Bi-Monthly Update May/)une1997 Vol. 26, No. 2 The newsletter from the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association CCSAA AFFILIATE J President's Message “Children are our future”, this is a phrase we’ve heard a number of times over the years. I would agree with this, and feel we all need to do our best to help children reach their potential. Recently, I’ve had two groups of children tour the golf course. I found these experiences to be enlightening and enjoyable. Both of these groups were made up of nine and ten year old children. What amazed me most was their enthusiasm to learn. It also seems that once they comprehend a thought, they don’t forget it. The first group to visit was the Cub Scouts. The club donated lumber (cut from trees harvested off club property) to build bluebird nest boxes. After building the nest boxes, the scouts came to the course to install them. As we went around the course installing the nest boxes, we were able to talk about bluebirds and their habitat. The second group was a school class. This field trip reviewed a science unit they had worked on for a number of weeks. This was arranged after 1 spoke to the class during a career day. The children impressed me with their knowledge and understanding of wild life. We talked about wildlife, but also turf and trees. They saw the machines and techniques we use to mow the golf course. They were able to view a putting green (they were amazed grass is cut that short) and also to actually putt on the green. The children also had a scavenger hunt, collecting items such as feathers, acorns and plants to take back to school to talk about. However they were most excited when they had the chance to look for golf balls in the woods. 1 really enjoyed having both groups tour the course. I hope I taught them something, because they taught me something. I feel children are an excellent way to pass on information about the benefits of golf courses and the duties of the golf course superintendent. I Would encourage all of you to take advantage of passing on information about our profession anytime you have the opportunity. Brian Holmes BEARD Thank you TO: N.M.T.M.A. TURF TIMES COLLECTION I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Directors and the members of the N.M.T.M.A. for all of your help and support during my campaign for Director of G.C.S.A.A. While I was not successful in winning a seat on the board, the support I received was better than expected and WE WILL do it next year. I would especially like to thank Mark Wildeman, who as president wrote the nominating letter to G.C.S.A.A and Karen Gray, who as voting delegate ( for the first time) worked hard to learn and help try and get me elected. It was indeed an honor and privilege to represent you the members of N.M.T.M.A. and friends. Seven years ago, you welcomed me back to Northern Michigan and having served on other boards, this association is exciting and great. With support like this it makes the effort of running all worth it and very humbling. To close, thank you just does not say enough to express my gratitude. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to call me. See you at a meeting soon. Have a great 1997 season. Sincerely, OiSO *J°n D' Maddern, C.G.C.S. Irrigation Water Quality What is water quality, and how is it classified? Water The following chart can help in determining whether quality is determined by its intended use. For instance, a your irrigation water ia adversely affecting the growth pure source with no mineral or organic contaminants and health of your turf grass please fill un the following would be ideal for drinking purposes, but a poor choice for your course: for golf course irrigation. Alternatively, a water source PH high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrate, and pHc liberally laced with microbes, might be a great irrigation source, but completely unsuitable for drinking purposes. Ca _________PPm Mg _________PPm Generally, water is evaluated in terms of its mineral and K _________PPm biological components and classified based on intended Na ----------- ppm application. There are numerous sources which classify plants with respect to their tolerance of, or sensitivity to, salinity and specific mineral toxicities. Unfortunately, Bicarbonate _________PPm the superintendent does not have a choice of the quality of water available for his course. And , to an increasing Total Salts _________PPm extent, is being forced to accept water that may not be fit (TDS) for other domestic uses, e.g. effluent water. The grow­ ing trend in mandating the use of recycled water on golf 1. Is the pH above 7.0? Y or N courses is further reducing the choices of water quality. 2. Is the pHc below 8.4? Y or N 3. Is the sodium more than 5% When making decisions on irrigation sources one should of the Total Salts? Y or N be reminded of the summary of all irrigation scripture. 4. Is bicarbonate more than 15% of the Total Salts? Y or N “As water is, 5. Are the total of the carbonate and so then shall be the soil” bicarbonate levels greater than the total calcium and magnesium The simple fact is that if a given soil is irrigated with levels? Y or N a given water quality over an extended period of time the soil will assume the characteristics of that irriga­ If you answered yes to two or more of the above tion source. questions, your irrigation may be adversely affect­ ing your turfgrass. Contact your chemical dealer to Most of the problems encountered with irrigation water find out what you can do. are associated with the direct and indirect effects of excess total salts (TDS), excesses of specific mineral ions (sodium, boron, chloride etc.) and excesses of bicarbonate and associated elevated ( alkaline) pH. Remember: Excessive bicarbonates can result in the closing in pore Mark your calendars: spaces in the soil that allow water to penetrate. Water Michigan Turfgrass Field Day infiltration is the most important factor in managing Hancock Turfgrass Research Center salinity, alkalinity and nutrient availability. Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 1997 Calendar Thursday, August 28,1997 July 15 Green Briar G.C., Lupton Information will be mailed out in early July. August 18 Eagle Glenn, Farwell Contact Kay at 517-321-1660 September 9 NMTMA Fundraiser if you have any questions. Belvedere G.C., Charlevoix Safety Message Editors Note Be on Guard for skin cancer ! Please remember we need articles from you for the Type 1 - Non Melanoma - affects 800,000 people per newsletter. Submit any articles or information that you year in the U.S. alone. feel might be of interest to your colleagues. If you are too busy now - jot down the idea and write something Risk factors: over the winter. Anything concerning our profession, a. Cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation. human interest or stories of a humorous nature are b. Fair skin. welcome. If you are concerned about your writing Common location: Head, neck and back of hands. skills, the resident English expert (Lisa Hohn) can proof read it and make recommendations. Please also Primary Protection: send me stories or articles you have read that are a. Sun screen with a SPF greater than 15. worthy of reprinting. This is your chance to contribute b. Hats that shield ears and back of neck to the N.M.T.M.A. My Fax number is 616-533-7067 c. Long - sleeved shirts and pants Pete Hohn Type 2 - Melanoma - affects 34,00 people in the U.S. each year often is fatal. Risk factors: Field Day a. Brief intense exposure to UV radiation Valley Turf Inc.’s third annual Turf Man­ may contribute. agement Field Day, will be on July 22, with a rain b. Cumulative exposure to UV radiation date of July 23, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. This will c. Fair skin. Primary Protection: Same as for non-melanoma. be held at the Old Kent Park, home of the West Early diagnosis can usually prevent fatality. Michigan White Caps. Major affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This event is What to look for: set up so that the newest equipment available may a. Moles that change size, shape or color. be seen close up by everyone in the parks, munici­ b. An unusual growth on the skin. palities, golf, sports field complexes, schools, c. Skin changes color in certain spots. commercial landscapers, and the professional lawn d. A sore that won’t heal. care users. Check yourself regularly. Use and encourage co-workers This event is a great way for the entire crew to to use sunblock. Although fair skinned people are at see the newest in commercial and turf equipment higher risk, everyone is susceptible. and its uses. Meet the Manufacture Representatives ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• from Bunton, Scag, Bob Cat, Ransomes, Jacobsen, • For Sale Gravely, Land Pride, Ty-Crop, National, Red Max, F-1O Jacobsen Fairway mower in work- Smithco, Rain Bird and more. Morning coffee and rolls will be available, * ing condition, 8 blade cutting units., lunch will also be available. Please call Leslie at *$3,500.00. Phone (517) 358-4298 616-532-2885 or fax at 616-532-5553 to RSVP * Alpena Golf Club * and more information. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Farmers Almanac Forecast Do you have an address change, or do for the Great Lakes Region you need some information on NMTMA, or August 1997: The month will start out with the do you need to call in your reservation for a appearance of what seems to be a long, hot summer, meeting? You can do all of this now by calling Kay Patrick at: but temperatures will average only 72° - slightly below (517) 327-5474 normal for the month. This will be due to a big increase Write this number down, it will come in very handy! in precipitation, and by August 20 dry conditions will no longer be a problem anywhere in the region. ______________ ___________ / TheNMTMA appreciates the support from the following businesses... • IRRIGATION • • FERTILIZERS, CHEMICALS & SEED • • EQUIPMENT, SERVICE & SUPPLIES • Thielen Turf Irrigation, Inc. Benham Chemical Corporation Spartan Distributors, Inc. Golf Course Installation Serving Michigan and Ohio Your Full Line Toro Distributor (517) 773-3409 800-482-6520 800-822-2216 Century Rain Aid Tri-Turf D & C Distributors, Inc. Now There’s A Third Option - Legacy Golf A Warehouse on Wheels Your One Stop Shop 800-347-4272 (616) 943-8343 800-888-7779 • 248-349-7779 C.J. Colein & Associates, Inc. Chipco Tire Wholesalers Company Irrigation Design and Consulting Bob Dugan Dan Cress - Tires & Tubes (810) 656-6805 (313) 782-0323 (616) 775-6666 • SOD, SOIL & CONSTRUCTION • Turfgrass Inc. Turf Services, Inc. We Serve You Better Matt Heiss Beck Sod Farm (800) 521-8873 (616) 842-4975 George or Lois Beck (517) 864-3549 • Fax (517) 864-3055 The Scotts Company W. F. Miller Company Ed Carmody Your Cushman, Ransomes, Ryan Connection Huggett Sod Farm (616) 946-6594 (800) 555-8189 Bent & Bluegrass Sod, Bulk Peat & ShadeTrees 800-432-2763 • 517-635-7482 Lebanon-Seaboard Fertilizer & Seed The Best Agronomics/Value Available • GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE • • CONTRACT SERVICES • Randy-810- 673-7146 Boylan Sales Inc. Mechanical Soil Technology Sweeney Seed Company Yamaha USA Contract Verti-Drain Aerification Service It Pays to Plant The Best (616) 685-6828 800-743-2419 • 309-342-2419 (800) 344-2482 (517) 773-5391 Commercial/Environmental Turf Services Turf Chemicals, Inc. John Kirtland Fertilizers For Better Turf 800-231-5296 • 810-858-7700 517-725-7145 Fax 517-723-7410 ...and we encourage you to support them. Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association P.O. Box 80086 Lansing, Michigan 48908 Oï” - Janies Beard I nter na i to na 1 Sports Tur*f Box 10065 College Station TX 77842 NMTMA Executive Committee Brian Holmes - President Doug Kendziorski - Vice President Jon Maddern - Secretary/Treasurer Tom Reed - Executive Secretary Brian Conklin - Recording Secretary H hHhiÌì! nil tulli sili ni