GOLF COURSE SUPT. | J ASSOCIATION I M IC H IG A N ■ M M .... ^ - a " • irrigation- A Look at the Future • How to Manage Wildlife What a bay! M n K Mm I t ' s A n E a s y S t e p U p T o A n E x m a r k M o w e r / DISCOVER THE EXMARKTVDVANTAGE Michigan’s Largest Lawn, Snow & Outdoor Power Equipment Dealer Utica 46061 Van Dyke 1/2 Mile North ofM-59 8 1 0 - 7 3 1 - 7 2 4 0 Farmington Hills of Has 39050 Grand River East 8 1 0 - 4 7 1 - 3 0 5 0 Best Price - Best Service - Best Selection Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association O ffic e r s P r e s id e n t Jay Delcamp V ic e P r e s id e n t Carey Mitchelson Committee: Fund Raising Chairman, CAM Seminar S e c r e ta r y /T r e a s u r e r Paul Dushane Committee: Finance, Welfare, Policy Book Special Olympics Co-Chair P a s t P r e s id e n t Ken DeBusscher Committee: Publicity, Ethics D ir e c to r s Ed Hock, Jr. Committee: Special Olympics Co-Chair, Education Co-Chair, Golf Day Co-Chair Paul Kolbe Committee: Editorial, ByLaws Mark McKinley Committee: Picnic, Historian, Membership Relations Dave Picot Committee: Education Co-chairman, Awards, Clothing John Shreve Committee: Christmas Party, Membership, industrial/Environmental Relations Roy Szyndlar Committee: Golf Chair, Hospitality Room, Golf Day Co-Chair The Official Publication o f the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association C o n t e n 3 calendar of Events ^ ......................... New Members 4 .............. on Par with the President 6 ......................... Michigan Special Olympics, W hat A Day! 9 15 Are We Going to Hell or is it Time to Disagree? Future Developments in Golf Course irrigation I'd Like to Help But... Wildlife Management Kate Speaking New Products Cover photo courtesy of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. C om m itee Chair Tom Mason: GCSAA Liaison, Delegate C o n ta c t f o r MBCCCSA in f o r m a t io n Kate Mason Executive Secretary MBCGCSA P.0 . Box 173, Troy, Ml 48099 (810) 362-1108 Fax (810) 362-1736 C o-E xecu tive Editors Paul Kolbe, Tim Dorner Publishers Kolka & Robb, Inc. EDITORIAL COMMITTEE John Cooney Tim Dorner, CGCS Paul Kolbe Jane St. John Steve Sump Vicki Robb, Publisher Kathleen Kolka, Creative Director Katie Elsila, Editor Tiffanie Howell, Associate Editor Fred Wessells, Copy Editor Michael Wagester, Susan Walker, Designers Sally Clark, Advertising Judy Harpster, Production A d v e r t is in g 30700 Telegraph Road & e d it o r ia l suite 1401 O ffic e s a r e Bingham Farms, Ml 48025-4524 a t: (810) 642-9580 • FAX (810) 642-5290 A Patch of Green • 1 • July/August 1995 code Of Ethics THE MBCCCSA SUBSCRIBES TO THE CODE OF ETHICS AS SET FORTH IN THE GCSAA'S 1978 DIRECTORY. THIS CODE IS AS FOLLOWS: 1.1 1.2 1.3 Recognize and discharge all my responsibilities and duties in such a fashion as to be a credit to this Association and profession. Practice and insist upon sound business and turf management principles in exercising the responsibili­ ties of my position. Utilize every practicable opportunity to expand my professional knowledge, thereby Improving myself and my profession. 1.4 Maintain the highest standards of personal conduct to reflect credit and add to the stature of our chosen profession (golf course superintendent). Base endorsements, either written or verbal by means of any medium, strictly upon satisfactory personal experiences with the item identified. Refrain from encouraging or accepting considerations of any value without the express understanding of all parties that said consideration is available to all in simi­ lar circumstances, and that no actions shall be forth­ coming as a result of acceptance. Recognize and observe the highest standards of integrity in my relationships with fellow golf course 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 superintendents and others associated with this pro­ fession and industry. Assist my fellow superintendents in all ways consistent with my abilities, only when called upon to do so and with incumbent superintendent's knowledge, partici­ pation and acceptance. Abstain from the debasement of, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation, practice or employ­ ment of another superintendent. Lend my support to, and actively participate in, the efforts of my local Chapter and National Association to improve public understanding and recognition of the profession of golf course superintendency. 1.11 Abstain from any exploitation of my Association, indus­ try or profession. 1.12 Present information and participate as a witness in all proceedings to which there exists evidence of a viola­ tion of this Code of Ethics. 1.13 Refrain from corresponding, either verbally or in writ­ ing with a Director, member or official of another Club regarding its affairs, without the prior consent of the Club's Superintendent. PREVENT SUMMER PROBLEMS CAUSER BY WATER REPELLENCY! 1AQUATROLS 6 0 4 A STEP BEYOND Manufactured by... 1A Q U A T R O L S Making Water Work Efficiently 5 North Olney Avenue Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 USA 1-609-751-0309 • 1-800-257-7797 NO WATERING IN REQUIRED » WILL NOT BURN Summer stress conditions can prompt rapid reduction in turf quality. By mid-summer, effects of extensive wilt, and Localized Dry Spots can be evident on the course. Apply Primer 604 once a month to prevent/correct these problems. You can have superior turf quality even under severe summer stress conditions. Distributed by.. B e n h a m C h e m ic a l C o r p . 1 (8 0 0 ) 4 8 2 -6 5 2 0 Serving the State of Michigan... Farmington Hills (810) 474-7474 Saginaw (517) 793-8210 Grand Rapids (6l6) 342-7322 A Patch of Green • 2 • July/August 1995 DUTTON, MARK (KATHY) CLASS F Marc Dutton Irrigation 4720 Hatchery Waterford, Ml 48329 H-C810) 623-7645 0-(810) 674-4470 FAX-(810) 674-3091 GILL, THOMAS J. (LINDA) CLASS F Spartan Distributors 1050 Opdyke Rd. Auburn Hills 48346 H-(810) 623-6930 0-(810) 373-8800 FAX (810) 373-8899 HIETANEN, KEITH (LISA) CLASS A Chandler Park/American Golf Corp. 12801 Chandler Park Dr. Detroit 48213 H-(810) 738-4817 0-(313) 331-2970 FAX-(313) 331-6713 KIRKLAND, RICHARD C. (DIANE) CLASS F njk Associates, Inc. 5476 Dixie Hwy Waterford 48329 MC DONOUGH, EDWARD (COLLEEN) CLASS F Marc Dutton Irrigation 1987 Dawes Utica 48317 H-(810) 739-7782 O-(810) 674-4470 FAX-(810) 674-3091 SOMMERFELD, MARTY (LORI) CLASS A indianwood Golf & Country Club 845 Beardon Lake Orion 48362 H-(810) 814-0674 O-(810) 693-3330 FAX (810) 693-3398 July 10-16 Seniors Players Championship at TPC Dearborn July IB Membership Meeting - The Majestic at Lake Walden August 7 The Orchards - invite a m em ber August 17 Turf Field Day at Hancock Research Center, Michigan State university Membership Meeting - Creystone Annual Meeting - Maple Lane Golf Club Decem ber 11 Year in Review - Birmingham Country Club A Patch of Green 3 July/August 1995 onpar w it h t h e In this high-tech age w here it seems like w e have everything w e need at our fingertips, there always are a few things th a t can't be arranged. I'm going to w iggle my nose and wish! The w eather in July and August is a w hole lot b etter than the bad w eather w e had in April and May. The skunks, moles and other varm ints would take a sum m er vacation in Argentina. My fairway m ow er would break dow n after the M en’s Invitational instead of the day before. My m em bers would com plim ent me on th e many flow ers th a t lived instead of noticing the one th a t died. My crew m em bers didn’t share their latest adventures each tim e they passed in the fairway. Canadian geese could be stopped at the border before e n te r­ ing Michigan. All ball marks repaired them selves on im pact. After spending five m inutes lining up a putt, it w ould break the way I read it. I had the energy to play the course after spending seven days a week preparing it for others. The tu rf professors at MSU could biologically control slow play. Trees really w ere 90 percent air. My crew was as enthusiastic punching in as they are punching out. People w ho pass me on the freeway, then im m ediately exit, would join the other varm ints in Argentina. Past Treasurer Debusscher would finally find a new nam e for the Michigan and Border Cities Coif Course Superintendents Association. Sundays really w ere a day of rest. My wish list cannot be com plete w ith o u t wishing all m em bers of the MBCCCSA good Health, Happiness and Fast Crass. Jay Delcamp A Patch of Green • 4 • July/August 1995 • Communicate • Coordinate • Control Limited Time Offer: Free Lapel M icrophone w ith any Portable Radio Purchase, Free H eavy D uty M icrophone U pgrade w ith any Mobile Radio Purchase... Call (313) 427-1980 for details - Today. Sales • Service • Rentals mQSSSÆ C O M M U N I C A T I O N S A L E S , INC. Michigan's Largest Motorola Dealer Livonia • Detroit • Warren M ichigan 1995 “W hat a, *Daq! Lake Orion Special Olympic athletes and chaperones having fun the day o f the e ve n t For the 14th consecutive year the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association sponsored a wonderfully successful golf outing to bene­ fit the Michigan Special Olympics. Friday, May 19, at Bald Mountain Golf Course in Lake Orion was a marvelous day. The weather was great, turnout good, with a field of 107 golfers, and we out-did ourselves by reaching our goal of $12,500 for this worthwhile cause. Tee Sponsorships by many of our vendors, the raffle, 50/50 drawing, prizes, golf events on individual holes (closest to pin, longest drive, etc.) and the sports memo­ rabilia auction were part of the festivities that helped us reach our goal. A guest appearance by football great Ron Kramer, and a great group of "special" athletes made it a special, special day. Sincere thanks to all who attended, those who donat­ ed prizes and funds and the Special Olympics Fund Raiser Committee: John Cooney, Floward Ellis, Don Fields, Tom Gill, Bill Hull, Keith Richards, Greg Seago and Tim Weathers, who worked so diligently to make this event another success story for MBCGCSA. Paul Dushane and Ed Hock Co-Chairmen, Special Olympics Committee A Patch of Green • 6 • July/August 1995 Cuest Host Ron Kramer w ith special athlete Chris Audretsch during his talk a fte r dinner. Jim "The Cheese m an" Petracci displays the autographed Michael Jordan picture he purchased during the auction. Al Trainor shows o ff his autographed Lou W hittaker baseball bat to Shelly Berry a fte r the auction. U | That's the N um ber One concept th a t w ent into design in g the New Goossen Super Rake 'n Vac The N ew Goossen Super R ake 'n Vac is a revolutionary product now bringing unparalleled versatility to the industry with its unique new three-deck design, allowing the operator to choose a specific deck for a specific application. Rake n Vac combines rotating flails, brush and vacuum to rake the turf and then vacuum up the loose debris. Brush n Vac utilizes a 10" counter-rotating brush and vacuum to sweep areas clean of small debris. Vacuum Only deck concentrates the power of the 32" blower to vacuum a 96" wide swath. Distributed by: , 12137 3 l/2 Mile Rd. Battle Creek, MI Phi (616)'979'1151 SUPPLY COMPANY farm equipment wholesalers established in 1947 i t Y HUCGETT SOD FARM, INC. • TOP QUALITY SOD • PENNCROSS OR PENNUNKS OR • SHADE MIX (Bluegrass, Fescue mix for fairways & PROVIDENCE BENT (Crown on mason sand or loam soil) erosion control.) - Good on Sandy Soils or in Shade. Commercial Peat or Top Soil Base. SOIL FREE SOD AVAILABLE • NUGGET + ll (Bluegrass Blend) - Grade A or The N ifty F ifty Big R o ll/> v ^ • Less Labor : • Easy Laying • Less Seams ♦ BULK SPHAGNUM PEAT FOR GREENS M IX ♦ SHADE & ORNAMENTAL TREES 41 14 East Marlette Rd. ♦ Marlette, Ml 48453 Turf Chem icals Inc. 1011 E. Main P.O. Box 451 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone: (517) 725-7145 FOR ALL O F YOUR FER TILIZER, C H E M IC A L AN D G RASS SEED NEEDS EXPERIENCED, DEPENDABLE PEOPLE TO SERVE YOU • Russ Hancock • Jay Siddock • Fred Miller • Lou Beckman • Ted Kasel • Chris Fochtman Carefree D istributors Turf Division 1-800-875-4745 Trenton, M l 48183 Member MBCGCSA Michigan Turf Foundation We have a full line of golf course supplies. Spring Valley Fertilizer (full golf course line) See what Spring Valley can do for you! • Sand trap rakes • Custom seed blends • Bent grass seed • Marker paint .Jr The Best • Full chemical line • Maintenance ^ f c u V ^ /s a n d Trap Rake supplies / 1 $9.50 • Mowers, trimmers, m L & blowers, etc. Call for a free sample! Call today for a free catalog on our products. Michigan - Ohio DELIVERY Indiana Ask for Robert Sawyer 1 -8 0 0 -8 7 5 -4 7 4 5 VALLEY TURF I N C O R P O R A T E D TURF AND IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT Serving Michigan with quality irrigation products! W e C a r r y S y n c r o F lo . Variable Frequency Drive Irrigation Pumping Stations...Technology that pays you back! Two year Total System Guarantee. Optional RS 232 or 422 port and Energy efficient variable speed drive. software for monitoring flow rate, UL labeled control panel. speed, pressure, motor and drive Fully automatic VFD by-passes. status. Door-mounted data access panel and Convenient VFD drive status window. optional operating management soft­ Check valves, isolation valves, ware provide user friendly control. strainers. Automatic PLC control. Verticle turbine and centrifugal Convenient push button set point and pumps. manual speed adjustments. Factory tested, single source Automatic alternation of equal size responsibility. pumps. World-wide network of factory trained service representatives. A Commitment to Quality Turf Care Products For You - The Turf Care Professional TeeTime 22-4-18 Fertilizer with Nutralene the professional's partner1 Your Tee Tim e • Greens and Fairway Fertilizers with Nutralene1 • Quality Sulfur Coated Urea Fertilizer • Combination Products • Granular Insecticides • Granular Fungicides Offers You: Andersons Lawn Fertilizer Group P.O. Box 119 Maumee, Ohio 43537 Turfgrass, me. P.O. Box T 28064 Pontiac Trail South Lyons, MI 48178 Distributed by: (810) 437-1427 1-800-521-TURF (MI only) A Patch of Green • 8 • July/August 1995 Are we Going to Hell, Or is It Time to Disagree? by Christopher Sann This article first appeared in the May 1995 issue of Turfgrass TRENDS and is reprinted with permission of the author The fragrance of freshly cut grass, blooming daffodils and hyacinths fills the warm air. My eyes are pleasured by the sight of blossoming dogwoods, cherry trees and crabapples. Yet my ears are sub­ jected to the haranguing of "environmental chicken littles," who, despite significant evidence to the con­ trary, repeatedly Insist that no environmental progress has been made and that civilization is doomed to perish in a sterile hell of its own making. Opportunistic politicians, riding on a temporary wave of anti-governmental sentiment, say that gov­ ernment is wholly Incompetent and Incapable of successfully completing any activity it undertakes. With both of these shrilly and emotionally avowed points of view, I loudly but politely disagree. A substantial body of evidence that the environ­ ment is getting better is chronicled In a new book, A Moment on Earth: The Coming Age of Environmental Optimism, by Gregg Easterbrook (Viking Press). The book shows that these early efforts to stop poisoning ourselves and our planet have borne considerable fruit. The facts are as fol­ lows: * Since 1975, airborne lead levels have been reduced by 96 percent. * From 1988 to 1991, the number of people living in U.S. counties that failed federal air pollution standards fell from 100 million to 54 million. * From 1988 to 1993, smog warnings in east coast cities fell by 64 percent. * By the year 2000, the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by U.S. electrical generating facilities and manufacturing plants will have been reduced from 28 million tons to nine million tons, or by 68 percent, even though the number of coal-fired electrical generating facilities has doubled since 1970. * The total forest acreage In the industrialized por­ tion of the world has actually Increased in the past 50 years, with a 30 percent increase in Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut since the mid-19th century. * A 10-year government study completed in 1991 found that there was no evidence of general decline in U.S. or Canadian forests due to acid rain, and that, despite estimates of high acidity in 50 percent of lakes, in fact only 4 percent of the lakes were found to have become acidified. If there is evidence that the environment is get­ ting better, then why all the noise? Why do the hard-core doomsayers continue to discount reports of environmental progress? Most certainly some of the noise coming from environ­ mentalists comes from a genuine sense of concern. But not all. behavior The rhetoric that served us all so well, to get our attention about the larger dangers of self-poisoning, now seems strangely discordant and out of propor­ tion to the Increasingly less Infamous examples of self-destructive remain. Unfortunately, their continued strident pronounce­ ments about the end of the world are no longer being met with bemusement, befuddlement or tol­ erance—they are beginning to evoke a rather hostile retort from a sizable portion of the population that appears to be more concerned about individual rights than the collective good. that still There have been excesses in the government's zeal to correct past practices that led to such infa­ mous places as the Love Canal and the use of Agent Orange. But even these concerns about the excessive use of government regulation do not fully explain the level and the volume of vitriolic dialog that has take center stage over the last 12 months. continued on pg. 11 A Patch of Green • 9 • July/August 1995 INTRODUCING NEW ADVANCED SPRAY-DRY DACONIL ULTREX' FUNGICIDE • Mixes fast, won’t settle out and won’t clog nozzles. • Improved control of tough Brown patch plus equally exceptional control of 14 other major turf diseases and algal scum. • Virtually dust-free, low-foaming formulation makes handling easier. • Pours completely out of the bag, so there’s no waste or need to rinse bags before disposal. ISK B I O S C I E N C E S ISK Biosciences Corporation Turf & Specialty Products Division 1523 Johnson Ferry Rd., Suite 250 Marietta, GA 30062 Always follow label directions carefully when using turf and ornamentals plant protection products. ™Trademark of ISK Biosciences Corporation. continued from pg. 9 What Does All This Have to Do with Turf? Like it or not, all turfgrass managers have to abide by some level of government regulations, be they federal, state or local. As flawed as many of these regulations are, they are designed to protect workers, users and the envi­ ronment. Turfgrass managers have accepted the fact that regulation is part of the business "landscape," and up until the last 12 months have had some idea where these regulations were heading. We must, loudly but politely, object to Historically, as new regulations have been implemented, turfgrass mangers ultimately have relied on the regulators for information and guidance. If federal funding is slashed, then the money needed to field implement these new regulations and fund extension agents and turfgrass research specialists to develop new strategies in turf management will diminish. The safety net of government support will weaken. Consequently turfgrass managers will be left to their own devices. Successfully navigating the ever changing regulatory and political shoals will become a major challenge, requiring untold dollars and man hours to comply. As bad as it may be, the future holds the possibility that it will get a whole lot worse. What Can the Turfgrass industry Do? environmental doomsayers, government groups and local media who have made it a practice to pit one side against the other in order to advance their own causes. our field that we no longer take a back seat to the agri­ cultural industry. We must let them know that we will no longer just blindly use the manufacturers' products and not ask questions. They must understand that if they continue to take us for granted and continue to ignore our needs, we will buy our "tools of the trade" from man­ ufacturers who value our work and recognize us as part­ ners in the industry. the to keep We must loudly but politely tell our local, state and federal legislators that we must participate in formulating regulations affect­ ing our industry. We must insist that legisla­ tures and regulators clearly define goals for the future use of pesticides, that we expect legislators industry well- informed about these goals and that they must properly disseminate information rele­ vant to our industry. We must let the media—television, maga­ zines and newspapers—know that we, loudly but politely, object to their common practice of building readership and ratings with sen­ sational stories about how turfgrass man­ agers are poisoning the world. Let them know that "we expect balanced coverage of our industry and that "pesticide horror sto­ ries" must be counterbalanced by reports of our advanced environmental work, such as integrated Pest Management. The media need to understand that we will monitor their stories, and if they do not comply with our request for fair reporting of our work, we will contact their advertisers and let them know that we will boycott products advertised in media that reports unfairly about our industry. We Must Loudly But Politely Make Our voices Heard We must, loudly but politely, object to environmental doomsayers, government groups and local media who have made it a practice to pit one side against the other in order to advance their own causes. We must demand to have a place in the decision-making process that charts our future course, and that all involved in regulat­ ing our industry provide us with accurate information so that we, as well as our customers, can make informed and sound environmental business decisions. The turf­ grass industry of about three quarters of a million indi­ viduals must politely demand full and proper considera­ tion and representation. More now than ever before we in the tur­ fgrass management industry must not only find our collective voice, we must loudly but politely dis­ agree. The 1990 U.S. census shows that the turfgrass man­ agement industry consists of 735,556 men and women. We are a strong force. We no longer can allow our indus­ try's fate to be buffeted by outside forces, be they over- zealous environmentalists, uninformed regulators, opportunistic politicians, bottom-line oriented manufac­ turers and suppliers or a biased media. We must find our collective voice and tell the con- sumers/users that we are as concerned about the envi­ ronment as they are. We must show them that we are actively looking at and implementing new management strategies that will reduce the amount of pesticides that we use. We must, loudly but politely, tell everyone involved In A Patch of Green • 11 • July/August 1995 iMiliiiiiiiiUMiniMim iinniiijMiiMMii ............................................................................ im m illili.. LEADERS IN TURF FUNGICIDES • Tou ché provides long lasting control of many major turf diseases including leaf spot, dollar spot and brown patch. • L E S C O offers a wide range of products for turf and ornamental disease control. Available in sprayable, granular and fertilizer combination options. (800) 321-5325 • Fax (800) 673-3030 LESCO and Touché are trademarks of LESCO, Inc. MIIIMimilMMMIMIIIMIMMIIIMIIMIIHMIIHIIIMMMMMIIIMMIIIIMIIIMMMMMMIIIIIHIIIIMHMIIIIIHMm~ Wildflower Carpet Instant Coverage. Ever-changing color. • All Perennial Wildflowers • Instant Coverage • Installs Like Grass Sod • No Weeding • Low Maintenance • Blooms All Season Safe, Potent, Proven R e m a rk a b le R e s u lts ! The High Performance Turfgrass Biostimulants 41 Granular Sea Plant Meal Iff* I The O ptimal O rganic Amendment A Breakthrough In Bioremediation For Thatch Control Q u e n tia l A New Generation of Fully-C helated Iron and Micronutrient Supplements E m e ra ld Is le , L td . 1-800-628-GR0W Wildflower Carpet adds a brilliant display of color to golf courses, estate landscapes, commer­ cial developements, even small residential areas. And it provides a different show every week and every month...every year. With quick, easy installation, the 5 sq. ft. mats provide instant coverage of established, hardy perennial wildflowers. Maintenance is surprisingly low. Plants begin to bloom in 8 weeks. A vailable at: Cygnet Turf and Equipment 4111 Insley Rd. North Baltimore, OH 45872 (419) 354-1112 Fax: (419) 352-1244 I f YOU WANT THE BEST, Call Turfgrass, Inc. (800) 521-TURF A Patch of Green • 12 • July/August 1995 B U S H D B O T H E R S Asphalt Paving ' h Putt Your Paving In Our Hands! "Quality work perform ed by a crew that cares. ( 8 1 0 ) 4 7 6 -8 2 5 4 20788 Osmus Farmington Hills, Ml 48336 Tough shot, great cart path. Toss New Chipco Sevin WSP In Water And Watch Some Of Your Toughest Pest Problems Begin To Dissolve WET FEET? Drainage pipe installed on 40 acres of fairw ay at 30 ft. spacings and 2.5 ft. deep will remove a m inim um of 8 million gallons of ¡excess water in less than 1 week every spring. A 2.5 inch rainfall will be absorbed within 24 hours on well- drained fairways. That’s 3 million gallons of water! O ur licenced drainage professionals work strictly on golf course drainage and are able to bring these facts to reality. In fact, we have installed over 700,000 ft. of drainage pipe on more than 60 golf courses D R AINA G E DIVISION M ichigan (810) 471-6750 A Patch of Green • 13 • July/August 1995 RHONE PO U LEN C AG COM PANY CONTACT BOB DUGAN CHIPCO TURF a ORNAMENTAL SPECIALIST P.O. BOX 74398 • ROMULUS. Ml 48174-0398 (313) 782-0323 Fax: (313) 782-6344 TURFGRASS INC. S e r v in g y o u b e t t e r w ith . . Technical information Free timely delivery ... Quality products Fertilizers Chemicals Seeds Spreaders & Sprayers Golf Supplies Environmental Equipment Safety Equipment Mine Safety Equipment Soil Management Markers Recycled Plastic 1-810-437-1427 Office 1-800-521-8873 (M ichigan Only) The Andersons, Lebanon, Sustane, Country Club, Nitroform, Nutralene, Once, Peters, Turfgrass Custom Blend Ciba-Geigy, W.A. Cleary, Chipco, Roots, Daconil, Miles, NAIAD, Monsanto, Dow-Elanco, Grace-Sierra, Nor-Am, Rlverdale, PanaSea', Miller, Agri-Plex 4X Lawnplex, No-Mix, Regal Chemical, Dimension, Sand-Aid, Roundup, Dissolve Medalist America Grass Seed, Bloomcoat Wlldflower Seed, Zajac Confidence Seed Cyclone, Spyker, Solo Back Pack, Wheely, Spray-Hawk, Chem-Pro Par Aide, Standard, Fore-Par, United Stockmen, Fox Valley, Master of the Links Plla Pads, Haz-Store Storage Buildings Grid System, TerraFlow, TerraBond, TerraCover Richway, Blazon Hammer’s Recycled Plastics Keith Richards Dan Johanningsmeier Gene Johanningsmeier Doug Johanningsmeier Richard Locke Todd Griebe Robert McNab Darold Howard P U M P S E R V I C E IN SHOP REBUILDING REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION CONSULTATION AND ONSITE REPAIR SINCE 1945 N O R T H E N D E L E C T R I C C O 2000 BELLAIRE ROYAL OAK, MI 48067 810 398-8187 SPARTAN BRAND Y O U R F IR S T C H O IC E F O R O V E R 60 Y E A R S.... F r o m t e e t o g r e e n I m p r o v e d v a r i e t i e s R e l i a b i l i t y S e l e c t i o n T e c h n i c a l h e l p C A LL 1-8 0 0 -6 4 7 -T U R F M IC H IG A N ST A T E SE E D C O . 717 N . C L IN T O N G R A N D L E D G E , M IC H IG A N A Patch of Green • 14 • July/August 1995 il Reliever Deep Tine Aerifier RENTALS AVAILABLE GOLF COURSES SPORTS FIELDS Built By SOUTHERN GREEN The People Who Know And Understand Deep Tine Aerification. • The Ultimate in Deep Compaction Relief of All Soils. • A Deep Tine Aerifier Built To Work On Most Any Tractor. WITH THE SOIL RELIEVER YOU GET: • A deep tine aerifier that will work on most tractors. • High production. • Fewer parts. • Durability. • Less maintenance. • Fewer costly repairs. • Even hole spacing. • Operation visibiltiy of all working parts. • Easy operation. • Less torque. • Less Vibration. • Anti-head flipping devices. • Roller scraper. • Storage stands. Heavy duty construction. Built for strength and performance. No special tractor needed. Will work on most any tractor. WHY DEEP TINE AERIFY? With the increased foot traffic on sports turf and golf course, comes a higher level of maintenance. More water and more equipment, along with the increased foot traffic results in deeper compacted soil. Simply put, plant roots require oxygen to thrive and grow. By relieving compac­ tion with the Soil Reliever, you will have a root system at the depth you aerify. With deep roots, you get more wear tolerances with less stress, therefore, a healthier turf grass. Any agronomist will tell you that the best weed control, fungus control, and disease control is a healthy turfgrass. With deep tine aerification, you mini­ mize water use by reducing surface water run-off. With a healthier turfgrass along with reducing surface compaction, you will decrease sports fields injuries by 40-60%. The Soil Reliever can do all of this without any harm to the environment. WE ARE FAST! The Soil Reliever has two separate crankshafts, each half being driven from the center. This reduces torque, allowing the machine to turn faster. In other words, one crank drives the other. The longer the line, the greater the torque required to drive the far outside. By driving both directions we reduce power requirements and vibration. WHERE TO USE THE SOIL RELIEVER • Under Trees • Sports Fields • Race Tracks • Golf Courses • Parks & Playgrounds • Sod Farms Anywhere Severe Soil Compaction Occurs HOW IT WORKS As the tractor moves forward and the tines (being solid or coring) enter the soil at a perpendicular line, while the tractor p.t.o. is engaged, this creates a lifting effect by displacing the soil upward from the forward motion of the tractor while the tines are in the soil. This described effect relieves compaction of the soil at a depth of the tine penetration used. The longer the tines are in the soil, the greater the lifting effect causing a more disruptive surface. The Soil Reliever simply gets the tines in and out of the soil faster, minimizing the lifting action, and leaving a smoother surface. The Soil Reliever's frame design adds leverage and places more weight at the tine heads. The Soil Reliever's crank design turns faster giving a bigger and faster “hammer” which results in more soil penetration. We all know that the bigger the hammer, and harder the blow, the further you drive the nail. The il Reliever Deep Tine Aerifier SPECIFICATIONS Machine Weight Working Width Working Depth Maximum Overall Dimensions-LXWXH Tine Head Angle Hole Spacing on Machine Hole Spacing on Ground** Square Foot Per Hour (Greens) Fairway Acre Per Day @ 4" Spacing @ 6" Spacing Recommended Tractor Size Recommended Tractor Speed @ 540 RPM Actual Working Speed @ 400 PTO RPM Working P.T.O. Speed Lift and Drive System Top Link *may need creeper gear for 3-1/3" spacing.** MODEL 60 1930 lbs. 60" 16" 43" L, 66" W, 50" H Adjustable 3-1/3 to 5" 3" to 5" 14,000 4-Approximate 6-Approximate 30 H.P. Minimum .90-1.4 MPH .60-.80 MPH 400-450 RPM 3-Point Lift, P.T.O. Driven Manual, Hydraulic-Optional MODEL 80 2575 lbs. 80" 16" 43" L, 88" W, 50" H Adjustable 3-1/3 to 5" 3" to 5" 17,000 6-Approximate 9-Approximate 45 H.P. Minimum .90-1.4 MPH .60-.80 MPH 400-450 RPM 3-Point Lift, P.T.O. Driven Manual, Hydraulic-Optional Warranty: The Soil Reliever has a 6 month warranty against any defective parts or workmanship. OPTIONS AVAILABLE: Core Collector Hydraulic Top Link Rear Roller All Weather Cover TINES AVAILABLE: Solid 5/16" x 8" 1/2" x 10" 1/2" x 12" _ fI 1/2" x 14" 3/4" x 10" 3/4" x 12" 3/4" x 14" 7/8" x 12" ^ Coring 5/8" x 7" 3/4" x 7" 3/4" x 10" l" x 10" 1" x 12" 1-1/4" x 8" 1-1/4 x 12" 1-3/8" x 12" Distributed By: CO M M ER C IA LTU R FEO U IPM a^“ (810) 858-7705 MADE IN THE U.S.A.! Storage Stand Hydraulic Top Cylinder SOUTHERN GREEN 21126 Plank Road Zachary, LA 70791 Future Developments in Golf Course irrigation by David Beck, P.E. Over the past 20 to 30 years, irrigation on golf courses has made many strides toward providing an optimum growing environment for turf and land­ scape ornamentals. Computer applica­ tions have transformed golf course irriga­ tion into complex and expensive water management systems which, when taken to the extreme, can be operated virtually without human input. A hidden However, inherent problems continue to plague modern golf course irrigation in continuing challenges to equipment application and system design. High water application rates, high-pressure require­ ments, poorly scheduled water applica­ tion, Improper and Inadequate operator training and poor system design, con­ struction and maintenance combine to produce irrigation inefficiencies. Elements of one or more of these problems can be found on almost every golf course. Water restrictions, energy costs and environ­ mental regulations will require solutions to these problems or construction may simply be forbidden on many projects. Precipitation rate refers to the rate at which a sprinkler delivers water to the ground surface. To reduce the number of heads on the golf course, large heads were developed which were intended to throw water relatively long distances (60 to 100 feet), and, therefore, large vol­ umes of water must be used to cover the distances between the sprinkler heads. The streams of water deliver average rainfall or precipitation rates which exceed the rate at which water can be taken Into the soil. A classic symptom of this problem can be seen on most golf courses with slopes or mounds, often brown on the top of mounds and on slopes while low benefit of reduced operating pressure is a longer system life. Since pipes, fittings, valves and other components have less stress with low-pressure systems, irrigation components last longer and require less maintenance. the areas are marshy. Water is simply applied too fast on the slopes and runs to and collects In the low areas. Related to the high application rates are the required water pressures needed to throw water long distances between heads. The pressure energy is converted to velocity energy into the sprinkler's nozzle, allowing the water droplets to carry the 65 to 100 feet between sprinkler heads. Water pressure and power costs are directly related. If we can cut the pump sta­ tion output pressure from 120 pounds per square Inch (psi) by one- third to 80 psi, power costs will drop equally. With today's rising power costs and uncertain energy future it is mandatory that today's irrigation sys­ tems use as little water as possible. Ten-cent per kilowatt hour energy today may double, triple or rise even higher over the 20- to 40-year life of the irrigation system. The new low- pressure, low-precipitation technolo­ gy will reduce your initial sprinkler irri­ gation costs by as much as one-third, and your operating costs by nearly the same. For now, the new technol­ ogy can be used to minimize Impacts on environmentally sensitive areas where golf courses may not other­ wise be constructed. A hidden benefit of reduced operating pressure is a longer system life. Since pipes, fittings, valves and other components have less stress with low-pressure systems, Irrigation components last longer and require less maintenance. Reduced class pipe also may be used with low-pressure systems, resulting in continued on pg. 17 A Patch of Green • 15 • July/August 1995 T ire W h o lesalers C o ., Inc. •As our name implies, we are a wholesaler of tires. •We are an established business, having been in business for over 20 years. •We deliver. •We have UPS service daily. •We guarantee what we sell. •We want your business. •We have a huge inventory of Passenger, High Performance,., Truck, Trailer, Motorcycle, Carlisle Lawn & Garden, Industrial Tires & Tubes, Shocks, Struts, Custom Mag Wheels and Accessories, all in stock for immediate delivery. (Comouaif) .ilrliVy D U IS T Ij O P C A D IL L A C TR O Y D IS T R IB U T IO N W A R E H O U S E 303 Hawthorn Street Cadillac, Ml 49601 (616) 7 7 5 - 6 6 6 6 C E N TE R 1783 E. 14 Mile Road Troy, Ml 48083 ( 8 1 0 ) 5 8 9 - 9 9 1 0 S O U T H F IE L D W A R E H O U S E 19240 West 8 Mile Road Southfield, Ml 48075 (810) 3 5 4 - 9 9 1 0 ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC. 770 S. CHESTNUT OWOSSO MI 4 8867 The Nation’s Leading Manufacturer of High-Density Polyethylene Drainage Products AdvanEDGE O SBU R N OGOBQDOTOlIê CUSTOM TOP DRESSING BLENDS CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION BLENDS Trap Sand Best 530 Best 535 •Cart Path Stone & Slag •Pea Pebble •Parking Lot Stone Call for details (313) 292-4140 Ask for Tim # & % Unfortunately, blends just c a n 't m a tc h our greens grades. When it comes to consistent results and predictable growth, blends just can’t equal the performance of our homoge­ neous greens grades fertilizers. We have five premium greens grades to choose from. Country Club® 18-4-10,18-3-12,18-0-18, 8-4-24 and 10-18-18. All which are ideal for fairways as well as greens. So call your local ^ Lebanon distributor or 1-800-233-0628 for more information. ( j O U R i r V ( J l l 0 n u T 6 6 n S ( j r & Q 6 S Jn i To contact your local sales representative call (800) 733-0575 Benham Chemical Randy Rogers (810) 673-7146 (810) 474-7474 Turfgrass, Inc. (810) 4374427 © 1992 Lebanon Turf Products Country Club® is the Registered Trademark of Lebanon Chemical Corporation. A Patch of Green • 16 • July/August 1995 continued from pg. 15 lower system material costs. Manufacturers are now pro­ viding sprinkler heads which offer similar or Improved water distribu­ tion found with high-pressure sprinklers but do so with lower pressure and lower precipitation rates. These new sprinklers use one nozzle instead of two, result­ ing in one stream of water. With the lower pressures and single nozzles, sprinkler flow rates are reduced, resulting in lower appli­ cation rates. If application rates can be reduced to meet soil Intake rates, irrigation water will no longer run to low areas, resulting in higher distribution efficiencies. Besides the obvious benefits (longer life, less water consump­ less energy consumption, tion, etc.) of low-pressure and low- application rates systems, there are also several less obvious cost saving benefits. Low precipitation sprinkler heads, with the smaller potential to produce runoff, can be Installed on a block or battery type system where several (up to six or seven heads) operate off a single valve. With the new sprinkler heads, far less differential adjust­ ment In sprinkler head water is required eliminating the need for valve in head control. If a sprinkler adjustment is required, nozzle sizes will be changed Instead of sprinkler run times. The adjust­ ment is much more permanent and far less likely to be misadjusted during future system operation. Block systems were common in the sixties and seventies; but with only high-appllcatlon sprin­ klers available, irrigators were forced to develop the valve in head sprinklers to deal with effects of high precipitation rates. There will now be a trend back to block type systems since they result in fewer valves, fewer controllers, less expensive and simpler heads, smaller pipes with smaller sprinkler flow requirements, less mainte­ nance due to fewer components and simpler equipment, all result­ ing in substantially reduced overall system costs. Future valve In head systems will use sprinklers which continued on pg. 23 IF ONLY ALL UPGRADES WERE THIS EASY - O SM AC t Save Time, Water & Energy # Dependability and Flexibility * Features Automatic Flow Management + Operates in Windows Environment # Award Winning Quality # For New Installation and Upgrades OSMAC’s powerful capabilities easily retrofit your existing irrigation control system, no matter what brand, with no downtime. OSMAC - Radio control at your fingertips! Discover why 6 out of 7 turf pros choose OSMAC over all other brands combined, CALL US FOR A FREE DEMO! TORO M O T O R O L A S P A R T A N D I S T R I B U T O R S , IN C . Specializing in Turf and Irrigation Equipment 1050 OPDYKE RD. 487 W. DIVISION ST. SPARTA, Ml 49345 (616) 887-7301 AUBURN HILLS, Ml 48326 (810) 373-8800 A Patch of Green • 17 • July/August 1995 Don’t Gamble on ov ^‘ > zH RENTAL ^eQ(y/A r ° r r f ^ \ RENTAL ° — \ RENTAL zH t rr?T) ^ RENTAL O «C -T rtih n » > zH RENTAL PRICE AVAILABILITY SERVICE QUALITY DELIVERY Palace Equipment R ental, Inc. 4640 L a p e e r R o a d O r io n , Ml 48359 ( 8 1 0 ) 3 7 3 -8 2 0 0 I 'd L i k e C o H e lp , ... by Jane St. John, CG CS, H eather Hills G olf Club How many times have you been asked to help on a project, give your input on a committee or maybe even help solve a problem in your neighborhood? What was your response to those seeking your help? Did you give the usual, "I can't find the time right now" or maybe the other favorite excuse, "I really don't have anything to contribute." Why did you really choose not to get involved? In today's society, people tend to be wrapped up in their own world and their own problems. The thought of helping someone else is not a priority in our busy lives. But when we volunteer our time and talents, who is really benefiting from the effort? Surely the organization we are involved with benefits, but have you ever thought about the value of such expe­ rience to the volunteers? "Okay, I will help you out on that committee after all. But first tell me how this will help me in my daily life." What will this volunteering do for me? Well for starters, let's look at the professional benefits. As a golf course superintendent, you may be called upon to speak at Greens Committee meetings, membership meetings and, of course, you will have to talk to the angry golfer who wants to know why you had to poke all those holes in the greens just when they were putting perfect. Volunteering in diverse areas will give you expo­ sure to many different types of people from many walks of life. You can see how other people do things, how they view what we do and how they solve prob­ lems. You may have the chance to do some public speaking, work on your organizational abilities and polish your people skills. You will learn to put your ego aside and work together with a group of people who may not have very much in common. Your problem­ solving skills will be sharpened by having this opportu­ nity to work together. In order to achieve any of these benefits, howev­ er, you must first ask yourself, "What do I really want?" You must evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, which is often an unpleasant task. When we are forced to be honest with ourselves, we may find that we don't like what we see. But once evaluated, we can set about using our strengths and improving our weak­ nesses. The results can include an improved personal and professional Image and a real feeling of accom­ plishment. By exposing ourselves to other people and other ways of doing things, we also will expand our horizons and become a more rounded person. We become more interesting to our friends, spouses and col­ leagues. New friends and contacts prove to be long lasting and productive. Longtime volunteer Tom Mason helped to dispel the argument, "I can't find the time." Tom feels that when a person claims to not have the time, what they are really saying is that they choose not to find the time. It Is not important enough to them to find the time. What they really should be saying is that they are not interested in investing their time right now. "If you choose not to become proactive, you lose the right to complain about a situation," Tom said. He believes many people in today's world find that after they climb the ladder of success, it was leaning on the wrong wall all along. Busy with their careers, they fail to take a proactive stance in other areas of their lives. Family, friends and outside interests are of vital impor­ tance to a well rounded person. One of Tom's favorite projects is currently under­ way. As a member of the Chapter Relations committee for the GCSAA, he is helping to bring about many changes in the ways that local chapters communicate with the national chapter. They are working to improve the feeling of belonging, trying to make the local chapters feel as if they really are a part of the nation­ al. This is, of course, no small task, one that Tom feels is vital to the continued success of our profession. We must continue to improve our image, educate the public and lead our profession. To achieve these goals, we must be the best people we possibly can, both as individuals and as a group. We must be able to give our time and use our skills without expecting something in return. Finally, we must have a clear vision of what we really want to achieve. With all the benefits we can realize through volun­ teering, why aren't we all lining up to help? Give of your time and skills. You will be amazed at the results. A Patch of Green • 19 • July/August 1995 w i l d l i f e M a n a g e m e n t by Steven J. Sump, Superintendent Rouge Golf Course Wildlife management is a trend that, for various rea­ sons, is increasing every day on golf courses around the country. With construction on the rise, and the suburbs stretching farther out to the countryside, animals and birds are being encroached upon, and some species even face extinction. The natural settings that golf courses offer are a perfect haven for wildlife, while the golfers and club guests get the opportunity to enjoy the great beauty of animals and birds in their natural habitat. There are different ways to attract wildlife to your golf course. Over the past few years, design, construction and management practices have been changing to accom­ modate wildlife. Although there are numerous ways to enhance wildlife on your golf course, there are several rules you must follow to be successful. Wildlife require suitable habitat in order to survive. Habitat is comprised of four components: space, water, food and cover. Space is the component you have the least control of. Landscaping with plants of high wildlife food value and building nesting boxes, ponds or naturalizing areas will reduce the amount of living space required by an individ­ ual animal. It also will increase the chance of attracting wildlife to your property. Space is not as critical, however, when you manipulate the other components. F F - II is your first line defense against winter diseases In university testing Scotts FF-II has consistently out­ performed all other PCNB products. In one convenient application, FF-II controls pink and gray snowmold, cool season brown patch, leaf spot, dollar spot, stripe smut and rust while providing a dormant feeding of 14-3-3 fertilizer for early spring green-up. Ask your ProTurf® Tech Rep for details. JOHN SKAIFE Senior Technical Representative The O.M. Scott & Sons Company Professional Business Group 9120 Sandison Drive White Lake, Ml 48386 Tel (810) 698-2358 or 1-800-543-0006 today. ^ D&C DISTRIBUTORS, INC. 51000 Grand River, Wixom, MI 48393 810-349-7779 • 1-800-888-7779 • Fax 810-349-4670 BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU BETTER- SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE Michigan’s Largest Stocking Dealer for R&R PRODUCTS QUALITY REPLACEMENT PARTS Genuine Kohler • Hahn-Westpoint • Jacobsen Cushman • Toro • Roseman • Ransomes Mott • Ryan • Yazoo • Ford * Excel National • Reel Sharpening Compound KOHLER BRIGGS & STRATTON MID-WEST RAKE YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR YOUR SUPPLY ITEMS: FLAGS - POLES Excellent Quality Personalized Tube Flags - RAKES CUPS RICO MFG. WE ALSO HANDLE AaB-SORBOIL EMULSIFIER BAYCO SUPPLIES CLOVER LAPPING COMPOUND DEDOES PARTS DRIVING RANGE EQUIPMENT EARTHWAY SPREADERS FAIRWAY MARKERS FOX VALLEY MARKING PAINT PLASTIC SIGNS PLASTIC CHAIN RAIN SUITS HAND CLEANER HOLE-IN-ONE PAINT HOSE • 3/4' & 1 “ KARCHER POWER WASHER RED MAX EQUIPMENT LEWIS LINE SUPPLIES LIFT RAMP/WORK TABLE MARFAX .00 LUBRICANT PAR AIDE SUPPLIES ROPE & STAKES ROTARY BLADE GRINDERS ROTARY BLADES SIMPLEX GRINDING EQUIPMENT TEE TOWELS TIRE SEALANT TIRE TIRE CHANGERS TRIMMER LINE & HEADS WHITE CEDAR FURNITURE WOODEN RAKES CALL US TOLL FREE - 800-888-7779 WE GUARANTEE WHAT WE SELL! A Patch of Green • 20 • July/August 1995 Managing water resources is very important in enhancing the value of your course for wildlife. Runoff from chemicals can greatly affect the balance of plant and animal life in your water sources. IPM, no spray zones and buffering the edges of water with vegetation will help you minimize chemical Inputs into water sources. Providing food Is usually the first activity that comes to mind when planning for wildlife. Bird feeders or landscape plants that are fruit, nut or seed bearing will help attract wildlife. Some things to consider when creating food sources are food prefer­ ences of different species, fruiting habits and seasonal availabili­ ty of plants. Natural areas also are beneficial In providing Insect sources for many animals. Cover Is the part of an animal's habitat that provides protec­ tion for breeding, nesting, sleeping, resting, feeding and travel. If It Is not possible to have large areas of cover available at your course, small areas connected by corridors of grasses or hedge rows can be implemented so animals seeking food and water can travel safely between areas. Dead trees (snags) provide important shelter and nesting sites for both mammals and cavity nesting birds. When they pose no safety hazard, they should be left in place. If you cannot leave snags, construct nesting boxes. Creating brush piles In woodlots will help enhance the habitat for mammals. You also must consider the arrangement of the elements of habitat (food, water and cover). If you provide food and cover, locate them near water so you complete the habitat require­ ments. The most diverse the habitat on your golf course, the more species of animals you will attract. In other words, try to create various distinct habitat types. While you are manipulating habitat to wildlife, habitat also can be manipulated to deal with problem wildlife. If you have having trouble with a particular species, find out which aspects of your habitat are helping it thrive. By knowing this, you can eliminate some of the factors conducive to problem wildlife, and hopeful­ ly eliminate them. such as This is just a summary of factors necessary to pro­ mote wildlife on your golf course. In order to aid in the preservation of wildlife, organizations the New York Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System have been founded. You may obtain additional Information on promoting wildlife on your golf course by contacting the organization and requesting additional Information. A Patch of Green • 21 • July/August 1995 DAVEY OFFERS EVERY TREE CARE SERVICE YOU’LL EVER NEED. You know that mature trees add challenge as well as beauty. You also know ma­ ture trees are impossible to replace. Davey knows how to help protect these valu­ able assets from decline, lightning, storm damage, insects and disease. Davey professionals will inventory your trees, evaluate the condition of each one, and give you a report prioritizing treatments. Over time, expert care from Davey will actually reduce your tree maintenance costs. Keep your most valuable assets standing tall with the leader in tree care since 1880. Call Davey today at (810) 689-2200 (in Troy) or (313) 459-8690 (in Canton Twp.) DAVEY TREE AND LAWN BEAUTY TERRA TOPPER T O P D R E SS IN H O U R S • Dual Spinners allow left, right or full pattern material distribution. • Control speed of spinner to speed you require. • Spreads from 15' to 20'. • 70" in length. • 61" in width. • 54" in height. • Approximately 3/4 yard hopper. • Two 24 x 13 x 12 Tires. • 8HP Electric Start Briggs & Stratton Engine. • Weight 870 pounds. The Terra Topper's dual spinners and auger are all hydraulically driven and can be turned of or on from the drivers seat. The spinner speed can be controlled from slow to fast. The auger speed can also be set for the amount of material the operator likes to spread. Also the spinners can be tilted up or down. The Topper can be pulled by most any turf vehicle. It produces a very fine spread putting the material in the grass. Play or putting w ill not be affected. C o m m e r c i a l ( L i u T Jo h n L. K irtla n d 149 N. Perry, Pontiac, Michigan 48342 (810) 858-7705 Fax: (810) 338-0429 continued fro m pg. 17 require lower pressures and pro­ vide reduced application rates. Poor irrigation scheduling is common on golf courses due to lack of water use information. Currently, instruments, such as weather stations, which measure turfgrass water use, are found only on high-end courses due to their relatively high cost. How­ ever, the cost of these devices is dropping as new technology emerges. Water use simulators and soil sensors will become more widely used as their cost diminish­ es and the technology proves its worth. These instruments mea­ sure directly or indirectly the exact water requirements of the turf and other landscape plants on a daily basis and provide the super­ intendent with exact water use data. By setting the irrigation sys­ tem to return only the amount of water the planned needs, irrigation efficiency improves. to meet required realizes Permitting of future golf pro­ jects will be achieved by drawing on new technology and innovative irrigation techniques. Low-pres­ sure, low-precipitation systems will become the norm as the industry the benefits which come without diminished performance. The days of any­ thing goes with irrigation are nearing an end. High prices on irri­ gation systems, lingering prob­ lems with existing technology and drive for environmentally sensitive projects will change the future of irrigation. Certainly complicated and expensive valve in head com­ puter control systems are here to stay immediate future; however, golf course irrigation is in the still in its infancy. Most existing technology is less than 25 years old and there is enormous room for improvement. David Beck is president of David B. Beck & Associates, an irrigation consulting firm based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Classified Ad J. Mollema & Son Inc. is currently seeking a qualified person to act as Sales Rep. in the Eastern part of Michigan. All interested persons should send a resume to: j. M ollem a & Son Inc. Attn: Kurt Brace 5400 56th Street Grand Rapids, Ml 49512 For more information call: 1-800-234-GROW K X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X J KLEIN FERTILZERS, INC. 3 2 0 Garden Lane Fowlerville, M l 4 8 8 3 6 'P&tfiiy&i SfrecieUiato * a m The “N atural” O rganic Fertilzer Choice for Turf and Ornam entals. N U T R IG A N IC S " X Professional use granular weed and feed grades for lawn maintenance. X Professional use specialty and slow release grades for golf courses, lawn maintenance and nurseries. X Golf Club Green Brand: superior quality retail lawn fertilizers. X Kleins special hydroseed fertilizers are far less abrasive on equipment. X Custom Formulation for special needs, soil test recommendations and bids. X Private label packaging for retailers. ex Sm alt “T tU ieted a te ‘P iic c i • '?