CHIPS % PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 V O L 8, NO. 1 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2002 Baseball's Rocker will play crazed killer in short movie. ATLANTA — Pitcher John Rocker w ill be flinging bodies instead of baseballs when he makes his big-screen debut as a homicidal maniac. Rocker, notorious for offending gays and minorities, is playing the killer in a 90-minute movie called "The Greenskeeper," the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Saturday. The film follows a 25-year old assistant greenskeeper w ho Pictured above: Front row L-R: Nicole Heil, Lisette and Nina Kozar, Sarah Downer, Melissa gathers friends for a country Vojick, Amanda Downer, John and Chris Vojick, Darrin Larkin, John Downer. Middle: Bob club birthday party. A killer Heil, Susan Downer, W illie and Eric McCausland, Jason Barndt, Matt Brown, Derrick Hudson, dressed as a golf course Eric Reed, Mark Romano, Shaun Henry, John Hollick, Lou Kluck. Back: Bennett Wartman, greenskeeper crashes the party Dennis Wagner, Scott Andre, Gregg Kozar, Eric Duffy, Steve Chirip (with soda), Joe Henry, and dispatches naughty teens. Duane Schell. "Rocker has a crazy persona The Pocono Turfgrass Associations first winter S.N.O .W . meeting was a success, thanks to all and the character needed a in attendance. The "Superintendents Need Other Weather" meeting could be called the First w ild streak." said Kevin Greene, Annual. The response was great and everyone requested a repeat next year. one of the film's producers. There is a risk in all sports and Steve "has my forehead clotted yet?" Chirip found that out Filmmakers are planning a firsthand. Even the best skiers catch an edge once in a while, right Steve? Steve is all right and M a y premier in Atlanta and are the rest of the forty skiers had their own stories to share in the halfway house at Elk Mountain. looking for national distribution. Bob "Fall-Line" Heil, a guest at our meeting, tested the gravitational theory quite often, most of the time headfirst. M any of the youngsters and friends joined in a train of skiers from the top of the mountain. John "Mother Goose" Downer led the mob, while Mrs. Downer followed, picking up the pieces. I am sure there are many great stones yet to be told. Staff photographers Dennis W agner and Alex Vojick did a great job capturing images for posterity. A special thanks should be given to all vendors who supported this endeavor: Scott Andre of Andre and Son, Matt Brown of Philadelphia Turf Company, Steve Chirip of Egypt Farms, and Tom Weinert of Plant Food. Please support all our suppliers as they M enjoy lending their support to us. I would like to thank the Social Committee members, Darrin Larkin of Panorama G olf Course and John Vojick of Andre and Son with their help and knowledge of Elk Mountains staff. John Downer is President’s Message Officers & Direcfors 2002 I was fortunate enough to attend the Annual Golf Course TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Superintendent’s Conference and Trade Show. Every year I come away from that show more and more impressed with how the GCSAA PRESIDENT staff handles it. Even though the show was smaller, for obvious G en e Huelster, W hite Beaches 201-262-3365 reasons, it still amazes me the amount of companies that continue to turfm an@ ezaccess.net support our associations, both national and local. VICE PRESIDENT I had a chance to meet and discuss with Lee Kozsey and some other Ron Garrison, CGCS, Fox Hill C.C. Syngenta people on ways that they could help our association to run 570-655-2383 rgarrison@ golfsat.net a roundtable -type discussion with the other chapter leaders from Pennsylvania. It leads me to believe that some of the companies SECRETARY/TREASURER aren’t just out for the money, but are willing to give something back. It Mark Eisele, CGCS, C . C . a t W o o d lo ch Springs 570-685-2980 was certainly quite refreshing. eiselemk@ltis.net I’ve recently appointed Ron Garrison to the position of Vice President DIRECTORS of the Pocono Turfgrass Association for the remainder of the 2002 year Jason J. Barndt, Berwick G olf C lub (October). I felt with Ron's experience and dedication he was the 570-759-6480 grassm an72@ hotm ail.com right choice. Within the next issue or two of Chips & Putts we will publish a simple financial statement with scholarship amounts and Steven Chirip, Egypt Farms, Inc. other related information. As always, my line is always open (201-262- 570-894-3131 3365). John D ow ner, Elkview C.C. 570-222-9247 Joseph Henry, H id e a w a y Hills G.C. Gene Huelster 610-681-6000 jrcm henry@ earthlink.net Eric Reed, V alley C.C. 570-788-4277 barley5@ aol.com D uane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail G. C. 570-868-8113 djschell@ epix.net From the Editor’s Desk...... CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF Kudos to Darrin Larkin, John Downer, John Vojick, and all others EDITOR Eric Reed involved with putting the Ski Day together. A great time was had by all, and we look forward to this becoming an annual event. It was Managing Editor M e lin da Wisnosky nice to see some members who are unable to frequent the summer Editorial Committee meetings. Jason Barndt It appears winter’s worst days are behind us now, and the start of a Jeff Koch new golf season is not far away. It seems a little bittersweet knowing Jim M a cLare n that some of us are virtually assured of starting our summers under drought restrictions. PTGA Office RR 1, Box 219 Tony Grieco is still in need of a few meeting sites for the upcoming Harding, PA 19643 season. If anyone is interested in hosting a meeting, please contact Phone/Fax: (570] 388-2167 him as soon as possible. Eric Reed Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author a n d /o r person quoted, and may not represent the position of PTGA. Information contained in this publication may be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as long as the true context is maintained. W e would appreciate a credit line. Back To Basics J o h n D eere LANDSCAPES Fearuring Hunter Golf Irrigation Systems As we embark on a new season, now is the time to remind ourselves Pump Stations • Fountains • Landscape Lighting about the fundamentals of soil nutrition. Soil analysis is one of the most Controller Board Repairs and More important tools in our management arsenals and the success of our turf depends upon its utilization. For the sake of limiting the size of this 800- 642-3706 article, we will just touch upon the basics of each soil test category. The biggest thing to remember is that soil is basically at its natural levels for reasons other than our personal manipulation, and although we can attempt to adjust these levels, the soil will ultimately revert back to F a rtb W U o rk s its natural levels if we do not proactively continue our management Natural Organic Products programs; l.e., there is no such thing as tweaking the soil. Joel Simmons Soil pH P.O. Box 278K www.soilfirst.com Soil pH is a measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration. The 6574 S. Delaware Drive Martins Creek, PA 18063 Fax: 610-250-7840 Phone: 610-250-9560 availability of most nutrients is best at a pH of 62-6.8. When the pH is 800-732-TURF higher, micronutrients such as iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) become less available. Phosphorus avail­ ability decreases at pH levels lower than 6.0 because Aluminum and Iron tie it up. At levels higher than 7.5, Calcium ties up Phosphorus. The Premium sod for golf co u rses table below lists the pH tolerance ranges for different turfgrasses. Chip Presendofer A T Sales Associates, Ltd. Grass Species Minimum pH Maximum pH 1011 Church Road Oreland, PA 19705 Fescue 5.0 8.5 Bentgrass 5.0 7.5 Tel 215-886-6011 Bluegrass 5.0 8.4 Fax 215-886-1203 Bermudagrass 5.0 8.0 Pager 800-983-3430 Perennial Ryegrass 5.2 7.5 St. Augustine Grass 6.5 7.5 VERTI-DRAIN & 5 7 0 -6 0 2 -3 Q 5 4 Salt Grass 6.4 10.5 ROTADAIRON 8 0 0 -5 5 4 -4 8 6 3 DEALERS & CONTRACTORS FAX 5 7 0 -6 0 2 -3 0 5 3 Buffer pH (Lime index) This index was developed to measure the total hydrogen (acid) in E & M Golf Supply Co. A DIVISION OF H.V. INC. the soil, which needs to be neutralized by limestone applications. The 9 5 0 SATHERS DRIVE, PITTSTON TOWNSHIP, PA 1 8 6 4 0 lower the buffer pH, the more the soil will resist a change in pH. There­ SPECIALIST IN DEEP TINE AERATION fore, more lime will be required to raise the pH to the desired level. Be­ low is a generalized table of limestone applications for buffer pH val­ STEPHEN MICHAEL ues (assuming 100% CaC03 source). Buffer pH lb. Lime/1000 sq. ft. Nothing Runs Like A Deere 7.3 0 7.2 20 7.1 20 TOM BRAGO DALE ANDREW 7.0 25 6.9 30 FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT, INC. (215) 661-0390 6.8 35 419 Industrial Drive (800) 875-TURF North Wales, PA 19454 FAX: (215) 661-9161 6.7 60 Web Site: www.finchlnc.com PARTS: (800) 78-DEERE 6.6 75 6.5 95 (Continued on page 4) if (Continuedfrom page 3) PlantStar Fertigation.. .Solutions to Grow CEC PLANTSTAR, Inc.in association with CARBTROL Corp. CEC establishes the rate at which Announce the introduction of its nutrients (cations) will be stored and ADVANCED WASHWATER RECYCLE SYSTEM released from your soil. Fertilizer rec­ ommendations are not based on Engineered system provides: Designed to integrate: A v £ • Zero pollutant discharge • Vehicle wash -¡. ^ CEC alone. However, CEC is used • Best available technology • Fueling along with other soil test information • High reliability and low maintenance • Chemical mixing/sprayer storage to tell you how much Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Potassium (K) Let us show you how INTEGRATED CHEMICAL your turf needs. This concept is MANAGEMENT can work for you! based on the concept of Percent Base Saturation. Since the clay and To learn more about PlantStar and our services, call us at: 800 * 277 * ST A R ww w .plantstar.com organic sites in the soil have a nega­ tive charge, the positively charged cations bond with these sites. There­ fore, CEC can be closely related to soil texture. CEC value Estimated texture 1-8 9-12 13-20 Sand Loamy Sand Sandy or silty loam TORO. 21-28 Loam 29-40 Clay or Clay loam TU R F EQUIPM ENT MATT BROWN Percent Base Saturation TELEPHONE: 215-340-5401 Percent Base Saturation is the percentage of soil negative charges PAGER: 888-896-5094 (CEC) occupied by those cations which do not contribute to the soil acidity. These cations are called exchangeable bases and are com­ IRRIGATION prised of Ca, Mg, K, and Sodium (Na). The remainder of the negatively GEORGE SKAWSKI charged sites (CEC) are occupied by Hydrogen (H) and Aluminum (Al), TELEPHONE: 215-340-5450 which contribute to the soil acidity. Percent Base saturation is deter­ PAGER: 888-376-2074 EMAIL: g.skawski@philyturf.com mined by dividing each individual cation by the total CEC. Optimum percentages are as follows: CEC Range Cation 3-7 8-15 16-25 26-36 >36 Hydrogen <30 <30 <20 <20 <20 Sodium <10 <8 <5 <5 <5 Magnesium 10-20 10-20 10-20 10-20 10-20 Calcium 50-75 50-75 60-75 60-75 60-75 Potassium 33-7.7 1.5-4.3 1.0-2.2 .7-1.3 .5-1.3 Organic Matter Organic matter is the result of the decay process of organic residues. The resultant humus compound has active cation-holding sites. These sites serve as a storehouse for plant nutrients and also improve soil struc Lee Kozsey Syngenta Professional Products ture in heavy soils. In most productive soils, the topsoil contains betwee 1-10% organic matter. Sand greens may contain zero or less than .5% Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. s y n g 'e n t a 3710 Amherst Court OM. As a result sand greens have high leach rate, low water holding Bethlehem, PA 18020-1356 Tel. 610-861-8174 ability, and low nutrient content. Fax 610-882-9358 Mobile 215-796-0409 www.syngenta.com a» lee.kozsey@syngenta.com (Continued on page 5) (Continued from page 4) Phosphorus (P) Phosphorus is found in all plant tissue, but is most pronounced in the seeds, flowers and youngest shoots. It is critical to the establishment of cool season grasses from seed. Phosphorus is the backbone of many enzyme and amino acid systems, including photosynthesis. Once thought to promote the invasiveness of poa annua, the overuse of nitrogen has been shown to have a greater effect on poa invasion rather than phosphorus. For most soils, 150-200 lbs. of available P per acre should easily satisfy turf needs. Potassium Potassium is second only to nitrogen in the amounts required by turfgrass plants. It has become increasingly recognized for its ability to improve plants’ resistance to biotic and environmental stresses such as disease, drought, and cold temperatures. Adequate potassium nutrition also has been associated with better traffic toler­ ance of turfgrasses. Potassium should comprise 3-5% of the base saturation. Too much potassium can cause an imbalance in the base saturation by replacing calcium or magnesium. Of the three common sources available, caution should be exercised with the use of potassium chloride (muriate of potash) because of its high salt index. The other two sources are potassium nitrate and potassium sulfate, with potassium sulfate being the preferred source because of its ability to compete with excessive calcium or magnesium for colloidal sites. Calcium Calcium is present in adequate amounts in most soils. It is essential for proper cell division and elongation, proper cell wall development, nitrate uptake and metabolism, enzyme activity, and starch metabolism. Accord­ ing to Dr. Stanley Barber, Purdue University, “There is no research justification for the added expense of obtaining a definite Ca:Mg ratio in the soil. Research indicates that plant growth or quality is not appreciably affected over a wide range of Ca:Mg ratios in the soil.” Wisconsin research found that yields of several agricultural crops were not significantly affected by Ca:Mg ratios ranging from 2.28:1 to 8.44:1 ...in all cases, when neither nutrient was deficient, the crops internal Ca:Mg ratio was maintained within a relatively narrow range consistent with the needs of the plant. Actual calcium deficiencies in the turfgrass are rather rare, and problems associated with low soil Ca may usually be attributed to soil reaction problems rather than a true calcium deficiency. Liming to the proper pH should be the first consideration in supplying Calcium to the plant. If additional Ca is needed and the soil pH is already correct, neutral amendments such as gypsum or fertilizer products are available. Magnesium Magnesium is essential to good plant growth because it controls the development and biochemistry of the chlorophyll molecule. It aids in phosphate metabolism and helps to activate several enzyme systems. Excessive Magnesium can create a “gluing” effect on the soil and cause phosphate, potash, and nitrite deficiencies. High Magnesium and low calcium levels in soil allow organic matter to decay into alcohol, which can suppress bacte­ rial populations. Proper liming with dolomitic limestone is almost always the most practical solution to low Mg, even if the dolomite is more expensive. Response can also be obtained from foliar applications of both Epsom salts and Magnesium chelates. Sulfur Sulfur is used to make proteins, amino acids, and enzymes. It is a catalyst in the production of chlorophyll. Most soil sources of S in the organic matter in the topsoil or plow layer. Elemental sulfur is not available to plants: it must be converted to the sulfate form to become available to the plant. This conversion is performed by soil microbes and requires soil conditions that are warm, moist, and well drained to proceed rapidly. Heavy industry and acid rain have historically supplied all but the most rural areas ample amounts of sulfur. With today’s higher pollution standards, less sulfur is available “naturally," so it must be applied to the soil in the form of magnesium-, calcium-, or potassium-sulfate. While deficiencies will be noticeable, theories vary on what ratios are actually “ideal." Ex­ cessive applications most often result in a depression of soil pH and an increase of the problems that occur with (Continued on page 6) (Continuedfrom page 5) excessively acid soil. Iron Iron works as a carrier of oxygen required in the production of chlorophyll. Most soils provide an abundant sup­ ply of Fe to the plants. Turf is somewhat unique in that it is common to get color improvement from Fe applica­ tions. Deficiencies will result in chlorotic or even white young leaves. Iron toxicity is primarily pH related and occurs where the soil pH has dropped sufficiently to create an excess of available iron. Chelates and citrate-acidified sulfates are effective for foliar applications. Avoid the use of sulfates that have a rusty-red coloration since this in­ dicates an oxidation may have occurred, making Fe unavailable to the plant. Manganese Manganese is involved with the oxidation and reduction reactions in the plant that aid in carbohydrate me­ tabolism. Mn deficiencies have rarely been observed on turfgrass. In studies at Cornell University, researchers found that biweekly applications of manganese at a rate of .5 oz per 1000 square feet produced a positive re­ sponse in turf growth and quality. The research also suggested that low levels of toxicity might occur on low pH greens at a higher rate (1.5 oz/M biweekly). Iron and Manganese are antagonistic, and one will inhibit the uptake of the other. If manganese levels creep above the iron levels, the mobility of iron falls off and photosynthesis suffers. Copper Copper helps to form many different proteins, amino adds, enzymes, and organic compounds and is critical in the process of root metabolism. It is important to formation of lignin in plant cell walls, which contributes to the structural strength of the cells and the plant. High soils organic matter levels reduce copper availability. Copper should not be applied to soils without a demonstrated need trough soil and plant analysis. Toxic effects from over-application can last many years. Boron Boron is required for translocation of sugar and helps regulate salt, water, and nitrogen assimilation in the plant. Excessive levels of Boron have been reported to produce a tipburn. The range between a correct boron application rate and a toxic one is not large. Zinc Zinc aids the plant in water absorption and is essential for proper metabolism of many microorganisms includ­ ing the nitrogen-fixing azotobacter. Research has not found any effect from Zn applications in regard to growth rate, color, and density. Flowever, they did report that root growth was stimulated by low rates of Zn, whereas rhi­ zome growth was strongly inhibited by a high application rate of 25 LB per acre. N.E. Christians did not observe any detrimental effects to bentgrass from zinc applications as high as 47-63 lbs per acre. (Continued on page 7) * Layout and Design * Typesetting It’s every player’s responsibility... * Mac/IBM desktop publishing interface * Laser color separations * Scitex® electronic photo retouching Repair ball marks 10 M £ 31 Hill Street, P.0. Box 507 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 * Full electronic prepress services * Foil stamping, embossing Replace or fill divots Rake bunkers iïïl 570-822-8181 * Complete bindery including FAX: 570-823-3579 saddlestitch and perfect binding A message fro m yo u r g o lf course superintendent a n d G C SA A — Sodium Sodium provides information relating to reclaiming saline and or alkaline soils. When it's base saturation ex­ ceeds 5%, water infiltration rates can be reduced. This may not be true in the case of sand-based greens, where sand size (not soil structure) promotes infiltration. This salt load can only be reduced by leaching it below the root­ ing zone. Gypsum, Epsom salts, or elemental sulfur can be used to displace sodium so that adequate amount of irrigation water can leach it out. Balancing Soil Nutrients by Joel Simmons. Turfnet Monthly, February 1998 Phosphorus Usage by Turfgrasses, The Energy Unit Often Neglected by Turf Managers by Richard Hull, University of Rhode Island, Turf Trends, Volume 6, Issue 5, May 1997 Understanding a Soil Analysis. Common Ground. MDS Harris John Fowler Syngenta Professional Products Spoon Feeding-A Soil Fertility/TurfNutrition Primer for Golf Course Managers _______ - J * _ _ Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. by Peter Landschoot, Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, Penn State Syngenta 325 Mill Pond Lane University. The PTC Kaynoter, Volume 28, No. 1, February 2000 * Oxford, PA 19363 Tel. 610-998-2896 Fax 610-998-2987 www.syngenta.com The Turf Analysis, Spectrum Analytic, Inc. Winter 2000 john.fowler@syngenta.com Fertilizing Greens with Secondary Elements and Micronutrients by Norman W. Hummel, Hummel and Co., Inc. Grounds Maintenance, January 1996 . T u rf Sates & Consultation Nutrient Deficiencies & Toxicities in Crop Plants. Edited by William F. Bennett, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech Univer­ f A ) ANDRE 8c SON, (NC. sity, Lubbock. APS Press, The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, • TURF KING PRODUCTS & Minnesota CONTRACTED SERUICES JOHN VOJICK JO H N M . BODOCK VOICE/FAX 1.888.887.3770 EXTN 671 CELLULAR 1.607.768.0575 2 M ILL STREET RESIDENCE, VOICE/FAX 570.222.TURF MONTROSE, PA 18801 Lawn and Golf Supply Co., Inc. S pecialists I n Eq uip m ent A nd S upplies For Maintenance Of T urf Office & Home Phone Top Dressing White Haven 570-443-9596 Bunker Sand Fax 570-443-9590 Infield Mix PH O N E: (610) 9335801 (800) 362-5650 647 NUTT RD. P.O. BOX 447 FAX: (610) 933-8890 PHOENIXVILLE, P a 19460 Blue Ridge Peat Farms, Inc. White Haven, PA 18661-9674 AMERICA'S PREMIUM HIGHLIGHT GOLF HOLES, TOP-DRESSINGS IMPROVE VISIBILITY, FOR GREENS & TEES! & MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY Potting Soil Gene Evans, Owner POROUS CERAMIC Soil Mixes Professional Engineer PARTAC GOLF COURSE SOIL C O N D ITIO N ER TH E ULTIMATE SO LUTIO N TO UNSIG HTLY DIVOTS U.S. GOLF HOLE TARGETS Steve Chirip AT TELEVISED TOURNAMENTS! TOP-DRESSINGS EGYPT Territory Manager PARTAC COLORED CERAMIC FARM S E G Y P T F A R M S , IN C . GREEN SAND HCI, Box 54B Swiftwater, PA 18370 D IV O T REPAIR MIXES PARTAC® GREEN SANDS BLENDED WITH PARTAC® PREMIUM Phone:410-335-3700 TOP-DRESSING FOR EXCELLENT Mobile/Pager: 443-255-6471 DRAG MATS, RAKES & BRUSHES GERMINATION AN D Fax: 570-839-3399 WINDSCREEN & BALL NETTING DEEP GREEN COLOR! T he B est D ivot R epair M ixes Available! CO N STRUCTIO N , CART PATH, AND DIVO T REPAIR MIXES PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, N.J. 07838 TerraFIOMr Drainage Systems TYPAR® & TerraBoncT TURF BLANKETS & GEOTEXTILES 800 247-2326 - 908-637-4191 /FAX 908-637-8421 A N D M A N Y M O RE G O L F SPECIALTY P R O D U C T S POCONO ROUNDUP SILVER DONORS NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Aer-Cor, Inc. Pennink Arrimour Inc. Allegheny Lawn & Golf Sarver Irrigation Products & Stull Equip. Syngenta (John Fowler, AGCSAP THANK THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES Bayer Corp. Lee Kozsey.Greg Schaner) E. H. Griffith The Andersons, (Barry FOR THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE YEAR 2002: Krigger & Co. Grote) Laspina Equipment Tri-Star Soils, Inc. PLATINUM DONORS Lawn & Golf Supply BRONZE DONORS FINCH SERVICES RAY FINCH AT Sales Associates Hodges Supply Co. Aventis E. S. Lesco Blue Ridge Peat Farms Montco/Surfside FRONTIER CONSTRUCTION Brutt’s Specialty Tires P A Blakley Contracting NICHOLAS SCIGLIANO D.M. Boyd Company Philadelphia Turf Co. Farm & G. C. Supply Pocono Turf Supply GEORGE E. LEY CO. Fisher & Son, Inc. Tournament Turf Lab. GEORGE LEY Forse Design Inc. Walker Supply Golf Car Supply SHEARON GOLF *Also, thanks to Simplot Partners, who were inadver­ CHIP KERN tently left off this list. POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION c/o MELINDA WISNOSKY POSTAGE R.R. 1, BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.