/-------------------------------------- Family and Job NMTMA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Jeffrey Holmes President A Turfgrass Manager is one who makes a commitment to over­ Paul Holmes see the maintenance of a property. This person has several areas Vice-President that he must be knowledgeable in; for example, turfgrass man­ agement, personnel management, equipment repair, irrigation Thomas J. Reed systems, purchasing abilities and the list goes on. Treasurer One of the most important areas that was left out is the family and spouse. Someone who is in the turfgrass industry cannot Tom Brogger make a total commitment to the job without having total support Immediate Past President from their family and spouse. It is a fact that several families have had to change their plans Directors due to unpredictable circumstances that arise at work. This situation is sometimes too Tom Brogger Brian Holmes common in the turfgrass industry. Mother Nature is one key element that will dictate James Inman change as well as all the other areas of responsibility. David Little, CGCS The situations and circumstances vary for each job and family. It could be the day that Charles Menefee, CGCS the entire family is going on a picnic, but low and behold an irrigation line lets loose. Be­ Michael Morris Wm. Brent Nelson ing the committed turfmanager you're going to have to stay and repair the line before the Kimberly Olson picnic will begin. This is where you need to balance the system in your environment and Robert Steinhurst, CGCS make it work. One should always remember to commend and thank the people behind you that give Past Presidents support and encouragement. It may be a simple "thank you for understanding" or a bou­ Ed Karcheski quet of flowers, maybe even a special trip for the entire family. C.E. "Tuck" Tate, CGCS The person that is going to be the winner in the end is the one who can be devoted to David Longfield, CGCS Jonathon Scott, CGCS his family and meet the expectations of the job. MTF Liaison David Longfield, CGCS McMullin leads MTF into the 90's Fritz McMullen, CGCS of the Forest Lake CC in Bloomfield Hills, was chosen by Michi­ GCSAA Liaison gan Turfgrass Foundation board members to lead the Foundation into a new decade. Charles Menefee, CGCS Meeting during the Michigan Turfgrass Conference, board members unanimously elected McMullen as its new President. He succeeds Kurt Thuemmel who completes a very suc­ Newsletter Editor cessful two years in office. McMullen's initial priorities as President include the establish­ C.E. "Tuck" Tate ment of a golf course mechanics school at MSU and the appointment of an Environmental 719 Whitfield Ave. Sarasota, FL 34343-1304 Turfgrass Specialist to help meet the concerns of the 90's. Phone 813-355-6570 (Summer Address) Serving with President McMullen will be Jim Bogart, Turfgrass, Inc. who was elected P.O. Drawer 472 Vice-President for 1990. Re-elected by board members for this year were Gordon LaFon- Frankfort, Ml 49635 taine from Lawn Equipment Co., Executive Secretary; Kurt Kraly of Wilkie Turf, Recording Secretary; and Jeff Gorney of J. John Gorney, Inc., Treasurer. In addition, Dave Longfield Executive Secretary of Garland Golf Club was appointed to assist the Treasurer. Thomas Reed 3733 Apollo Dr. McMullen's election followed the annual Michigan Turfgrass Foundation meeting dur­ Traverse City, Ml 49684 ing which the Foundation membership re-elected all four incumbent board members. Phone 616-943-8343 Dave Longfield will serve a second term representing the Northern Michigan Turf Manag­ er's Association while Tim Doppel continues as lawn care representative. Also re-elected were Ron Juip of the Sod Grower's Association and Kurt Kraly as an at-large board mem­ ber. J Paul E. Rieke ' Executive Summary Crop and Soil Sciences Department Michigan State University Prepared for the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation SAND TOPDRESSING have been widely accepted for training seasonal employees Sand topdressing of greens has been quite widely accepted as well as for use in formal and informal education. Video­ on golf courses in Michigan. In a sand topdressing study be­ tapes are available from the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. an in 1981 at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center, we ave demonstrated the necessity of following the prescribed ACKNOWLEDGEMENT program carefully to prevent development of layers. This Major financial support for these and other research pro­ jects was provided by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. means 2-4 cu ft of sand every 2-4 weeks, depending on Financial support was also provided for some travel and soil growth rate of the grass (consider this every 4 weeks during analysis expenses as we served the turf industry in Michigan slow growth periods and every 2 weeks during spring and through our Cooperative Extension Service activities. Tnis fall). Once a sand topdressing program has begun it is essen­ support from the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is vital to tial that it be followed regularly. If soil layers are allowed to these programs and is gratefully acknowledged. develop this will create problems with rooting or drainage at some future time. Topdressing programs are building the soil for the future so they must be done correctly the first time. In other studies where organic matter has been added to the Book outlines environmentally sand, greens turf quality has been higher than when sand was applied alone. These studies are continuing to determine the sound turf management long term benefits of adding organic matter to the sand. To address growing concerns related to current pesticide application practices, the Golf Course Superintendents As­ CULTIVATION sociation of American in conjunction with the Environmen­ Core cultivation (aerification) studies have been continuing. tal Protection Agency, is reprinting Integrated Pest Manage­ Results indicate both hollow and solid tines can be used with ment for Turfgrass and Ornamentals, a compendium of vertical operating units to loosen the soil for turf. The solid articles on "IPM". GCSAA is underwriting the cost of re­ tines have been particularly useful (usually 1/4 inch tines) printing the book in order to ensure its availability to golf during summer to open the soil to permit water infiltration superintendents and other turfgrass managers. with little disruption of the playing surface. When there is The book contains articles that explain how to avoid un­ need to bring soil to the surface hollow tines are required, of necessary use of chemicals by advocating careful monitor­ course. For relief of deep compaction the use of larger verti­ ing of pesticide applications. By stressing the judicious use cal operating aerifiers which penetrate deeper into the soil of pesticides and herbicides through an IPM philosophy, has proven effective loosening soil and improving turf re­ golf superintendents can reduce their reliance on chemicals sponse. in maintaining their courses. The book will be available May 7 through the GCSAA Of­ FERTILIZER STUDIES fice of Government Relations. Cost is $10 for GCSAA mem­ A long term study on potassium fertilization demonstrated bers and $12 for non-members. the need to apply potash frequently on intensively used turf growing on sands (as greens and tees). Unlike loams and Course Superintendent testifies clays, sandy soils have little cation exchange capacity to hold potassium, so it is wise to apply potash at least monthly. Pot­ on golf's environmental impact ash has proven very important in maintaining wear, stress and Speaking about the environmental safety and benefits of disease tolerance. golf courses, William R. Roberts, CGCS, an officer of the Adequate phosphorus should be applied to all turfs. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of American need for phosphorus can be determined by soil tests, but we (GCSAA), testified before the Senate Environment and Pub­ have demonstrated on plots and have seen in the field that lic Works Subcommittee on Toxic Substances. phosphorus deficiencies have developed on both golf course As part of the hearing on the use, regulation and potential greens and on home lawns where phosphorus had not been health risk of commercially applied chemicals on turfgrass, applied. Roberts' testimony highlighted two areas in which GCSAA Applications of flowable sulfur resulted in color and growth is considered to be the industry leader: response on Kentucky bluegrass growing on a clay loam sub­ Research Into the Effect of Turf Chemicals on Groundwa­ soil. These responses have been evident up to one year after ter - An independently conducted, GCSAA-funded study application. Other sulfur materials gave limited responses or completed on Cape Cod, Mass., showed that virtually no none at all. No significant effect on pH occured from either turf chemicals move through the soil structure into ground- 10 or 20 pound per 1000 square feet treatments. The pH on water and that golf courses which employ best management this site was 7.2-7.5. The study is continuing. practices in their application of turf chemicals can greatly minimize the risk of potential groundwater leaching. TURFGRASS VIDEOS Education Programs - The membership of GCSAA is re­ A set of 6 videotapes on turf management tips was jointly sponsible for preserving the delicate balance of the golf developed by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and the course environment ana, to that end, has developed a high­ Cooperative Extension Service at Michigan State University. ly structured educational and certification program for its These videotapes range in length from 14 to 26 minutes and members. 2 Leaching of Lawn Pesticides Little Threat Beating the midseason doldrums to Groundwater Reports about the condition Well, here we are with the first two holiday week­ of our groundwater reach us ends behind us and well into the start of our tourist rush. everyday through the newspaper, Hopefully, we all have had the time to get our courses radio and TV news. It's good to to the standards we expect and have only the routine finally hear about something that maintenance doldrums to look forward to for the next is not threatening our few months. This is a tough time of the year for myself, groundwater. Scientists at Ohio I get tired of the same routine day after day. State University have found that It can be a very boring time for the people doing your there is little or no downward maintenance at the course too. This is a good time to movement of pesticides applied to add a little variety to your schedule and let your staff try lawns and golf courses. David Little, CGCS their hand at some different tasks. Motivation is also Dr. Harry D. Niemczyk and hard to accomplish, but prepping your course for the many visitors you're going to Adam A. Krause say their findings have is something to shoot for. It's always good to have a goal to aim toward. Peak­ could help allay concern that lawn ing your turf's health, color and playing condition is your responsibility. You also care chemicals are leaching into have to peak your staff's attention to what they are doing. Try and let them understand soil and contaminating it's not just how smooth and fast the greens are but how well the whole course looks. groundwater. They are based at Keep things neat. Picking up trash, small branches and brusing away grass clippings the University's Ohio Agricultural all help keep things looking good. Verbal wages help during this time of routine main­ Research and Development Center tenance. It is always nice to know that someone notices the effort you put into your at Wooster. work. “Whether on "Geraldo" or on "60 Let your help know they are part of a team not just someone out on the back nine Minutes," people have been saying cutting grass. Let them take part of the credit for your course's condition if possible. that pesticides applied to Keep cool and stay green. turfgrasses are getting into the groundwater," says Niemczyk, a professor of entomology. "Our data say that's just not true." Golf courses show strong compliance Niemczyk says there was little of with pesticide regulations no leaching of pesticides in the studies they conducted in the field. About 97 percent of U.S. golf courses that employ members of the Golf Course Su­ To determine the downward perintendents Association of America (GCSAA) have at least one licensed pesticide movement, or vertical mobility, of applicator on staff, according to the findings of a recent survey. the pesticides, Niemczyk and To address concerns about pesticide use, GCSAA recently conducted the survey to Krause applied six herbicides and gauge the degree of compliance with federal and state pesticide applicator regula­ nine insecticides to turfgrasses in tions among professional golf course superintendents. separate, one-year experiments. "These results provide strong evidence of our members' commitment to safety and Niemczyk says they found that sound ecological practices," said Tom Akins, GCSAA Government Relations manag­ almost all the pesticide residues er. "GCSAA strongly supports the position that only properly trained and educated remained in thatch, a layer of personnel should be allowed to purchase and apply restricted-use chemicals. Even organic matter at the soil surface, though most golf courses don't apply any restricted-use materials, we are pleased that if thatch was present in the the survey shows that an overwhelming majority of our membership has taken this turfgrass. extra step. This supports our long-held belief that golf course superintendents are If thatch was not present in the among the best educated and most thoughtful users of agricultural chemicals in the turfgrass , most residues stayed in country." the top 2.5 centimeters of the soil, Of the 1,157 superintendents who responded to the GCSAA survey, 1,061, or he says. about 92 percent, hold valid pesticide applicator licenses for the state where they The herbicides tested were work. Another five percent who are not licensed themselves have someone on their benefin, trifluralin, pendimethalin, staff who is licensed. bensulide, oxadiazon and Certification for pesticide application is done in compliance with the Federal Insec­ chlorthal-dimethyl. Insecticides ticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Section 3 of FIFRA states that any pes­ tested were isofenphos, diazinon, ticide classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "for restricted use trichlorfon, ethoprop, chlorpyrifos, only" must be applied by or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. It is isazophos, fonofos, carbaryl and up to each state to implement its own certification guidelines and programs as long bendiocarb. as they comply with FIFRA. "We wanted to find out what "The importance of training and certification to individual communities really ties happens when pesticides are into the concept of 'Think globally - act locally'" said Akins. "The survey showed that applied to turfgrasses," Niemczyk individual superintendents take seriously their commitment to the environment and says. "Very few studies have been are working hard in communities throughout the U.S. to make sure that their opera­ conducted on how these materials tions are as safe as possible." behave once they are applied." Credit: The Bottom Line, Spring, 1990 3 Ç A Letters to the Editor You can communicate directly with the Attention NMTMA Member NMTMA and your fellow members <________________________________________________ > by writing to: You belong to an organization Turf Times c/o Mike Morris that is currently over 250 P.O. Box 1575 members. Let's keep our Frankfort, Ml 49635 organization growing. Please Share your thoughts and feelings about our share the following information organization or the industry in general. with a crew member, assistant, __________________________________________J mechanic, greenchairman, owner IMPORTANT! or fellow superintendent. Please check the information on your (Someone who is interested in mailing label. Send any immediate or future professional turf management.) changes to Tom Reed, 3733 Apollo Drive, Traverse City, Ml 49684. Future newsletters There's always room for more! will be mailed bulk rate: Correct addresses are necessary for delivery, no forwarding. Please contact: - THOMAS J. REED, Executive Secretary 3733 Apollo Drive Traverse City, Michigan 49684 PHONE: (616) 943-8343 Tom will gladly send an application and TURFGRASS INC. list of membership classifications. ■ \ Serving you better with... 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Nor-Am, Rivendale • Fluid Fungicide II prevents and controls Pythium blight Pana Sea', Miller, Agrl-Ptex For-X, Roots, BlosFe and damping off, brown patch and dollar spot Seeds Northrup King • Fluid Fungicide III prevents and controls anthracnose, Medalist Turf Products leaf spot, dollar spot, brown patch and pink snow mold Spreaders & Cyclone, Spyker, Back Pack, Whedy, Sprayers Spray-Hawk Ask your ProTurf® Tech Rep for details. Golf Supplies Lewisline, Par Aide, Standard, Fore-Par, Yankee, Tom Heid United Stockmen, Chlx, Fox Valley Safety Equipment Mine Safety Equipment Soil Management Grid System, TerraFlow, TerraBond, TerraCover Markers Richway, Blazon 1-313-437-1427 Kimberly Olson Office Turfgrass Agronomy 1-800-521-8873 Gene Johnapningsmeier (Michigan Only) Turfgrass Agronomy 4 Professionalism and TTfe (G©0f C©w§(5 Credit: Long Island CCS A “The Hole Nine Yards“, March, 1990 The Golf Course Superintendent comes across the term out only administrative duties from his office while delegat­ "Professional" on a regular basis. Whether it be watching ing other responsibilities. This is fine. Some clubs want to professional football, basketball, baseball or hockey players see their Golf Course Superintendent dressed in blue jeans, compete or watching the Golf Professionals compete on the wearing sneakers or the like, and not minding one bit if he PGA Tour, it is a word that comes into view quite often. had to jump in and help out in certain situations on the golf The word profession as defined in the American Heritage course. This is fine also. Each situation is different and one Dictionary is "an occupation or vocation requiring training in is no more professional than the other. the liberal arts or the sciences and advanced study in a spe­ IN BEING CONSIDERED A professional by your peers or cialized field." The word professional when used as a noun employers there are some definite requirements. While at according to the American Heritage Dictionary is "one who your place of employment to be always clean shaven, hair has assured competence in a particular field or occupation." neatly combed or brushed, teeth clean, and dressed as neatly The term professional, when it applies to the Golf Course as the situation dictates is of utmost importance. Superintendent, is a combination of both previously men­ When representing your club at a Golf Course Superinten­ tioned definitions. One who has training in the sciences dents meeting or at an educational seminar it is important to through advanced study (hands on experience and continu­ wear a jacket and tie or a jacket with a golf shirt at minimum. ing education) in a specialized field (golf course mainte­ Looking good never hurts in these situations. nance) which creates an assured competence in that particu­ While attending board or green committee meetings al­ lar field. It sounds like nonsensical rhetoric but it really does ways dress as the situation dictates. Some clubs have laid make sense. back dress requirements at those functions, others don't. TO BE VIEWED AS A professional by your club or employ­ Dress accordingly. er requires different sets of circumstances in varied situations. Being considered a professional by your employers obvi­ Some clubs want to see their Golf Course Superintendent ously will hinge a great deal on your finished product, the clad in golfing attire without a trace of grime of grit on them. golf course. Producing the best quality golf course possible Fine. Other clubs or companies want to see their Golf with the particular funds available while always giving one Course Superintendent dressed in jacket and tie and carrying hundred percent effort in all categories will gain the respect of most people. (Continued on Page 11) IMILLER WEST, INC. 274 Mart Street, S.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49508 Gillison’s Fabrication, Inc. (616) 241-4481 1-800-531-2151 (in Ml) 3033 BENZIE HWY. • BENZONIA, Ml 49616 OR YOUR JACOBSEN DISTRIBUTOR 1515 WOODMERE ST. • TRAVERSE CITY, Ml 49684 AND PHONE 616/882-5921 OR PHONE 616/946-0177 NATIONAL MOWER CO. KAWASAKI TRUCKS • Manufacturers of FORD ENGINES & PARTS EXCEL HUSTLER ROTARIES Quality Farm Machinery • TURFCO TOP DRESSERS SALSCO AERIFIERS «FMC BUNTON GREENS MOWERS SPRAYING DEVICES, INC. “S.D.I.” BUSH HOG GIANT VAC BLOWERS & LEAF LOADERS ROYER SHREDDERS & POWER SCREENS • Service Parts • PAR AIDE & STANDARD SUPPLIES RAVO STREET SWEEPERS • See Us For All Your Spraying Needs • AREA REPRESENTATIVE: AYMOUR SHANNON Kingsley, Michigan 49649 (616) 263-7614 _____________________ 5 The search for the perfect creeping 6entgrass Credit: Golf and Sportsturf Magazine, April, 1990 AN ENTIRE GENERATION OF golf course superintendents has now worked without having to manage vegetative creeping bentgrasses. Ever since the release of Penncross in 1955, seeded creeping bentgrasses have dominated greens construction and renovation. The vegetative C-Series bents, including Arlington, Cohansey, Congressional, Toronto and Washington, are almost never found in architects' specifications anymore. South German and Seaside bents, the only seeded options to the C-series for years, have also been largely replaced by Penncross. No other single turfgrass variety has dominated the golf industry as long or as widely. Developed at Pennsylva­ nia State University, Penncross has become the standard by which all bentgrasses are judged today. For more than 30 years, the university's Dr. Joseph Duich has monitored its production by the Penncross Bentgrass Growers Association of Oregon and marketed by Tee-2-Green Corporation of Hubbard, OR. During this period, superintendents have adapted maintenance to enable Penncross to withstand varied growing condi­ tions on golf courses across the country, green speeds of eight to ten on the Stimpmeter, and mowing heights as low as 1/8 inch. They have begun using it on fairways and tees to force out annual bluegrass and provided a dense pTaying surface just 1/2 inch high. The reputation of thousands of superintendents has been based on how well they maintain not just their greens, but Penncross. So understandably the introduction of a number of new varieties of creeping bentgrass over the past few years has been re­ ceived by superintendents with a certain amount of reluctance. The prospect of changing varieties is unsettling to many who have mastered the establishment and care of Penncross. Nevertheless, the process of experimentation and réévaluation has begun and will continue into the '90‘s. It was Duich himself who introduced the first serious competitor to Penncross in 1978, Penneagle. Since he had helped Dr. Burton Musser develop Penncross, Duich was more familiar than anyone else with its characteristics. He spent 18 years crossing and evaluating more than 150 bents in research plots in the United States in the United States and Canada before se­ lecting Penneagle. ONE OF THE CRITICISMS of Penncross was its agressiveness. This trait was beneficial when it came to quick establish­ ment, recoveiy from injury, tolerance to high and low temperatures and competing with Poa annua. The downside was the rate at which it developed thatch under typical high rates of nitrogen, water ana pesticides. (Continued on Page 10) Serving Michigan Golf Course professionals Stet with Quality Palms. Ml 48465 (517) 864-3549 Tee Time- Products Fertilizers GREENS Pesticides CONSTRUCTION Specialty Products MIX SAND & PEAT MIX DisrtbMgd by: L P. O. 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The root systems were about one and one-half inches in depth, with a heavy clay-based soil underneath. The drill type aerifier was chosen over the punch type aerifier because it caused less compaction in the aerification holes. The punch type tends to glaze the sides of the aerification holes and compact the bottom somewhat. The drill type aerifier had a maximum depth of ten inches, and the spacing was 4" x4". I was surprised that the aerifier didn't cause as much disruption on the greens as the Ryan GA-30 we Brian Holmes use regularly. It covers about one-half of the square footage per hour as the GA-30. The drill brought a small amount of soil to the surface, which had to be removed because of the amount of clay in it. With this removed, and a light sand top-dressing applied, the greens putted quite well the same afternoon. Within a week of aerification there were almost no signs of aerification. The process was done on April 20th and now, two months later, the root system is down around 4". Percolation has been improved. These greens also hold shots better than they did before the aerification. The greens will be aerified for two more years, and then evaluated at that time as to whether or not to continue the program. PRESENTING............A W Suppliers Of Quality Products To The Turfgrass Industry Chemicals ( Fertilizers Grass Seed URF Golf Supplies Safety Equipment Traverse City, Ml 49684 Parts & Accessories Soil Management Materials V. 8 ---------------------------------- 1990 MTF Fundraiser: Donald Ross Memorial Golf Course _______________________________ > TOP: Drs. Reike and Branham. BOTTOM: An excellent turnout! Video service offered; many selections available The following video tapes are available to NMTMA mem­ 5. Kubota R4104WD Wheel Loader bers through Kimberly Olson at Turfgrass, Inc., 365 Wood­ 6. Green Side Up: Professional Sod Laying land Drive, South Lyon Michigan 48178. 7. Integrated Pest Management 1. Train The Trainer Series 8. Advanced Pruning 1. Preparing for Training 9. Elements of Pruning 2. Conduction of 1 on 1 Training 10. Growing Media for Landscape Plants 3. Leading Group Training 11. Plant Movement and Transport 2. Plant Nutrition 12. Landscape Equipment/Maintenance Series 3. How to hire the best person for the job 13. Protecting Golfs Environment 4. How to prevent back injuries 14. Bio-Groundskeeper 'AREHOUSE ON WHEELS 9 The search for the perfect creeping bentgrass (Continued from Page 6 ) From working with superintendents, Duich knew that the thatch question could be resolved through adjustments in maintenance. By lowering nitrogen levels, light verticutting, core aeration, and more precise irrigation, Penncross1 agressiveness was manageable. Furthermore, by controlling thatch, the superintendent also had better control over diseases. In Penneagle he discovered a bent that was slightly less agressive yet could still compete successfully with Poa. He also felt that the variety's more upright growth habit was suitable for tees and fairways, in addition to greens. In 1978, Penneagle was released as a broad-use bentgrass adapted to a large portion of the country. AT THE SAME TIME, DUICH was evaluating another bentgrass specifically for greens. He had crossed a bent found on a green at The Country Club in Shaker Heights, OH with nine other attractive selections in his plots at Penn State. After a second phase of selection involving 90 more parent plants, he picked out one and sent seed samples to more than 100 different golf courses and universities under the tag PSU-126. Feedback from these sites showed that the bent was more agressive than Penneagle but less aggressive than Penncross. It also had an upright growth habit with very fine leaves. These two traits produced a green surface with little to no grain. Superintendents also reported that the upright growth, narrow leaves, and high density reduced the need for verticutting, was more drought tolerant, and withstood high temperatures and humidity better. After 20 years of work, limited supplies of PennLinks were available in 1987. The demand for seeded creeping bentgrass began to exceed supply in the '80's despite production increases of 50 percent during some years. Construction of new golf courses, use of bentgrass for fairway turf, and conversion of bermudagrass greens to bent in portions of the South and West forced buyers to plan years in advance. Superintendents in these areas became concerned, got organized and asked their state turf research specialists to step up breeding and development work on bentgrasses. Dr. Richard Skogley at the University of Rhode Island had for decades preserved and cared for some of the oldest plots of bentgrass in the country. Dr. Reed Funk at Rutgers managed a highly productive turfgrass breeding program with numerous improved perennial ryegrasses, Kentucky bluegrasses and turf-type tall fescues to show for it. Dr. Robert Kneebone at the University of Arizona had established bentgrass maintenance trials beginning in the '70's, as had Drs. Roy Goss and Stan Brauen at Washington State University in Puyallup. All these men played a role in the development of new seeded creeping bentgrasses released in the last five years. THE INSATIABLE DEMAND FOR creeping bentgrasses in the U.S. and in developing foreign golf markets were recognized by a number of seed marketing companies. They began to sponsor bentgrass breeding research at universities in the early '80's. Among them were International Seeds, Inc. of Halsey, OR; Jacklin Seed Company of Post Falls, ID; and Seed Research of Oregon, Inc., in Corvallis, OR. While these companies were basically starting from scratch with bentgrasses, the universities they approached had been working with them for more than a decade. International selected a dark-green, semi-erect creeping bent that had exhibited strong drought tolerance and resistance to dollar spot in the plots at Rutgers for nine years. To test its tolerance to heat and humidity further, seed was sent to North Carolina State University and the University of Georgia in 1985. After two years of trials, the bent called Cobra was judged to have dark winter color with comparable density, speed of establishment and texture. The first commercial quantities of Cobra were sold in 1988. International also markets Emerald, a variety of European origin best adapted to northern climates with low heat and humidity. Jacklin found the bentgrass it was looking for at Washington State University. After 18 years of evaluation, Brauen selected one particular creeping bentgrass that was darker than others, had a dwarf, upright growth habit and fine texture. It had exceptional resistance to take-all patch, a common problem in maritime climates which predisposes bents to invasion by Poa. The disease is difficult to cure and is a considerable problem in the Pacific Northwest and a growing problem on the East Coast. The original parental material for the new bentgrass called Putter came from golf course greens in five different New England states.. Because of its dwarf growth habit, Putter covers the ground following seeding slightly slower than Penncross, according to Gayle Jacklin, but still forms a full stand within four weeks of planting. When overseeded into a putting green, she adds, it outcompetes many other bentgrass varieties yet its vertical growth rate is relatively slow. Seed Research also seems to have taken a regional approach to bentgrass selection. Providence, a variety developed in cooperation with the University of Rhode Island, has demonstrated resistance to dollar spot and brown patch as well as cold tolerance. Its upright growth habit and fine texture are credited with eliminating grain in greens. Wear tolerance, recuperative ability, and fast establishment are tied to Providence's aggressiveness and strong tillering. THE DARK GREEN VARIETY is the result of a breeding program which began in 1965 with the collection of plants from old putting greens throughout the Northeast and those taken from trails at the university dating back to the 1920s. In 1982, the nine most promising selections were placed in a putting green trial. Two years later, the best five were planted in a polycross nursery. After two more selections, the first certified seed was harvested in Oregon in 1988. Seed Research's second bentgrass, SR 1020, comes from a program at the University of Arizona designed to identify bents best adapted to Southwestern conditions. Kneebone collected material from old golf greens in Arizona, California and South Carolina to creat his plots in 1971. Five years later, the best 26 were planted and maintained under putting green conditions without applications of herbicides, insecticides or fungicides. (Continued on Page 12) 10 Professionalism and The Golf Course Superintendent (Continued from Page 5 ) course. Your ability to communicate with golfers and mem­ BEING VIEWED A professional by your fellow Golf Course bers at your club while treating them with respect will help Superintendents has it own set criteria. Participation at the insure your being viewed as a professional. Having a solid local level is of utmost importance. Involvement at the line of communication with the Commercial people in our board level, on a committee, at monthly meetings, hosting industry, for they are very important people, is a must. monthly meetings, and contibuting when asked are all vital Remembering that it is a two way street is important, and to in being considered a professional. Everyone's involvement give them a chance when warranted. Sometimes it works in our local Association will only help solidify our being out other times it doesn't. At least you tried and they will re­ viewed a group of professionals. So get involved, its only go­ spect you and view you as a professional for it. ing to help. In conjunction with the aforementioned subject matter, to The Golf Course Superintendents involvement with availa­ be viewed as and to become a professional, four matters are ble continuing education is a must in becoming a profession­ of the utmost importance. al. Through GCSAA regional seminars are offered. They are FIRST, YOU MUST ALWAYS USE common sense. Taking excellent and you're missing out if you don't participate. Lo­ unnecessary chances and not thinking things through are ex­ cal Golf Course Superintendents associations offer education­ amples of not using common sense. Second., one must be­ al seminars with varied topics. Try to participate, they are come adept in the art of people management. Properly com­ excellent also. And above all, local Golf Course Superinten­ municating with people from all levels of society is a must in dents associations monthly golf/educational meetings are on succeeding as a Golf Course Superintendent. Third, you going and excellent. When speakers are present they are must be or become educated. Whether you are a two or four usually excellent and interesting. I learn more at times just year college graduate, a holder of an educational certificate, talking with my fellow Golf Course Superintendents about re­ a holder of a Masters degree, or a person who is involved lated problems than I do in many other situations, education­ with continuing education as a Golf Course Superintendent, al or other. Having five or six Golf Course Superintendents becoming educated and continuing to be educated is vital. sit down and discuss whatever comes to mind can be a tre­ Fourth and last is participation. To be considered a profes­ mendously educational experience. sional you must have participated or are participating now ANOTHER PART IN being considered a professional is in on a local level. Remember, everyone's involvement on a lo­ how you treat people. Always treating your employees with cal level will solidify our being viewed as professionals. Get respect and dignity will show in their work on the golf involved. You'd be surprised how ¡twill help. J. MOLLEMA & SON, INC. Nothing Runs Like a Deere West Michigan's Only Full Service Horticultural Distributor Kurt Brace and Steve Adamczyk 3325 PROFESSIONAL TURF MOWER Turf Specialists KLOOSTER J. MOLLEMA & SON, INC. EQUIPMENT, INC. 5400 36th Street SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512 RON HAGELSTEIN Ellsworth 616/940-1441,1-800-234-GROW or fax 616/940-0401 SALES REPRESENTATIVE (616)599-2541 4 11 The search for the pe.rfe.ct creeping bentgrass (Continued from Page 10) By 1982, five clones maintained a dense stand with good quality and color. They originated from golf courses in Phoenix and Tucson, plus one from Clemson University. The first certified seed of SR 1020 was harvested in Oregon. Some of the characteristics of SR 1020 include dark color, fine texture, upright growth habit, better heat and drought tolerance, and improved resistance to Pythium blight and powdery mildew. It can be maintained successfully in full sun or moderate shade. These are the major players in the seeded creeping bentgrass market today. Superintendents and golf course architects are very aware that choosing the right variety for their projects is more complicated than it was just five years ago. While all these bents have been used on golf courses, the amoung of university data comparing all varieties is limited and short-term. "CERTAIN VARIETIES OF CREEPING bentgrass are better adapted to specific environmental conditions," explains Virginia Lehman, research associate for Dr. Milt Engelke at the Texas Agricultural Research Center in Dallas. Engelke has been engaged in bentgrass heat- and drought-resistance research at the center since 1985. The work was sponsored by the United States Golf Association and bentgrass Research, Inc., a group made up of southern golf course superintendents. "You really need three to five years of data based on a wide range of different conditions to draw any conclusions," adds Lehman. "Our work has been targeted at heat and drought resistance. There are many other conditions that need to be studied." Texas A & M is one of 18 universities cooperating in the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) bentgrass trial managed by Kevin Morris at the USDA Research Center in Beltsville, MD. The first test plots were seeded last year at test locations across the United States and Canada. NTEP has carried out similar research in the past for Kentucky bluegrasses, perennial ryegrasses, and fescues. The first bentgrass data will be available in April 1991. TEAMTURF BULK or BAGGED Team Turf is Kubota's response to three of the turf care industry's foremost needs - equipment quality, economy • REED SEDGE PEAT and dependability. Team Turf includes fuel-efficient Kubota Tractors. Front and Mid-Mount Mowers. • CANADIAN SPHAGNUM Tillers. Implements like Front Loaders, Posthole Diggers, and Box Scrapers. • PEAT / SAND MIXES Kubota equipment works well in outdoor parks, golf courses or private residences . . . anywhere top-quality work is preferred. Team Turf has power steering. Comfortable seats. Hydrostatic transmission. Safety and PLUS a COMPLETE LINE of Horticultral noise suppression features. Kubota turf equipment works with most existing implements and attachments, Products for all your Golf Course needs... or independently. Quality is fundamental. So is performance. See Kubota today. Get on Team Turf tomorrow. AL-PAR PEAT CO. 5900 Henderson Road Ü3KUB0TH Elsie, Ml 48831 Nothing like it on earth" S 517-661 -7850 FAX 517-661 -7854 GINOP SALES inc. 11274 M-68, Alanson • (616) 548-2272 9040 E. M-72, Williamsburg • (616) 267-5400 1-800-344-4667 12 Top Dressing by Judith Ferguson Gockel, Agri-Systems of Texas, Inc. DID YOU EVER wonder what an earthworm might think NOT ONLY DO layers affect the root systems directly, about topdressing practices on our golf courses? If you but there is a further problem with water movements haven't, then maybe it's time to take a closer look. through textural barriers. To visualize this involves under­ Topdressing for putting green maintenance is an almost standing the way a perched water table works. The universal practice; it is used to true up the putting surface perched water table, which is, incidentally, the basic pri- and to help prevent thatch buildup. In recent years, top­ niciple upon which the USGA recommended method of dressing programs have also been used to increase putting greens construction is based, affects all soils. Simply put, green speeds. If it is done with care and follows some sim­ the original research demonstrated that water remains ple guidelines, topdressing can also modify the basic struc­ within one layer until that layer is saturated. Then it drains ture of the green. This will improve water handling capaci­ into the next, which again must be saturated before it can ty and add to the life and health of the green and the release excess water. turfgrass on it As layers of top dressing materials different from the ba­ Topdressing practices are a major reason for the success sic green are built up, they create additional perched water or failure of new greens. With adequate basic construction tables and cause unpredictable consequences. Relatively and an informed superintendent, a new green can have a small variations in soil content and particle distribution predictable life of 20 years or more. Without these funda­ can produce significant differences in the interaction of mentals, the same green can be in serious trouble within a these materials. year. Once these principles become clear, choosing appropri­ ALTHOUGH TOPDRESSING IS used widely, the how ate materials for topdressing becomes simpler. and why of its function are often misunderstood. We were New greens should be topdressed initially with the same not aware of the wide variance in practices until recently, mixture of materials they were built with. Thus, in build­ when our laboratory developed a new technique for analyz­ ing a new green, plan auring construction to set aside a ing rates of field infiltration. The method involves using supply of construction material adequate to topdress for at three-inch PVC pipe to take a profile of the green through least two years. It is prudent to make sure the supplier will the seedbed, intermediate layer, gravel, and into the subsoil have the identical sand available in the future, and keep a beneath the green. The tube is submitted whole, tightly supply of the organic material used construction for an in­ packed to prevent movement of the contents. After doing definite period. the infiltration test in the pipe, we cut it open to try to deter­ After a period of time, which will vary greatly in individ­ mine the reasons for its behavior. In a startling number of ual cases, the roots will begin to provide enough organic cases, it is apparent that topdressing practices have created materials to meet their own needs for retaining water and the problems we've found. There are cores that look like for cushioning from the abrasion of heavy traffic. Because appetizing Viennese tortes, made up of many layers of dif­ this is a gradual process, once by observing the root zones fering sands and soils, and cores that have been dubiously regularly can you know when you reach the point for a blessed with every commercial topdressing of the past 15 gradual cutback in the organic component. This is done years, one after another. We find poor greens topdressed best by looking at the root systems regularly. A cup cutter with superb materials, and great greens smothered with the is a good tool to use for this examination. Go to an aver­ cheapest filler available. We have found we can count age area on the green and cut the deepest cup possible. layers like the rings in a tree and determine when the course Carefully extract the plug from the cut and look at the changed superintendents, when the budget crunch came, roots. In an ideal situation, the material around the roots is and tne year of the big flood, blizzard, or drought. We also very similar to that below, and the roots themselves are see greens that have been maintained to perfection, are very plentiful and have a plump, healthy look. There should be successful regardless of their age. While it is possible to no compacted area developing, nor any indication of unu­ have problems with the best built and maintained greens sual moisture retention. The topdressing problem is ideal the problems are usually more manageable and involve less if these criteria are met. brinkmanship on the part of the superintendent to correct. IF THE TOP TWO to three inches of the core are hard To understand why correct topdressing practices are so and the root system scanty and weak, the organic compo­ important, it is necessary to think about the growth patterns nent is very likely inadequate, and there may be an excess of turfgrass and to have a basic grasp of water movements in of silt and clay. It will be necessary to use aerification with soils. core removal, and topdress with a clean sand of a similar Where distinct layers of materials exist in a profile, grass type combined with about 10 percent organic material to roots make a little effort to grow through one layer and into correct this development. If the soil is becoming spongy, the next. If the roots have as much as an inch of one mate­ the organic material should be cut back gradually over sev­ rial to grow in, however poor it is, they will not cross into eral topdressings until pure sand is being used. another layer even though that layer may have optimum The same technique should be used for problem analysis growth medium characteristics. We often see well- on older greens. It is an excellent means for determining constructed seedbeds with an inch of a different but equally the history of the green; an informed superintendent can good topdressing. The turf can usually be peeled off like a often see what he is dealing with more quickly through this rug at tne interface, because the layers aren't bound togeth­ method than with any other single tool at his disposal. er by a network of roots. Where shallow root systems exist, A variety of conditions may be discovered in an old turfgrass is vulnerable to problems from many sources. green. There may be layering from multiple topdressing. (Continued on Page 14) 13 Top Dressing Continued from Page 13 THIS CONDITION CAN BE relieved to some extent by done gradually over a couple of years rather than in an aerifying several times, removing cores, and topdressing abrupt changeover. The modifying sand should be select­ each time with a clean sand in the medium to fine size ed and mixed into the existing topdressing in a ratio of range. This technique will be helpful if the layer is less than about 25 percent of volume. This material should be used three inches deep. several times and then further divided into a 50/50 propor­ Problems may appear in the form of a spongy upper layer, tion for several more topdressings. Continue increasing perhaps resulting from on-site mixing during construction, the quantity of sand in the topdresssing until roughly a which has left excessive quantities of organic material in the two-inch transition layer has been built up. This slower upper portion of the green. This is more difficult to correct, procedure allows the soil and sand to blend well enough although the same basic technique may be tried. It is some­ for water to be moved as if there were no change. The in­ times necessary to remove the sod and remix the seedbed filtration rate will be that of the soil portion of the green, before real gains can be made. of course. Regular aerification should be done throughout The upper layer may be hard and compacted, indicating the transition period, and cores should be removed each an excess of silt and clay in the topdressing material, often time. in combination with very fine sand, here again a very clean If the original material of which a good green is built be­ medium to fine sand may be employed in conjunction with comes unavailable for topdressing purposes, it is crucial to aerification. It can be helpful to add up to 10 percent peat­ locate the closest possible substitute. This can be done by moss in this instance. taking the particle analysis of the original sand to area sand Beyond the top three inches or so, it is almost impossible suppliers to seek a match. Fortunately, similar sands are to make significant changes in the green's behavior using often available from the same area. Locating a close sub­ topdressing modifications. New technologies developing in stitute will allow a continuing successful topdressing pro­ some areas may make it possible to modify most of the gram. Regular examinations of the seedbed using this core seedbed. Time and experience will give us a better idea of sampling technique are helpful in becoming aware of their long-term effectiveness. problems before the develop into serious conditions. Suc­ A CURRENT TREND, which has caused many problems, cess or failure often takes place on the worm's eye level. is the building up of a sand layer on top of greens that are Topdressing is more than a filler. It plays an active part basically soil in order to improve putting speed. While it is in keeping good greens good, golfers nappy, costs down, possible to modify the greens in this manner, it should be and aggravations to a manageable level. These are goals well worth pursuing. Credit: The Florida Green Country Club Greens Grade HUGGETT Fertilizers SOD FARM, INC. Gold Cup quality for great-looking • Top Quality Sod • greens, tees & fairways. Blue Grass Blend • Small Homogeneous Grade A or Commercial Granulation Blue Grass, Fesque, Rye Blend • Less Mower Pick-up Good on Sandy Soils • High Methylene Ureas (W.I.N.) • Four Unique Formulations 18-4-10 90% Org. Delivery 8-4-24 30% Org. Michigan • Ohio • Indiana 18-3-12 70% Org. 18-0-18 80% Org. GREAT ON FAIRWAYS EVEN AT LOWER Shade & Ornamental Trees RATES WON’T SPECKLE LIKE BLENDS ( Ph: 517-635-7482 j TOTAL TURF CARE 4114 East Marlette Rd. 1-800-233-0628 Marlette, Ml 48453 14 ----------------------------------- > It Seems Just Like Yesterday__ April 9,1990 MSU Mini-Conference in Grayling ___________________/ L Top: A great audience with standing room only. Left: Dr. Joe Vargas addressed the group on the topic "Snow Mold Control". I Automated Pumping Systems Commercial Pump Service is your one-stop source for pumping service needs. Whether you need a new system designed and built, an existing system updated, equipment repaired, replaced or retrofit, Commerical Pump Service will do it. Specializing in golf course systems, you can count on Commercial Pump Service to solve your irrigation problems quickly and expertly. © Commercial Pump 401 Broadway Swanton, Ohio 43558 419-825-2353 1-800-426-0370 Top to Bottom: MTF Founders Soci­ ety- Dave Longfield, Bruce Wol­ fram and Kimberly Olson. Roger Meeh from the DNR talks about Service Incorporated Fax No. 419-825-3714 Gypsy Moths and Tent Caterpillars and Dr. Trey Rogers speaks about green speed. 15 Mechanic’s Corner by Dan Stratton, Crystal Downs C.C. Do you have a problem with string trimmers being damaged by rolling and bouncing around in the back of utility carts? We did until we built a rack to carry them securely during transport. We simply put 2"x2" stakes in the sides of our Cushmans, and then bent and bolted a piece of strap metal to the stakes (like a gun rack) to hold the trimmer. These racks are easy to make, remove, and install and they really reduce breakage on throttle linkages, air filter covers, etc. When cleaning gasket material from parts, the job can be made easy. A small velcro sanding disc on a dremmel tool or air grinder can cut cleaning time down. They come in two and four inch discs, and the abrasive pads come in medium and coarse. The two inch works best for smaller parts and they prep the surface to be sealed very nicely. The disc and pads can be purchased from Performance Engineered Products. Phone (1-800-348- 8513) two inch Disc Holder #D-212, medium pad #D-209 and course pad #D-208. IBM CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY 19 NMTMA at the Rock, Drummond Island, Speaker - Kathy Antaya 19- 22 British Open, St. Andrew's, Scotland ESPN/ABC 20- 22 Ameritech Senior Open, Grand Traverse Resort, CBS 26-29 Buick Open, Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club, Michigan 30 GAM Championship Qualifying, Michaywe Hills AUGUST 9-12 PGA Championship, Shoal Creek GC, Alabama ESPN/ABC 10 GAM, Club Relations Day, Bay City CC 13 NMTMA at Fox Run Golf Club, Speaker -Mike Hlywa, No. Michigan Pump- "Petroleum Storage" 13- 15 GAM Championship, Travis Pointe 24-26 Michigan Bell Showdown (Skins Game), Grand Traverse Resort 30 MTF, Michigan State University, Field Day SEPTEMBER 10 Michigan Superintendent's Championship, Timber Ridge 14- 16 Greater Grand Rapids Open, Elks Country Club 17 NMTMA at High Pointe Golf Club Speaker- TBA OCTOBER 1 Michigan and Border Cities Benefit Day, Several Clubs Participating 1 West Michigan Golf Course Superintendent's Association Benefit Day, "Highlands" Grand Rapids Elks CC 2 NMTMA at Gaylord CC, Annual Meeting/Supts. Championship 8 Mid-Michigan Turf Association Benefit Day, Flint Golf Club DECEMBER 1 MMTA Annual Christmas Party, Garland Resort 16 BEARD COLLFCTION