes in mowing height are also influenced by the

type of sport and the surface speed required. The rec-

ommendations in Table 1 are a guide to mowing

heights but the turf may be cut shorter. The lower the

grass is cut, the more importan t it is to follow the basic

rules: mow frequen tly and always observe the 1/ 3 rule.

Closer-cut turf will require more water & fertilizer to

compete with weeds and disease problems.

Figure 8:Always maximize seed:soil contactby removing as much surface debrisand thatch as possible prior to anyseeding procedure (photo illustratingverti cutter)


Turf managers have utilized late seasonnitrogen fertilization, sometimes referred toas fall fert ilization, for years. This type offertility program involves the application ofmuch of the seasons nitrogen during thelate season months of September throughDecember. It is important that late seasonfertilization not be confused with dormantand/or winter fertilization. The latter methodimplies that fertilizer applications are madeafter the turf has lost most or all of its greencolor and is not actively growing. This differsnotably from the late season concept, whichrequires that nitrogen be applied before theturf loses its green color in the late fall.

Late Season Fer t ilizat ion (LSF) for Cool Season Gr assesLate season fertilization is popular becausemany of the agronomic and aesthetic advan-tages attributed to its use supposedly arenot realized when spring and/or summerfertilization are practiced. Purported advan-tages of the late season concept include:

Better fall and winter color

Earlier spring green-up Increased shoot density Improved fall, winter, and spring root

growth Enhanced storage of energy reserves

(carbohydrates) within the turf plant

Figure 9:Essential Nutrients

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TimingThe late-season nitrogen fertilization concept is

designed to apply nitrogen during that period of the

year (late fall) that will favor root growth over shoot

growth, an d favor a positive carbohydrate balance.

Shoot growth of cool season grasses occur most readi-

ly in the temperature range of 50-65F. Root growth ofcool season grasses will continue at soil temperatures

close to freezing. When air temperatures in late fall

consistently drop below 50F shoot growth slows or

ceases but soil temperatures are still in the favorable

range for significant root, rhizome, and stolon growth.

LSF capitalizes on this differen tial in optimum tem-

peratures for growth of roots versus shoots.

The timing of LSF should be made when vertical

shoot growth has stopped, but the turf leaves are still

green. Vertical shoot growth of cool season grasses will

generally slow and stop at air temperatures of 45-50(F.

A properly timed LSF will extend the green ing time

of the turf longer into the late fall and early winterwithout additional top growth. The green leaves

remain photosynth etically active producing carbohy-

drates. This carbohydrate will be more e fficiently used

to support root, rhizome, and stolon growth during

the late fall and winter period. LSF also assists in

building food reserves for the following season. It is

critical that the n itrogen be applied p rior to dorm ancy

for maximum efficiency of applied nitrogen. Poor tim-

ing is a common LSF mistake. On ce the leaf tissue has

turned brown, photosynthesis will no longer occur.

Rememberlate-season fertilization is not dormant

fertilization.

Fer t ilizer Rate & Fer t ilizer TypeIn addition to timing, fertilizer rate and fertilizer

type is critical to successful LSF. Th e most efficient

nitrogen fertilizers for LSF are those independent of

temperature for nitrogen release. Soil temperatures

and microbial activity are low at this time of year,

resulting in less effi-

ciency from strong

WIN methylene ureas,

natural organ ics, poly-

mer-coated urea fertil-

izers and other tem-

perature-dependent

fertilizers.

Urea, more water-

soluble methylene

ureas, IBDU, and SCU

are less dependent on temperature for nitrogen

release and, therefore, make excellent LSF nitrogen

sources. Nitrogen rates should be in the range of 1 -

11/ 2 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.


We look forward to seeing you

at the OSU Turfgrass ResearchField Day August 15 th.

Dr. John R. [email protected]

Pam J. [email protected]

Phone: (614) 292-6297

Higher rates typically provide a better LSF response in

the late fall and a better carryover response into late

winter/ early spring. For cool season grasses, nitrogen

is the key nutrient for the LSF response with standard

maintenance fertilizer ratios being acceptable.

Proper rate and nitrogen source will result in sig-nificant carryover of nitrogen for early spring green-

up the following season. The standard spring fertiliza-

tion rate can typically be reduced to one half or less,

or eliminated, thus avoiding a spring fertilization

flush. Don t couple LSF with traditional spring nitro-

gen fertilization rates. This defeats the purpose of the

LSF strategy.

Coring and late season fertilization

A key attribute of late season fertilization is

enhanced root growth. A key attribute of coring is also

enh anced root growth in open core h oles. Coring and

late season fertilization in th e late fall are two of thebest management strategies a sports turf field manag-

er can implement. Coring the field in several direc-

tions (e.g. 6-8) can be extremely beneficial. Dont miss

out on this combo maintenance opportunity

In summary, LSF lengthen s the fall/ winter green

period and enhances the rate of spring green-up with-

out stimulating excessive shoot growth, thus allowing

the turf plant to maintain higher levels of carbohy-

drates than when spring/ summer fertilization is used.

Nitrogen applied during early spring increases shoot

growth rates and decreases the levels of available car-

bohydrates in the plant, resulting in depressed root

growth rates. LSF has no similar negative effects on

root growth. No winter damage or snow mold injury

occurred as a result of LSF. The turf manager must

maintain a good carbohydrate reserve/ balance and

maximum root mass. Proper timing and rate of appli-

cation are important in successful long-term pro-

grams. Always remember: greener is not always better.

A happy medium must be reached between agronom-

ics and aesthetics.It is important toremember that the

nitrogen source usedfor the late fall

applications beof the type that

is not dependent onmicrobial activity to

affect nitrogen release.

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When many people think of the green industry,what first comes to mind is often the construction and

maintenan ce of golf courses, ath letic playing fields,

city parks and landscapes. However, when you speak

with OTF member Fred Wehr, general manager of

Woodside Cemetery and Arboretum, in Middleton,

Oh io, you come to realize that maintaining the

groun ds and landscapes of a cemeter y is a specialty

that offers its own set of challenges and rewards.Wehrs introduction to the cemetery specialty

came via his father, who was also an OTF member.

My father was with Greenwood Cemetery in Monroe,

Ohio for 38 years, he says. Although I was prepared

for a career in Forestry, he introduced me to the

important role that landscaping and proper mainte-

nan ce play to the comfort level of people who visit

cemeteries.

Wehr went on from a two-year horticulture pro-

gram at Miami University to receive his four-year

degree in Business Administration from The

University of Cincinnati. Both programs have served

to help me meet daily challenges, he says.

Some of those challenges include the u pkeep of

the landscape at Woodside Cemeter y, which recently

celebrated its 110th anniversary in June, 2001. We

have 100 acres of grass that we must regularly mow

without disturbing any markers. In addition, we

recently identified 2000 trees on our 135 acres and

tagged one of each species, for a total of 200 tags. We

must maintain the health of all these treesone of

which is a Post Oak, a member of the White Oak fami-

ly. Our Post Oak is over 110 years old.

MemberSpotlight

Consider a Career

in the Cemetery Industry

We have 100 acr es of gr assthat w e must r egular ly

mow w ithout distur bing anymarkers. In addition, we

r ecently identif ied 2000 t r eeson our 135 acr es and tagged

one of each species, for atotal of 200 tags.

Fred WehrGeneral Manager

Woodside Cemetery and ArboretumMiddleton, Ohio

When they tagged the trees, staff plotted the trees

on a Geographical Information System to create a

road map of the cemetery. This was a beneficial

project, says Wehr, because we know where all the

varieties of each tree are. For example, if we note that

a Nor way Spruce is diseased, we can treat it, then look

to the map to see where all the Norway Spruces are

and check out their status.

In add ition to all our trees, which earned us theadditional name Arboretum, we plant a lot of flowers:

200 flats each spring, as well as 200 flats of pansies

each fall, says Wehr. We wanted to concentrate on

bulbs, particularly tulips. However, the squirrels

appetite for the bulbs became a problemuntil we

discovered that they do not seem to like daffodil

bulbs. Now Woodside Cemetery has over 75,000 daf-

fodils planted at the cemetery. They are n aturalized in

beds or in the grass. We plant an additional 3,000-

5,000 bulbs each year. With a steel auger, we can plant

up to 2,000-3,000 bulbs in a day. We also spray a

growth inhibitor for the weeds and the grass, which

does not hu rt th e flowers, he says.We are faced with challenges like these each day,

Says Wehr. If students in various landscaping, horti-

cultural and turf management programs are thinking

about various specialty areas, I would encourage them

to consider cemetery grounds keeping and general

man agement. You have the ability to be of service to

the community, to promote a sense of well-being in

what was once thought of a dreary place, and you are

able to see the results of your hard work every day

over the long term.


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Consider ing Using a Compost

Topdr essing Applicat ion OnYour Fair w ays This Fall?

New Growth and Technology

By Mike Boehm and Joe RimelspachThe Ohio State University

Department of Plant Pathology

Overview of the Composting Process

Although there are several different types of com-

posting processes, most of the compost used by the turf-

grass industry is produced via a process in which fresh

organic matter such as yardwastes, dewatered sewage

sludge or poultry manure is either piled, stacked or oth-erwise arranged to facilitate it decomposition by

microorgan isms such as bacteria, actinomycetes (a

unique type of bacteria) and fungi. As these microbes

degrade th e organic material, they generate a great deal

of heat which inactivates or kills weed seeds, plant, ani-

mal and human pathogens and many beneficial

microbes such as nitrogen fixing bacteria and biological

control organisms. As these microbes use the freely avail-

able carbon and nitrogen sources, their metabolism and

subsequently, the composting process slows resulting in a

cooling of the pile. As the compost cools, other microor-

ganisms, some wind- and yet others rain-borne, are intro-

duced into and colonize the pile. This final phase of thecomposting process is referred to as the curing stage. It

is during the curing stage that microbes capable of sup-

pressing plant pathogens such as those that cause

Pythium root rot, proliferate. The type of composting

system used (i.e. windrow versus static pile versus in ves-

sel) and the characteristics of the parent organic materi-

al being composted are two major factors which influ-

ence both the rate of the composting process and the

quality and consistency of the finished product. For

example, grass clippings degrade much more rapidly

than tree bark or wood chips. Once adequately cured, the

compost is typically screened to 1/ 4 to 1/ 2 inch and used as

a topd ressing material. Although numerous methods of

assessing whether a composted material has been adequate-

ly cured or is mature enough for use in plant production,

no single method provides all the answers and quite often

one must rely upon a collection of such assays stressing the

need for the development of practical standards and guide-

lines and future work in this area.

Step 1: Goal Setting

Deciding to use compost topdressings on your fairways is

no different than implementing other turf health or pest

management practices. Although the reasons for using

compost topdressings are man y, often times the decision

revolves around one of the following: 1) compost topdress-

ings are perceived to be an environmentally sound practice;

2) composts may serve as an excellent source of plant-avail-

able nutrients; 3) composts have been shown to provide val-ued sources of organic matter and may improve soil fertility;

and, 4) some composts have been repor ted as being able to

suppress turf diseases such as dollar spot and Pythium root

rot. Knowing ones rationale for implementing compost

topdressings is critically important because it will not only

allow you to make informed decisions as to product selec-

tion and application and timing strategies, but may ulti-

mately allow you to determine how best to m odify your

existing management practices to maximize overall turf

quality and vigor.

Consider ing Using a Compost

Topdr essing Applicat ion OnYour Fair w ays This Fall?

The use of composts to improve turfgrass health or soil tilth is not a new concept. Indeed, onemight consider it a lost art as compost applications were common until the advent of the agro-chemical revolution of the 1940s and 50s. After nearly 60 years of heavy reliance on chemicalinputs, we find ourselves in the midst of a resurgence in the use of organic matter amendmentsand topdressings. The specific aims of this article are to present an overview of the compostingprocess and to provide a four step approach for implementing the use of compost topdressingsbased on our experiences and the experiences of those superintendents with whom we have worked.

8/14/2019 119875


Step 2: Product Selection

Once you have figured out your goals for imple-

menting a compost topdressing program, the next

step is selecting the right compost for the job. Thismight be a case of easier said than done as one of

the major historical reasons for a reduced reliance on

the use of composts early in the 20th century in part

revolved around the reality that not all composts are

created equal. In other words, composts can and typi-

cally do vary tremendously in their chemical, physical

and microbiological characteristics. Such variation typ-

ically exists even though our knowledge and under-

standing of the complex nature of the composting

process and the parameters which influence this

process are perhaps better understood and controlled

now than ever before. As a potential user of composts,

it is impor tant to realize that some composts varymore than others and that variability in the parent

organic material being composted typically corre-

sponds to inconsistencies in the final product. As men-

tioned p reviously and underscored here, the compost-

ing process used and the consistency and chemical

characteristics of the organic material being compost-

ed are two key factors that greatly influence the consis-

tency and quality of the final composted product.

Additional factors such as the type of bulking agent

(materials such as wood chips, sawdust or crumb rub-

ber that are added to some types of compost to

increase and maintain adequate air-filled pore space

during the composting process) used, the frequency

of turning or mixing, and th e moisture conten t of the

compost all significantly impact the consistency of the

final product. Other factors such as seasonal variations

in the waste stream flow and the weather also have the

potential to adversely effect the quality of the finished

product. Consider for example the differences that

exist in th e yardwaste stream between Spring and Fall

in which grass clippings predominate in the Spring

and leaves dominate in the Fall. The experience level

of those managing th e composting facility also may

significantly influence the quality and consistency of

the final product.Even with the potential for such variations, howev-

er, there are numerous clues that might be useful in

determining which compost is right for your course.

Just as in selecting the right wine for that special occa-

sion, so too can selecting the right compost be rather

subjective. For example, often times you will read or

hear that a good compost is said to be dark in color

with a crumbly texture, a moisture content of around

40-45% and an earthy aroma similar to that of a fer-

tile soil. Such descriptions are extremely subjective.

Yet, there is great value in this type of sensory-based

assessmen t as many working in the green indu stry have

an intuitive sense for what a rich fertile soil feels, smells,

and looks like. Luckily, however, for those short in theintuition department or eager to base the ir decisions on

more quantifiable characteristics, there are numerous

physical and chemical qualities to consider.

In terms of ph ysical properties, particle size and tex-

ture are perhaps two of the most impor tant factors one

can use to assess a composts physical characteristics.

These properties are important to consider because

repeated applications of composts with excessive

amoun ts of bulking agent or oth er foreign materials

might lead to an undesired accumulation of unwanted

materials in the thatch or soil. A quick glance and a

handful of the candidate compost should provide a

rapid assessment as to whether a particular compoststexture is suitable for u se on your fairways. In regards to

particle size, we typically use and recommen d th at com-

posts used on fairway turf be screened to 1/ 8 to 1/ 4

inch to remove excessive bu lking agen t. Even then, h ow-

ever, it is often difficult to completely remove unwanted

or excessive bulking agent as thin slivers or splinters typi-

cally have the ability to pass through the screen ing

process.

In add ition to the physical nature of the compost,

there also are numerous key chemical properties and

processing information that may provide important clues

about the suitability of a par ticular compost. In all cases,

the compost producer should be willing to provide youwith the following information for each batch of com-

post prior to or at the time of delivery. Hesitation on the

part of the producer to divulge this information may

speak volumes about whether or not you should be con-

sidering their product and brings to light the impor-

tance of developing a good working relationship with

local compost producers and distributors. Ideally a sup-

plier should provide the following information: Compost

type and age; The composting process used (i.e. static

pile, windrow, forced-air static pile or in -vessel); A com-

plete elemen tal analysis including heavy metals (especial-

ly if working with a biosolids or municipal solid wastecompost); Total, ammonium and nitrate N concentra-

tions, respectively; pH; CEC, organic matter and ash con-

tent; Soluble salts (especially for animal manure com-

posts); and , the C/ N ratio. Additional information

regarding nutrient release characteristics and bulk densi-

ty of the compost might be also valuable pieces of infor-

mation and will facilitate your ability to determine n utr i-

ent loading an d mineralization rates of the compost.

Both of the latter will be extremely valuable in your

attempts to determine the magnitude and duration of

the compost. Just exactly what all this data mean s and

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how it should be evaluated is the topic of several add i-

tional articles. In a nutshell, however, you can develop a

fairly rapid assessment of a composts fertilizer potential

by concentrating your attention on the: 1) pH; 2) h eavy

metal and N and P concentrations, respectively; and, 3)C:N ratio. In general, and taking into account the wide

variety of composted materials available, the pH should

range ideally between 5.7 to 7.5. In regards to heavy

metals, concentrations should be below standards

allowed by the US Environmen tal Protection Agency

Rule 503. The N, P, and K analyses in tandem with the

bulk density of the compost should help provide insights

regarding the amount of potentially plant available

nutrients supplied by the compost topdressing applica-

tion. In general, the greater the concentration of plant

available N (ammonium an d n itrate), the greater the

color enhancing and growth stimulatory effects that may

be anticipated assuming the compost topdressings are

applied during a period of active turf growth. In gener-

al, high C:N ratios (above 20:1) m ay be an indication

that the compost is not fully composted and is not ready

for use as a topdressing material. Immature composts

pose the threat of causing a phenomenon called n itro-

gen immobilization that is brought about when com-

posts with excessive C an d limited N are applied. When

this occurs, the compost microbes attempt to further

breakdown the excessive C and because th ey, like all

organisms, require a balanced diet of C and N, they

essentially out compete or steal N from the turf. The

result is that the turf goes off color and will require theaddition of additional N fertilizer to bring the system

back into balance. In general, a good target range for

the C:N ratio would be somewhere around 15:1.

Biological or microbiological ind icators of compost

maturity and turf enhancing properties also exist, how-

ever, they are expen sive and labor intensive to measure.

Besides, these drawbacks, interp retation of the results

from such tests are often difficult and ambiguous as our

understanding of the microbiology and microbial ecolo-

gy of composts and turfgrass soils is still in its infancy.

Bottom line, put most of your decision-making eggs in

the physical and chemical property baskets, respectively.

Step 3: Timing and Application Strategies

Once a compost has been selected, the app lication

of the mater ial should proceed fairly easily. The most

frequently used application method of topdressing fair-

ways with compost is in conjunction with the normal

fairway core cultivation process (hollow tines are recom-

mended) that takes place in th e Spring and Fall during

periods of maximum turf growth and recuperative abili-

ty. These are also times when average daytime tem pera-

tures do not exceed 65-70F thereby reducing the possi-

bility of either burn ing the turf through the use of hot

compost (compost containing excessive amounts of

ammonia or which are warm or h ot to the touch) or

otherwise suffocating the turf with a blanket of compost

topdressing and cores on a h ot summer day. Whetheryou decide to core first and topdress second or topdress

first and core second is ultimately up to you. One advan-

tage to coring first and then subsequently applying your

topd ressing is that you significantly minimize th e time

the compost sits on the turf. Any device that has the abil-

ity to d istribute the compost over d istances without com-

pacting the soil can be used. The rate used will depend

on numerous factors such as time of year, members

expectations, particle size, turf species and height of cut,

the n utrient loading rate of the compost being applied

and on the ability of the turf to assimilate the provided

nutrients. Members may be more demand ing of impec-

cable turfgrass earlier in the season, than towards the

end, allowing for a m ore aggressive topdressing program

in the Fall. Similarly, a product that has been screened

to a smaller diameter will moved off of the turf and into

the soil profile quicker th an poorly screened product.

Once the compost has been applied, the fairways should

be dragged to blend the compost with the pulled soil

cores. The remaining tufts of turf and th atch can then

be blown into the roughs where they can be picked up

with rotary mower fitted with a bagging attachment. The

final step in the application process is to irrigate the fair-

ways as soon as possible to reduce turf stress and the

potential for any ammon ia or thermal burn or heatinduced stress.

Step 4: Record Keeping

As with any practice, solid documentation is critical

for future reference and decision making processes. In

the case of compost topdressings, the following records

may be useful to maintain: 1) Product records such as

any physical, chemical or biological properties you may

have considered and important contact information; 2)

Economic records such that you can ultimately run a

cost-benefit analysis comparing your standard and com-

post topdressing enhanced programs, respectively; 3)

Application records such as timing, steps carried out inthe actual application process, weather data, soil temper-

atures and moisture levels, etc.; 4) Follow-up observa-

tions such as any effects observed and the magnitude

and duration of these effects; and, 5) Membership com-

ments and concerns that might be useful in later years

regarding this practice. The better your record keeping,

the greater the possibility that you will be able to assess

the pros and cons of this practice in relation to your

standard managemen t practices.

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Summary and Conclusions

The use of compost topdressings can be a useful

tool for managing fairway turf. As with any initial

attempt at implementing a new management practice,

use common sense and take a somewhat conservative

approach when just getting started. In other words,

make certain to try your hand on a small scale and

evaluate the effects of compost topdressings before

attempting to tackle every fairway. The following keys

to success might be useful when attempting to maxi-

mize the implementation of compost topdressings

while minimizing any potential detr imental effects

associated with this practice.

Determine your goals for implementing a compost

topdressing program. Are you interested in com-

posts as organic fertilizers, soil conditioners or to

introduce a form of disease suppression?Determine what your goals and expectations early

in the process.

Get to know your local compost producers, distrib-

utors, other superintenden ts that h ave tried using

composts, university staff working in the area, and

state and local solid waste authority personnel and

regulations.

Remember that not all composts are created equal.

Some positively-, oth ers n egatively-, and some have

no impact on turf health and that the more you

know about the compost you are considering, the

greater the chances of a successful outcome.

Pay close attention to the consistency or variability of

products quality. The amount of bulking agent pre-

sent, the degree of maturity and the particle size and

texture of the compost are four important things for

which to look.

Make it your business to know WHAT you are apply-

ing (elemental analysis, pH, CEC, parent material of

compost, process by which it was generated , nu trient

release characteristics, organic matter and ash con-

tent, soluble, ammonia, organic acids, etc).

Combine compost topdressing applications with

Spring and Fall core cultivation events via blend ingwith cores and dragging. Avoid applying compost

topd ressings to fairways when air temperatures

are greater than or equal to 65-70F.

Modify your application rates to meet your target fer-

tility goals. Maximize the potential benefits of the

compost topdressings by making applications when

the turf is actively growing.

Develop an effective application strategy that can be

completed in a relatively short period of time from

the time the compost is applied to the time irrigation

is applied to the turf

Always include an appropriate set of internal control

plots so that you can truly gage the effects of a newly

implemented management practice. Specifically in

the case of evaluating the effects of a compost top-

dressing program for your fairways, you might con-

sider including both a non -treated area (no coring

or compost) and a cored but not topdressed area to

assess the effects of your coring and topdressing pro-

grams. Without such internal control areas, it is

impossible to accurately assess any practice.

Consider modifying your standard fertility program

to account for the additional nutrients being applied

or incorporated. Keep good records of what worked and did not work

for you and remember there are no silver bullet.

Walk before you run! As with any new practice, take

it slow at first until you get the hang of it.

Figur esFig. 1. Slide showing a compost topdressing

application in progress at North Shore CountryClub, Chicago, IL. Photo by F. D. Dinelli.

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Broadleaf

Weed Control

New Growth and Technology

By Dr. David GardnerThe Ohio State University

Department of Horticulture and Crop Science

Broadleaf

Weed Control

Whether you are a professional lawn care

operator or a golf course superinten dent it

is a usually a necessary evil to perform

some postemergence broadleaf weed control in th e

spring. Unfortunately, this has fostered the misconcep-

tion that spring is the ideal time to control broadleaf

weeds. Many of our most common and hardest to con-

trol broadleaf weeds are perennials. There are severalreasons why it makes more agronomic sense to apply

postemergence mater ials, such as 2,4-D and triclopyr,

in the fall, especially for the control of perennial

weeds:

Herbicide translocationIn the spring, perennialbroadleaf weeds such as dandelion are translocating

materials stored over winter from the taproot to the

newly emerging leaves. In the fall, the opposite occurs

as the weed translocates carbohydrates into the tap-

root for winter. Fall applied broadleaf herbicides are

much more effective because they are readily translo-

cated into the root system, resulting in death of theroot system as well as the leaf tissue.

Control in spring results in bare patchesfilled in by crabgrassSpring-time h erbicideapplications have unfortunately become a necessary

evil, either because a n ew client was secured over th e

winter or because tolerance for broadleaf weeds is low

in areas such as fairways or office park entrances.

However, application of 2,4-D and other mater ials in

the spring will result not only in possible incomplete

kill of the root system, but also a bare patch that is

quickly filled in by crabgrass and o ther an nual weeds.

Control in the fall is not on ly more effective, but also

gives the turf time to fill in the bare spot without com-

petition from most annual weeds. While postemer-

gence broadleaf herbicides will not control crabgrass,often the best control of annual grasses is a dense

stand of turf.

Less risk of damage to ornamentalsMostornamentals in the landscape and garden are very

sensitive to the effects of broadleaf herbicides, so that

even the slightest contact will cause damage. Newly

emerging leaves are especially sensitive. Damage

resulting from con tact with herbicide vapors can

occur if the herbicide volatilizes. Volatilization is more

likely as the temperature increases or when using cer-

tain herb icide formulations (m ore on this later).

However, in the fall, most annual ornamental plantsand vegetables have reached matur ity and leaves of

trees and shrubs are beginning to turn color and fall

off the plant.

Winter annualssuch as henbit and commonchickweed, are beginning to germinate in mid-to-late-

fall and can be effectively control if herbicide applica-

tion is done after they germinate.

It makes more agronomic sense to apply postemergence materials,

such as 2,4-D, MCPP, t r iclopyr, and clopyr alid in the fall for contr ol ofperennial broadleaf weeds such as dandelion and white clover.

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Table 1.Perennial broadleaf weeds are most effectively controlled in the fall. Annualbroadleaf weeds can also be controlled, but are at the end of their life cycle.More effective control of annual broadleaf weeds is with preemergence herbi-cides applied in spring.


It is important to correctly identify the most problemat-ic weeds on a site, and then consider whether they are

predominately annuals or perennials. Correct identifica-

tion is usually pretty easy. However, a few of the weeds

can be confused, like the clovers (see Table 1 and the fig-

ures). Iden tification of the weed and knowledge of its life

cycle is necessary in order to best determine what control

strategies to use. For example, white clover is a peren nial

and control is most effective if herbicides are applied in

the fall. Black medic and yellow woodsorrel are ann uals.

Both are best controlled with postemergence materials

early in their life cycles. Some preemergence herbicides

are labeled for control of yellow woodsorrel. However,

this weed germinates very late and may not be effec-

tively controlled unless herb icides are also applied late

(after crabgrass has germinated) or as a split applica-

tion. Other annual weeds that are considered difficult

to control preemergently are knotweed ( germinates

very early) and spurge ( germinates very late).

Inciden tally, these two weeds are often con fused.

Spurge, however, has milky sap while knotweed does

not (See Figure 4). Properly discerning between these

two weeds may be importan t in determining the prop-

er time to apply preemergence herbicides if this con-

trol strategy fits into your management program.

Species Control Options Confused withthese annual weeds:

Mouse ear Chickweed MCPP or dicamba Common ChickweedCerastium vulgatum Stellaria media

(See Figure 1)Canada Thistle dicambaCirsium arvense

Ground Ivy 2,4-D, MCPP or Common MallowGlecoma hederacea other combination Malva rotundifolia

(See Figure 2)

Buckhorn Plantain 2,4-D, MCPP, dicambaPlantago lanceolata

Blackseed Plantain 2,4-D, MCPP, dicambaPlantago rugelii

Curly Dock 2,4-D or dicamba

Rumex crispusDandelion

Taraxacum officinale 2,4-D or dicamba

White Clover MCPP, clopyralid, Black MedicTrifolium repens or dicamba Medicago lupulina

Yellow WoodsorrelOxalis stricta

(See Figure 3)

Wild Violet triclopyrViola papilionacea

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Species Preemergence PostemergenceControl Options Control Options

Prostrate Pigweed bensulide, isoxaben 2,4-D or MCPP

Amaranthus blitoides ethofumesate, oxadiazon

Prostrate Spurge prodiamine, dithiopyr, 2,4-D, MCPP, dcambaEuphorbia supina isoxaben, pendimethalin, or 2.4-DP

oxadiazon

Common Mallow 2,34-D, bromoxynilMalva rotundifolia

Black Medic MCPP, clopyralid,Medicago lupulina dicamba

Yellow Woodsorrel dithiopyr, isoxaben, triclopyrOxalis stricta pendimethalin

Prostrate Knotweed prodiamine, isoxaben dicambaPolygonum aviculare

Purslane dithiopyr, isoxaben, dicambaPortulaca oleracea pendimethalin,

ethofumesate, oxadiazon

Henbit prodiamine, bensulide, dicambaLamium amplexicaule dithiopyr, isoxaben,

pendimethalin

Common Chickweed prodiamine, dithiopyr, MCPP or dicambaStellaria media isoxaben, pendimethalin,

ethofumesate


Table 2.If possible, annual broadleaf weeds should be controlled using preemergenceherbicides in the spring. Postemergence control, if used, should be conductedearly in the life cycle of the weed.

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Figure 1. Common chickweed (top) is a win-ter annual and often confused with mouse-earchickweed (bottom), which is a perennial. Bothcan be effect ively controlled by applying MCPP

or dicamba after common chickweed has ger-minated.

Table 1 lists the most common perennialbroad leaf weeds. Though certainly not inclusive,

the species listed easily account for 90% of the

perennial broadleaf weed p roblems in O hio tur f-

grass. Fall applied postemergence herbicides

shou ld be the first choice to contro l perennial

broad leaf weeds.

While fall applications of broadleaf herbicides

will also con trol annual broad leaf weeds, many of

these may be effectively controlled using preemer-

gence herbicide materials applied in the spring.

Table 2 lists some of the most common annualbroadleaf weeds, along with options for control

with preemergence herbicides. Since these weeds

are ann uals, they are near th e end of their life

cycle now and control with a postemergence mate-

rial may not be warranted . If there is heavy cover of

these weeds it may be advantageous to control

them n ow in order to allow the grass time to fill in

the bare spots during the fall. Remember, though,

that more effective control of these weeds in future

seasons is either with preemergence herbicides, or,

if necessary, postemergence materials applied early

in the weeds life cycle.

It is very important to select the right herbicideand the most appropriate formulation in order to

get the best possible control. Consult the label to

determine whether the addition of a sur factant is

warran ted. Ester formulations are more effective

than amine formulations, especially as tempera-

tures decline. Esters, however, are more volatile

and more care around ornamentals must be exer-

cised with these materials when temperatures are

above 60 degrees. Remember also that postemer-

gence herbicides are most effective if applied dur-

ing sunny weather with no rainfall within 24 hours

of application.

How late these materials can be applied

depen ds on weather conditions. In general, if the

plant tissue is losing quality due to frost or cold

temperatures, it is probably too late to get enough

herbicide into the root system for effective control.

Finally, herbicides applied in the very late fall have

been observed to have what appears to be little

effect. But, when the same areas are revisited in the

spring, control can, in fact, approach 100%.

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Figur e 2. Mallow (top inset) is a summer annualweed that may be mistaken for ground ivy (creepingCharlie; bottom inset). Creeping Charlie, unlike mal-

low, roots at the nodes where leaves are produced.Two or three applications of 2,4-D and MCPP in thefall can control ground ivy. Mallow is an annual andshould be treated in early spring.


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