TurfNews

Volume 68 • No. 5
September – October 2006

T H E N E W S L ET 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 AT I O N

OTF Scholarship and Research Fundraising

Golf Tournament
Westbrook Country Club, Mansfield, Ohio

WHAT’S INSIDE: OTF CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW PREVIEW

SEE PAGES 6 – 12
OSU Turfgrass Science Program
SEE PAGES 32 – 33
 Turf News
TurfNews distributes useful and timely advice, information and
research from Ohio’s most knowledgeable experts and professionals
to OTF members and those in the turfgrass industry.

Vol. 68 • No. 5 September – October 2006

TurfNews is produced by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation

1100-H Brandywine Blvd, Zanesville, Ohio 43701-7303
, brown patch and a broad spectrum of diseases with multiple modes of action and1-888-OTF-3445 a 21-day and is available to all members
T H E N E W S L ET 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 AT I O N www.OhioTurfgrass.org
d, a key ingredient in Signature,™ for turf stress management. And of course Tartan is
BackBacked
issues of OTF TurfNews are available on our Website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.

est acres and dozens of scientists on your side. Need data? Get it at bayerprocentral.com.
ngicide? Here it is.

This Issue Sponsored By:

Inside 06/07 Events

Message from the OTF President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 OHIO TURFGRASS CONFERENCE & SHOW
December 5 – 7, 2006 • 888-683-3445
T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Tartan, Signature and Backed by Bayer are trademarks of Bayer AG. Always read and follow
Turfgrass Field Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH

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

OHIO STATE GOLF TURF SPRING TEE-OFF
OTF Conference & Trade Show Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 – 12 March 14 – 15, 2007 (tentative) • 888-683-3445
Holiday Inn on the Lane, Columbus, OH
Sports Turf Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 – 15

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

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

FOR THE LATEST RESEARCH AND INFORMATION
FOR OHIO’S TURF AND LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS
Hort Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 – 21
VISIT THESE IMPORTANT WEBSITES:

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

Golf Course Turf Management
Superintendent’s Korner • http://hcs.osu.edu/karl
Product & Service Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Sports Turf Management
OSU Sports Turf Program • http://hcs.osu.edu/sportsturf
New Growth & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 – 31
Lawn, Grounds & Landscape
OSU Turfgrass Science Program NEW
SECTION . . . . . . . . 32 – 33 Buckeye Yard & Garden Line • www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/bygl

Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 These sites may also be accessed from the

OTF Website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.

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

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MESSAGE FROM
THE PRESIDENT
WHERE HAS THE SUMMER GONE?
If you are wondering where the summer
has gone – so am I. It’s September and in
the golf business all income should now
be gravy, and if so, I hope you are going
to need a lot of bread to put it on.
The spring and summer activities are
now over and the OTF Golf Tournament
took place September 27 at Westbrook
Country Club. Thanks to everyone who
participated. We hope you enjoyed this
year’s 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 customer
and give them a night on the town. Whatever you do, I hope to see
you at an OTF event. While we are talking about events, Joe Enciso is
looking for a few great gifts for our OTF auction. If you have an idea
or 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
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 student
employees, 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.
OTF SEEKS
NOMINATIONS FOR
ANNUAL AWARDS
Do you know anyone who deserves recognition
for contributions to turf management?
OTF members will receive forms by email for
nominating this year’s 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 significant
contributions 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 submit
your nomination is October 23.
3
 TURFGRASS FIELD DAY DRAWS OVER 400 TURF
PROFESSIONALS TO OTF RESEARCH FACILITY

A crowd of over 400 gathers for the welcome Dr. Charlie Mancino discussing new infill Joe Rimelspach, OSU, serving as OSU Turf
announcements. research technology. Team host for the day.

A beautiful, sunny day in the low-eighties welcomed over 400 Lawn/Grounds/Sport Fields
turfgrass professionals to the 2006 Ohio State University/OTF • Weed Control Studies
Turfgrass Research Field Day, August 16 at the OTF Research • Ammonium Nitrate Fertility Studies
& Education Facility. After welcoming comments from OTF • Phosphorus Studies
President Glen Pottenger, President of the Ohio Turfgrass • Bentgrass Management (Removal) Studies
Research Trust (OTRT), Joe Motz, announced that OTRT had • Conservation Irrigation Studies
successfully raised more than $125,000 from its Founders Club • Grub Control with New Insecticides
campaign (see page 5 for more on the Founders Club). • Perennial Grassy Weed Control
• Sport Field Overseeding Studies
On behalf of the OSU College of Food, Agricultural and En- • And more!
vironmental Sciences, Assistant Dean L.H. Newcomb welcomed
everyone to the research facility and thanked them for their The afternoon program featured two optional sessions offering
support of the OSU Turfgrass Science Program. Following Dr. re-certification credit. Dr. Dave Shetlar presented “Insect and
Newcomb was 2006 Field Day chairman Joe Rimelspach, OSU Mite Control in Woody Ornamentals” (Category 6a) and Dr. John
Department of Plant Pathology, to explain the program’s format. Street discussed “Weed Management in Turf” (Category 8). Both
The audience was then divided into two groups: Golf and Sports/ sessions attracted large audiences from many seeking credit in
Grounds; and the tours of the research facility began. each respective category.

Each group then rotated among turfgrass plots, learning about The OSU Turfgrass Science Team did an excellent job preparing
the latest research being conducted at OSU. Topics included: this year’s program and the turfgrass research facility. The team
consists of members of the OSU Department of Plant Pathology,
Golf Course/High Maintenance Turf Entomology, School of Natural Resources, and Horticulture &
• Dollar Spot Timing Studies Crop Science.
• Dollar Spot Resistance Management
• Fungicide Efficacy Studies Thank you to everyone who attended, and for those whose hard
• Creeping Bentgrass Shade Research work helped make the Field Day a success.
• PGR-Nitrogen Interaction Studies
• Velocity Usage Research OTF hopes everyone enjoyed the day and that those who attend-
• Green Speed Research ed gained valuable information that will help make them better
• Field Evaluations of Aquatrol turf managers.
• Moss Control Studies

4
GREEN
INDUSTRY

NEWS
OTRT Founders Club Update 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
The Ohio Turfgrass Research made and paid for over a five-year period. Members may increase
Trust’s (OTRT) Founders Club their level of support at any time.
Membership Campaign is in
full swing, reported OTRT Membership in the Founders Club requires a donation to the Ohio
President Joe Motz at the Turfgrass Research Trust. OTRT and is classified by the Internal
OTF/OSU Turfgrass Research Revenue Service as a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization. Therefore,
Field Day August 16. “We donations to OTRT are 100% tax deductible as a charitable
have already raised more contribution.
than $125,000. With 25% of
OTRT thanks the following members (listed alphabetically) for
our goal already pledged, the
making the commitment to Ohio’s turfgrass industry by already
Founders Club Campaign is
joining the Founders Club:
moving along great. Support-
ing the Founders Club will help Dr. Michael Boehm Paul Latshaw
ensure a bright future for our Al Brandt John Lavelle
Joe Motz, OTRT President, announcing
the Founders Club’s new “Emerald Level”
next generation of turfgrass Dr. Karl Danneberger Don Lawrence
membership. professionals!” Dr. Chuck Darrah Paul Mendezoff
Jim Dillard Joe Motz
In its 45-year history, OTF has granted more than $3.5 million for Joe Duncan Harry Murray
turfgrass research and more than $400,000 in student scholar- Ed Eaton Bob O’Brien
ships. There is no guarantee, however, that this level of support Joe Enciso Ed Odorizzi
will always be available. Support from the industry is more import- Fairmount Minerals Walt Offinger
ant now than ever before. State budget cuts have severely affect- John Fitzgerald Gene Probasco
ed the research and extension efforts at the state universities. Doug Gallant Jerome Schwieterman
Tim Glorioso Jim Sharp
The initial goal of the Founders Club is to raise more than Greater Cincinnati GCSA Sam Stimmel
$500,000, with the understanding that the principle will never Doug Halterman Randy Tischer
be spent. The interest generated from this fund will be available Mark Heinlein Todd Voss
to fund specific research projects, purchase equipment for the Paul Jacquemin Dick Warner
OTF Research & Education Center, and support student scholar- Rick Kucharski Mark Yoder
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.
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: info@OhioTurfgrass.org • www.OhioTurfgrass.org

5
 The Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show

What’s New in 2006

New and exciting changes have been made to this year’s

Conference & 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? Can’t decide if you’ll 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 year’s
conference program.
• 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.

• 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.

6
 The Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show

2006 Exhibitors

Nearly every product or service for managing turfgrass will be on display at this year’s OTF show. More than 250 exhibitors will
occupy 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 industry’s 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.

2WayRadioPlus Country Stone, Inc. Landscape & Irrigation Questex Media

Acorn Farms Custom Manufacturing, Inc. (Green Media) Raden Enterprises, Inc.
Advan LLC Cutter Equipment Co. Laser-Grader Mfg. Range Servant America
Advanced Turf Solutions Dakota Peat & Equipment Lastec Real Green Systems
AGRO-CHEM, INC. Dow AgroSciences Lavy Ents. Turf Grass, Inc. Regal Chemical Co.
Allegheny Lawn & Golf Eagle One Golf Products Lebanon Turf Ring Industrial Group, LP
Alvis Materials Equipment Caddy Lely USA, Inc. Riverdale/Nufarm
The Andersons ESD Waste2Water, Inc. Lesco, Inc. SALSCO, Inc.
Applied Biochemists Excell Minerals Liquid Fence Co. Schreiner Golf, Inc.
AQUA DOC Lake & Fairway Products Locke Turf Corp. The Seed Center
Pond Management First Products Logan Labs, LLC SePRO Corporation
Aqua-Aid, Inc. FMC Markers, Inc. SISCO
Aquatrols Foley United Mid American Ag. Smithco, Inc.
Arysta Lifescience Forestry Suppliers, Inc. and Hort. Svcs. Southern Athletic Fields
Back To Nature From Tee To Green Mid Ohio Golf Car, Inc. Southwest Landmark
BASF GCSAA Central Ohio Chapters Midwest Turf Consultants Spyker Spreaders
Bayer Environmental Science Geo. Shack – GolfTech Millstone Golf & Strategic Turf Systems, Inc.
Becker Underwood Golfweek’s SuperNEWS Turf Products, Inc. Syngenta Professional
Bell Laboratories, Inc. Golf Creations/ Morral Companies, LLC Products
Best Sand Lohmann Golf Designs Musco Lighting, LLC TECH Sales-Golf Course Div.
BlueYellow, LLC Green Velvet Sod National Mower Co. Turf Diagnostics & Design
Bradfield Organics Farms, Ltd. Nature Safe Natural Turf Products
Brookside Labs Greenjacket & Organic Fertilizers Turfco Mfg.
C&S Turf Care Grigg Brothers Neary Technologies Turfgrass, Inc.
Equipment, Inc. Gro-Power, Inc. Oglebay Norton Turfline, Inc.
Central Farm & Garden Grounds Maintenance Ohio Lawn Care Association TurfWorks Int’l, Ltd.
Central Sod Farms, Inc. H&E Sod Nursery Ohio State ATI TYCROP Manufacturing, Ltd.
Century Equipment H & H Farm Machine Co. Ohio Utilities Protection Svc. UAP
Chemical Containers Harco Fittings Otterbine Barebo, Inc. Ventrac By Venture
Cincinnati Booster Harper Industries Par Aide Products Co. Products, Inc.
Pump Systems Helena Chemical Co. PBI Gordon Corp. VGM Financial Services
The CISCO Companies Huggett Sod Farm, Inc. PermaGreen Supreme Walker Supply, Inc.
Clark State IKEX, LLC Phoenix Environmental Care Watertronics, Inc.
Community College Infinity Sports Pitt Power Products Co. Wehrkamp Enterprises, Inc.
CLC LABS ITT Flowtronex PSI Plant Food Co., Inc. Wolf Creek Company
The Clear Solution J. Davis Marking Systems Power Equipment Dist., Inc Xenia Power Equipment
Club Car Jacklin Seed/JR Simplot Princeton Delivery XGD Systems
Columbus Turf Nursery Jacobsen, A Textron Company Systems, Inc.
Commercial Tire JMD Company Professional Turf
Service Co., Inc. John Wiley & Sons Products, LLC
Compensation Knox Fertilizer Company Profile Products
Consultants, Inc. L.T. Rich Products ProSource One

7
 The Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show
Keynote Address
Sponsored By:
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
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 Earth’s 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
8
retreat are unprecedented in some areas for at least 5200 years.
The ongoing global scale, rapid retreat of mountain glaciers is not
only contributing to global sea level rise, but threatening fresh water
supplies in many of the world’s 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 world’s foremost authorities on
paleoclimatology and glaciology. He has led more than 50 expedi-
tions during the last 30 years, conducting ice-core drilling programs
in the world’s 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 Earth’s
past, present and future climate system.
Other Thompson-led expeditions have recovered a 460-meter-long
ice core, the world’s 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 over
750,000 years in age, the oldest outside the polar regions (Tibet,
1992). Thompson’s research has resulted in major revisions in the
field of paleoclimatology, in particular, by demonstrating how tropical
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 Time Magazine and CNN as one of “America’s
Best” in science and medicine. His research has been featured in
hundreds of publications, including National Geographic and the
National Geographic Adventure Magazines.
He and his team are the subject of a new book entitled: Thin Ice:
Unlocking the Secrets of Climate in the World’s Highest Mountains
by Mark Bowen published in late 2005. In 2006, he has been elect-
ed member of the American Philosophical Society , Alumni member
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 year’s
Keynote. This is one presentation you will not want to miss!
The Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show 2006 OTF CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Hotel Information/ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5

Conference Preview GOLF TRACK

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
GCSAA Workshop – Taking Control of Green Speed
Dr. Thomas Nikolai, Michigan State University, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences

SPORTS TURF TRACK

Hotel Accommodations
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Managing Sports Fields with Limited Pesticides
Planning an overnight stay during the 2006 Ohio Turf- Dr. Dave Shetlar, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Entomology
grass Conference & Show? Plan ahead and reserve
your hotel rooms early. Many hotels may be sold out if 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
you wait too long. Field Construction Options with Budgets in Mind
Mark Heinlein, The Motz Group
Discount pricing has been negotiated at the following
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
hotels. Make sure to inform the reservation desk that New Developments in Turfgrass Species and Cultivars for Sports Fields
you are with the Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show Dr. Leah Brilman, Seed Research of Oregon
when making reservations.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
IMPORTANT: OTF urges you to make accommodations Topdressing Sports Fields
Dr. Chuck Darrah, CLC LABS
by contacting the following hotels. Room reservations
made outside the OTF room block may result in financial 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
penalties to OTF and lead to higher registration and Infield Dirt
exhibitor fees in the future! Luke Yoder, San Diego Padres, PETCO Park

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Hyatt Regency Columbus (Host Hotel) Water Movement in Sports Field Profiles and Related Drainage Strategies
350 North High St • Columbus, OH 43215 Dr. Ed McCoy, OARDC School of Natural Resources
614-463-1234
$126 + Tax Single/Double
$146 + Tax Triple LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION TRACK
$155 + Tax Quad
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Cut-off date: November 7, 2006 Irrigation Layout and Design
Online Reservations: Rob Kurtz, Century Equipment
www.columbus.hyatt.com/groupbooking/cmhrcgras2006
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Hampton Inn & Suites Winterization of Landscape Irrigation Systems
Greg Hymer, C-Tech Solutions
501 North High St • Columbus, OH 43215
614-559-2000 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
$112 + Tax Single/Double Water Audits for Landscape Irrigation Systems
$152 + Tax King Suite Scott Knowles, Wolf Creek Company
Cut-off date: November 3, 2006
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(Refer to Code OT6 when making reservations)
Equipment Options for Maximum System Performance
Steve Young, Century Equipment
Drury Inn & Suites
88 East Nationwide Blvd • Columbus, OH 43215 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
614-221-7008 Bidding and Pricing
Jim Burkart, James Burkart Associates
$99 + Tax Single/Double
$109 + Tax Triple/Quad 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Cut-off date: November 18, 2006 Proper Techniques for Landscape Irrigation Installation and Repair
Scott Yerkes, Southern Lawn Sprinklers

9
 ASSISTANTS/TECHNICIANS TRACK 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Employee Discipline
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Dr. Bernie Erven, The Ohio State University
Effective Use of Dry/Liquid Pesticides
Dr. John Street, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
How to Be An Amazing Leader
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Bill Hoopes, Grass Roots Training
Understanding the Do’s & Don’ts of Plant Growth Regulator
Selection and Use 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dr. Dennis Shepard, Syngenta Chemical Co. Removing Barriers to Communication
Dr. Bernie Erven, The Ohio State University
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Basic Safety – It’s an Every Minute Thing
Gary Hanson, American Safety & Health GENERAL EVENING WORKSHOPS

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Keys to Diagnosing Abiotic and Biotic Disorders of Turfgrass Turfgrass Insects – Facts, Fictions, Myths and Realities
Joe Rimelspach, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Plant Pathology Dr. Dave Shetlar, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Entomology

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Safe Machinery Operation Ornamental Weed Control Strategies
Gary Hanson, American Safety & Health Dr. Hannah Mathers, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Selecting the Right Nozzle for the Right Job
Dr. Mike Fidanza, Penn State University/Berks Campus

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
GENERAL SESSIONS TRACK

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM GOLF TRACK

Aquatics/Pond Management
Charles Behnke, Horticulturist and Ohio State University Emeritus 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast with the USGA
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Shrub and Flower Bed Weed Control 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Dr. Mimi Rose, Rose Consulting Poa annua Control – The Latest Scoop and Agronomic Perceptions
Dr. Bruce Branham, University of Illinois, Natural Resources & Eco. Sciences
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
New Approaches to Controlling Fairy Ring in Lawn Turf 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dr. Mike Fidanza, Penn State University/Berks Campus Effect of Nozzle Type and Spray Volume on Fungicide Performance
Dr. Mike Fidanza, Penn State University/Berks Campus
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Endophyte – Enhanced Turfgrasses and Fertility – 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Getting the Most Out of Turf Plant Resistance Understanding the Phosphonate Products and their Use
Dr. Doug Richmond, Purdue University in Disease Control Strategies
Dr. Peter Landschoot, Penn State University, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
How to Incorporate Organic Programs into Your Current Service 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
and Make it Profitable Researching the New Bentgrasses – Agronomic Interpretations
Mark Grunkemeyer, Buckeye Ecocare and Ken Quandt, Nature Safe Dr. Cale Bigelow, Purdue University, Dept. of Agronomy

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Turf Insect Control on a Tight Budget SPORTS TURF TRACK
Dr. Doug Richmond, Purdue University
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM New Herbicide Technology & Their Use Strategies for Sports Field Management
Interpreting the Label to Be Legal, Safe and Environmentally Protective Dr. Bruce Branham, University of Illinois, Natural Resources & Eco. Sciences
Joanne Kick-Raack, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Entomology
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Renovation of Fields in the Dominican Republic
HUMAN RESOURCES TRACK Luke Yoder, San Diego Padres, PETCO Park

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Ten Reasons I Won’t Work for You Renovation and Management of Purdue University Ross Ade Field
Bill Hoopes, Grass Roots Training Dr. Cale Bigelow, Purdue University, Dept. of Agronomy

10
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM MISCELLANEOUS SESSIONS
Selection and Assessment of Infill Turf Systems
Dr. Chuck Darrah and Dr. Charles Mancino, CLC LABS 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Back Yard Aquatic Habitats
Dr. Laura Deeter, OSU/ATI
GENERAL SESSIONS TRACK
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Useful Native Trees, Shrubs and Flowers for Ohio Landscapes
Breakfast Roundtables Dr. Pablo Jourdan, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Nozzle Selection for Enhancing Pesticide Application Efficiency ODA Enforcement Guidelines and Regulatory Update
Dr. Dennis Shepard, Syngenta Chemical Co. Dr. Bill Pound, Ohio Dept. of Agriculture

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Ten Keys to Tree Problem Diagnostics OSU Turf Science Team Question and Answer (on the trade show floor)
Jim Chatfield, OSU Extension-Wooster Dr. John Street, Pam Sherratt, Dr. Ed McCoy, Joe Rimelspach, Dr. Mike
Boehm, Dr. Dave Gardner, Dr. Karl Danneberger and Dr. Dave Shetlar
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Bug Alert!/Strategies for Rescue Treatments
Dr. Doug Richmond, Purdue University EVENING PANELS

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Industrial Vegetation Control The Thinking Superintendent: Stress Management Strategies
Scott Lucas, Ohio Dept. of Transportation Dr. Karl Danneberger, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences
and a Panel of Superintendents
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Termites in the Landscape – Mulch Mania! 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dr. Susan Jones, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Entomology Turf & Landscape Diagnostics:
An Evening with the Treevorkians and the BugDoc!
Joe Boggs, Jim Chatfield and Dr. Dave Shetlar, OSU Extension
SOD PRODUCERS TRACK

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
New Developments in Turfgrass Species and Cultivars for Sod Production
Dr. Leah Brilman, Seed Research of Oregon
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Latest Developments with Heat Tolerant Bluegrasses
Dr. Travis Teuton, University of Missouri-Columbia, Div. of Plant Sciences GOLF TRACK
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
New Herbicide Technology in Turfgrass Weed Management Strategies to Delay Disease Resistance
Dr. Bruce Branham, University of Illinois, Natural Resources & Eco. Sciences Rick Fletcher, Cleary Chemical Company

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
LAWN & GROUNDS TRACK Selecting Bentgrasses for Greens, Tees and Fairways
with Emphasis on Disease Resistance
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Dr. Peter Landschoot, Penn State University, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences
The Business of Snow Removal
Doug Freer, Blue Moose Co., Inc. 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Making Sense of Dollar Spot Research from Across the Country
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Dr. Mike Boehm, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Plant Pathology
The Future of H2B in the Industry
Chris Hayes, Groundmasters, Inc. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Overview and Update of Moss Control Products for Putting Greens
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Dr. Peter Landschoot, Penn State University, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences
Defining IPM and Techniques That Really Work
Dr. Thomas Nikolai, Michigan State University, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Maintaining Bentgrass Fairway Quality Using PGRs, Wetting Agents
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM and Supplemental Foliar Nitrogen
New Herbicide Technology for Perennial Grassy Weeds Dr. Cale Bigelow, Purdue University, Dept. of Agronomy
and Other Weed Control Advances
Dr. Bruce Branham, University of Illinois, Natural Resources & Eco. Sciences 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Is There Magic in Liquid Fertilizers?
Dr. Chuck Darrah, CLC LABS

11
 MANAGING A LOW TO MODERATE BUDGET GOLF COURSE TRACK
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Calculating Fertilizer Costs and Decision Making
Dr. John Street, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Marketing Your Golf Course – Thinking Outside the Box
Hank Chafin, Turfgrass Consultant
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Understanding Turfgrass Insect Life Cycles and Habits
and Control Strategies
Dr. 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 Programming
Dr. Karl Danneberger, The Ohio State Univ., Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Economical Design Changes and Upgrades to Enhance Your Courses Broadleaf Weed Herbicides, Modes of Action and Use Strategies
Image and Marketability Dr. Dave Gardner, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences
Brian Huntley, Golf Sense, Inc.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Regulatory Issues, Future Legislation and Trends in Current
Creative Agronomics with Cost in Mind Pesticide Use/Misuse
Dr. Jim Fenstermocher, Robin Hood Golf Course Dr. Bill Pound, Ohio Dept. of Agriculture

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Economical Approaches to Disease Control LAWN & GROUNDS TRACK
Joe Rimelspach, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Plant Pathology
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Animal Control for Turf and Ornamentals
Economical Approaches to Insect Control Eric Gerhartz, Liquid Fence
Dr. Dave Shetlar, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Entomology
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Heat Tolerant Bluegrasses Characterization and Use
SPORTS TURF TRACK Dr. Travis Teuton, University of Missouri-Columbia, Div. of Plant Sciences

8:00 AM – 9:15 AM 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Morning with the NFL/MLB/MCS Developing Sound Fertility and Agronomic Programs Based on Current
Tom Jones, Pizza Hut Park, Dallas Research and Technology
Dr. Cale Bigelow, Purdue University, Dept. of Agronomy
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Athletic Field Paint Selection and Use 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Mark Whitlam, Whitlam Paint Co. What Does it Take to Make Money Mowing Grass
Mark Williams, Groundmasters, Inc.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Field Presentation on a Limited Budget 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
John Mott, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Rec. & Grounds How to Estimate or Bid Lawn and Grounds Work
Scott Huvler, TD Landscapes, Doug Freer, Blue Moose Co., Inc., Kim Kellogg,
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Grasshopper Property Maint., Inc., Mark Grunkemeyer, Buckeye Ecocare and
Construction of Pizza Hut Park Mark Williams, Groundmasters, Inc.
Tom Jones, Pizza Hut Park, Dallas

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM MECHANICS WORKSHOP

Heat Tolerant Bluegrasses Characterization and Use
Dr. Travis Teuton, University of Missouri-Columbia, Div. of Plant Sciences 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Mechanics Workshop
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Xenia Power Equipment
Managing a Multi-Complex Athletic Facility –
Sharing Some Experiences and Management Advice 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Tom Jones, Pizza Hut Park, Dallas PLANET testing for:
• Certified Turfgrass Professional – Cool Season Lawns (CTP-CSL)
• Certified Landscape Professional (CTP)
TURF BACK TO BASICS TRACK • Certified Landscape Technician-Interior (CLT-I)
• Certified Ornamental Landscape Professional (COLP)
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Turfgrass Selections and Keys to Successful Establishment 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pamela Sherratt, The Ohio State University, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences ODA Testing
• Pesticide Applicator License Testing for all Categories
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Pre-emergence and Post-emergence Herbicide Performance:
Expectations and Reality – Panel Discussion
Dr. Dave Gardner and Dr. John Street, OSU, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Sciences ALL SESSION TOPICS, TIMES AND SPEAKERS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

12
SPORTS
TURF
TIPS
Your Four Best Friends Until Season’s End
John 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 date for the southern Midwest (i.e. Cincinnati). Late-season
under the pressure of a variety of sports and levels of activity. fertilization should be applied when turfgrass topgrowth is
The four keys to success at this time of year or “YOUR FOUR slowing or actually stopped and this corresponds to consistent
BEST FRIENDS” to enhance or maintain field quality to an daytime air temperatures of less than 50° F. The late-season
acceptable level are fertility, seed, some type of cultivation fertilization applied in the late fall when the grass is still green
and light irrigation. but significantly slowed in topgrowth will extend fall greening,
enhance late fall/winter/spring root growth, promote winter and
FERTILIZATION is critical to provide adequate color and summer hardiness and provide a source of late winter/early
turfgrass growth for regrowth/recuperation from wear and tear. spring nutrients for new seedlings and existing turf.
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: K2O. On sand fields, the N:K20 ratio
can be closer to 1:1. In the fall while soil temperatures are still Table 1.
FALL ATHLETIC FIELD FERTILIZATION GUIDELINES
at 50° F or higher the nitrogen component of the fertilizer should
be 30-50% slow-release nitrogen. At least two fall applications
Early to Mid Sept. 1 lbs. N per 30-50%
of nitrogen fertilizer should be made with the first in early to 1,000 sq. ft. slow-release
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. Early to Mid Oct. 1 lbs. N per 30-50%
(optional under heavy use) 1,000 sq. ft. slow-release
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 Early Nov. to Early Dec. 1 – 1.5 lbs. per Quick release
1,000 sq. ft.
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 CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

13
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
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! Let’s
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 source
of 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
14
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 dormant
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 latter
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 is
usually 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 that
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.) that
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.

Table 2.
SPECIES SELECTION GUIDELINES FOR FALL OVER-SEEDING

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 rate
of 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.

15
 GOLF
COURSE
TIPS
Watch for Drought Stress over Drain-Lines
on your Push-up Greens
Dr. Ed McCoy, The Ohio State University, OARDC

It’s an unavoidable consequence that soil water content in the diameter pipe with sand-slot perforations is placed in a 4 inch

surface layer of a push-up green varies with the pattern of wide trench backfilled with a 6:2:2 sand:soil:peat blend.

effective subsurface drainage elements. That is, if a drainage

system is doing its job, water contents will always be greater Our illustration of soil water content variation for both systems

midway between drain-lines and lower over the drain-lines. results from a water flow simulation where both systems are

And it bears repeating that this is particularly so for push-up placed in a 12 foot wide by 35 inch deep push-up green soil

greens containing a topdressing sand cap. profile consisting of a 4 inch sand cap over a clay loam soil.

Additionally, both systems are uniformly wetted and flow is

Consider, for example, PCD and XGD™, two common drainage initiated by a 1 inch rain.

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

avoid the turf management problems associated with the use of Shown below are water contents along a 3660 mm (12 foot)

coarsely textured and clean sands placed to the surface of the transect intersecting 4 drain-lines of a PCD system and 2 drain-

green. The PCD system consists of FloWick™ elements placed lines of an XGD system. In both cases, the water content curves

at 9 to 10 inch depth and at 3 foot spacing within the area correspond to 12 hours after the end of the rain (when flow

being drained. Additionally, a 3/8 inch wide sand curtain ex- from the XGD system had ceased) and a depth of 0.5 inches.

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

XGD system consists of corrugated plastic pipe at 14 to 16 The graphs show that both systems create a water content

inch depth and 6 foot spacing across the green. The 2 inch pattern with higher water contents between the drainage

16
elements and lower water contents over the drainage elements.

For the PCD system, water contents ranged from a little over

27% to 29% whereas in the XGD system, water contents ranged

from 28.5% to a little over 32%†. Also, if the sand cap layer

is less than 4 inches the peaks in both will be greater, and if

the sand cap is greater than 4 inches the peaks in both will

be less.

So what, you might ask, is the consequence of this illustration?

Well, once water flow from a drainage system has ceased, all

other processes removing water from the soil, such as deep

percolation and turf water uptake, occur uniformly across the

area. Consequently, as the soil dries from the action of these

more uniform processes, the soil moisture pattern remains.

And, if drying is allowed to progress to the extreme, drought

stress will first appear over the drainage elements regardless of

what kind of drainage system is involved.

It’s important to remember; particularly if your water manage-

ment practice is to keep the greens as dry as possible, to

watch for afternoon turf drought over your drain-lines. It’s

something that could occur in a push-up green regardless of

how the green is drained.

†
The PCD system contains closer spacing on the drainage elements than XGD

and also creates a hanging-water-column suction. Thus, it is no surprise that

surface water contents are less and more uniform for the PCD system than the

XGD system.

17
 RESIDENTIAL
LAWN CARE
TIPS
Identification & Control of Wintertime
Turfgrass Weeds
D.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 seed
in 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 shepard’s 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,
18
will open a bare spot in the turf that may be filled in by crabgrass
and other summer annual weeds. Since winter annuals thrive in
cool, 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 winter
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 applications
when temperatures are above 80°F 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 annua may 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 annual
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.
FIGURE 1. WINTER ANNUAL BROADLEAF WEEDS
Common Chickweed – Stellaria media
(Glabrous leaves are rounded at the base and pointed at the tip.
Small white flowers with deeply notched petals.)
FIGURE 2. MONOCOTYLEDONOUS WEEDS OF WINTER
Annual Bluegrass – Poa annua
(Boat shaped leaf tips. Bunch type growth habit
and a distinct membranous ligule.)
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 of
your choice, but with the caveat that the herbicides are not
specifically designed to control these weeds and therefore your
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 for
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.
Henbit – Lamium amplexicaule
(Square stems. Terminal leaves attached directly
to main stem. Lower leaves on short branches.)
Wild Garlic – Allium vineale Star of Bethlehem – Ornithogalum umbellatum
Wild Onion – A. Canadense (White flowers with 6 petals.
(Garlic has hollow leaves, onion has flat leaves.) Leaves have a distinct, grooved midrib.)
19
 HORT
SHORTS
COLUMN
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
20
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 OSU’s Secrest Arboretum at the Ohio Agricultural
Research and Development Center in Wooster and the original
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 University’s 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 it’s 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,
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
HOW: To register, contact Sue Beasley at beasley.37@osu.edu
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
(chatfield.1@osu.edu or John Conglose (conglose.1@osu.edu);
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

WHO: This forum is a program of the Ohio State University Next 9:50 – 10:00 Welcome – John Conglose and Jim Chatfield,
STEP (Street Tree Evaluation Program), OSU’s Secrest Arboretum, OSUE Next STEP Program
and the Ohio State University’s Extension Center at Wooster.
10:00 – 11:30 Why Trees Matter – Dr. Paul Bloniarz, USDA
11:30 – 12:00 Why Tree Research in Ohio Matters –
“Why Trees Matter” is for all those interested in Ohio’s commun-
Dr. Dan Herms, OSU Entomology
ity forests: street tree commissions, mayors, arborists and urban
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
foresters, utility companies, economic development and resource
12:45 – 1:15 Community Tree Resources for Ohio –
managers, nurserymen and landscapers, and all citizens of Ohio in-
OSU Next STEP Program
terested in the resource of trees in our urban and suburban areas.
1:15 – 2:45 Tour of New Site for OSU Community
Forest Research Plot
WHAT: The keynote address is by Dr. David V. Bloniarz, the project
2:45 – 3:00 Break
coordinator of the USDA Forest Service’s Northeast Center for Urban
3:00 – 4:00 Facilitated Discussion of Community
and Community Forestry at the University of Massachusetts/
Tree Plots at Secrest and Throughout Ohio
Amherst. Dr. Bloniarz has worked on numerous urban forestry
projects throughout the northeast U.S., including volunteer street
From “Dr. Bloniarz and “Why Trees Matter” to being present at
inventories in communities of various sizes in Massachusetts and
the seeds of creation of the next tree plots in Wooster and at
in New York City. He is a key scientist in developing models and
sites throughout Ohio – what a day! Parvis e glandibus quercus!
software for determining values of streetscape trees, developing
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.
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, OSU’s 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.

21
 GRADUATE STUDENT CORNER
Buckeyes Invade “Hell’s Half Acre” at Pine Valley
By: David A. Willoughby, Turfgrass Management, Ohio State ATI
With the college football season in full swing and the Buckeyes
having held the top preseason ranking, one might, mistakenly think
this to be an article about football. The title does resemble some-
what of a newspaper headline. The truth is on certain occasions
when given the opportunity, I like to share some of the personal
accomplishments of some of our current students and fellow turf
management alumni.
Every spring and summer I have the distinct honor of visiting some
of the greatest golf course and sports turf facilities in the world
right here in Ohio. As coordinator of the Associate of Applied
Science Degree Program in Turfgrass Management, I am re-
sponsible for directing and overseeing Ohio State ATI’s turfgrass
management internship program. This summer I have enjoyed the
pleasure of visiting about 30 facilities around the state, making
new friends and renewing old acquaintances.
Approximately five years ago, I started working at least one out-
of-state internship visit into my schedule. In 2001, I was able to
visit intern Lukus Harvey at Augusta National. Last summer (2005)
I took a ten day vacation to visit my brother in Florida. During this
so called vacation, I visited thirteen golf courses in nine days
(unfortunately not to play golf). These visits included an intern-
ship visit at the John’s Island Club, in Vero Beach, Florida with Matt
Martin, and a stop by Doral, in Miami to visit 1992 graduate Eric
Von Hofen (Director of Golf and Grounds Operations).
This year, due to a lot of hard work and some spectacular
accomplishments, by some highly talented current students
and alumni, I was invited to visit the number one ranked golf facility
(by numerous golf industry publications) in the world, Pine
Valley Golf Club in New Jersey. Oh yes, the home of the infamous
“Hell’s Half Acre.” The significance of this visit was based on the
fact that two Ohio State ATI alumni, Adam Wilkins and Jason Mahl
hold assistant superintendent positions, and two current students,
Zac Wike and Josh Hollins, were participating in their second
22
turfgrass management internship experiences. I didn’t go just to
play golf.
Adam Wilkins (2000 graduate of Ohio State ATI), originally from
Avon, Ohio started his career in the turfgrass industry working at
Bob-O-Link Golf Course in Avon in 1994. He entered Ohio State
ATI in the fall of 1998 and participated in a turfgrass management
internship experience with Athletic Turf Development of Garfield
Heights, Ohio. “Back when I was in school, I thought I wanted to
do the sports turf thing. After my internship experience, my mind
was made up to go back to the golf course.”
Upon graduation from ATI in the spring of 2000, Wilkins accepted
an assistant superintendent’s position at Orchard Ridge Country
Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana. “There weren’t many opportunities
available in Ohio after graduation, so the Orchard Ridge position
worked out great for me.” Adam was an assistant superintendent
at Orchard Ridge for five years under the direction of golf course
superintendent Mark Toennies (CGCS). “Mark provided a challeng-
ing environment at Orchard Ridge that allowed me to develop my
leadership skills.”
In March of 2005, Adam joined the management team at Pine
Valley Golf Club as an assistant superintendent. “Pine Valley is a
unique property consisting of the eighteen-hole main course, a
ten-hole short course, and numerous tenant properties with in-
dividual putting greens. Rick (Richard Christian – Golf Course
Superintendent) divides specific leadership responsibilities among
the assistants and rotates each assistant through a five-step
program that allows us to sharpen and perfect our individual skills.
It’s a great process,” Wilkins states. At the time of my visit
Adam was leading the crew through the beginning stages of
Pine Valley’s fall renovation program on greens, tees and fairways.
Jason Mahl (Also a 2000 graduate of Ohio State ATI), originally
from Willard, Ohio arrived at Pine Valley in May of 2005. “It was
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 pursue
a degree in Turfgrass Management. During his educational
experience at Ohio State, Jason served as President of ATI’s 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.
“It’s always intrigued me about the uniqueness and historical
significance of the golf course/turfgrass management industry.
The industry is big, yet it’s a small world. Somebody knows some-
one that knows you. Networking is huge.” Mahl says. “What’s 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 1918
and 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 superintendent’s 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 friend’s 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 Smoot’s direction at Yankee Run, Zac’s
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. “I
was excited about school, and Brian, who interned at Pebble
Beach, encouraged me to select an internship experience that
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 to
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 once
in a lifetime opportunity. It’s turned out to be one of the greatest
decisions I’ve 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. I’m 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 didn’t take long
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
23
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
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 I’m sticking around until December. It’s 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. He’s gained turfgrass management
experience in the far west, the midwest and now the east coast.
Zac Wike after completing a Spray Hawk pesticide application
on the greens.
24
After returning from New Jersey and reflecting on my visit, I
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 impressions
held by the people who have walked and graced the grounds of
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 can’t and won’t compare them.
It wouldn’t be fair.”
Having enjoyed the pleasure of working at and visiting hundreds
of golf courses and sports turf facilities through the years, it’s
great to see how young people grow, develop and become
successful. What’s 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 “Hell’s Half Acre” and
the historical integrity of George Crump’s 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.
 PRODUCT AND SERVICE DONATIONS
By: Jill Taylor, OSU Turfgrass Facility Manager

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

A display of various products donated to the OTF Research and Donation of seed for research and general areas:
Education Facility in 2006. 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
Ryan Morrison, student employee at the OTF Research and Education
Facility, loads top dressing sand for application. The sand was • STRATEGIC TURF
donated by Oglebay-Norton Company. Deep tine aerification service for improving drainage
• CLC LABS
As you all know, it would be very difficult to deal with plant pests Soil testing and consultation
and broken sprinkler heads without preplanning for pesticides and
• OHIO LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
backup parts. The Ohio State University OTF Research & Education
Earth moving equipment & labor
Facility is no different.
• OHIO MASTER GARDENERS
Working only off of a budget grant each year from the Ohio Turfgrass Landscaping recommendations; turf cultivar trial ratings
Foundation, we are in a position to solicit the help of companies to
• MOGAVERO EQUIPMENT
donate product to help supplement our budget. We would like to
Loan of laser equipment for leveling research areas
thank and recognize those companies that keep our facility
running with herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers, seed, insecticides, • COVER MASTER & FUTURA
pond control products and other goods and services. At our recent Turf blankets
Field Day on August 16, we featured these companies with a
• CITY OF COLUMBUS
display area near the registration area.
Com-Til mulch

It is truly incredible the response we get with our product requests, • THE MOTZ GROUP
even in these tough financial times. I am listing below the donors Product and service

25
 NEW
GROWTH &
TECHNOLOGY

Managing Earthworm Castings in Low-Cut

Golf Course Turf
R. Chris Williamson, Ph.D. and Seung (Steve) Hong

Earthworms are abundant, well-known inhabitants of the soil, sites (Backman et al. 2001, Potter 1998, Beard 1973). Of the
belonging to the order Oligochaeta, they are often referred to by a three earthworm species found in turf, only two species create
variety of names such as angleworms, fish worms, night crawlers soil castings. The night crawler, Lumbricus terrestris Linnaeus, is
and dew worms. They are widely considered beneficial organisms the most common and abundant species of the two that construct
due to certain favorable attributes such as soil formation, aeration earthen castings. Earthworm casts are most common on low-
and drainage, organic matter breakdown and incorporation, and cut turf including putting greens, approaches and collars, tee
even enhancement of microbial activity (Edwards 2004). It is boxes and fairways (Potter 1998) (Figure 1).
estimated that there are as many as 8000 species from about 800
genera worldwide (Edwards 2004). They live in diverse locations,
Figure 1
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

26
Earthworm casts disrupt the uniformity, appearance, and play-
Figure 2
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-
Figure 3
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 Figure 4
feet plots (i.e., 100 ft ) in a randomized design with four re-
2

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).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

27
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27
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 (Cleary’s 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
28
• 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 of
castings every seven days during the growing season (i.e. April
– 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 that
the effectiveness of the Black Jack treatment applied in spring
2002 (more than 12 months earlier) had decreased measurably.
We hypothesized that the aggregate’s 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 that
the aggregates eventually disperse into the soil, thus lose their
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
Figure 5

Figure 6

29
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28
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-
30
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
scenarios.
Best - Case Scenario
Several approach areas to putting greens are plagued by earth-
worm castings every season. The superintendent makes an
application of abrasive topdressing to these sites, and the worms
are irritated to the point where they migrate to the adjacent
roughs. The castings in the roughs are not a problem in the
2 1/2 inch (6.4 centimeter) turf. In addition, the topdressing
firms up the approach areas, and golfers can now play a bump-
and-run shot to the green. Result: life is good.
Worst- Case Scenario
The superintendent makes the same application of sharp top-
dressing material to approaches. Worms go away, but the layer
begins to abrade and injure turf roots and shoots in response to
the compaction caused by mowers, golf cars and concentrated
foot traffic. Roots die back, diseases run rampant and the turf
wilts constantly. Result: life is not good, and you realize that it
is very easy to add a foreign material to the root zone and very
difficult to remove it.
Summary
In the spring of 2002 University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists
initiated a comprehensive study to investigate the effectiveness
of abrasive aggregates for potential suppression of earthworm
casting production in low-cut golf course turf when applied as
a topdressing amendment.
• Earthworms are beneficial to the soil, but on golf courses the
castings they form are a nuisance.
• Because earthworms are beneficial organisms, no pesticide
is registered or labeled for their control in the United States.
• Abrasive aggregates applied as topdressing reduce earth-
worm activity to tolerable levels, but their efficacy declines
over time.
Acknowledgments
I want to thank the United States Golf Association as well as the
Wisconsin Turfgrass Association for providing funding of this
project. I thank Bob Vavrek (USGA Regional Agronomist) for his
editorial and intellectual contributions. I would also like to thank
31 year GCSAA member Monroe S. Miller, golf course super-
intendent at Blackhawk Country Club, Madison, Wis., for his
cooperation and for providing the study site. An electronic
version [3(23): 1-6] of this manuscript can be obtained at the
USGA TERO website located at http://usgatero.msu.edu.
Figure 7
References
1. Backman, P.A., E.D. Miltner, G.K. Stahnke and T.W. Cook. 2001.
Effects of cultural practices on earthworm castings on golf
course fairways. Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 9: 823-827.
2. Beard, J.B. 1973. Turfgrass science and culture. Prentice-
Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
3. Edwards, C.A. 2004. Earthworm ecology. 2nd edition. CRC
Press, Boca Raton, Fla.
4. Kirby, E.C. and S.W. Baker. 1995. Earthworm populations,
castings, and control in sports turf areas: A review. J. Sports
Turf Res. Inst. 71: 84-98.
5. Lee, K.E. 1985. Earthworms: Their ecology and relationships
with soils and land use. Academic Press, New South Wales
Australia.
6. Potter, D.A. 1998. Destructive turf insects: Biology, diagnosis,
and control. Ann Arbor Press, Chelsea, MI.
31
 IN AN ATTEMPT TO HIGHLIGHT THE ACTIVITIES AND IMPACT OF THE OSU TURFGRASS SCIENCE PROGRAM, EACH EDITION OF OTF TURFNEWS WILL FEATURE
A NEW SECTION ENTITLED “OSU TURFGRASS SCIENCE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS.” WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS NEW ADDITION TO THE OTF TURFNEWS!”

The Ohio State University Turfgrass Science Program

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The mission of The Ohio State University Turfgrass Science Program is to investigate, synthesize and disseminate
knowledge on turfgrass science to students, consumers and professional clientele throughout Ohio and
the nation. Through these efforts, the functional uses, environmental benefits and aesthetic values of turfgrass
will contribute to further enhancement of the quality of life for society. The OSU Turfgrass Science Team strives to maintain
national and international excellence by providing leadership in teaching, research and extension-outreach education.

FACULTY AND EXTENSION PROGRAM SPECIALISTS OF
THE OSU TURFGRASS SCIENCE PROGRAM
Dr. Mike Boehm (Department of Plant Pathology)
Dr. T. Karl Danneberger (Department of Horticulture and Crop Science)
Dr. David S. Gardner (Department of Horticulture and Crop Science)
Dr. Parwinder S. Grewal (Department of Entomology)
Dr. Ed McCoy (School of Environment and Natural Resources)
Joseph W. Rimelspach (Department of Plant Pathology)
Pamela J Sherratt (Department of Horticulture and Crop Science)
Dr. David J. Shetlar (Department of Entomology)
Dr. John R. Street (Department of Horticulture and Crop Science)
Dr. Daniel C. Voltz (Agricultural Technical Institute)
David A. Willoughby (Agricultural Technical Institute)
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Mike O’Keefe, Program Manager for OSU’s College of Food, Ag-
ricultural and Environmental Sciences’ International Exchange Pro-
gram (http://top.osu.edu/), works hard to link students and trainees
from around the world with the OSU Turfgrass Science Program and
Ohio’s Turfgrass Industry. Each year, Mike and his staff bring approx-
imately 100 trainees from over 30 different countries for on-the-
job training at top-golf courses and athletics fields in the U.S. He
also facilitates the placement of OSU Turfgrass Science Majors abroad
in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, the British Isles and
Europe to gain valuable international experiences. This unique aspect
of the OSU Turfgrass Science Program allows OSU students an
opportunity to see how turfgrass is managed on a global scale and
facilitates opportunities for international linkages between the OSU
Turfgrass Science Team and Ohio’s Turfgrass Industry with others
interested in turfgrass management throughout the world.
Highlights of our international activities in 2005 included …
• Dr. Karl Danneberger – Talk to the Japanese Golf Course Super-
intendent Association. January 2005. Tokyo, Kyoto, JAPAN.
• Pam Sherratt – Presented a talk at the 10th International Turf-
grass Research Conference. July 10 – 15, 2005. Wales, UNITED
KINGDOM.
• Dr. Mike Boehm – Attended the annual meeting of the American
Phytopathological Society in Quebec City, CANADA and participated
in a tour of several golf courses, athletic fields and sod farms.
• Brett Tanner (OSU Turfgrass Science Student) – Interned at Arsenal
Football training grounds near London, England.
• Ian Gallagher (OSU Turfgrass Science Student) – Interned at Carton
House GC near Dublin Ireland. Ian was involved in the Nissan
Irish Open while there.

32
International students at the Field Day (left to right); Jia Yan Brock Fallon (left), Australia, Ed Nangle, Ireland, Richie Law,
(China), Qingfang Chen (China), Ed Nangle (Ireland), Aneta Australia and Mike O’Keefe, OSU.
Studzinska (Poland) and Marcela Munoz (Chile).

“
• Ritchie Laws (Fijiian/Australian Trainee) – Interned as a Sport Turf
Trainee with the Motz Group in Cincinnati.
STUDYING HERE IN OSU’S
• Dan Bingle (British Trainee) – Interned at The Crew Soccer Stadium
and training facility. TURFGRASS SCIENCE
• Young-Ki Jo (Graduate Student from the Republic of Korea) –
Completed his Ph.D. under the direction of Dr. Mike Boehm and
PROGRAM WILL ALLOW
accepted an appointment as a postdoctoral researcher in the
Dept. of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. ME TO TAKE MY CAREER TO
OSU Turfgrass Science Program in association strives to globalize THE HIGHEST LEVEL POSSIBLE.
not only our students, faculty and staff, but our stake holders as
well. For example, Todd Voss, CGCS, Double Eagle Golf Club, is hosting
a trainee from Sri Lanka and a trainee from China.
IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN

Previous participants from OSU’s International Exchange Program

such as Aneta Studzinska from Poland, are currently enrolled as
graduate students in OSU’s Turfgrass Science Program. These
students hope to complete their education and return to their home
ACHIEVABLE WITHOUT THE
OPPORTUNITY THAT OHIO
“
countries where they hope to share what they’ve learned with others
thereby extending The Ohio State University’s name around the world.
STATE HAS GIVEN ME.

If you are interested in learning more about OSU’s Inter-

national Exchange Program or would like to host an international ED NANGLE,
student, please contact Mike O’Keefe at okeeffe.1@osu.edu. TURFGRASS GRADUATE STUDENT, IRELAND
GO BUCKS!

33
 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
Kevin Vaughn
Parks Maintenance, The City of Dublin
At the young age of 16, Kevin Vaughn opened his own lawn/
landscape business, beginning his career in turfgrass, which he
eventually sold in 1993. That same year, he became president of
his own multi-business growth company. As his career in turf-
grass flourished, Vaughn attended to his other career, being a
Firefighter/EMT-I for the City of Willoughby Hills in Ohio from
1987-1997. He received his training for Firefighter/ EMS from
Tri-C College in Cleveland and holds several certificates in dive
rescue, aircraft rescue and firefighting, hazardous materials,
high angle rope rescue, fast water rescue, fire safety inspector,
and advanced pump operations. In addition to these certificates,
Vaughn took many turf related classes and recently completed the
Sports Turf Certificate course level I from The Ohio State University.
In 1995, Vaughn sold his multi-growth company and began work-
ing as an EMT-I and state account manager for a private
ambulance/fire company from 1996-1999. In 1999, he went
back to his career in turfgrass and became a Parks Maintenance
employee for The City of Dublin. He has held this position for
the past 7 years.
As a Parks Maintenance employee, Vaughn works with a team of
three to take care of a 140 acre sports complex, which includes
mowing, fertilization, weed and disease management, irrigation,
aeration and infield maintenance. Maintaining 140 acres of land
brings with it many challenges. “Trying to keep safe, playable
field conditions with near 100% turf cover with field play at about
35 games per week per field,” is the main challenge of the job,
Vaughn explains.
34
Even with such challenges, Vaughn explains his love for the job.
“I love the satisfaction I get from putting a great field out there
for so many people to use. Our work touches thousands of people
every day. Not a lot of professions can say that.” He does not shy
away from hard work and wants newcomers to the profession to
“be prepared to work hard, work long hours,” and “don’t expect
to be wealthy monetarily but wealthy in pride and satisfaction.”
Vaughn commented on achievement saying, “I don’t think some-
one has one or two greatest achievements, yet our achieve-
ments are reached by trying, failing and succeeding.”
In order to achieve success and gain knowledge of the profession,
Vaughn understands the importance of being involved in the
organizations like OTF, which help promote success and know-
ledge in the industry. “I have a great feeling that we all need to
be involved in our careers to grow and sustain our industry, from
research to networking with each other.” His membership ex-
tends to the Ohio Sports Turf Managers Association, and he holds
a position on the board of directors. Organizations like OTF play a
role in society through “research, providing network opportunities,
communicating industry updates and helping with legislative work.”
Over the years, Vaughn has learned to “follow your dreams and
don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done.” He believes and lives
by the quote, “Life takes you down many roads ... enjoy them
all.” Vaughn is currently enjoying his newly built dream house
with his wife, Cindy, and three daughters Kelsey, Katie and Lauren.
In ten years, Vaughn sees himself doing exactly what he is doing
today, but maybe in a lift-o-matic chair.
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 1100-H Brandywine Blvd
Zanesville OH 43701-7303 Printer Please
Place Your
888-OTF-3445 PRESORT STD
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OTF Board of Trustees 2006 OTF Officers 2006 OSU Turfgrass

Science Team
Trustees President
Term Expires 2007 Horticulture & Crop Science
Glen Pottenger, CGCS
Joe Enciso Larch Tree Golf Course
Dr. John Street
Century Equipment
Vice President Dr. Karl Danneberger
Randy Shaver Dr. David Gardner
Strategic Golf Alliance, Inc. Mark Jordan Ms. Pamela Sherratt
Westfield Companies Country Club Ms. Jill Taylor
Trustees Ms. Deborah Holdren
Treasurer
Term Expires 2008
Entomology
Todd Voss
Doug Gallant
Double Eagle Club Dr. Dave Shetlar
Cincinnati Reds
Dr. Parwinder Grewal
Immediate Past President Mr. Kevin Power
Trustees
Term Expires 2009 Dr. Chuck Darrah Mr. Dan Digman
CLC LABS
Mark Grunkemeyer Plant Pathology
Buckeye Ecocare
Director of Education Dr. Michael Boehm
Kim Kellogg Dr. John R. Street Mr. Joseph Rimelspach
Grasshopper Property Maint. The Ohio State University Mr. Todd Hicks

Don Lawrence Executive Director School of Natural Resources

Red Hawk Run G.C.
Kevin Thompson Dr. Ed McCoy
Dan Walter OTF/Offinger Management Co. Mr. Stephen Schneider
City of Blue Ash
Agricultural Technical
Institute (ATI)
Mr. David Willoughby
Dr. Daniel Voltz
1300/0906/061