kromer affordable topdresser - michigan state universitysturf.lib.msu.edu/page/1996jun21-30.pdf ·...

10
STMA IN ACTION Colorado Chapter: CSTMA will hold a Mid-Summer Seminar on July 12 at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction, CO. A flyer will be sent with further information. Make plans now to take part in "The 1996 Lawnmower-Man Open" Golf Tour- nament set for July 23 at the West Woods Golf Club in Arvada, CO. For information on this seminar or the golf tournament, the Colorado Chapter or other upcoming events, call the 24-Hour CSTMA Chapter Hotline/FAX: (303) 438-9645 and leave a message, or contact: Troy Smith, Denver Broncos, at (303) 649-9000. Florida Chapter #1: Note date change - the Florida Chapter meeting originally scheduled for July 16 has been moved to August 6 to accommodate the needs of Olympic Trials Soccer. The meeting site is the Orange BowlPress Box. Meeting host, Dale Sandin, Orange Bowl sports turf manager, will give a slide presentation on Olympic Trials Soccer. A stadium tour will complete the day's activities. The Florida Chapter will also hold a "Turf Rodeo" on August 29 in conjunc- tion with the Florida Parks and Recre- ation Association (FPRA) activities at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Ft. Lauderdale. For information on these activities, the Florida Chapter, and other pending events, contact: John Mascaro, (305) 938-7477. Minnesota Chapter: MSTMA's second Workshop on Wheels has been set for Tuesday, July 16, in conjunction with a St. Paul Saints game. More details on this day-longevent will be announced soon. For information on the workshop, the Minnesota Chapter or other upcoming activities, contact: Brian Deyak at (612) 255-7223. Midwest Chapter: ''Training with the Bears" is planned for Wednesday, July 24, at the Chicago Bears Training Facility in Lake Forest, IL. The meeting will include a tour of the new state-of-the-art training facility. For information on this meeting, the Midwest Chapter or other upcoming events, call: The Chapter Hotline, (847) 439-4727. Iowa Chapter: For information on the Iowa Sports Turf Managers Association and upcoming activities, contact: Lori Westrum at The Turf Office at (515) 232-8222 (phone) or (515) 232-8228 (fax). Southern California Chapter: The Southern California Chapter's next meeting is planned for August 31 at the Epicenter Stadium in Rancho Cuca- monga. Activities include a stadium tour, a dinner and camaraderie break, and the opportunity to attend the game between the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes ball team and a worthy opponent. For information on this event, the Southern California Chapter and upcoming activities, contact: Chris Bun- nell at (619) 432-2421. STMA Chapters on the Grow Arizona: For information on the newly forming Sports Turf Managers Association of Arizona, about upcoming events, or to find out how you can get involved, contact: Bill Murphy, City of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Depart- ment, at (602) 994-7954. Kansas: The newly forming Kansas Chapter is meeting regularly on the last Wednesday of each month. A mid- September seminar is in the planning stages. The same seminar format will be repeated during the designated week at different sites across the state - starting in east Kansas and then moving on to central and west Kansas locations. For information on the monthly meet- ings, the September seminars - and especially to get involved - contact: Mark Schimming ofWichita Baseball, Inc. at (316) 292-2907, extension 205. Make Plans Now! STMA's Annual Conference and Exhi- bition - January 15-19, 1997, in Colorado Springs, CO - is now only about six months away. KROMER (AFM)TM GROOM baseball and softball fields with spring tooth harrow - leveling blade - heavy bristle nylon broom. You can also add water spray for infield conditioning. PAINT precision INLAID double covered lines with a hydraulic driven line cutter. SPRAY chemicals with 4 boom sizes. "Specialists in Athletic Field Maintenance Equipment" Kromer Co. 2365 Commerce Blvd., Mound, MN 55365-1425 (800) 373-0337 • Fax (612) 472-4371 Circle 112 on Postage Free Card Affordable Topdresser For about 1/3 the price of a typical large-area topdresser, the Millcreek Topdresser/Spreader will spread 2 cu. yds. in 7 minutes and topdress a football field in 2 to 3 hours. • Rugged construction, built to last. • Adjustable spread pattern, 3 ft. to 10 ft. wide. • Unsurpassed for compost, clippings and more. • More versatility - simple, safe operation. The Millcreek Topdresser/Spreader will let you do more kinds of spreading jobs with less labor than ever before. Plus, you never pay too much for quality turf equipment from Millcreek. Millcreek Manufacturing Company 2616 Stumptown Road, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 1 (800) 879-6507 Circle 113 on Postage Free Card June 1996 21

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STMA IN ACTIONColorado Chapter: CSTMA will

hold a Mid-Summer Seminar on July12 at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction,CO. A flyer will be sent with furtherinformation.

Make plans now to take part in "The1996 Lawnmower-Man Open" Golf Tour-nament set for July 23 at the WestWoods Golf Club in Arvada, CO.

For information on this seminar or thegolf tournament, the Colorado Chapteror other upcoming events, call the 24-HourCSTMA Chapter Hotline/FAX: (303)438-9645 and leave a message, or contact:Troy Smith, Denver Broncos, at (303)649-9000.

Florida Chapter #1: Note datechange - the Florida Chapter meetingoriginally scheduled for July 16 has beenmoved to August 6 to accommodate theneeds of Olympic Trials Soccer. Themeeting site is the Orange BowlPress Box.Meeting host, Dale Sandin, Orange Bowlsports turf manager, will give a slidepresentation on Olympic Trials Soccer.A stadium tour will complete the day'sactivities.

The Florida Chapter will also hold a"Turf Rodeo" on August 29 in conjunc-tion with the Florida Parks and Recre-ation Association (FPRA) activities at theRolling Hills Country Club in Ft.Lauderdale.

For information on these activities, theFlorida Chapter, and other pendingevents, contact: John Mascaro, (305)938-7477.

Minnesota Chapter: MSTMA'ssecond Workshop on Wheels has been setfor Tuesday, July 16, in conjunction witha St. Paul Saints game. More details onthis day-longevent will be announced soon.

For information on the workshop, theMinnesota Chapter or other upcomingactivities, contact: Brian Deyak at(612) 255-7223.

Midwest Chapter: ''Training with theBears" is planned for Wednesday, July24, at the Chicago Bears Training Facilityin Lake Forest, IL. The meeting willinclude a tour of the new state-of-the-arttraining facility.

For information on this meeting, theMidwest Chapter or other upcomingevents, call: The Chapter Hotline, (847)439-4727.

Iowa Chapter: For information on theIowa Sports Turf Managers Associationand upcoming activities, contact: LoriWestrum at The Turf Office at (515)232-8222 (phone) or (515) 232-8228 (fax).

Southern California Chapter: TheSouthern California Chapter's nextmeeting is planned for August 31 at theEpicenter Stadium in Rancho Cuca-monga. Activities include a stadiumtour, a dinner and camaraderie break, andthe opportunity to attend the game

between the Rancho Cucamonga Quakesball team and a worthy opponent.

For information on this event, theSouthern California Chapter andupcoming activities, contact: Chris Bun-nell at (619) 432-2421.STMA Chapters on the Grow

Arizona: For information on thenewly forming Sports Turf ManagersAssociation of Arizona, about upcomingevents, or to find out how you can getinvolved, contact: Bill Murphy, City ofScottsdale Parks and Recreation Depart-ment, at (602) 994-7954.

Kansas: The newly forming KansasChapter is meeting regularly on the lastWednesday of each month. A mid-September seminar is in the planningstages. The same seminar format will berepeated during the designated weekat different sites across the state -starting in east Kansas and then movingon to central and west Kansas locations.

For information on the monthly meet-ings, the September seminars - andespecially to get involved - contact:Mark Schimming ofWichita Baseball, Inc.at (316) 292-2907, extension 205.Make Plans Now!

STMA's Annual Conference and Exhi-bition - January 15-19, 1997, inColoradoSprings, CO - is now only about sixmonths away.

KROMER (AFM)TM

GROOM baseball and softball fields with springtooth harrow - leveling blade - heavybristle nylon broom. You can also addwater spray for infield conditioning.

PAINT precision INLAID double covered lineswith a hydraulic driven line cutter.

SPRAY chemicals with 4 boom sizes."Specialists in Athletic Field Maintenance Equipment"

Kromer Co.2365 Commerce Blvd., Mound, MN 55365-1425

(800) 373-0337 • Fax (612) 472-4371

Circle 112 on Postage Free Card

Affordable Topdresser

For about 1/3 the price of a typical large-area topdresser,the Millcreek Topdresser/Spreader will spread 2 cu. yds.in 7 minutes and topdress a football field in 2 to 3 hours.

• Rugged construction, built to last.• Adjustable spread pattern, 3 ft. to 10 ft. wide.• Unsurpassed for compost, clippings and more.• More versatility - simple, safe operation.

The Millcreek Topdresser/Spreader will let you do morekinds of spreading jobs with less labor than ever before.Plus, you never pay too much for quality turf equipmentfrom Millcreek.

Millcreek Manufacturing Company2616 Stumptown Road, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505

1 (800) 879-6507

Circle 113 on Postage Free Card

June 1996 21

CHEMICAL LOG~

Plant Growth Regulators for TurfBy Dr. David M. Kopec

Plant growth regulators (PGRs)can be used on turfgrass to (1)reduce seed head emergence, (2)

reduce clipping production and mowingfrequency, (3) reduce the frequency ofstriping sports fields by mixing the PGRwith paint, or (4) favor one grass overanother. Plant growth regulators arecommonly referred to as either Type I orType II PGRs.

Type I PGRs affect turfgrass growthby stopping cell division (plant makesfewer cells). Type II PGRs inhibit cellexpansion (new cells are smaller thannormal).

Not all PGR products are safe on allgrasses, nor will all grasses respondsafely to PGRs.

Application of PGRs for turf seedhead suppression on low-maintenancesites should be made prior to seed heademergence, when the grass greens up.Type I PGRs are used for this purpose.

In general, PGRs should be appliedwhen the turf is not stressed and has beengrowing actively prior to the application.

For regularly mowed turfs, PGRs areused mainly for reduced mowing clippingsand frequencies. Type II PGRs are oftenused here, although Type I PGRs are also.

Before applications in these set-tings, make sure you follow theseguidelines.

1. Make sure the grass has been ade-quately growing for a few weeks (green-up is complete). You want the Kentuckybluegrass, ryegrass and tall fescue tobe fully green in the spring before youapply a PGR. Bermudagrass should begreen from winter, and the nighttime tem-perature should be in the 60s or morebefore applying a PGR.

2. Mow regularly at the proper mowingheight for the first two to three mowings.Avoid scalping at all costs.

3. Apply the PGR. Do not mow for threeto four days.

4. Mow once more to make the treatedturf "even" looking.

5. Follow label directions for rateapplications and repeat intervals. Applyingthe maximum rate at one time initiallymay discolor the grass more.

6. Some discoloration or tip burningmay occur. An application of iron as aspray before, during, or after the PGRapplication often helps the appearancealong with the PGR. If you apply the ironwith the PGR, make sure the PGR labelsays it's safe to make a "tank mix"with iron.

Suppression should take effect rightafter the "even-up" mowing and can lastanywhere from three to five weeks withType I PGRs and from four to six weekswith Type II PGRs, under ideal conditions.

Remember to follow label directionsfor rates and additional applicationrestrictions.

Read the label closely to follow theguidelines for post-application irriga-tion. Certain PGRs are taken up pri-marily by the foliage and have a specifictime interval when they must dry onthe leaf. Others are absorbed through theroots and must be watered in via rainfallor irrigation.

Some PGRs work much better on coolseason grasses, while others work betteron warm season grasses. Some work onboth, but the rate of product determineswhich grasses it controls.

DO NOT:1. Apply PGRs to highly dormant

turf.2. Apply PGRs to heat, cold or drought

stressed turf.3. Apply over the label rate to try to

extend the growth reduction period.4. Apply large amounts of nitrogen to

cause recuperation if growth reduction,burning or thinning is too severe.

5. Scalp the lawn before application ofthePGR.

Displayed in the table is a partiallist of commonly used PGRs on turf,their trade names and common names.

Dr. David M. Kopec is a turf extensionspecialist at the University of Arizona'sCollege of Agriculture in Tucson.

22 sporfsTURF

ROOKIES,..,.To mix Primo with field paint, add 1/2

ounce of Primo into a spray tank forevery gallon of finished paint. Whenused at recommended rates, Primo helpsreduce turf growth and clippings byapproximately 50 percent for four weeks.CIBA TURF ANDORNAMENTAL PRODUCTSCircle 128 on Postage Free Card

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debris blower measures 40 inches indiameter and features a nine-inch-widesymmetrical blower fan with intakefrom both the front and rear to providea total volume of 7,000 cubic feet perminute. Also available is the BL-IOOOdebris blower with a 27-inch diameter fan.GOOSSEN INDUSTRIES &CONSTRUCTIONCircle 127 on Postage Free Card

Field PaintlPlant GrowthManagement Combined

PrimdIDplant growth management toolis now available for use in sports fieldmarking paint. The use of Primo in fieldmarking paint reduces the expensivelabor and material costs associated withpainting athletic fields by managingthe growth of the painted turf, thusextending paint visibility.

New HydroseedingProcess

HydroSod®, a true seeding process,begins when the seed is fully pre-ger-minated and treated with over a dozenother innovative techniques at HydroSod'sstate-of-the-art processing center.HydroSod's ability to establish within sixto eight weeks reduces weed potential,minimizes plant stress, develops supe-rior root structure, avoids soil interfaceproblems and reduces fungus and diseasepotential. HydroSod's cost-effectiveness

allows for the establishment of turf-grass year-round.HYDROSODCircle 129 on Postage Free Card

New Technology toReclaim Sodic Soils

Based on technology developed atand patented by Texas A & M Univer-sity, a powerful sodium displacer has beenbrought to market in the western U.S.by California Turf The material, Exodis,is a strong liquid calcium electrolytewhich is 350 times more soluble andworks many times faster than gypsum.

Designed to displace sodium ions onsoil particles with calcium ions, theproduct yields several benefits, includingenhanced root mass development, deeperroot extension and soil flocculationallowing better soil drainage.CALIFORNIATURF PRODUCTS CO.Circle 130 on Postage Free Card

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June 1996 23

spll1s1111f ~

Organics Like It Hot NaturalTurf Management, Part 6

By Marc McMullen

Since the late 1960s, when the firstreported signs of turfgrass diseaseresistance were discovered, the

turfgrass industry has been challengedto find new ways of suppressing increas-ingly resistant types ofdisease pathogens.Growing concerns about the effects ofpes-ticides on the environment have made theuse of new, improved fungicides a diffi-cult direction for the turfgrass industryto head.

A new direction the turfgrass industryis taking is in the development of diseaseresistant cultivars of turfgrasses. Anotherpath of study has led the industry tothe use of natural organic fertilizers andcomposted materials for disease sup-pression. This direction emphasizes theuse of organic fertilizers and compostedmaterials not only as a nitrogen source,but also as a way to increase in the soil"antagonistic microorganisms" that canaid in the biological control of turfgrasspathogens.Natural Organic Fertilizers

With natural organic fertilizers, youapply a nitrogen source that is containedin complexorganic compounds.These com-pounds must first be decomposed bymicroorganisms in the soilbefore they canbe used by turfgrass plants. Since thedecomposition is moisture and temper-ature dependent, it increases as soiltemperature rises.

This dependency on microorganismsto break down the organic compoundsresults in slower nitrogen release rates.Beard (1973) documented that charac-teristics commonly associated withorganic carriers include:

(a) a medium initial release rate,(b) low water solubility,(c) minimum foliar burn potential(d) higher costs per unit ofnitrog~n,(e) reduced loss by leaching,(D lower nitrogen analysis and(g) longer residual periods of four to

eight weeks.

24 sports TURF

These characteristics can be put to gooduse to control nitrogen release and burnpotential during the higher tempera-tures of the summer months.

The aim of fertilization in the summeris to maintain growth at lower rates. Inthe fall, natural organic fertilizers canuse the lower temperatures to have a slowrelease mechanism and aid in the hard-ening-off process when limited shootgrowth and maximum root growth arethe goals.

One of the reasons natural organicfertilizers are not used in large quantitiesis that they are thought to produce alower quality of turf than syntheticnitrogen sources. This can be true duringthe initial ratings and clippings yields. Inresearch done at the University of Mas-sachusetts, slow release natural organicmaterials including Hagerstown sludge(5-2-0),Milorganite (6-2-0),and Ringer TurfRestore (10-2-6)were compared to ureas(45-0-0) for quality and clipping yields.

The synthetic nitrogen carrier startedout as a superior source of growth andquality. As the experiment continuedinto mid-July, the Hagerstown sludgeproduct showed superior clipping yieldsand quality ratings. The increase inquality and clippings can be attributedto the increased nitrogen released asthe soil microorganisms decomposed theorganic compounds. The increase in yieldand quality can also be attributed tothe rise in soil temperature from earlyJune to mid-July.

Another problem associated withsome natural organic fertilizers is highlevels ofheavy metals. Realizing this, theEnvironmental Protection Agency reg-ulates the amounts of heavy metals inthese organic fertilizers.

Many other fertilizers also containthese heavy metals, but are not requiredto meet the stringent quality controlstandards like natural organic fertil-izers. Mackintosh and Cooper (1993)documented that fertilizers derived from

leather tankage material may containchromium at levels greater than 15,000ppm, compared to sludge-based fertilizersthat typically contain less than 100 ppm.Fertilizers derived from ironite havebeen found to contain more than 20,000ppm of arsenic, compared to less than tenppm in sludge-based fertilizers. Rockphosphate mined to manufacture superphosphate for blended fertilizers cancontain cadmium levels around 100 ppm,while sludges typically contain less thanten ppm of cadmium.

The thought that natural organic fer-tilizers are high in heavy metals mightbe a concern, but these heavy metalscan also show up in higher levels inmany other types of fertilizers.

The fact that these organic fertilizersare slow release can also be a positivefactor in the heat of the summer andduring hardening off in the late fall.

Disease SuppressionNatural organic fertilizers and/or

composted materials have been shownto suppress some turfgrass pathogens.This occurs due to the presence ofmicro-bial organisms. Gallant (1993) docu-mented that these microorganisms areantagonists that, when found in sufficientnumbers, can interfere with the activi-ties of plant pathogens. Compostedmaterials therefore not only strengthenturfgrass, but also provide microbialantagonists that can suppress diseases.

Organic fertilizers can lead to dis-ease suppression on many types ofgrasses. On bentgrass greens, Soikaand Sanders (1990) documented thatexcellent suppression of brown patchwas obtained with Ringer ExperimentalI, Ringer Experimental 2, Sustane andASC 66912. Ringer Experimental I andASC 66912 provided suppression ofdollar spot that was statistically dif-ferent from the check and not statisticallydifferent from the Dyrene standard.Plots treated with Dyrene and ASC

FOR PRODUCT INFO FAXED TO YOU NOW! DIAL: 1(800) 817·1889

66912 were rated highest in overall turfquality.

These reports showed that the diseaseswere not suppressed completely, but ifconditions were right, some organic fer-tilizers could suppress the dollar spot andbrown patch pathogens as well as fungi-cides.

This type of result was obtained in asimilar study at the University of RhodeIsland. Hull, Jackson, Liu and Alliare

Figure 1. Turfgrass quality inresponse to fertility programs.Arrows indicate fertilizerapplications.

(1991) documented in a test .- 8....----------------------,with eight composted organic ~ g ~~F~~ci66I~~.~. UREA

wastes and two organic g ~~:g~:~~ggg~~:~:~~LGnitrogen fertilizers that inci- g 6 • 2lbs. N/1OO0sq. ft. RIN

odence of dollar spot wasreduced somewhat by fer-tilizers having higher levelsof soluble N.

This does not necessarilyshow that organic fertilizerssuppress the dollar spotpathogen, since one ofthe cul-tural management practicesto reduce dollar spot is toincrease nitrogen. So, it is hard to saywhether the disease is reduced by the

antagonistic microorganismsproduced by the organic fer-tilizers or by the increase ofnitrogen in the soil.

But, in the case of brownpatch an increase of nitrogendoes not reduce the path-ogen. Actually, a higheramount of nitrogen canincrease the severity of thedisease. Therefore, theremay be some antagonisticmicroorganisms produced

91...---------------------.

i~....-._.. _u

.g>3:::J1-2

1OIT--------------".:----------l

o NO FERTILIZERD 1 lb. N/1ooo sq. ft. UREA62 Ibs. N/1ooo sq. ft. HAG<©> 2 Ibs. N/10oo sq. ft. MIL• 2lbs. N/10oo sq. ft. RIN

20 Jun 18 Jul 15Aug1991

12 Sep 10 Oct

T"""

---en@A"0CD>=0>2c'0..,9-<30...L..- --'

20 Jun 12 Sep 10 Oct18 Jul 15Aug1991

Figure 2. Clipping yield in responseto fertility programs. Arrows indicate

fertilizer applications.

by the organic fertilizers working toresist the brown patch pathogen.Topdressing Strategies

With more and more golf courses onfrequent topdressing programs, studieshave been done to test disease suppres-sion using either organic fertilizers or com-posted materials. As topdressing mate-rials are added frequently to tees andgreens, organic fertilizers and compostedmaterials can be incorporated into the

continued on page 26

• I' ~,,~~ ~ ••••

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lawn debris. Collects up to 51 cu. ft. For more infor-mation on the Estate Master or any Parker product,contact us at:

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Dethatcher /Vertical Mower

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June 1996 25

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Organics Like It Hotcontinued from page 25topdressing to suppress diseases anddecrease the amount of fungicides neededto control these pathogens.

Nelson and Craft (1989) documentedin a study on creeping bentgrass greensthat topdressings amended with eitherRinger Compost Plus, Ringer GreensRestore or Sustane were effective insuppressing brown patch. Control ofbrown patch with these materials was asgood as a high rate of the fungicideBanner. Also, topdressing prepared froma sludge and leaf compost significantlyreduced brown patch severity as comparedwith untreated plots.

Most composts used in this studywere one year old or younger. Theseimmature composts were ineffective,particularly the sewage sludgecomposts.

A similar study also was done on anannual bluegrass putting green for dollarspot suppression. Nelson and Craft (1989)documented that only topdressingamended with Ringer Compost Plus andRinger Greens Restore significantly sup-pressed dollar spot development. Thelevel of disease control was as good as thatprovided by Banner. Topdressing

formulated with composts were ineffec-tive in suppressing dollar spot. Itwas con-cluded that some organic fertilizers mayreduce damage from dollar spot whenapplied to putting greens as a topdressing.The amount of disease suppression mayhave increased if the rates ofnitrogen wereincreased.

Another study of disease suppressionusing organic fertilizers was done on aperennial ryegrass stand. Nelson andCraft (1989) documented that topdressingamended with Sustane significantly

suppressed red thread development ascompared to untreated plots. Topdressingformulated with composts were ineffec-tive in suppressing red thread. Itwas con-cluded that some organic fertilizers mayreduce damage from red thread whenapplied as a topdressing.

Eric Nelson (1992) did an extensiveamount of research on the suppressionof diseases using topdressings amendedwith organic fertilizers and composts.There was no one product that significantlysuppressed all types of diseases. The

Table 2Biological Suppression of Various Turfgrass Diseases

With Compost-Amended Topdressinqss% Disease Control

Red ThreadTopdressing Amendment Dollar Spot Brown Patch Typhula Blight Pythium Root Rot

47.4

Brewery Compost

None

52.6*Greens Restore'SustaneSludge Compost A

Leaf CompostHorse Manure CompostSludge Compost BFungicide Standard'

65.7* 66.7* 8.5 0.030.3 75.0* 78.7* 15.234.3 41.7* 14.9 69.7*10.1 25.0 36.2 69.7*

4.5 38.9 0.00.0 0.0 0.0 54.5*0.0 8.3 0.0

97.0* 88.9* 33.3

57.9*36.8

42.1

a Determined 30, 13, 27, and 19 days post-application for Dollar Spot, Brown Patch, Red Thread and Pythium Root Rot, respectively. Gray snowmold evaluated in the spring (April), 6 months after the last fall application.

b Greens Restore is an uncomposted organic fertilizer composed of plant and animal meals.c Fungicide standard for all diseases except Pythium Root Rot consisted of Banner applied at the rate of 4 oz./1,000 ft'. For Pythium Root Rot.

Subdue was applied at the rate of 2 oz./1,000 ft'.Numbers followed by an (*) indicate statistically significant levels of disease control as compared with untreated plots.

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26 sports TURF

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likely reason is that each product nurturesa different type of antagonistic micro-organism, and these microorganismsare specific to one type of disease. If thisis hue, then reproduction of these microor-ganisms could produce a biological methodof suppressing that specific disease. Also,where the organic fertilizers do sup-press diseases, they do as well if notbetter than the fungicide standard for thatdisease. Thus, if you used the rightorganic fertilizer for a specific disease, youcould reduce the amount of fungicideneeded to control it.

If the composted material is older, itseems to suppress higher amounts ofdiseases. Nelson (1991) documented thatsuppression of a number of turfgrass

diseases by composts occurs if the com-post is well aged or mature. Our researchindicates that the level of disease sup-pression inmature composts is due to theintense microbial activity associatedwith these composts.Composts Corning of Age

Composts, if managed properly, canbe a beneficial part of turfgrass man-agement. With the increased pressure onlimiting the amount of organic wastes(mostly leaves and grass clippings),compost piles can be an alternative to thelocal landfill.

If the com post pile is allowed tomature and the right microbial activityis present, compost can be a source of

Table 2Fertilizer Products Used in the Study

Product Nitrogen SourceHagerstown (5-2-0) Heat-dried sewage sludgeMilorganite (6-2-0) Heat-dried sewage sludgeRinger Turf Restore (10-2-6) Hydrolyzed poultry feather meal, blood

meal, wheat germ and bone meal.Urea (45-0-0) Synthesized from ammonia and carbon

dioxide

disease suppression and a reduction offungicide usage.

The use of natural organic fertilizerscan have many benefits in comparison tothe normal sources of nitrogen. Naturalorganic fertilizers are slow release sourcesof nitrogen with low foliar bum potential.Used at the right rates, they can give asgood, if not better, quality ratings and clip-ping yields than synthetic sources.

The amount of heavy metals thatwas once a big drawback to organic fer-tilizers is now greatly reduced. The useof some organic fertilizers and evensome mature composted materials ineither amended topdressing form or asa straight nitrogen source can be a toolin disease suppression.

As environmental concerns mountand more and more of the pesticides wetake for granted are removed from ourshelves, biological means of suppressingdiseases will need to increase. With theuse of organic fertilizer, fungicide use canbe reduced and the cost of turf manage-ment reduced.

The type of microbial activity pro-duced by organic nitrogen sources needsto be researched more, so the results indisease suppression can be more practical.Until this occurs, the use of organic fer-tilizers will remain minimal. 0'-,.

12-Volt Field Markers

The Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker is designed forsaftey, convenience and economy. Mark fields all daywith 12-volt rechargeable deep cycle marine battery.handles remove or fold down for convenient storageand transportation. Units come complete with auto-matic battery charger.

TRUMARK®P.O. Box 1662 • Norfolk, NE 68702-1662

Phone: 1-800-553-6275

Circle 120 on Postage Free Card

New AERA-vator™ attachment for Grasshopper zero-radiusoutfront mowers aerates established turf or prepares bareground for seeding or sodding. Forged steel tines vibraterapidly to penetrate and fracture the hardest, dryest soilswithout leaving unsightly plugs. Quik-D-Tatch® mountingsystem lets you switch quickly from Combo Mulching'Deck to attachments.

THE GRASSHOPPER COMPANYOne Grasshopper Trail e P.O.Box 673

Mountain Ridge, KS 67107316-345-8621

AERA-vator™

Circle 121 on Postage Free Card

June 1996 27

INDUSTRY HAPPENINGS~

PGMS LAUNCHESGROUNDSKEEPERPROGRAM

TURF FOR THELONGHORNS

The West Coast Turf "Stadium SodTour" continues with the installationof 90,000 square feet of sand-grownTifway 419 hybrid bermuda sod for theLonghorns at the University of Texas'Memorial Stadium. The renovation washeaded by the Motz Group, a Cincinnati-based contracting firm.

The sod was delivered to Austin, TX,from Bermuda Dunes, CA, in ten refrig-erated trucks and was installed in 42-inch-wide "Big Rolls" by West Coast Turfcrews in less than two days. MemorialStadium is the sixth major stadiumstop for West Coast Turf in 1996. Theother five have been Super Bowl XXXatSun Devil Stadium in Tempe, AZ;DodgerStadium in Los Angeles, CA; JackMurphy Stadium in San Diego, CA; 3Com Park at Candlestick Point in SanFrancisco, CA; and Anaheim Stadium inAnaheim, CA.

A Groundskeeper Certification pro-gram has been added to the 15-year-oldCertified Grounds Manager programby the PGMS. As the CGM programhas been specifically designed for thegrounds manager level of professional,the new Groundskeeper program isintended for those reporting to the man-ager and will not focus on supervisoryknowledge. The objective of the pro-gram is to provide for the establish-ment of minimum standards or level ofaccepted competence in ground careand to provide for a system of review andpreparation for a uniform nationalexamination.

Qualifications for the program are ahigh school diploma or GED plus twoyears experience in the grounds main-tenance field. Application costs are $150for PGMS members or $250 for non-

members. For more information, contact:PGMS, 120 Cockeysville Road, Suite104, Hunt Valley, MD 21030. Phone:(410) 584-9754. Fax: (410) 584-9756.

SCOTTSHONORS THREEThree Scotts Distributor Advisory

Council members were recently hon-ored for their contributions to the com-pany and to the industry. Ken Legette,president of Graco Fertilizer Co., Cairo,GA;Lon Records, president ofTarget Spe-cialty Products, Cerritos, CA and CurtThimm, president ofE.C. Geiger Corp.,Harleysville, PA, each received an awardthat recognized their dedication to thecouncil and that commemorated thecompletion of their three-year terms.

Eight horticultural distributors andseven Scotts managers serve on thecouncil, which was formed in 1992. TheDistributor Advisory Council meetsannually to discuss common problems andopportunities the members face in themarketplace.

Aera-vator" by First Products

RECOMMENDED BYTRINITY UNIVERSITY

E.M. STEVENS FIELD

1994-1995 DIAMOND OF THE YEARDESIGNED FOR CLAY RENOVATION OR TURF AERATION:Principle of operation: (PTO POWERED) as the rotors freely roll,the PTO powers the tines to vibrate rapidly in a burrowing motionto penetrate harder soil with less weight.PLAY CAN RESUME IMMEDlATELY-NO CORES TO DISPOSE OF

Tifton, GA800-363-8780 • GA 912-382-4768

Circle 122 on Postage Free Card

28 sports TURF

Turbo Turf Hydro Seeding Systems

Faster germination and lower labor costs are amongthe advantages of a Turbo Turf Hydro SeedingSystem. Pictured above is an HS-300E. This unit willapply seed, fertilizer, and mulch in one step.Coverage is 4000 sq. feet per load. Mixing time is under60 seconds, and application time is 9 minutes. TheHS-300-E has a retail price of $3,995. Other sizes areavailable from 50 gallons to 1600 gallons. Prices startat $1,295.

Badger Associates1108 Third Ave., New Brighton, PA 15066

800-822-3437 • Fax: (412) 846-3470Circle 123 on Postage Free Card

Call 1(800) 817-1889 use Fast Fax #1240696 and/or Circle 124 on Postage Free Card

SCOREBOARD~

.-CLASSIFIEDS

• Display Rates: (Per Column Inch)Lx. $140 6x: $1153x: $130 12x: $100

• By The Word Rate:$.95 per word, per insertion. Initialsand abbreviations count as full words.Minimum charge $55.• Business Card Rates:

Lx: $300 6x: $275 12x: $250• Deadline:

The 15th of the month prior topublication date.

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non-commissionable. Blind ads will becharged an additional $10.

• For Space Reservation Contact:Linda Serio, Classified Sales2101 S. Arlington Heights Road

Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4142(847)427-2085 • FAX (847)427-2006

POND AND LAKE LINERSBuy direct from fabricator

20, 30, 40 mil PVC, Hypalon,HOPE & Polypropylene.

Custom fabricated panels of upto 25,000 S.F. Material only,

Material & Supervisionor Complete Installation

Service available.

~·aColorado LiningCOMPANY

(800) 524-86721062 Singing Hills Rd.

Parker, CO 80134(303) 841-2022

FAX: (303) 841-5780

FOR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGCALL LINDA SERIO

TODAY.(847) 427-2085

30 sporfsTURF

.-HELP WANTED

TECHNICAL GROUNDSPRODUCTS REP

Opti-Gro, a division of a world-wide manu-facturing corporation, is looking for a moti-vated individual with a life-science background.We manufacture and market a complete lineof technical grounds care products. Our salesrepresentatives enjoy financial growth andthe opportunity to advance. Customers includemunicipalities, institutions, industry and manyothers. We offer:• Thorough Training• Local Territory• Repeat SalesIf you have a successful background and arewilling to make a commitment, please sendresume to:

John HawkinsOpti-Gro

One Mack Centre DriveParamus, NJ 07652

or fax resume to 201-261-7882Positions available in the North East

.-ADVERTISER INDEX

Apache Turf Equipment, Inc. • •••.•• 25

Badger Associates ••••••••••.•.•. 28

BEFCO, Inc. • ••••••••••••••••••• 13

Cygnet Turf & Equipment •••••••••• 23

Finn Corp. • •••••••.••••••••••••• 26

First Products •••••..•••••••••••• 28

Goosen Industries •••.•••••••••••• 19

Grasshopper Company, The •••••••• 27

John Bean Sprayer ••••••.•••••••• 11

Kifco, Inc ..••..•••••••.•••••••• 20

Kromer Company •••••••••••••••• 21

McCord Tire •••••••••••••••..•••• 2

Millcreek Manufacturing Co••..•.•• 21, 26

Parker Sweeper Co., The. . ..••.••• 25

Partac/Beam Clay •.•..••.•••••... 20

Pennington Seed Co. . .......••••. 32

Reif Industries ......•..........• 29

Seed Research of Oregon, Inc •••••••• 3

Smithco Inc •.•..••...•.•.•••••.•• 7

Spartan Industries .••....•....... 27

Star Transportation Inc •..•...•..•• 31

Thomas Bros. Grass •••..•.••••••. 10

Turf Specialists Corporation ••••••• 10

West Coast Turf .••...••••........ 5

World Class Athletic Surfaces, Inc. • .23

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