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WHATS INSIDE: OTF CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOWPREVIEWSEE PAGES 6 12 OSU Turfgrass Science ProgramSEE PAGES 32 33

TurfNewsT H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E O H I O T U R F G R A S S F O U N D A T I O N

Volume 68 No. 5September October 2006

OTF Scholarship and Research Fundraising

Golf TournamentWestbrook Country Club, Mansfield, Ohio

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TurfNewsdistributes useful and timely advice, information and

research from Ohios most knowledgeable experts and professiona

to OTF members and those in the turfgrass industry.

Vol. 68 No. 5 September October 2006

TurfNewsis produced by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation

1100-H Brandywine Blvd, Zanesville, Ohio 43701-7303

1-888-OTF-3445 and is available to all members

www.OhioTurfgrass.org

Back issues of OTF TurfNewsare available on our Website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.

TurfNewsT H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E O H I O T U R F G R A S S F O U N D A T I O N

Inside 06/07 Events

Message from the OTF President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Turfgrass Field Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Green Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

OTF Conference & Trade Show Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 12

Sports Turf Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 15

Golf Course Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 17

Residential Lawn Care Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 19

Hort Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 21

Graduate Student Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 24

Product & Service Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

New Growth & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 31

OSU Turfgrass Science Program . . . . . . . . 32 33

Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Corporate Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

OHIO TURFGRASS CONFERENCE & SHOW

December 5 7, 2006 888-683-3445

Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH

OHIO STATE GOLF TURF SPRING TEE-OFF

March 14 15, 2007 (tentative) 888-683 -3445

Holiday Inn on the Lane, Columbus, OH

NEWSECTION

FOR THE LATEST RESEARCH AND INFORMATION

FOR OHIOS TURF AND LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

VISIT THESE IMPORTANT WEBSITES:

Golf Course Turf Management

Superintendents Korner http://hcs.osu.edu/karl

Sports Turf ManagementOSU Sports Turf Program http://hcs.osu.edu/sportsturf

Lawn, Grounds & Landscape

Buckeye Yard & Garden Line www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/bygl

These sites may also be accessed from the

OTF Website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.

This Issue Sponsored By:

2

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MESSAGE PRESIDENTFROM

THE

If you are wondering where the summerhas gone so am I. Its September and inthe golf business all income should nowbe gravy, and if so, I hope you are goingto need a lot of bread to put it on.

The spring and summer activities arenow over and the OTF Golf Tournamenttook place September 27 at WestbrookCountry Club. Thanks to everyone whoparticipated. We hope you enjoyed thisyears tournament. That means your OTF

management team is now ready for our last big event. Our OTF Turf-

grass Conference and Show, which will be held December on 5 7.

These might be good times to reward a great employee or good customerand give them a night on the town. Whatever you do, I hope to seeyou at an OTF event. While we are talking about events, Joe Enciso islooking for a few great gifts for our OTF auction. If you have an ideaor an item to donate, give Joe a call. His number is 614-323-2456.

A short message this time which can be good.

Your President, Glen Pottenger

WHERE HAS THE SUMMER GONE?

O T F S E E K S

NOMINATIONS FOR

ANNUAL AWARDS

Do you know anyone who deserves recognitionfor contributions to turf management?

OTF members will receive forms by email fo

nominating this years recipients of Profession

al of the Year and Professional Excellence

awards.

Nominees for Professional of the Year awards

are judged on the following attributes:

Fellowship willingness to share knowledge

with and help train fellow turf personnel.

Inventive Ingenuity leadership in develop

ing new ideas and trends in turfgrass

management.

Membership and activity in turf related and

other civic organizations.

Length of dedicated service to the turf

industry.

Professional Excellence awards are based upon

similar criteria and are awarded to those

deserving special recognition for significancontributions to the turfgrass industry. Awards

and scholarships will be presented right before

the Keynote Address, Tuesday, December 5

at the Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show.

The 2005 Professional of the Year was awarded

to Al Muehle. A Professional Excellence Awards

was presented to Ronald Coyle.

Nomination forms are available on the OTF

Website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org or by

calling 888-683-3445. The deadline to submiyour nomination is October 23.

2006 OTF SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

OTF is committed to improving turfgrass through research and

education. One of the best ways to foster this commitment is by

providing scholarships to students pursuing green industry studies.

In 2005, OTF and OTRT provided over $25,000 in scholarships.

OTF members are encouraged to recommend any of their studentemployees, interns, friends or family who they feel are qualified.

Scholarship applications were recently mailed to all OTF mem-

bers in their membership packets. They were also sent to mem-

bers via email. The deadline to apply is October 23, 2006.

OTF scholarship information and applications are also available

at www.OhioTurfgrass.org or by calling 888-683-3445.

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A beautiful, sunny day in the low-eighties welcomed over 400

turfgrass professionals to the 2006 Ohio State University/OTF

Turfgrass Research Field Day, August 16 at the OTF Research

& Education Facility. After welcoming comments from OTF

President Glen Pottenger, President of the Ohio Turfgrass

Research Trust (OTRT), Joe Motz, announced that OTRT had

successfully raised more than $125,000 from its Founders Club

campaign (see page 5 for more on the Founders Club).

On behalf of the OSU College of Food, Agricultural and En-

vironmental Sciences, Assistant Dean L.H. Newcomb welcomedeveryone to the research facility and thanked them for their

support of the OSU Turfgrass Science Program. Following Dr.

Newcomb was 2006 Field Day chairman Joe Rimelspach, OSU

Department of Plant Pathology, to explain the programs format.

The audience was then divided into two groups: Golf and Sports/

Grounds; and the tours of the research facility began.

Each group then rotated among turfgrass plots, learning about

the latest research being conducted at OSU. Topics included:

Golf Course/High Maintenance Turf

Dollar Spot Timing Studies

Dollar Spot Resistance Management

Fungicide Efficacy Studies

Creeping Bentgrass Shade Research

PGR-Nitrogen Interaction Studies

Velocity Usage Research

Green Speed Research

Field Evaluations of Aquatrol

Moss Control Studies

Lawn/Grounds/Sport Fields

Weed Control Studies

Ammonium Nitrate Fertility Studies

Phosphorus Studies

Bentgrass Management (Removal) Studies

Conservation Irrigation Studies

Grub Control with New Insecticides

Perennial Grassy Weed Control

Sport Field Overseeding Studies

And more!

The afternoon program featured two optional sessions offering

re-certification credit. Dr. Dave Shetlar presented Insect and

Mite Control in Woody Ornamentals (Category 6a) and Dr. John

Street discussed Weed Management in Turf (Category 8). Both

sessions attracted large audiences from many seeking credit in

each respective category.

The OSU Turfgrass Science Team did an excellent job preparing

this years program and the turfgrass research facility. The team

consists of members of the OSU Department of Plant Pathology

Entomology, School of Natural Resources, and Horticulture &

Crop Science.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and for those whose hard

work helped make the Field Day a success.

OTF hopes everyone enjoyed the day and that those who attend

ed gained valuable information that will help make them better

turf managers.

TURFGRASS FIELD DAY DRAWS OVER 400 TURFPROFESSIONALS TO OTF RESEARCH FACILITY

A crowd of over 400 gathers for the welcomeannouncements.

Dr. Charlie Mancino discussing new infillresearch technology.

Joe Rimelspach, OSU, serving as OSU TurTeam host for the day.

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OTRT Founders Club Update

The Ohio Turfgrass Research

Trusts (OTRT) Founders Club

Membership Campaign is in

full swing, reported OTRT

President Joe Motz at the

OTF/OSU Turfgrass Research

Field Day August 16. We

have already raised more

than $125,000. With 25% of

our goal already pledged, the

Founders Club Campaign is

moving along great. Support-

ing the Founders Club will help

ensure a bright future for our

next generation of turfgrass

professionals!

In its 45-year history, OTF has granted more than $3.5 million for

turfgrass research and more than $400,000 in student scholar-

ships. There is no guarantee, however, that this level of support

will always be available. Support from the industry is more import-

ant now than ever before. State budget cuts have severely affect-

ed the research and extension efforts at the state universities.

The initial goal of the Founders Club is to raise more than

$500,000, with the understanding that the principle will never

be spent. The interest generated from this fund will be available

to fund specific research projects, purchase equipment for the

OTF Research & Education Center, and support student scholar-

ships securing the future of turfgrass research here in Ohio!

Motz also announced at the field day that the Founders Club is

now offering a new Emerald Level Membership for just $500

with up to 5 years to fulfill your pledge. Free Founders Club polo

or wind shirts were offered to everyone who made a commitment

to join the Founders Club the day of the field day.

GREENI N D U S T R Y

NEWS

There are multiple levels of membership: Platinum ($10, 000)

Gold ($5,000), Silver ($3,000) and Bronze ($1500) and Emerald

($500). Each level has corresponding benefits to express

appreciation and recognition for all donations. Pledges may be

made and paid for over a five-year period. Members may increase

their level of support at any time.

Membership in the Founders Club requires a donation to the Ohio

Turfgrass Research Trust. OTRT and is classified by the Interna

Revenue Service as a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization. Therefore

donations to OTRT are 100% tax deductible as a charitable

contribution.

OTRT thanks the following members (listed alphabetically) fo

making the commitment to Ohios turfgrass industry by already

joining the Founders Club:

Dr. Michael Boehm Paul Latshaw

Al Brandt John Lavelle

Dr. Karl Danneberger Don Lawrence

Dr. Chuck Darrah Paul MendezoffJim Dillard Joe Motz

Joe Duncan Harry Murray

Ed Eaton Bob OBrien

Joe Enciso Ed Odorizzi

Fairmount Minerals Walt Offinger

John Fitzgerald Gene Probasco

Doug Gallant Jerome Schwieterman

Tim Glorioso Jim Sharp

Greater Cincinnati GCSA Sam Stimmel

Doug Halterman Randy Tischer

Mark Heinlein Todd Voss

Paul Jacquemin Dick WarnerRick Kucharski Mark Yoder

SAY YES TO THE FOUNDERS CLUB!

For more information contact: Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust

1100-H Brandywine Blvd. Zanesville, OH 43701

Phone: 888-683-3445 Fax: 740-452-2552

Email: [email protected] www.OhioTurfgrass.org

Joe Motz, OTRT President, announcing

the Founders Clubs new Emerald Level

membership.

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New and exciting changes have been made to this yearsConference & Show as OTF continues to add value for its

members, attendees and exhibitors.

New Registration Options If you plan to stay for only one

day, simply register for that day and all workshops,

seminars, trade show and special events are included in

that fee. Great savings are available when you register for

all three days or when you bring a group with you.

Shortened Deadline to Pre-Register Waiting to see

what the weather will do? Trying to complete a late-season project? Cant decide if youll have time to attend?

No problem the deadline to pre-register is just 5 days

before the conference!

Discounted Fees for Members of all Turf Related

Associations Members of all related turf organizations,

including other states, will pay the same discounted fees

as OTF members.

Valuable Exhibitor Coupons All Conference & Show

attendees will receive a packet with show specials and

discount coupons provided by participating exhibitors.

Ask the Experts A panel of experts from the OSU Turf-

grass Science Team will be available on the show floor

to help solve your problems and answer those nagging

questions.

New Educational Tracks Turf Back to Basics, Human

Resources, and Managing a Low to Moderate Budget Golf

Course series of seminars have been added to this years

conference program.

Breakfast Roundtables Roundtable discussions feature

the best in networking and education. Learn from other

industry leaders and share your knowledge, methods and

procedures with your peers on a variety of topics. Enjoy a

breakfast buffet while discussing proven solutions with your

colleagues from around the region. Space is limited so

register early to reserve your seat.

The Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show

Whats New in 2006

PLANET Certification Testing

PLANET (The Professional LandCare

Network) now has 4 exams they can offer

to Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show attendees. If

you want to earn a credential in some aspect of interior-

scaping, landscaping, or turf care, select one of these

programs.

1. CTP-CSL (Certified Turfgrass Professional - Cool

Season Lawns) covers essential knowledge

needed by a turfgrass manager in northern grow-

ing zones. The study material weed, insect and

disease identification/control.

2. COLP (Certified Ornamental Landscape Pro-

fessional) emphasizes tree and shrub main-

tenance procedures with a concentration on land-

scape trees and ornamental woody plant physio-

logy, health care management and establishment.

3. CLP (Certified Landscape Professional) is a pro-

gram for business owners or managers.

4. CLT-I (Certified Landscape Technician - Interior)

is a program for Interior technicians who service

accounts. The study material covers horticulture,

maintenance, pesticide usage, plant ID and

customer service.

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2006 Exhibitors

2WayRadioPlusAcorn FarmsAdvan LLCAdvanced Turf SolutionsAGRO-CHEM, INC.Allegheny Lawn & GolfAlvis MaterialsThe Andersons

Applied BiochemistsAQUA DOC Lake &

Pond ManagementAqua-Aid, Inc.AquatrolsArysta LifescienceBack To NatureBASFBayer Environmental ScienceBecker Underwood

Bell Laboratories, Inc.Best SandBlueYellow, LLCBradfield OrganicsBrookside LabsC&S Turf Care

Equipment, Inc.Central Farm & GardenCentral Sod Farms, Inc.Century EquipmentChemical ContainersCincinnati Booster

Pump Systems

The CISCO CompaniesClark State

Community CollegeCLC LABSThe Clear SolutionClub CarColumbus Turf NurseryCommercial Tire

Service Co., Inc.Compensation

Consultants, Inc.

Country Stone, Inc.Custom Manufacturing, Inc.Cutter Equipment Co.Dakota Peat & EquipmentDow AgroSciencesEagle One Golf ProductsEquipment CaddyESD Waste2Water, Inc.Excell MineralsFairway ProductsFirst ProductsFMCFoley UnitedForestry Suppliers, Inc.From Tee To GreenGCSAA Central Ohio ChaptersGeo. Shack GolfTechGolfweeks SuperNEWS

Golf Creations/Lohmann Golf DesignsGreen Velvet Sod

Farms, Ltd.GreenjacketGrigg BrothersGro-Power, Inc.Grounds MaintenanceH&E Sod NurseryH & H Farm Machine Co.Harco FittingsHarper IndustriesHelena Chemical Co.

Huggett Sod Farm, Inc.IKEX, LLCInfinity SportsITT Flowtronex PSIJ. Davis Marking SystemsJacklin Seed/JR SimplotJacobsen, A Textron CompanyJMD CompanyJohn Wiley & SonsKnox Fertilizer CompanyL.T. Rich Products

Landscape & Irrigation(Green Media)

Laser-Grader Mfg.LastecLavy Ents. Turf Grass, Inc.Lebanon TurfLely USA, Inc.Lesco, Inc.Liquid Fence Co.Locke Turf Corp.Logan Labs, LLCMarkers, Inc.Mid American Ag.

and Hort. Svcs.Mid Ohio Golf Car, Inc.Midwest Turf ConsultantsMillstone Golf &

Turf Products, Inc.

Morral Companies, LLCMusco Lighting, LLCNational Mower Co.Nature Safe Natural

& Organic FertilizersNeary TechnologiesOglebay NortonOhio Lawn Care AssociationOhio State ATIOhio Utilities Protection Svc.Otterbine Barebo, Inc.Par Aide Products Co.PBI Gordon Corp.

PermaGreen SupremePhoenix Environmental CarePitt Power Products Co.Plant Food Co., Inc.Power Equipment Dist., IncPrinceton Delivery

Systems, Inc.Professional Turf

Products, LLCProfile ProductsProSource One

Questex MediaRaden Enterprises, Inc.Range Servant AmericaReal Green SystemsRegal Chemical Co.Ring Industrial Group, LPRiverdale/NufarmSALSCO, Inc.Schreiner Golf, Inc.The Seed CenterSePRO CorporationSISCOSmithco, Inc.Southern Athletic FieldsSouthwest LandmarkSpyker SpreadersStrategic Turf Systems, Inc.Syngenta Professional

ProductsTECH Sales-Golf Course Div.Turf Diagnostics & DesignTurf ProductsTurfco Mfg.Turfgrass, Inc.Turfline, Inc.TurfWorks Int l, Ltd.TYCROP Manufacturing, Ltd.UAP

Ventrac By VentureProducts, Inc.

VGM Financial Services

Walker Supply, Inc.Watertronics, Inc.Wehrkamp Enterprises, Inc.Wolf Creek CompanyXenia Power EquipmentXGD Systems

Nearly every product or service for managing turfgrass will be on display at this years OTF show. More than 250 exhibitors willoccupy more than 50,000 square feet of exhibit space. This is a great chance to view the latest products and services while

learning from many of the industrys most knowledgeable experts the suppliers. Following is a list of companies already planning

to exhibit (as of September 22). To add your name to this growing list of leading industry suppliers, call OTF at 888- 683-3445.

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Over the last 30 years ice core records have been systematically

recovered from ten high-elevation ice fields, nine of which are

located in the low latitudes. Three lines of evidence for abrupt

climate change both past and present are presented. First, annually

and decadally temperature proxy and net mass balance histories

for the last 400 years and 2000 years, respectively, demonstrate

that the current warming at high elevations in the mid- to lower

latitudes is unprecedented for at least the last two millennia.

Second, the continuing retreat of most mid to low-latitude glaciers,

many having persisted for thousands of years, signals a recent

and abrupt change in the Earths climate system. Finally, rooted,

soft-bodied wetland plants, now exposed along the margins as the

Quelccaya ice cap (Peru) retreats, have been radiocarbon dated and

when coupled with other widespread proxy evidence, provides strong

evidence for an abrupt mid-Holocene climate event that marked the

transition from early Holocene warmer conditions in Peru to cooler,

late Holocene conditions.

This abrupt event, roughly 5200 years ago, was widespread and

spatially coherent through much of the world and was coincident

with structural changes in several civilizations. These three lines

of evidence argue that the present warming and associated glacier


Keynote Address

retreat are unprecedented in some areas for at least 5200 years

The ongoing global scale, rapid retreat of mountain glaciers is no

only contributing to global sea level rise, but threatening fresh wate

supplies in many of the worlds most populous regions. The current

and present danger posed by ongoing climate change and the human

response will be discussed.

Lonnie G. Thompson is one of the worlds foremost authorities on

paleoclimatology and glaciology. He has led more than 50 expedi-

tions during the last 30 years, conducting ice-core drilling programsin the worlds polar regions as well as in tropical and subtropical ice

fields.

Recently, Thompson and his team developed lightweight solar-

powered drilling equipment for the acquisition of histories from ice

fields in the high Andes of Peru and on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

The results of these histories, published in more that 180 articles

have contributed greatly toward the understanding of the Earths

past, present and future climate system.

Other Thompson-led expeditions have recovered a 460-meter-long

ice core, the worlds longest from a mountain range (Alaska, 2002)the first tropic ice core (Peru, 1983); and cores containing the

entire sequence of the Last Glacial Stage as well as cores dating ove

750,000 years in age, the oldest outside the polar regions (Tibet

1992). Thompsons research has resulted in major revisions in the

field of paleoclimatology, in particular, by demonstrating how tropica

regions have undergone significant climate variability, countering an

earlier view that higher latitudes dominate climate change.

Thompson has received numerous honors and awards. In 2005, he

was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and was awarded

the John and Alice Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. He

has been selected by TimeMagazine and CNN as one of Americas

Best in science and medicine. His research has been featured in

hundreds of publications, including National Geographic and the

National Geographic AdventureMagazines.

He and his team are the subject of a new book entitled: Thin Ice

Unlocking the Secrets of Climate in the Worlds Highest Mountains

by Mark Bowen published in late 2005. In 2006, he has been elect-

ed member of the American Philosophical Society, Alumni membe

of Phi Beta Kappa and chosen to receive the Roy Chapman Andrews

Society, 2007 Distinguished Explorer Award.

OTF is pleased to welcome Dr. Lonnie Thompson as this years

Keynote. This is one presentation you will not want to miss!

Tuesday, December 5 3:00 4:30 pm

ABRUPT CLIMATE CHANGE:

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Dr. Lonnie Thompson

Distinguished University Professor,

School of Earth Sciences

Senior Research Scientist,

Byrd Polar Research Center, OSU

Sponsored By:

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Hotel Information/

Conference Preview

Hotel Accommodations

Planning an overnight stay during the 2006 Ohio Turf-grass Conference & Show? Plan ahead and reserveyour hotel rooms early. Many hotels may be sold out ifyou wait too long.

Discount pricing has been negotiated at the following

hotels. Make sure to inform the reservation desk thatyou are with the Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Showwhen making reservations.

IMPORTANT: OTF urges you to make accommodationsby contacting the following hotels. Room reservationsmade outside the OTF room block may result in financialpenalties to OTF and lead to higher registration andexhibitor fees in the future!

Hyatt Regency Columbus (Host Hotel)

350 North High St Columbus, OH 43215614-463-1234$126 + Tax Single/Double$146 + Tax Triple$155 + Tax QuadCut-off date: November 7, 2006Online Reservations:www.columbus.hyatt.com/groupbooking/cmhrcgras2006

Hampton Inn & Suites

501 North High St Columbus, OH 43215614-559-2000$112 + Tax Single/Double$152 + Tax King Suite

Cut-off date: November 3, 2006(Refer to Code OT6 when making reservations)

Drury Inn & Suites

88 East Nationwide Blvd Columbus, OH 43215614-221-7008$99 + Tax Single/Double$109 + Tax Triple/QuadCut-off date: November 18, 2006

2006 OTF CONFERENCE PROGRAM

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5

GOLF TRACK

8:00 AM 3:00 PM

GCSAA Workshop Taking Control of Green SpeedDr. Thomas Nikolai, Michigan State University, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences

SPORTS TURF TRACK

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

Managing Sports Fields with Limited PesticidesDr. Dave Shetlar, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Entomology

9:00 AM 10:00 AMField Construction Options with Budgets in MindMark Heinlein, The Motz Group

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

New Developments in Turfgrass Species and Cultivars for Sports FieldsDr. Leah Brilman, Seed Research of Oregon

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

Topdressing Sports FieldsDr. Chuck Darrah, CLC LABS

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

Infield DirtLuke Yoder, San Diego Padres, PETCO Park

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Water Movement in Sports Field Profiles and Related Drainage StrategiesDr. Ed McCoy, OARDC School of Natural Resources

LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION TRACK

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

Irrigation Layout and DesignRob Kurtz, Century Equipment

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

Winterization of Landscape Irrigation SystemsGreg Hymer, C-Tech Solutions

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

Water Audits for Landscape Irrigation SystemsScott Knowles, Wolf Creek Company

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

Equipment Options for Maximum System PerformanceSteve Young, Century Equipment

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

Bidding and PricingJim Burkart, James Burkart Associates

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Proper Techniques for Landscape Irrigation Installation and RepairScott Yerkes, Southern Lawn Sprinklers

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ASSISTANTS/TECHNICIANS TRACK

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

Effective Use of Dry/Liquid PesticidesDr. John Street, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

Understanding the Dos & Donts of Plant Growth RegulatorSelection and UseDr. Dennis Shepard, Syngenta Chemical Co.

10:00 AM 11:00 AMBasic Safety Its an Every Minute ThingGary Hanson, American Safety & Health

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

Keys to Diagnosing Abiotic and Biotic Disorders of TurfgrassJoe Rimelspach, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Plant Pathology

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

Safe Machinery OperationGary Hanson, American Safety & Health

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Selecting the Right Nozzle for the Right Job

Dr. Mike Fidanza, Penn State University/Berks Campus

GENERAL SESSIONS TRACK

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

Aquatics/Pond ManagementCharles Behnke, Horticulturist and Ohio State University Emeritus

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

Shrub and Flower Bed Weed ControlDr. Mimi Rose, Rose Consulting

10:00 AM 10:30 AM

New Approaches to Controlling Fairy Ring in Lawn Turf

Dr. Mike Fidanza, Penn State University/Berks Campus

10:30 AM 11:15 AMEndophyte Enhanced Turfgrasses and Fertility Getting the Most Out of Turf Plant ResistanceDr. Doug Richmond, Purdue University

11:15 AM 12:00 PM

How to Incorporate Organic Programs into Your Current Serviceand Make it ProfitableMark Grunkemeyer, Buckeye Ecocare and Ken Quandt, Nature Safe

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

Turf Insect Control on a Tight Budget

Dr. Doug Richmond, Purdue University

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Interpreting the Label to Be Legal, Safe and Environmentally ProtectiveJoanne Kick-Raack, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Entomology

HUMAN RESOURCES TRACK

8:00 AM 9:30 AM

Ten Reasons I Wont Work for YouBill Hoopes, Grass Roots Training

9:30 AM 12:00 PM

Employee DisciplineDr. Bernie Erven, The Ohio State University

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

How to Be An Amazing LeaderBill Hoopes, Grass Roots Training

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Removing Barriers to CommunicationDr. Bernie Erven, The Ohio State University

GENERAL EVENING WORKSHOPS

7:00 PM 9:00 PM

Turfgrass Insects Facts, Fictions, Myths and RealitiesDr. Dave Shetlar, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Entomology

7:00 PM 9:00 PM

Ornamental Weed Control StrategiesDr. Hannah Mathers, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6

GOLF TRACK

7:00 AM 9:00 AM

Breakfast with the USGA

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

Poa annua Control The Latest Scoop and Agronomic PerceptionsDr. Bruce Branham, University of Illinois, Natural Resources & Eco. Sciences

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Effect of Nozzle Type and Spray Volume on Fungicide PerformanceDr. Mike Fidanza, Penn State University/Berks Campus

3:00 PM 4:00 PM

Understanding the Phosphonate Products and their Usein Disease Control StrategiesDr. Peter Landschoot, Penn State University, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences

4:00 PM 4:30 PM

Researching the New Bentgrasses Agronomic Interpretations

Dr. Cale Bigelow, Purdue University, Dept. of Agronomy

SPORTS TURF TRACK

8:00 AM 9:00 AMNew Herbicide Technology & Their Use Strategies for Sports Field ManagementDr. Bruce Branham, University of Illinois, Natural Resources & Eco. Sciences

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

Renovation of Fields in the Dominican RepublicLuke Yoder, San Diego Padres, PETCO Park

2:00 PM 3:00 PMRenovation and Management of Purdue University Ross Ade FieldDr. Cale Bigelow, Purdue University, Dept. of Agronomy

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3:00 PM 4:00 PM

Selection and Assessment of Infill Turf SystemsDr. Chuck Darrah and Dr. Charles Mancino, CLC LABS

GENERAL SESSIONS TRACK

7:00 AM 8:00 AMBreakfast Roundtables

7:00 AM 8:00 AM

Nozzle Selection for Enhancing Pesticide Application EfficiencyDr. Dennis Shepard, Syngenta Chemical Co.

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

Ten Keys to Tree Problem DiagnosticsJim Chatfield, OSU Extension-Wooster

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

Bug Alert!/Strategies for Rescue TreatmentsDr. Doug Richmond, Purdue University

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Industrial Vegetation ControlScott Lucas, Ohio Dept. of Transportation

3:00 PM 4:00 PM

Termites in the Landscape Mulch Mania!Dr. Susan Jones, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Entomology

SOD PRODUCERS TRACK

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

New Developments in Turfgrass Species and Cultivars for Sod ProductionDr. Leah Brilman, Seed Research of Oregon

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

Latest Developments with Heat Tolerant BluegrassesDr. Travis Teuton, University of Missouri-Columbia, Div. of Plant Sciences

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

New Herbicide Technology in Turfgrass Weed ManagementDr. Bruce Branham, University of Illinois, Natural Resources & Eco. Sciences

LAWN & GROUNDS TRACK

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

The Business of Snow RemovalDoug Freer, Blue Moose Co., Inc.

1:00 PM 2:00 PMThe Future of H2B in the Industry

Chris Hayes, Groundmasters, Inc.

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Defining IPM and Techniques That Really WorkDr. Thomas Nikolai, Michigan State University, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences

3:00 PM 4:00 PMNew Herbicide Technology for Perennial Grassy Weedsand Other Weed Control AdvancesDr. Bruce Branham, University of Illinois, Natural Resources & Eco. Sciences

MISCELLANEOUS SESSIONS

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

Back Yard Aquatic HabitatsDr. Laura Deeter, OSU/ATI

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Useful Native Trees, Shrubs and Flowers for Ohio LandscapesDr. Pablo Jourdan, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

3:00 PM 4:00 PM

ODA Enforcement Guidelines and Regulatory UpdateDr. Bill Pound, Ohio Dept. of Agriculture

4:00 PM 5:00 PM

OSU Turf Science Team Question and Answer (on the trade show floor)Dr. John Street, Pam Sherratt, Dr. Ed McCoy, Joe Rimelspach, Dr. Mike

Boehm, Dr. Dave Gardner, Dr. Karl Danneberger and Dr. Dave Shetlar

EVENING PANELS

7:00 PM 9:00 PM

The Thinking Superintendent: Stress Management StrategiesDr. Karl Danneberger, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

and a Panel of Superintendents

7:00 PM 9:00 PM

Turf & Landscape Diagnostics:

An Evening with the Treevorkians and the BugDoc!

Joe Boggs, Jim Chatfield and Dr. Dave Shetlar, OSU Extension

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7

GOLF TRACK

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

Strategies to Delay Disease ResistanceRick Fletcher, Cleary Chemical Company

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

Selecting Bentgrasses for Greens, Tees and Fairwayswith Emphasis on Disease ResistanceDr. Peter Landschoot, Penn State University, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

Making Sense of Dollar Spot Research from Across the CountryDr. Mike Boehm, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Plant Pathology

1:00 PM 2:00 PMOverview and Update of Moss Control Products for Putting GreensDr. Peter Landschoot, Penn State University, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Maintaining Bentgrass Fairway Quality Using PGRs, Wetting Agentsand Supplemental Foliar NitrogenDr. Cale Bigelow, Purdue University, Dept. of Agronomy

3:00 PM 4:00 PM

Is There Magic in Liquid Fertilizers?Dr. Chuck Darrah, CLC LABS

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MANAGING A LOW TO MODERATE BUDGET GOLF COURSE TRACK

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

Calculating Fertilizer Costs and Decision MakingDr. John Street, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

Marketing Your Golf Course Thinking Outside the BoxHank Chafin, Turfgrass Consultant

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

Economical Design Changes and Upgrades to Enhance Your CoursesImage and MarketabilityBrian Huntley, Golf Sense, Inc.

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

Creative Agronomics with Cost in MindDr. Jim Fenstermocher, Robin Hood Golf Course

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Economical Approaches to Disease ControlJoe Rimelspach, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Plant Pathology

3:00 PM 4:00 PM

Economical Approaches to Insect Control

Dr. Dave Shetlar, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Entomology

SPORTS TURF TRACK

8:00 AM 9:15 AM

Morning with the NFL/MLB/MCSTom Jones, Pizza Hut Park, Dallas

9:15 AM 10:00 AM

Athletic Field Paint Selection and UseMark Whitlam, Whitlam Paint Co.

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

Field Presentation on a Limited Budget

John Mott, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Rec. & Grounds

11:00 AM 12:00 PMConstruction of Pizza Hut ParkTom Jones, Pizza Hut Park, Dallas

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Heat Tolerant Bluegrasses Characterization and UseDr. Travis Teuton, University of Missouri-Columbia, Div. of Plant Sciences

3:00 PM 4:00 PMManaging a Multi-Complex Athletic Facility Sharing Some Experiences and Management AdviceTom Jones, Pizza Hut Park, Dallas

TURF BACK TO BASICS TRACK

8:00 AM 9:00 AMTurfgrass Selections and Keys to Successful EstablishmentPamela Sherratt, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

Pre-emergence and Post-emergence Herbicide Performance:Expectations and Reality Panel DiscussionDr. Dave Gardner and Dr. John Street, OSU, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

Understanding Turfgrass Insect Life Cycles and Habitsand Control StrategiesDr. Dave Shetlar, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Entomology

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

Relationships Between Basic Turfgrass Growth and Development,the Environment and Agronomic ProgrammingDr. Karl Danneberger, The Ohio State Univ., Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Broadleaf Weed Herbicides, Modes of Action and Use StrategiesDr. Dave Gardner, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

3:00 PM 4:00 PM

Regulatory Issues, Future Legislation and Trends in CurrentPesticide Use/MisuseDr. Bill Pound, Ohio Dept. of Agriculture

LAWN & GROUNDS TRACK

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

Animal Control for Turf and OrnamentalsEric Gerhartz, Liquid Fence

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

Heat Tolerant Bluegrasses Characterization and UseDr. Travis Teuton, University of Missouri-Columbia, Div. of Plant Sciences

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

Developing Sound Fertility and Agronomic Programs Based on CurrentResearch and TechnologyDr. Cale Bigelow, Purdue University, Dept. of Agronomy

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

What Does it Take to Make Money Mowing GrassMark Williams, Groundmasters, Inc.

3:00 PM 4:00 PM

How to Estimate or Bid Lawn and Grounds WorkScott Huvler, TD Landscapes, Doug Freer, Blue Moose Co., Inc., Kim Kellogg,

Grasshopper Property Maint., Inc., Mark Grunkemeyer, Buckeye Ecocare and

Mark Williams, Groundmasters, Inc.

MECHANICS WORKSHOP

9:00 AM 11:00 AM

Mechanics WorkshopXenia Power Equipment

12:00 PM 4:00 PMPLANET testing for:

Certified Turfgrass Professional Cool Season Lawns (CTP-CSL) Certified Landscape Professional (CTP)

Certified Landscape Technician-Interior (CLT-I)

Certified Ornamental Landscape Professional (COLP)

2:00 PM 4:00 PM

ODA Testing Pesticide Applicator License Testing for all Categories

ALL SESSION TOPICS, TIMES AND SPEAKERS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

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Your Four Best Friends Until Seasons EndJohn Street, Pamela Sherratt and Deborah Holdren, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science,

The Ohio State University

Fall sports is well under way in the Midwest and sports fields are

under the pressure of a variety of sports and levels of activity.

The four keys to success at this time of year or YOUR FOUR

BEST FRIENDS to enhance or maintain field quality to an

acceptable level are fertility, seed, some type of cultivation

and light irrigation.

FERTILIZATION is critical to provide adequate color and

turfgrass growth for regrowth/recuperation from wear and tear.

The key nutrient for color and recuperation is nitrogen. It should

be applied in a complete fertilizer using ratios of approximately

3-1-2 to 5-1-2 of N: P2O5: K

2O. On sand fields, the N:K

20 ratio

can be closer to 1:1. In the fall while soil temperatures are still

at 50 F or higher the nitrogen component of the fertilizer should

be 30-50% slow-release nitrogen. At least two fall applications

of nitrogen fertilizer should be made with the first in early to

mid September and the second as a late-season application

in early November to early December at 1 pound and 1-1/2

pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, respectively.

For heavily trafficked and worn fields a third application would

be beneficial between the latter two applications in early to

mid October. The late-season fertilization can be mostly or

totally quick-release nitrogen (i.e. urea) because it releases

nitrogen best in the colder weather of November and December.

For late-season fertilization the earlier date is suggested

for the northern Midwest (i.e.Cleveland/Toledo) and the latter

date for the southern Midwest (i.e. Cincinnati). Late-season

fertilization should be applied when turfgrass topgrowth is

slowing or actually stopped and this corresponds to consistent

daytime air temperatures of less than 50 F. The late-season

fertilization applied in the late fall when the grass is still green

but significantly slowed in topgrowth will extend fall greening

enhance late fall/winter/spring root growth, promote winter and

summer hardiness and provide a source of late winter/early

spring nutrients for new seedlings and existing turf.

SPORTST U R F

TIPS

Early to Mid Sept. 1 lbs. N per 30-50%1,000 sq. ft. slow-release

Early to Mid Oct. 1 lbs. N per 30-50%

(optional under heavy use) 1,000 sq. ft. slow-release

Early Nov. to Early Dec. 1 1.5 lbs. per Quick release1,000 sq. ft.

Table 1.FALL ATHLETIC FIELD FERTILIZATION GUIDELINES

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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SEED is the second best friend of the sports field manager

during and after the fall playing season. The aim is to provide

seed by over-seeding on a weekly basis to ensure a bank or

reservoir of seed in the soil to germinate and provide cover

when areas become thin and worn. Too often over-seeding

is delayed until after substantial cover has been lost. Also,

usually not enough seed is applied to provide necessary cover

following wear and tear. It is best to top-up the field with

at least 1-2 lbs. of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass,

or typically a KB/PR mixture (see Table 2). If the budget is

tight, then still it is a must to over-seed the most trafficked,

worn, and damaged areas of the field. Remember seed-

soil contact is the key for best success and this is usually

accomplished by slit seeding in 2 to 4 different directions.

However, our sports turf specialist Pam Sherratt has

preliminary research from last fall (2005) that shows

over-seeding prior to wear or traffic with cleats can result

in as effective or better establishment than slit-seeding.

Cleats must obviously be pressing seeds into the soil in

wear areas creating seed-soil contact. Interesting! Lets

call this seeding method broadcast cleating! So, under the

latter scenario a broadcast seeding before a major game can

be very beneficial for those lacking slit seeders.

Kentucky bluegrass (KB), perennial ryegrass (PR), and tall

fescue (TF) are the three predominant athletic field grasses

for sports fields in the Midwest. The speed of germination

and establishment rate differs markedly among these three

grasses and, therefore, dictates our over-seeding guidelines

and reflects the most beneficial species for over-seeding

during the playing season or in-season (see Table 2). The

Turfgrass Evaluation Program called NTEP is the best sourceof information on cultivar/variety selection for all species. The

on-line site address is www.ntep.org. It is essential in over-

seeding with mostly PR that gray leafspot resistant cultivars

be the primary choice.

DORMANT SEEDING is a practice that is carried out at the

end of the season usually in late November/December in

combination with coring. Temperatures are not conducive for

seed germination at this time of year so the seeds remain

dormant and ready to germinate with the first favorable

soil temperatures in the spring. This is the best time to

reintroduce mainly KB seed into the field for germination

and establishment the next spring. Coupling late fall dorman

over-seeding of KB, coring and late-season fertilization is a

great way to end the season and start 2007.

CULTIVATION in the fall once play resumes is primarily

limited to solid tining with solid tine sizes of 1/4", 1/2", to

5/8", slicing, or spiking on an as needed basis. These latte

practices help relieve compaction by breaking and loosening

the surface crust, provide some openings and channels

for water movement and root growth and provide lodging

channels for additional seed/soil contact. Hollow tine coring

can be done but usually requires core removal to avoid a

messy soil surface for play.

The time for hollow core tining is late fall after the playing

season ends and should be performed 6-8 times across the

field and even more in heavily trafficked areas. Soil cores

need not be removed. The old coring motto for fall renovation

after the season on sports fields is you should make it look

a little worst in order to ultimately make it look better.

This is also a great time, as mentioned, to couple major

KB over-seeding and late-season fertilization.

Finally, LIGHT WATERING OR IRRIGATION to provide surface

moisture in the upper 1/4" is beneficial to enhancing both the

speed of germination and the rate of establishment. On dryer

and warmer days in the early part of the season this may need

to be done several times a day to stimulate germination and

avoid desiccation and seedling mortality. This light watering isusually best performed once around 11 AM to noon and again

around 2 to 4 PM, if possible. Light watering for this purpose

is defined as syringing and usually requires only a few turn

cycles of an automatic irrigation system (i.e. maximum of

2-3 minutes to just moisten the surface). I recommended

hand syringing for several reasons: (1) it can be more exactly

monitored, (2) water can be targeted to only those areas tha

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

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need it and (3) certain areas can be syringed more often if

needed without over watering the entire field. Hand syringing

is more labor intensive and will usually require one man to

commit several hours a day to this effort. Avoid watering

before a field event and over watering. Watering for seed

germination and seedling establishment is both an art

and science in that the objective is to grow new grass but

not over water the field or have it to wet or moist before

an event. It takes good logic, some common sense, short

term decision making, and yes, a little luck.

Obviously, avoiding traffic on damaged areas that are

under this type of recovery is highly beneficial, if possible

Finally, for those on a tight budget, seek volunteers in the

community (i.e. retirees, booster club members, etc.) tha

could effectively perform tasks like hand syringing in a

reliable manner with just a little schooling. I have seen this

approach work very well because many of these individuals

are looking for something to do for 3-5 hours a day and

consider it an honor to help. They take pride in what they

do and their community.

SPECIES TIME NEEDED ESTABLISHED RATE TYPICAL SEED RATE IN-SEASON RATE

BETWEEN (PER WEEK)

SEEDING & PLAY

KB 9 Months + Slow 1 2 lbs. NA**

TF/KB (90% 10%) 9 Months + Moderate 4 6 lbs. NA

KB/PR (80% 20%) 6 Months + Moderate 2 3 lbs. NA

TF/PR (80% 20%) 6 Months + Moderate 5 6 lbs. NA

KB/PR (50% 50%)* 3 Months + Moderate/Quick 3 4 lbs. 1 2 lbs.

PR/KB (80% 20%)* 3 4 Weeks Quick 6 8 lbs. 3 4 lbs.

(visible greening

in 5 10 days)

PR alone (100%)* 3 4 Weeks Quick 6 8 lbs. 3 4 lbs.

(visible greening

in 5 10 days)

* PR/KB and PR alone are the most realistic and cost effective for over-seeding in-season. The slow germination and establishment rateof KB in- season results in little, if any, in-season benefit.

** NA (Not Applicable) due to slow to moderate estab rate for in-season over-seeding.

Table 2.SPECIES SELECTION GUIDELINES FOR FALL OVER-SEEDING

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Watch for Drought Stress over Drain-Lines

on your Push-up GreensDr. Ed McCoy, The Ohio State University, OARDC

Its an unavoidable consequence that soil water content in the

surface layer of a push-up green varies with the pattern of

effective subsurface drainage elements. That is, if a drainage

system is doing its job, water contents will always be greater

midway between drain-lines and lower over the drain-lines.

And it bears repeating that this is particularly so for push-up

greens containing a topdressing sand cap.

Consider, for example, PCD and XGD, two common drainage

systems that can be installed in push-up greens and seek to

avoid the turf management problems associated with the use of

coarsely textured and clean sands placed to the surface of the

green. The PCD system consists of FloWick elements placed

at 9 to 10 inch depth and at 3 foot spacing within the area

being drained. Additionally, a 3/8 inch wide sand curtain ex-

tends from the base of the sand cap to the FloWick drain. The

XGD system consists of corrugated plastic pipe at 14 to 16

inch depth and 6 foot spacing across the green. The 2 inch

diameter pipe with sand-slot perforations is placed in a 4 inch

wide trench backfilled with a 6:2:2 sand:soil:peat blend.

Our illustration of soil water content variation for both systems

results from a water flow simulation where both systems are

placed in a 12 foot wide by 35 inch deep push-up green soi

profile consisting of a 4 inch sand cap over a clay loam soil

Additionally, both systems are uniformly wetted and flow i

initiated by a 1 inch rain.

Shown below are water contents along a 3660 mm (12 foot

transect intersecting 4 drain-lines of a PCD system and 2 drain-

lines of an XGD system. In both cases, the water content curves

correspond to 12 hours after the end of the rain (when flow

from the XGD system had ceased) and a depth of 0.5 inches.

The graphs show that both systems create a water conten

pattern with higher water contents between the drainage

GOLFC O U R S E

TIPS

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RESIDENTIAL

LAWN CARE

TIPS

Identification & Control of Wintertime

Turfgrass WeedsD.S. Gardner, Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University

Most of the weeds that we encounter in turfgrass are either

summer annuals (which germinate in spring, grow and set seedin summer, then die in the fall), or, perennials (which persist

for multiple seasons). There are, however, a few winter annual

weeds in turfgrass, such as annual bluegrass, common chick-

weed, and henbit. Less common winter annual weeds in turf

include shepards purse, veronica, and purple deadnettle.

In some years, these weeds may warrant control and some un-

derstanding of the ecology and life cycle of these weeds can be

of assistance in determining control strategies. Winter annuals

germinate in the fall and bloom and set seed in the spring. Like

summer annual weeds, they spread by seed, not vegetatively

like ground ivy or other perennial weeds.

Proper identification of a weedy species is the first step to

determining the best control strategy. Use the information in

the figure captions to identify common chickweed and henbit,

which are the two most common winter annual weeds in turf in

Ohio (Figure 1). There are also a few perennial weeds that are

more visible in late winter or early spring, such as wild onion,

wild garlic, and Star-of-Bethlehem (Figure 2).

Henbit and Common Chickweed

Both are highly competitive in thin or dormant turf or in newly

seeded areas. However, a vigorous lawn will tend to out-compete them. So, the best defense against henbit and

common chickweed is to properly maintain your turfgrass.

This includes selecting the right species for the location

and usage and proper cultural practices (proper mowing,

fertility, irrigation and aeration).

If, however, a herbicide is required, the timing of application is

very important for optimal control. The chief concern is that a

dense mat of winter annual weeds, after they die in the spring,

will open a bare spot in the turf that may be filled in by crabgrass

and other summer annual weeds. Since winter annuals thrive incool, moist conditions, germination depends on a combination

of lower soil temperature and increased precipitation. In years

in which there are very warm temperatures and little precip-

itation in early fall, germination is delayed. Therefore, timing of

pre- and especially postemergence herbicides would need to

be delayed.

Both species can be controlled preemergence with a fall app-

lication. However, this application will likely degrade and not be

effective against annuals next spring so a specific preemergence

application targeting these weeds would only be justified in

the most severe cases of infestation. Best control of winter an-nuals with postemergence herbicides is achieved if applications

are made in the fall to actively growing plants. Remember to

read and follow manufacturer directions and recommendations

on the label. Ideally, henbit and chickweed can be controlled

with the same fall application that targets dandelions and other

perennial broadleaf weeds. However, if the application is made

too early in the fall, these species will continue to germinate

from seed, which will require reapplication for effective control

If necessary, postemergence herbicides can be used on winte

annuals in the spring. You must use extra caution with spring

applied herbicides, since newly emerging leaves of ornamentals

are extra sensitive to broadleaf herbicides. Avoid applicationswhen temperatures are above 80F or when it is windy. Also

you must target the application no later than when the weed is

flowering. Since they are annuals, control after it has set seed

is not warranted.

Annual Bluegrass

Poa annuamay be annual or perennial. The annual biotypes are

opportunistic, that is they germinate at just about any time of the

year. However, annual bluegrass is technically a winter annua

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with a primary flush of germination in October. Development of

100% effective annual bluegrass controls has been elusive, but

there are some recommendations. Velocity is an example of a

postemergence herbicide for annual bluegrass control. Consult

the label for specifics. Some superintendents report good

success with sequential applications of Prograss post-

emergence. In addition, some of our preemergence herbicides

are also labeled for annual bluegrass control and most research

shows that you can achieve an 80-90% reduction in germ-ination. It is very important to consult the label and begin

preemergence applications in early September, before annual

bluegrass begins to germinate. The problem with using pre-

emergence controls may be one of economics and also safety

to creeping bentgrass (if attempting to control annual blue-

grass on a putting green).

Wild Garlic and Wild Onion (Allium sp.) and Star of

Bethlehem (Ornithogalum sp.)

These species become quite noticeable in turf in late winter or

early spring, because they green up and grow a few week before

the turf does. As a result, they tend to be visible as clumps of

foliage up to 12 inches in height in otherwise still dormant turf.

They are monocots, like our grasses, but they are not grasses.

Just as sedges are a different than grasses, so to are the

Allium and Ornithogalum species. In fact, these are more close

ly related to amaryllis and daffodils. There in lies the problem

There are not scads of research dollars being devoted to de-

velop herbicides that effectively control daffodils or related

species. Thus, dedicated selective controls for these weeds do

not exist. If you have a serious problem, you can attempt to

treat them with the three way post-broadleaf herbicide o

your choice, but with the caveat that the herbicides are notspecifically designed to control these weeds and therefore you

results may be variable. 2,4-D alone is also a good choice. Your

best option may be to keep them cut short, either by mowing

or with hand shears. As bulbs, they persist vegetatively fo

a period after flowering and then the foliage dies back for the

season. If you mow or otherwise defoliate them early, you

weaken the plant and diminish its ability to develop next year.

Winter annual and perennial weeds are usually not our most

serious weeds in turf. However, they can, on occasion, become

quite noticeable. The key is to recognize the uniqueness of the

life cycle, and target your herbicide application for the right time

of year.

Common Chickweed Stellaria media(Glabrous leaves are rounded at the base and pointed at the tip.

Small white flowers with deeply notched petals.)

Wild Garlic Allium vineale

Wild Onion A. Canadense(Garlic has hollow leaves, onion has flat leaves.)

Star of Bethlehem Ornithogalum umbellatum(White flowers with 6 petals.

Leaves have a distinct, grooved midrib.)

FIGURE 1. WINTER ANNUAL BROADLEAF WEEDS

FIGURE 2. MONOCOTYLEDONOUS WEEDS OF WINTER

Henbit Lamium amplexicaule(Square stems. Terminal leaves attached directly

to main stem. Lower leaves on short branches.)

Annual Bluegrass Poa annua(Boat shaped leaf tips. Bunch type growth habit

and a distinct membranous ligule.)

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The Time for the Next STEP is Now!Jim Chatfield & John Conglose, OSU Extension Center, Wooster and T. Davis Sydnor, School of Natural

Resources, The Ohio State University

This project started in 2005 at the Ohio State University Extension

Center at Wooster with strong partnership of a number of OSU

entities and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of

Forestry, the Ohio green industry and Ohio communities. Why is it

time to take the Next STEP?

We are at a critical juncture for public awareness of the impacts

of community forests in the Midwest and throughout the U.S. This

is due to two key developments. First is the threat to these forests

and local economies and environments from a number of major

invasive species, most notably for us in Ohio the emerald ash

borer. Second is the emergence of powerful tools to measure the

environmental, economic and social impacts of why trees matter,

most notably the development of the iTree suite of analysis by the

U.S Forest Service, Davey Tree Expert Co., the National Arbor Day

Foundation and the Society of Municipal Arborists.

Because of these two factors, this is the teachable moment for

raising public awareness of why trees in community forests

matter. Utilizing tools such as iTree, our Ohio Street Tree Ev-

aluation Program, and our Master Gardener Tree Steward Program,

we plan to develop a set of training tools for urban foresters,

arborists, community tree programs and volunteers, and public

officials that will arm them to make the case for developing of

local and regional tree management programs. These tools include

street tree inventory training protocols, targeted case studies

illustrating the effects of street tree selection decisions, pub-

lications detailing the economic, environmental, and social effects

illustrating why trees matter and website tools including tree

identification guides.

Next STEP will build upon two programs of OSU and its partners

that ran from the mid 1960s to the mid 1990s: the Shade Tree

Evaluation Plot at OSUs Secrest Arboretum at the Ohio Agricultura

Research and Development Center in Wooster and the origina

Street Tree Evaluation Program at 96 sites throughout Ohio. This

two-pronged effort was started by M.W. Staples, retired vice-

president of the Davey Tree Expert Company and Dr. L.C. Chadwick

professor emeritus of Ohio State Universitys Department of

Horticulture.

These projects resulted in a great deal of good information. The

Shade Tree Evaluation Plot was widely relied upon by the green

industry, urban foresters, researchers, graduate students and

many others until its decommission in 1996. For example, as Keith

Warren of J. Frank Schmidt and Sons Co. noted, If it had not been

for the ratings of Red Sunset red maple at Secrest, it would have

never reached its claim to fame. In recent years the plot has been

thinned by Secrest Arboretum curator Ken Cochran with retention

of many of the more successful specimens as a demonstration

plot.

The Street Tree Evaluation program also produced useful results

regarding how much particular species and cultivars grew and how

many survived from the mid 1960s to the mid 1990s. These results

were published in OSU Bulletin 877. With the Next STEP program

HORTS H O R T S

COLUMN

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however, we want to go beyond the horticulture findings of how

many trees survived and how much they grew. We want to look

more carefully at how these trees affected their communities.

With that in mind, an important community tree forum is scheduled

for October 11 of this year. Here are the details:

Next STEP Community Tree Forum: October 11, 2006

Why Trees Matter Environmental, Economic and Social

Benefits and Impacts of Community Forests

WHO: This forum is a program of the Ohio State University Next

STEP (Street Tree Evaluation Program), OSUs Secrest Arboretum,

and the Ohio State Universitys Extension Center at Wooster.

Why Trees Matter is for all those interested in Ohios commun-

ity forests: street tree commissions, mayors, arborists and urban

foresters, utility companies, economic development and resource

managers, nurserymen and landscapers, and all citizens of Ohio in-

terested in the resource of trees in our urban and suburban areas.

WHAT: The keynote address is by Dr. David V. Bloniarz, the project

coordinator of the USDA Forest Services Northeast Center for Urban

and Community Forestry at the University of Massachusetts/

Amherst. Dr. Bloniarz has worked on numerous urban forestry

projects throughout the northeast U.S., including volunteer street

inventories in communities of various sizes in Massachusetts and

in New York City. He is a key scientist in developing models and

software for determining values of streetscape trees, developing

volunteer-driven inventories of urban forests and in community and

natural resource management in community forests. Dr. Bloniarz

will address Why Trees Matter in terms of current and emerging

research of environmental, social and economic benefits of trees.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 11, 9:30 AM 4:00 PM

WHERE: Fisher Auditorium and Secrest Arboretum, OSUs Ohio

Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster Ohio.

WHY: To activate Ohioans to understand, engage in and enhance

the enormous environmental, economic and social assets of their

community forests.

HOW: To register, contact Sue Beasley at [email protected]

or at Secrest Arboretum, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster OH 44691

(330-263-3886). There is a registration fee of $50 which includes

lunch, refreshments and educational materials. If you have

questions about the Forum, please contact Jim Chatfield

([email protected] or John Conglose ([email protected])

330-263-3799, OSU Extension Center at Wooster, 1680 Madison

Ave., Wooster OH 44691).

THE SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY IS:

9:30 9:50 Arrival, Registration and Refreshments

9:50 10:00 Welcome John Conglose and Jim Chatfield,

OSUE Next STEP Program

10:00 11:30 Why Trees Matter Dr. Paul Bloniarz, USDA

11:30 12:00 Why Tree Research in Ohio Matters

Dr. Dan Herms, OSU Entomology

12:00 12:45 Lunch

12:45 1:15 Community Tree Resources for Ohio

OSU Next STEP Program

1:15 2:45 Tour of New Site for OSU Community

Forest Research Plot

2:45 3:00 Break

3:00 4:00 Facilitated Discussion of Community

Tree Plots at Secrest and Throughout Ohio

From Dr. Bloniarz and Why Trees Matter to being present a

the seeds of creation of the next tree plots in Wooster and a

sites throughout Ohio what a day! Parvis e glandibus quercus

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.

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kind of funny when I went to meet with the other assistants.

Adam walked out of his office to shake hands, we looked at each

other and said, wait a minute, I know you. What a surprise. Having

worked as an assistant superintendent at both Hurstbourne

Country Club and Louisville Country Club in Kentucky, no one put

together the Ohio State connection between Adam and me.

Mahl also entered Ohio State ATI in the autumn of 1998 to pursuea degree in Turfgrass Management. During his educational

experience at Ohio State, Jason served as President of ATIs Turf

Club and was recognized by OTF for outstanding scholarly per-

formance. In 1999, he successfully completed his turfgrass

management industry internship at the Kirtland Country Club, in

Cleveland, Ohio, and after graduation in the spring of 2000 accept-

ed an apprentice superintendent position at the Sharon Golf Club

near Akron. Since graduation from ATI, each professional position

I have held has been instrumental in preparing me for stepping to

the next level. Most recently at Pine Valley, I have primarily been

responsible for our pest management program, Mahl offers.

Its always intrigued me about the uniqueness and historical

significance of the golf course/turfgrass management industry.

The industry is big, yet its a small world. Somebody knows some-

one that knows you. Networking is huge. Mahl says. Whats also

interesting is that I have enjoyed the opportunity of working at

two distinctly different golf facilities with an architectural tie. Pine

Valley was designed by George Crump and H. S. Holt dated 1918and Kirtland Country Club was designed by H. S. Holt and C. H.

Allison in 1921. Considering my brief career in this business, what

kind of coincidence is that?

It was learned just prior to my visit to Pine Valley, that Jason Mahl

had just accepted the golf course superintendents position at the

Moraine Country Club in Dayton, Ohio. Jason will be taking over

for long time superintendent Jerry Overbay who is retiring after a

highly successful career of serving the members of Moraine. During

my visit to Pine Valley, Jason and wife Carrie were in Dayton house

hunting.

Zac Wike, Brookfield, Ohio just outside of Youngstown, started

his career in the turfgrass industry at Yankee Run Golf Course,

honored as the number one public golf course in Ohio in 2001. Zac

started out working as a clubhouse assistant. After spending a

couple of years in the clubhouse, I decided to move to the

maintenance crew. My best friends brother, Brian Smoot (OSU

ATI 98), was the superintendent so it made the move a comfort

able one for me, says Wike.

While working under Smoots direction at Yankee Run, Zacs

interest in pursuing a career in the turfgrass industry continued

to grow. Upon graduation from high school in 2004, Zac decided

to enter OSU ATI and seek a degree in turfgrass management. was excited about school, and Brian, who interned at Pebble

Beach, encouraged me to select an internship experience tha

would be both challenging and rewarding. So, I applied at The

Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee outside of Chattanooga

David Stone, superintendent at The Honors Course, allowed me

the opportunity to gain valuable experience in all aspects of golf

course management.

After successfully completing his internship, Zac returned t

school and was elected president of the OSU ATI Turf Club for

the 2005-2006 school year. He was also honored by OTF in 2005

through receiving an academic scholarship. This spring Zac

choose to participate in a second internship in order to gain more

valuable experience. I was invited to return to The Honors Course

which was difficult to turn down, Zac shares. I applied at

Medinah Country Club with the idea of gaining experience in putting

on a major PGA tournament. I was offered a position at Medinah

but, after discussing the Pine Valley internship program with Jason

Mahl, and interviewing over the winter, I decided, it was a oncein a lifetime opportunity. Its turned out to be one of the greatest

decisions Ive made in my short career, reveals Wike. The entire

Pine Valley Golf Club experience was awesome.

Zac will be returning to ATI during the autumn quarter to complete

his degree. Upon completion of my degree, I have several options

to consider. Im just going to take it one step at a time to see

what happens, says Zac.

Josh Hollins, from Oxford, Ohio, had early aspirations of be-

coming a professional golfer and possibly getting into managing

clubhouse operations. Prior to attending Ohio State ATI, Josh

earned an Associate Degree in Golf Shop Operations from the Golf

Academy of the Carolinas. Having worked for the past six seasons

in both clubhouse and maintenance operations, it didnt take long


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to figure out I wanted to be outside and pursue a career as a golf

course superintendent, states Hollins.

In recent years, Hollins has held positions at Indian Ridge Golf Club

and the Oxford Country Club. He has also worked in outside

services at the Desert Mountain Country Club in Scottsdale,Arizona. During the spring and summer of 2005, Josh successfully

completed his turfgrass management internship at Sand Ridge

Golf Club in Chardon, Ohio. I still had a few quarters of school

remaining. So, like Zac, I choose to do a second internship. I en-

joyed the fast paced maintenance intensity at Sand Ridge, so, I

contacted Jason and Adam to get more information about Pine

Valley. They told me to apply and the rest is history.

Hollins will return to ATI during the winter quarter in order to

complete his degree. I wanted to experience the entire fall re-

novation process, so Im sticking around until December. Its been

a great experience and Rick Christian and the entire leadership

team at Pine Valley is the best! Josh plans to keep an open mind

for what lies beyond school. Hes gained turfgrass management

experience in the far west, the midwest and now the east coast.

After returning from New Jersey and reflecting on my visit,

remembered pinching myself several times as I walked around

the golf course taking in the sites. In entering the clubhouse

and gazing at the pictures hanging on the wall and reading the

inscriptions on the silver cup trophies in their cases, I could only

imagine the overwhelming experiences and the lasting impressionsheld by the people who have walked and graced the grounds o

Pine Valley. What an experience. Nearing the end of my visit

I was asked how Pine Valley compares with Augusta National

After a long period of silence, I replied, Each of these golf courses

are unique in their own way and I cant and wont compare them

It wouldnt be fair.

Having enjoyed the pleasure of working at and visiting hundreds

of golf courses and sports turf facilities through the years, its

great to see how young people grow, develop and become

successful. Whats so special about this story is that four ex-

ceptional young people from Ohio State ATI work hard with a great

golf course maintenance team to maintain Hells Half Acre and

the historical integrity of George Crumps dream at Pine Valley

Golf Club in New Jersey, the number one golf club in the world.

Pine Valley GC Assistant Superintendent, Jason Mahl, leading

fall renovation operations on the greens.

Zac Wike after completing a Spray Hawk pesticide application

on the greens.


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PRODUCT AND SERVICE DONATIONSBy: Jill Taylor, OSU Turfgrass Facility Manager

As you all know, it would be very difficult to deal with plant pests

and broken sprinkler heads without preplanning for pesticides and

backup parts. The Ohio State University OTF Research & Education

Facility is no different.

Working only off of a budget grant each year from the Ohio Turfgrass

Foundation, we are in a position to solicit the help of companies to

donate product to help supplement our budget. We would like to

thank and recognize those companies that keep our facility

running with herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers, seed, insecticides,

pond control products and other goods and services. At our recent

Field Day on August 16, we featured these companies with a

display area near the registration area.

It is truly incredible the response we get with our product requests,

even in these tough financial times. I am listing below the donors

that have helped us out in recent seasons. Maybe your company

could be on this list in the future.

Donation of spreaders, fertilizer and other pest control products

Lesco, Monsanto, Verdicon/UAP, Turfgrass South, Syngenta, BASF

Bayer Crop Science, Arvesta, AgroSolutions, Precision Labs, SQM

America, Becker/Underwood, The Andersons, PBI Gordon, Xeni

Power Company, Dow, Helena Chemical, Walker Supply, Griggs

Brothers

Donation of seed for research and general areas:

Jacklin Seed/Simplot, Blue Yellow, Johnson Seed, Central Farm

Barenbrug Seed, Seed Research of Oregon

Donation of sod and spreaders:

Green Velvet Sod Farms

Donation of irrigation parts and service:

Hunter Golf, Irrigation Supply Company, Toro/Century Equipment

Rain One Irrigation, Wolf Creek Company

Donation of various products and services:

OGLEBAY-NORTON COMPANY

USGA topdressing sand & delivery

STRATEGIC TURF

Deep tine aerification service for improving drainage

CLC LABS

Soil testing and consultation

OHIO LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

Earth moving equipment & labor

OHIO MASTER GARDENERS

Landscaping recommendations; turf cultivar trial ratings

MOGAVERO EQUIPMENTLoan of laser equipment for leveling research areas

COVER MASTER & FUTURA

Turf blankets

CITY OF COLUMBUS

Com-Til mulch

THE MOTZ GROUP

Product and service

A display of various products donated to the OTF Research and

Education Facility in 2006.

Ryan Morrison, student employee at the OTF Research and EducationFacility, loads top dressing sand for application. The sand was

donated by Oglebay-Norton Company.

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Managing Earthworm Castings in Low-CutGolf Course TurfR. Chris Williamson, Ph.D. and Seung (Steve) Hong

Earthworms are abundant, well-known inhabitants of the soil,

belonging to the order Oligochaeta, they are often referred to by a

variety of names such as angleworms, fish worms, night crawlers

and dew worms. They are widely considered beneficial organisms

due to certain favorable attributes such as soil formation, aeration

and drainage, organic matter breakdown and incorporation, and

even enhancement of microbial activity (Edwards 2004). It is

estimated that there are as many as 8000 species from about 800

genera worldwide (Edwards 2004). They live in diverse locations,

ranging from forests to lakes and streams, as well as grasslands,

agroecosystems, including turfgrass (Lee 1985, Kirby and Baker

1995, Edwards 2004). Earthworms are found in many regions of

the world occurring in a wide variety of soil types, though they

tend to be relatively scarce in primarily sandy soils.

Earthworms have two primary requirements: moist soil and an

organic-matter food source, both of which are commonly plentiful

on golf courses. In North America, it is estimated that there are

24 species of earthworms, however only three have been report-

ed in turfgrass.

Friend or Foe?

Despite the aforementioned beneficial attributes of earthworms,

they can be problematic due to the earthen casts that they pro-

duce on golf course turf, particularly in shaded, well-irrigated

sites (Backman et al. 2001, Potter 1998, Beard 1973). Of the

three earthworm species found in turf, only two species create

soil castings. The night crawler, Lumbricus terrestrisLinnaeus, is

the most common and abundant species of the two that construct

earthen castings. Earthworm casts are most common on low

cut turf including putting greens, approaches and collars, tee

boxes and fairways (Potter 1998) (Figure 1).

NEWGROWTH &TECHNOLOGY

Figure 1

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Earthworm casts disrupt the uniformity, appearance, and play-

ability of affected areas (Beard 1973). Soft wet castings are read-

ily squashed flat by early morning mowing operations, and closely

mowed turf beneath the leveled casting is smothered. As a result,

appearance and playability are negatively impacted in areas of

the course where earthworm populations are dense. Further-

more, such impacted turf areas often experience turf damage or

loss due to the inability of the plants to properly photosynthesize

(Kirby and Baker 1995). Moreover, mechanical damage to mow-

ing equipment including bed knives and reels may occur.

Because earthworms are considered beneficial organisms, no

pesticides are registered or labeled for their control, and any

pesticide application specifically intended to control earthworms

is illegal in the United States. Therefore, alternative, non-

chemical earthworm management strategies are needed.

Earthworms migrate up and down through the soil profile in re-

sponse to changes in soil moisture content and soil temperature.

Because the cuticle (skin) of earthworms is quite sensitive, sand

and other abrasive substances likely irritate and repel them.

This research was aimed at exploiting this weakness.

Casting Suppression Studies

A three-year study was initiated in 2002 on two golf course

fairways at Blackhawk Country Club (Madison, Wis.) where

earthworms were problematic. The fairway was comprised of

a mixture of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris)and annual

bluegrass (Poa annua)maintained at approximately 7/16 inch

(11 millimeters). Respective treatments were applied to 10 x 10

feet plots (i.e., 100 ft2) in a randomized design with four re-

plications per treatment.

Several diverse earthworm casting suppression treatments were

applied in 2002. Based on the promising results obtained from

2002 study, another similar experiment was initiated in 2003 and

2004 that included new treatments. These treatments included a

coarser grade of Black Jack (Figure 2), another abrasive aggregate

called Amber Jack (Figure 3), a subangular topdressing sand, and

Best Sand, an angular topdressing sand (Figure 4).

Figure 4

Figure 3

Figure 2


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Black Jack, a byproduct of the coal industry, is composed of the

remains of coal after it is burned for production of electricity.

Once the coal is burned, the resulting 1-2 inch (2.5-5 centimeter)

colloids are crushed, fractionated into respective size ranges,

demagnetized and kiln-dried. Black Jack is essentially inert,extremely hard, highly angular and predominantly black in color.

Amber Jack, a byproduct of the paper mill industry, is comparable

to Black Jack. It, too, is inert, highly angular and extremely hard,

but it is considerably lighter in color, ranging from almost clear

to reddish amber. Respective treatments and regimes for 2002

and 2003-2004 are as follows:

2002 Treatments

In spring 2002, an earthworm activity study was initiated that

included the following treatments:

Untreated control

Thiophanate-methyl (Clearys 3336) fungicide applied every

14-21 days

Carbaryl (Sevin) insecticide applied every 14-21 days

Soap, Joy dishwashing detergent applied every 7 days

Hydroject, water-injection every 28 days

Dragon spice (ground oriental mustard seed), one application

Zeolite, soil amendment, one 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) application

Black Jack 20/40 crushed coal slag, one 1/8 inch (3.2 mm)

application

2003 2004 Treatments

Untreated control

Thiophanate-methyl, fungicide applied every 21-28 days

(1 gallon spray volume/M)

Thiophanate-methyl, fungicide applied every 21-28 days

(2 gallon spray volume/M)

Black Jack 20/40, spring application only

Black Jack 20/40, fall application only

Black Jack 20/40, spring and fall application

Black Jack 30/60, spring application only

Black Jack 30/60, fall application only

Black Jack 30/60, spring and fall application

Amber Jack, spring application only

Amber Jack, fall application only

Amber Jack, spring and fall application

Best Sand, spring application only

Best Sand, fall application only

Best Sand, spring and fall application 2002 application of Black Jack 20/40

2002 Results

Respective turf plots were evaluated for the mean number o

castings every seven days during the growing season (i.e. Apri

November). The fungicide and insecticide treatments dram

atically reduced earthworm castings to an acceptable level. The

soil amendments (i.e., Black Jack and Zeolite) reduced earth-

worm castings to levels comparable to pesticide applications

All other treatments had relatively little effect on earthworm

activity (Figure 5).

2003 Results

The effects of spring versus fall applications and a combination

of spring and fall application of abrasive topdressing aggregates

were evaluated in the 2003 growing season (April November)

Turf quality, thatch accumulation and disease activity were also

rated throughout the 2003 season to document any possible

adverse effects that a thin layer of abrasive material might have

in the upper root zone of intensively managed golf course turf.

When data collection resumed in April 2003, it was revealed tha

the effectiveness of the Black Jack treatment applied in spring

2002 (more than 12 months earlier) had decreased measurably

We hypothesized that the aggregates effectiveness had de-

creased because of its dispersion or its incorporation into the soil

Similarly, after almost four months, the effectiveness of the spring

2003 application of Amber Jack, Black Jack and Best Sand also

began to decrease. These results further support the idea tha

the aggregates eventually disperse into the soil, thus lose thei



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Figure 5

Figure 6

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effectiveness over time. As a result, additional applications of the

aggregates may be necessary to maximize their effectiveness.

When angular soil aggregates such as Amber Jack, Best Sand

or Black Jack were applied in both spring and fall (combin-ation), sustained suppression of earthworm castings occurred

(Figure 6). No measurable differences the aforementioned

aggregates occurred, or did particle size did have any meaning-

ful effect.

2004 Results

The results in 2004 were similar to 2003. The fungicide treat-

ments provided the greatest reduction in earthworm casting pro-

duction compared to all other treatments, regardless of spray

volume (1 or 2 gallons of water/M) (Figure 7). All of the soil

aggregates tested provided measurably better suppression of

earthworm castings compared to the untreated control. The

combination spring and fall application exhibited sustained

suppression of earthworm castings compared to the spring only

or fall only treatment application, regardless of treatment or

particle size. As previously mentioned, the residual activity

(effectiveness) of single season applications of soil aggregates

appear to decline over time. Thus, multiple treatment app-

lications may be necessary. Since earthworm activity is most

pronounced in the spring and again in the fall when ambient and

soil temperatures are typically lower and soil moisture is greater,

spring and fall topdressing applications of highly angular,

abrasive aggregates may reduce earthworm populations to

tolerable levels.

Potential for use of Abrasive, Angular Aggregates for

Suppression of Earthworm Casts

The results of this study suggest that abrasive, angular aggre-

gates such as Amber Jack, Best Sand and Black Jack may pro-

vide an alternative, legal, non-pesticidal management strategy

for reducing earthworm castings to tolerable levels on low-cut

golf course turf. However, because the potential negative, long-

term attributes of abrasive, highly-angular soil aggregates are

not understood, careful forethought and consideration should be

administered before completely adopting this novel management

strategy. When considering the use of such amendments, begin

by treating only small areas of turf where earthworms are highly

problematic to evaluate this management strategy before adopt-

ing for widespread use.

Making a Decision

What is the significance of this research to superintendents

and why is further research needed? Compare the following

scena

sept oct06

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