The Birdie

c>Better  Than Par For  The

GEORGE  CARSON

July 9,  1968

Vol.  1 No.4  Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course 
-------------  Superintendents Association ------------------- —
Golf Day,  Tuesday,  Sept.  10th.  Jim Tilley has informed 
me of some misunderstanding in regard to the tickets sent 
to each of the members.  Each member was sent $55.00 worth 
of tickets.  Each member will be billed  for $20.00.  The 
additional $35.00 worth of tickets will be sold and the 
money turned in or the unsold tickets will be turned in.
From the desk of Bill Rahling. M.S.U.

Flood Damage

The excessive rainfall occuring June 21 through June 28 
caused the worst flooding in southern Michigan in recent 
years.  Many acres of commercial sod, golf courses,  and 
lawns are completely submerged.
Damage from flooding may result from erosion,  deposition 
of soil and debris,  or direct injury from submersion.
Erosion results from flood waters moving at high velocity 
and generally occurs adjacent to river banks.  The only 
solution for erosion damage is reestablishment.  Deposition 
of soil and debris occurs more in slow moving or standing water 
Wood, metal and similar debris must be removed to avoik in­
terference with mowing.  Another concern is the deposition 
of silt and fine sand,  which can kill turf by burning or 
may restrict further water movement into the soil.  The 
upper layer of a heavy deposition should be removed with 
shovels or scrapers,  but comlete  removal would involve 
serious mechanical injury to the turfgrass.  A light soil 
deposition should be washed from the grass leaves by 
irrigation as soon as possible.  The affected area should 
also be aerified to improve water and air  movement be­
tween the soil and atmosphere.

Direct submersion injury results from lack of soil oxygen 
and can occur within a matter of hours.  Under these conditions 
the lack of soil oxygen causes a die-hack of the root system. 
This results in an inhibition of water and nutrient uptake, 
and the plants actually wilt under water*.  Temperature is an 
important factor in the survival of submerged turfgrass.  High 
light intensities and high temperatures cause a build-up of 
heat in  the standing water which drastically decreases the 
chances for plant survival.
Certain turfgrass diseases are promoted by excess water.
Among these are Helminthosporium leafspot,  Rhizoctonia 
brownpatch,  and Pythium.  Outbreaks of these diseases are 
often severe when warm weather follows flooding.  Appropriate 
fungicides include Fore 80% WP.  DYRENE 50% WP,  and PANOGEN 
TURF FUNGICIDE  for leafspot;  Dexon 35% for Pythium;  and 
PCNB 75% WP, FORE 80% WP,  and TERSAN OM for brownpatch.
Algae is also associated with waterlogged soils.  Algae is 
a green plant which readily invades wet bare soils where 
turf is thin enough to the extent that sunlight reaches 
the soil.  This growth can become so thick that proper  water 
and air movement is restricted.  Breaking up the surface crust 
and making a light application of hydrated lime will alleviate 
this problem.
Employment1.  I.Ivl.A.  Brookwood Golf Course on Davison Rd in
Flint has an opening on the golf course for one full time 
employee.  Complete Union benefits.  For information call 
Jim Heister,  Telephone:  234-4633  Flint, Michigan