WM. H. BENGEYFIELD Western Director • W e s t e rn T u rf l e t t er • Vol. 9 - No, 5 The Way to Progress L O O K I NG B A CK And September - October 1960 L O O K I NG F O R W A RD Total Programing is the lesson of I9601. More than ever before, the alert turf manager has found that success is not due to one or two practices such as fertilization or irrigation * Rather, success is due to a combina- tion of many practices, properly controlled and in such a way that each one supports the other. A1 Radko, Eastern Director of the USGA Green Section puts it this way; "A golf course program of maintenance and management is an intri- cate combination of men, materials, timing, climate, grasses, etc J1 It is useless to provide a 1007o fertility program if the rest of the management picture amounts to only 50%i The year of 1960 has taught a lesson and its simple message is that over-all turf management practices can be im- proved. The question now is; have we learned the lesson well enough to profit by it in 1961? Western Turf Conferences have always been excellent sources of new in- formation. This year's meetings were well attended and well filled with information (old and new) that can and should be used for TOTAL PROGRAMING by you for your success in the future. Soil Tests - 3 Kinds Now The "USGA Specifications for Putting Green Construction11 have created tremendous interest in the west. Mr. Jim Latham, Agronomist for the Milwaukee Sewerage Commission stressed the importance of the superintendent closely studying these specifications prior to use. "There are really three soil tests now to which we may subject soils. One is the regular chemical test whereby availability of various nutrients (pH, phosphorusj potassium, calcium, magnesium and soluble salts) are determined. A second test involves a mechanical analysis of a soil to determine the percentage of sand, silt, clay and perhaps organic matter Research has now taken us one step further for putting green present. Soil Tests - 3 Kinds Now (Cont'd) soils. It is the physical analysis and is concerned with such matters as permeability, moisture retention, total and type of porosity, bulk density, degree of aggregation and mineral derivation/' It must be stressed and stressed again: The USGA Specifications for Putting Green Construction MUST be carried out in their entirety• The proper top soil mixture can no longer be determined by guessing. A physical test is needed. Each part of the construction process is dependent upon the next and any alteration in the specifications jeopardizes the entire project. Disease Study Reports Dr. Charles Gould, Plant Pathologist of the Western Washington Experiment Station reports that Fusarium Patch continues as the Number 1 turf problem in the Pacific Northwest. However, his research shows that effective control through the Fusarium Patch season is achieved by the following program: Alternate applications every two weeks with the following; (A) 3/4 oz. of a 10% PMA material in 10 gals, water per 1000 sq . feet. (B) 1 oz. of Caddy in 10 gals, of water per 1000 sq. feet. With each application, add from 1/8 to 1/4 lb. of actual nitrogen from either calcium nitrate or ammonium nitrate per 1000 sq. feet. In another discussion of disease control Dr. B. R. Ellison, Director of Research for the PAX Company pointed out how complex disease organisms may become. Disease identification may be difficult. For this reason, the broad-spectrum fungicides are here to stay. These specially compounded fungicides contain several chemicals known to be effective against a number of diseases in a particular area. Disease diagnosis becomes of less im- portance. However, specific fungicides for specific diseases may still be the best solution for the alert superintendent. Winter Protection of Greens Dr. Jim Watson, Director Agronomy Division of the Toro Manufacturing Corporation presented a paper on Snow Mold and Winter Kill injury to putting green turf. This has been a serious problem in several western areas, par- ticularly in mountains and high elevation areas. The greatest damage occurs during periods of light snow cover, moderate winds and/or bright days. Watson found that polyethylene tarpaulin over the putting green was most effective in preventing Winter Kill (desiccation) . However, some method of Snow Mold protection must be provided under the tarp. He used 15 lbs. of Milorganite treated with 4 ozs. of Calo-Clor per 1000 sq. feet. Perhaps an added benefit from "Winterizing greens" is the early spring greening and growth of the grass that was under cover. Watson believes this is due to the dark color of the Milorganite, not a nitrogen response. * - V f Aquatic Weed Control There are some promising new materials soon to be available for aquatic weed control. This was brought to light by Mr. Henry Karsner, specialist in the field from Tacoma, Washington. In addition to arsenic tri-oxide (sodium arsenite) and 2,4-D compounds, two new chemicals (f!AQUA-TOLM and ffTD-47n) will be released. They are effective and somewhat more selective than present materials. However, it seems we already have the means of controlling aquatic weeds on the golf course if present materials are used properly. More on this in a later issue of the Western Turfletter. ONE TRIP -- ATTEND TWO MEETINGS An unusual opportunity exists for USGA Course Superintendents and Green Chairmen in early 1961. The International Turfgrass Conference and Show will be held at The Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Canada from January 30th through February 3rd, 1961. This outstanding program is sponsored by the Golf Course Superintendents1 Association of America. It is the 32nd Annual Conference and of great import to all professional turf managers. Now for the unusual opportunity. On Friday, January 27th at 10:00 A.M., the Annual USGA Green Section Educational Program will be held at the Biltmore Hotel, New York City. "The Golf Course Worker — Training and Direction1' will be the topic for this all day meeting. It is a vital subject and many noted speakers including Dr. Gene C. Nutter, Executive Secretary of the Golf Course Superintendents1 Association, Mr. D. M. Lilly, USGA Green Section Committeeman and many experienced and successful Superintendents will be on the program. The following day, (Saturday) the Annual USGA Meetings will also be held at the Biltmore. By air, Toronto is less than two hours from New York and by car or train the distance is less than 500 miles (San Francisco to Los Angeles). Here is a fine opportunity to attend both meetings and to make your trip doubly rewarding. WESTERN FERTILIZER HANDBOOK -- OUT SOON First printed in 1953, the Western Fertilizer Handbook will soon have its Third Edition ready for distribution. The Handbook will discuss not only western soils and fertilizers, but subjects such as Water and Irrigation; Acid, Saline and Alkali Soils; The Plant - The Cell and many other subjects. Earlier editions have found world wide acceptance as an excellent reference source for all agriculturalists. The Handbook contains no advertising and is a product of the non-profit Soil Improvement Committee of the California Fertilizer Association. Addi- tional information may be obtained by writing to the Association at 719 K Street, Sacramento 14, California. •>v Vc -k /V vc y> "To most people stress connotes strain; but stress is a necessity in our modern life. Each individual can tolerate a specific level of stress. If we achieve this level exactly, we live dynamic, purposeful, useful, happy lives. If we exceed this level, we have difficulties." E. P. Luongo, M.D., Medical Director, General Petroleum Corporation, Los Angeles. 0. a GOLF ASSOCIATION GREEN SECTION WESTERN OFFICE P.O. Box 567 Garden Grove, California BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE P A ID Garden Grove, Calif. Permit No. 83 Dr. J. R. Watson, Jr. Cheif Agronomist Toro Manufacturing Corp, Minneapolis hf Minn.