JAMES Crop Sciences Dept. J^AliD FALL 1980-VOL. THREE Proi * 7 of Texas A&M Univ.r A PATCH Official Publication of the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association MICHIGAN & BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION PR E SID E N T JAMES TIMMERMAN, CGCS ORCHARD LA K E C OUNTRY CLUB 7183 B uckthorn O rchard L a k e , M ichigan 48033 Off. 3 6 0 - 0 2 3 8 , R e s . 682-7234 VICE P R E SID E N T ROBERT HOPE, CGCS TH E LOCKMOOR CLU B 20740 Marter R oad G r o s s e P o in te Woods, M ichigan 48236 Off. 881-8112, R e s . 884-8684 S E C R E T A R Y - T R E A S U R E R BRUCE WOLFROM, CGCS BARTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB 435 Stein R oad Ann Arbor, M ichigan 48103 Off. 662-8359, R e s . 663-9213 BOARD OF D IRECTO RS KEVIN DUSHANE WABEEK COUNTRY CLU B 159 Willards Way Union Lake, Michigan 48085 Off. 851-1689, R es. 698-2924 MICHAEL EDGERTON MEADOWBROOK C OUNTRY CLUB 3066 S esam e Howell, M ichigan 48843 Off. 349-3608, R e s . 517-546-5927 CHARLES GAIGE L A K ELA N D S G O L F & COUNTRY CLU B 7390 R ic k e tt Brighton, M ichigan 48116 Off. 231-3003, R e s . 227-4617 WATERS ED G E C OUNTRY CLUB ED HEINEMAN 10531 B ellev u e G ro ss e lie, M ichigan 48138 Off. 675-0927, R e s . 676-3095 FRITZ MCMULLEN, CGCS F O R E S T LAKE C O UN TR Y CLUB 3912 F ie l d v ie w O rchard L a k e, M ichigan 48033 Off. 335-1410, R e s . 363-8030 BLO O M FIEL D H ILLS COUNTRY CLU B CHRIS MYERS 2831 Saturn D rive L a k e Orion, Michigan 48035 Off. 642-0707, R e s . 391-2074 PR ESID EN T EMERITUS CLEM WOLFROM D E T R O IT G O L F CLUB 530 K endry Bloom field H ills, M ichigan 48013 Off. 345-4589, R e s . 334-0140 " A PATCH OF G REEN” P ub l¡sh ed monthly by the MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Circulation: 1,250 Ted Woehrle, CGCS, Oakland H ills C.C. James Timmerman, Orchard Lakes C.C. CO-EDITORS P rin ted A t BLAKEMAN PRINTING COMPANY 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 Phone: (313) 293-3540 MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES Double Page Spread................................... $150.00 Back Outside Page......................................... 75.00 Ful I Page.......................................................... 65.00 Half Page........................................................ 40.00 Quarter Page.................................................... 30.00 E ighth Page.................................................... 1 5.00 Sixteenth Page..................................................10.00 C lassified Ad (per column in ch )............... 7.50 DISCOUNT RATE: One Year 10% Note: Advertising fees may not be deducted from the above rates. T K ö n t ß t rfc iu e n tiW M ' FDS Enterprises Golf Car Distributors Lakeshore Equipment Corporation Lawn Equipment Corporation Lebanon/Agrico W.F. Miller Garden 81 Equipment Oxford Peat Company O.M. Scott 8t Son, Inc. Wm. F. Sell & Son, Inc. Sprinkler Irrigation Supply Terminal Sales Corporation Tire Wholesalers, Inc. Turfgrass, Inc. Turf Supplies, Inc. USS Agri-Chemicals Wilkie Turf Equipment Corporation Charlie Wells 81 Company SUPERINTENDENTS - CHOOSE HONDA FOR 1980 HONDAENGINES R econdition your equipm ent th is w in te r w ith a Honda. B u ilt tough for D e p e n d a b ility - D u ra b ility - Q uiet P recision Engineering - Economy ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS 3.5 5 7 10 11 GV150 A1 GV150 A2 G150 G150 G 150 G V200 GV200 GV200 G 200 G 200 G 200 G 200 G 200 G 300 G300 G300 G300 G300 G400 G400 G400 GV400 G V400 G V400 Q PE HQ (1) (2) (3) Q V PE S HQ Q V S HQ Q Q V Q (4) (5) (6) GV400 (7) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X AF AF AF N40 N 50 N4C AF A5 AF AG AF B6 B6 B7 B6 JO B6 B6 JO AA AB JB JD 3 5/32 x 7/8 DIA. TAPPED 3/8 24 UNF 2 7/16 x 7/8 DIA. TAPPED 3/8 24 UNF 2 7/16 x 3/4 DIA. TAPPED 5/16 24 UNF 2 7/16 x 5/8 THREADED 2 3/4 x 3/4 DIA. X X X X X 3 5/32 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 3/8 24 UNF 1 13/16 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 5/32 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 3/8 24 UNF 2 7/16 x 3/4 DIA. TAPPED 5/16 24 UNF 2 53/64 x 0.755 DIA. TAPER 2 1/4 PER FT. 2 7/16 x 5/8 THREADED 2 3/64 x 22 mm DIA. 2 3/64 x 3/4 DIA. 3 31/64 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 4 11/64 x 7/8 DIA. TAPER 2 1/4 PER FT. 2 3/32 x 22 mm DIA. 3 7/32 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 31/64 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 31/64 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 4 11/64 x 7/8 DIA. TAPER 2 1/4 PER FT. 3 31/64 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 5/32 x 1.0 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 5/32 x 1.0 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 5/32 x 1.0 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 5/32 x 1.0 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 3600 3600 4000 4000 4000 3200 3200 3700 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 4000 OPT. X 4000 4000 X X 4000 OPT. X 3550 3550 3550 X X X 3550 OPT. X X X X X X (1) N40 with CDI & Extended Oil Filler Tube (2) N50 with CDI & Extended Oil Filler Tube (3) N4C (without tank, oil filler tube, with S-type muffler) (4) AA - STD. type (5) AB - STD. type (with SN muffler, w/o fuel tank) (6) JB - Electric Start (with SN muffler and fuel tank and muffler) recoil starter, w/o fuel tank) (7) JD - Electric Start (with 80w lamp coil, w/o X X X X X X X X X X SD 2.12 28.7 SD 2.12 28.7 OB 2.64 29.8 OB 2.64 OB 2.64 .29.8 37.1 DE 2.01 37.5 DE 2.01 37.5 DE OPT. 35.3 OB 3.68 33.1 OB 3.68 33.1 OB 3.68 OB 3.68 OB 3.68 33.1 46.5 41.5 DE 6.36 48.5 DE 6.36 48.5 DE 6.36 63.5 DE 6.36 59.0 DE 6.36 59.0 DE 6.36 66.1 DE 6.36 66.1 DE 6.36 76.0 DE 2.44 61.7 DE OPT. 61.7 DE OPT. 68.4 DE OPT. 66.2 * SD - SEMI-DRY OB - OIL BATH DE - DUAL ELEMENT GOLF CAR DISTRIBUTORS 1 9 8 0 W. W ID E T R A C K DR. (US 10) P O N T IA C , M IC H . 338-0425 MON.-FRI. 8-5, SAT. 8-1 Easy Terms To F it Your Budget SPECIAL PRICES TO M.B.C.G.C.S.A. MEMBERS Awholistic approach to turf care. A balanced natural fertilizer and complete nutritional supplement. PanaSea has as much nitro­ gen. half the phosphorus, twice the potassium (9.3% K*0) of farmyard manures; more cal­ cium, magnesium, and sulphur than fish fertilizers and emul­ sions: and more than 55 trace elements in chelated form. From renewable natural resources. Along the rocky coastlines of the North Atlantic, "upwellings" of the ocean floor thrust cold, nutrient rich water up to the surface. The sea plants grow­ ing here are the world's most complete source of mineral elements. The sea plants extract inorganic substances from the ocean, assimilate them and convert them into organic compounds including every element active in form ­ ing tissue in plants. PanaSea is a highly concen­ trated blend of several different sea plants harvested in carefully regulated cycles from Ireland to the Artie Circle. An incredible multi-purpose plant product. Pana Séa is ■ A fertilizer and nutritional supplement ■ An organic soil conditioner ■ A compost accelerator ■ A root, seed, and transplant treatment ■ A protector against insects, pests, and diseases A broad spectrum of protection against stress, disease, and pests. PanaSea contains natural hor­ mones (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, and others) that stimulate immune systems, strengthen root systems, in­ crease resistance to stress conditions (like frost and drought) and decrease suscep­ tibility to sap-seeking insects and predators. PanaSea's ^ natural antibiotics protect 0m ^ against fungus infections such ^as "com m on dollar spot" afe . . . economical. . . effective. PanaSea is completely natural, non-toxic, and non­ contaminating. PanaSeà can be added to fungicides, pes­ ticides, and herbicides, thus optimizing their therapeutic ef­ fect. Use as a foliar spray for optimal uptake by plant and roots. The most versatile single product available to growers. PanaSeà improves the health, strength, yield, and appearance of: ■ Turf grasses, pasture grasses, and lawns ■ Cereals and root crops ■ Vegetables and herbs ■ Fruit trees and berry bushes ■ Shrubs and ornamentals ■ Flowers and houseplants Imported from Ireland by Emerald Isle Ltd., U.S.A. 2153 Newport Road Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 (313) 662-2727 Distributed by: Turfgrass, Inc. 365 Woodland Dr. South Lyon, Ml 48178 (313)437-1427 Liquified Sea Plant Extract PanaSea is a liquified extract — not a liquid extract. It is hydro- lized using an exclusive process which retains the full range of natural nutrients, hormones, and antibiotics. PanaSea has the richest non-fibrous nutrient concentration (24-28%) of any commercially available product. PanaSea is not dehydrated or reconstituted. SEA PLANTS AND THEIR USES IN TURFGRASS MAINTENANCE By William D. Middleton Sea plants are unique and useful living systems. They are able to extract inorganic substances from the ocean, assimilate them, and convert them into organic compounds. Sea plants con­ tain every element known or theorized to be active or useful in forming tissues in plants: as much Nitrogen, half the Phosphorus and twice the Potassium of farmyard manures; more Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur than fish fer­ tilizers and emulsions; and all essential trace elements in chelated form. They also contain naturally-occurring hor­ mones (Auxins, Gibborellins, Cytokin- ins) and antibiotics that act as fungal inhibitors and thereby increase plant resistance to disease. Because of their wide variety of ben­ eficial constituents, raw sea plants have been used for centuries by coastal growers throughout the world. Since they contain very little cellulose, they decompose rapidly, and were therefore not available to inland growers until this century. In the early 1900’s, techniques were developed to process sea plants into meal. Since World War I, granulated meal has been used by farmers not only as a soil conditioner and fertilizer, but also as a nutritional supplement for livestock, particularly dairy cattle. The Jersey and Guernsey breeds develop­ ed on pastures which had been fertiliz­ ed with seaweed for countless genera­ tions. During World War II, techniques were developed to extract the benefi­ cial constituents from sea plants. The most effective of these concentrates the nutrients, soil conditioners, natural hormones and antibiotics into a liquif­ ied extract. Some processors offer their product in this form. Others de­ hydrate the extract into a powdered concentrate that can be reconstituted. Sea plant products-both granular meals and liquified extracts-are now used extensively by sporting turf pro­ fessionals throughout Europe and Great Britain. They are applied reg­ ularly on golf courses, athletic fields, and even steeplechase courses. One of the professioals who pioneer­ ed the use of these products for turf- grass maintenance was L.C. Chilcott, Parks Manager of Wembley in the London Borough of Brent. Wembley has 1,200 acres of sports grounds. In addition to a golf course and several grass tennis courts, it includes 28 soc­ cer fields, 26 cricket tables, 7 bowling greens, 6 rugby pitches and assorted lawns and gardens. Here, in part, is what Mr. Chilcott says about his exper­ ience with sea plant products: “In the ordinary way, Poa annua is thought to be one of the worst grasses for turf. It is coarse and turfty, and for this reason is the ruination of bowling greens; but in spite of this, it’s not generally regarded as a strong-wearing grass. But under seaweed treatment, Poa annua seems to become tougher, wears much better, and comes through the sinter well, so that when combined with perennial ryegrass mixtures, it helps to produce quite a thick turf. Indeed, we now have football pitches in use from the first days of August which contain large areas of Poa annua in combination with other grasses. If, as seems possible, Poa annua has become a good servant, instead of a bad master as a result of using seaweed, then I won’t mind how much of it we have in our sports turf.” The use of sea plants for golf course maintenance is as old as the game itself. Long before artificial fertilizers were developed, the traditional me­ thod of conditioning tees and greens in the British Isles was sand and seaweed compost. Not every golf course, even those along the coasts has access to sea plants, but in recent years, their bene­ fits have become more widely available in the form of extracts. In the last five years, their use in turf management has increased dramatically. C ontinued on P age 10 W etting A g en ts-T h e Preventive Application Approach Wetting agents are nothing new and were probably in existence before I was even born. Today however, wetting agents are often an overlooked man­ agement tool on quality turfgrass stands-especially in areas with poor underlying soil structure. I’m sure you’ve all experienced sea­ sons with infrequent precipitation and even in some cases actual severe drought conditions. Well, try as we may to use our irrigation systems to com­ pensate for a lack of rain, we find that irrigation water can only supplement natural rainfall and not take the place of it. Before too long, localized dry spots begin to appear and the rotation attern of the sprinklers becomes ighly evident. When localized dry spots appear on our greens or tees, it would be a stan­ dard practice to: 1. Aerate each individual dry spot. 2. Apply a wetting agent. 3. Hand water. This is strictly a curative measure, however through the scheduled appli­ cation of wetting agents on a preven­ tive basis (rather than curative) local­ ized dry spots can be minimized. Let us look for a moment at the function of wetting agents. Wetting agents are special chemicals that lower the tensions of water. They are in the same class as surfactants. Wetting agents change water, yet have no visible effect on the soil struc­ ture. However, since the wetting agent stays in the soil, the treated soil will accept water more rapidly and excess water will drain freely, resulting in optimum growing conditions. At Bob O’ Link I make a primary application on greens and tees in mid- May and then repeat the procedure in late June or early July. One and one half quarts of Aqua-gro in 100 gallons of water (per 6,000 square foot greens) has proven to give the best results. Such a high volume of water necessi­ tates the use of a rose nozzle as the most efficient means of application. It is important to water the application in immediately and thoroughly. Exper­ ience shows that permittng a wetting agent to remain on the turf blade will cause a yellowing, so it is important to water thoroughly after any application. The preventive use of wetting agents on greens and tees provides a tremen­ dously uniform distribution of mois­ ture in the soil. During the past two summers I have attempted to take my successful re­ sults with wetting agents on greens and tees another step further and incor­ porate preventive applications on 35 acres of fairways. Through trial and error, the following rates have provid­ ed optimum results. The primaiy fairway application is made in mid-June and a second appli­ cation follows in mid-July. A third application may be necessary in Aug­ ust, but due to the heavy precipitation last August, 2 applications proved to be sufficient. Two gallons of Aqua-gro in 200 gallons of water covering once acre at a ground speed of two miles per hour is the recommended rate. With the use of test plots with varying vol­ umes of water, different rates and var­ ious brands of wetting agents as well as check plots, the following general ob­ servations should be noted: 1. Aqua-gro at the above mentioned rate was the most effective wetting agent. 2. Good results were shown in test plots with All-wet and Hydro-wet. 3. Wetting agents not watered in are potentially phytotoxic. 4. All wetting agents were applied al­ one and not in combination with any other pesticide. In a comparison of wetting agent treated fairways and untreated check plots, the difference was like night and day. Treated fairways had the follow­ ing qualities: 1. Dew is eliminated for a 6-7 day period following the application. 2. Localized dry spots in the wedge shaped areas adjacent to our single row irrigation system, required hand water­ ing only once during the 1979 season. Prior years have shown 80-100 man­ hours to accomplish this task. Less hand watering means a lower labor cost and freedom to use your staff on other projects. Less hand watering means minimizing or eliminating interference to golfers. Less hand watering means conervation of water and power. 3. Fairways had fewer dry spots and also fewer wet spots. 4. Overall, soil moisture continuity was increased. 5. Soils were able to absorb moisture more rapidly during the heavy precipi­ tation we had during the month of August. 6. Less stress was evident on treated fairways and wilting was not severe. 7. Prior to fairway applications, it was often difficult for irrigation water to penetrate a one inch thatch layer un­ less fairways had been sliced or aerat­ ed in the Spring. The fairway applications have proven as successful as the wetting agent pro­ gram on my greens and tees. The approximate cost of materials for one application to 18 greens is $150. 35 acres of fairways would be covered with $700 worth of wetting agent. Giv­ en the aforementioned results, I feel that this is a cost which is offset by a savings in water and manpower, pro- C ontinu ed on P age 14 Need Golf Course Equipment? FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Phone (313) 482-4210 2. Ask for Charlie Wells 3. Tell him what you want - Mif he doesn’t have it he’ll get it.” 4. Choose as you please- a. He will restore yours b. He will repair yours c. He will follow your instructions d. He will guarantee his work - " I f he can’t fix Throw it away.” Tell your friends to buy "W E L L S BUILT.” CHARLIE WELLS & COMPANY TURFGRASS CLIPPINGS - DUMP EM? OR LEAVE EM? Dr. A. Martin Petrovic and Robert O’Knefski with Ann Reilly What are turfgrass clippings? Basi­ cally, they are leaf blades and are 75- 85% water. What isn’t water is 3-6% nitrogen, 0.5-1% phosphorus and 1-3% potassium (a 4-1-3 Fertilizer) along with calcium and a few other nutrients. There is little or no lignin or cellulose in turfgrass clippings, and because of this along with their being most water, they do not lead to thatch accumulation. Thatch is composed of mainly stems, crown tissue, leaf sheathes, roots and rhizomes, but not leaf blades. LEAVE ’EM Putting greens and other specialty surfaces aside where clippings have to be removed, one solution to the “what to do with clippings” problem is to leave them there. Collecting clippings is more of a waste of precious energy for you, it is also a waste of energy for the plant. As clippings break down, the “recycled” 4-1-3 fertilizer is returned to the turf. You have eliminated the dumping cost, and have saved the time of emptying catchers of bags and haul­ ing the clippings to the dump by re­ turning clippings to the turg. Research at Michigan State Univer­ sity has shown that turf requires up to 2 extra pounds of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. where clippings are removed. These studies also indicated that turf needs 20-30% more fertilizer if clippings are removed to match the quality of turf plots where clippings are not removed. Thus, fertilizer costs can be cut by returning clippings to the turf, and the need to supply additional fertilizer which may end up in the ground water is eliminated. Research at the Connecticut Agri­ cultural Experiment Station showed comparable results. Turf specialists there found that 1.8 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. were removed when grass clippings were cleaned up. In some cases, researchers found that clippings could return over 50% of the nitrogen that was added as fertilizer. The turf was greener and growth was more vigorous where the clippings re­ mained. Ten years ago, similar studies at Cornell University and at Eisen­ hower Park in Nassau County showed that turf was greener, more vigorous and more disease tolerant when clip­ pings were left (dollar spot in particu­ lar was reduced). When clippings are short, they fall down between blades and decompose quite quickly. Tests at Michigan State and Connecticut showed that the clip­ pings are recycled and the nutrient elements are utilized within 7 to 14 days. This was determined by visual observation and at Connecticut by tracing the heavily isotopes of a form of nitrogen. If the clippings are very long, wet or heavy, they should be removed. An alternate to raking is to re-mow the area after the clippings are dry, or to ( Scotts) P r o T u r f Helping the superintendent through turf research... ■ Controlled Release Fertilizers ■ Fertilizer/Pesticide Combinations ■ Fungicides-FIerbicides—Insecticides ■ Soil Testing—Weed & Disease Identification scotts • lely • gandy spreaders Finest quality turfgrass seed-Fairways • Greens • Tees • Roughs Scotts Windsor and Victa blends Jim Brocklehurst Technical Representative 1964 Cataipa Berkley, Michigan 48072 Telephone: 313-547-9632 use a mulching mower. A few things should be remembered when using a mulching mower: 1) The turf must be relatively dry before mowing to help prevent machine cloggins and the for­ mation of large clumps of clippings; 2) You will need to mow more often in the spring and fall because of the faster growth rate. If more frequent mowing is not possible during these periods, you may need to switch to conventional mowers; 3) Mulching mowers produce up to 30% finer clippings than conven­ tional rotary mowers which means fas­ ter clippings breakdown, deeper and faster penetration of the clippings into the turfgrass canopy and clippings that are less noticeable. MULCH ’EM? Turfgrass clippings can be used as a mulch around ornamentals, reducing weed competition, conserving soil moisture, supplying nutrients as they break down and helping to improve soil conditions especially in fine textured soils. Clippngs can be used as straight mulch, but are better if they are allow­ ed to air-dry first. They can be com­ posed with or without leaves, but either way should be applied at least 1” thick and should be turned under in the fall to help supply nutrients for the next year. As with any mulching material, when using clippngs as mulch: Avoid clippings from areas with stolons such as creeping bentgrass as clippings of this type can form into new plants and infest the ornamental beds, and do not use the first several batches of clip­ pings after applying broad-leaf herbi­ cides to the turf to prevent injury to ornamental plants. FEED ’EM? You must answer NO to this ques­ tion before considering turfgrass clip­ pings as animal feed: “Have any pesti­ cides been applied to the turf? If you answered YES, strongly consider oth­ er alternatives for clipping utilization. Dried, pellatized clippings have been shown to be an excellent poultry feed; however, large acreages are needed to produce enough clippings for this pro­ cess. Sod farmers, with limited pesti­ cide usage have been able to do this to a limited degree. So, what are you going to do with your clippings? You leave ’em, dump ’em or use ’em. Remember, though, this point if you remember nothing else: clippings DO NOT create or add to the thatch layer of the turf. Many a gambler has found out that golf not only gets in your blood, but also in your pocketbook. -Anon r / _ ■ — 5----------- -— $$ FOR SA LE $$ — Gandy 10 Ft. Spreader EXCELLENT CONDITION — _ = - $700.00 * (517) 627-2820 McLeod Sod Farm 6149 Davis Hwy. Grand Ledge 48837 j ------ fu No synthetically produced fertilizer can compare with MILORGANITE Golf Courses Use More MILORGANITE« Than Any Other Fertilizer TERMINAL SALES C0RR 12871 EATON AVE. DETROIT, MICH. 48227 (313) 491 -0606 Today, according to Mr. J.H. Arthur (consultant to many world class cours­ es, including Portmamock, Ballybu- nion, Muirfield and others), “Sea plant extracts are used on most of the cham­ pionship courses-links and inland-in the British Isles.” In general, these materials are used: -to stimulate, strengthen and ex­ pand root systems. -to condition soil, stimulate micro­ biological activity, and assist in thatch decomposition. -to protect plant life-support sys­ tems against a variety of fungal dis­ eases and insect pests. -to increase resistance to various types of stress. -to accelerate speed and yield of seed germination. LIQUIFIED SEA PLANT EXTRACT...A GRASS ROOTS SOLUTION. One of the particular benefits of sea plant extract, at least from the turf professionals’ point of view, is to stim­ ulate root development. In the August, 1979 issue of Patch of Green, Dr. W.H. Daniel of Purdue University wrote: “The highest priority of the turf pro­ fessional is keeping root tips alive and active. If you want healthy turf, you want all the roots possible or pra­ ctical.” Dr. Daniel offered some practical ad­ vice for strengthening and expanding root systems. Among other things, he emphasized the need for ample Potas­ sium and micro-nutrients. POTASSIUM for plant Potassium is essential growth; second only to nitrogen in the amount required. Yet, it is usually the most neglected when it comes to fertil­ ization. In reviewing soil tests, it is evident that most turf areas are low in Potassium-due probably to the contin­ uous use of descending ratio fertilizers like 10-6-4 or 6-4-0. Potassium is the most active of the essential plant nutrients, easily leach­ ed from soil and probably even from plant leaves during rain or irrigation. Potassium deficiency weakens turf grass root systems. A Potassium defic­ ient plant has lower disease resistance, C ontinued on Pa&e 16 FIGURE B _ t Treated with Sea Plant Extract Untreated SWEET PEA SEEDLINGS Root systems of the two seedlings. Root systems of the two seedlings. worth more Durability, versatility and top performance features make the Groundsmaster 72® worth more. The optional Two-stage 48-inch Snowthrower with driftbreaker auger clears snow from sidewalks in a hurry. Oversized Second Stage prevents clogging, Electric Chute Rotator puts snow where you want it. W ILKIE Turf Equipm ent D ivision, Inc. P.O. Box 749 . 1050 O pdyke R oad • Pontiac • M ichigan • 4 8 0 5 6 • 3 1 3 /3 7 3 -8 8 0 0 NATIONAL CLUB ASSOCIATION FIGHTS PETITION TO RESTRICT PESTICIDE USE WASHINGTON, D.C.- The National Club Association (NCA) has contacted both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Avia­ tion Administration (FAA) opposing a petition from an environmentalist group, Friends of the Earth (FOE), that would tremendously impede the commercial use of pesticides for golf course maintenance. Both agencies have requested public comment on the proposal, which they will consider a- long with other available data to de­ termine whether they should initiate rule-making or other proceedings based on the FOE request. The petition calls for mandatory “buffer zones” of 250 feet and 1,000 feet bordering land sprayed by pesti­ cides; 250 feet for ground applications and 1,000 feet for aerial spraying. Pesticides would be banned from the buffer area unless written consent is obtained from all residents within the zone. Violations would occur if written permission was not obtained from all residents and if any pesticide were to drift within the zone. Such violations would subject ground applicators to EPA sanctions and aerial applicators to violation of FAA licensing. “Because golf courses are depen­ dent on efficient pesticide applications for essential maintenance,” the NCA submission said, “implementation of this petition would significantly and adversely affect all courses from coast to coast.” NCA urged denial of the petition because: (1) It did not show present regulations to be inadequate; (2) it is so broad and vague as to be unenforce­ able; (3) it would not reduce pesticide use, but only make it more costly; and (4) as presently proposed, it would be extremely damaging to the golf in- ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? F ILL IN THE QUESTIONAIRE BELOW AND MAIL TO: C H A R L E S GA IG E LAKELANDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 7390 Rickett Brighton, Ml 48116 Office 231-3003, Residence 227-4617 D A TE NAME _____________________________________________________________ _ ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________ C IT Y ___________________________ S T A T E ______________ Z IP ___________ OR Y O U M A Y C O N T A C T T H E N E X T G O L F C O U R S E S U P P L I E R WHO C A L L O N Y O U A N D G I V E HI M T H E I N F O R M A T I O N N E E D E D F O R A P P L I C A T I O N . dustry in the United States. NCA has been working with the Golf Course Superintendents Association, the United States Golf Association, the American Hotel & Motel Association and other concerned agricultural groups in an effort to generate opposi­ tion to the FOE plan. Research by these groups has determined that cur­ rent pesticide control procedures are working well to protect against the dan­ gers of improper pesticide use. Federal, state and local governments now work closely together in the com­ pliance area. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act has already established effective pesticide certification systems in the states. And existing notification systems are ade­ quate to warn neighbors of pesticide applications. NCA will be carefully monitoring EPA and FAA, and will take further action should rulemaking in this area be initiated. The National Club Association, head­ quartered in Washington, D.C., repre­ sents the common legislative, legal, fiscal and policy interests of private golf, city, yacht and tennis clubs. For further details, contact the National Club Association, 1625 Eye Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20006 (202) 466-8424. IT ISN’T EASY To apologize, To begin over, To be unselfish, To take advice, To admit error, To face a sneer, To be charitable, To keep on trying, To be considerate, To avoid mistakes, To endure success, To profit by mistakes, To forgive and forget, To think and then act, To keep out of a rut, To make the best of time, To subdue an unruly temper, To shoulder a deserved blame, To recognize the silver lining, . . . BUT IT ALWAYS PAYS! Vertagreen A product for all reasons @> Vertagreen Fertilizer For Professional Turf with Balan 1 7 -0 -8 Balan offers pre-emergence control of Poa Annua, crabgrass, goose grass, water grass and foxtail. • One-fourth the nitrogen is Urea-Formaldehyde. • Uniform particlesflowsmoothly, spread evenly. • Contains secondary and micro-nutrients. >■ > •••< Agri-Chemicals Division of United States Steel P.O. Box 1685 Atlanta, Georgia 30301 00 1 E N G I N E E R E D R A I N E N G IN E ETurf Topics Precision Controllers With Unmatched Flexibility. J-M Buckner is first in the industry to offer you solid-state microelectronics in an irrigation controller. Our KCS line of controllers are as easy to operate as pocket calculators. KCS offers unmatched flexibility with 12 or 24 individual circuits and four 14-day schedules ... all with timing accuracy down to a fraction of a second. The KCS totals daily watering time, allows skipping up to nine days, has both automatic and manual syringe cycles for services such as dew removal and many more unique features. Operation is simple, fast and accurate. NOW is the time to consider converting existing quick coupling valves or manual systems to automatic -- with J-M/Buckner, solid state KCS automatic equipment and new automatic valves and sprinkler heads. You may do i t yourself -- or check with Jim Vince on design and in sta lla tio n . Write or call direct \ÍA±4Z£> ENGINEERED RAIN Sprinkler Irrigation Supply Co. A division of A.J. Miller Inc. 1316 No. Campbell Rd. Royal Oak,Mi. 48067 Phone (313)398-2233 1115 Republic Drive, Addison, IL 60101 (313) 543-5330 Chicago Sales Office/Warehnuse viding a better playing surface. Each year the golf course superin­ tendent sweats out that period from June to September known to try men’s souls, bring on ulcers and cause sleep­ less nights. During this stress period we carry on a day to day battle in an effort to provide pleasureable playing conditions for our memberships. In these modem times of turfgrass man­ agement, any loss ofturf on our greens and tees is intolerable and a loss of fairway turf is undesireable. More and more the trend in the Chicago area has shown that players sho once compared golf courses by their fast and true greens are now using the condition of fairways as criteria for judgement. With this increased demand for fair­ way perfection, loss of turf on our fairways, even though minimal, is no longer tolerable. With the incorporation of wetting agents into my fairway management program, maintenance of summer time Poa annua has certainly become more enjoyable. I’m thankful for something that nas made my job a little bit easier. Bruce Williams Supt., Bob O’Link G.C. _____________ Credit: Bull Sheet Nov. 30-Dec. 5,1980 ... 72nd Annual Agronomy Society of America Conference, Detroit, Michigan Jan. 13-14, 1981 51st Annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference, Kellog Center, Michigan State University Jan. 25-30, 1981 52 nd International Turfgrass Conference and Show, Anaheim Convention Center, ______________ Anaheim, California Something to Think About. . . . A Failure Is Not Always A Failure One of the skeptics talking to Thomas E. Edison asked him. “Now that you have tried 16 times to make a light bulb and have failed, what have you gained? And he replied, “I know 16 ways it cannot be made.” This brings to me this thought. It matters little if you try and fail, and try and fail again. But what matters most if you try and fail, but fail to try again. John S. Goodrich, via Chert Chatter, Springfield, MO. PLAN AHEAD AND SAVE SOME MONEY As everyone knows inflation has affected the total economy. But there are ways to curb costs. If you are planning on attending GCSAA’s An­ nual International Turfgrass Confer­ ence and Show next year in Anaheim plan now and purchase a super-saver flight, The cost of this type of airline ticket is considerably less than a reg­ ular coach fare. Any major airline or travel agent can give you specific in­ formation on this. John C. Argue, president of the Southern California Golf Association and a leader in the campaign to bring the 1984 Summer Olympic Games to Los Angeles, will deliver the keynote address in Anaheim. At a banquet too much food was served and far too many long speeches were made. When the last speaker’s turn came, the hour was late and he was weary. “I have been asked,” he said, “to give an address and I shall beg the privilege of giving my own. It is 1440 Garden, and with your kind permis­ sion, I will go there at once.” Sunshine Magazine 51st ANNUAL MICHIGAN TURFGRASS CONFERENCE January 13 and 14 AT THE KELLOGG CENTER MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN LAKESHORE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY CO. HOME OF LESCQ PRODUCTS SULFUR COATED FERTILIZERS Distributor & Formulator GRASS SEED, FERTILIZERS INSECTICIDES FUNGICIDES, HERBICIDES Call Us Today TOLL FREE 1- 800- 321-5325 300 S. Abbe Rd. Elyria, Ohio 44035 (216) 323-7544 Price Quotation On Request T ire W h o le s a le rs C om pany, Inc. TRUCK-CAR MOTORCYCLE TRAILER INDUSTRIAL TIRES ¡till JmmUNIROYAL dfflBnLwJMiiiii WHOLESALE PRICES TO COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS A 'For Land's Sake-'Use Peat'' oxfom> r m co. 1430 E. Drahner Rd. Oxford, Michigan 48051 PROCESSED PEAT Bulk or Bag Custom Blending FRED LATTA 313/628-5991 BLOW! AS LOW AS ___ You can forget about being stuck in the snow when you have a reliable Kubota snowblower and Kubota diesel tractor clearing the way for you. A FULL UNE OF MID-RANGE DIESEL TRACTORS AND IMPLEMENTS T E S T DRIVE a KUBOTA D IE S E L TRACTOR NOW AT: WM. F. S E L L & SON, INC. 16555 T E L E G R A P H R O A D T A Y L O R , M I C H I G A N 4 8 1 8 0 3 1 3 / 2 8 2 - 5 1 0 0 COUNTRY CLUB T H E B A L A N C E D F E R T IL IZ E R ..... a valuable asset— in growing good turf FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL LEBANON CHEMICAL CORP. P O Box 647 Danville, IL 61832 Sea P l a n t s , C o n t. is more susceptible to winter-kill and may be more vulnerable to insect dam­ age. Potassium deficient plants also have higher water losses. Sea plants are high in Potassium and they are the richest single source of the micro­ nutrients. MICRO-NUTRIENTS Micro-nutrients are critical in plant biochemistry. They are essential in forming enzymes. Enzymes function like catalysts: they initiate and control most of the major life processes in plants. For example, an enzyme makes oxidation (the burning of carbohydrat­ es to produce energy to produce pro­ tein) without combustion possible in plants. Enzyme molecules generally contain atoms of inorganic mineral elements, without which they would be unable to function. For example, Nitrate Reduc­ tase (which “reduces” Nitrogen to a state in which it can be absorbed by a plant’s roots) requires Molybdenum. Although chlorophyll is not an en­ zyme, the structure of its molecule illustrates just how critical the micro­ nutrients are to growing plants. In the center of the chlorophyll molecule among 136 other atoms is a single essential atom of Magnesium. Micro-nutrients may also be involv­ ed in plant protoplasm as unconnected molecules. Researchers don’t yet know all the ways in which micro-nutrients function in plants. All they can do with any certainty is relate the presence or absence of micro-nutrients to observ­ able effects. Chemical analysis reveals that plant tissues contain almost all known elements. It is not clear what functions are performed by gold, silver, lead, bismuth, strontium, galliu, ruth­ enium, and so on, all of which are found in living tissue. “It may be, that as life evolved from that which was not living, it took into its tissues and mechanisms the metallic components of both earth and sea, so that each of these metallic components has its own essential job to do for plants.” Sea plant extract is an outstanding source of Potassium and the micro­ nutrients, both of which are essential for healthy root systems in turf grasses. Additionally, it contains a number of natural hormones which directly stim­ ulate root development and growth. Figures A and B illustrate the effects of sea plant extract on root systems of developing seedlings. This is particu­ larly important for the turfgrass pro­ fessional because: “The working part of any root is the soft, absorptive root tip and the root hairs near it. This is where the payload of water and elements are absorbed for transfer to the crown, stems and the leaves...When individual root tips die, the older parts seldom initiate new tips; instead, the plants response is to start a new root.” These materials offer considerable promise as natural controls for certain insect pests. Researchers at the Uni­ versity of Maryland found that 200 pounds of granular seaweed meal per acre per year appeared to control turf nematodes in blue grass. In one study, nematode population was reduced to 68%. Tests at the University of Florida suggest that sea plant extract, applied as both a foliar spray and watered into the soil, helps to control citrus nema­ todes. In general, a variety of sucking and chewing insects can be controlled with applications of sea plant extract and/or granulated meal. Extensive research, carried out at Rutgers, Cornell, Clem- son, Oregon State and Cambridge has established that sea plant extract is effective against sap-sucking insects like mites and aphids. In his book Seaweed in Agriculture and Horti­ culture, W.A. Stevenson says, “...The resistance which seaweed seems to give plants against mites and aphides cannot be explained easily. I can only point out that aphides have a well-developed sense of taste. Perhaps they dislike the taste and smell of leaves which have been sprayed with extract. Seaweed also produces a thicker cuticle, so a sap-sucking insect must work harder. It also tends to make sap more ‘syrupy’. The trace elements in seaweed may also be a factor in discouraging mites and aphides... Our experience with foliar sprays based on seaweed, together with the experiences and observations of oth- TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6 9 0 0 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, M ic h ig a n (313) 291-1200 DON’T EVEN OK BUYING...................... GRASS SEED FERTILIZERS FUNGICIDES w ithout c a llin g 29T1200 TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6 9 0 0 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, M ic h ig a n (313) 291-1200 If you have changed your address, please let us know so we can keep our addressing plates up to date. Present Address: A D D R E S S C I T Y S T A T E Fill In New Address: N A M E Z I P Mail this form to: A PATCH OF GREEN 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 ers, lead to two general conclusions: the resistance to pests and diseases given by these foliar sprays becomes more and more noticeable after two or three years’ use; and, within limits, the weaker the solution, the stronger the effect...Seaweed doubtless increases the disease-resisting qualitities of the plants by helping them to become healthy and vigorous. I would go fur­ ther and say that the hormones it contains discourage fungus and virus diseases...” Tests conducted at Michigan State University in 1978 clearly suggest that sea plant extract has fungal inhibiting properties. In high dosages, it effect­ ively controlled “common dollar spot” fungus. Fusarium Wilt, which seems to be correlated with nematode infesta­ tion also abates with the application of sea plant extract. There are indications of systemic action since there appears to be a lag-time between application and effect. Sea plants are extremely rich in alginic and humic acides, both of which act as soil conditioners...flocculating soil particules and producing an open- textured “crumb” structure. The alginates in extracts also accel­ erate the rate and yield of seed germi­ nation. For this reason, they are used extensively in contravator seeding or overseeding. They are applied as foliar feeds on fairways, tees and greens; and as constituents of compost dressings on tees, greens and surrounding areas. Such application in Spring, Summer and Autumn seems to produce denser, stronger turf with greater resilience to wear, weather and disease. They also reduce to a minimum, the need for inorganic fertilizers. These extracts appear to extend the life of grasses and by increasing root development, per­ mit plants to begin vigorous growth at the first possible opportunity in the spring. Liquified sea plant extract and gran­ ulated seaweed meal offer significant benefits to today’s turf grass profes­ sional when included in his mainten­ ance program. Sea plant products are completely safe, act as nutritional sup­ plements, soild conditioners and help turfgrass resist disease, pests and stress. They are truly multiple-benefit products. Heavier Duty Construction * "Straight-Thru" 2-Stage Design 5 HP, 2 0 " Cut; 7 HP, 2 4 " Cut; 8 HP, 2 8 " Cut You get more for your money with a BOB-CAT ...the snow thrower for the man who recognizes real quality. It’s built to bust the toughest bliz­ zards in your area, includ­ ing those hard-to-handle wet spring storms. All models have dependable winterized Briggs & Stratton engines with "Easy-Spin” starting. A more efficient “Straight-Thru" 2-stage design lifts and throws snow 30 ft. or more in a 180° arc. The safety torque clutch eliminates shear pins if any object jams the feeder blades. Extra heavy duty construction is used throughout; all unpainted parts are corrosion-protected with heavy cadmium plating. A “Low Tone" muffler and solid trans­ mission combine to keep noise levels low. “Touch and Go Safety Controls" assure easy operation. Let us show you these “Tuff Cats’ LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 46845 W. 12 MILE ROAD NOVI, MICH. 48050 P.O. BOX 500 (313) 348-8110 Simplicity HORSEPOWER MATCHED TO THE SIZE OF THE JOB. Long-life traction drive. Starts easily. Simple to store. Engine reliability. Exclusive Touch-O-Matic clutch. Anti-clog design. Cleans hard or gravel surfaces. Handles with minimum effort. Snow can’t pack inside auger. W.F. Miller Equipment Company 1593 S. WOODWARD AVE. BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN 48011 TELEPHONE: (313) 647-7700 " A Patch of Green" 31823 U T I C A R O A D F R A S E R , M ICH IG AN 48026 U S POSTAGE PAID; PERMIT NO 37 D EPT, S O IL &. CROP SCIENCES TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY COLLEGE STA TIO N , TEXAS ATTN- D R . JAMES BEARD 7 7 8 4 0