chips ¥ puns OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in P O C O N O T U R F G R A S S A S S O C IA T IO N 1936 TURFGRASS JUNE 2000 ASSOCIATION VOL. 6, NO.4 Organic Turf Management: Direct Route or Detour to Sustainability? By:Frank S. Rossi, Cornell University Turfgrass Team From: Cornell University Turfgrass Times Volume: Ten, Number: Four A recent court ruling in Suffolk County, NY The modern American golf course has could have substantial implications for golf evolved in both spirit and substance to become development in the US. The State Supreme a judiciously managed landscape in an increas­ Court in Riverhead, NY ruled that ingly urbanized society. Player demand the feasibility (financial practicality) has been met with advances in of an “organic, pesticide-free” golf “Can we manage a golf te ch n o lo g y fro m b io logical and course must be explored before chemical to mechanical, capable of further development can proceed. course with only being deployed to provide a unique This includes issues such as the use fertilizers derived from recreational experience. Still, while of composted organic waste as a natural organic sources much has changed about the golf soil amendment, exclusively using and without the use of course in the last 500 years, the organic fertilizers and no chemical constant is that the plants still need to pesticides. synthetic pesticides?” be fertilized, however now the turf On the one hand, there are must provide so much more than the aspects of this decision that run grasses of the linksland. counter to scientific principles, including Our Daily Nitrogen practical water quality concerns relative to Turfgrass fertilization has not been immune phosphorus loading and runoff. On the other to the evolution of “golfer expectations.” Organic hand, society has decided, as it often does with fertilization persisted as a primary means of scientific illiteracy at an all-tim e high, to push feeding turf through the 1950’s. The advent of the envelope and explore the possibilities. So, synthetically processed fertilizer that relied on this could be a good thing in spite of the energy to “trap" nitrogen became a common motivation. means of supplying nutrients in a more Beyond this development issue, lies the “controlled” fashion. The golf course super now broader question: Can we manage a golf had the ability to more precisely manage course with only fertilizers derived from natural turfgrass growth. organic sources and without the use of The synthetic slow-release fertilizers of synthetic pesticides? As my good friend Jim today are technological marvels in that they Moore, the Director of Construction Education provide all the benefits of controlled nutrient Programs at the USGA, always tells me: It release that is sim ilar to, but more complete depends! (Continued on page 3) Evolution of Expectations The unaltered linksland of coastal Scotland I'h’ xM A d' provided a golfing habitat as early as 1414. The native sandy soils afforded exceptional drainage and an occasional hazard. The • Made in the Shade primary means of fertilization was organic • Effects o f Primo waste from an animal or composted leaf mould. The vegetation was already adapted to the • Results o f Woodloch harsh conditions of the land, so that regular care for the purpose of turfgrass survival was not required. President’s Message. OFFICERS & Unfortunately I was not able to attend the June meeting at Woodloch DIRECTORS Springs, but as usual, our host, Mark Eisele, provided an excellent golf course and superb hospitality. Thank you, Mark and your staff, along with all W oodloch employees for a great day. TURFGRASS 2000 ASSOCIATION The weather has been cooperating quite nicely for us this year. Isn’t it ironic, The Susquehanna River Basin Commission informs us of the new water use charges, and now we are getting plenty of rainfall. W ith this abundant rain, PRESIDENT w ill this mean the price per M/gallons will go up due to low water usage? We Ron Garrison, CGCS are scheduled to discuss the SRBC at the July meeting at Stonehedge with a roundtable discussion. I know of a few members who have been doing a lot Fox Hill Country Club of leg work with the SRBC deadline coming, so please try to attend! VICE PRESIDENT A few things to think of: Clambake 2000 at Pocono Farms (August 14) and Gene Huelster Board of Directors elections at the annual meeting (October Meeting). Pocono Farms Country Club Consider getting to both meetings. SECRETARY/TREASURER Keep the good weather coming... Tony Grieco, CGCS Silver Creek Country Club See you all at the meetings! DIRECTORS Ron Garrison, CGCS Jason J. Barndt Berwick Golf Club Darrin M. Batisky Glen Oak Country Club Jim MacLaren Turf Partners, Inc. Mark Eisele Country Club at Woodloch Springs John Downer From the Editor’s Desk. Elkview Country Club Gary Phillips Racqueteers Sports Complex Nothing from the Editor this month... CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF EDITOR GONE GOLFING! Darrin Batisky Managing Editor, Melinda Wisnosky R.R. 1, Box 219 Harding, PA 19643 570-388-2889 Fax: 570-388-2167 EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Jim MacLaren Tony Grieco, CGCS PA# l (Continued from page 1) natural organics. They can be designed to release over a 4 to 16 week period, independent microorganism activity. Comparatively, small amounts of liquid fertilizer applied on NOVARTIS 6 a frequent basis (spoon-feeding) to putting greens enables superintendents to more precisely manage growth, J o h n D . F o w le r N o v a r tis C ro p P r o t e c t io n , I n c efficiently utilize resources and provide consistent playing Turf and Ornamental 325 Mill Pond Lane quality. The concept of spoon feeding has a parallel in Sr. Marketing Specialist Oxford. PA 19363 www.cp.novartis.com human nutrition. Instead of eating one big meal each day, Tel 610 998 2896 Fax 800 334 9481 Ext. 5899 we eat smaller meals to make nutrients available to our Fax 610 998 2897 john.fowler@cp.novartis.com body as we need them. Continuing with this thought, exclusively organic fertilization might parallel vegetarianism. As a form er vegetarian, I remember how much more I thought about my nutrition and occasionally had to supplement my diet with vitam ins or other minerals. It took many months to learn what my body required and I had to eat very deliberately. As tim e passed, I realized I could still eat healthy, adding meat products to my diet in moderation. Herein lies the challenge: the best fertility management program on golf courses likely utilizes both organic and synthetic sources of nutrients. So you want to upgrade existing sprinklers but don't want to dig up Do the Plants or the Microorganism Care? your old T O R O * or Rain Bird- Turfgrass plants derive nutrition from a pool of sprinkler bodies.., resources in the soil. W hile we debate organic vs. offers synthetic nutrition, the plant simply absorbs the nutrients it the solution. needs for growth regardless of the source in which they are supplied. An exclusively organic program presents challenges in providing a balanced nutritional program. In addition, in northern clim ates where soils are cool for longer periods, microorganism activity that breaks down the organic sources to release the nutrients are not active. Subsequently, nutrients, and in particular nitrogen may not be available to the plant. Therefore, in the shoulders the season (spring and fall) when soils are cool, plants not supplemented with synthetic fertilizer will be weak and less able to withstand traffic or other stress. Invariably, people who claim that exclusively organic approaches are beneficial to the soil microorganisms, imply that synthetic materials “sterilize” the soil. In fact, ' * y y i. « • Conversion Kits designed to upgrade existing t * * there is a significant amount of evidence that suggests the | T O R O * or Rain Bird* sprinklers while still measurable microorganism population in the soil is I providing the superior performance you would ex ect from unaffected or enhanced by synthetic fertilizers and pesticides (both are good carbon and nutrient sources). In addition, except in the most troubled soils, there is lim ited BEMK 1 ./ .g.A.. impact of synthetic materials on the physical properties of the soil. S till, there are many benefits to using natural organic fertilizer sources. Clearly the addition of organic matter in these fertilizers benefits many soils both physically by PHILADELPHIA TURF COMPANY enhancing soil structure and chemically by introducing a 4049 LANDISVILLE ROAD, BOX 865 DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901-0865 complex pool of nutrients that can become available to the OFFICE 215-345-7200 FAX 215-345-6132 plant over time. In addition, studies at Cornel! University have demonstrated that some composted materials pro­ MATTHEW W. BROWN GEORGE J. SKAWSKI, JR. Commercial Products Irrigation Products vide disease suppression. This suppression can be short Voice Mail Voice Mail 215-340-5401 215-340-5450 (Continued on page 6) TORO, pAftlf Made in the Shade: Using PGR’s on Shaded Turf Estimates are that approximately 25% of all turfgrass areas are managed under some type of shaded conditions. When a turf ¡CENTURf R ain id A I is shaded by vegetation, such as a tree canopy, not only is the Featuring amount of light reduced, but rather the quality of light is reduced. For example, because tree leaves are green, they remove almost Hanter' G O L F all the light that is useful for photosynthesis. The remaining light Rotors »Valves • Central Control Systems that penetrates the turf canopy is significantly altered and triggers 800 - 347-4272 certain plant hormones that result in a unique growth response. Researchers at Michigan State University have been investi­ gating growing turf under low light, but not under a tree canopy. Drs. John Stier (now at the University of Wisconsin, Madison) and John (Trey) Rogers have beer: working on growing grass in indoor stadium, sim ilar to their project for the 1994 W orld Cup. Under Earthworks N atural Organic P r o d u c ts these conditions, the challenge is not only reduced light, but also Joel Simmons intense traffic from sports such as soccer. P.O. Box 278K www.soilfirst.com A covered stadium sim ulator facility (CSSF) was constructed 6574 S. Delaware Drive Fax: 610-250-7840 Martins Creek, PA 18063 Phone: 610-250-9560 to determine if the plant growth regulator (PGR), Cutless 8 0 0 -7 3 2 'T U R F (flurprim idol), applied to a Kentucky bluegrass stand and known to influence specific plant hormones, could enhance turf quality. Cut­ less was applied above, at and below the labeled rates after plac­ ing the turf into the CSSF and again at 6 weeks. Fertilizer applica­ tions were made to supply 4 lb. of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per season. Simulated traffic was applied to determine traffic toler­ ance and general turf quality assessments were made to evaluate the length of tim e the turf provided acceptable quality under low light. Surprisingly, results indicated that the below label rate af­ forded high quality turf without traffic up to 70 days. When supple­ mental lighting was supplied with Cutless treatment, the turf pro­ vided acceptable quality for too days. Additional rooting and tille r data suggest that the PGR is able to alter the hormonal response and improve the elasticity of the shoots to allow for improved clip­ ping quality. Therefore it appears that the average shady turf, with lim ited traffic, could benefit from light rate applications of a PGR to improve quality, however, research is continuing into the rela­ tionship between PGR’s and fertilization. (From. Stier, J. C., J.N.Rogers, J.R. Crum, and Rieke. 1999. Flurprimidol eJJ~cts on Kentucky bluegrass under reduced irradiance. Crop Science 39:1423-1430.) Nothing Runs Like A Deere WILLIAM SABLICH (215)661-0390 FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT, INC. (800) 875-TURF 404 Elm Avanu« FAX: (215) 661 -9161 North WalM, PA 19454 www.finchinc.com The Effects of Primo on Penncross Creeping Bentgrass Root Growth By: Fred Yelverton (From: TURFAX; volume 8, number 1) The effects of any cultural practice or application of any the mode-of-action of Primo®. It is well documented that product to a bentgrass putting surface is of concern to golf Primo® is a foliar absorbed product that suppresses gib- course superintendents. O f particular concern are the effects berellin biosynthesis in plants. Gibberellins have several of any practice on bentgrass root growth. Of course, it is much effects in green plants, such as cell and stem elongation. more difficult for turfgrass managers to assess the effects of Therefore, by suppressing gibberellin bio-sythesis in various chemical and cultural practices on root growth. In an plants, Primo® and other plant growth regulators that effort to view root growth, most turf managers use a cup cutter have sim ilar modes-of-action (paclobutrazol or TGR Turf or profile indicator, and take a slice to view the roots. W hile Enhancer® and flurprim idol or Cutless®) result in a this can be helpful, it is not a good indicator of root biomass shorter, more compact plant. This is the reason why the (root weight) but rather, is an indication of rooting depth. Root mowing requirement can be reduced with turf plant biomass may or may not correlate to rooting depth. Total root growth regulators that suppress gibberellin biosynthesis. biomass is a better indication of root growth than root depth. Research has shown these products to be effective in re­ Measuring root biomass under field conditions is also very ducing the mowing requirement of various turf species. difficult for turfgrass scientists. The procedure generally ac­ Previous studies have also shown that a vast major­ cepted by turfgrass scientists is to take m ultiple cores, wash ity of Primo® remains in above-ground plant parts. away as much soil as possible, dry the resulting root sample, Therefore, the argument goes that Primo® only slows obtain a weight, ash the sample at a very high temperature above-ground shoot growth and therefore photosynthates (usually around 900°F), which removes all the root biomass, are redirected down into root systems, thereby increasing and then re-weighing the resulting material. Root weights are root growth. Does this really happen? then determined from the difference in weight from pre-ashing A hydroponics study was initiated at North Carolina and post-ashing. Such measurements are very labor intensive State University to evaluate the effects of Primo® on root and are expensive. In addition, very small differences in root growth of “Penncross” creeping bentgrass. Because it is a weights can be difficult to detect. Also, quantifying root weights soil-less medium, root biomass can be easily quantified in sand culture is more accurate than in finer-textured soils be­ with a high level of accuracy and precision. Seven root- cause it is easier to remove roots from sand-based soils than zone temperatures were utilized to determine if Primo® silt or clay soils. had a different effect when the root-zone temperature The effects of trinexapac-ethyl (Primo®) and other plant was altered. Root-zone temperatures were 57, 64, 72, 79, growth regulators on bentgrass root growth is a much-debated 86, 93, and 100°F (14,18, 22, 26, 30, 34, and 38° C). topic among turfgrass managers and turfgrass scientists. And Bentgrass plants were treated with Primo®, then exposed of course, any positive or negative effects on root growth af­ to the various root-zone temperatures, and allowed to fect the stress tolerance of bentgrass and other turf species. In grow for 2 weeks prior to harvest. The results of the ef­ fact, the manufacturer of Primo®, Novartis, contends their fects of Primo® on bentgrass root growth are shown in product will “condition” the plant to stress if applied prior to the Figure 1. stressful conditions. “Pre-stress conditioning” is the term most Primo® had a significant positive effect on bentgrass often used by the manufacturer. W hat is the basis on which root growth at 5 of the 7 temperatures. Only at the 2 ex­ they make these claims? treme temperatures (57 and 100°F) did Primo® fail to in- Before this can be addressed, it is important to understand (Continued on page 6) Lee A. Kozsey Senior Territory Sales Lead A EGYPT Dean Snyder President Premium sod fo r golf courses Zeneca Professional Products 3710 Amherst Court FARMS EGYPT FARMS, INC. Chip Presendofer A T Sales A ssociates, Ltd. Bethlehem, PA 18020-1356 P O Box 223 White Marsh, Maryland 21162 1011 Church Road Telephone (610) 861-8174 Mobile (610) 730-9185 Oreland, PA 19075 Fax (610)882-9358 Phone: 800-899-764 5 E-mail lee ko*sey<3AGNA Zeneca com Local: 410-335-3700 Tel 215-886-6011 Voice Mail (888) 875-9990, X0163 Pager: 800-705-0430 Fax 215-886-1203 ZENECA A business unit of ZENECA Inc. Fax: 410-335-0164 Pager 800-983-3430 (Continued from page 3) term in a sim ilar fashion to a fungicide, or longer term, by enhancing populations of microorganisms that antagonize and suppress turf diseases for many years. This type of work is encouraging and holds much promise, however, the study of microorganisms (the linchpin of the organic approach), is in its infancy and highly site specific. T rade-Offs I have found that there are very few aspects of life in a modern society without trade-offs. When we want something, 57 64 72 79 86 93 100 it seems that there is always something else that raises Root-Zone Temperature (Degrees F)_____ concern. Organic fertilization is more costly on a per unit nitrogen basis (5 to 10 tim es that of synthetic fertilizers). The Figure 1. Penncross bentgrass fresh root weights at various root-zone temperatures with and without Primo. amount of phosphorus applied can be 10 to 20 tim es that supplied with a commercially available synthetic source. This phosphorus, not only may not be needed for turf growth, (Continued from page 5) continuous application may saturate the system resulting in crease root growth. However, while root growth was en­ an increased risk of off-site movement that can compromise hanced, the resulting increase was very small. The in­ surface water quality. Synthetic fertilizers with a higher proportion of readily- crease in root growth was no more than 10% at any tem­ available nitrogen are more likely to leach through coarse perature. Therefore, the increase was so small one could textured soils then slow release sources. There is argue that it has no biological significance and may not considerable amounts of energy (fossil fuels) that go into mean anything under field conditions. However, the re­ producing synthetic fertilizers and move the industry further sults of this study clearly indicate that root growth was from sustainability. Of course, while this discussion has increased, albeit very small. Therefore, the debate con­ focused on fertilization, the use of synthetic chemical tinues. pesticides has well documented concerns regarding human Also note that when temperatures exceeded 79°F, and w ildlife exposure as well as water quality issues. Therefore, the answer to the initial question: Can we bentgrass root growth slowed. At 93 and 100°F (34 and manage a golf course with only fertilizers derived from 38°C), bentgrass roots were severely injured and root natural organic sources and without the use of synthetic death was obvious. pesticides? Yes, but not without trade-offs. Clearly, the more reasonable our expectations and the more rigorous and precise we are in the integration of all available resources, Jim MacLaren - Sales Rep. the more we maximize the benefits of each product and w= 570-443-7154-O ffice minimize any drawback. 570-443-7015- F a x 570-650-4982 - Mobile Parting Shot Throughout my career, I have been actively involved Fran Berdine - Sales Rep. with environmental advocacy groups. This has included 914-361-4105 - Office & Fax 201-424-7900- Mobile coauthoring a grant to the Great Lakes Protection Fund to work towards elimination of pesticide use on lawns in the (Continued on page 7) * Layout and Design * Typesetting * Mac/IBM desktop publishing It’s every player’s responsibility... interface 9 Laser color separations ■ Repair ball marks 9 Scitex® electronic photo retouching 9 Full electronic prepress services ■ Replace or fill divots 31 Hill Street, P.0. Box 507 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 9 Foil stamping, embossing ■ Rake bunkers 570-822-8181 A message from your golf course superintendent and GCSAA 9 Complete bindery including FAX: 570-823-3579 saddlestitch and perfect binding ft* 7 Winners of the June Meeting: N o r t h e r n N u r s e r ie s , i n c CC at Woodloch Springs (Captain & Crew) Pnf&SlCml TurfProducts Dnmon a .. kJâaâiâktâÊÊÊm^ âà First Flight RT 115, Sullivan Trail Wind Gap, PA 18091 Phone: (610) 863-6006 Fax: (610) 863-6384 1st 60 - Jeff Hopeck/Tony Barlette/Dwane Schell/Chris Schuster Home Phonc/Fax: DAN FICK (610) 562-6812 Sales Representative Pagen (610) 791-8336 2nd 64 - John Wiblishauser/Bill Rahling/James Carville/Dennis DeSanctis Second Flight J O H N M. B O D O C K 1st 68 - Ed Zimmerman/Craig Lambert/Eric Reed/ Jason Brandt L aw n and G o lf S u p p ly Co., In c . 2nd 71 - Mark Eisele/Joe McConnell/Mark Reed/Joel Simmons S p e c ia l is t s In E q u ip m e n t a n d S u p p l ie s F o r M a in t e n a n c e O f TU r f Closest to the Pin Longest Drive P h o n e : (6 1 0 ) 933-5801 (8 0 0 ) 3 62 -5650 647 N U TT RD. P.O. BOX 447 Fa x : ( 6 1 0 )9 3 3 - 8 8 9 0 PHOENIXVILLE. PA. 19460 #4 Bill Rahling #9 Gene Huelster #15 Ed Zimmerman GOLF CARS INC. LEASING • SALES • SERVICE PAUL SZYM ANSKI SALES 4180 SKYRON DRIVE (Continued from page 6) BUCKINGHAM, PA 18912-0247 Great Lakes Basin. In addition, I have been outspoken at the national level 215-340-0880 OFFICE • 215-340-1634 FAX regarding the means that golf course superintendents are “forced” to employ in TURF 1 an effort to meet the increasingly unreasonable aesthetic and functional performance expectations of the American golfer. Therefore, while I share the spirit of the “organic” movement confronting the golf industry, attempting to “ratchet down” expectations, I cannot in good conscience dismiss scientific principles. Some might say I am hiding behind the “conservative ivory tower of science.” To them I say: provide the funding to address these concerns, so that we can put some science behind the “organic” process. To those in the golf industry who dismiss those “who think otherwise,” I challenge them to face the fact that energy intensive golf turf management is not sustainable and the first step is maintaining reasonable expectations. The golf course superintendent is one of the most service-oriented, environmentally responsible professionals I have ever known. When the tools are made available to maintain champi­ onship conditions that are more sustainable (organic or otherwise) they will be employed. In the meantime, I believe that the road to sustainability is cleared by an open and robust discussion of the issues based on scientific principles. Ca r r y a ll tu r f Aventis Shaun M. Barry Sales Representative CHIPCO® Professional Products KOONZ K O O N Z Sprinkler Supply, Inc. No on knows irrigation like Koonz Aventis Environm ental Science 1133 Rt. # 2 7 800 772-8486 - play to win’ Somerset, NJ 08873 Tel. (732) 846-8173 Fax (732) 846-8113 a d H A IN ^ b B lR D WyW U S D Waste Water Treatment e-mail: Shaun.Barry@aventis.com green beieaf . & Recycling System 9 POCONO ROUNDUP NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Helping Hand During the NCAA Eastern Regional Cham­ pionship and the Buy.com Steamtown Good Luck & Classic, a large amount of dedicated people provided Congratulations to the following: their services, support and tim e to help aide the staff of Glenmaura National G olf Club. A special thanks has to be ■ Bob Brown on his new position as Superintendent at given to those outstanding individuals that volunteered Shadowbrook Resort and demonstrated professionalism during these tourna­ ments. The individuals who need to be commended rep­ ■ Pat Ziagos: ’’The Greek”. He is now Superintendent at resented the following organizations: Andre & Sons Inc., the Penn State University Courses Conklin Players Club. Elkview Country Club. Fox Hill Country Club, Glen Oak Country Club, The Hideout Golf NEW PARENTS: j? Club, Huntsville Golf Club, Koonz Sprinklers Inc., Lesco C ongratulations to Jason & Laura on the birth of Inc., Panorama G olf Course, Philadelphia Turf Company their son, David Douglas W itcraft. Inc., Pine Hills G olf Course, Turf Partners Inc., and Vestal Hills G olf Club. Once again, I express my extreme gratitude to these For those needing a second opinion on a disease sample individuals in the golf industry. Thank you for your time. try: Jennifer McMorrow, C/O: Turf Diagnostics Inc., Suite Andrew Jubinski, Jr.; Superintendent #168, 1858 Pleasantville Rd., B riarcliff Manor, NY 10510, 1- Glenmaura National G olf Club 914-762-2645. POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION c/o MELINDA WISNOSKY POSTAGE R.R. 1, BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.