The Benefits of Late-Season Fertilization · The Benefits of Late-Season Fertilization — ... The Ohio State University Columbus, OH | ... Final touches area being put on our best

The OhiO Turfgrass fOundaTiOn Magazine | sepTeMber/OcTOber 2012 | Vol. 74, No. 5

The Benefits of Late-Season Fertilization...An Essential BMP for Ensuring Plant/Turfgrass Health in 2013

Fall Is the Perfect Time for

Sports-Turf Renovation

3The Ohio Turfgra s s Foundat ion Magazine • Turf neWs

The OhiO Turfgrass fOundaTiOn Magazine | sepTeMber/OcTOber 2012 | Vol. 74, No. 5Contents

feaTures

08 COVERSTORY TheBenefitsofLate-SeasonFertilization—

AnEssentialBMPforEnsuringPlant/TurfgrassHealthin2013

12 SPORTSTURFTIPS FallIsthePerfectTime

forSports-TurfRenovation

deparTMenTs

04 President’sMessage06 Director’sNotes06 NewsfromOTF

15 CalendarofEvents15 OSUTurfScienceTeam15 IndexofAdvertisers

4 Turf neWs • September /October 2012

frOM The presidenT

The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation263 Regency Ridge Dr. | Dayton, OH 45459

Voice/Text: (614) 285-4683Fax: (866) 301-2974

[email protected] | www.OhioTurfgrass.org

Turf News distributes useful and timely advice, information and research from Ohio’s most knowl-edgeable experts and professionals to OTF mem-bers and those in the turfgrass industry.

PublisherLeading Edge Communications, LLC206 Bridge St. | Franklin, TN 37064Phone: (615) 790-3718 | Fax: (615) [email protected]

OTF OfficersPresidentKim KelloggGrasshopper Prop. Maint.Millersburg, OH

Vice PresidentMike DietrichJohn Deere LandscapesHuron, OH

TreasurerDon LawrenceBlanchard Valley Turf

& OrnamentalFindlay, OH

Past PresidentDoug GallantThe Cincinnati RedsCincinnati, OH

TrusteesJim DillardThe Hill Company /

Professional Growth ProductsGahanna, OH

Kyle FrederickRattlesnake Ridge G.C.Sunbury, OH

Tim GloriosoToledo Country ClubToledo, OH

Ryan GregoireAgricultural Design, Inc.Westfield Center, OH

Jason StrakaFry Straka Global Golf Course DesignColumbus, OH

Randy TischerGreen Velvet Sod FarmsBellbrook, OH

Gina ZirkleScotts Miracle-GroMarysville, OH

Director of EducationJohn Street, Ph.D.The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH | (614) [email protected]

Executive DirectorSteve JurickVoice/Text: (937) [email protected]

Associate DirectorBrian Laurent(614) [email protected]

Kim Kellogg2012 OTF President

SoLd!the time you read this, the 2012 OTF Bucks For Turf online auction will have been completed. Over 60 items from all over the country were donated to help raise money to continue the mission of OTF.

It was amazing to see both the variety of items donated and the overwhelming response from bidders! A pat on the back goes to

Brian Laurent, associate director of your OTF, for his superb coordination of this project and to executive director Steve Jurick for his vision. Also, special thanks goes to each of you who participated in such meaningful ways by donating and/or bidding on items. What an awesome success was achieved in just the first year!

Have I mentioned what an exciting time it’s been — and will continue to be — at OTF? We had a great Field Day at the Research Center in Columbus. Feverish work continues on this December’s OTF Conference and Show. It will be bigger, better and more comprehensive than ever. World-class education is always a highlight, and this year will be no exception. Our team is bringing in the best from across the country to help you be more successful.

Final touches area being put on our best practices manual, called B.E.S.T.(BuckeyesforEnvironmentallySustainableTurfgrass). This comprehensive document was devel-oped by graduate student Andrew Muntz, under the direction of OSU professor Dr. Dave Gardner. Many thanks to them for the many, many hours invested, and thanks also to the other professionals who contributed to the final draft. B.E.S.T. willgive turf professionals not only a powerful tool to manage their properties, but also “street cred” in their marketing, because B.E.S.T. carries the endorsement of The OhioState University.

It is no secret that OSU continues to trim its budget, and reduced state and federal funding cuts are inevitable. Your OTF executive board and management team have had several productive meetings with key people at the University, as we work together to preserve the jobs of some of the folks who provide valuable support for our industry.

It is a busy time, to be sure. Keep up to date by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and our website at OhioTurfgrass.org. Blessings to each of you as we move into the fall.

KimKellogg2012 OTF President

By


TurfNews is the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation mag-

azine. Subscriptions are complimentary to OTF

members. The statements and opinions expressed

herein are those of the individual authors and do

not necessarily represent the views of the associ-

ation, its staff, its board of directors, TurfNews,

or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of adver-

tisers, or their identification as OTF members,

does not constitute an endorsement of the products

or services featured in any issue of TurfNews.

Copyright ©2012 by the Ohio Turfgrass Founda-

tion. TurfNews is published bimonthly. Subscrip-

tions are complimentary to members of OTF.

Presorted standard postage is paid at Nashville, TN.

Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions:

OTF allows reprinting of material published here.

Permission requests should be directed to OTF.

We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance

manuscripts and photographs. Contact the man-

aging editor for contribution information. Adver-

tising: For display and classified advertising rates

and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Com-

munications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin,

TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.


direcTOr’s nOTes neWs frOM OTf

The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation and Key- note Address presenting sponsor, Syngenta, are proud to announce that Chris Spielman will be the Keynote speaker at the 2012 OTF Conference and Show. Spielman will discuss “Living with a Passion.”

A former Ohio State Buckeye and two- time All-American linebacker, Spielman spent 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) and was a Pro-Bowl selection four times. Currently, he is a college football analyst for ESPN, radio personality on 97.1 The Fan in Columbus and a warrior in the fight against cancer.

The Keynote Address will take place on Wednesday, December 5, on the tradeshow floor main stage at 1:45 p.m. Join us at the Greater Columbus Convention Center (Columbus, OH) for this sure-to-be- inspiring presentation! m

Keynote Speaker Announcedfor the

ohio TuRFgRASSConFeRenCe And Show December 4–6

matter what title we hold when we punch in at our place of employ- ment, we all hold the titles of marketing manager, brand ambassador, CEO and COO. How is that? Because we all run a company, and that company is ourself.

With the OTF Conference and Show just a few short months away, there is no better time to be reminded that we are solely responsible for managing our own personal brand. Nike, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Apple, the NFL… you know their names, you can picture their logos, and you will typically have an opinion of their product(s). If you have not thought of yourself as a brand like these companies, maybe you should.

The phrase “it’s a small world” is especially true in the turfgrass industry. Your industry peers typically know who is where, what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. What does this mean? It means that whether you know it or not, you already have a brand, and people have opinions of your brand just like they do of the companies listed above.

So, what is your brand perception? Are you thought of as imaginative and an inno- vator like Apple? Maybe people see you like Google, a source of information and con- nectivity. Or are you the Ford Pinto, dangerous and volatile? Identify your personal mission statement and your values, and then think about what you want your brand to be.

The upcoming OTF Conference and Show is a great place to build your brand. Sales reps, want to be engaging like Facebook? Get rid of your chair, stand up, and greet people as they are walking the floor. Turf managers, want to be dependable like Maytag? Show up on time, and follow through on promises. Don’t forget, your identity goes beyond your performance 9–5 (or 5 a.m. – 8 p.m. for most of us!). Take a look at your social-media posts… are you talking about that wild party last weekend, or did you post that funny picture of yourself doing that crazy thing?

Your brand could be the difference in getting the interview you’ve been hoping for or having that potential customer you’ve been trying to see schedule an appointment. Build your brand… “Just do it!”

SteveJurickOTF Executive Director

Steve JurickOTF Executive Director

No

ARe You MAnAging YouR PeRSonAL BRAnd?


cOver sTOry

ate-season nitrogen fertilization, sometimes referred to as fall fertilization, has been practiced by turfgrass professionals for some time, but the wisdom of this technique continually needs to be reviewed, particularly this fall due to the brutal summer

weather and recuperation/recovery needed on many turf areas.A fall fertility program involves the application of much of the

season’s nitrogen during the late-season months of September through December. It is important that late-season fertilization not be confused with dormant and/or winter fertilization. The latter method implies that fertilizer applications are made after the turf has lost most or all of its green color and is not actively growing. This differs notably from the “late-season concept,” which requires that nitrogen be applied before the turf loses its green color in the late fall.

The effects of late-season nitrogen applications on creeping bentgrass were documented in research conducted in Virginia during the late 1960s and early 1970s. In those studies, it was clearly shown that the quality and root production of creeping bentgrass grown in the transition zone could be enhanced by using late-season nitrogen applications and avoiding early aggressive spring nitrogen fertilization.

Late-season fertilization has become popular because many of the agronomic and aesthetic advantages attributed to its use supposedly are not realized when mostly spring and/or summer fertilization are practiced. Advantages of late-season fertilization include better fall and winter color, earlier spring greenup and enhanced storage of energy reserves (carbohydrates) within the turf plant (a big plant-health benefit).

Turfgrass qualityTurf fertilized in September and again during late October/early November, November or December (northern, central and southern Ohio, respectively) is generally shown to possess better fall and winter

color than turf that was not fertilized at that time. In addition, signs of spring green-up have been shown to occur twotosixweeksearlierin fall-fertilized turf. Most importantly, the enhanced rate of spring greening is realized without stimulating excessive shoot growth that accompanies the early spring nitrogen applications called for in most turf-fertility programs. The longer greening into late fall and, especially, the earlier greenup in the spring are physiological beneficial to plant health.

Early spring greenup for all cool-season turf is not easy to initiate from traditional spring-fertilized turf that is attempting to green up from winter dormancy. Turf fertilized only during spring and summer is decidedly inferior to that of turfgrass that is fertilized the previous fall. Spring greenup is often slow as well, with acceptable color being attained only after nitrogen is applied in March or April. Although turf color then becomes equal to that of turf that received fall nitrogen applications, the excessive shoot growth that sometimes accompanies spring fertilization is undesirable.

Ohio State University research found that the spring color of late- season-fertilized turf remained quite good until late May or early June, when the effects of nitrogen applied the previous fall began to “wear off.” For LCOs and sports turf managers, a 0.75 to 1.0 lb. follow-up application of nitrogen is usually recommended at this time to maintain an acceptable level of turf quality throughout summer. For superin- tendents, this is the ideal time to initiate spoon/liquid feeding where a late-season program is in place.

nitrogen fertilizer sourcesIt is important to remember that the nitrogen sources for late-fall applications be relatively independent of microbial activity, to ensure adequate nitrogen release due to colder air and soil temperatures. This

L

An Essential BMP for Ensuring Plant/Turfgrass Health in 2013

The Benefits of Late-Season Fertilization —by John r. street, ph.d., pamela J. sherratt and Karl T. danneberger, ph.d., The Ohio State University, OSU Extension and OARDC


means that urea, sulfur-coated urea (SCU), IBDU, ammonium sulfate and the more highly active methylene ureas are the most efficient nitrogen sources for late-season applications. Although SCU and IBDU are referred to as controlled-release fertilizers, the rate at which nitrogen is released from these fertilizers is mainly dependent upon soil moisture level and not on degree of the microbial activity.

Microbially, temperature-dependent nitrogen sources (e.g., UF- types, polymer-coated ureas and natural organics) for late-season nitrogen applications may not elicit the desired fall/winter color response because they do not provide enough available nitrogen for plant uptake when soil temperatures are low. However, these latter slow-release nitrogen sources are ideal for spring and summer use.

carbohydrate relations (key to plant health)In early spring, the carbohydrate content of turfgrass plants fertilized the previous fall is often higher than that of those plants that did not receive late-season nitrogen. The ability to store carbohydrates (energy) at this time is a result of the earlier greening stimulated through the use of late-season nitrogen fertilization. Photosynthesis occurs in the slowly growing turf plant at this time, thus allowing it to accumulate carbohydrates. In fact, green turfgrass tissue will continue to photosyn- thesize at air temperatures close to freezing (but at a much slower rate). So, greeningwithoutgrowingisakeyculturalandmanagementstrategytoimproveoverallplanthealth.

As root and shoot activity and plant respiration rates increase during late winter and early spring, plant carbohydrate content generally decreases. When the turf receives an early season (February– April) nitrogen application, this decline may be quite significant because carbohydrates are needed to support the increased shoot growth.

The more slowly growing, late-season-fertilized turfgrass plants, on the other hand, may develop a larger carbohydrate pool during the spring period. Higher levels of carbohydrates are desirable at this time of the year since they can enhance the turf’s stress tolerance and/or the increased ability to recover from pests, traffic or stress-induced damage. This is key in summer stress resistance.

root growthPrevious research at Ohio State University has shown that root growth of cool-season turfgrass species does indeed occur during the fall, after shoot growth has slowed or ceased. This situation develops because roots grow quite well when soil temperatures are between 40ºF to 65ºF, while shoot growth is favored at air temperatures in the 60ºF to 75ºF range. In fact, some root growth will occur as long as the soil remains unfrozen, based on OSU research conducted in the 1980s.

In the Virginia study conduced on creeping bentgrass, however, no significant stimulation of winter root production by late-season nitrogen applications was observed. In fact, heavy and/or frequent nitrogen applications during the winter months (December and February) appeared to reduce the amount of roots produced during the winter. Research at Ohio State has similarly revealed no noticeable stimulation of fall or winter root growth in response to late-season nitrogen applications.

Instead, the true advantage that late-season fertilization provides to turfgrass root growth is realized during the following spring. It has been shown that the root growth of turf fertilized in late winter/early spring declines soon after the nitrogen application. Conversely, turf fertilized using the late-season concept becomes green early and rapidly, without the need for an early spring nitrogen application, and root growth continues at a maximum rate. It appears that the


cOver sTOry • Continued

excessive shoot growth encouraged by early spring nitrogen applications utilizes carbohydrates that may otherwise be used for growing roots.

disease and winter injuryIt has been claimed that late-season fertilization reduces turfgrass cold hardiness and

may increase the risk of winter damage by snow mold diseases. In addition to research studies conducted elsewhere, observations over two winters at Ohio State University detected no damage caused by either disease or cold injury. However, both types of injury potentially can occur when high nitrogen rates are used and/or applications are not

timed properly, resulting in excessive growth going into the late fall or winter.

Why timing is importantFor the late-season fertilization concept to work successfully, itisessentialthattheturfbegreenwhenthelate-seasonnitrogenapplicationismade. In central Ohio, thismeans that 0.75 to 1.0 lb. of nitrogen be applied per 1,000 sq. ft. in September in a single or in equivalent multiple-feed applications (spoon feeding) to enhance fall recovery and sustain greening for the late-season fertilization. This will ensure that the turf remains green late into the fall when the actual late- season fertilizer application is made. The late- season nitrogen application should be applied with top-growth stoppage (but the turf still green) using a nitrogen source that is not highly dependent on soil temperature for nitrogen release (such as urea, ammonium sulfate, urea/PCSCU, urea/IBDU, highly- active MU, etc.).

It is also important, however, that excessive shoot growth not be encouraged by over- application of nitrogen during September. The production of lush, succulent growth may then decrease cold tolerance and increase the incidence of the snow mold diseases during winter and following spring. For the same reasons, the late-season application should be delayed if extended periods of unusually warm weather (average daily temperatures greater than 55ºF to 60ºF) are being experi- enced, or are forecast.

The general timing recommendation is late October/early November in northern Ohio, November in central Ohio and late November/December in southern Ohio.

summaryLate-season fertilization lengthens the turf’s green period in fall/winter and enhances the rate of spring greenup without stimulating excessive shoot growth, thus allowing the turf plant to maintain higher levels of carbohydrates than when spring/summer fertilization is used. This provides both aesthetic and physiological benefits to the plant and turf manager. Nitrogen applied during early spring increases shoot growth rates and decreases the levels of available carbohydrates in the plant, resulting in depressed root growth rates. Better carbohydrate storage in the plant and increased root growth ultimately result in a healthier,morestress-tolerantturfgrassplant duringstress periods. No winter damage or snow mold injury occurred as a result of late-season nitrogen applications in OSU research. m


spOrTs Turf Tips

ow is an ideal time to carry out turf renovation projects! Soils are warm and friable, and timely rains aid seed germination.

In addition to fall’s hospitable soil and weather conditions, weeds such as crabgrass and prostrate knotweed will soon die out, and winter annuals like chickweed are not at their prime flush of emergence. On the other hand, annual bluegrass (Poaannua) is a winter annualthat germinates when soil temperatures dip below 70°F, and this could cause some com- petition issues on compacted fields that have a history of Poa problems.

Many fields still have some ground cover but need to be overseeded with desirable grass seed. For new renovations where bare soil is involved, the key is to make sure surface grades are correct before any seeding or sodding takes place. Surface grades and sur-

face smoothness/ evenness are far harder to deal with after the fact. This is especially important on baseball infields.

soil improvementSoil cultivation can also take place at this time, not just with mechanical aeration equipment but also by adding organic materials like compost to increase organic matter (OM) content and relieve compaction. A soil-testing lab can determine your soil’s existing OM content percent and make suggestions on how much needs to be added (local compost facil- ities can be found at Findacomposter.com).

If poor drainage is the main issue, medium- coarse, uniform sand can also be incorporated to improve infiltration rates. To gain the most benefit from sand, it should constitute at least 75% of the soil by weight. This would put the texture of the soil into the

loamy sand and sand categories. However, even the sandy loam soils, which are con- sidered to have adequate drainage capabil- ities, can contain as much as 40% silt and clay. This could create compaction and drainage issues down the line.

For some reason, increasing sand content and using sand as a topdressing material is a practice that is not done as often as it should be. Topdressing helps improve field drainage, smooth out holes and undulations, protect new seeds and dilute thatch. Research has shown that mechanical aeration alone does not improve soil conditions and that it is only when topdressing is added that field conditions can truly be corrected.

Weed controlExisting, dense weed cover can be killed by a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate prior

Fall Is the PerFect tIme For

N

by pamela sherratt, The Ohio State University, OSU Extension and OARDC


day, if possible). Mowing is the most simple — and yet the most important practice — for turfgrass establishment, density and health. After 2 to 3 mowings, gradually bring the mowing height down to 1" to 2.5" (depend- ing on field use and management level), and continue to mow as much as possible for the next 6 to 8 weeks, or until the first frost.

While there is no way to predict long- range weather, there should be at least another

6 to 8 weeks of decent growing weather from this point forward. This allows enough time to do renovation and get several mowings done before the turf goes dormant for winter. The last important task of the growing year will be the late-season fertilizer application, made around Thanksgiving (see the cover story in this issue of OhioTurfNews for thebenefits of late-season fertilization). m

to the seeding or sodding process. Weeds like crabgrass that will die at the end of October may still cause problems during the renovation if they are too thick, so killing them prior to renovation will help.

Weed prevention on new renovations can be accomplished with a herbicide like Tenacity (mesotrione) that will not affect seed germination and will give protection as both a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide. Siduron (tupersan) is a pre-emergent herbicide that is also safe on new seedings. Read the label for a list of target weeds (for example, Tenacity is not labeled for prostrate knotweed).

It would also be helpful to have a pre- emergent herbicide ready for late winter (end of Feb-early March 2012) to prevent weeds that emerge first, namely prostrate knotweed and annual bluegrass.

seed and fertilizerAfter soil amendment and weed control, the next task is seed and fertilizer application. The golden rule of successful seeding is keep- ing the seed moist until it germinates (that’s 3 to 5 days for ryegrass, 7 days for tall fescue and up to 10 to 20 days for Kentucky bluegrass). It is very important that the seed be in direct contact with the soil seedbed through slit-seeding or by de-thatching prior to broad- cast seeding.

At the same time that seed is applied, a starter fertilizer containing phosphorus should also be applied. Even on soils that have shown sufficient phosphorus levels (from a soil test), having phosphorus on the soil surface with the seed is extremely helpful for seed establishment and seedling growth.

After the seed and fertilizer have been applied, it all needs to be lightly raked or dragged in and ideally covered with topdressing, a growth blanket or straw. The cover acts as a protector from heavy rains and soil erosion, cold weather and the drying effects of the sun and wind. Many years ago, I heard Dr. Dave Minner from Iowa describe this process as “putting the field to bed,” and that describes the process perfectly!

Post-seeding practices include applying supplemental water if rainfall is inadequate. The seed should be syringed until green cover is seen. Once the seedlings are actively growing, the watering schedule can be taken back to a maintenance regime of 1" water per week.

As soon as seedlings are 3" tall, the turf should be mowed with a rotary mower as often as manpower and budget allows (every



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index Of adverTisers

calendar Of evenTs

september 24Scholarship Golf OutingOSUGolfCourse—ScarletColumbus, OH

december 4–6Ohio TurfgrassConference and Show GreaterColumbusConventionCenterColumbus, OH

AMVAC Environmental Products ..................13www.amvac-chemical.comCourse & Club Golf Outfitters .........................5www.courseandclubgolf.comGreen Velvet Sod Farms Ltd. ..........................10www.greenvelvet.comMedina Sod Farms, Inc. ....................................5www.medinasodfarms.comProPump & Controls, Inc. ...............................5propumpservice.comQuest Products Corp ......................................11www.questproducts.us

The Pond Lady ...............................................13www.thepondlady.comTitanFescue.com .................... Inside Back Coverwww.smithseed.comTrebro Manufacturing, Inc. ..............................7www.trebro.comWalker Supply, Inc. ..........................Back Coverwww.walkersupplyinc.comWeed Man ........................... Inside Front Cover

The Benefits of Late-Season Fertilization · The Benefits of Late-Season Fertilization — ... The Ohio State University Columbus, OH | ... Final touches area being put on our best

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