77e- - MICHAYWE HILLS LAKE COURSE /j GAYLORD MICHIGAN Volume 18 No. __3— CHARLES BRINK ROAD, TURN EAST OFF OF OLD U.S. 27 JIM SPARLING, SUPERINTENDENT MIKE HUSBY, GOLF DIRECTOR 13th ANNUAL NORTHERN MICHIGAN TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION 3733 APOLLO DRIVE • TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49684 • 616-943-8343 TURF BENEFIT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE April 15, 1989 DAY Thomas Broggef Michaywe Lake Course Dear Northern Michigan Turf Managers: Monday, June 12th, 1989 Paul Holmes Your Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Benefit Committee is pleased to announce that this year's event is to be held Proceeds will go to ENTRY FEE: $60.00 per player Monday, June 13 at the new Michaywe' Lake Course. The Lake Michigan Turf Foundation ($240.00 per team) Damian Kurkowski Course was recently featured in Golf Digest as the third best new public golf facility in the United States. We are very Turfgrass Research Fund grateful to superintendent Jim Sparling and Director of Golf Jonalbon Scott. CGCS Mike Husby for providing their uniquely outstanding golf resort. •FOUR MAN BEST BALL* Pul P»««unl Best Two of Four As most of you know, revenues from this benefit are donated Full Handicap OwecKxs to the Michigan Turf Foundation for turfgrass research. M.T.F. James Bogart funds most of the research programs done at Michigan State Bnan Holmes Jeffrey Holmes Charles Menelee. CGCS Wm Brent Nelson University. Last year the Northern Michigan Turf Managers donated $8,000 and we are expecting another exceptional year. Through our donations we assure that our turf problems will be TeamPrizes & Prizes For Individual Events Michaywé James Otli. CGCS continually addressed. Lake Course Kimberly Olson Robert Sternhurst. CGCS The format and cost of the event remains the same except the afternoon shotgun will begin at 1:30 P.M. Again there •Includes: will be many prizes including several rounds of golf with carts 1. Golf (Shot Guns 8:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.) Ed Karcheski at the areas' prime golf destinations. Dinner will be served at 2. Golf Carts the completion of both rounds at the Inn the Woods. 3. Cheese Board - Cocktail Hour C. E. "Tuck" Tate CGCS David Longfieid, CGCS âï&itïSa/ 4. Dinner (Morning Players - 2:30, Afternoon - 7:30) We strongly urge you to invite your club members and friends E>acu«va S*ci«w to support our benefit. This event is extremely popular with In case of inclement weather the banquets will be held as scheduled. Thomas Reed some club members because the monies donated eventually translate Rooms are available 3733 Apollo Or into better golfing conditions. Many support it because it is an for those desiring to stay over. Traverse City, Ml 49684 outstanding golf value at an excellent facility. In any case, Phone 616-943-8343 bring some friends and have a great time on this spectacular new 1-800-322-6636 course. If you are a single, please call and we will find a group for you. ENTRY FORM EDITOR To reserve your tee time, please return the enclosed entry Players Handicap Preferred Starting Times All Tee Times C. E. "Tuck"Tate as soon as possible. Times will be reserved on a first come, are assigned P. 0. Drawer 472 first served basis. Hope to see you there!! on a first- Frankfort, Mich. Shot Gun 8:00 am ________ come, first- 616/352-4398 Sincerely, served basis and will be confirmed by Shot Gun 1:30 pm mail. Charles C. Menefee CGCS MTF Benefit Chairman. Make checks payable to N.M.T.M.A. and along with entrees, send to: row CHARLES MENEFEE C.G.C.S. P.O. Box 384 Harbor Springs, MI 49740 •k'k'k'kizii-k-k-k-k-k-k'k'k-kii-k-k'k-k-k-k'k'k'k'k-k-k'k-it-k'k-k-k-k'k'k'k-k-k'k'k-k-k'k'kii'kiç'k’k'k'k'k'k-k-k'k'k'kiç'k'k'k'kii'k'k'k'k-k'k'k-k-k DIAL-A-PHONE (517) 355-5221 Turfgrass problems could soon start, remember this hot line is available 24 hours each day for the latest information direct from the Robert Hancock Research Center at MSU. *************************************************************************** JULY MEETING At the time of this writing, no location has been definitely approved. Should a location become available, you will be notified as always with full details in our next "TURF TIMES". Should you like to offer your course, please contact Tom Reed. Thanks. “Organic” Turf Management by Eliot C. Roberts Among current topics of interest and con­ are relatively low, ground, water and air cern to turfgrass managers, the so called pollution are not likely to reach problem "pesticide issue" is receiving major atten­ proportions. However, in urban and subur­ tion. Turfgrass scientists and practitioners ban regions, these matters are of concern alike recognize the importance of pesti­ to the population in general and thus to re­ cides in the maintenance of high quality sponsible government agencies. Among sports and golf turf. The more the grass is many good intentions, much misinforma­ stressed by play of the game, the more tion concerning pesticides has been re­ likely pesticides will be required to keep turf ported. Some clarification has been evident healthy. in a recent report entitled "How Risky Are At the same time, there continue to be Pesticides" by Keith C. Barrons published reports of less than satisfactory pest control in the January 1987 issue of “Science of from use of chemicals that "used to work". Food and Agriculture”. New disease and insect resistance to old The following charts illustrate the differ­ reliable pesticides is noted and even terms ence between the reality of risk, and the like "The Black Plague" are being used to perception of risk by 3 different groups. In a describe detrimental conditions on the 1983 U.S. survey, numbers of accidental many sand putting greens. Some turfgrass deaths from poisoning by various agents research is leading to conclusions that use listed medicinal substances - 2,866, carbon of chemicals is causing grasses to become monoxide and other gases or vapors - weakened, soil biological systems to be 1189, miscellaneous - 216 and pesticides thrown out of balance and pathogenic or­ Eliot Roberts is the Director of the Lawn Institute 22. The perceived risk from use of pesti­ ganisms, insects and weeds given advan­ at Pleasant Hilly Tennessee. cides is far greater than the actual risk tages that they should not have under con­ according to these data. ditions of well maintained turf. On the other hand, for those few who All of this has taken place at a time when similar and even though a weed may die or have high sensitivity to pesticide exposure public concern for quality of air and ground a fungus spread stop, or an insect be killed and experience allergic or other adverse re­ water is very high. Many people are fright­ by use of chemicals with no apparent injury actions, the risks are real and the discom­ ened and feel the safety of lawn care and to the turf, there is likely to be a loss of grass fort genuine. Because of this, some con­ turf management practices is in doubt. The vigor that can weaken the plant and predis­ trols on pesticides use are necessary. technical aspects of this issue are more pose it to other injury. Use of chemicals on lawns and sports turf often than not overlooked in favor of emo­ Variability in sensitivity of living systems is now a high tech operation. Sophisticated tional concerns and this makes an easy to chemicals is striking. Not only do turf­ equipment provides the proper pressure for resolution of the pesticide controversy most grasses and weeds differ, but also various the nozzles in use so that material applied difficult. We must recognize both the tech­ insects and disease-causing pathogens. is left on the leaf, moved into the thatch, or nical and social aspects if we are all serious Other plants in the landscape vary in sensi­ down into the soil. In order to obtain full about making working conditions more tivity to chemical spray. In addition, ani­ value from this apparatus, the matter of favourable for the turf manager and lawn mals, including people, vary in reaction to expertise in problem diagnosis, in selection care specialist. exposure to chemicals used in turf man­ of materials for use and in timing of applica­ agement. This is of concern to the applica­ tion is more important than ever. Technology of Chemical tor of the chemical, to the user of the turf Skill in application of chemicals involves a (perhaps the golfer) and to those who re­ wide range of mechanical, climatological and Turf Management side on or use neighboring property. biological knowledge. Mis-application is Because of severe reaction to foreign more likely to occur when this knowledge is When treating turfgrasses for the control of chemicals in the environment demon­ not available or practiced. At these times living organisms (within a community of strated by some people, the matter of envi­ environmental pollution, lack of effective living grasses) we ask for a lot when we ronmental pollution has taken on special control or damage to the turf can result. With expect selective control with no adverse meaning by local, state and even national current public attitudes what they are, there is effect on the turf. Life processes are all government. Where population densities little margin for error. GREENMASTER 2 Organic (continued) “The Perception” How Three Groups Perceive the Significance of Pesticides as a Development of Chemicals for Cause of Death Turf Management LEAGUE OF BUSINESS AND PROFES­ Chemicals for use on lawns and sports turf, WOMEN VOTERS COLLEGE STUDENTS SIONAL CLUB MEMBERS including fertilizers, soil conditioners and 1. Nuclear power 1. Nuclear power 1. Handguns pesticides, take years to develop and in­ 2. Motor vehicles 2. Handguns 2. Motorcycles volve costs that run in the millions of dollars. 3. Handguns 3. Smoking 3. Motor Vehicles 4. Smoking 4. PESTICIDES 4. Smoking During the product development process, 5. Motorcycles 5. Motor Vehicles 5. Alcoholic Beverages tremendous amounts of information are 6. Alcoholic Beverages 6. Motorcycles 6. Fire Fighting generated about the chemicals and their 7. General Aviation 7. Alcoholic Beverages 7. Police Work properties in various formulations. Environ­ 8. Police work 8. Police Work 8. Nuclear Power mental Protection Agencies require this 9. PESTICIDES 9. Contraceptives 9. Surgery information and the results of extensive 10. Surgery 10. Fire Fighting 10. Hunting testing and evaluation prior to granting ap­ 11. Fire Fighting 11. Surgery 11. General Aviation proval for marketing. All reasonable care is 12. Large Construction 12. Food Preservatives 12. Mountain Climbing taken to assure effectiveness of the mate­ 13. Hunting 13. Spray Cans 13. Large Construction 14. Spray Cans 14. Large Construction 14. Bicycles rial for the purpose intended and safety of 15. Mountain Climbing 15. General Aviation 15. PESTICIDES the material for use on lawns and sports turf 16. Bicycles 16. Commercial Aviation 16. Skiing used by people with widely differing sensi­ 17. Commercial Aviation 17. X-rays 17. Swimming tivities to irritants in the environment. 18. Electric Power 18. Hunting 18. Commercial Aviation It is understood that methods in analytical 19. Swimming 19. Electric Power 19. Electric Power chemistry improve each year thus allowing 20. Contraceptives 20. Food Coloring 20. Railroads detection of smaller and smaller amounts 21. Skiing 21. Prescription Antibiotics 21. Scholastic Football of chemicals in air, soil and water and in 22. X-rays 22. Mountain Climbing 22. Contraceptives plant and animal tissue. Now, very small 23. Scholastic Football 23. Railroads 23. Spray Cans 24. Railroads 24. Bicycles 24. X-rays amounts of contamination can be found in 25. Food Preservatives 25. Skiing 25. Power Mowers almost everything. Because contamination 26. Food colouring 26. Scholastic Football 26. Prescription Antibiotics can be detected, doesn't necessarily mean 27. Power Mowers 27. Home Appliances 27. Home Appliances that this is harmful or that there is something 28. Prescription Antibiotics 28. Power Mowers 28. Food Preservatives presentthat wasn’tthere before. What is im­ 29. Home Appliances 29. Vaccinations 29. Vaccinations portant is the amount of these substances in 30. Vaccinations 30. Swimming 30. Food Coloring relation to the limits of tolerance of various living entities - plants and animals. Mortality rate due to pesticides is not the problem most people perceive it to be. (Information contained in the February. 1982 issue oScientific American magazine.) From the beginnings of time there have been irritants and other so-called pollutants ‘The Reality” in the environment that have been con­ Actual Numbers of Deaths, Ranked by Cause tended with by all life forms. Some have survived, others haven't. Now we have 1. Smoking ■ 150,000 more control over the environment, and can 2. Alcoholic Beverages 100,000 help create conditions that allow many to 3. Motor Vehicles ■■■50,0100 live under otherwise hazardous conditions. 4. Handguns ■ 17,000 5. Electric Power 114,000 The longer people inhabit the earth and use 6. Motorcycles ■ 3,000 its natural resources, the more waste we 7. Swimming ■ 3,000 generate that can be harmful to plant or 8. Surgery ■ 2,800 animal health. Can or should we stop sci­ 9. X rays ■■2,300 10. Railroads ■11,950 ence and technological advances and go 11. General Aviation ■ 1,300 back to the "cave" for a much less protected 12. Large Construction 11,000 life style and a far greater emphasis on the 13. Bicycles 11,000 survival of the fittest? Most of us would vote 14. Hunting )0 15. Home Appliances 1200 enthusiastically against this. 16. Fire Fighting ■195 17. Police Work ■ 160 Public Attitudes and Perceptions 18. Contraceptives ■■■150 19. Commercial Aviation ■■130 The mid-to later 1980's continue to be a time 20. Nuclear Power 100 21. Mountain Climbing ■ 30 of emphasis on human rights. Freedom of 22. Power Mowers ■24 opportunity and all conditions that impinge 23. Scholastic Football ■ 23 on health and safety in the work and resi­ 24. Skiing ■18 dential environment are of prime impor­ 25. Vaccinations 10 26. Food Coloring tance. The legal system has, in general, 27. Food Preservatives been generous with settlements that have 28. PESTICIDES been brought to light through the grievance 29. Prescription Antibiotics process. Insurance payments have provi­ 30. Spray Cans ded major benefits at the expense of those responsible for payment of premiums. Now increasing costs of insurance are making it difficult for some segments of the turf man­ NUMBER OF DEATHS 10 100 1,000 10,000 100,000 agement industry to survive. Credit: Scientific American, February 1982 (continued page 4) C.«F ENMASTER 3 Unfortunately, along with the good that newspapers sell. Pesticide use and envi­ interest in listening. Understanding is all but has come to some who deserve it, there has ronmental pollution are topics for which impossible when one party has no desire to also been an increase in an attitude that we need to find some scapegoat. recognize that there are two sides to every promotes getting something for nothing coin. So what is left? Is there a common • Many of us are interested in groups and whenever possible. Now is my time to cash in causes. If there's a negative aspect to ground for clarification of these issues? I in. Others are doing it; why shouldn’t I? My the cause, this gives people a feeling of believe there is and that this needs to be grievance is just as good as theirs and who doing something positive by combating it. worked out in terms associated with "or­ can prove that it wasn't that pesticide that Often it's easier to be against something ganic gardening". caused the trouble? than for something. Immediate answers There's an old saying that "laws cost noth­ regarding a specific situation are more “Organic” ing". So, it's relatively easy to have laws or important than long term solutions to Turf Management ordinances passed on most anything. They broader based problems. At times it are great in protecting us from everything seems important to avoid reading techni­ The "organic" method is not new. Actually but ourselves. It's also true that the implem­ cal material that would provide improved the advent of chemical agriculture is rela­ entation of laws always cost someone. It understanding. And, often an attempt to tively new. Research 50 to 100 years ago may be the taxpayer directly or it may be the promote scare tactics is obvious. had mostly to do with organic matter as of consumer through the higher cost of goods critical importance in soil fertility. This re­ and services made necessary through • Most of us underestimate the value of search has continued. In 1986 there were compliance with regulations and increased lawns and sports turf in creating an ac­ 131 research papers on soil microbiology insurance premiums. Small firms may go ceptable quality of life or enhanced stan­ dard of living. The fact is we cannot do and biochemistry presented at the annual out of business for lack of ability to absorb without the green of turfgrass and this Soil Science Society of America Conven­ these increased costs. There is no way that really seems to bother some people. Fur­ tion in New Orleans, Louisiana. private enterprise can for long continue to sell a product without a profit. Thus, it's ulti­ ther, we often do not even understood Over the years we've come to understand mately the consumer who pays or accepts why the turfgrass commodity is so impor­ the importance of some 900 billion bacteria, the option of going without the product or tant. It's contribution to increased real fungi, actinomyces and protozoa in each service. This could even force the closure of estate value, neighborhood value and pound of soil. (There are close to 2,000,000 some golf courses and other recreational over-all quality of life are recognized but pounds of soil in the root zone for each acre facilities. not easily quantified. There is little diffi­ of turf.) This amounts to about 70 pounds of Now, there are some rather diverse pub­ culty in understanding the value of me­ micro-organisms per 1000 square feet of lic perceptions regarding lawns and sports chanical apparatus. Not so with living turf grown on soil that would weigh close to turf that must be recognized, understood plants. What is the value in a diseased or 50,000 pounds. and worked through if we are going to deal weedy putting green? The turfgrass com­ And, that's not all. There are large num­ constructively with the pesticide issue in modity has recognized value but the spe­ bers of small animals that enrich the soil turfgrass management. These include the cifics are hard to come by. by decomposition of organic matter. For following: example, earthworms increase fertility of With this understanding of the problem at the soil by producing casts that often con­ • Most people who enjoy lawns and sports hand, where do we go from here? There turf are not really interested in knowing all tain 40 percent more calcium, 204 percent would seem to be several options: about how it's done. Some few gardeners more magnesium, 366 percent more ni­ are. The same applies to information on - Sit back and do nothing. trate, 644 percent more phosphorus and soils and conservation. It’s good to be in - Wait and see if all the fuss won't blow 1019 percent more potassium than sur­ favour of environmental matters. This is over. rounding soil. an "in" thing to do and makes you look like - Act like we're above it all - not really con­ The value of organic processes is well you're an expert. cerned because there's no real problem - understood in maintaining soil productivity. it just doesn't exist. And these processes are most beneficial on • Most people who enjoy lawns and sports - Take the position: "Ask me a stupid ques­ turf are likely to place the blame for some­ grassland agriculture, that segment which tion and I'll give you some kind of a stupid includes turfgrass management. It is natu­ thing gone wrong on someone else in answer". such a way that they remain uninvolved. ral that we should use slow release "or­ - Argue with the environmentalists as long This keeps them "off the hook" and very ganic" fertilizers so as to take greatest as there's any breath left. much baffled and victimized by whatever possible advantage of the biological system - Try to find new technical information to happened. At such times there is a lot of help explain the safe use of chemicals in already functioning within the root zone. talking and very little listening. Technical turf management. understanding of the soil and turfgrass A New Definition variables may be lacking to the degree Now, none of these work very well. There is This new definition of “organic” turf manage­ that that communication is most difficult. no way to argue with environmentalists and ment presents three criteria which must be • Most of us are influenced these days by expect to win. For them the issue is emo­ met. the media - especially TV. There often tional rather than factual. As a matter fact, FIRST. “Organic" turf management con­ seems to be a vested interest in exploita­ "facts cloud the issue". Communication is cerns a complete maintenance program tion. The general public is interested; difficult at best when one party has little Continued on page 5 Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives. Willia A. Foster 4 Organic (continued) ment program. Chelated forms of some nutrients, such as iron, are available. These slow release nutrients meet criteria for "organic” turf management. Wetting agents also serve to enhance soil biological processes and as such, improve soil physical and chemical properties that are of benefit to fine turf. A good biologically healthy soil is the best of all known media for the decomposition of all sorts of organic compounds, including pesticides. These chemicals are known as biodegradable. This is an ongoing process which in time changes toxic substances to harmless compounds. The only limitation in this regard is caused by an overload of pesticides - more accumulated in the soil than the organisms can handle at any given time. Thus, it is critically important not to over use any pesticide. In so doing control will be less satisfactory, residues will accu­ mulate to the detriment of both turf and biological populations in the soil. Limited prescribed use of pesticides is not harmful to beneficial soil organisms and should These plots were not treated with herbicide. Ureaform slow release nitrogen helps develop turf that can crowd continue to be an important well accepted out seedlings - lower left and upper right. Plots with dandelions werefertilized with inorganic sources of nitrogen. part of turfgrass management. pounds is directed towards applications of The time has come for a new definition of featuring the application of organic (con­ small amounts frequently so as to provide "organic" turf management; one that places taining carbon) products either natural or nutrient release that is quantitatively small emphasis on approved practices for the synthetic that have slow release and/or and continuing. These practices are highly enhancement of soil organisms and the decomposition properties that promote lawngrass growth and also enhance natu­ compatible with any "organic turf manage­ culture of fine turfgrasses. ral soil macro- and micro-biological proc- CREDIT: GREENMASTER__ esses. ' SECOND. "Organic" lawn care features the use of natural or synthetic inorganic products that breakdown slowly and have slow release properties as long as natural Ballad to a Golf Course soil macro- and micro-biological popula­ tions are enhanced. “A golf course is a pretty thing. THIRD. "Organic" lawn care may require It needs a lot of care. It’s hard to applications of inorganic plant nutrients in very small quantities necessary in the sus­ keep it lookin’ good with all that tenance of natural soil macro- and micro­ organisms and in the development of vigor­ wear and tear. ous healthy lawn turf. Mow the greens, and fairways too; Conclusion The pesticide issue is real; it is serious, but It’s an all day job. we need not sit back and do nothing. There is a positive approach to be taken and that Water, spray and aerify; is through turf management practices that and then wait for the mob. emphasize the age old concepts of soil organic matter and soil biological activity. Now golfers are peculiar guys, These are a natural for turfgrass. They are based on sound research concerned with It seems they do no wrong. slow release of all nutrients or applications of soluable compounds in very small quan­ It’s always cause the green’s not right, tities. Call this "organic" turf management that makes their putt too long. and adopt the new definition as proposed by The Lawn Institute. The green’s too soft, the tee’s too hard. Modern development of turfgrass fertiliz­ ers has resulted in products that simulate That’s always what they say. the slow release process of natural and synthetic organics - sulfur coated ureas, No matter what you do for them, IBDU as examples. Also, present use of ureas and even nitrate and ammonia com- it messes up their play.” Credit - Iowa GCS Reporter 5 United States Green Section Golf Association® Great Lakes Region These are fine points, to be sure, but as long as we are deal­ ing with defoliated turf we need all the help we can get. There are few black or white options. For instance, at what point does shade become a limiting factor? Or, how much wind movement is necessary across a putting surface for best moisture and heat dissipation? It is now mandatory to exert maximum control of the con- trollables. Sand quality is easily determined by sieving and par­ ticle size distribution can be specified. This is a simple and direct situation. The success of straight, uniformly sized sand topdress­ Preparing for Turf Stresses in 1989 ing has been widely demonstrated since Madison proposed it by Janies M. Latham, Director in 1974. Organic additives are another story, and are Great Lakes Region, USGA Green Section bothersome. Golf course superintendents must have more opportunities to Peat bothers me because of the tremendous variation possi­ learn than anyone in golf or in the turfgrass industry as a whole, ble in the sources. The amount of detrimental non-organic and rightly so because there are so many facets of the game material can vary widely within a very small area in a “mine”. which demand their attention. In the gentler days, greens were Clay, silt and very fine sand content can be amazingly high in everything as long as a golfer could drive a peg into the tee peats that “look” and “feel” good. The only judge of quality and the fairways were cut once or twice a week. Those days is a rather detailed laboratory test. In construction, quality con­ are gone forever and some Turf Advisory Service visits today trol is possible because purchases are in large, checkable lots. are more involved in bunker quality than putting quality. What In year-to-year topdressing, though, some change is inevitable. a fine compliment to those superintendent’s turf managing We cannot argue with the success that many superintendents abilities. have had with sand/peat topdressing, even though an 80/20 mix Even so, we still do not know how to grow grass without is not 80/20 after the little peat balls are dragged or mowed off. leaves. Ultra close mowing does a great job of defoliation which (Perhaps that loss is beneficial). Variability here is seldom reduces the photosynthetic potential of the turf. It is necessary, checked, making straight sand topdressing more and more then, to determine the minimum TRUE mowing height for the palatable. turf species and cultivar involved. Some cultivars were selected Research projects and experiences during the 1988 season under a quarter-inch height of cut. Bench settings are the have clarified a few points for 1989 consumption: published part of the story and vary from machine to machine. 1. Regardless of the weather conditions in May and June, The only gauge we have is the consistent trueness of line and Summer Patch treatments should begin when soil temperature the drag on a ball as it rolls after being struck. Putting con­ at a 2” depth reaches 65 °F. A second application should follow sistency is greatly enhanced by light and frequent topdressing, in a month. The Michigan State trials showed Rubigan, Bayleton the control of fertility and good water management. Fertility and Banner to be very effective fungicides. Dr. Vargas feels control should be the most easily managed factor. We have the that Banner may also be effective with slightly later applications. information on nitrogen release patterns of most sources and 2. Dr. Shearman at Nebraska believes that on days when it should be able to plan accordingly. Every nitrogen component is evident that syringing will be needed, it should begin just of blended fertilizer must be taken into account when program­ before noon so that the water droplets on the turf will dissipate ming applications through the growing season, since their the heat via evaporation during the period when solar radiation conversion to nitrates may depend on soil temperature, soil is at its peak. This will reduce the amount of heat reaching the moisture and soil air (the source of oxygen needed for the con­ turf, thus minimizing heat buildup. version of ammoniates to nitrates). Vargas has pointed out the 3. Relative humidity levels are extremely important as the depletion of soil oxygen after sulfur application to near- temperatures rise and when the soil is adequately moist. anaerobic soils. Its conversion to sulfate depletes the soil ox­ Evaporative cooling is minimal when atmospheric moisture is ygen further and then anaerobic bacteria convert the sulfates high, so general irrigation may be more harmful than beneficial. to sulfides which results in the formation of black layer. He Daytime hand watering (or just syringing) the high spots when suggests the application of nitrates as a source of oxygen for needed is a better idea. Making wet soil even wetter has no cool­ the anaerobic bacteria. This nitrogen, of course, will be lost ing effect — it just reduces the soil oxygen supply. Even the as a gas through the process of denitrification under anaerobic most sophisticated irrigation system is incapable of solving all conditions. Would not the same oxygen demand occur during the water problems on undulating terrain. That’s when quality the nitrification of ammonium nitrogen in the soil? The point management shows its value. here is a constant need for a supply of oxygen in the soil for In the future we must give more consideration to the grass these and other biological processes in the soil. This is a reason plant as a whole and its interactions with the rest of the environ­ why high sand content greens performed so well last summer. ment. The more that we reduce any factor limiting growth, the Water percolated through the profile readily, pulling air into better the turf can withstand the cultural stresses which we in­ the non-capillary pore spaces as they drained. flict. That future is now. 6 THE TEN CARDINAL SINS OF GREENS CONSTRUCTION by David W. Gourlay Director of Golf Operations Beacon Hall Golf Club Aurora. Ontario 1. Using a rootzone medium with poor physical 7. Sodding a new green. properties. Never sod a new green unless the sod is grown on exactly It is highly unrealistic to expect the turfgrass to perform to its the same rootzone medium as the green. Sodding using potential if one or more of the physical properties is limited. a different growing medium will also produce a double Laboratories test the infiltration rate, moisture retention rate, perched water table. pore space distribution and bulk density value to insure they meet your specific requirements Turfgrass grown Seeded greens can be put into a higher level of playability under ideal physical conditions will recoverfrom stress at a faster than sodded greens, at a considerably lower cost. higher rate than turfgrass grown under less than ideal Believe it or not! conditions. 8. Using uncertified, or inappropriate seed. Always use the highest quality seed available. Also use the 2. Using a rootzone medium without correcting and variety of seed that best performs in your particular region. chemical deficiencies. When looking at the chemical make-up of your rootzone The reasons are all too clear. medium, rememberthe word balance. In other words, avoid 9. Poorly designed greens. planting the turfgrass without correcting any chemical Two main problems in the design of greens are: making inbalances. It is always harder to correct any deficiencies them too small to withstand the expected traffic, and after the turf is established. Avoid using calcareous sands if secondly, putting too much slope on the green. possible. These sands are usually extremely high in calcium which raises the pH of the rootzone to an The most popular size of green is between 5,000 square unacceptable level. Also, in areas of acid rainfall, the feet and 7,500 square feet. Seldom are smaller greens able calcerous sands will break down, and a deterioration of the to achieve the same degree of success in turf quality as physical properties will occur. larger ones. The slope on the pin positions should not exceed two 3. Using sphagnum peat moss. percent. With the high standards in green speed, a slope of Sphagnum peat moss is hydrophobic, relatively unde­ more than 2% will not stop a rolling ball. composed, and has only a very limited amount of microbial activity in it. Being hydrophobic, it is extremely difficult to 10. Treating a new green iike an old green. blend into the medium. Once blended, it has been shown to New greens generally require more fertilizer than older plug up the non capillary pore spaces (air space', due to its e. iablishedgre-'ris Ce ■ ware that the added fertilizer and fibery nature. water can TacL -o reded disease. Caution must be used to 4. Not including the apron in h >e green’s construction maintain a balance in turf management. As the Always include the apron in the construction of the green. A turfgrass becomes established and a healthy micro-org­ anism population is achieved, the turf management on 90 degree edge should be included to insure adequate moisture retention in the apron, as a wicking action from the these greens becomes faster. heavier soil around the perimeter will dry out the apron. This Credit: GREENMASTER will help to avoid hand watering in the hot summer months. Southwest Lawn & Landscape 5. Using improper drainage stone. November 1988 Page 22 Use only %” - V-t” of clean, clear pea stone in the drainage by Bob Morris system. The purpose of the pea stone is to insure water drainage away from the rootzone medium, and to create a High Temperatures are Gone But perched water table. Without the pea stone, the dry subsoil Not the Damage will draw water out of the rootzone medium which will lower “We recently took an infrared thermometer (the gun-shaped the water retention of the mix. heat sensor that measures surface temperatures when you aim it at an object) into the field when air temperatures were hover­ 6. Using a roto-tiller. ing around 105 degrees F. Aiming that thing at nearby surroun­ Never use a roto-tiller to on site mix your amendments for dings produced some interesting results. rootzone medium. A uniform medium can never be “Bare, dry soil subjected to these air temperatures and light produced by this method. This procedure also produces a intensities climbed to 145 degrees F, just slightly below the sur­ double-perched water table in your green’s profile. The top face temperatures of asphalt. Gravel has a temperature similar roto-tilled medium has to become saturated before any to that of asphalt. On the other hand, turfgrass and leaf surface water enters below into the untreated medium. This creates temperatures of some nearby shrubs measured a cool 95 degrees a more complex management program. F, ten degrees cooler than the air temperature and forty degrees cooler than bare soil.” Credit: Bull sheet 2. “Could I buy you a drink7”*he asked, by EPA Official Says Courses Won’t Fall way of striking up a conversation. “No thank you,” she said, ”1 don’t drink.” Under New Worker Standard “What about a little dinner with me in my EPA officials have confirmed that golf however, that some elements of the rule room?” — most notably re-entry limits — may course workers will not be included under “No, I don’t believe that would be proper,” the final provisions of the Farm Worker affect golf courses within the next decade. she said. Protection Standards (FWPS) that would The proposed new standards would put Having had no success with the subtler a time limit on re-entry into treated areas, require training and limit re-entry for approaches, the young man pressed mandate cholinesterase testing of workers many chemical application activities directly to the point: ”1 am charmed by covered by FIFRA. and require additional training for your refreshing beauty, mademoiselle, “The opinion of the agency at this time employees involved with application. and will give you anything your heart de­ is that trade groups will not be included/’ Recent signs from Washington had sires if you will spend the night with me.” said Bob Bierlarski, a member of the indicated that EPA might have been “Oh, no, no, monsieur, I could never do a EPA’s Office of Pesticide Policy staff. considering a reversal of its initial thing like that.” He later explained that educational and decision not to include golf courses under “Tell me,” the young man said, laughing, safety programs operated by trade groups the rule. However, it now appears “don’t you ever do anything the slightest like GCSAA already provide the type of unlikely that re-entry standards or any bit improper?” protection that the FWPS would afford other part of the FWPS will be applied to “Oui,” said the French girl, “I tell lies.” agricultural employees. He noted, golf courses in the near future. ■ Recertification Requirements Outlined Official GCSAA Business July 1,1989. If that date has a familiar accumulating the 15 CEUs required for ring to certified golf course superinten­ recertification when travel opportunities Card Redesigned dents, there is a good reason. The new re­ are limited. As the result of member requests, a quirements for renewal of CGCS status To assist in locating appropriate new official GCSAA business card has will become effective on that day. Super­ correspondence courses, the GCSAA been designed and printed on top-grade intendents whose five-year certification Education Department has compiled a list bond stock. Also, certified members now date falls after July 1 will need to have ac­ for superintendents to use as a guide to have the option of ordering cards with the cumulated 15 Continuing Education Units universities throughout the United States CGCS logo that incorporates the GCSAA (CEUs) by the time they recertify. and Canada that offer study in turf- logo. In addition to the GCSAA seminars and management-related topics. The list Even though the changes have resulted GCSAA-approved conferences and includes names and addresses of institu­ in a slight price increase, we hope the new seminars that have always been available, tions granting credit by correspondence, design and better quality paper will meet superintendents may also choose from a as well as costs, time limits and number with member approval. Cards are $30 for variety of college correspondence courses of credit hours the classes earn. Superin­ a block of 250 cards or $40 for a block of in turfgrass management and related tendents may request a copy of the list by 500. If you would like to order the new topics to meet renewal requirements. calling the education department at 913/ business cards, please use the form and Correspondence or independent study 841-2240 or 800/472-7878. ■ address below. ■ courses can be particularly helpful in (NO PHONE ORDERS. ALLOW 4-6 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY.) BUSINESS CARD ORDER FORM Clearly print or type information as you want it to appear on your business cards Name CGCS Yes No Tide Club Home Address ______________ ___________________________________ Address ______ ________________________________________________ City ____________ _________________________________________ City _____ ______________________________________________________ Sute__________________________________Zip________________ Sute_______________________________________ Zip_______________ Club Telephone (__________)________________________________ Home Telephone (__________)_____________________________________ PLEASE SEND: _____250 cards for $30 _____500 cards for $40 FOREIGN DELIVERY : Add $3 for surface mail, $7 for air mail METHOD OF PAYMENT: ____ Check Enclosed _____ American Express _____ MasterCard _____ Visa Card #__________________________________________Exp. Date_______________ Signature_____________________________________________ SEND FORM AND PAYMENT TO: Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, 1617 St. Andrews Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66046-9990 8