green world W AN INDUSTRYWIDE PUBLICATION OF THE NEW JERSEY TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Vol. 16 No. 1 June 1986 Earthworms and Turf Culture Sue A. Baldwin-Way and Ralph E. Engel It is not uncommon for turf growers to speak disparagingly of the poor earth­ worms and indifferently eliminate them from turf areas. With consideration of the work that earthworms accomplish and their contributions to soil nutrient content and soil porosity, should turf growers let them thrive in some turf areas? The comparative newness of turf science may be the reason these com­ mon creatures have been given little at­ tention or research. Nature of the Earthworm. In the Northeast there are primarily two kinds of earthworms, the common earthworm (lumbricids) and the oriental earthworm (Pheretima). The latter is most likely to produce heavy casts on the soil surface and pose the greatest nuisance. It is the more difficult of the two to control and is probably primarily responsible for the objections to earthworms in turf. At a glance, the two kinds look very similar. Closer inspection shows a con­ tinuous ring of minute bristles on each body segment in Pheretima; lumbricids lack those bristles. The amount and rate of casting is a fairly reliable indication of which type of earthworm is present, as the oriental earthworm far exceeds his common cousin in that regard. Habits of both species seem similar. They are most active and commonly observed in the top layers of the soil dur­ ing spring and fall, their breeding seasons. Their activity in the upper layers of soil is encouraged by warm, damp weather and overcast days. In drought and in winter, earthworms are likely to burrow 9-10 inches below the soil surface. Ironically, many of the cultural condi­ tions required for turf are also favorable to earthworms. Small, digestible grass clippings from frequent mowings pro­ vide a salad for the earthworms, who pull organic matter off of the soil sur­ face and into their channels. Liming to attain optimum pH for plant growth also provides the more akaline soils that worms prefer. Watering to keep soils uniformly moist is as beneficial to worms as it is to turf. The best soils for turf are also preferred by earthworms: light-to-medium sand loams and loams, as opposed to gravelly or sandy soils. Earthworms can be very numerous where conditions are favorable — as many as 200-400 can be present in a square yard of soil, which could be as many as a million or more per acre. There are many species within the two types of earthworms. The various species have different tolerances to pH (although few are found where pH is below 4.5) and they select different liv­ ing conditions in the vertical soil horizon. Distribution at different depths also varies according to temperature and soil moisture. Effects on Nutrient Relationships. Among the most macroscopic of the soil fauna, earthworms might be credited with doing either more harm or good than they actually accomplish. Lit­ tle is known about the total amounts of organic matter that can be digested by the earthworm, however, there is evidence of surprisingly efficient diges­ tion of proteins in the leaf litter. Earthworms influence decomposition by other organisms and encourage some soil organisms. Their contribution to decay of organic matter appears to be associated with a plentiful presence of digestive enzymes, including cellulase and chitinase, in their gut walls.1 As they ingest, earthworms mix organic matter, fertilizer, lime, and in­ organic particles in their gut, possibly exposing more fresh surfaces to beneficial microbial action. Perhaps the most significant con­ tribution of the earthworm to the nutrient content of soil involves nitrogen. Earthworm bodies are 12 per­ cent nitrogen (dry weight). Large popula­ tions, along with other soil micro­ organisms, may help provide a more even supply of nitrogen for grass growth. A study by Russel (1910) that used dead earthworms in the check and live earthworms in the test treatment showed a nitrogen content of 47 ppm of inorganic nitrogen in the check and 77 ppm in the test, suggesting that live earthworms contribute more than their body content of inorganic nitrogen to the soil.2 Calcium ions above body re­ quirements in solution in earthworms are excreted from the gut as calcium carbonate. Other plant nutrients from whatever is digested from thatch residue by earthworms and accompany­ ing microorganisms surely becomes available, but amounts have not been determined. Modification of Soil Physical Proper­ ties. Numerous studies, especially in Europe, New Zealand, and Australia have determined the amounts of soil earthworms may cast on the surface. These studies show that an active earth­ worm population can deposit an inch of soil on the surface over a time period of 3-8 years. This is significant when con­ sidered as “top dressing’’ to the surface. Fresh casts have been found to be water stable for 15 days after casting and still twice as stable as control aggregates after 30 days of incubation.3 It is of in­ terest that not all worms cast on the surface. Earthworm effects on soil porosity is of obvious interest. Studies have shown that 100-300 channels per square meter of soil are not uncommon. Measure­ ments have shown 8-30 percent in­ creases in pore space, a boon to effi­ cient drainage and irrigation. Less evaporation has been observed in pots containing live earthworms.4 The effect of the grinding action of the earthworm has shown slight decreases in silt and increased clay. Although the total change may be small, very little change in these fractions could affect the threshold level of tex­ ture that controls the water percolation rate. (continued on page 3) Comments Opinions and Answering a 1985 Request for Comments on Bentgrass Green Cultivation With regard to your question on cultivation of greens, you might con­ sider the following summarized points: 1. Topdressing is an important aspect of cultivation programs. Dress as much soil from the cultivation plugs in­ to the turf as feasible, unless the ex­ isting soil is grossly incorrect. 2. Cultivation and topdressing short­ ly before the start of warm weather stress or during the summer is more ef­ fective for overcoming slow water penetration, uneven growth and turf failure than fall or early spring treatments. 3. While cultivation in late-spring and early summer is preferred, it is risky unless cool, dry days are selected and the turf is not in serious stress. However, we are in a climate where cultivation and topdressing at this season pay dividends. 4. Avoid early spring treatments because: • the turf heals slowly; • sometimes bentgrass seems reluc­ tant to grow until May, which invites annual bluegrass to fill the voids; • the turf surface is usually quite porous at this season without cultivation. 5. Late summer to fall treatment may be necessary for rejuvenating turf. Be sure there is a real need for cultivation and topdressing greens during fall because: • treatment in this period appears to enhance annual bluegrass; • it is less effective as an aid to next season’s watering; • Overseeding with bentgrass is often required. My opinions on this subject are based on both observations and research. Possibly, the reasons for my choice of May, June, and July center on en­ couragement of vigorous new growth, minimizing encroachment of annual bluegrass and improvement of surface permeability when greens often take water slowly and unevenly. REE The Exciting World of Turf Like everyone who has worked with turfgrass research and education, I feel richly rewarded for my privileged years of experience. Yet people who have asked me to tell them my line of work often react with pity that I was confined to a life, on my nose, looking at grass. My pleasure and satisfactions have been great. I have found turf growers an exhilarating group. Like others on this phase of turf work, I carry a disappointment that I did not have time to study many ideas and con­ cerns that have come to mind. One of my early beliefs has been that we need more sophistication in the use of 2, 4-D for dandelions. In addition, we develop exciting ideas from our daily ex­ periences and our reading publications. Several of these from recent weeks have come to our attention as follows: 1. a worker claims to have isolated a toxin from a fungus that appears specifically toxic to one of our weedy turfgrasses, 2. scientists are finding organisms that produce proteins that can cause a plant to produce other protective proteins against disease, and 3. the increased attention to endophytes of turf surely has some biochemists scurrying to isolate the chemical that controls in­ sects. Such discoveries as these will lead to interesting new uses and pro­ cedures in turf growing. Be alert to the changes that might be valuable to you and enjoy contemplating all the change that lies ahead! REE OFFICERS OF THE N.J.T.A. Joe DeSantis, President Jack Poksay, Vice President Ralph Engel, Secretary Joseph Dodgson, Treasurer Dave McGhee, Past President Henry Indyk, Expo Chairman EXECUTIVE BOARD Samuel Leon Richard Hurley Joseph W. Manning, Jr. James Stewart Robert Dobson William A. Nist David Pease Ed Milewski William Waddington Sustaining Members — NJTA 1986 AABAR, Inc. A&A Lawn Sprinklers A-L Service A. Lombardi Landscaping Aquarius Irrigation Supply Aqua-Flo Brickman Industries, Inc. Brouwer Turf Equipment Bunton Turf Products, Inc. Chevron Chemical Co. Coastline Equipment, Inc. Cooper Cycle Ranch D&J Landscaping Double Eagle Equipment Co. DuBrow’s Nurseries Elite Land Care, Inc. Evergreen Lawn Sprinklers Fairway Golf Car, Inc. Fertl-Soil Turf Supply, Inc. Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club Florence Landscaping Svc., Inc. Garfield Williamson, Inc. Green Grass Landscape Svc., Inc. Grass Roots Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. Homestead Landscaping Hummer Turfgrass Systems, Inc. Jep Sales, Inc. Keystone Lawn Spray, Inc. L&M Irrigation, Inc. Lebanon Chemical Co. Leon Sod Farm Lesco, Inc. Lofts Seed, Inc. MacAndrews & Forbes Co. Metro Milorganite, Inc. Middletown Sprinkler Co. Newton Country Club Nor-Am Chemical Co. Partac Peat Corp. Rapp Sod Farms Reid Sod Farm Rick’s Cycle Center Rockland Chemical Co., Inc. Rosehill Cemetary & Crematory Assn., Inc. Rumson Country Club D.M. Scott & Sons Seacoast Labs, Inc. Spring Irrigation Co., Inc. Storr Tractor Co. Vaughan Seed Co., Inc. Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. Woodbridge Center Woodruff/Leico Lawn Care of South Jersey Green World is published three times a year by the New Jersey Turfgrass As­ sociation, P.O. Box 231, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. Consulting editors: Ralph Engel and Rich White, production edi­ tor: Sue Baldwin-Way. Please address inquiries concerning advertising to William Nist, Lebanon Chemical Co., Dayton, NJ 08810. (201) 329-4011. Earthworms (continued from page 1) It has been noted that earthworms spread soil organisms. Generally, this might be expected to be beneficial. This factor could influence both the nutrient and physical nature of the soil. Effects of Earthworms on Plant Pro­ duction. Earthworms are not known to attack healthy plants. Soil cultivation as practiced with some crops is not necessarily conducive to large earth­ worm populations, however, large con­ centrations of live worms increased yields of oats or peas 70 percent, while the addition of dead worms made little difference. In soybean research, yields were returned to normal on puddled soil with the presence of live earthworms, but not with the addition of dead worms. In another study, earthworms in­ troduced into a soil with dung added were removed at 8 weeks and were found to have gained weight. The dung soil mix was crushed, mixed, and planted to ryegrass. Plant growth was doubled with the soil that had been treated by the earthworms, as con­ trasted to the growth on the same soil preparation without earthworms.5 Fig. 1. Tropical earthworm casts repeated during the day. (Courtesy of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.) Effects of Earthworms on Turf. Little formal study of earthworm effects on turf has been conducted. Complaints about this creature have come from England more commonly, where turf growers dislike the muddy casts and also may wish an accumulation of fiber at the surface. The most severe objec­ tion to earthworm interference on greens in the United States occurred in the 1950s. Several groups associated with golf raised funds for research and to find a control method. With the species involved at that time, greens brushed free of earthworm casts before noon would have a problem with casts again, after lunch. The coauthor has been increasingly impressed over the years by the lack of earthworms on the thatch-troubled areas. Earthworm-destroying pesticides have been associated with thatch prob­ lems. In England, during the 1969 Inter­ national Turfgrass meeting, thatch ac­ cumulation and turf deterioration was shown where calcium arsenate was used repeatedly for earthworm control. A series of chlordane plots applied in a 1959 test in New Jersey for crabgrass control has given earthworm control for 27 years. This has caused turf deteriora­ tion that appears to be associated, in part, with a lack of earthworm activity at the surface, (figure 2). Where earthworms appear highly ac­ tive some remarkably thatch-free areas have been observed. The untreated areas of the 1959 chlordane test has had an active earthworm population and no apparent surface residue problem. A low section of 18 fairway at Hollywood Golf Course in New Jersey had a section with a very active earthworm population in a soil with high organic matter content, which had no thatch problem compared with the rest of the fairway. In February 1986 an older golf course was observed along the central California coast that had a surprisingly small amount of thatch on the fairways. While informa­ tion on the maintenance program was unobtainable, earthworms were common on the course site. A recent study on Kentucky bluegrass (Kenblue) showed increased rate of nitrogen fertilization for 7 years with am­ monium nitrate, increased soil acidifica­ tion, and was accompanied by a decrease in Collembola type earth­ worms and certain other possible decomposers. This decrease was associated with and was considered a major cause of increase in thatch.6 While there is not enough documenta­ tion to show the types and ranges of benefits from earthworms, we might use their help in minimizing thatch and the problem of opening sealed turf sur­ faces. Again, it seems logical to con­ clude earthworms do more good and a better job than most cultivating machines. Favorable and Unfavorable Effects of Earthworms on Turf. The primary objec­ tion of most turf growers to earthworms seems to be the worms’ practice of casting soil and digested material onto the surface of the turf. While significant casting on fine turf areas such as greens could interfere with play, the casts on lawns and fairways may be less troublesome and annoying than the use of machines to slice or score the turf. Casting is seasonal and is greater during the active breeding seasons in spring and fall. Not all casting comes to the surface and not all earthworms pro- Fig. 2. Top: no earthworm activity 28 years after herbicidal rate of chlordane. Bottom: more growth and less residue on earthworm- disturbed surface of low-maintenance lawn turf, without chlordane. duce significant casts, so evidence of earthworms may not signify a potential casting problem. Earthworms may contribute to the at­ traction of moles to an area. When sur­ facing, earthworms might play a minor part in opening up the soil surface to the germination of weed seeds, however it is unlikely that the number is signifi­ cant. The decomposition of the thatch is a favorable action that probably outweighs the disadvantage of contribu­ tion to weed germination. Despite some objections to earth­ worms, it appears that they should be encouraged on turf except fine turf areas, such as putting greens. Regardless of their effects on plant growth and yield, their work is superior to and can reduce the need for mechanical cultivation. Conclusion. In light of the benefits that earthworms provide vs. the disad­ vantages of their presence in some turf areas, it seems advisable to let them populate where they can be tolerated. Prior to finalizing the turf management programs, consider the effects of these practices on their survival. By reducing conditions of the habitat where earth­ worms are to be discouraged, perhaps populations could be reduced to accep- (continued on page 4) Earthworms (continued from page 3) table levels rather than completely eliminated. Worms prefer more alkaline soils, so reducing pH to slight acidity may be some deterrent. Also, if worms are to be discouraged, avoid feeding them — avoid letting clippings fly and, on some occasions, consider inorganic fertilizers or synthetic organics, which may give a reduction in food supply at the soil surface. Research is needed to determine pesticides that are fatal to earthworms, to find pesticides that kill the target in­ sect rather than the earthworm, to establish the best time of pesticide ap­ plication, and to develop selective pesticides that will eliminate the un­ wanted types of earthworms while leaving the helpful types alone. Study­ ing the introduction of earthworms in­ to controlled areas and examining the potential benefits would also be helpful information to those turf growers willing to consider earthworms a valuable natural resource for appropriate areas. For those willing to encourage earth­ worms on some areas of turf, it is good to remember that the same cultural practices favorable to turf are generally favorable to earthworms. Heathy turf in­ sulates soil against rapid changes in temperature, adds organic matter, and mellows hard soils. Frequent mowing which leaves small digestible clippings, liming to attain optimum pH for turf growth, watering to keep soils uniformly moist, and practices that keep Iight-to- medium sand loams open and porous are all as favorable to earthworms as they are to turf. $K.P. Barley, The Abundance of Earthworms in Agricultural Land and Their Possible Significance in Agriculture. Journal of Advances in Agronomy. pp. 257-258. 2Ibid.. p. 259. 3lbid., p. 261. 4lbid., p. 260-263. 5lbid„ p. 263 6Potter, D.A., B.L. Bridges and F. Carter Gordon. 1985. Effect of N Fertilization on Earthworm and Microarthropod Populations in Kentucky Bluegrass Turf. Agron. J. 77:367-372. “To laugh often and love much, to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the ap­ probation of honest critics; to ap­ preciate beauty; to give one’s self; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to have looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived — that is to have succeeded.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Country Club greenskeeper Lebanon Pro Professional Turf Products Lebanon TOTAL TURF CARE P.O. Box 189, Dayton, NJ 08810 P.O. Box 180, Lebanon, PA 17042 A Division of Lebanon Chemical Corporation Does “Thirsty” Turf Make Noise? Plants have been exposed to music in jest and in research. Not too many years ago the University of Illinois exposed corn to sound for 18 hours per day without changing growth. Maybe it is time for man to listen to plants. Dr. E. L. Fiscus, USDA, has listened to noises made by drying plants. These sounds are in the 100 kilohertz range. Since the human ear hears in the 10 hertz to 20 kilohertz range, special equipment is needed to hear the sounds plants make as they become drier. The cells of the vascular system conducting water and nutrients from roots to leaves make minute, high-frequency noise when a deficiency of water causes fracturing in this pathway. Discoveries of this type stimulate many interesting questions for research and theoretical uses. Perhaps this could be used to activate a watering system at a precise time to the advantage of the preferred turfgrass species and to save water. Does this eliminate the need for an on-site agronomist? Scarcely! Things other than a shortage of available soil moisture can cause deficiency of water in the water conducting tissue. An agronomist would seem more important than ever to assure correct interpreta­ tion and treatments. REE Turfgrass Irrigation Requirements The late-spring, early-summer season of 1986 is providing turf managers with many sleepless nights and hopes that conditions experienced thus far are not a foreshadowing of more extreme con­ ditions to come during July and August. With water or lack of rainfall on turf pro­ fessionals’ minds, research presented within the last few months regarding turfgrass water use rates may be of interest. Irrigation of cool-season grasses to replenish 100 percent of maximum evapotranspirational losses resulted in tall fescue using more water than Ken­ tucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, with red fescue using the least water.1 Red fescue remained green longer than the other grasses under deficit irrigation at 75 percent of water lost through evapotranspiration (ET). This occurred because of red fescue’s lower water use rate. Deficit irrigation at 50 percent of maximum ET resulted in unacceptable quality of all four grasses. Water use rates of two Kentucky bluegrasses, a perennial ryegrass, and red fescue were similar when measured during June through September of two growing seasons.2 Water used by these grasses averaged from 0.13 to 0.14 inch per day. A sheep’s fescue had the lowest water use rate of the grasses tested, averaging about 0.09 inch of water per day. Turf managers may want to compare these findings with their everyday ex­ periences and keep the water consump­ tion rates of turfgrass species in mind when considering establishment of turf on areas with limited water supply. Also, use of grasses with low water consump­ tion rates on certain areas may be useful in conserving limited water resources. 1Minner, D.D., and J.D. Butler. 1985. Cool-season turfgrass quality as related to evaporation. Agron. Abstr., American Society of Agronomy, Madison, Wl. p. 119. 2Aronson, L.J., A.J. Gold, J.L. Cisar, and R.J. Hull. 1985. Water use and drought responses of cool- season turfgrasses. Agron. Abstr., American Society of Agronomy, Madison, Wl. p. 113. RW Soil — that from which farmers and laundries make a living. Potassium Release Probed When soil dries out, changes in sur­ face tension literally pull sheets of minerals apart to release more potassium, according to research by two University of Wisconsin soil scientists. In their report, H. M. Kunishi and R. B. Corey explain some of the factors that determine how much potassium is released when soil is dried. Soil seldom gets dry enough in the field to release potassium, but is impor­ tant to soils men because it interferes with the testing of soil for available potassium. Drying, which is a normal part of soil testing procedures, makes it appear that certain soils have more available potassium than they actually contain in the field. Much of the soil potassium is held tightly in minerals such as mica, and is not available to plants until the mineral weathers and ex­ poses the potassium ions. Kunishi and Corey are seeking ex­ planation as to why certain soils release potassium as they are dried. This might lead to methods of testing which would not overestimate the amount of this im­ portant plant food. They reported how they used a wet­ ting agent to decrease the surface ten­ sion in drying soil samples, and thus reduced the amount of potassium released into exchangeable form. While this is not practical for use in testing procedures, it definitely indicated the reason for the potassium being released by drying. Their tests also showed several other factors which influence the amount of potassium released. The type of potassium-carrying mineral in the soil, and the size of these mineral particles is important, for example. Small particles release proportional­ ly more potassium because they have proportionally more edge area where the surface tension can exert splitting pressure. Micas and illites release much potassium, while vermiculite actually tends to tie up potassium which is already available in the soil solution. The type of chemicals and their con­ centration in the mineral particles and soil solution also affect the amount of this nutrient released and so does the amount of drying which takes place, the research men concluded. Reprinted: Wisconsin News A Major Reason for Liming and Why We Use Nitrate Nitrogen for Early Growth Reviewing this simple table for a moment impresses us with the reasons for lim­ ing acid soils for fertilizer efficiency. Also, it shows us why application of nitrate nitrogen gives early growth in late winter and early spring. Effect on Soil PH and Temperature on Nitrification of Anhydrous Ammonia1 Nitrate nitrogen produced in 2 weeks Temperature °F 45 60 70 80 90 pH 5.0 lb. 0 4 80 90 60 Soil Reaction pH 6.2 lb. 0 25 110 230 110 pH 7.4 lb. 0 70 450 480 380 From data of L.R. Frederick as quoted by Andrews in Volume 8 of Advances in Agronomy. Mystic KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS Mystic is so aggressive it rapidly fills in divot scars and fights Poa annua invasion making it ideal for use on golf course fairways and tees. It possesses the following characteristics: ★ Tolerant of close mowing (3/4”) ★ Provides a dense and aggressive turf ★ Resists Poa annua invasion ★ Fine texture ★ Bright green color Mystic was evaluated at Rutgers University by Dr. Ralph Engel and Dr. C.R. Funk under the experi­ mental designation P-141. For more information contact your local Lofts distributor, or Lofts Seed, Inc. Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (201) 356-8700 LOFTS WE CAN HELP YOU GROW better quality turf stocks more bluegrass, fine textured rye- Jonathan Green grass and turf-type tall fescue varieties than any other seed house in the mid- atlantic and eastern states. Jonathan Green stocks an entire range of insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers and specialty turf products for professional lawn services, golf courses, municipalities, sod growers, hydro-seeders and all landscape contractors. Jonathan Green provides you with product information, custom turf care programs and prompt knowledgeable attention to your particu­ lar turf problems... large or small. FOR THE FASTEST SERVICE IN THE EAST CALL Jonathan Green IN NEW JERSEY OUT OF STATE 201-938-7007 NEW1-800-526-2303 JERSEY 07727 FARMINGDALE, Wilfred Mac Donald, Inc. 340 Main Avenue Clifton, NJ 07014 201-471-0244 •Jacobsen •National •Giant Vac •Cushman •FMC •Olathe • Gravely • Broyhill • Howard • Smithco •Terra-Care A New Concept in Disease Control The systemic fungicide fosetyl Al has no apparent effect on the healthy plant. When the plant is infected with a fungus, the fungicide triggers defense reactions of the plant. If this unique mechanism of fosetyl Al “Aliette” is successful in the field, it will be an add­ ed tool in the arsenal of fungicides. Also, this type of action might cause fewer resistant strains of disease organisms. Bruce B. Clarke Bumpy Greens Jacobsen Turfcat II GW 224 At several recent meetings, there were comments that annual bluegrass wrecked putting on an assortment of golf courses this spring. Greens with modest amounts of this weed “turf­ grass” were as serious offenders as those with greater amounts. Scattered individual plants with a tuft of seedheads seemed to stand higher than bentgrass. The latter often grew very slowly because of low nitrogen availability and/or cold, dry weather. Recall that research publications and comments on nitrogen stimulation of greens suggest that starting fertilization about the end of April or May 1 deters seedheads and gives more even growth of the two species. Fertilization with largely quick-acting nitrogen at 1/2 to 3/4 lb. actual nitrogen per 1000 ft2 is sug­ gested to ease the condition. REE Parkmaster The Professional for large areas. FERTILIZERS COMBINATIONS OF NITROFORM I.B.D.U. S.C.U. And And WITH INSECTICIDES PRE-EMERGENCE CRABGRASS KILLERS HERBICIDES GRANULAR LIQUID SELECTIVE AND TOTAL FUNGICIDES GRANULAR FLOWABLE WETTABLE POWDERS INSECTICIDES GRANULAR LIQUID WETTABLE POWDERS Ask your supplier or write: ROCKLAND CHEMICAL CO., INC. Passaic Ave., West Caldwell, N.J. The Toro’ Parkmaster mows swaths from 30 inches to 18 1/2 feet wide -up to 80 acres a day. With a 7 or 9 unit hydraulically-controlled frame, it has a compact pattern of gangs for easy mowing, easy transporting. The Parkmaster is the mowing tractor built to take Spartan gangs Comes with powerful gas or diesel engine with cab and roll over protection system (ROPS) optional. TORO The Professionals That Keep You Cutting Storr Tractor Co 3191 U S Highway 22 Somerville, NJ 08876 201/722-9830 Improving Your Lies The few imperfect lies a player may find provide the challenge that makes golf a fascinating game. When a player starts a round, he is guaranteed 54 perfect lies. He can tee up on 18 tees, and presumably he will have 36 perfect lies on the greens. On only a minority of his shots, therefore, does he even run the risk of an im­ perfect lie. The excuse that preferred lies spare the golf course is hardly valid. After all, when a player moves his ball from an im­ perfect piece of turf to a perfect piece, he will, in most cases, only dig up one more good piece of turf. Gene Andersen Autumn 1948 Issue of USGA Journal