Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Research Summary 2012
Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D.
I utilize Michigan Turfgrass Research (MTF) funds to assist in the support of my staff (primarily Aaron Hathaway and graduate student Rod Tocco in 2012) and to help maintain plots at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center (HTRC) which in turn afford me the luxury to leverage for additional external funding. In short, MTF funds are the base and without a strong base there is nothing. With the strong base I was able to bring in enough external funds in 2012 in excess of $120,000.00. The external funds allow me to support a technician as well as a graduate student in the Sociology Department (Rachael Johansen) and pay 5-students to work at MSU and 2 laborers in Flint, MI.
Lawn Care Research
The Social, Economic, and Environmental impact of Turfgrass in and Urban Environment (or simply the Flint Project). In short, with the stellar reputation of MSU Turfgrass fostered by the MTF I was able to obtain supplies and funding from the Scotts Co. along with mowers donated by John Deere and have been mowing and applying fertilizer, weed control, and grass seed around abandoned homes and in vacant lots and parks in Flint, MI. As I write this my crew is mowing in Flint for the last time this year while Rachael Johansen (Sociology Graduate student) is going door to door with community members handing out surveys in one of our neighborhoods. The overall objective is to gather quantitative data on the functional aspects of Turfgrass. The survey asks (among other things), “Since MSU began maintaining vacant lots and the park in our community 3-years ago do you feel: (parenthesis following the questions are results from one neighborhood, data collected October 16, 2012)
1. Safer in the neighborhood? (47% strongly agree, 21% agree, 16% neutral, 5% disagree, 11% strongly disagree)
2. There is less trash in the neighborhood? (63% strongly agree, 37% agree)
3. You have made home improvements? (74% strongly agree, 21% agree, 5% neutral)
4. You interact with your neighbors more? (53% strongly agree, 26% agree, 16% neutral, 5% disagree)
5. You trust your neighbors more? (39% strongly agree, 22% agree, 33% neutral, 6% disagree)
6. You would like MSU to continue the study? (95% strongly agree, 5% agree)
Additionally, we sank sediment catch cans on fertilized and non-fertilized plots in Flint. After two years and 5 fertilizer applications the fertilized plots had 18 times less sediment than non-fertilized plots. We have a similar study at the HTRC with 4 different Turfgrass species and 2 other ground covers all fertilized and not fertilized. To date we have pulled the sediment catch cans but we have not run the data from the HTRC yet. The future: the sediment catch can plots in Flint will be sampled for the last time in June of 2012. The plots at the HTRC will run for at least two more years (this is solely MTF funding). The future of the lawn care project in Flint is dependent upon funding from by way of a GREEEN grant. If we secure a GREEEN grant the study will run for two more years in partnership with the Boys and Girls club of Flint where we will educate students about the green industry for an 11 week period in the summer and they will assist in the maintenance of the areas. Without the GREEEN grant the study will cease.
Besides that we have performed five additional weed research trails for companies and maintained 5 BMP observation plots for extension and education which depend upon the continued support of the MTF.
Golf Research
Rod Tocco is finishing his project that has focused on water use and playability on a Crenshaw creeping bentgrass putting green at the HTRC. He has irrigated the plots daily throughout 3 playing seasons by adjusting irrigation for ET at 30%, 60%, and 90% water replenishment. Within each of these irrigation blocks are plots that are single and double mowed daily both with and without a wetting agent (Revolution). This study is solely funded by the MTF. Rod gave a presentation at the ASA Conference in Cincinnati, OH on October 22, 2012 where he won an award for best student presentation. Results include: 1.The only way to increase green speed by decreasing irrigation is to turn the putting surface brown. 2. The use of a TDR is a far superior method to adjust irrigation than using ET (2 of the 3 years of his study 30% ET was enough irrigation to keep the plots healthy). 3. Double mowing show signs of heat stress quicker than single mowing, however, double mowing with monthly wetting agent shows no sign of heat stress. 4. Even during the dry summer of 2012 at 30% ET irrigation the wetting agent plots retained enough moisture (measured with the TDR) that they remained green. 5. 90% ET plots had less microbial activity in year one of the study (anaerobic?) with no statistical difference in year 2 and we are waiting on data analysis for year three. The future: there are many more interesting results from this study but it is now over except for publication.
Besides this golf research project we also performed 12 other studies including frequency of clip on a putting green, golf spike research (still going strong), rolling, and Poa control experimental projects.
Sports Field Research
Nick Binder is a bachelor student that performed his internship under my guidance in 2012. As part of his internship he learned how to set-up, care for, and collect data from research plots. As the summer progressed it became apparent to Nick that he would like to become a graduate student so beginning in January of 2013 Nick will become my masters’ student focusing on sports field management. His project will examine the agronomic and playability impacts of rolling a sports field at the frequencies of 3 and 5 times per week compared to non-rolled sports field plots. During the summer of 2012 Nick worked in cooperation with Amy Fouty and members of her crew at the MSU Soccer complex to perform an observational study with rolling on a soccer field. This observations led us to prepare 60 x 60 foot plots in late July of 2012 at the HTRC that will serve as the area where Nick will perform his project. Data collection from the study will include: 1. moisture readings that can be taking throughout the day with TurfGuard soil moisture sensors located in each plot (purchased with MTF funds). 2. Rooting data obtained with in-situ root equipment I do not even know the name of (this is why Emily Merewitz is on Nicks gradate committee). It is noteworthy that through MTF sponsored research in the past we know rolling increases rooting on putting surfaces after several years. If this were the case on athletic fields it would be even more significant to the game. 3. Broadleaf weed counts. Again, from research performed at the HTRC on putting greens we have observed decreases in weeds on rolled plots (1-year). On Nicks plots at the HTRC Nick has already observed that the white clover on the rolled playing surfaces seems to be getting disease symptoms while the weeds on the non-rolled plots have not displayed disease (this has been somewhat verified by Ron Detweiler). For this reason we will plant several weed species in each of the plots in the spring of 2013. 4. We will also collect data on sheer vain and will perform surveys with male and female soccer players (and maybe some football players) regarding traction and ball roll (soccer). The future: this study will go forward for at least 2-years with the support of the MTF. I must acknowledge the insights of Amy Fouty in the design and data collection of this project.
I opened by stating that MTF funds are utilized as my base. Case in point: Rod Tocco started his study 3-years ago with no external funding which means the MTF was paying for the research. Aquatrols donated the wetting agent but had no funds. In 2012 they funded over $20,000.00 of research projects at the HTRC. So while Aquatrols never funded Rods research I anticipate that his results and their current commitment will lead to funding form several years to come. Additionally, I currently have no funding for the Sport Field research that Nick Binder will perform, but I am confident that your continued support will allow me to locate external funding from an interested party. In closing, thank you for your support.
I utilize Michigan Turfgrass Research (MTF) funds to assist in the support of my staff (primarily Aaron Hathaway and graduate student Rod Tocco in 2012) and to help maintain plots at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center (HTRC) which in turn afford me the luxury to leverage for additional external funding. In short, MTF funds are the base and without a strong base there is nothing. With the strong base I was able to bring in enough external funds in 2012 in excess of $120,000.00. The external funds allow me to support a technician as well as a graduate student in the Sociology Department (Rachael Johansen) and pay 5-students to work at MSU and 2 laborers in Flint, MI.
Lawn Care Research
The Social, Economic, and Environmental impact of Turfgrass in and Urban Environment (or simply the Flint Project). In short, with the stellar reputation of MSU Turfgrass fostered by the MTF I was able to obtain supplies and funding from the Scotts Co. along with mowers donated by John Deere and have been mowing and applying fertilizer, weed control, and grass seed around abandoned homes and in vacant lots and parks in Flint, MI. As I write this my crew is mowing in Flint for the last time this year while Rachael Johansen (Sociology Graduate student) is going door to door with community members handing out surveys in one of our neighborhoods. The overall objective is to gather quantitative data on the functional aspects of Turfgrass. The survey asks (among other things), “Since MSU began maintaining vacant lots and the park in our community 3-years ago do you feel: (parenthesis following the questions are results from one neighborhood, data collected October 16, 2012)
1. Safer in the neighborhood? (47% strongly agree, 21% agree, 16% neutral, 5% disagree, 11% strongly disagree)
2. There is less trash in the neighborhood? (63% strongly agree, 37% agree)
3. You have made home improvements? (74% strongly agree, 21% agree, 5% neutral)
4. You interact with your neighbors more? (53% strongly agree, 26% agree, 16% neutral, 5% disagree)
5. You trust your neighbors more? (39% strongly agree, 22% agree, 33% neutral, 6% disagree)
6. You would like MSU to continue the study? (95% strongly agree, 5% agree)
Additionally, we sank sediment catch cans on fertilized and non-fertilized plots in Flint. After two years and 5 fertilizer applications the fertilized plots had 18 times less sediment than non-fertilized plots. We have a similar study at the HTRC with 4 different Turfgrass species and 2 other ground covers all fertilized and not fertilized. To date we have pulled the sediment catch cans but we have not run the data from the HTRC yet. The future: the sediment catch can plots in Flint will be sampled for the last time in June of 2012. The plots at the HTRC will run for at least two more years (this is solely MTF funding). The future of the lawn care project in Flint is dependent upon funding from by way of a GREEEN grant. If we secure a GREEEN grant the study will run for two more years in partnership with the Boys and Girls club of Flint where we will educate students about the green industry for an 11 week period in the summer and they will assist in the maintenance of the areas. Without the GREEEN grant the study will cease.
Besides that we have performed five additional weed research trails for companies and maintained 5 BMP observation plots for extension and education which depend upon the continued support of the MTF.
Golf Research
Rod Tocco is finishing his project that has focused on water use and playability on a Crenshaw creeping bentgrass putting green at the HTRC. He has irrigated the plots daily throughout 3 playing seasons by adjusting irrigation for ET at 30%, 60%, and 90% water replenishment. Within each of these irrigation blocks are plots that are single and double mowed daily both with and without a wetting agent (Revolution). This study is solely funded by the MTF. Rod gave a presentation at the ASA Conference in Cincinnati, OH on October 22, 2012 where he won an award for best student presentation. Results include: 1.The only way to increase green speed by decreasing irrigation is to turn the putting surface brown. 2. The use of a TDR is a far superior method to adjust irrigation than using ET (2 of the 3 years of his study 30% ET was enough irrigation to keep the plots healthy). 3. Double mowing show signs of heat stress quicker than single mowing, however, double mowing with monthly wetting agent shows no sign of heat stress. 4. Even during the dry summer of 2012 at 30% ET irrigation the wetting agent plots retained enough moisture (measured with the TDR) that they remained green. 5. 90% ET plots had less microbial activity in year one of the study (anaerobic?) with no statistical difference in year 2 and we are waiting on data analysis for year three. The future: there are many more interesting results from this study but it is now over except for publication.
Besides this golf research project we also performed 12 other studies including frequency of clip on a putting green, golf spike research (still going strong), rolling, and Poa control experimental projects.
Sports Field Research
Nick Binder is a bachelor student that performed his internship under my guidance in 2012. As part of his internship he learned how to set-up, care for, and collect data from research plots. As the summer progressed it became apparent to Nick that he would like to become a graduate student so beginning in January of 2013 Nick will become my masters’ student focusing on sports field management. His project will examine the agronomic and playability impacts of rolling a sports field at the frequencies of 3 and 5 times per week compared to non-rolled sports field plots. During the summer of 2012 Nick worked in cooperation with Amy Fouty and members of her crew at the MSU Soccer complex to perform an observational study with rolling on a soccer field. This observations led us to prepare 60 x 60 foot plots in late July of 2012 at the HTRC that will serve as the area where Nick will perform his project. Data collection from the study will include: 1. moisture readings that can be taking throughout the day with TurfGuard soil moisture sensors located in each plot (purchased with MTF funds). 2. Rooting data obtained with in-situ root equipment I do not even know the name of (this is why Emily Merewitz is on Nicks gradate committee). It is noteworthy that through MTF sponsored research in the past we know rolling increases rooting on putting surfaces after several years. If this were the case on athletic fields it would be even more significant to the game. 3. Broadleaf weed counts. Again, from research performed at the HTRC on putting greens we have observed decreases in weeds on rolled plots (1-year). On Nicks plots at the HTRC Nick has already observed that the white clover on the rolled playing surfaces seems to be getting disease symptoms while the weeds on the non-rolled plots have not displayed disease (this has been somewhat verified by Ron Detweiler). For this reason we will plant several weed species in each of the plots in the spring of 2013. 4. We will also collect data on sheer vain and will perform surveys with male and female soccer players (and maybe some football players) regarding traction and ball roll (soccer). The future: this study will go forward for at least 2-years with the support of the MTF. I must acknowledge the insights of Amy Fouty in the design and data collection of this project.
I opened by stating that MTF funds are utilized as my base. Case in point: Rod Tocco started his study 3-years ago with no external funding which means the MTF was paying for the research. Aquatrols donated the wetting agent but had no funds. In 2012 they funded over $20,000.00 of research projects at the HTRC. So while Aquatrols never funded Rods research I anticipate that his results and their current commitment will lead to funding form several years to come. Additionally, I currently have no funding for the Sport Field research that Nick Binder will perform, but I am confident that your continued support will allow me to locate external funding from an interested party. In closing, thank you for your support.
Mowing/Rolling Frequency Putting Green Programs on Cool and Warm Season Grasses
Thomas A. Nikolai
Over the years I have traveled to numerous locations to give presentations regarding green speed. Of particular interest to superintendents are the multiple mowing/rolling frequencies studies I have conducted on bentgrass at Michigan State University. As a result of these presentations I have received numerous Emails, letters, and phone calls from superintendents that have adopted mowing/rolling frequency programs at their club for certain times of the year. To be clear, the mowing/rolling programs include performed on bentgrass include:
· Alternating mowing and rolling on a daily basis. This mowing/rolling frequency results in daily green speed measurements equivalent to just mowing every day and improved turfgrass wear tolerance. Obviously, this program can also save money; however, there is no reduction in the amount of dollar spot observed with this program compared to mowing alone. This can be a very nice economic option especially during times of the year with the greatest heat stress on cool season grasses.
· Mow and roll every day. We certainly are not considering saving money with this option, however, results indicate consistent green speeds from day to day, the possibility to raise mowing heights for better turfgrass health and wear tolerance, and significantly more dollar spot control than mowing everyday and rolling every other.
· Roll every day and mow every other. That’s right, rolling every day and mowing every other. Of all the mowing/rolling frequencies I have researched this one results in the most consistent green speeds from day to day, very good wear tolerance compared to mowing alone, and better dollar spot control than mowing everyday and rolling every other. Obviously, there could also be some economic saving with this program as well.
A nagging question from superintendents in southern climates has been, "How will these mowing/rolling frequency programs work on warm season grasses"? The truth was, all I could answer was, "I don’t know" because there was a lack of research on the subject…..until now.
One of the superintendents that asked the question about warm season grasses was Bob Bittner, CGCS at The Club Pelican Bay in Naples FL. As a result of our conversation Bob and his assistant Dan Cruse performed a mowing/rolling frequency study on the chipping green at The Club. To initiate the study I showed Dan how to set-up a statistically valid replicated study with three treatments. Dan collected all the necessary data, sent the data it to me via Email, and I ran the statistics and created tables.
Below are the results and points of interest from the TifEagle green in Naples Fl. at The Club Pelican Bay.
Thomas A. Nikolai
Over the years I have traveled to numerous locations to give presentations regarding green speed. Of particular interest to superintendents are the multiple mowing/rolling frequencies studies I have conducted on bentgrass at Michigan State University. As a result of these presentations I have received numerous Emails, letters, and phone calls from superintendents that have adopted mowing/rolling frequency programs at their club for certain times of the year. To be clear, the mowing/rolling programs include performed on bentgrass include:
· Alternating mowing and rolling on a daily basis. This mowing/rolling frequency results in daily green speed measurements equivalent to just mowing every day and improved turfgrass wear tolerance. Obviously, this program can also save money; however, there is no reduction in the amount of dollar spot observed with this program compared to mowing alone. This can be a very nice economic option especially during times of the year with the greatest heat stress on cool season grasses.
· Mow and roll every day. We certainly are not considering saving money with this option, however, results indicate consistent green speeds from day to day, the possibility to raise mowing heights for better turfgrass health and wear tolerance, and significantly more dollar spot control than mowing everyday and rolling every other.
· Roll every day and mow every other. That’s right, rolling every day and mowing every other. Of all the mowing/rolling frequencies I have researched this one results in the most consistent green speeds from day to day, very good wear tolerance compared to mowing alone, and better dollar spot control than mowing everyday and rolling every other. Obviously, there could also be some economic saving with this program as well.
A nagging question from superintendents in southern climates has been, "How will these mowing/rolling frequency programs work on warm season grasses"? The truth was, all I could answer was, "I don’t know" because there was a lack of research on the subject…..until now.
One of the superintendents that asked the question about warm season grasses was Bob Bittner, CGCS at The Club Pelican Bay in Naples FL. As a result of our conversation Bob and his assistant Dan Cruse performed a mowing/rolling frequency study on the chipping green at The Club. To initiate the study I showed Dan how to set-up a statistically valid replicated study with three treatments. Dan collected all the necessary data, sent the data it to me via Email, and I ran the statistics and created tables.
Below are the results and points of interest from the TifEagle green in Naples Fl. at The Club Pelican Bay.
The Club Pelican Bay Mowing/Rolling Frequency Study on TifEagle Bermudagrass.
Points of interest:
· Study initiated 16 September 2009 and ran for approximately ten continuous weeks with final green speed measurement obtained 27 November 2009.
· Treatment 1 (T1) was mowed six days per week (not mowed on Monday). T1 wan never rolled.
· Treatments 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) were not mowed every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
· T2 and T3 were mowed every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
· T2 was rolled seven days per week.
· A total of 12 green speed measurements were obtained on days T2 and T3 not mowed.
· A total of 15 green speed measurements were obtained on days T2 and T3 were mowed.
As a result of the study Bob mows less often during the winter months. The, "during the winter months" is the key part of the previous sentence. Why? Well in Naples, Fl. the playing season is during the winter months, which is when TifEagle is growing the slowest. Now let’s assume the study took place on a warm season grass in the transition zone during the summer. Had that been the case, obviously we would expect different results because that is when it would be growing most vigorously. To address that scenario Dr. John Sorochan (MSU alum) is finishing up a warm season grass mowing/rolling frequency study at the University of Tennessee.
As always I would like to thank the MTF for their continuous support. Oh, by the way, the only MTF funds used for The Club Pelican Bay study were used to purchase the "MSU green speed research" sign that was posted by the site. I understand that it made the MSU alumni members quite proud.
2009 MTF Turfgrass Research Update from Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D.
Turfgrass leaf-mulch study
A Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, fine fescue mixture maintained at a 3-inch mowing height was used to perform a leaf-mulching nitrogen study. Three different rates of tree leaves (none, ankle height, and calf height) were mulched into plots and with a rotary mower. Afterwards, one of two rates of fertilizer (none or .80 lbs of N from Scotts Wintergaurd) was spread over the plots. Results indicate that mulching tree leaves into the turf is a viable option for getting rid of the leaf-litter, grass with leaf-litter mulched into it greens-up quicker in the spring, the addition of the nitrogen (especially on the higher rate of leaves) reduces the visibility of the leaf litter which many homeowners would find favorable.
Golf Spike Studies
My crew performed a golf cleat study for Foot Joy during the spring/early summer of 2009. Basically, Foot Joy utilizes MSU for traction and putting green wear studies. The results of the studies indicate that a prototype cleat actually improved traction while decreasing wear on the putting surface compared to cleats currently on the market. My guess is we’ll see that prototype on Foot Joy soles next year.
Wetting Agent/Irrigation Study
We utilized three wetting agents and three different irrigation regimes (no irrigation, 35% ET, and 70% ET) from May-September on a creeping bentgrass putting green. Data collected included weekly TDR (soil moisture), localized dry spot, and green speed measurements and we are currently running % organic matter. While there were differences in the amount of soil moisture there was never any differences in visual quality or amount of green speed. This is attributed to the fact that it rained every “F’in” day and the temperature never exceeded 60 degrees during the summer of 2009 (or at least that is how I remember it). This study will take place again the next two years as part of Rod Toccos graduate work (Ph.D. student).
Fertilizer carrier/rate/ putting green root zone study
The study was initiated in 2009 and is a collaborative effort with Dr. Kevin Frank. The study utilizes several differ nitrogen carriers, several different nitrogen rates, and different P and K rates on three putting green root zone mixes. Data collection includes biweekly green speed measurements, color ratings, disease counts, soil chemical tests, percentage nutrient content in the leaf tissue, water infiltration, and percent organic matter. This study will run through 2013 and it’s currently the master’s study for Miyuan Xiao (Nancy). This is the coolest study ever.
Lightweight rolling studies
We performed four-separate lightweight rolling studies this past summer. Two of the studies are being utilized by Paul Giordano (masters student under Dr. Vargas) who is attempting to determine why rolling decreases dollar spot. One of the other rolling studies was a multi-site study performed in collaboration with Douglas Karcher at the University of Arkansas. We will be submitting this work for publication very soon. The final study was also part of a multi-site study (U of Tennessee, UCONN, and U of Arkansas and MSU) and it is the only long term rolling study performed on Poa annua greens with different mowing/rolling frequencies.
Putting green mowing frequency study
Single, double, and triple mowing 6-days per week on a creeping bentgrass putting green. Data collection includes green speed measurements, quality measurements, dollar spot counts, and leaf tissue analysis.
Functional Qualities of Turf in an Urban Environment
While I have been working on this project for most of the year we are just initiating it this month (October). What we are doing is maintaining turfgrass on abandoned properties in several sections of Flint, MI. in an effort to quantify the environmental, economic, and social qualities of turfgrass. Scotts Co. is providing funding (for up to three years) and all the fertilizer and pesticides and John Deere has agreed to donate mowers for the project. I could not possibly pull this study off by myself and it will be a collaborative effort including Kevin Frank, Kurt Steinke, and Stephen Gasteyer (MSU Sociologist).
Points of interest:
· Study initiated 16 September 2009 and ran for approximately ten continuous weeks with final green speed measurement obtained 27 November 2009.
· Treatment 1 (T1) was mowed six days per week (not mowed on Monday). T1 wan never rolled.
· Treatments 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) were not mowed every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
· T2 and T3 were mowed every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
· T2 was rolled seven days per week.
· A total of 12 green speed measurements were obtained on days T2 and T3 not mowed.
· A total of 15 green speed measurements were obtained on days T2 and T3 were mowed.
As a result of the study Bob mows less often during the winter months. The, "during the winter months" is the key part of the previous sentence. Why? Well in Naples, Fl. the playing season is during the winter months, which is when TifEagle is growing the slowest. Now let’s assume the study took place on a warm season grass in the transition zone during the summer. Had that been the case, obviously we would expect different results because that is when it would be growing most vigorously. To address that scenario Dr. John Sorochan (MSU alum) is finishing up a warm season grass mowing/rolling frequency study at the University of Tennessee.
As always I would like to thank the MTF for their continuous support. Oh, by the way, the only MTF funds used for The Club Pelican Bay study were used to purchase the "MSU green speed research" sign that was posted by the site. I understand that it made the MSU alumni members quite proud.
2009 MTF Turfgrass Research Update from Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D.
Turfgrass leaf-mulch study
A Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, fine fescue mixture maintained at a 3-inch mowing height was used to perform a leaf-mulching nitrogen study. Three different rates of tree leaves (none, ankle height, and calf height) were mulched into plots and with a rotary mower. Afterwards, one of two rates of fertilizer (none or .80 lbs of N from Scotts Wintergaurd) was spread over the plots. Results indicate that mulching tree leaves into the turf is a viable option for getting rid of the leaf-litter, grass with leaf-litter mulched into it greens-up quicker in the spring, the addition of the nitrogen (especially on the higher rate of leaves) reduces the visibility of the leaf litter which many homeowners would find favorable.
Golf Spike Studies
My crew performed a golf cleat study for Foot Joy during the spring/early summer of 2009. Basically, Foot Joy utilizes MSU for traction and putting green wear studies. The results of the studies indicate that a prototype cleat actually improved traction while decreasing wear on the putting surface compared to cleats currently on the market. My guess is we’ll see that prototype on Foot Joy soles next year.
Wetting Agent/Irrigation Study
We utilized three wetting agents and three different irrigation regimes (no irrigation, 35% ET, and 70% ET) from May-September on a creeping bentgrass putting green. Data collected included weekly TDR (soil moisture), localized dry spot, and green speed measurements and we are currently running % organic matter. While there were differences in the amount of soil moisture there was never any differences in visual quality or amount of green speed. This is attributed to the fact that it rained every “F’in” day and the temperature never exceeded 60 degrees during the summer of 2009 (or at least that is how I remember it). This study will take place again the next two years as part of Rod Toccos graduate work (Ph.D. student).
Fertilizer carrier/rate/ putting green root zone study
The study was initiated in 2009 and is a collaborative effort with Dr. Kevin Frank. The study utilizes several differ nitrogen carriers, several different nitrogen rates, and different P and K rates on three putting green root zone mixes. Data collection includes biweekly green speed measurements, color ratings, disease counts, soil chemical tests, percentage nutrient content in the leaf tissue, water infiltration, and percent organic matter. This study will run through 2013 and it’s currently the master’s study for Miyuan Xiao (Nancy). This is the coolest study ever.
Lightweight rolling studies
We performed four-separate lightweight rolling studies this past summer. Two of the studies are being utilized by Paul Giordano (masters student under Dr. Vargas) who is attempting to determine why rolling decreases dollar spot. One of the other rolling studies was a multi-site study performed in collaboration with Douglas Karcher at the University of Arkansas. We will be submitting this work for publication very soon. The final study was also part of a multi-site study (U of Tennessee, UCONN, and U of Arkansas and MSU) and it is the only long term rolling study performed on Poa annua greens with different mowing/rolling frequencies.
Putting green mowing frequency study
Single, double, and triple mowing 6-days per week on a creeping bentgrass putting green. Data collection includes green speed measurements, quality measurements, dollar spot counts, and leaf tissue analysis.
Functional Qualities of Turf in an Urban Environment
While I have been working on this project for most of the year we are just initiating it this month (October). What we are doing is maintaining turfgrass on abandoned properties in several sections of Flint, MI. in an effort to quantify the environmental, economic, and social qualities of turfgrass. Scotts Co. is providing funding (for up to three years) and all the fertilizer and pesticides and John Deere has agreed to donate mowers for the project. I could not possibly pull this study off by myself and it will be a collaborative effort including Kevin Frank, Kurt Steinke, and Stephen Gasteyer (MSU Sociologist).
I Hope Neil Young Will Remember….
Confessions of a Lightweight Rolling Yahoo Researcher
Article by Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D.
Michigan State University
Not too long ago I was watching the Top 100 Southern Rock Songs of all time on VH1. As the countdown had reached the final 5 songs I found myself wondering which Allman Brothers Band song would be the Number 1 Southern Rock song of all time. Heck, there are so many great Allman Brothers Band tunes I was having a hard time deciding which one would be number 1. Then, much to my surprise the Number 1 Southern Rock Song of all time was awarded to Lenard Skynard for their 1972 release Sweet Home Alabama.
So why is any of that relevant? Well the point is I give numerous national presentations on putting green management often with my cohort Mike Morris CGCS, Crystal Downs Country Club, Frankfort, MI. Recurring comments from our Taking Control of Green Speed GCSAA seminar evaluation forms are attendants requesting more rolling, fertility, and mowing height studies on warm season grasses. I certainly don’t blame any superintendent in Florida for thinking, “What the heck is this yahoo going to tell me about taking care of my warm season greens”?
This makes me think about the line “Southern man don’t need him around anyhow” from the song Sweet Home Alabama”. Now that line is directed toward Neil Young who wrote the racially charged song Southern Man in 1970, but in relation to my putting green research I am not so certain many warm season grass superintendents shouldn’t think it applies to me as well. So now I have been asked to write an article about green speed for superintendents in Florida. Hmmmm, can I pull it off?
Well let’s start with some results from some of my lightweight rolling research and I’ll let each of you decide if it can be useful to your turf and/or your management of your crew. Who knows, if it is good maybe I’ll be asked to volunteer my time to write about fertility and green speed in a future article.
First of all I have performed more lightweight rolling research than everyone else combined. I am not bragging it is just a fact. Beginning in the mid-90’s the objective was to decide what the safest rolling frequency was for a putting surface without causing detriment to the turfgrass plant or increasing compaction. Too make a long story short; rolling three times per week (or every other day) resulted in:
• Noticeably increased green speeds every day (as long as the thatch is not too thick. When the thatch is too thick residual green speed the next day drops off fast).
• No increases in compaction given the plots were on a sand topdressing program. If the plots were not on a sand topdressing program I don’t know what the results would be, but I think it is worthy of mention.
• No decreases in water infiltration given the plots were on a sand topdressing program.
• Decreases in dollar spot (this takes several months to a year to become incredibly noticeable).
• Decreased localized dry spot.
• Decreased broad-leaf weeds (which I think means better turfgrass density).
• Decrease moss (which I think means better turfgrass density).
At this point I wanted to find different ways to use lightweight roller and address some concerns of superintendents in the south. Step 1 was to perform a study in collaboration with Dr. John Sorochan at The University of Tennessee since I cannot perform studies in the transition zone on my own. My thinking was there is no more difficult region to grow grass in than the transition zone (or at least that is what I am told) so if rolling could work in that area it would carry to different regions.
A treatment included in this multi-state study included alternating rolling and mowing on a daily basis throughout the season. To clarify, mow one day without rolling, and then roll the next day without mowing and continuing to alternate on that program for the entire season. Dr. Sorochon used a DMI Speedroller and I used the Tru-Turf vibratory roller. Results from alternating mowing and rolling on a daily basis included:
• Better turfgrass quality compared to mowing every day (no disease reduction but improved wear tolerance).
• The same playability (green speed) compared to mowing every day.
• A possible cost saving for a golf course between $12,000 to $30,000 per year depending upon the mowing program and length of season. I must mention that this portion of the study included a cost analysis survey written and tabulated by Dan Strunk who sent the survey to every golf course superintendent in Tennessee. I sat on Dan’s graduate committee.
Now to get real for a minute, most superintendents would not alternate mowing and rolling on a daily basis for an entire year (though Dr. Sorochan tells me he knows of 4 courses in Tennessee that do this as a result of the study and the weak economy). However, results from the research do provide the superintendent with a viable option for managing their putting surfaces during the most stressful period of the season. The question the results beg the end user to ask themselves is, “If I can provide the same playing conditions during the most stressful 4-8 week period of the season and improve turfgrass quality than why wouldn’t I? Could you do this for 2, 3, or 4 weeks to free-up some manpower for a special project? I don’t know the answer to that, but if you take daily green speed measurements during this period you can.
As I began presenting those results at seminars superintendents were very responsive and I began to formulate other ways to use rollers. I responded by initiating more mowing/rolling frequency studies with the DMI Speedroller and the Graden roller. One of the treatments included in each study was Roll every day and mow every other. That’s right; I’ll write it again, Roll every day and mow every other. At this point I must acknowledge the assistance of MikeMorris, CGCS Crystal Downs Country Club who performed an identical study on his nursery green in Frankfort, MI. Results from Rolling everyday and mowing every other include:
• Improved turf quality compared to plots mowed every day and rolled every other
• Improved uniformity in green speed from day to day compared to all other mowing/rolling programs
• Improved uniformity in green speed through the length of the day compared to all other mowing/rolling programs
• Less dollar spot compared to mowing only with green speeds increased approximately 18-inches compared to mowing alone (that is on the day rolled and mowed and on the day not mowed and rolled)
• No decrease in water infiltration or compaction given that the plots were on a topdressing program.
Wow, that’s a pretty cool option isn’t it? One little caution, to my knowledge the rollers used in these studies were the lightest ones on the market so if you are going to consider rolling everyday know the weight of your roller compared to the ones listed above. Also, superintendents with Poa annua greens that have experimented with this rolling/mowing frequency on their golf courses have informed me that it only gives accelerated great green speeds for five/six weeks (the research was performed on bentgrass greens in Michigan). Only you can know if the program will work for you on your course.
OK, so these studies were all performed on cool season grasses far north of Florida. So what is the point? Well, all in all the results from these studies are not intended not to tell any superintendent “how they should manage their putting surface” but more to offer the superintendent a viable option based upon the results. The point is that if you can make the time to take daily green speed measurements from at least one green twice daily (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) you can make more informed cultural practice decisions that can also impact your courses playability (green speed) and pocket book. It is not one size fits all.
Is there a hint as to how these rolling programs might work on warm season grass? Well, these results were interesting enough that I asked Rick Tatum, CGCS Grey Oakes Country Club, Naples, FL to perform a similar short term study on his bermudagrass greens putting course. Rick obliged (thanks Rick you are truly cool) using his Salsco roller. Rick had three greens which he alternated mowing and rolling on a daily basis, three greens that he rolled every day and mowed every other, and three greens he simply mowed every day (in research we would call those three greens the check plot). Rick performed the studies for three weeks in the summer and three weeks in the winter. The results from both time periods were the same; there were no statistical differences in green speed among the treatments. In all truth there was a lot of variability within treatments and I am hopeful to perform this study with Rick again this summer and am hopeful to decrease the variability. Additionally, I hope to perform a similar study with Tim Heirs, CGCS, Old Collier, Naples, FL. on his Seashore Paspalum nursery green. Note to Mr. Young: these are two fine southern men.
Finally, I am performing collaborative lightweight rolling/mowing height studies in 2008 with three other Universities (one having ultra-dwarf bermudagrass greens) to collect pro and con data on the long term impact numerous rolling/mowing height programs has on warm season grass pests. We will be happy to share the results has they come in. Now I am not certain if “Neil Young will remember a Southern man don’t need him around anyhow”. However, I know that southern superintendents don’t need me around so I just want to thank all that I have met for your hospitality. I hope some of my research efforts can be pertinent to your labors.
Michigan State University
Not too long ago I was watching the Top 100 Southern Rock Songs of all time on VH1. As the countdown had reached the final 5 songs I found myself wondering which Allman Brothers Band song would be the Number 1 Southern Rock song of all time. Heck, there are so many great Allman Brothers Band tunes I was having a hard time deciding which one would be number 1. Then, much to my surprise the Number 1 Southern Rock Song of all time was awarded to Lenard Skynard for their 1972 release Sweet Home Alabama.
So why is any of that relevant? Well the point is I give numerous national presentations on putting green management often with my cohort Mike Morris CGCS, Crystal Downs Country Club, Frankfort, MI. Recurring comments from our Taking Control of Green Speed GCSAA seminar evaluation forms are attendants requesting more rolling, fertility, and mowing height studies on warm season grasses. I certainly don’t blame any superintendent in Florida for thinking, “What the heck is this yahoo going to tell me about taking care of my warm season greens”?
This makes me think about the line “Southern man don’t need him around anyhow” from the song Sweet Home Alabama”. Now that line is directed toward Neil Young who wrote the racially charged song Southern Man in 1970, but in relation to my putting green research I am not so certain many warm season grass superintendents shouldn’t think it applies to me as well. So now I have been asked to write an article about green speed for superintendents in Florida. Hmmmm, can I pull it off?
Well let’s start with some results from some of my lightweight rolling research and I’ll let each of you decide if it can be useful to your turf and/or your management of your crew. Who knows, if it is good maybe I’ll be asked to volunteer my time to write about fertility and green speed in a future article.
First of all I have performed more lightweight rolling research than everyone else combined. I am not bragging it is just a fact. Beginning in the mid-90’s the objective was to decide what the safest rolling frequency was for a putting surface without causing detriment to the turfgrass plant or increasing compaction. Too make a long story short; rolling three times per week (or every other day) resulted in:
• Noticeably increased green speeds every day (as long as the thatch is not too thick. When the thatch is too thick residual green speed the next day drops off fast).
• No increases in compaction given the plots were on a sand topdressing program. If the plots were not on a sand topdressing program I don’t know what the results would be, but I think it is worthy of mention.
• No decreases in water infiltration given the plots were on a sand topdressing program.
• Decreases in dollar spot (this takes several months to a year to become incredibly noticeable).
• Decreased localized dry spot.
• Decreased broad-leaf weeds (which I think means better turfgrass density).
• Decrease moss (which I think means better turfgrass density).
At this point I wanted to find different ways to use lightweight roller and address some concerns of superintendents in the south. Step 1 was to perform a study in collaboration with Dr. John Sorochan at The University of Tennessee since I cannot perform studies in the transition zone on my own. My thinking was there is no more difficult region to grow grass in than the transition zone (or at least that is what I am told) so if rolling could work in that area it would carry to different regions.
A treatment included in this multi-state study included alternating rolling and mowing on a daily basis throughout the season. To clarify, mow one day without rolling, and then roll the next day without mowing and continuing to alternate on that program for the entire season. Dr. Sorochon used a DMI Speedroller and I used the Tru-Turf vibratory roller. Results from alternating mowing and rolling on a daily basis included:
• Better turfgrass quality compared to mowing every day (no disease reduction but improved wear tolerance).
• The same playability (green speed) compared to mowing every day.
• A possible cost saving for a golf course between $12,000 to $30,000 per year depending upon the mowing program and length of season. I must mention that this portion of the study included a cost analysis survey written and tabulated by Dan Strunk who sent the survey to every golf course superintendent in Tennessee. I sat on Dan’s graduate committee.
Now to get real for a minute, most superintendents would not alternate mowing and rolling on a daily basis for an entire year (though Dr. Sorochan tells me he knows of 4 courses in Tennessee that do this as a result of the study and the weak economy). However, results from the research do provide the superintendent with a viable option for managing their putting surfaces during the most stressful period of the season. The question the results beg the end user to ask themselves is, “If I can provide the same playing conditions during the most stressful 4-8 week period of the season and improve turfgrass quality than why wouldn’t I? Could you do this for 2, 3, or 4 weeks to free-up some manpower for a special project? I don’t know the answer to that, but if you take daily green speed measurements during this period you can.
As I began presenting those results at seminars superintendents were very responsive and I began to formulate other ways to use rollers. I responded by initiating more mowing/rolling frequency studies with the DMI Speedroller and the Graden roller. One of the treatments included in each study was Roll every day and mow every other. That’s right; I’ll write it again, Roll every day and mow every other. At this point I must acknowledge the assistance of MikeMorris, CGCS Crystal Downs Country Club who performed an identical study on his nursery green in Frankfort, MI. Results from Rolling everyday and mowing every other include:
• Improved turf quality compared to plots mowed every day and rolled every other
• Improved uniformity in green speed from day to day compared to all other mowing/rolling programs
• Improved uniformity in green speed through the length of the day compared to all other mowing/rolling programs
• Less dollar spot compared to mowing only with green speeds increased approximately 18-inches compared to mowing alone (that is on the day rolled and mowed and on the day not mowed and rolled)
• No decrease in water infiltration or compaction given that the plots were on a topdressing program.
Wow, that’s a pretty cool option isn’t it? One little caution, to my knowledge the rollers used in these studies were the lightest ones on the market so if you are going to consider rolling everyday know the weight of your roller compared to the ones listed above. Also, superintendents with Poa annua greens that have experimented with this rolling/mowing frequency on their golf courses have informed me that it only gives accelerated great green speeds for five/six weeks (the research was performed on bentgrass greens in Michigan). Only you can know if the program will work for you on your course.
OK, so these studies were all performed on cool season grasses far north of Florida. So what is the point? Well, all in all the results from these studies are not intended not to tell any superintendent “how they should manage their putting surface” but more to offer the superintendent a viable option based upon the results. The point is that if you can make the time to take daily green speed measurements from at least one green twice daily (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) you can make more informed cultural practice decisions that can also impact your courses playability (green speed) and pocket book. It is not one size fits all.
Is there a hint as to how these rolling programs might work on warm season grass? Well, these results were interesting enough that I asked Rick Tatum, CGCS Grey Oakes Country Club, Naples, FL to perform a similar short term study on his bermudagrass greens putting course. Rick obliged (thanks Rick you are truly cool) using his Salsco roller. Rick had three greens which he alternated mowing and rolling on a daily basis, three greens that he rolled every day and mowed every other, and three greens he simply mowed every day (in research we would call those three greens the check plot). Rick performed the studies for three weeks in the summer and three weeks in the winter. The results from both time periods were the same; there were no statistical differences in green speed among the treatments. In all truth there was a lot of variability within treatments and I am hopeful to perform this study with Rick again this summer and am hopeful to decrease the variability. Additionally, I hope to perform a similar study with Tim Heirs, CGCS, Old Collier, Naples, FL. on his Seashore Paspalum nursery green. Note to Mr. Young: these are two fine southern men.
Finally, I am performing collaborative lightweight rolling/mowing height studies in 2008 with three other Universities (one having ultra-dwarf bermudagrass greens) to collect pro and con data on the long term impact numerous rolling/mowing height programs has on warm season grass pests. We will be happy to share the results has they come in. Now I am not certain if “Neil Young will remember a Southern man don’t need him around anyhow”. However, I know that southern superintendents don’t need me around so I just want to thank all that I have met for your hospitality. I hope some of my research efforts can be pertinent to your labors.