Northwest Vol. 28, No. 3 TURFGRASS TOPICS PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON PRESIDENT'S CORNER By Mark Snyder Welcome to our new members in the Northwest Turfgrass Association! 1985 has been a record-breaking year for our Association; culminating in one of the best-attended conferences in our history. It also marks a new beginning for turfgrass management as the growing membership roll reflects the varied professional fields that exist in our Northwest community. Those of us who have previously belonged to this professional organization warmly welcome our new members. We are interested in your ideas. We are interested in you. How can we help? It has always been an instrumental part of the NTA to remain responsive to the needs of its members, since it was organized in 1948. Conducting timely research; promoting top quality conference speakers and supporting each other in our efforts to establish and maintain quality turf at our respective 'facilities. A case in point that demonstrates this response is the well attended split-educational sessions. In each group, specific information is presented that deals with particular conditions; be they City Parks or golf courses, so that the membership as a whole becomes better informed as to the varied issues in our industry. Another example is the Supplier Show. Begun just two conferences ago, the show is an open invitation to our commercial friends to present their product lines to our members, in an environment that compliments everyone. This participation by the suppliers and by our membership is genuinely appreciated by the board and adds a lot to the success of our educational conference. Since our association meets formally just once a year, the Turf Topics, published in December, April and September, is our best medium to communicate with each other. Hence, each director will be contributing an article about his committee, beginning with this issue. If you have questions or want to suggest a change; contact us. The directors serve the membership and their needs; from each geographical area of our Association. To conclude, a growing, diversified membership is the very ) key to our future success. Our Association about your conference experience; invite others to join. We will all be glad that you did! Again, welcome. It is great to have you in the Northwest Turfgrass Association! December 1985 NORTHWEST TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING The officers and directors of the Northwest Turfgrass Association met at the Western Washington Research and Extension Center on Monday, November 18, 1985. President Mark Snyder had a full agenda and an excellent board meeting to get the plans underway for this next year. The major goals of the Association, as explained by President Snyder, was to increase the membership, increase monetary income, high performance by all committee chairmen, and develop a super conference for 1986 with a product and equipment show. The following are brief reports from chairmen of various committees: MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE by Mike Kingsley. We are in need of your help!! Our Association needs to continue its growth in both quality and quantity, and you are the key to that growth. The Association gains its strength from an active membership, so to increase our strength we need to increase the number of members. To help you promote the Association and recruit new members, we are offering a reward. If you recruit a new member between now and the annual Turfgrass Conference in Pasco, we will reward you with the official NTA conference site golf cap. These caps will not be for sale and are a very popular item. So get yours the old fashioned way, EARN IT. There will also be a valuable prize awarded to the person who brings in the most new members, and if you are a supplier, you can earn a free booth a next year's NTA trade show if you recruit 10 new members. Your will find a membership application form in each of the upcoming Turfgrass Topics, so please help get the good word out. Your action will strengthen the NTA and help us better serve our changing needs. RESEARCH COMMITTEE by Dennis Pagni. At the November 18 board of directors meeting the board accepted recommendations of the Research and Scholarship Committee and allocated $33,408.00 to Washington State University and Oregon State University. The board of directors allocated funds for a set of sieves and shaker for Tom Cook at Oregon State University, an Omnidata Polycorder and funds for completion of a study of necrotic ring spot disease to Gary Chastagner, funds for cultivar evaluation for Bill Johnston at WSU, and funds for the support of a technical farm laborer for Stan Brauen, and also funds for the purchase of a power plot sprayer to be used at Farm 5. The funds for the sprayer were derived from money earned from the supplier show at Rippling River. Thanks to all you commercial suppliers for your support. A reminder to NTA members that scholarships are available to students pursuing degrees in turf management or related fields. Please get the word out. Applications are available from Dr. Goss at Puyallup. Scholarship applications must be sub(Continued on Page 4, Column I) THANK YOU 1985 RESEARCH CONTRIBUTORS The board of directors of the Northwest Turfgrass Association extend a warm and hearty thank you to 86 of you wonderful people who helped keep our research and scholarship programs alive. Without this tremendous support we can assure you that research and scholarship programs would be strongly curtailed. The following golf courses, businesses, parks and individuals are hereby acknowledged. Alderbrook Golf Club, Union, WA Astoria Golf & Country Club, Astoria, OR Banks Lake Golf & Country Club, Grand Coulee, WA Bellevue Municipal Golf Course, Bellevue, WA Black Butte Ranch, Sisters, OR Blue Lakes Country Club, Twin Falls, ID Broadmoor Golf Club, Seattle, WA Capilano Golf & Country Club, Vancouver, BC Cedar Bend Golf Club, Gold Beach, OR Chelan City Golf Club, Chelan, WA Coos Country Club, Coos Bay, OR Cumberland Valley Turf Farm, Sumner, WA Emerald Turfgrass Farm, Sumner, WA Eugene Country Club, Eugene, OR Everett Golf & Country Club, Everett, WA Evergreen State Construction, Renton, WA Fairwood Golf & Country Club, Renton, WA Ronald Fream Design Group, Ltd., Santa Rosa, CA Hayden Lake Golf Club, Hayden Lake, ID Hi-Cedars Golf Club, Orting, WA High Valley Country Club, Pack wood, WA Don Hogan, Seattle, WA Ingle wood Country Club, Kenmore, WA International Seeds, Inc., Halsey, OR Kah-Nee-Tah Resort, Warm Springs, OR C. H. Kuhn & Associates, Mercer Island, WA LaGrande Country Club, LaGrande, OR Lake Tapps Development Company, Seattle, WA Lake Wilderness Golf Course, Maple Valley, WA Lakeside School, Seattle, WA Leavenworth Golf Club, Leavenworth, WA Linden Golf Club, Puyallup, WA Long view Country Club, Long view, WA Montco Products Manito Golf & Country Club, Spokane, WA Meridian Valley Country Club, Kent, WA Moses Lake Country Club, Moses Lake, WA Nanaimo Golf & Country Club, Nanaimo, BC Nile Country Club, Seattle, WA North Thurston School Dist., Lacey, WA N. Vancouver Dist. Municipal Office, N. Vancouver, BC North Shore Golf Club, Tacoma, WA NW Golf Course Superintendents Assoc., Seattle, WA Oakbrook Golf Club, Tacoma, WA Oregon Golf Association, Portland, OR Oregon Golf Course Superintendents Assoc. Oregon Turf Farms, Hubbard, OR Oswego Lake Country Club, Lake Oswego, OR Overlake Golf & Country Club, Bellevue, WA Western Washington PGA - Pro Am's, Seattle, WA Pacific Agro Company, Renton, WA Port Ludlow Golf Club, Port Ludlow, WA Portland Golf Club, Portland, OR Pro-Grass, Hubbard, OR Puget Sound Seed Company, Seattle, WA Rainier Golf Club, Seattle, WA Riverside Golf & Country Club, Portland, OR Riviera Country Club, Anderson Island, WA Rolling Hills Golf Club, Bremerton, WA Royal Oaks Country Club, Vancouver, WA Sahalee Country Club, Redmond, WA Salishan Golf Club, Gleneden Beach, OR Sand Point Golf Club, Seattle, WA Seattle Golf Club, Seattle, WA Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, Vancouver, BC Shelton-Bayshore Golf Club, Shelton, WA Similk Beach Golf Course, Anacortes, WA Skagit Golf & Country Club, Burlington, WA Soden-Hines & Associates, Bellevue, WA Spokane Country Club, Spokane, WA Spokane Parks & Recreation Department, Spokane, WA Sunland Golf Club, Sequim, WA Sun River Properties, Bend, OR Tacoma Country & Golf Club, Tacoma, WA Turfgo Northwest, Bellevue, WA Tualatin Country Club, Tualatin, OR Turf-Seed, Inc., Hubbard, OR Twin Firs Sod Farm, Quincy, WA Vashon Golf Club, Vashon, WA Wandermere Golf Club, Spokane, WA Washington State University, Pullman, WA Waverley Country Club, Portland, OR Wenatchee Golf & Country Club, Wenatchee, WA Wing Point Golf & Country Club, Bainbridge Isl, WA Charles W. Woosley, Corvallis, OR Yakima City Parks, Yakima, WA We extend a special thank you to the Western Washington Professional Golfers Association and Inland Empire Professional Golfers Association for their contributions through the Pro-Am program and to the Oregon Golf Association for their contributions. Craig Calvert of Puget Sound Seed Company has served as the collector and keeper of these special research funds and to him we also extend our sincere thanks. Craig pointed out at the Rippling River Conference that there is a lot of room yet for additional contributors since there are less than 50% making contributions at this time. How about thinking this over and joining the honor roll of great supporters in 1986. m e-kky c h m ; t mat STRAIGHT TALK ON FLUID LIME By Bruce Remick National Stone Association Some farmers are switching over to fluid lime to solve their soil acidity problems. Are they getting the most value for their aglime dollar by doing so? In making the decision to go the fluid lime route, they should keep these facts in mind: 1. The same factors which govern the capability of conventionally ground aglime to correct soil acidity also apply to the fine limestone used to make fluid lime. That is, the effective calcium carbonate equivalent of all ground limestone, whether applied as ordinary aglime or as fine lime (-100 to -200 mesh) in suspension will be determined by both quality (chemical purity and fineness) of the product, and the amount of calcium carbonate applied. Increasing fineness may increase the rate at which a particular limestone reacts with the soil, but it will not increase the chemical purity of the product or the amount of acidity it will neutralize. A 20-mesh limestone will neutralize the same amount of acidity as will the same quantity of 100-mesh limestone with the same calcium carbonate content. It will just take longer. 2. Mixing limestone with water to make fluid lime does not increase its effectiveness. It does not increase the amount of acidity it will neutralize, and although the limestone in fluid lime is very fine and reacts very fast, it reacts no faster than if the same product were applied dry. 3. Fine lime breaks down in the soil more rapidly than regular dry aglime. Therefore, its residual effect on soil acidity tends to be of shorter duration, making it necessary to apply fluid lime more frequently, usually on an annual basis. This, plus the fact that 50% or more of every fluid lime formulation is water, makes fluid lime the higher cost alternative for liming the soil. Farmers should consult their county agricultural agents to determine the advisability of using fluid lime, and whether the rates recommended are sufficient to remedy their soil acidity problems. Ask for Emerald because it's Natural Grass®! c cpiushQreen Lawn...inaday Bare ground today Beautiful luxuriant living lawn tomorrow in the Puyallup Valley lor Pueet Sound Homo* Bankcards Accepted Emerald Turfgrass Farms Washington's Natural Grass? Company 16* Sfrwl East Sean* 638 9911 ' • Sumner Washington 96390 Bellevue Sumner 641 0808 * 863 1003 Scotts most successful product is not available for sale... only for advice and support... your ProTurf lech Rep. BEN MALIKOWSKI P.O. Box 18128 Spokane, WA 99208 (509) 467-8710 ERLING OLSON 4850 156th Ave. NE Apt. 226 Redmond, WA 98052 (206) 885-3349 MICHAEL P. KENDALL 8530 Woodtrail Place Burnaby, B.C. V5A 4A9 (604) 421-2583 (Continued from Page 1, Column 2) mitted to the Northwest Turfgrass Association board of directors by August 1, 1986. The scholarship will be awarded at the annual conference in September at Pasco Red Lion, Pasco, Washington. CONFERENCE SITE by Bo Hepler. The Tri Cities and Red Lion are ready to welcome the 1986 NTA Convention with open arms. The area has much to offer for your entertainment. September in the Tri Cities has the best weather of the year. There is also going to be another exciting spouse's program this year which includes a boat trip up the Columbia River, visiting the Hanford Nuclear Reservation (among other things), and a golf tournament. So, mark your calendar for Pasco this September. ED. NOTE: Bo Hepler guarantees sunshine every day of the Conference. PROGRAM COMMITTEE by Tom Cook. The program committee is actively working at the present time to come up with a good and varied subject matter conference for 1986. There are already several topics assigned and potential speakers to handle these topics. The following is a summary of the Northwest Turfgrass Conference survey completed by the membership. 1. Who attends the NTA Conference? There appears to be three major groups made up of (1) golf course superintendents, (2) school and park maintenance personnel, and (3) a miscellaneous group representing the landscape service industry. 2. Are you workers or managers? 71% of those responding were managers 15% were non-management employees 12% were owners 3. How old are conference attendees? 77% of those responding were between 26 and 45. 4. What is the educational background of attendees? 66% have attended college 47% have either a 2 or 4 year college degree 23% have more than 4 years of college Of those attending college, 72% studied agronomy, horticulture, or plant and soil science. 5. How long have attendees worked in the industry? Careers ranged from less than 1 year to over 35 years. Sixty percent have been in the field 10 or more years, while 40% have less than 10 years experience. 6. How do attendees learn about the NTA conference? 60% received NTA mailings 27% found out from friends, fellow workers, or salesmen 56% did not attend last year's conference 7. What subject areas are most important? Of the 4 choices given, turf was clearly number one and business/management, research, and tree and shrub care rated about equal behind turf. 8. How did you rate the subject matter presented at this conference? 80% felt the material was timely/relevant or just right. 7% felt it was too technical 4% felt it was redundant Lots of people had comments but there were no consistent trends. 9. Are you comfortable with split sessions? 98% said yes! (Continued on Page 6, Column I) kV/dcWtWil Equipment Distributors Inc. THE PROFESSIONALS THAT KEEP YOU CUTTING. automatic irrigation of large turf areas SEATTLE • 20224 80th Ave. S., Kent, WA98032 (206) 872-8858 SPOKANE • E. 4001 Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99202 (509) 535-9756 POWERS—WHITWORTH Golf Course Architecture Site Planning and Consultation PRELIMINARY AND FINAL DESIGN WORK FOR: Phased upgrading, new construction, site developments, construction drawings specifications, inspections, and athletic field planning. CONSULTATION SERVICES: Safety and liability, tax valuation, and financial backing services. Consultation relating ta Soil conditions, turf problems of light, aeration, diseases, insects, proper chemical and fertilizer selections for turf vitality, and turf seed varieties. DAVE POWERS Golf Course Architect 1981 Mapleleaf Road Lake Oswego, OR 97034 (503) 635-5369 NORM WHITWORTH Consultant & Turf Products PO. Box 68314 Oak Grove, OR 97268 (503) 658-3114 HOW CAN I HELP THE NORTHWEST TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION ATTAIN ITS GOALS IN THE FUTURE? By Gary Sayre, CGCS Overtake Golf and Country Club Medina, WA Since the foundation of this organization in 1947, it has been the aim to foster more and better research and to encourage young men to enter the field of turfgrass management and to seek higher education. The Northwest Turfgrass Association through increased membership will be able to sponsor even better and more research investigations in the future as well as financially assist qualified young men to seek and continue studies in the universities and to encourage these young people to return to the field of turfgrass management. In 1962 the Northwest Turfgrass Association was granted an exemption from the payment of income taxes under Section 501 [c] [3] of the Bureau of Internal Revenue code which states, in fact, that the Northwest Turfgrass Association is a scientific organization devoted to research and educational principles and should not be required to pay income taxes on money granted to the organization by individuals, or from dues collected by the organization. It is well established today that the Association can receive grants of money from industry and any other organization or person to be used for research and educational purposes. This in itself can greatly help the Association make outstanding contributions to all interested in better turf. In 1986 you can help by setting aside some amount of money to donate to the NTA which you can claim on your income tax return as a deduction. You can also keep in mind that donations will be solicited through the mailing that comes out every spring. Most donations are from $100 to $200, but there is no limit, we just ask for your support. The state universities have been cut back on legislative support and we now ask you to help out. Was your name on the contribution list last year, if not help put it there this year. THANKS. FRESH, STURDY, MATURE FROM OUR PLOT TO YOUR LOT Your turf is professionally grown and especially adapted for Northwest conditions. We insure a quality product at reasonable prices. Also, we supply large caliper shade trees. POR CALL FREE OR WRITE FOR BROCHURE 223-8871 WOODBURN 981-8873 18381 Boones Ferry Rd. N.E. Hubbard, OR 97032 ITS TIME TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE BENTGRASSI If you have been looking for a variety of Creeping Bentgrass that ia available, tried and tested and found to be superior in teat results...turn to PROMINENT Creeping Bentgrass. In Illinois testa, PROMINENT out-performed other top varieties of Creeping Bent in fairway teats during the hot summertime. Plots were monitored for turfgrass quality, thatch buildup and disease resistance. In teats in Ohio and Kentucky, PROMINENT out-performed all other bentgrass varieties tested in withstanding heat and drought conditions. For better performance under stress conditions . . . turn to PROMINENT CREEPING BENTGRASS. EXCELLENT UNIFORMITY GOOD COLOR QUICK TO ESTABLISH DISEASE RESISTANT BETTER HOT WEATHER TOLERANCE SEED RESEARCH OF OREGON, INC. Cumberland Valley Turf CVT Professional Turf Growers Supplying Top Quality •Sod Call Us For Prices 29730 Harvest Dr. • Albany. Oregon 97321 (503) 757-2663 MOWER FOR SALE Reel-type Roseman: 7 Gang Used one season Cost $11,000 New PRICED FOR QUICK SALE @ $3,500 Contact C U M B E R L A N D VALLEY (206) 825-5266 Forklift Deliveries 4 5 5 3 3 - 2 1 2 t h Ave. S.E. Enumclaw, Wa. 98022 TURF P.O. Box 1,Sumner, W A 98390 (206) 825-5266 (Continued from Page 4, Column 1) 10. Were the hands on sessions worthwhile? 96% said yes and the same number wanted to see them held again. 11. Would you participate if there was a park tour offered? 91% said yes. (We'll see if we can put one together!) 12. What topics would you like to see at the 1986 conference? There were no clear-cut winners but here by top vote getters are listed below: Turf Culture 1. Establish/renovation/overseeding 2. Aerification/topdressing/thatch 3. Drainage design and installation 4. Many others Tree and Shrub Culture 1. Plant selection 2. Pruning 3. Weed, insect, disease control 4. Many others Business/Management 1. Motivation/morale 2. Job stress 3. Budget preparation 4. Public relations Research 1. Chemical testing 2. Stress physiology 3. Variety evaluations 4. Soil amendments 13. What did you think about the suppliers show? The suppliers show was a hit! Most of you felt the show complimented the educational sessions. Most also wanted to see more equipment displayed. 14. Was the Wednesday night banquet worthwhile? 83% said yes but many qualified their opinions with comments. There is genuine concern about the cost of the banquet. Many felt the entertainment was inappropriate. A lot of people felt there was too much emphasis on golf and that too much time was spent parading speakers in front of the audience. In general people felt the speakers should keep their remarks very brief and let everyone enjoy themselves. 15. How did you like the golf competition/banquet? There was no consensus on this one. Some liked it as is, some wanted to change the format, some wanted more competition on other days, and some wanted to drop it! Most comments centered on how the competition should be organized. Most golfers wanted to be paired with players with similar handicaps. The banquet was a sore point with some. As one person put it, "$15.00 for a chicken breast was ridiculous." 16. How did you like the site and facilities? 94% liked the location 88% liked the meeting rooms 84% liked the lodging accommodations 69% felt the banquet service was good 63% felt the food service was fair to poor 55% felt the food was fair to poor (Continued on Page 7, Column 2) 2 O F T H E [BEST.) Turf Gold® 21-3-5 BEST T U R F GOLD®is a combination of two time proven, high quality products: professionally accepted BEST T U R F S U P R E M E " plus B E S T - C O T E ® and Sulfur Coated Urea ( S . C . U . ) . A nonburning, controlled release fertilizer containing 19% Sulfur. 50 LB. BAG Turf Supreme® with Best-Cote® 15-5-7 B E S T - C O T E ° is water-soluble, heatresistant, bio-degradable and greatly reduces the possibility of burn and volatization. Fertilizer can be applied and not watered for up to 72 hours. 50 LB. BAG Contact your BEST Distributor today. » Nulife Fertilizer Co Tacoma. WA 206/5171 Bob Pine Brian Stueve > Pacific Agro Renton. WA 206/228-6565 Ken McKenzie (BEST.) ' H J Stoll & Sons Portland. OR 503/235-89465 • Evergreen Turf Supply Bellevue/Tacoma. WA 206/828-4554 Norm Whitworth Mike Rippee Western Division. Box 267 Lathrop. CA 95330 209/858-2541 Northwest Region Res Ph 206/256-5375 19329 N W 112th St Brush Prairie. WA 98606 It's hard to tell the difference between goosegrass and late-germinating crabgrass. But if you treat your turf with Chipco RONSTAR' G herbicide, it makes no difference. RONSTAR gives excellent control of both, season-long... and it's convenient to use, because there's no leaching problem, no root pruning, and no problems with ornamental plantings. So, for the best control of grassy weeds, use RONSTAR. RhoneFoulenc Inc., Agrochemical Division, Monmouth Junction, NJ 0885a When we develop a perennial ryegrass, we mean business Quality dOMnl )ust happen It is the product of yean ol careful research and extensive evaluation That* what it took tor researchers to develop Fiesta the out standing turf -type perennial ryegrass that meets the demands of today s turt manager (Continued from Page 6, Column 1) The main gripe about food service was that it was too slow. Many people felt lodging costs were too high. Summary The survey indicates we have a more diverse group than in the past. Our non-golf membership is increasing. We have a good cross section of ages, experience, and educational backgrounds. Turf is the main interest of the group but related areas are also important. For the most part attendees are happy with the format, subject matter, and level of the conference. The suppliers show is a desirable part of the conference. Golf is frustrating for everyone but the winners. Most people would like cheaper lodging and better food. Thanks to those of you who responded to this survey. If you didn't respond and you feel your opinions don't match the survey results, make sure you fill out next year's evaluation! COMMERCIAL EVENT-TRADE SHOW by Bill Campbell. A completed packet of information was presented to each of the directors showing specifically what will be included in the commercial event for 1986. Bill Campbell had a complete list of prospective exhibitors and urged the directors to go to work on these people in their areas to fill up the trade show as quickly as possible. The goals for 1986 will be approximately 50 booths which Bill Campbell feels we can achieve without great difficulty. In general, essentially the same format as 1985 will be followed. FINANCE COMMITTEE by Gene Howe. Gene Howe will begin computerizing our entire membership and identify many things about our members such as who they are, the type of business, the length of time in the Association and other criteria. By computerizing our members we can also determine who are our best contributors and other information. NOMINATION COMMITTEE by Gary Sayre. Gary Sayre and his committee are finalizing their recommendations for three new directors for 1986. Anyone who has a strong desire to become a director of the Association can feel free to volunteer your services to Gary Sayre and his committee. The results • Dense dark green turl • Fine leaf texture e Thrives under low cutting heights e Excellent resistance to leaf spot brown patch and many other diseases e Outstanding winter hardiness combined with tolerance to summer stress e High seed count-up to 330 000 seeds per pound-20-25% higher than most other varieties PICK. MEIDT PICXSEED WEST Inc. SO 101 Ml • tKMCDft OS STMS >> s s Turf Farm 683-6725 Route 3, Box 186 Sequim, Washington 98382 INSTANT SOD LAWNS See us for poa-free sod g r o w n on washed sand. Ideal for golf course and athletic field use. The Pro's Know... J .A. Jack & Sons IMPERIAL AGLIME you need CALCIUM for Turf Vigor Full Fertilizer Utilization Improved pH Sacked or Complete Spreading service NITROFORM Agro quality really counts! W EED KILLERS Pacific A g r o C o m p a n y 903 Houser Way No. HYDROPRILLS Renton 98055 P.O. Box 326 • 228-6565 FUNGICIDES Suppliers of all your professional needs! SOLD by H E M P H I L L BROTHERS, INC. / SEATTLE 762-7622 GREEN SLICK AS GLASS? LOF Puts Old Expression CREDIT: Divots to the Test R O N A L D F R E A M DESIGN GROUP, LTD. GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTURE Every golfer knows what it means when a green is 'slicker than glass." It means trouble. But Golf Digest, with a little help from Libbey-Owens-Ford Co., tried to put some precision in the golfer's cliche by comparing glass and grass mathematically. For its June issue, the magazine commissioned a series of tests on a variety of surfaces: marble ("faster than a marble staircase"), pavement ("like putting on concrete"), a billiard table ("smoother than a billiard table"), and a tub of molasses ("slower than molasses in January"). To get comparative speed figures for its tongue-in-cheek test, Golf Digest used a Stimpmeter—a device designed to release a rolling golf ball so that the distance it rolls indicates the "speed" of the surface. Most golf greens allow the ball to roll 6 to 8 feet, the magazine said, but some very fast greens might register up to 14 on the Stimpmeter. So, how fast is glass versus grass? To find out, Golf Digest contacted LOF's corporate headquarters in Toledo, and after some consultation, the company's management decided there was no harm in the project and allowed the test to take place on a huge sheet of glass at its Rossford plant. An LOF employee, Leonard Klaege, performed the Stimpmeter test, and the magazine recorded the result: "Reading: 468.7. Summary: For this report, we rely on our correspondent, Mel Barger, who supervised the test " The ball traveled fast out of the Stimpmeter and did not appear to be slowing down much by the time it reached the edge of our 26 foot, 8 inch piece of glass. According to our stopwatches, the ball traveled this distance in 5.001 seconds, so you can relate that to the speed of other surfaces. We also noticed that golf balls don't roll smoothly on glass. The dimples on the balls apparently make them sort of bounce along. The magazine concluded that molasses in January is indeed slow. The ball traveled only two inches. "What's appealing about the surface, however, is it putts so true." The Magazine's "scientific" findings were clouded somewhat by circumstances. The 68.5 reading for a marble staircase, for example, was expurgated to keep the ball from rolling through a 300-yearold Chinese vase. The billiard table only rated 5.9 because "the Stimpmeter scored a Titleist 3 in the corner pocket." And the sloping of the New Jersey Turnpike could have accounted for its high reading of 17,462. "Following in a car we observed the ball accelerate near the Newark, NJ, exit on the turnpike, then roll steadily to a point opposite several Elizabeth, NJ, chemical plants, where it passed through a patch of lavender mist and disintegrated." The results of the tests, the magazine said, "suggest that the poetry of putting and the science of speedometry cannot be mixed." EDITOR'S NOTE: Your editor tested a linoleum hallway at Kalkus Hall at the Western Washington Research and Extension Center at Puyallup, Washington, and had a reproducible 99 feet. The Top Flight No. 6 golf ball was found on the Nixon Par 3 Golf Course at San Clemente, California, in April 1973. 4 (707) 526-7190 TWX: 510-744-8296 GOLFARCH P.O. Box 1823 • Santa Rose, California 95402, U.S.A. Seattle • Palm Springs • Kuala Lumpur • Austria JB SOD I SEED SALEM (503) 581-7823 SEATTLE (206) 746-1919 A s k u s a b o u t t h e all n e w LILLYTMILLER PROFESSIONAL T U R F & GROUNDS M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M Seattle (206) 762-0818 The Chas. H. LILLY Co. Spokane Spokane (503) 256-4600 (509) 922-3333 In Washington, call our Seattle office toll free 1-800-562-7013 nil 3 M . ^Mowm COMMERCIAL TURF EQUIPMENT JACOBSON — CUSHMAN — 926 North 165th St. Seattle, WA 98133 (206) 542-7484 RYAN N. 7118 Market Spokane, WA 99208 (509) 482-7592 WE DARE YOU The board of directors of the Northwest Turfgrass Association dare you as members to take the application form included pith this issue to find a new member. As a special introductory 5ffer to new members, those who sign up after January 1 will be given full membership status through July 31, 1987 for the annual fee price. The membership fee of $75.00 for the current year includes all issues of Turfgrass Topics, all mailings of the Northwest Turfgrass Association, conference registration for the September 1986 Turfgrass Conference at the Pasco Red Lion, 1986 Conference Proceedings, and Turfgrass Topics through July 31, 1987. THIS IS A BARGAIN. Also, take notice of the clipout coupon that we would like for you to fill out and return to the Northwest Turfgrass Association, P.O. Box 397, Puyallup, WA 98371, which will provide us information on the number of years that you have been a member of this Association. We want to provide you with a membership pin in categories of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of membership in the Association. Please fill this out and return it as soon as possible so these pins can be included in your packet at registration time. Norm Whitworth Ltd. Consultants Norm Whitworth CHIEF Turf Products Division P.O. Box 68314 Oak Grove, OR 97268 503/659-3114 A Full Line of Specialities & Varieties of Turf Seed for the Golf Course and Sod Farm. Wholesale Seeds and Garden Supplies PUGET SOUND SEED CO., INC. 1120 West Ewing • Seattle. WA 98119 • 282-2077 y 1fte 'Editor and Entire S t a f f of NORTHWEST TURFGRASS TOPICS 'VVisfi a f t o f a Happy Holiday y o u Season and a Super 1986 AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AGRONOMY MEETINGS HELD IN CHICAGO Roy L. Goss The American Society of Agronomy annual meetings were held in Chicago, Illinois on December 1-5, 1985. Over 2,000 agronomists from around the world convened to present scientific papers and symposia and to exchange scientific information in all areas of crop production and soil science including turfgrass management. For many years we have had the Division C5-Turfgrass as a part of the ASA meetings, and in 1985 there were more than 72 research papers given as well as one complete afternoon devoted to a symposium on water. The following is a very brief summary of some of the papers presented that have meaning and impact on turfgrass management programs in the Pacific Northwest. EVALUATION OF CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES FOR SOIL COMPACTION J.F. Barber from Nebraska and R.N. Carrow from the University of Georgia reported that core cultivation outperforms slicing with respect to soil responses and core cultivation significantly changed the oxygen diffusion rate. Their results indicated that plants react quickly to compaction stress but are slow to recover from it. EFFECTS OF CULTIVATION TREATMENT IN PRE EMERGENCE HERBICIDE ON CRABGRASS INFESTATIONS Brannum and Reike of Michigan State University reported that aerification and vertical mowing immediately following application of three pre emergence herbicides, benefin, bensulide and DCPA, had no effect upon their efficacy in controlling crabgrass. This is good information since it indicates that cultivation operations can be safely carried out without significantly reducing annual bluegrass control. SEED PRIMING AND ITS EFFECTS ON KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS/PERENNIAL RYEGRASS MIXTURES J.L. Brede, et al. from Oklahoma State University reported that Kentucky bluegrass and turftype perennial ryegrasses could be planted together and result in germination at the same time if the Kentucky bluegrass seed was primed (osmoconditioned) before planting. The priming agents they tested were sodium chloride, potassium nitrate, and polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000). Their results indicated that they could induce bluegrass seeds to emerge a full three days ahead of non-primed seed. They also observed field survival of bluegrass seed 27% greater than untreated seed. EFFECTS OF SOIL TEMPERATURE AND MOISTURE ON THE DEGRADATION RATE OF DACTHAL (DCPA) Choi and Fermanian from the University of Illinois, using five temperature ranges of 10-35 ° C (50-95 ° F) of soil temperature, found the following results. Temperatures of 77 to 86° F resulted in the fastest degradation rate. Only 9% of the initial DCPA remained in the soil five weeks after treatment. Temperatures of 50 to 59° F showed very slow degradation rates. Seventy percent of the initial DCPA remained in the soil five weeks after treatment. This information will provide guidelines (Continued on Page 10, Column I) (Continued from Page 9, Column 2) for individuals and commercial applicators with respect to the efficacy of dacthal and local weather conditions. INFLUENCE OF SPRING MEFLUIDIDE APPLICATION ON THE CARBOHYDRATE STATUS OF POA ANNUA Cooper, et al. from Ohio State University reported on their tests with mefluidide (Embark) at rates of 0.06, 0.13, and 0.19 lb a.i. per acre. They reported that Embark suppressed seedheads of Poa annua and significantly increased the reducing sugar content of roots. They found 4.9% sugar in the roots of treated plants as compared to 1.2% in untreated plants when the untreated plants were seeding profusely. These are indicators that in addition to growth inhibition some of the plant growth regulators have beneficial side effects. In addition to all of the papers presented, there were numerous poster sessions and one that will be familiar to the Pacific Northwest is one presented by Dr. Jeff Nus who was a former Research Associate here at the Western Washington Research and Extension Center at Puyallup. Jeff is currently in charge of the turfgrass research and teaching programs at Kansas State University. His poster display was entitled 'Evaluating turfgrass response to water stress using moisture release curves." The authors were J.L. Nus, S.E. Brauen and R.L. Goss. 4 Happy New Year, and Good Luck to BALTZ 8t SON COMPANY, who have closed their equipment business. The Northwest Turfgrass Association wishes to thank you, Tom, and Byron Reed for your many years of dedicated NuUlia FERTILIZERS TURF CHEMICALS and FERTILIZERS FUNGICIDES - HERBICIDES SOIL AMENDMENTS TACOMA 272-5171 1424 Thorne Road Tacoma, Wash. 98421 SEATTLE 622-3228 MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY IN 1 9 8 6 BRING IN A NEW MEMBER H A P P Y N E W YEAR!! NORTHWEST TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM Date Name of Aoolicant Address Type of organization orfirm (individual, governmental, school, cemetery, park, supplier, golf course, architect, etc.) Return to P.O. Box 397 Puyallup, WA 98371 YOU SHOULD BE A MEMBER The Northwest Turfgrass Association was organized in 1948 to bring together all people interested in the culture of fine turfgrasses. These include managers of golf courses, parks, cemeteries, sportsfields, schoolgrounds, and home lawns. Other persons who benefit from the NTA are lawn care companies, landscape design contractors, architects, and commercial companies who sell turfgrass maintenance supplies and materials. WHY SHOULD YOU BELONG? 1. Membership includes registration for the high caliber annual Turfgrass Conference. 2. Three issues (8-12 pages/issue) of Turfgrass Topics annually. 3. Close association with your peers and research and extension specialists. 4. Your dues go into research and scholarship funds. We need you as a member because membership gives strength to an organization. This is an excellent organization, more than worth the small membership fee. Also, get a friend to join. NORTHWEST TURFGRASS MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME. THE AMOUNT FOR THE CURRENT YEAR IS SHOWN BELOW. • Enclosed is the amount of dollars membership fee for the first year and Conference Registration. Signed Title 1. 2. Annual Dues payable on or before August 1 each year. Dues are based on annual due date nonprorated. Nonmembers may attend the annual Conference by paying the current year's dues plus Conference registration fee. For further information on dues, contact the executive secretary, Northwest Turfgrass Association. c 11 < * TST22 NORTHWEST TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 397 Puyallup, WA 98371 Mr. Tom Cook Dept. of Horticulture r Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331 HOW LONG HAVE Y O U BEEN A MEMBER OF THE NORTHWEST TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 10 Years 15 Years 20 Years 25 Years 30 Years This year we are giving pins to long-standing members of the Northwest Turfgrass Association. We will appreciate you returning this form with your pre-registration if you have been a member of the Northwest Turfgrass Association for over 10 years. OFFICERS OF THE NORTHWEST TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Mark Snyder President Bill Campbell Vice President Gene Howe Treasurer Dr. Roy Goss Exec. Secretary NORTHWEST TURFGRASS TOPICS is sponsored by the Northwest Turfgrass Association and financed through funds of this organization. Any communications concerning distribution of this paper or association business should be directed to P.O. Box 397, Puyallup, WA 98371, or Roy L. Goss, Western Washington Research and Extension Center, Puyallup, WA 98371. Communications concerning content of this paper should be directed to Dr. Roy Goss, Editor, Western Washington Research and Extension Center, Puyallup, WA 98371.