A PATCH GREEN Official Publication of the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association TURF HHKKSTER SYSTEM. Because the flexibility of the Cushman Turf-Care System saves you time ana money. Here’s how! The System is built around the rugged, versatile 18 hp Turf- Truckster, 3-or 4-wheel model. With this one power source and options, you can haul, spray, spike, spread and top dress. And save as much as 35% on equipment in the process. Because, instead of buying separately powered units for each job, you buy only the Turf- Truckster and the modular Cushman accessories you need. So you pay less in total for equipment... and have only one power unit to maintain. CUSHMAN' TU R F-C A R E EQUIPM ENT OMC-Lincoln, a Division of Outboard Marine Corporation 6201 Cushman Drive P.0. Box 8 2 4 0 9 Lincoln, Nebraska 68501 But that’s not all. The System is also a time saver that can cut your labor costs. Accessories mount on the back of the Turf-Truckster. Your men do their work quickly, efficiently... and then move on to the next job at speeds up to 22 mph. There’s less wasted traveling time, so you get more work out of each hour of labor cost. The Cushman Turf-Care System. Versatility, superior performance, economy. It’s a tough system to beat. Write today for your free Cushman Turf Care Catalog. Kbu can't beat the system. CALL NOW For a demonstration and price quotation. (313) 338-0425 GOLF CAR DISTRIBUTORS 1980 W. Wide Track Drive (U.S. 10) Pontiac, Michigan 48058 Phone: (313) 338-0425 £1 2 INTRODUCING! THE NEWEST MATERIALS ON THE COURSE TODAY. T H E O N L Y A U T H O R I Z E D D I S T R I B U T O R O F B A Y L E T O N A N D O F T A N O L IN MI CH IGA N- B e n h a m C h e m ic a ls 3190 Martin Road Walled Lake, Ml 48088 313/624-3200 MICHIGAN & BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT BRUCE WOLFROM, CGCS Barton Hills Country Club 435 Stein Road Ann Arbor, Michigan 48 103 Off. 662-8359 - Res. 884-8684 VICE PRESIDENT WALTER TROMBLEY Arrowhead Country Club 3130 Orion Road Lake Orion, Michigan 48035 Off. 373-5240 - Res. 693-2924 SECRETARY-TREASURER KEVIN DUSHANE,CGCS Wabeek Country Club 159 Willards Way Union Lake, Michigan 48085 Off. 851-1689 - Res. 698-2924 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CLEM VtOLFROM Detroit Golf Club 530 Kendry Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48013 Off. 345-4589 - Res. 334-0140 MICHAEL EDGERTON Meadowbrook Country Club 32736 Hees Livonia, Michigan 48150 Off. 349-3608 - Res. 522-6238 CHARLES GAIGE Lakelands Golf & Country Club 7390 Rickett Brighton, Michigan 48116 Off. 231-3003 - Res. 227-4617 CRAIG ROGGEMAN St. Clair Country Club 22185 Masonic Blvd. St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48082 294-6170 DANIEL UZELAC Dominion Golf Club RR No. 1 Oldcastle, Ontario, Canada NOR 1LO Off. 969-4350 - Res. 969-4350 THEODOREWOEHRLE Oakland Hills Country Club 3390 Witherbee Troy, Michigan 48084 Off. 644-3352 - Res. 649-8512 PRESIDENT EMERITUS JAMES TIMMERMAN, CGCS Orchard Lake Country Club 7183 Buckhom Orchard Lake, Michigan 48 033 Off.682-2150 - Res. 360-0238 "A PATCH OF GREEN” P u b l¡ s h e d m o n th ly by the MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Circulation: 1,250 Ted Woehrle, CGCS, Oakland Hills C.C. James Timmerman, Orchard Lakes C.C. CO-EDITORS P r i n t e d A t BLAKEMAN PRINTING COMPANY 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 Phone: (313) 293-3540 MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES D o uble Page S p r e a d ............................................. $ 1 5 0 .0 0 Ba ck O u ts id e P a g e ................................................. 7 5 . 0 0 F u ll P a g e .......................................................................... 6 5 .0 0 H a l f P a g e ....................................................................... 4 0 .0 0 Q u arte r P a g e .................................................................. 3 0 .0 0 E ighth P a g e .................................................................. 1 5 .0 0 S ixteen th P a g e ............................................................ 1 0 .0 0 C l a s s if ie d Ad (per column 7 .5 0 i n c h ) .................... D I S C O U N T R A T E : One Y e a r 10% N o te : A d v e r tis in g fees may not be ded ucted from the a b o ve r a t e s . A A A T r e e S e rv ic e Benham C h e m ic a ls D u P o n t G o lf C a r D is tr ib u to r s L a k e s h o r e E q u ip m e n t C o rp o ra tio n L a w n E q u ip m e n t C o rp o ra tio n L e b a n o n / Ag ri co L¡ les & T i p p it, In c. W .F . M i l l e r G arden & E q u ip m e n t O xford P e a t Co m p any O .M . Scott & Son, In c . Wm. F . S e ll & Son, In c . S p rin k le r Irrig a tio n Supply C o . T e r m in a l S a les C o rp o ra tio n T i r e W h o le s a le r s , In c . T u r f g r a s s , In c. T u r f S u p p lie s , In c. W ilk ie T u r f E q u ip m e n t D i v i s io n , In c . 4 TO H elp RECRUIT N e w M e m b e rs in 1 9 8 2 ! WE WANT YOU ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? F IL L IN THE QUESTIONAIRE BELOW AND MAIL TO: CLEM WOLFROM DETROIT GOLF CLUB 530 Kendry Bloomfield H ills, Ml 48013 Off. 345-4589, Res. 334-0140 NAM E A D D R ESS C IT Y D A T E . 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 ON 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 . 5 Potassium,Calcium, Magnesium— How They Relate to Plant Growth by Carl Schwartzkopf, Mid-Continent Agronomist, USGA Green Section in the soil Potassium, calcium and magnesium play an important role in soil-plant relationships. These elements are not only essential tothe complex bio­ chemistry of plant growth, but their presence in adequate amounts and in suitable proportions to one another and to the other exchange­ able cations, such as aluminum, hydro­ gen and N H 4+ , is necessary if the soil is to be a suitable medium for plant-root development. Should one element be in excess, it may “ tie-up” or make it unavailable to the plant. PO TAS SIU M Potassium is absorbed by plants in larger amounts than any other mineral element except nitrogen and possible calcium. This element plays an impor­ tant part in many of the vital physio­ logical processes in the plant; the exact mechanism by which potassium func­ tions is not known. It is needed for the plant cell’s metabolic processes and apparently has a role in influencing the uptake of certain other mineral ele­ ments, in regulating the rate of respira­ tion, affecting the rate of transpiration and in influencing the action of en­ zymes, as well as in aiding the synthesis and translocation of carbohydrates, thereby encouraging the cess walls to thicken and help the plant to remain upright. Potassium plays a vital role in the winter survival of turfgrass, disease resistance, and in increasing the over­ all hardiness of the grass plant. De­ ficiency symptoms of potassium on turfgrass are yellow-streaked leaves, followed by browning and dying at tips and margins. SOURCES OF PO TA S S IU M Hardwood ashes supplied much of the potassium the United States through the first part of the 19th Cen­ tury. A decline in the potash industry in resulted after the hardwood forests along the Atlantic Coast were depleted The first factory that processed KCL (murate of potash) was in Germany, and the Germans monopolized the po­ tassium market until World War I. The embargo placed on potassium exports forced development of the resources of the United States and of other coun­ tries as well. Most potassium today comes from New Mexico, California, and Utah. C ALC IU M Calcium, as potassium, is absorbed by the turfgrass plant in the ionic form. The calcium in the soil other than what was added as lime or in fertilizer material originated in the rocks and minerals from which the soil was formed. Calcium is a part of many! minerals, such as dolomite, calcite and calcium feldspars. Upon their disinte­ gration and decomposition, calcium is released. Calcium is an extremely important mineral in plant nutrition. Many soils, particularly in humid regions, contain this element in amounts so small that C o n tin u ed on P a g e 16 Remember when M ille r's had a Lawnmower on their roof? 6 The Triplex Ring "he advent of the triplex putting green nower in the late 1960’s brought with ; great expectations for reducing labor :osts while at the same time improving he quality of putting green turf. For nany of the golf courses that use trip- ex mowers, this dream has been at east partly realized; the number of lours needed to mow the greens has >een greatly reduced and turf quality las not suffered significantly. For others, however, the triplex mower has been a mixed blessing. Though time spent mowing greens has been reduced, extra effort has been needed to cope with new problems associated with the use of the triplex. For example, the wear and compaction caused by turn­ ing the triplex mower off the green after each pass may demand that the collars be aerated and topdressed more frequently and hand-watered regularly. Collars are often scalped when units are lowered too quickly or raised belatedly at either end of the pass. There are also the mechanical malfunctions, when individual units on the triplex refuse to rise upon com­ mand and when hydraulic lines leak or burst, creating unsightly turf damage which may last for weeks or months. Perhaps the most common problem associated with the use of the triplex mower is a condition which could be entitled, for lack of a better term, the “triplex ring.” It is best described as the ring of weak, scalpled or dead grass around the perimeter of the gree, in the area where the triplex mower makes it final cleanup pass. The reasons for this problem are easy enough to appreciate. This perimeter ring is the only area to receive double traffic each day the greens are mowed, once when the mower is making its straight passes across the green and again when it makes the cleanup cut. It is also the only part of the green where the mower travels the same path every day, there­ by compounding the wear and traffic problems imposed upon it as com­ pared to the other turf areas on the green. Finally, the cleanup pass is the only time that the mower is actually turning on the green itself, a situation similar to turning mowers at the ends of fairways and tees. In each case, the mower creates downward and lateral pres­ sures during the turn which combine to produce greater wear and soil compac­ tion than if the machine were traveling in a straight line. The sudden turning of a golf cart on wet fairway turf is a more dramatic illustration of this principle. There seems to be no single solution to the triplex ring situation, in many in­ stances, but there are a number of practices which when combined can help to alleviate the problem. Cultivation and Cultural Manage- C o n tin u ed on P ag e 14 AAA SERVICE * PROFESSIONAL * RELIABLE EXPERIENCED DEARBORN OFFICE LO 25225 PLYMOUTH OFFICE 459-9555 _______COMPLETE TREE CARE SERVICE________ FULLY INSURED • LICENSED • SINCE 1947 7 18 Ways of Mis-Using Equipment (a) belts and chains, Remember this is what takes place when you mis-use equipment. 1. Run equipment at excessive speeds. Result - poor cutting appearance. 2. Run equipment with loose bolts and nuts. Result - (a) bolts will become elongated due to vibration, (b) bolts and nuts when lost usually end up between the reel and the bed knife. 3. Run equipment improperly adjusted, such as: (b) clutches, (c) reel and bed knife. Result - (a) Wear out prematurely and cause undue wear to pulleys, sprockets and bearings (b) wear clutch plates and linings, (c) will not cut properly and will wear bed knife and reel prematurely. 4. Operate with accumulation of grass clippings and dirt in air cooling fins on engine. Result - will cut out flow of air causing engines to run excessively warm. May cause fires. 5. Operate equipment not properly lubricated. Result - bearings, shafts, sprockets and all wearable parts will not stand up. This will cause poor performance of any equipment. 6. Operate engine with little or no oil in crankcase. Result - connecting rod will seize in cylinder. 7. Operate engine with air - cleaner empty. Result - will affect carburetion giving poor engine performance and shorten life of engine due to dirt enter­ ing engine. 8. Using improper equipment for the job. Example - using a light duty piece of equipment where a heavy duty should be used. Result - poor finished job and equipment will not stand the gaff. Example would be - sending a boy to do a man’s job. 9. Using improper fuel in engines such as white gas, etc. Result - manufac­ turer’s recommended standard gaso­ line, and substitutes will cause poor engine performance, also wear engine prematurely. 10. Operating equipment with faulty parts. Result - one worn or missing part will possibly wear five others causing expensive maintenance costs. 1 1 . Using heavy detergent oil in engines or number 10 weight oil. Result - manufacturer’s recommend non-de­ tergent oils and number 10 is top light due to the high r.p.m. under which engines operate. 12 . Operate any rotary mowing equip­ ment with cutter bar out of balance. Result - will cause undue vibration and wear bushings, bearings and could crack housings. 13. Use reel type mowers where there is any stones, or debris. Result - tear up reels giving poor cutting appearance. 14. Over grease or use wrong lubricant. Result - excessive grease or wrong lubricant will fall on turf harming grass. C o n tin u ed on P a g e 13 No synthetically produced fertilizer can compare with MILORGANITE Golf Courses Use More MILORGANITE- Than Any Other Fertilizer TERMINAL SALES CORK 12871 E A T O N A V E . D E T R O I T , M IC H . 482 2 7 (313) 491 -0606 8 BELOW - BOB PONTIUS, SUPERINTENDENT, FRANKLIN HILLS C.C. - 1981 GOLF CHAMPION. FOR ALL YOUR IRRIGATION NEEDS YOUR FULL STOCK Sopì (Hflarfj FULL SERVICE DISTRIBUTOR JIM VINCE GENE STENNETT PETE ASARO d u c k n e r' SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SUPPLY CO. 1316 N. CAMPBELL ROAD ROYAL OAK, Ml 48067 PHONE: (313) 398-2233 9 G R E E N S M A S TE R 3 T O R O Still the leader... worth more ... outsells competion two to one. C") Unit Interchangeability Backed by The Toro Promise - and WILKIE 1050 OPDYKE ROAD PONTIAC, MICHIGAN 48057 l i a i Equipment Division, I (313) 373-8800 TER SAN 1991 Put the proven performers control of brown patch, serious +D acon il 2787 together for even better dollar spot and other diseases. Tersan»» 1991 fungicide and Daconil* 2787 are two of the most effective disease control products on the market. And now. these proven broad-spectrum fungicides are labeled for tank mixing. Together, they give you even better control of major turf diseases than with either product used alone. You get improved control, yet without the problem of phytotoxicity common with some tank mixes. A T ersan 1991/Daconil 2787 tank mix will give you consistent perform ance against brown patch and dollar spot— the two most troublesome diseases on turf each summer. You'll also get strong action on leaf spot and other important diseases. It's the kind of performance superintendents de­ pend on when a quality course can t be compromised. •Daconil 2787 is a registered trademark of Diamond Shamrock Company. Thnk mixing brings other advantages, too. With Tersan 1991 in your tank, you get systemic action for protection from within the turf plant. Disease control is longer last­ ing and is less affected by rainfall or fre­ quent irrigation. Thnk mixing fungicides with different modes of action also reduces chances of benzimidazole resistance. You help insure the long-term effectiveness of T ersan 1991 in your disease control program. This year, plan on using Tersan 1991 in combination with Daconil 2787. It’s the tank mix turf diseases can’t match. With any chemical, follow labeling instruction and warnings carefully. 11 Turfgrass Research Center Unveiled The new Hancock Turfgrass Research Center was introduced to the Univer­ sity community yesterday, Sept. 10, 1981, at a morning open house and dedication. Located at the corner of Farm Lane and Mt. Hope roads, the facility is the product of cooperative efforts of the turfgrass industry and the University. “ It will provide oportunities to conduct research which we couldn’t do pre­ viously because of space and equip­ ment limitations and efficiency prob­ lems,” says Paul Rieke, turfgrass specialist in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Research plots were formerly scat­ tered around campus. Though some of those will be maintained, the major emphasis will be on the nine acres surrounding the new building. One section of land will be used for research on turf maintenance of home lawns, parks and athletic fields. Another section will be used to study more intensively maintained turfs, such as those found on golf courses. A third section will deal with the develop­ ments of new varieties of red fescue, a species of grass that can be adequately maintained with low energy inputs. An important function of the research center, Rieke says, is the testing of new varieties to determine their adaptabil­ ity to Michigan conditions. This infor­ mation is then provided to home- owners, sod farmers, golf course super­ intendents, athletic field and parks supervisors, and others interested in turfgrass management. “ In our research,” he says, “ we’re look­ ing for adapted grasses and the proper management of those grasses for min­ imum maintenance in order to main­ tain an esthetic, functional turf.” C o n tin u ed on P a g e 18 12 lis-U sing Equipment, Cont. )irt will hang to unit. 5. Use air pressure grease guns when ibricating. Result - pressure build up rill cause fittings to pop out. 6. Drain engine oil when cold. Result - Jediment in oil is not in suspension nd will settle to the bottom of the limp. If drained when warm, 90% of he sediment will flow out. 7. Spray water on cylinder head and ylinder when cleaning equipment that s hot. Result - will cause warpage and nay crack head or block. 8. Mis-use of equipment such as: (a) litting obstructions, (b) jumping curb- ngs, (c) transporting walking greens- nowers on roller. 7 e d A a y e v io fó * !). t / u - / S i ' !~ „ - - ’ -.C ‘v* i m Serving you better •x4;' v *" J "With Q U A L IT Y ------ M ALLINCKRODT LEWIS FORE PAR CLEARY COUNTRY CLUB CHICOPEE Upjohn FOX VALLEY Chipco d i a m o n d s h a m r o c k Yankee c y c l o n e PBI Gordon Aquatrols Turfgrass Products PanaSea SOUTH LYON, MICHIGAN 48178 Phon. Ar.o 313 437 1427 GENE JOHANNINGSMEIER Old-time member and friend of Michigan & Border C ities GCSA — Passed away January, 1982. WAS HIS HEART AND "GOOD FRIENDSHIP TRUE. LOVED AND RESPECTED BY ALL HE KNEW. TO A HAPPY LIFE CAME A SUDDEN END. HE DIED AS HE LIVED. EVERYONE'S FRIEND." 13 Triplex Ring, Cont. ment Getting back to the basics of turfgrass management, the development of a strong, healthy grass is the best way to resist triplex ring damage. Avoid over­ watering and overfertilizing at all costs. Too much water and nitrogen can creat a weak, lush turf which is more sus­ ceptible to wear injury. Wet soils also compact much more readily, inhibiting root development and resulting in a weakened turf. To overcome the effects of compaction and wear in the perimeter ring, aerate the soil more frequently. If the greens are already aerified once or twice dur­ ing the season, then aerate the peri­ meter ring by itself several other ties. Aerating (coring) achieves positive re­ sults even when done in the middle of a stress period, so don’t hesitate to aerify if triplex ring symptoms began to appear. If chronic soil compaction problems are related to the texture of the soil in the greens as well as to the use of the triplex mower, then begin modifying the soil in the greens by topdressing with a compaction-resis­ tant material, one containing a high percentage of sand. Have the topdress­ ing material tested by a soils laboratory in order to insure proper infiltration rate, pore space and bulk density. Design and Environmental Factors Most of the time the symptoms of triplex ring wil not appear uniformly around the perimeters of all the greens. Weakness or injury is most likely to develop in areas of the perimeter ring where other stress factors also come into play. Sharply contoured greens often develop this malady, especially where the mower makes it sharpest turns during the cleanup pass. Some­ times this problem can be resolved by recontouring the green so that sharp turns are eliminated. Triplex ring symptoms often manifest themselves on greens only in entrance and walk-off zones, especially when traffic is restricted to narrow passage­ ways by steep banks, sand bunkers or other obstacles. If the area around the green can be redesigned to provide several different entrance and exit channels, very often the triplex ring will Continued Next Column cciuiUNTRY CLUB TURF PRODUCTS —Homogenous Granulation —High UF (W.I.N.) —Balanced Feeding —Fits Your Budget Distributed by.^—n uim.F.sell & sonine. P.O. Box 847, Danville, Illinois 61832 Lebanon Chemical Corporation SINCE 1923 RENTAL SALES - SERVICE * SW EEPERS * LO A D E R S * T R E N C H E R S * M O W E R S * R O TA R Y C U TT E R S * B A C K H O E D IG G E R S * B A C K FILL BLA D ES * P O S T H O LE D IG G E R S JOB TAILORED EQUIPMENT Complete line of sj Material Handling / / Q Q Q C l A f & Farm Equipment C all| 16555 TELEGRAPH RD. - TAYLOR 1 MILE SOUTH OF EUREKA 14 Triplex Ring, Cont. disappear. The presence of trees near a green may create enough extra turf stress to pro­ duce visual symptoms in the area of the perimeter cut. Too much shade, poor air circulation and tree root competi­ tion all weaken the resistance of the turf to the additional wear of the triplex mower. Removing or thinning some of the nearby trees in order to improve sunlight penetration and air circulation will usually help alleviate the problem. The trees should be root-pruned by digging a trench between the trees and green, placing tarpaper or some other heavy-duty material in the trench and backfilling. There are many types of stresses which may have a detrimental effect on the health and vigor of putting green turf. By carefully investigating the causes of this stress, adjusting mowing and cul­ tural programs accordingly, and creat­ ing a favorable environment for plant growth, some of the problems associa­ ted with the use of the triplex putting green mower can be eliminated. James T. Snow, Agronimist USGA O . J. Noer Research Foundation, Inc. A not for profit, tax deductible foun­ dation dedicated to financial support of scientific research in turfgrass. The Internal Revenue Service exemption from income tax number is 36-2672850 Foundation Objectives To promote scientific research in turf- grasses and related fields To train graduate students for con­ ducting said research by offering financial assistance To disseminate results of said investi­ gations To receive donations and endowments to achieve aforesaid purposes in per­ petuity To, by so doing, honor this continent’s most widely known and respected turf­ grass agronomist - the late and be­ loved O.J. Noer LILES & TIP P IT, INC. 523 WEST POPLAR COLLIERVILLE, TN 38017 Replacement PARTS FOR ALL FAIRWAY — GREENS MOWERS ROTARY — FLAIL MOWERS AERIFIERS — TRACTORS GOLFCARS FAST FREE DELIVERY PHONE 901-853-2208, INSIDE TN, COLLECT FREE PHONE 800-238-5354, OUTSIDE TN, TOLL FREE 15 Pot, Cal & Mag, Cont. plant growth is limited. Turfgrasses as a group are able to tolerate low levels of calcium; however, abnormal growth has been observed with extremely low levels. One of the primary roles assigned to calcium is also important in root development, since short roots are observed on calcium deficient plants. The first sign of calcium deficiency in older plants is the appearance of a reddish-brown discoloration in the tissue between the veins, along the margin of the blade. The most obvious method of correcting this deficiency is by the application of calcitic or dolo- mitic lime. Should calcium be required without changing the pH that would result from the use of lime, gypsum may be used. Liming is the addition to the soil of any calcium-containing compound that is capable of reducing acidity. The cor­ rect use of lime refers only to calcium oxide (CaO), but the term almost uni­ versally includes such materials as cal­ cium-magnesium carbonate and cal­ cium carbonate, calcium-magnesium carbonate and calcium silicate slags. A description of various liming mater­ ials describing their availability and manufacture follows: Calcium Oxide - Calcium oxide (CaO), also known as unslaked lime, burned lime, or quicklime, is a white powder that is quite disagreeable to handle. It is manufactured by heating calcite limestone in an oven or furnace. The carbon dioxide is driven off, with cal­ cium oxide remaining. This product is most frequently handled in paper bags because of its powdery and caustic nature. Theis material reacts quickly when added to the soil. When unusual­ ly rapid results are desired, either cal­ cium oxide or calcium hydroxide should be used. Calcium Hydroxide - Calcium hydrox­ ide (Ca(0 H 2) is commonly referred to as slaked lime or builder’s lime. It is similar to calcium oxide in that it is a white powdery substance, difficult and unpleasant to handle. Slaked lime is prepared by the hydration of calcium oxide. A large amount of heat is generated; upon completion of the reaction, the mater­ ial is dried and packaged. Continued Next Column lime, hydrated 16 TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6900 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, Michigan (313) 291-1200 DON'T EVEN THINK OF BUYING....................... GRASS SEED FERTILIZERS FUNGICIDES WITHOUT CALLING 291-1200 TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6900 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, Michigan (313) 291-1200 If you have changed your address, ‘ please let us know so we can keep I: our addressing plates up to date. Present Address: N A M E A D D R E S S 1 C I T Y S T A T E Z I P Fill In New Address: N A M E A D D R E S S Z I P S T A T E C I T Y Mail this form to: A PATCH OF GREEN 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 Pot, Cal & Mag, Cont. Calcium and Mixed Calcium-Magne­ sium Carbonates - The carbonates of calcium and magnesium occur widely in nature and in many different forms. Crystalline calcium carbonates are re­ ferred to as calcite or calcitic lime­ stone. Crystalline calcium-magnesium is known commonly as dolomite. M AG N ESIU M Magnesium is also absorbed by plants in the ionic forms. This absorption takes place from the soil solution or possibly by contact exchange. Magnesium plays a vital role in photo­ synthesis, as it is the central atom in the chlorophyll molecule. It is involved in many enzyme reactions. It reacts with phosphorus in uptake and trans­ port. Magnesium is also quite mobile in the plant, and yellow deficiency symp­ toms first appear on the older leaves, as it moves to the younger plants. SOURCE OF M AG N ESIU M Magnesium in the soil orginates in the decomposition of rocks containing minerals such as brotite, dolomite and olivine. Upon decomposition, these minerals set magnesium into the sur­ rounding soil solution. Once in the soil solution, magnesium may be 1) leached, 2) absorbed by living organisms, and 3) absorbed by surrounding particles. M AGNESIUM IN TH E SOIL The coarse-textured soils of the humid region are those in which a magnesium deficiency is generally manifested. These soil types usually contain small amounts of exchangeable magnesium. This condition is aggravated by the addition of large quantities of fertilizer salts which contain little or no magne­ sium. The magnesium in the soil is released by ion exchange when these fertilizers are added; the larger quanti­ ties of chlorides and sulphates speeds its removal by leaching. Magnesium can be supplied in dolomitic limestone, or as magnesium sulphate, if soil pH is to remain the same. A deficiency of magnesium is less of a problem on finer-textured soils and on soils found in the arid regions. In some semi-arid location, magnesium compounds may actually be precipitated in the soil profile. When the appearance of a plant and environmental factors indicate a nutri- 17 Tire Wholesalers Company, Inc. Phone: (313) 354 5644 TRUCK-CAR TRAILER ¡till J 1 IWI UNIWOYIU. MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRIAL A Æ S m WHOLESALE PRICES TO COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS TIRES "For Land's Sake-'Use Peat" OXFORD rm co. 1430 E. Drahner Rd. Oxford, Michigan 48051 PROCESSED PEAT Top Dressing Blends Custom Blending FREDLATTA 313/628-5991 T h e best in T u rf S u p p lie s - L E S C O 100% S u lfu r-C o a te d F e r tiliz e r s , G o lf C o u rse A c c e s s o rie s , C h e m ic a ls in c lu d in g LESCOSAN* A H ig h ly E ffe c tiv e P re -E m e rg e n c e C ra b g ra s s and P o o A n nua C o n tro l * L e s c o s a n ( B e t a s a n - R e g . TM o f S ta u ffe r C h e m ic a l, C o .) (800) 362-7413 IN OHIO (800) 321-5325 Available NATIONWIDE From: Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co. “ Home Of LESCO Products” 300 South Abbe, Elyria, OH 44035 tional disorder, steps should be taken to verify the problem before attempt­ ing to correct it haphazardly with nutrients that are not needed. Since nutrient deficiencies on turfgrasses are difficult to visually diagnose, a suspec­ ted deficiency should be verified with soil or tissue tests before trying to correct the problem. A most important criterion for a soil test is that is should measure the nutrient in the soil that is available to the plant. Many times nutrients in the soil are held tightly and are unavailable. Research Center, Cont. Mowing, fertilizing, watering, and disease and pest control are just a few of the factors to be studied, he notes, the goal is to develop maintenance programs that require less energy and water and protect the environment, too. Much of the preliminary organization of the facility was directed by John Kaufmann, also a turfgrass specialist in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, who says the research center development exceed $475,000. The land, some of the labor and a part of the cost of the building were donated by the University, he notes. The major input, however, has been from private donors and companies related to the turfgrass industry. Robert W. Hancock, owner of Hancock Industries in Jackson, left a portion of his estate to MSU for the development of a turfgrass research center. His do­ nation amounted to around $160,000. The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation has also been instrumental in the lab’s development and, in fact, provided the costs will equipment, contact with Hancock. It has helped to equip the building and generated sup­ port for the facility within the industry. As a result of the foundation’s activi­ ties, a number of companies, both national and state distributors, have contributed including mowers, irrigation systems, earth movers and other machinery. Materials including drainage tile and sand needed to modify soil, have also been donated. Volunteers, ranging from students to golf course superintendents and parks people, have contributed much of the labor. “ It’s been a huge effort by a lot of people,” Kaufmann says, adding that the facility is a significant development during hard times. These donations encourage research, he says, and en­ able the training of students in the turfgrass field. “ It’s a case of the industry’s working closely and cooperatively with the University to make this an outstanding: research facility,” he explains. 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