Volume 66 • No.

4
July - August 2004

The Newsletter of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation

Inside:
OSU Research
FIELD DAY
See Page 4

Golf Course
TIPS
See Pages 14 - 15

Residential
LAWN
CARE TIPS
See Page 16

The Newsletter of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation
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. 66 • No. 4 July - August 2004
TurfNews is produced by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation,
PO Box 3388, Zanesville, Ohio 43702-3388
1-888-OTF-3445 and is available to all members.
www.OhioTurfgrass.org
Back issues of OTF TurfNews are available on our Website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.

DOW LOGO
(to be pulled from
This Issue Sponsored By: ad and placed
by printer)

2004
Inside Calendar OF Events
Message from the 2004 OTF President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Ohio Sod Producers Association Summer Field Day
August 7, 2004
OSU Turfgrass Research Field Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Eastside Nursery, London, OH
888-683-3445
OTF Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
OSU Turfgrass Research Field Day
Green Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 10 August 18, 2004
OTF Research and Education Center, Columbus, OH
Golf Course Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 - 15 888-683-3445

Residential Lawn Care Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Ohio Lawn Care Diagnostic Seminar (OLCA)
August 19, 2004
Sports Turf Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
OTF Research and Education Center, Columbus, OH
800-510-5296
Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

New Growth & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 - 25 Ohio Sports Turf Managers Association Fall Field Day
September 7, 2004
Graduate Student Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 OSU Intramural Complex, Fred Beckman Park, Columbus, OH
419-824-9805
HortShorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
OTF Golf Tournament
Message from the Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 September 30, 2004
The Golf Club of Dublin, Dublin, OH
Corporate Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 888-683-3445

Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show

December 7 – 10, 2004
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH
888-683-3445

For more information or to register for OTF events, please contact the
OTF office at 888-683-3445 or visit www.OhioTurfgrass.org.

2
 FROM
MESSAGE T H E PRESIDENT THE OTF
CONFERENCE &
TRADE SHOW
OTF Needs Your Help! Committees Unveil 2004 Show Theme

I’ve spent the majority of my career in The Program Development and Trade Show
the turfgrass industry in some type of sales planning committees of OTF recently announced

position. Along the way, I’ve participated in the theme and graphic design for the 2004 Ohio
Turfgrass Conference & Show marketing and
all kinds of sales training programs because
promotional materials.
somebody wanted me to “hone” my skills (many of
you would argue that it hasn’t done much good).
GROWINGPROFESSIONALLYWITHOTF
The subject of one such training program was the effect technology was
having on our lives and jobs. An exercise was performed to determine if you
and your company were what the trainer called a paradigm pioneer or simply
a settler. This was a one or two day program that required in-depth analysis and
self evaluation to figure out where one fit on a pioneer/settler scale. In
a nutshell, it was a fancy way to label yourself either a leader or a follower
in whatever you did.

The goal of OTF is to be a leader in our industry in the areas of turfgrass

research, education and outreach funding, recognized as such by its actions,
not just its words. To accomplish this, OTF must constantly evaluate the
direction it is heading in pursuit of this goal. One major asset that OTF has at
its disposal is its members. What makes OTF great is that it has a membership
base made up of people who are very dedicated to their trade and are willing
to help improve their industry. OTF must constantly enlist the help of its
members – those involved as well as those not so involved – to remain a leader.
If you’re currently amongst the not so involved, consider helping OTF stay
ahead of the game by participating at some level.
“The goal of this year’s theme is to portray
the high-level of professionalism in the turf
management business,” explained Show Manager
Kevin Thompson. “This conference and trade
show is for people who take their jobs very
seriously. To be successful, one must continue to
grow in knowledge, experience, and network. This

As the turfgrass industry continues to evolve and change, so too must OTF
evolve and change. With the help of everyone involved, OTF will continue to be
proactive as opposed to reactive, a leader not a follower, a pioneer rather than
a settler.
Best regards,
George Furrer, 2004 OTF President
is the best conference in the country for learning
about the latest in turf management, for seeing
leading suppliers, and for meeting thousands of
fellow turf managers.”
Watch for the new look and “Growing
Professionally with OTF” campaign in your mail
and trade magazines.

3

O S U T U R F G
RESEARCH FIELD DAY
The 2004 Ohio State University/OTF Turfgrass Research Field
Day will be held Wednesday, August 18 at the OTF Research &
Education Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus. Everyone
involved in turfgrass management should attend this valuable
annual event. The Field Day is a great chance to learn about the
turfgrass research currently being conducted at OSU, to meet
with OSU faculty, network with your industry peers, and visit the
turfgrass research facility – built and paid for with OTF funds.
The annual OTF/OSU Turfgrass Research Field Day will follow
a similar format as in past years. This is a great chance to view
the results and learn about ongoing research on active turfgrass
and ornamental studies conducted by OSU researchers. New this
year, members of the GCSAA may earn 0.25 educational points
by attending.
The following topics (and more) will be discussed at this year’s
field day:
• Fairway watering & water conservation
• Recycled foundry sand as a soil amendment update
• Green speed
• Topdressing/Greensmix
• Shade physiology study
• Dollar spot fungicide timing study
• Fungicide update for dollar spot & brown patch
• Chinch bug populations studies
• Non-target effects of insecticides
• Update on the new products coming down the pipeline for
turf insect control
• Weed control with corn gluten meal
• Shade trials
• Wear tolerance of traditional & improved turf-type athletic
field grasses
4
AUGUST
R A S S
18
2004
• Best cultural practices for turfgrass maintenance
• New nematodes for grub control
• Bermuda management in Ohio
• Characterization of infill systems
• Annual bluegrass “control”
• Pre-emergence herbicide efficacy
• Foliar feeding of creeping bentgrass
• New drive herbicide formulations
The afternoon program will feature an optional program:
Equipment Demonstration on Cultivating
A wide variety of new selective cultivation equipment for auxiliary
cultural practices have been developed over the last several years.
This auxiliary cultivation equipment ranges from the hydro ject, dry
ject, drill and fill, sand slitter/trencher, Koro, and various types of
vertidrains, coring, machines, and verticutters. This equipment
will be on display with opportunities for demos as the afternoon
program of the field day. See it in action!
The OSU Turfgrass Research Field Day provides an excellent
opportunity to learn from many of the country’s best in turfgrass
research and tour the OTF Research & Education Center.
The cost to attend, which includes breakfast and lunch, is just
$25 to pre-register, or $30 on-site (lunch is guaranteed only for
pre-registrants before August 11.) Registration information mailed
to all members in July. Everyone is encouraged to pre-register to
save money, guarantee your lunch, and avoid waiting in line.
For more information, contact the OTF office at 888-683-3445
or visit the OTF website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
In September, all OTF members will receive forms in the mail for nominating this
year’s recipients of “Professional of the Year” and “Professional Excellence” awards.
2004
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 developing new ideas and trends in
turfgrass management.
OTF
SCHOLARSHIP
• Membership and activity in turf related and other civic organizations.
• Length of dedicated service to the turf industry.
APPLICATIONS
ACCEPTED
Professional Excellence awards are based upon similar criteria, and are
awarded to those deserving special recognition for significant contributions
to the turfgrass industry.
OTF is committed to improving turfgrass
through research and education. One of the
The 2003 Professional of the Year was awarded to Bob Brame of the
USGA Green Section. Professional Excellence Awards were presented to Jim best ways to foster this commitment is by
Hippely, Superintendent, Salem GC, and Dr. Michael Boehm, OSU Department providing scholarships to students pursuing
of Plant Pathology.
green industry studies. Last year, along with
the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust and the
Awards and scholarships will be presented at the Annual Awards Banquet,
December 8, at the Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show. Ronald D Baker, Sr. Memorial Scholarship,
OTF provided over $27,000 in scholarships
Do you know anyone who deserves recognition for contributions to to turf students.
turf management?

To solicit qualified candidates, OTF sent

Watch your mail in September for details. Or you may contact OTF at
888-683-3445, before October 22 to request a nomination form. letters and scholarship applications in May
to the faculty of turfgrass programs at
several Ohio colleges. In addition, OTF
members are asked to recommend any
OTF AUCTION NEEDS of their student summer employees who

YOUR DONATION! they feel would be qualified. In September,

an application will be mailed to all OTF
All OTF members are encouraged to donate to this year’s Live and Silent members. OTF scholarship information and
Auctions. Now is the time to think of what you can donate that will raise applications are also available on the
money for turfgrass research.
OTF Website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.
The committee plans to sell the big items at our live auction and the smaller
The deadline to apply is October 22.
items at the silent auction - which will make its return to the show floor.

Everyone – not just exhibitors – can help. Think of something fun or unique.
Last year, an autographed photo of Wayne Gretzky brought in $300. Loge seating OTF’s scholarship committee is certain to
for 12 at an Indians game sold for $1250! All profits support Turfgrass research see a large number of applications, making
and scholarship in Ohio! The Live Auction will take place Wednesday, December 8,
the task of choosing scholarship recipients
5:00 – 7:00 pm.
difficult, but ensuring that OTF’s awards go
Also new this year, the committee plans to award random cash prizes simply for
attending the Live Auction. Plan now to donate and/or bid on items. To make your to the best and brightest students in the
100% tax deductible donation, call OTF at 888-683-3445. Participating in the green industry. For more information on
auctions is great fun and the profits go to the turf program.
OTF’s scholarship program, contact OTF at
Joe Enciso 888-683-3445.
OTF Auction Committee Chair

5
 Get ready to TEE off ...
OTF Scholarship and Research Golf Scramble September 30th

The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation is holding it’s annual Scholarship
and Research fundraising scramble Thursday, September 30 at
the Golf Club of Dublin.
Superintendent and OSU Alumnus Rob Fisher plans to have
the course in premier condition for the event. Designed by
Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, the Golf Club of Dublin is
a championship course designed with the flair of both Irish
and Scottish golf architecture. Since its opening in 2002, the
Golf Club of Dublin has already begun to accumulate awards—
Honorable Mention, Top 25 new courses by Golf Magazine,
#2 course in Ohio & #5 new course in the Midwest by Great
Lakes Golf Magazine.
Next to the Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show, the Golf
Tournament generates the most non-dues revenue for OTF.
Lawn care companies, sod producers, athletic field managers,
grounds managers and golf course superintendents and their
staffs’ are encouraged to participate and support OTF’s mission
of funding turfgrass research and education.
Also contributing to the success of the tournament are the
sponsors. “We would be remiss in not mentioning the fact that
sponsors play a huge role in the success of the tournament”
adds Jordan. If you are interested in sponsorship, please
contact OTF offices or simply fill out a sponsorship form
on the tournament registration form.

Information and registration materials will be mailed in July

to all OTF members.

“ We urge everyone to register

as either an individual or team.
It is a great way to build staff loyalty
and to reward employees for their
“
To reserve your spot in this year's tournament, please
register early as space is limited to the first 144 golfers.
The registration form and general information will soon
be available on the OTF website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.
Call 888-683-3445 for more information.

hard work - while supporting OTF.

- OTF Executive Director

Kevin Thompson

The Golf Club of Dublin is 7,021-yards par 72 course that has

1800 feet of hand-stacked stone walls from the Irish countryside,
fine-fescue fairways, over seventy hand-stacked sod-wall bunkers
positioned precariously throughout the course, seventeen holes
with water, and 9,000-square-foot greens. The course will leave
you thinking you have just played Turnberry or Carnoustie to
name a few.

The 2003 tournament, held at the Foxfire’s Players Club in

Lockbourne, generated over $11,000 for the OTF Scholarship
and Research fund.

6
 OTF Golf Tournament
Use this Form to Register for the Golf Club of Dublin on September 30
Join other turfgrass professionals on Thursday, September 30 at the Golf Club of Dublin, Dublin, OH for the 2004 OTF Golf Tournament.
The tournament is limited to the first 144 golfers. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. For your best chance
at reserving space, complete the reservation form, include your registration fees, and mail or fax them to us today!

Highlights of the Day Include:

18 holes of golf at the beautiful Golf Club of Dublin • Individual gifts for each golfer • Shotgun scramble
beginning at 12:00 pm • Box Lunch • Fantasy Golf Game • Team Individual and
door prizes • Hole-in-One contests • Putting contest • Buffet steak dinner and awards presentations

✁ Deadline for Reservations: Thursday, September 23, 2004 (Reservations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Sponsorships (Please check one) Member Information

❑ Tee Sponsor - $175 Member # __________________________________________________

❑ Beverage Cart Sponsor - $500 Name ______________________________________________________

❑ Meal Sponsor - $500 Mailing Address ______________________________________________

❑ Par 3 Sponsor - $500 (call for details) City________________________________________________________

State _________________________ Zip+4________________________

Method of Payment (Payment due at time of order) Phone ( ) ________________________________________________

@

❑ Company Check ❑ Cashier’s Check/Money Order (Make payable to OTF) E-mail______________________________________________________

@
Completing this form serves management notice that you agree to be contacted by mail, phone, fax and/or E-mail.
❑ Debit ❑ Credit ❑ American Express ❑ Discover ❑ MasterCard ❑ VISA
OTF Member ❑ Yes ❑ No
All payments in US funds drawn on a US bank.
A $25 fee will be changed for a returned check.
❑ I am registering as a single golfer @ $125
❑ I am registering more than one golfer @ $125 each.
Credit Card Account # __________________________________________ (List names of golfers below.)
❑ I am registering as a foursome @ $500.

Exp. Date __________________ Amt. Charged $ __________________ (List organization and names of golfers below.)

Organization ________________________________________________
Cardholder’s Name (print) ______________________________________
1. ____________________________________ Hdcp ______________

Authorized Signature __________________________________________ 2. ____________________________________ Hdcp ______________

3. ____________________________________ Hdcp ______________

4. ____________________________________ Hdcp ______________

For Office Use Only
Rcvd __________ Amt. $ __________ Ck# __________ Ackd __________
Important OTF Golf Tournament Policy
Any team that has won the OTF Annual Golf Tournament may only have
a maximum of two (2) returning players compete on the same team the
following year.
(Combined team handicap must be 40 or more)
Mail or Fax with Payment to:
OTF Golf Tournament – Ohio Turfgrass Foundation
PO Box 3388
Zanesville, OH 43702-3388
Phone: (888) 683-3445 • Fax: (740) 452-2552
Web: www.OhioTurfgrass.org • E-mail: info@OhioTurfgrass.org
*Directions will be sent with confirmations

7
 GREEN
INDUSTRY
NEWS
’02 Ag Census Shows Strong 10th Annual OLCA
Growth For $1 Billion Sod Industry Diagnostic Seminar
What’s the real value of turfgrass sod production in the U.S? The OLCA 2004 Diagnostic Seminar is just
weeks away. This year’s event will be held on
“We’ll never really know,” says Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) Executive Director Doug Thursday, August 19 at The Ohio Turfgrass
Fender. “What the Census of Agriculture for 2002 did show,” he noted, “was that since the Foundation Research and Education Center
1997 census the number of sod farms went up 13.6% to 2,124 and acres harvested went up in Columbus, Ohio.
25% to over 386,500 acres. Regrettably, they can’t report 2002 sales because of the way they
asked their questions. However, by multiplying the 2002 acres times the 1997 sales figures, The hands-on educational program will offer
we arrive at what we think is a conservative total of $1,001,250,000 … breaking through the the following for lawn care maintenance:
billion-dollar business barrier for the first time.”
• General Session: Modes of Action and
When queried by TPI, National Agricultural Statistic Service (NASS) officials said they were Safety: Herbicides, Insecticides, and
mandated by Congress to reduce the number of questions in the survey form, so they chose Fungicides (CORE, 1 hr)
to combine the sales of all landscape materials into a single answer. The result is that the Mr. Dan Digman, Ms. Joanne Kick-Raack,
sales of nursery stock is mixed with corms, bulbs, tubers, shrubs, sod, etc. Now, there is no Mr. Joe Rimelspach and Dr. John Street, OSU
way to determine the sales figures for any single component. Fender said, “It’s a lot like
trying to unmake soup and create a tomato … it’s can’t be done, and we’re terribly • Calibration and Safety (CORE, 1 hr)
disappointed because this was a historical report the industry relied on heavily.” Ms. Deb Holdren, OSU, Dept. Of Horticulture
& Crop Science and Mr. Mark Maravich, LESCO
Absent accurate sales figures, the sod industry showed considerable growth in most parts
of the U.S.; however, there was decline in both farms and acres in some places. • Basic Lawn Weeds/Lawn Weed
Florida, Texas and Alabama lead the states in farms and acreage, as they did in the Management (Cat. 8, 1 hr)
Dr. John Street, OSU, Dept. Of Horticulture
1997 census with very strong growth. New York, South Dakota and New Mexico lead
& Crop Science
the decline in number of farms, with New Mexico, Iowa and Nevada leading the decline
in acres harvested.
• Common Landscape Plants, Pest Problems
“Turfgrass sod production is a very tricky business,” said Fender. “Just because there’s & Drift (Cat. 6A, 1 hr)
a housing boom and general construction is very strong it doesn’t mean sod’s a business Mr. Joe Rimelspach, OSU, Dept. of Plant Pathology
everyone should try to get into. I’m sure there are a lot of happy producers in Florida, Texas
• Turf Insects (Cat. 8, 1 hr)
and Alabama and some real sad ones in New York, Dakota, New Mexico, Iowa and Nevada.
Mr. Dan Digman, OSU, Dept. of Entomology
Sod production can be very expensive to start-up and the market can be very fickle, it’s
certainly not a business for the faint-of-heart!” • Seeding and Establishment of Lawns
The Census of Agriculture is conducted approximately every five years, most recently by the and Slit Seeding Demonstration
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s NASS. Previously it was conducted by the U.S. Department Dr. David Gardner, OSU, Dept. of Horticulture
of Commerce’s Bureau of the Census. As a Congressionally mandated census, all farms are & Crop Science and various equipment suppliers
required to complete the survey, giving it a high level of credibility.
Registration forms were mailed to all OLCA
members in July. For more information, visit
Upcoming OSPA Events the OLCA website at www.OhioLawnCare.org,
November 10 Monthly Meeting, Columbus, OH under calendar of events, or call
1-800-510-5296. This event is being offered in
December 8 Annual Meeting and Luncheon in addition to the sod-specific collaboration with the OTF Turfgrass Research
education track at the Ohio Turfgrass Conference and Show, Field Day being held on Wednesday, August 18.
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH
8
MIKE VEECK TO GIVE KEYNOTE ADDRESS
AT 2004 OTF CONFERENCE & SHOW
Mike Veeck makes dreams come true. What makes him special is how he does it, with an understanding that people need to laugh.
As part owner of five baseball teams and a consultant with two, he has served to put fun back into baseball. He has proven that his
ideas are not specific only to baseball, acting as an advertising professional, popular speaker, founder of the Veeck Promotional Seminar,
all around idea man, and devoted father.

It is with the belief that anything is possible and no idea is too silly that his teams routinely set attendance records. This is a Veeck
family tradition. Mike inherited his love of the “little guy,” the person with great potential who might be overlooked for one reason or
another. In 1947, his father, Bill, signed Larry Doby, the American League’s first black player, to a contract with the Indians. Fifty years
later, Mike signed Ila Borders the first woman to play professional baseball, to a contract with the St. Paul Saints.

The Veeck Family practically invented the concept of “Fan Friendly” with such ideas as Bat Day and post game fireworks. They knew
that, if you want to find out what fans want, you have to listen to them. Want to learn what makes fans laugh? Use your imagination.

Mike began his baseball career in 1975 as Assistant Business Manager and Director of Marketing for the Chicago White Sox, helping
his father rekindle interest in the South-siders. After Disco Demolition Night left a bad taste in the mouths of baseball’s executives,
Mike went into advertising, serving as Vice-President of Client Services for Wexler, McCarron & Roth; he later started his own firm
Noble, Veeck Advertising.

To return to baseball, Mike took over as President of the Miami Miracle in the Florida State League. Within months, the Veeck name
again became synonymous with fun at the ballpark. In 1993, making yet another huge leap of faith, Mike invested in the St. Paul Saints
of the long-dormant Northern League. Despite the presence of a Major League team only seven miles away, the Saints continually sell
out, and set an all-time short season attendance record in 1995. In addition overseeing the Goldklang Group’s baseball teams (Charleston
RiverDogs, Ft. Myers Miracle, Hudson Valley Renegades, St. Paul Saints, and Sioux Falls Canaries), acts as consultant for a team in
Brockton, Massachusetts, Mike is also senior Vice President of the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball. Mike also runs an advertising
agency, and travels the country speaking to groups like 3M, Major League Baseball, General Mills, Anheuser Busch, the American Bar
Association, and NASCAR. He has also been featured on 60 Minutes, ESPN Sportscenter, HBO Real Sports, NBC Nightly News with Tom
Brokaw, ABC’s Nightline and Wide World of Sports, CBS Sunday Morning, National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition, and Late Night with
Conan O’Brien.

Mike lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina with his wife, Libby. He has two children, Night Train and Rebecca.

9
 GREEN
INDUSTRY
NEWS
2004 Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show Update
The OTF Program Development and Trade Show Development Committees exhibitors, using a priority point system in which exhibitors earn points
have been hard at work planning this year’s conference and show. A based upon size of booth and number of years exhibited.
fantastic educational program has been developed that should cater to
the needs of all turfgrass professionals. Highlights of the program include: A general mailing of the exhibit prospectus was sent to more than 3000
prospective exhibitors in July. “Exhibit space sales are going very well,
• Keynote Speaker Mike Veeck. The highly-entertaining Mike Veeck but we still have plenty of great booth space available,” informed Kevin
received high praise for his Keynote Speech at a recent Sports Turf Thompson, Show Manager. “Sales are more than a month ahead of where
Managers Association (STMA) annual convention. (See Page 9) they were in 2003. But with the layout of the exhibit hall, there isn’t a bad
• GCSAA Workshop featuring Michigan State’s Joe Vargas (Sponsored booth in the show.”
by Central Ohio GCSA)
• Athletic Fields Workshop featuring several nationally-known sports The trade show will open again this year on Tuesday, from 4:00 – 6:30 pm
field managers for a Welcome Reception. The first half hour will feature a General Session
• Assistants/Technicians Workshop speaker on the show floor. OTF will sponsor food, beverages, and enter-
• The USGA plans to hold a regional workshop at this year’s tainment as a way to say thanks to all our valued exhibitors, members
OTF Conference and attendees. “The Welcome Reception is intended to serve as a preview
• State of the Economy’s Impact on the Green Industry – presented of the trade show, mainly for those attending Tuesday Workshops, and for
by Tony D’Avino, Group Publisher, Advanstar Communications individuals arriving on Tuesday,” added Thompson. “Exhibitors will have
• Highly-regarded speaker Marty Grunder will speak on various topics a chance to meet with customers and prospective customers in more of
geared to owners and managers of lawn care companies (sponsored a relaxed, social atmosphere than a typical trade show.”
by OLCA)
Everyone is invited to enjoy complimentary lunch on the show floor on
• Expert speakers from around the country, including: Keith Karnok
Thursday. “It’s real simple, we want people to stay in the trade show for
and Lee Burpee, University of Georgia; Peter Landschoot, Dave Huff,
lunch, rather than leave the building,” informs committee chair Boyd
and Jeffrey Borger, Penn State University; Dan Potter, University of
Montgomery. “We owe it to our exhibitors to do everything we can to
Kentucky; and Bruce Clarke, Rutgers University
encourage people to spend as much time on the show floor as we can.
• And more
It also gives our attendees more value. Based upon exhibitor feedback
Please Make a Note of the Following and Plan Accordingly! from 2003, we’re making the lunch free this year for exhibitors too.”
1) Pre-Conference Workshops will be Tuesday, December 7
The OTF “Motor Speedway” is another fun activity making a return
2) The Trade Show will open Tuesday at 4:00 pm for a Trade Show
this year. Contestants will have the opportunity to race radio-controlled
Preview and Welcome Reception
cars around a banked, oval track. “The race track was very popular
3) The Keynote will be Wednesday morning
when we introduced it last year. OTF attendees really have fun
4) USGA Regional Workshop will be Wednesday morning
competing against each other. We hope to find sponsors to donate
5) Golf Course and Sports Turf Panels will be Thursday evening
prizes,” added Montgomery.
6) The Morning with the USGA will be Friday morning
7) Annual Awards Banquet, Wednesday, December 8, 7:00 pm
The “Innovation Station” will also be back in 2004. This static display
of new products offers exhibitors the opportunity to feature their latest
Following is a list of educational sessions by day. Complete details and
product releases and innovations in a special designated, high-traffic
registration information will mail and be available at www.OhioTurfgrass.org
area. The Innovation Station gives turf managers a first look at many
in September.
of the newest products in the marketplace.
OTF Trade Show Report
For more information on exhibiting at the Ohio Turfgrass Conference
This year’s OTF Trade Show (December 7-9) is experiencing brisk exhibit
& Show, call OTF at 888-683-3445.
space sales. Already more than 419 booths (10' x 10' spaces) have been
reserved by more than 100 companies. Last year, the show boasted a
total of 532 booths. Exhibit space contracts have been mailed to all past
10
 THE OTF
CONFERENCE &
TRADE SHOW
“America’s Premier Turfgrass Event” • December 7-10, 2004
2004 Ohio Turfgrass Conference and Show Preview
Following is a tentative listing of educational sessions to be offered this year:

Tuesday, December 7, 2004 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 2:30 PM - 3:10 PM

Spray Drift and New Nozzle Technology How To - Budgeting: Where Do You Start
Assistant/Technician Workshop Dr. Erdal Ozkan, The Ohio State University Mr. Boyd Montgomery,
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Sylvania Recreation Corp.
Management - First Line Supervision 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Mr. Gerry Sweda, Herbicides – Modes of Actions 3:10 PM - 3:50 PM
Sweda Training & Development & Use Strategies How To - Sports Turf Managers Tool Kit
Dr. David Gardner, The Ohio State University Mr. Bob Campbell,
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM University of Tennessee, Athletic Depart.
Pesticide Safety & Health Issues 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
for Supervisors Insecticides - Modes of Action USGA Workshop
Ms. Joanne Kick-Raack, OSU Extension & Use Strategies 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Dr. David Shetlar, The Ohio State University Golf Rules & Course Marking
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Mr. Bill McCarthy, USGA
Spray Drift and New Nozzle Technology 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dr. Erdal Ozkan, The Ohio State University PGRs – Modes of Actions
& Use Strategies Wednesday, December 8, 2004
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Dr. Karl Danneberger,
Grass Identification – The Ohio State University General
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Dr. David Gardner, The Ohio University 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM State of the Economy's Impact
Building an Ecosystem Approach on the Green Industry
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM to Turf Management Mr. Tony D'Avino,
Personal Protection Dr. Parwinder Grewal, OSU/OARDC Advanstar Communications
Around Power Equipment
Mr. Robert Brockmeyer, Sports Turf Keynote Speaker
American Safety and Health 9:00 AM – 10:20 AM 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
How to - Building Mounds/ Mr. Mike Veeck
GCSAA Home Plate Clay/ Infield Dirt
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mr. Greg Elliott, Lake County Captains Mechanics Workshop
Management Strategies and Mr. Doug Gallant, Cincinnati Reds 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
for the Turfgrass System Dr. John Arnold, OSU/ATI
Dr. Joe Vargas, 10:30 AM - 11:50 AM
Michigan State University How To - Field Painting & Logo Golf
Mr. John Mott, The Ohio State 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
OSU Pesticide Workshop University and Mr. Matt Williams, Control of Anthracnose with
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Columbus Crew Stadium Phosphonate Fungicides
Fungicides – Dr. Lee Burpee, The University of Georgia
Modes of Actions & Strategies 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM
Mr. Joesph Rimelspach, How To - Wear Compaction
Ohio State Extension Mr. Mike Andresen, Iowa State
University and Mr. Boyd Montgomery, Education Continued on Page 12
Sylvania Recreation Corp.

11
 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Genetically Modified Plants -
What's Down the Road?
Dr. David Huff, Pennsylvania State University
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Understanding Biostimulants
& Their Uses
Dr. Keith Karnok, University of Georgia
Landscape/Design Management
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Sustainable Plant Material for Landscape
Mr. Jim Chatfield, OSU Extension, Wayne
County and Mr. Ken Cochran, OSU/OARDC
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Establishment of Ornamental Plants
Mr. Randy Zondag, OSU Extension -
Lake County
Lawn & Grounds
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Selecting Turfgrasses for Problem Areas
Dr. Doug Brede, Jacklin Seed
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Pesticide Safety & Health Issues
for the Green Industry
Ms. Joanne Kick-Raack, OSU Extension
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The Pros & Cons of Tall Fescue -
A Plant Pathologist's Viewpoint
Dr. Lee Burpee, The University of Georgia
Sod Producers
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Grub Control on Sod Farms
Dr. Harry Niemczyk, OSU/OARDC
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Fertility Programs to Maximize
Sod Harvestability
Dr. Chuck Darrah, CLC LABS
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The Science of Blending
and Mixing Turf Varieties and Species
Dr. Doug Brede, Jacklin Seed
Sports Turf
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
What's Wrong with the Turf?
Dr. Peter Landschoot,
Pennsylvania State University
12
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Field Renovation Options Control of Fungicide
Dr. Stephen Baker, Resistant Dollar Spot
Sports Turf Research Institute Dr. Lee Burpee, The University of Georgia
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Easy Steps to Calibration Challenges in Dollar Spot Control
Mr. Jeff Borger, and Management Strategies
Pennsylvania State University Dr. Bruce Clarke, Rutgers University
Evening Workshop 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Poa Control Products and Combinations:
Turfgrass and Landscape What's on the Horizon?
Insects & Mites Mr. Jeff Borger,
Dr. David Shetlar, The Ohio State University Pennsylvania State University
Thursday, December 9, 2004 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
An Integrated Approach for the Control
General of Anthrocnose on Golf Course Greens
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Dr. Bruce Clarke, Rutgers University
Techniques for Management
and Dispersal of Canada Geese 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dr. Philip Whitford, Capital University Poa annua and Green Management
Panel: Panacea Obnoxious Askus
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Point/Counter Point, 5:00 - 6:00 PM)
Tree/Shrub Insecticide Update Mr. Jeff Borger,
Dr. David Shetlar, The Ohio State University Pennsylvania State University
Dr. David Huff,
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pennsylvania State University
Weed Control in Ornamental Beds
Dr. Mimi Rose Comments & Questions (6:00 - 7:00 PM)
Mr. Jeff Borger,
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Pennsylvania State University
Fertilization of Ornamentals Mr. Bob Brame, USGA
Dr. Mimi Rose Dr. Karl Danneberger,
The Ohio State University
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Dr. David Huff, Pennsylvania State University
Emerald Ash Borer, Sudden Oak Death Mr. Paul Latshaw, Oakhill C.C.
& Other Emerging Pest Mr. Joseph Rimelspach, OSU Extension
Dr. Dan Herms, OSU/OARDC Mr. John Zimmers, Oakment Country Club
Golf Lawn & Ground
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
New Moss Control Products New Development in Broadleaf Weed
and Management Strategies Control Products and Combinations
Dr. Peter Landschoot, Mr. Jeff Borger,
Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania State University
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Biology and Management Chinch Bug Biology and Populations
of the Turfgrass Ant in Ohio
Dr. Dan Potter, University of Kentucky Ms. Jennifer Andon,
The Ohio State University
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Localized Dry Spots and Wetting Agents
Dr. Keith Karnok, University of Georgia
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Biology and Management
of the Japanese Beatle
Dr. Dan Potter, University of Kentucky
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Turfgrass Roots Systems and
Implications in Cultural Management
Dr. Keith Karnok, University of Georgia
Lawn Care Business
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
How to Re-Invent Your Lawn Service,
Lawn Care, Landscaping, or Tree
Trimming Business with Million-
Dollar Marketing, Management &
Motivational Secrets
Mr. Marty Grunder, Marty Grunder!, Inc.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Teaching Your Really Old Dogs New
Tricks - Magical Ways to Get Your Team
to Do What You Want and Need Them to
Do and Still Have Them Love You
Mr. Marty Grunder, Marty Grunder!, Inc.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
57 Fun, Cheap & Different Marketing
Ideas to Grow Your Company with
(Some Old, Some New)
Mr. Marty Grunder, Marty Grunder!, Inc.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Lawn Care Business Panel
Mr. Marty Grunder, Marty Grunder!, Inc.
Sports Turf
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Morning with STMA
Mr. Mike Andresen, Iowa State University
Mr. Bob Campbell, University of Tennessee,
Athletic Depart., Mr. Boyd Montgomery,
Sylvania Recreation Corp.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
The Dirt About Dirt
Mr. Greg Elliott, Lake County Captains
and Mr. Doug Gallant, Cincinnati Reds
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Using Compost for Topdressing Fields
Dr. Peter Landschoot,
Pennsylvania State University
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fields on a Shoestring Budget Animal Control
Ms. Pam Sherratt, The Ohio State Mr. Mike Faler, Critter Control
University and Mr. Matt Williams,
Columbus Crew Stadium Miscellaneous License
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Aquatic Weed Management
Using Sand on Native Soil Mr. Larry Mohr, Organitec, Inc.
Dr. Stephen Baker,
Sports Turf Research Institute 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Pantry Pest
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Ms. Barb Bloetscher,
Infill System Maintenance OSU - Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic
Mr. Mike Andresen, Iowa State University
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Mosquito & Tick Management
Right Grass, Right Place Steve Chordas, Ohio Bureau of Infectious
Mr. Mike Andresen, Iowa State University, Disease Control, Ohio Health Department
Dr. Stephen Baker, Sports Turf Research
Institute, Mr. Doug Gallant, Cincinnati Reds, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mr. Ken James, Northwood High School Industrial Vegetation
Mr. Randy Zondag,
Friday, December 10, 2004 OSU Extension - Lake County
Golf Sports Turf
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast with the USGA Mowing for Performance
Mr. Bob Brame, USGA Mr. Matt Williams, Columbus Crew Stadium
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Golf Panel (Topics to include Expectations from the Front Office
Aerification/Clean up, Bunkers, Mr. Mark McCullers,
Dollar Spot, & Turf Tips) Columbus Crew Stadium
Dr. Michael Boehm,
The Ohio State University 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Mr. Bob Brame, USGA Weed Control, Seeding & Establishment –
Dr. Bruce Clarke, Rutgers University Agronomic Strategy?
Mr. Chad Dorrell, Springfield Country Club Dr. David Gardner, The Ohio State University
Mr. Kevin Kroll, Strategic Turf Systems, Inc.
Mr. Dale Minick, Victoria National Golf Club 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Mr. Joe Noppenberger, Pest Control Update for Sports Fields
Wedgewood Golf and Country Club Dr. David Shetlar, The Ohio State University
Mr. Brad Smith, Field Stone Golf Club
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Lawn & Grounds Planning for 2005 –
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM A Turf Disease & Product Update
Turfgrass Weed Control & Management Mr. Joseph Rimelspach, OSU Extension
Strategies – What’s New?
Dr. David Gardner, The Ohio State University General Session
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM ODA Update & Case Studies
Landscape & Lawn Insect Update Ohio Department of Agriculture
Dr. David Shetlar, The Ohio State University
*All sessions, speaker and/or times
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM are subject to change.
Fall vs. Dormant Fertility -
Agronomic Strategies
Dr. John Street, The Ohio State University
13
 GOLF
COURSE
TIPS
Are There Any New Insecticides for Golf Courses?
David J. Shetlar, Ph.D., Urban Landscape Entomologist, The Ohio State University
“Are there any new insecticides?” I get this
question all the time from turf managers
and it kind of sets up the idea that the
“old” insecticides aren’t working as well
as something new would do. Of course, it
may just be our innate curiosity working -
what’s new?
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, it looked
like we had gone down the insecticide
discovery pipe line as far as we could go.
Virtually all of the chlorinated hydrocarbon
insecticides (DDT, Chlordane, Dieldren)
had been found to be environmentally
dangerous and most had been banned.
We had developed most of the organ-
ophosphate (Dursban™, Diazinon™, Dylox™,
Oftanol™, Triumph™, etc.) and carbamate
chemistry (Turcam™, Sevin™) and the only
things on the horizon within these two
chemical categories were so toxic, that
no one was really looking forward to using
them. Of course, we were in the middle
of the pyrethroid explosion, but none of the
pyrethroids were able to penetrate thatch
and soil to target white grubs. We tried all
kinds of subsurface placement techniques,
but none seemed to work well.
At this same time, our Federal Legislators
passed the Food Quality Protection Act,
a seemingly good way to protect our
food, pregnant women and children from
perceived problems of pesticide exposure.
However, when implemented by EPA,
FQPA simply appeared to be a legal means
to ban all the organophosphates and
carbamates from our homes and land-
scapes. But, suddenly, we had some “new
chemistry” coming down the developmental
pipe line! Almost simultaneously,
imidacloprid (=Merit™) and halofenozide
(=MACH2™) showed up. Merit had a “new
14
mode of action” that had not been seen
before. It affects the insect nervous system,
but in a totally different way than what we
had seen before. In short, instead of
stimulating the nervous system, it shuts
down, usually resulting in the insect not
doing anything (especially eating, grooming
or laying eggs). Halofenozide was one
of the insect growth regulars (IGR) that
forces affected insects to start the molting
process, whether it is the correct time or
not. IGRs of various types had been used
in field, fruit, and vegetable crops as well
as in greenhouses, but not against turf pests.
So having an IGR that attacked turfgrass
insects, especially white grubs, was a real
breakthrough.
We also saw the development of some new
“bio-based” insecticides, mainly spinosyns
(=Conserve™), azadirachtin (=Neem,
Azatin™, etc.), and some new Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt) toxins. Conserve’s active
ingredients are derived from a soil dwelling
microbe, as are the toxins produced by the
various Bt bacteria. Azadirachtin is another
IGR that is extracted from the neem tree
(mainly seeds). Spinosyns affect the insect
nervous system, again in a unique mode.
It seems to over stimulate the nerves,
but after the synapsis, not before or in the
synapsis as previous insecticides have
done. The new Bt strains were found that
affected tough-to-kill insects, such as the
black cutworm, and even new groups of
insects, especially scarabs (the white
grubs). The early problems of getting
consistent azadirachtin products (simple
extracts yielded low to high levels of
the active ingredients) have now been
overcome and current products can now
be expected to work as their labels state.
Unfortunately, the scarab active strains
of Bt are still under development or they
have been buried by patient right issues.
Hopefully, they will be available in the
near future. Likewise, many people who
tried neem products earlier got inconsistent
results, so the improved products are
also avoided.
So, What’s New?
Neonicotinyls -
Imidacloprid (Merit™) is one of a half dozen
compounds called “neonicotinoids.” Many of
the major chemical development companies
have one or more of these compounds, so
expect more to be registered soon. What
is interesting is that, while they all have
similar modes of action, that is, they shut
down the insect nervous system, each
compound has unique properties. Some
are more soluble, some are more mobile
in the plant, and some have a broader or
narrower spectrum of pests affected.
To give you examples, imidacloprid
(=Merit, a chloronicotinyl - a subclass of
the neonicotinoids) has never been very
good at controlling caterpillars, while
thiamethoxam (=Flagship™ & Meridian™,
a thianicotinyl) does a much better job
of killing caterpillars, clothianidin (=Arena™,
a chloronicotinyl) does an excellent job of
killing caterpillars, and dinotefuran (=Safari™,
a chloronicotinyl) does well against several
sucking insects. Other neonicotinoids
have been developed for other crops (e.g.
acetamiprid - Assail™, for field crops and
it is unlikely that we will get this one on
turf since Bayer owns both acetamiprid
and imidacloprid).
Each of these neonicotinoids will have
niches that they can fill in turf insect
management. In our preliminary tests
with Meridian™ and Arena™, we found
that Merit™ often takes 50 to 60 days to
control turfgrass ants on golf courses,
while Meridian accomplishes the task in
about 30 days and Arena takes them out in
less than two weeks. Merit and Meridian
seem to take about 14 days to achieve
maximum control of chinch bugs, but Arena
can knock them out in five to seven days.
What gets really confusing is who owns
what, and where are they in the registration
process. Currently, most of the neonicotinyls
have been developed and/or registered
for field crops - the “cash cow” for
manufacturers. Some have also been
registered for ornamental nurseries and
greenhouse, apparently because EPA
considers these “farming” operations and
the general public will have minimal
exposure. However, we appear to be real
close to getting thiamethoxam, dinotefuran
and clothianidin registered for turf. At
present, thiamethoxam is being marketed
by Syngenta. They have it registered for
nurseries and greenhouses under the
trade name of Flagship™. Their proposed
turf name will be Meridian™. Valent is
developing dinotefuran and is pursuing its
registration as Safari™ for use in nurseries,
greenhouses and landscape ornamentals
(primarily for sucking insects and
leafminers). Clothianidin has been licensed
by Bayer to a company called Arvesta.
Arvesta is undergoing some experimental
use permit studies this year and hopes to
have their compound registered by next
year under the trade name of Arena™.
Pyrethroids-
It’s a good adage to remember, “Not all
pyrethroids were created equal!” While
this statement was first used in reference
to the diverse spectrums of activity
possessed by each pyrethroid, we are
seeing developments in formulations
that can have profound effects on the
performance of these pyrethroids. As an
example, the original Permethrin™ WP
insecticide was never considered to be
a good borer control product, but when
FMC formulated permethrin in their
termiticide formulation technology,
they came up with Astro™ that began to
set the standards for borer protection in
ornamental trees and shrubs. For
control of turf insects, these formulation
developments have been of lesser value.
Another, sometimes confusing, develop-
ment has been the refinement of pyrethroids.
In short, when pyrethroids are synthesized,
we often get a mixture of “isomers.”
Because these isomers have the same
molecular weight, they can be very difficult
to separate. If you don’t remember your
chemistry, an isomer is molecule that has
the identical atoms but a slightly different
shape (e.g., a left hand turn versus a right
hand turn in the chemical bonds). While
this may seem rather insignificant, in
biochemistry, it can make the difference
between a molecule that is not active to
a molecule that is highly active - shape
does matter! The best current example
of this isomer phenomenon is in the
development of beta-cyfluthrin (=Tempo-
Ultra™) from cyfluthrin (Tempo™). Beta-
cyfluthrin is the most active isomer found
in the mixture represented by cyfluthrin.
In our tests, you can literally crush chinch
Continued on Page 19

Table 1. Efficacy of several insecticides for control of sod webworm larvae on short cut bentgrass, Columbus, OH – 2002.
Treatment Rate % Control % Control % Control
lbAI/acre 3 DAT 14 DAT 21 DAT
DeltaGard 0.42F 0.05 63 99 99
DeltaGard 0.05G 0.05 19 84 70
Talstar EZ 0.2G 0.1 59 100 100
Clothianidin F 0.1 74 92 92
Clothianidin F 0.2 91 96 92
Dinotefuran 0.54 98 91 90
Meridian 0.125G 0.125 87 48 61
MACH2 1.5G 2.0 62 99 98

DAT = days after treatment

Treatments applied on 20 August to plots 4 ft by 12 foot, replicated 4 times. Data taken from 1.0 yd2 in each plot at 3, 14 and 21.
DAT (31.0, 45.0, & 96.25 sod webworm larvae per yd2 in checks, respectively).

Table 2. Efficacy of Clothianidin F compared to Merit and Meridian for preventive control of white grubs, Sunbury, OH – 2002.
Treatment Rate % Control
lbAI/acre 103 DAT
Clothianidin F 0.1 100
Clothianidin F 0.2 93
Clothianidin F 0.3 100
Clothianidin F 0.4 97
Merit 0.5G 0.3 100
Meridian 0.33G 0.2 97

DAT = days after treatment

Treatments applied on 19 June to plots 10 ft by 10 ft, replicated 4 times. Data taken on 2 October from three 7-inch by 7-inch samples from each plot (9.47 grubs per ft2 in checks). 15
 RESIDENTIAL
L A W N
CARE
TIPS
Did you know that turfgrass aids in ground water recharge?
Parwinder Grewal, Ph.D., Urban Landscape Ecology Program,
The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH
Ground water is the principal resource of fresh water and
represents much of the potential future water supply. It is also
the source of much of the water used for irrigation and is a major
contributor to flow in many streams and rivers. Underground
aquifers (or ground water) supply drinking water to about 50%
of the US population. In fact, drinking water is a scarce resource
and shortages of water plaque hundreds of cities worldwide
especially during the summer months, resulting in bans on the
use of water for irrigation of lawns and landscapes. Sub-optimal
ground water recharge can cause drying of underground aquifers
and reduce summer base flows, leaving streams shallower and
warmer, threatening the aquatic life. Therefore, capturing of
storm water run-off and ground water recharge should be a goal
of new developments, existing developments, and production
agriculture. In this regard, turfgrass offers the most cost-effective
means of storm water capture and ground water recharge. It has
been observed that turfgrass absorbs rain water 6 times more
effectively than a wheat field and 4 times more effectively than
a hay field. Studies in Maryland have shown that surface-water
runoff losses from a cultivated tobacco site averaged 6.7 mm per
ha per 4 weeks during the growing season (May – September);
whereas, the surface-water runoff loss from perennial turfgrass
averaged only 0.6 mm per ha per 4 weeks.
“
Ground water is the principal
resource of fresh water and
represents much of the potential
“ soil. Tilling in compost when re-landscaping and top-dressing
future water supply.
The exceptional water absorption capacity of turfgrass is mainly
due to its ability to trap and hold runoff, enabling more water
infiltrating through the soil-turfgrass ecosystem. A mowed
turfgrass lawn possesses a leaf and stem biomass in the range
of 1,000 to 30,000 kg per ha, depending on the grass species,
16
season, and cultural regime. This biomass is composed of a
matrix of fine-textured stems and narrow leaves with numerous,
random open spaces. This canopy matrix is highly porous,
allowing rapid water infiltration, and a resistance to lateral
surface water flow. The water absorption capacity of turfgrass
lawns is further enhanced by the activity of earthworms
supported by this organic matter rich ecosystem. Populations
in the range of 200-300 earthworms per sq m are common in
lawns. Earthworm activity increases the amount of macropore
space within the soil that results in high soil water infiltration
rates and water-retention capacity.
However, in new developments, topsoil is often removed and soil
beneath is compacted, significantly reducing water infiltration.
Impervious surfaces like roads, pavements, and roofs detain no
water at all. This leads to extremely fast run-off during storms,
which erodes surface soil and stream banks and carries urban
pollutants into streams. Therefore, in new developments, the
retention and reuse of native topsoil and vegetation, reduction
of the construction footprint, minimizing soil compaction, and
restoration of soil infiltration capacity should be the goal. One
way to restore water infiltration capacity of the native soil in
urbanized areas is to restore soils by incorporating compost and
other organic matter. About 2-4 inches of compost tilled into the
upper 8-12 inches of soil, depending upon soil type, can provide
effective restoration of many soil functions including the water
infiltration. One study in Washington demonstrated up to 50%
reduction in winter storm runoff from plots of glacial till soil
amended with compost, as compared to non-amended till
turfgrass with compost can retrofit existing landscapes,
restoring their water infiltration capacity.
 SPORTS
TURF
TIPS
Establishment Rate and Traffic Tolerance of Cool-Season
Grasses for Sports Fields
P.J. Sherratt, J.R. Street, Ph.D., and D.S. Gardner, Ph.D., OSU, Dept of Horticulture & Crop Science
The criteria for selecting athletic field grasses
can be summarized as; quick to establish,
wear tolerant and good recuperative potential.
Unfortunately, there is no one cool-season grass
that meets all of these criteria. Establishment
and vigor from high-low would rank: perennial
ryegrass>tall fescue>Kentucky bluegrass.
In contrast, wear tolerance would rank: tall
fescue>perennial ryegrass>Kentucky bluegrass,
and recuperative potential would rank: Kentucky
bluegrass>tall fescue>perennial ryegrass
(Turgeon, 2002). In addition, Kentucky bluegrasses
has a much wider cultivar response and needs
to be selected with greater care than perennial
ryegrass and tall fescue. Recent advances in
turfgrass breeding have produced traditional
and non-traditional cool season grasses that
may have improved vigor, wear tolerance and
recuperative potential traits. In particular, there
are newer bluegrass hybrids and tall fescues
that purportedly exhibit rhizome activity. Recently
developed perennial ryegrass cultivars also have
better wear tolerance than older cultivars. The aim
of the study was to evaluate these traditional and
non-traditional grasses.
MATERIALS & METHODS
The trial area was seeded May 21st, 2003. The
soil texture was silt clay loam. The trial plots were
maintained at 1.5 inch mowing height. Fertilizer
application included 12-24-14 at 1 lb N/1000ft2
at time of broadcast seeding. Irrigation was
applied as necessary to maintain healthy
turfgrass growth. Seasonal maintenance practices
included complete fertilizer applications with an
18-3-18 at 0.5 lb N/1000ft2 every 6 weeks during
the growing season and spring aeration with a
hollow tine aerator. A wear machine simulated
25 games in Fall, 2003.
GRASSES
• Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) -
LabarinthRTF®, Grande II, Titan Ltd., Rendition,
Kittyhawk 2000 and Winter Active Fescue (WAF),
• Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) - Orfeo,
Showcase (+ 20% SR5100 Chewings fescue
and SRX52961 strong creeping red fescue),
Bariris and Rugby II
• Texas x Kentucky Bluegrass hybrid (Poa
arachnifera x Poa pratensis) – Thermal Blue
• Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) – Aberelf,
SR4420, Nexus, Barlennium and Renaissance
• Festulolium (Festuca pratensis x Lolium perenne)
x Festulolium loliacium – Barfest and
Spring Green
PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Table 1 - (Page 19)
• Perennial ryegrass and Festulolium cultivars
germinated in 3-5 days and established quickly.
All treatments had germinated within eight
days. However, establishment rates varied
greatly, with some cultivars of bluegrass and tall
fescue much slower to establish than others.
• Fast establishing cultivars, markedly
Festuloliums and perennial ryegrass, did not
have the prohibitive weed pressure apparent
with slower establishing cultivars.
• Several of the tall fescue cultivars had dark
green, fine leaf textures and a higher sward
density, particularly WAF and Grande II.
Furthermore, Grande II blended well with
Kentucky bluegrass at the 1.5 inch mowing
height. Festuloliums did not respond well to
the mowing height.
• All perennial ryegrass cultivars exhibited
comparable quality. Bluegrass cultivars varied in
quality. These results are indicative of previous
research findings, whereby the bluegrass
cultivars can vary four-fold from each other.
• Cultivars within the same statistical grouping
that displayed the best wear tolerance were:
Aberelf + SR4420, Bariris, Barlennium, Grande II
+ Rugby II, Rugby II + Renaissance and Thermal
Blue. Labarinth RTF®, Showcase and Orfeo
were not particularly wear tolerant, the latter
possibly because they were so slow to
establish. Titan Ltd, Rendition + Kittyhawk 2000
did not perform as well as the monostand of
Rendition, suggesting that a monostand of
tall fescue may have better wear tolerance
than a blend. The Festuloliums were the least
wear tolerant with over 90% grass cover lost.
• Orfeo and Showcase were slow to green-up
in spring and did not have good recuperative
potential, compared to the other cultivars.
Several of the improved perennial ryegrass
cultivars were as dense as the bluegrasses
in the spring, suggesting that recuperation is
possible through tillering if the turf receives
a certain level of management.
• Festulolium produced immense growth in the
spring, but quality and density were poor. Thus,
Festulolium may not be suitable for an athletic
field grass at this time, but there may be
potential for its use as an over-seeding grass
in the fall playing season.
• While several of the tall fescue cultivars did
exhibit rhizome activity, the greatest rhizome
activity was observed with the bluegrasses,
namely Orfeo, Showcase, Bariris and Thermal
Blue. The percent of tall fescue plants exhibiting
rhizomes is far lower than initial, unpublished
research has suggested. However, testing has
previously taken place on spaced plants in non-
compacted soils. This would suggest that tall
fescue rhizome activity is dependent upon soil
compaction and sward density.
These are preliminary findings that have yet to
be published.
Continued on Page 19
17
 B E R
MEM T L I G H
SPOT
A Green Thumb: It
Runs in the Family
Scott Gregoire, Treasurer/Farm Manager
Medina Sod Farms, Inc.
Mr. Gregoire has been associated with the OTF for over 20 years.
OTF is important to him because it exposes him to other people
in the turfgrass industry and opens educational doorways.
As a child growing up in Hinckley, OTF member Scott
Gregoire had dreams of becoming an artist. He acquired
knowledge of the turf industry at an early age by watching
his father start their family business, Medina Sod Farms,
Inc. Gregoire learned to handle a wide variety of tasks at
the farm from stacking sod rolls during high school to
driving a semi truck to deliver sod for the business after
graduation. In 1975 he officially began his career in
turfgrass managing Medina Sod Farms. Mr. Gregoire has
been associated with the OTF for over 20 years. OTF
is important to him because it exposes him to other
people in the turfgrass industry and opens educational
doorways. He explains how OTF’s role in society is to
educate the public on environmental topics such as proper
pesticide usage, IPM, and proper fertilization strategies.
His membership extends to other organizations such
as Turfgrass Producer’s International and Ohio
Farmer’s Association.
Currently Gregoire is Treasurer and Farm Manager of
Medina Sod Farms in Orrville, Ohio with two field locations
in Seville and Doylestown, Ohio. Medina Sod Farms has
roughly twenty employees and serves several hundred
landscape companies and many homeowners. With so
many customers to serve, Gregoire stays very busy
carrying out duties at the farm. He is responsible for
18
coordinating the business by prepping fields for seeding,
producing turf, quoting jobs, answering technical questions,
making sure orders get cut, and overseeing sod pick ups
and deliveries. Managing this family business comes with
the great responsibility of growing a quality product that
is the best that it can be. Along with such challenges
come achievements. Mr. Gregoire believes that one of
his business’ greatest achievements has been supplying
sod for the Cleveland Brown’s Training Center. In addition
to this, Gregoire recently supplied one customer with
over 110 acres of turf in only five months. To enhance
his professional knowledge he takes time to research
different types of grass for specific needs and holds
membership with many organizations.
In his free time, Scott enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing,
skiing, woodworking, restoring automobiles, and
vacationing. In addition to Mr. Gregoire’s business
success, if asked he would tell you that raising his 15
year old son, Justin is his greatest achievement. Scott
Gregoire has learned over the years to work hard and
respect others. With much experience in the turfgrass
industry his advice to newcomers in the field is to work
hard, treat people as you would want, and try everything
at least once.
Golf Course Tips Continued
from Page 15
bugs with cyfluthrin and you get poor
results, but a little dab of beta-cyfluthrin
and the chinch bugs are toast!
For golf course superintendents, faced
with a half dozen potential pyrethroids,
which ones should you use? As far as
I’m concerned, if you are after cutworms
or sod webworms, ANY pyrethroid will do
the trick! So, pick the least expensive one.
You can also probably get by using the
lowest label rate for caterpillar control.
Black turfgrass ataenius, annual bluegrass
weevil and bluegrass billbug adult control
is a different matter. The pyrethroids that
have performed best for beetle control
(adults) have been deltamethrin
(=DeltaGard™), lambda-cyhalothrin
(=Scimitar™), and bifenthrin (=Talstar™).
For chinch bug control (yes some golf
courses DO have chinch bugs, especially
in the roughs) bifenthrin has moved up to
being the “standard,” but beta-cyfluthrin
(=Tempo-Ultra™), and lambda-cyhalothrin
are close behind, followed by deltamethrin.
Combos Anyone?
The patent rights of most of the pyrethroids
(and even some of the neonicotinoids) have
expired or are soon to expire. This means
that the manufacturers have to come up
with something new in order to have sole
proprietary rights to products. There are
two tactics that many companies use -
new formulations (how many “new-and-
improved” formulations of Round-Up have
we seen?), and unique combinations (mix
and match insecticides so that the
combination products fill the gaps that each
pesticide may have). Combination products
have been the norm for herbicides, but it’s
relatively rare in insecticides. We can’t let
you know what we’ve been looking at, but
there are several combination insecticide
products under development and these will
likely hit the markets within the next year.
For a superintendent, you will be able to
apply one of these combination products
when you get your first generation of black
cutworms and the black turfgrass ataenius
adults are out. The rapid acting ingredient
will zero out these critters, yet the long
residual component will remain to protect
your turf from the white grubs that arrive
later in the season. Sounds like that
“multiple target principle” we’ve talked
about before!

Table 3. Curative control of hairy chinch bugs in a home lawn, Dublin, OH – 2002.
Treatment lbAI/acre % Control % Control
3 DAT 15 DAT
Clothianidin G 0.2 32 29
Clothianidin G 0.3 27 79
Merit 75WP 0.3 65 80
Meridian 25WP 0.2 10 81
Talstar EZ 0.2G 0.1 52 69

DAT = days after treatment

Treatments applied 27 August to plots 5 ft by 5 ft, replicated 4 times. Data taken from two 5-inch diameter cylinders placed in each plot and filled with water to float up the chinch bugs at
3 & 15 DAT (70.2 & 312.5 chinch bugs per ft2, respectively in checks).

Sports Turf Tips Continued from Page 17

A new study in the fall of 2004 will look at grasses best suited for over-seeding fields. This will include PERENNIAL RYEGRASS, TRANSITIONAL RYEGRASS
(cross between perennial ryegrass and annual ryegrass), ANNUAL RYEGRASS, DESCHAMPSIA SPP, CYNOCAURUS CRISTATUS, AND “QUICK” ESTABLISHING
BLUEGRASSES.

References:
Turgeon, A.J., (2002). Turfgrass Management, 6th ed. New Jersey. Prentice Hall 400 p.

Tall fescues traditionally had poor recuperative potential.

Thermal Blue bluegrass hybrid, showing rhizome activity. Festulolium has aggressive growth but poor wear tolerance. Will rhizome activity improve this?

19
 NEW
GROWTH &
TECHNOLOGY
Vermicompost is not an Effective Turfgrass Fertilizer
David Gardner, Ph.D., OSU Dept of Horticulture & Crop Science
Highly maintained turfgrass used on golf courses, sports stadiums,
and other areas requires 3-6 lbs/1000ft2 of nitrogen fertilizer in
order to maintain acceptable color, quality, and density. Concern
over the use of nitrogen fertilizers, and environmental contamin-
ation due to runoff and leaching of nitrate nitrogen has resulted
in efforts to reduce the amount of nitrogen applied to turfgrass.
There has, at the same time, been an increase in the use of
fertilizer materials derived from natural sources, such as poultry
manure and corn gluten meal due to the perception that use of
these materials reduces leaching risks.
Large volumes of organic wastes are produced by a variety of
industries, creating serious disposal problems, as well as a major
source of environmental pollution. Vermicomposting is the process
of fragmenting organic wastes with certain species of earthworms.
Ingestion of the waste by earthworms fragments the waste
substrate, accelerates organic matter decomposition, and alters
the properties of the parent material. Vermicomposts are finely
divided peat like materials. They have high porosity, aeration,
drainage, and water holding capacity and contain nutrients in
forms readily taken up by plants.
A variety of vermicomposts are being marketed for use as
fertilizer materials for turfgrass management, particularly in the
golf course industry. However, the effects of vermicomposts as
a surface-applied fertilizer material for turfgrass have not been
well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
effects of vermicomposted waste materials applied as a fertilizer
on the growth and quality of Kentucky bluegrass.
Materials and Methods
Vermicomposts from three commercial sources and a turfgrass
vermicompost produced on site were tested in trials established in
2002 and 2003 at the Ohio State Turfgrass Foundation Research
and Education Center, Columbus, OH. The chemical properties of
the paper vermicompost (American Resource Recovery, Stockton,
CA), food vermicompost (Oregon Soil Corporation, Portland, OR),
animal waste vermicompost (Pacific Garden Company, Ferndale,
WA) and the turfgrass vermicompost are listed in Table 1. The
turfgrass vermicompost was produced by adding 100 lbs partially
20
composted turfgrass clippings and wood chips (75/25 v/v) to a
compost bin adjacent to the field plots with 50 lbs earthworms,
Eisenia andrei in July, 2002. The vermicompost was periodically
turned over, and new clippings and wood chips added periodically
for 10 months. The earthworms were separated by hand from the
vermicomposted clippings in May 2003.
Three separate field trials were initiated. A rate response study
was conducted using paper waste vermicompost in 2002 and
2003. The rates applied supplied 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 lbs/1000ft2
of total nitrogen. A second study comparing the same nitrogen
rates, but with vermicomposted turfgrass clippings, was conducted
in 2003. The third study was conducted in 2002 and 2003 to
compare the response of turfgrass to application of various
vermicomposted waste products (animal waste, food waste,
and paper) to urea, and three commercially available organic
fertilizers [Milorganite® (Milorganite, Milwaukee, WI), Sustane®
(Natural Fertilizer of America, Inc., Cannon Falls, MN), and Nature
Safe®, Griffin Industries, Inc., Cold Spring, KY], all applied at rates
to supply 1 lb/1000ft2.
For all studies, clippings were collected weekly or twice monthly,
depending on growing conditions, at a 2.5 inch height. Clippings
were dried in an oven at 140°F for 4 days and weighed. Irrigation
was supplied as necessary to maintain the grass in good growing
condition. No pesticides were applied to the plots. Estimates of
turfgrass visual quality were taken twice monthly for 6 weeks after
treatment (WAT). Turfgrass visual quality was evaluated on a scale
of 1-9 where 1 = poorest quality, 6 = lowest acceptable quality,
and 9 = best quality based on overall color and density. Clipping
yield and visual quality data were analyzed using the general linear
models (GLM) procedure of SAS (SAS Institute, 1990). Fishers’s
least significant difference (LSD) test was used to compare means
among fertilizer treatments. Linear contrasts were used to analyze
fertilizer rate response.
Results Rate Response Studies
Visual quality of the plots was significantly higher for 2 weeks after
application of paper vermicompost, regardless of application rate
(Table 2). However, the visual quality of the plots was similar to the
control 4 and 6 WAT. Clipping yield 2 WAT was higher on the plots
 TABLE 1.
Chemical properties of fertilizers and vermicomposted waste materials utilized in turfgrass field trials in Columbus Ohio in 2002 and 2003.
Vermicompost pH EC Organic Matter
mmhos cm-3 ------------------------------------------------ % -------------------------------------------------
Paper Waste 5.9 11.00 34.7
Food Waste 8.0 4.05 50.8
Animal Waste 6.3 33.60 57.9
Turfgrass Waste 6.4 4.80 36.4
that received 1 lb/1000ft2 of N from paper vermicompost. However,
the plots that received 2 lbs/1000ft2 of N from paper vermicompost
had clipping yields similar to the control 2 WAT. No significant
differences in clipping weights were observed either 4 or 6 WAT
(Table 2). In addition, no differences in either turfgrass visual
quality or clipping yields were observed after application
of vermicomposted turfgrass, regardless of rate (Table 3).
Fertilizer Comparison Study
Urea produced the highest visual quality 2 WAT, followed by
Milorganite®, Sustane®, and Nature Safe®. However, the visual
quality of the vermicompost treated plots was similar to the
control 2 WAT (Table 4). Plots that received food or animal waste
vermicompost had higher visual quality 4 WAT compared to the
control, but was similar to Milorganite® and Sustain® and was
lower than either Nature Safe® or urea. At 6 WAT the quality of
the vermicompost treated plots was similar to the control, and
lower than Milorganite® or Nature Safe®.
Clipping yields on the vermicompost treated plots were similar to
the control 2, 4 and 6 WAT. Clipping yields on the vermicompost
treated plots were significantly lower than those of the urea treated
plots 2 and 4 WAT and those of the Milorganite® and Nature Safe®
treated plots 4 and 6 WAT.
Discussion
Although studies where vermicomposted materials were incorporated
into the soil showed positive effects on turfgrass growth, the results
of these studies suggest that surface application of vermicomposted
waste materials does not result in visual quality or clipping yield
response that would lend them to use as a fertilizer on established
turfgrass. In an established turfgrass there would be little benefit
to using vermicompost beyond simply returning the clippings to
the turf.
The vermicomposts tested in this study contained 1.06 to 2.91%
nitrogen. However, a relatively small percentage of this was in the
Nitrogen
Total NO3- P K
1.06 0.07 0.42 0.40
1.35 0.06 0.26 1.09
2.91 0.35 0.58 1.36
2.91 0.14 0.57 0.61
form of nitrate nitrogen (Table 1). Some of the differences in overall
quality 2 weeks after application could be attributed to the nitrate
nitrogen being utilized by the turf. However, because significant
biological immobilization of applied nitrogen in turfgrass thatch
has been observed in previous studies (Miltner et al., 1996), the
remaining nitrogen may have been tied up in organic forms not
readily available for plant uptake throughout the duration of these
studies. In the present studies involving both turfgrass and paper
vermicompost, no significant differences in quality or clipping
yields were observed more than 2 weeks after application.
Even if all of the nitrogen becomes available for plant uptake,
application of a normal 1 lb nitrogen per 1000ft2 rate would
require as much as 94 lbs of vermicompost per 1000ft2 if using
the paper vermicompost. Based on the results of these studies,
the use of vermicompost as a fertilizer material on established
turfgrass is not warranted. However, most previous research on
the use of vermicompost that produced favorable yield results
occurred when vermicompost was added as a soil amendment.
The results of these studies and a long term greenhouse trial
conducted at OSU suggest that much of the nitrogen contained
in the vermicompost does not become available immediately,
but rather over a term of 2-3 months. Because of this, future
studies in turfgrass should address the use of vermicompost
as an incorporated soil component at the time of establishment.
TABLES Continued on Page 22
21
 NEW
GROWTH &
TECHNOLOGY

Continued from Page 21

TABLE 2.
Visual quality and yield response of Kentucky bluegrass to increasing rates of paper vermicompost in field trials in Columbus, OH.
Data are pooled means from 2002 and 2003.
Rate Clipping Weights (g) Visual Quality †
lbs N/1000ft2 2 WAT‡ 4 WAT 6 WAT 2 WAT 4 WAT 6 WAT
Control 9 25 9 5 6 6
0.25 10 9 9 6 6 6
0.50 6 10 9 6 6 6
1.00 23 14 10 6 7 7
2.00 12 11 9 6 7 6
Linear Contrast NS ¶
NS NS *** NS NS
†
Turfgrass visual quality was evaluated on a scale of 1-9 where 1 = poorest quality, 6 = acceptable turfgrass, and 9 = best quality based
on overall color, cover, and density. Values are the average of visual estimates of three replicate plots for each cultivar evaluated.
‡
WAT: Weeks after treatment
¶
NS, *, **, *** Nonsignificant or significant at P≤ 0.05, 0.01, or 0.0001, respectively

TABLE 3.
Visual quality and yield response of kentucky bluegrass to increasing rates of turfgrass vermicompost in field trials in Columbus, OH
in 2003.
Rate Clipping Weights (g) Visual Quality †
lbs N/1000ft 2
2 WAT ‡
4 WAT 6 WAT 2 WAT 4 WAT 6 WAT
Control 19 31 57 7 7 7
0.25 28 35 76 7 8 7
0.50 24 26 62 7 7 7
1.00 23 30 61 6 7 7
2.00 30 27 64 7 7 7
Linear Contrast NS ¶
NS NS NS NS NS
†
Turfgrass visual quality was evaluated on a scale of 1-9 where 1 = poorest quality, 6 = acceptable turfgrass, and 9 = best quality based
on overall color, cover, and density. Values are the average of visual estimates of three replicate plots for each cultivar evaluated.
‡
WAT: Weeks after treatment
¶
NS, *, **, *** Nonsignificant or significant at P≤ 0.05, 0.01, or 0.0001, respectively

Continued on Page 25
22
 GRADUATE
STUDENT
CORNER
Stephen M. Schneider
Steve is a Master’s student and field
technician in The School of Natural
Resources Department of Soil Science
under the advisement of Dr. Ed McCoy.
Steve is originally from the Toledo area and
migrated to Columbus and the Ohio State
University to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science
in Natural Resources major of Forestry.
Steve was not your typical college student.
He started in architecture, changed to
engineering then jumped to natural resources while raising a family of four
with a medically fragile daughter.
He became interested in turf research after his internship in the summer
2001 with Todd Hicks and Mike Boehm. He started in a temporary position
as a field tech with Billie Lindsay in April 2002. His position then became
more permanent under Dr. McCoy in April of 2003. He decided in May of
the same year to return for two more years to finish his Master’s in Soil
Science, far from the restaurant management position he held previously.
The research he is currently working on at the turf center include different
recycled soils as acceptable root zones for athletic fields and irrigation
run-off, as affected by wetting agents. He would like to do farther research
with recycled soils and strip mine reclamation for agricultural products.
Sand, not native soil, is the growing medium of choice for sports turf root
zones. The positive attributes of sand are compaction resistance and a
large infiltration rate that allows for play during periods of heavy rainfall.
The negative side of a sand based root zone is the high demand for water
during dry periods, lack of nutrient holding capability, and reduced shear
strength. Some recommendations for sand-based athletic field root zones
suggest employing sands with a medium to fine texture (Puhalla et al.,1999).
Since most foundry sand has a similar texture, this study is designed to
evaluate the use of foundry sand in sports turf applications.
Objectives
1.) Determine if recycled foundry sand and other blends containing City
of Columbus incinerator ash will make an acceptable root zone given
standard construction practices.
2.) Determine if amendments will aid in turf management on these
sand-based root zones.
3.) Evaluate the acceptability of using a six as opposed to a 12-inch
root zone depth.
Installation & Treatments
Field plots were constructed within 6 by 15 ft. wooden frames placed on a
2% sloped subgrade. Root zone depths are either 6 or 12 inches, and drain
spacing is 15 ft. Recycled foundry sand (FS) having a medium-fine texture,
high uniformity and containing 5% bentonite clay was used alone or blended
with four different organic by-products. The four organic materials used were
City of Columbus biosolids compost (Comtil), a yard waste compost (YWC),
a sandy, composted dairy manure (DMC) and N-Viro Soil (NVS). The organic
materials were blended with FS to achieve a 2 to 4% by wt. organic matter
content. Sand delivered to a foundry but not passed through the casting
process (i.e. virgin sand) was used as a control. Additionally, blends of
biosolids incinerator ash (Ash), yard waste compost, N-Viro Soil and biosolids
compost were included as root zone treatments. Simulated wear was applied
to the root zones in October 2003 using 24 passes over a 3-week period.
Results
Agronomic and playability measurements are being collected multiple
times during the growing season. Our first season’s data for shear strength,
surface hardness, and saturated hydraulic conductivity is shown in Table 1.
The shear test measures the amount of force necessary to create a surface
displacement and generates an index of shear strength at the soil surface.
Vigorous growth, root strength, and root zone quality are reflected by this
measurement. If the shear strength value is higher, the likelihood of divot
creation during play is lessened. Generally, the shear strength of all the
root zone treatments increased, as would be expected during the turf
establishment year.
Surface hardness as measured by Clegg Impact varied dramatically by
measurement date. Factors that can influence surface hardness include
turf condition, root zone moisture content, and compaction. Acceptable
ranges for soccer are 35 to 200 gravities (Canaway et al., 1990). So far,
of the four measurements taken for this study, the foundry sand treatments
were higher than the acceptable range on one date, Aug. 21.
Infiltration rates showed high variability between treatment replications for
both dates. The Nov. 4 measurements were taken after a simulated wear
treatment had been applied to the field. Climatic conditions were also quite
different when the two measurements were taken. Conditions were much
drier in September. There was almost continual rain from the beginning
of October until the Nov. 4 measurement. An attempt to measure the
infiltration rate of native soil adjacent to the plot area on Nov. 4, as a point
of comparison, was unsuccessful because there was no water movement
at all after many hours. The treatments that contained foundry sand ranged
from a high of 7.8 to a low of 2.0 cm/hr on both dates. An infiltration rate
of 5.4 cm/hr is considered adequate for sports turf applications (Skirde, W.,
1974). In the first year of testing, the foundry sand treatments did not always
perform to this standard but the infiltration rate was definitely superior to
native soil. After completion of year one of the three-year study, the use of
foundry sand in athletic field root zones looks promising.
References
Canaway, P.M., Bell, M.J., Holmes, G., and Baker, S.W., 1990. Standards for the playing
quality of natural turf for association football, Natural and Artificial Playing Fields;
Characteristics and Safety Features, ASTM STP 1073.
Puhalla, J., Krans, J., Goatley, M. 1999. p. 390. Sports Fields, A manual for design
construction and maintenance. Ann Arbor Press Chelsea, Michigan
Skirde, W. 1974. Soil modification for athletic fields. Proceedings of the second
international Turfgrass research conference. American Society of Agronomy and
the Crop Science Society of America.
23
 NEW
GROWTH &
TECHNOLOGY
The Importance of Plant Selection
Jim Chatfield, Ohio State University Extension
The more landscapes and streetscapes I see, the more I learn and the more
I teach, the more I respect the ultimate in preventive plant maintenance.
That ultimate is the importance of proper plant selection, we all seem
more predisposed to wait until something goes wrong and then to plea for
squirtgun botany solution, be it pesticides or fertilizers. In that sense, plant
doctoring is really not much different from what we do with our own health.
Human medicine is often reactive and even insurance plans seem geared
to drug therapy and surgery—once a problem develops rather than the
ounce of prevention that is worth a pound of cure. Contrary—to these habits,
though, with plants and people both, the beginning is a very good place to
start. For plants, that starting place is with selecting the right plant for the
planting site. This was truly driven home to me a few weeks ago on a short
Walking Wooster street tree stroll with OSU’s Secrest Arboretum curator Ken
Cochran. In the course of an hour and two city blocks, over and over again
we saw the importance of good plant selection. Following are a few of our
observations.
Japanese Maple
Ken and I noticed several Japanese maples in hot, sunny locations and
in most cases there was a good bit of branch dieback and brownish leaf
scorching. This is a shame, since this maple, with its horizontal branching
structure, range of interesting leaf colors and leaf shape such as cut leaf
features, is one of our most elegant small landscape trees. However, they
are not very tolerant of hot, dry exposed conditions. Under such conditions,
Japanese maples often develop leaf scorch symptoms, and worse, they often
develop Verticillium wilt disease. The Verticillium fungus infects through the
roots and if Japanese maple roots are stressed by droughty conditions then
infections and disease development is greater. So, when you plant Japanese
maples, site them where there is at least partial shade, organic well-drained
soil, and when possible, where you have the ability to provide moisture
during droughty periods.
Microbiota
This was a plant that Ken noticed by its absence in some downtown
Wooster plantings—where it was tried. Microbiota is a ground cover needled
evergreen with soft green foliage which has made its way into our plant
palettes in recent years. However, what Ken has found at Secrest Arboretum
in recent years is that it does not thrive with either severe winters or during
the extreme heat of summer.
Furthermore it will not tolerate heavy clay soils well, needing good drainage
to avoid developing root rot problems. So, microbiota is often not the best for
some of our more extreme urban conditions. Another low growing needled
24
evergreen that has stood the test of time which we noticed doing well in
little streetside gardens in Wooster was the Calgary Carpet cultivar of
Savin juniper.
Callery Pear
One of the mixed success stories of street trees over the past several
decades is the Callery ornamental pear. This pear is known for its lovely white
flowers in spring, glossy green foliage during the summer, and outstanding
red orange and purple fall foliage color. Callery pears also have fruits that are
quite small and not at all abundant, important characteristics for a street tree
since large copious fruit crops create unwanted maintenance messes. As
noted, though, Callery pears are a mixed blessing, as urban foresters
well know.
During severe windstorms, certain Callery pears especially the cultivar
Bradford, tend to break due to their branch structure. For this reason,
cultivars such as Aristocrat Chanticleer are recommended. Every now and
then, however, during years in which the weather is warm and wet during
Callery pear bloom, we have a bad bacterial fireblight year. We learned
from this that Aristocrat is quite susceptible to this disease and the result
is numerous long fireblight strikes causing considerable branch dieback.
So, the cultivar Chanticleer (which is also called Cleveland) Select is one we
would recommend. One further note: though Callery pears are tough urban
survivors, the more root area you provide the better the conditions of the
Callery pears we noted on our little walk. Space in sidewalk cutouts is often
at a premium and the realities of the challenge are that sometimes there is
just only so much room for the trees, but the leaf size, leaf color, annual
growth, and amount of twig dieback on Callery pears we saw was directly
related to how much root room was available to the trees. Whenever you
plant street trees, consider the roominess of the devil strip area.
Serviceberry
Amelanchier or serviceberry is another lovely small tree with multi season
interest. They have airy white flowers in spring, attractive light green summer
foliage, excellent oranges and reds in their fall color, small fruits which are
attractive and tasty, and an attractive tree growth form.
Nevertheless, their use as street trees should be tempered with an
understanding that they cannot take harsh conditions when it comes to
drought stress. On very exposed, potentially dry sites with little room for
root growth, serviceberries tend to languish.
Green Ash
The vagaries of fate come to play here. For years, green ash was clearly one
of the standbys and standouts for street trees throughout the northern half
of the U.S. This is true as well for Ohio and the Patmore cultivar we noticed
in several street tree plantings in Wooster show why.
often do not live as long as landscape counterparts with more room to grow
and less urban stresses such as salt and drought and the occasional errant
vehicle. Nevertheless, with the uncertainty of the potential spread of the
emerald ash borer, it is tough for nurseries or urban foresters to bet on
ashes for the future.

Glossy green leaves, a sturdy, yet airy look to the tree, nicely complementing
downtown architecture. Excellent annual growth. Healthy as can be. So far so
good, and if it was not for the nagging worry about the invasive emerald ash
borer, green ash would still be near the top of the list of recommended street
trees for Ohio.
Only history will tell us if our current concerns about the emerald ash borer
will be a footnote or an endnote for ashes as such a stalwart street tree for
Ohio. Emerald ash borers were inadvertently introduced to North America
presumably in pallets from shipping from Asia into the Detroit area probably
less than a decade ago; millions of ashes are now already dead in Michigan.
We have had only several minor incursions into Ohio thus far, and diligent
efforts are underway to limit and prevent infestations. In the Wooster area
there are no known emerald ash borer infestations and this pest is certainly
not causing widespread damage in Ohio.
We strongly suspect that the street tree ashes we saw on our walk will live
a good life, certainly within the life expectancy of most street trees, which
We saw much more on our walk. There were highly aromatic sweetbay
magnolias doing quite well in small yards. There was the increasing planting
of dwarf Korean lilacs in small gardens around libraries and other buildings.
These powdery mildew resistant small lilacs are excellent for small spaces.
Finally, there was Sophora (Japanese pagodatree) in parking lot boxes which
had outlived their ability to tolerate such close quarters. Sophora is a lovely
tree with spectacular panicled flowers but is definitely not a recommended
choice for long term parking lots as the fruit pods not only stain cars but
are very attractive to birds who give a whole new meaning to recycling if
your car is a nonmoving target for a few days. Plant selection, whether it
be streetscapes, landscapes or in your garden it is all in the details. Love
lindens but hate Japanese beetles try silver linden instead of little leaf
linden. Want white barked birch but have lost a few to the bronze birch borer
try our native paper or gray birch rather than the weeping European birch.
To paraphrase Shakespeare, “All (plants) make faults. But some make
more than others in a particular situation.”

New Growth & Technology Continued from Page 22

TABLE 4.
Visual quality and yield response of Kentucky bluegrass to different organic fertilizers compared to vermicomposted waste materials in
field trials in Columbus, OH. Data are pooled means from 2002 and 2003.
Clipping Weights (g) Visual Quality †
Product 2 WAT‡ 4 WAT 6 WAT 2 WAT 4 WAT
Control 36 B ¶
33 B 38 CD 5C 6C 7B
Urea 64 A 45 A 48 BC 7A 8A 7B
Paper Waste Vermicompost 37 B 29 B 39 CD 5C 6C 7B
Food Waste Vermicompost 39 B 29 B 36 D 5C 7B 6C
Animal Waste Vermicompost 34 B 29 B 39 CD 5C 7B 7B
Milorganite 45 B 44 A 55 AB 6B 7B 8A
Sustane 36 B 34 B 40 CD 6B 7B 7B
Nature Safe 45 B 52 A 61 A 6B 8A 8A
LSD (0.05) 16 9 11 1 1 1
†
Turfgrass visual quality was evaluated on a scale of 1-9 where 1 = poorest quality, 6 = acceptable turfgrass, and 9 = best quality based
on overall color, cover, and density. Values are the average of visual estimates of three replicate plots for each cultivar evaluated.
‡
WAT: Weeks after treatment
¶
Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fishers protected least significant difference test
(P = 0.05, n = 3).

25
 FROM
MESSAGE YOUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Building Relationships
During the last couple years, you may
recall reading in TurfNews about a
collaboration task force committee
formed by members of OTF, Ohio Lawn
Care Association (OLCA) and Ohio Sports
Turf Managers Association (OSTMA). The
Collaboration Task force was developed
to explore ways in which these three important industry groups could
work together in a collaborative effort for the good of all members
and Ohio’s turfgrass industry.
As a result, there has been extensive communication on issues
relating to education, legislative advocacy, research, events and
more. OSTMA and OLCA members help develop the sports turf and
lawn care education tracks at the OTF conference. Members of each
group benefit from reduced registration fees at the conference and
other events. OLCA and OSTMA joined forces to offer an annual golf
tournament. All three groups continue to explore opportunities for
working together.
With all this in mind, OTF and OPRA have initially agreed to
the following:
1) To link our Websites
2) Promote each others events in member communications
3) Offer discounted membership rates for events
4) Offer complimentary booth space in our shows
5) Continue to explore ideas and programs that benefits members
Therefore, you will be seeing more about OPRA in this newsletter,
Website and other communications. Relationships are one of the keys
to our collective success and we hope you see the benefits in your
business. OTF, OLCA, OSTMA, and now OPRA, will continue to work
together for the betterment of the turf industry in Ohio.
Cordially,
Kevin Thompson,
Executive Director

To further in these collaborative efforts, OTF has reached out to

the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association (OPRA). OPRA has 1400
members, many of whom are responsible for maintaining turf areas
for parks and municipalities. Several OPRA programs, such as their
Grounds Maintenance Management Workshop, may be of interest to
OTF members. OPRA’s large annual conference features sessions on
wetlands, tree maintenance, and aquatics, to name a few.

OPRA is also very active monitoring and affecting legislation. In fact,

they have retained the same lobbying firm (Capitol Consulting Group)
as OLCA. We have many threats to our industries, and at times we
may have to defend our practices on a collective basis.

26
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OTF Board of Trustees 2004 OTF Officers OTF Turfgrass

Trustees President Science Team
Term Expires 2005 George Furrer Dr. Michael J. Boehm
Glen Pottenger, CGCS Sipcam Agro USA The Ohio State University, Dept. Plant Pathology
Larch Tree Golf Course
Vice President Dr. Karl Danneberger
Trustees Dr. Chuck Darrah The Ohio State University, Dept. Hort. & Crop Science
Term Expires 2006 CLC LABS
Dr. David Gardner
Mark Grunkemeyer
Treasurer The Ohio State University, Dept. Hort. & Crop Science
Buckeye Ecocare
Boyd Montgomery, CSFM Dr. Parwinder Grewal
Mark Jordan Sylvania Recreation OARDC/OSU, Dept. Entomology
Westfield Companies Country Club
Immediate Past President Dr. Ed McCoy
Dan Walters
John Mowat OARDC, School of Natural Resources
City of Blue Ash Golf Course
Century Equipment
Mr. Joseph W. Rimelspach (Chairman)
Trustees The Ohio State University, Dept. Plant Pathology
Term Expires 2007 Director of Education
Dr. John R. Street Ms. Pamela Sherratt
Joe Enciso
The Ohio State University The Ohio State University, Dept. Hort. & Crop Science
Century Equipment

Randy Shaver Executive Director Dr. Dave Shetlar

Strategic Turf Systems The Ohio State University, Dept. Entomology
Kevin Thompson
OTF/Offinger Management Co.
Todd Voss Dr. John R. Street
The Ohio State University, Dept. Hort. & Crop Science
Double Eagle Golf Course

Dr. Daniel Voltz

The Ohio State University, Agricultural Technical Institution

Mr. David A. Willoughby

The Ohio State University, Agricultural Technical Institution
1400/0804/062