Despite heavy use, aggressive renovation keeps the diamond at SouthwesternCollege in outstanding condition. Photo courtesy: Chris Bunnell.

Warm-Season Turfgrass Renovation:

rofiles In ExcellenceBy Chris Bunnell

hen I returned to baseball after20 years, not as a too managerbut as a player, I viewed athletic

fields from a user's perspective. After aseason in the San Diego Men's SeniorBaseball League, I concluded that themost neglected and overlooked piece ofathletic equipment is often the play-ing field. I played with men who had noproblem paying more than $100 for analuminum bat, but balked at the thoughtofpaying fees for field maintenance.

Field renovation information is offeredthrough numerous sources, includingSTMA seminars and numerous arti-cles,yet many sites still seem unable toimplement a renovation program toheal the wear caused by high use. Thebasics of renovation are well-known inthe industry. But how are these tech-niques applied, and how often? AndWhen do renovation chores become aroutine maintenance function, alongWithmowing and irrigation?

Every athletic field has a diverselllaintenance program, personnel, andbUdget. Each site has different uses orrequirements and each has various ways

to deal with demands. What follows arefour rather different renovation suc-cess stories, yet each has something incommon. Hopefully, the lessons con-tained within each example can helpyou with renovating your current field,or a field in the future.

San Diego Jack Murphy StadiumUnder the expert guidance of turf

manager Steve Wightman and his expe-rienced crew, San Diego Jack Murphy isone of the finest multi-use stadiums inthe country. Renovation tasks on this fieldare actually aggressive managementtools, rather than an annual, semi-annu-al, or quarterly event. Each year, a pre-cise, yet flexible, schedule is planned touse every possible window of opportunityto improve the field. The turf is main-tained at top levels to ensure safety forthe athletes and beauty for the fans.

eRenovation Schedule: Since the fieldis reconstructed in March each year,there is no need for major annual reno-vation. During reconstruction, the rootzone is amended to improve the soilstructure and fertility. Then the field isresodded with hybrid bermudagrass.The turfis "renovated" at each window

Renovation scheduling depends onsite conditions, field use and budget.Photo courtesy: Ransomes.

of opportunity, when the team is away,to maintain an extremely smooth surfacefor baseball. The hybrid bermuda turf isoverseeded with perennial ryegrass forthe cooler temperatures and heavy useduring football season.

eDethatching: Dethatching is done fourtimes a year. It is accomplished by firstlowering the mowing height by 1/16-inch, then verticutting. The first dethatch-ing usually is done by mid-May, thenrepeated monthly through August. Thelevel of the turf is raised in August toaccommodate the football season. Inthe winter, the athletes do the dethatch-ing with their cleats.

eAeration: The field is core aerated fourto five times a year. The cores are alwaysremoved. Core aeration usually is sched-uled two to three times during the foot-ball season because of the intense com-paction caused by the players and becausethe greatest amount of rainfall is receivedat that time. The additional aeration appli-cations are worked in as needed to com-bat compaction stress.

eTopdressing: A specified sand isused to topdress two or three times a year.Following resodding in early March,

continued on page 32

May 1994 31

Renovationcontinued from page 31the field is topdressed to ensure theseams in the sod do not affect the roll ofa baseball. Additional topdressing dur-ing peak growth in May and June or July,in conjunction with aeration, usuallyuses approximately liB-inch of sand.

• Fertilization: Soil tests are con-ducted four times a year. The turf tissueis tested three times a year to makesure that nutrients actually are reachingthe grass plant. The results ofthe two testsare compared to fine-tune the fertility pro-gram, making sure this sand-based soilmix has optimal levels of nutrients andthat the proper pH level is maintained.

•Pest Control: Disease seems to be themain concern because. of the environ-ment in which the turf is growing.Covering the infield creates the perfectcircumstances for disease development.Fungicides are used both as preventativeand curative treatments as necessary.Weeds are not a problem on this highlymaintained field. Insects are rare andusually do not cause enough damage towarrant using pesticides. Wightmantakes a proactive, Integrated PestManagement approach to pest control,making sure the turfis healthy enoughto combat any problems.

•Planned Downtime: There are severalwindows of opportunity during the awaygames of both the baseball and footballseasons. There is also the added pressureof the professional level of expectations.This field must always be playable andaesthetically pleasing. These expectationslimit the severity of the renovationprocedures that can be used.

·Total Labor Estimate: An estimated72 labor hours are required to completethe combined tasks of dethatching,aeration, and topdressing.

University of Southern CaliforniaManaged by John Puncel, the USC

Trojan's Dedeaux Field is built on thebasics of turf management. "Do thesethings on a consistent basis and you'll seeresults," says Puncel.

When Puncel entered the athleticfield maintenance profession, he con-tacted local STMA members includingNeal Beeson, Steve Wightman, andAlan Sigwardt for technical advice. Theresults gave the Trojans an improvedplayed surface. Though heavy schedul-ing demands restrict the renovationprogram, Pun eel strives for consistentimprovement with each year.

32 sportsTURF

• Renovation Schedule: The USCbaseball coaching staff is directly involvedin the field-use planning and has a goodworking relationship with the turfman-ager. The baseball field is a source ofschool pride and all work together to keepit in top shape. The team plays from thefirst of the year through the end of May.To avoid any interruptions, little reno-vation goes on during the season. Theteam also plays fall baseball, which isfinished around mid-November. Majorrenovation follows, with an aggressiveoversee ding program.

•Dethatching: Dethatching is donethree to four times a year. Lightdethatching is performed twice afterthe baseball season, once during thesummer and once just prior to fall play.Major renovation takes place in December.The grass is vertically mowed down tothe soil level and all debris is removed.During the initial major renovation of thisfield, more than 15 cubic yards of thatchwere removed.

•Aeration: The field is aerated twiceeach year in conjunction with lightde thatching, and the cores are alwaysremoved. Except for the area in front ofthe mound, the field hasn't neededaeration during the baseball season.

·Topdressing: The field was top-dressed annually for years with a high-quality sand mix, but is now topdressedonce every three years. With currentmaintenance practices, the field hasretained a smooth surface and the thatchproblem has decreased, reducing theneed for topdressing.

• Fertilization: Conducted once aseason, soils tests continue to show highlevels ofP andK, so the former completefertilizer program has been adjusted toconcentrate on managing nitrogen levels.Pun eel is experimenting with differentforms of nitrogen, applying a minimumof one pound per 1,000 square feetper month during the spring and fallbaseball seasons.

·Pest Control: Preemergence con-trol of annual weeds is now the mainmethod of weed control, replacing thecombination of pre- and post-emergentcontrol used previously. Crabgrass hadbeen the major weed problem. Fungusor insect problems are minor andtreatment is usually not needed.

·Planned Downtime: Downtimeusually is scheduled for late Novemberand the month of December, allowingabout six weeks to do the major renovation

--and get the perennial ryegrass germinatedbefore practice starts in January.

·Total Labor Estimate: The. majorrenovation, including oversee ding,requires approximately 120 labor hours.

Southwestenn CollegeThe field at Southwestern College,

managed by Bob Womack, is beautiful,perhaps because of the crew's dedicationto it. They put out the extra effort whenit's needed at the Chula Vista, CA, field.

Womack entered the world of athlet-ic turf with a background as a golf coursesuperintendent. Though sports turf main-tenance challenges are similar to those ofa busy golf course, as Womack has found,staffs are considerably smaller.

•Renovation Schedule: Renovationof this heavily-used diamond is scheduledto begin in mid-November and be com-pleted before the baseball season beginsin mid-January. This is the only windowfor oversee ding the bermuda turf withperennial ryegrass, The field is dethatcheddown as close to soil level as possible. Alldebris is vacuumed and the kikuyu-grass, a vigorous warm-season weedcommon in Southern California, is spot-sprayed. The first overseeding follows,witha second seed application just beforethe season starts in mid-January. Theobject of the aggressive overseeding is toproduce a dense stand ofgrass to competewith the hybrid bermudagrass base.

• Dethatching: This procedure isperformed once a year. In the finalweeks of November, during the lastportion of the baseball season, theturf is scalped down to the soil. Thisis followed by vertical mowing andleveling the field. .

•Aeration: To avoid interruption ofplayon this high-use field, it is shatte~-aerated monthly. Compaction is mom-tored with a probe. The field is not coreaerated before overseeding in orderto ensure a smooth, level surface forseed germination.

•Topdressing: Only the infield is t?P-dressed - every two years. TopdressIngis performed on the infield only tomaintain a smooth level. d

•Fertilization: Soil tests are perforrneld· well-once every three years. The fie IS

established and the nutrient levels hav~been tracked over a long time span. SOl

s totests are taken every three yearcheck the accuracy of the fertility prograIlli

.Pest Control: The major annuaproblem is the persistence ofkikuyugras:.in the right field area. Insects are trea

ed as required, with white grubs themost common pest. The perennial rye-grass cultivars "Palmer" and "Prelude,"originally chosen for their quick germi-nation under the cooler temperatures ofDecember, have been resistant to diseases.

- Planned Downtime: The once-a-yearrenovation is a good method for this fieldbecause it allows for concentration onrepair efforts without the competitionof the warm season grasses.

-Total Labor Estimate: Approximately72 hours of labor are needed for thethree crew members to tackle the majorrenovation. All of the infield detailing alsotakes place at this time.

Carlsbad High SchoolMost field maintenance on this field

is performed by volunteers. Ralph Cripe,a teacher in the Carlsbad School District,ook interest in the baseball diamond atarlsbad High in 1978. He has overcomequipment and budget problems with acan-do" attitude. A personal donationrom Cripe funded initial field recon-truction and sodding in November,982. He's become "hooked" on main-aining the field and handles the major-ty of the work himself. Communityupport grows stronger with each season.

-Renovation Schedule: Only the infieldis renovated. Procedures begin as soon

s the regular school year ends in June..s field is located about a mile from the

acific Ocean and the marine influencelows the hybrid bermudagrass to stayeen year-round, eliminating the needr overseeding with perennial ryegrass.novation is performed during the activewing season ofsummer. The fieldis shut

own for approximately four weeks dur-g the renovation and recovery process.-Dethatching: Once a year, the fielddethatched. The turfis scalped to the

are dirt with a flail mower and allbris is removed. Because of laborstrictions, no other dethatching isne during the year.-Aeration: No equipment is available

r aeration. However, this infield isass-cut with a walk-behind verticalOwer, which is the only aeration theld receives.- Topdressing: Unfortunately,uipment and funds are not availabler topdressing.•Fertilization: The diamond's soils not be tested. However, fertilitys been maintained by frequentplications of fertilizer at one-half the

recommended rates. Gypsum has beenadded to lower the soil pH, but the needfor this should be verified by soil testing.

- Pest Control: Broadleaf weeds inthe common bermudagrass outfield havebeen controlled with postemergenceapplications made by professional groundspersonnel with the school district.

-Total Labor Estimate: Renovationof the infield area takes approximately70 labor hours. The need for renovationis lower because of the ability to shut downthe field for periods of rest and to controlthe amount of play the site receives.

Dedication WorksThe common thread running through

all these field operations is the desire formore renovation. Labor, even at the

professional level, is always a limitingfactor. With each field, flexibility isessential to coordinate the timing ofprocedures with field-use requirements.

To improve your own site, first startby planning the work you want toaccomplish and communicating thosegoals to the field users. People usuallyare willing to accept and respectlimitations if they lead to betterplaying conditions. 0

Editor's Note: Chris Bunnell is groundssupervisor for the Escondido UnionSchool District, current president of theSouthern California Chapter of theSports Turf Managers Association, anda member of the national STMA.

Motz Acquires PATTMMotz Sports Turf, Inc., headquar-

tered in Cincinnati, OH, has purchasedTurfgrass Services, Inc., of Pueblo, CO.The purchase entitles Motz to allproprietary rights to the PrescriptionAthletic Turf'?" sand-based athleticfield design system, known in theindustry as PAT.

"The acquisition of PAT has been anatural progression for our company,which started with sod farming, andnow includes lawn care, commercialgrounds care, and finally sports turfmaintenance and construction," explainedJoe Motz, owner and president of MotzSports Turf. "I've known Laurel Meade[former owner of Turfgrass Servicesand PAT] and Dr. Bill Daniel [PATdeveloper] for a long time, and I'vealways considered PAT the pinnacle ofathletic field systems."

PAT's engineering technology is pro-tected by both U.S. and Canadian patents.Its design is based on the use of vacuumto forcibly extract water from the sand-based field. Motz sees the evolution ofvac-uum drainage as driving the trend in pro-fessional and collegiate athletics back tonatural turf fields.

"Until we perfected the technology tokeep fields playable in virtually anyweather conditions, artificial turfwas afacility's only answer to rain-outs," saidMotz. "Although artificial turf doesaddress surface playability, there are

many downsides, including increasedinjury rates and excessive summer heat."

PAT uses vacuum pumps connectedto a network of buried tubes to suchwater from the field. The action can be"reversed" to irrigate the field from thebase up, allowing the turf to be wateredeven while it is in play. Subsurface 'elec-tronic moisture sensors tied into thevacuum and irrigation system allowPAT to function automatically. Heatingsystems are available to keep the root zonewarm and surfaces from freezing well intothe winter.

Since its invention at PurdueUniversity in the early 1970s, PATtechnology has advanced dramatically.Motz plans to speed that evolutionby establishing a series of collaborativeuniversity research projects dealingwith PAT's agronomics and engineering.

There are two PAT systems, whichMotz Sports Turf manages, in Cincinnati:Spinney Field and Galbreath Field.Thirty-four of the systems have beeninstalled nationally, including those atSoldier Field, Joe Robbie Stadium,Camden Yards, Ohio Stadium, andSeminole Stadium.

"There is nothing like PAT anywherein the world," said Motz, who founded theMotz Corporation in 1977. ''The $600,000-plus price tag puts the system withinreach of only the sporting elite ."

May 1994 33

:::

EXPLORING EQUIPMENT,..Calibrating Spreaders

By Loren E. Bode andStephen L. Pearson

Proper selection, care, calibrationand use of your spreader can min-imize costs and maximize your

results. Improper use can reduce productefficiency, cause injury to turf, increasecosts and damage your spreader.

Drop (gravity) and rotary (centrifugal)spreaders are available for applyinggranules to turf. Drop spreaders aregenerally more precise and deliver abetter pattern. Since the granules dropstraight down, there is less chemicaldrift and better control, with less chanceof applying pesticide to non-target areas.

However, some drop spreaders will nothandle large granules and ground clear-ance in wet turf can be a problem. Sincethe edge of a drop spreader pattern issharp, any steering error will causestrips to be missed or doubled. Dropspreaders usually require more effort topush. But wet foliage application ismore effective with drop spreaders,because the particle velocity imparted bya rotary can make some of the particlesbounce off the foliage.

Rotary spreaders cover a wide swath,covering a given area faster. However,they are less precise than drop spread-ers in terms ofuniformity and distribution.Because of the pattern feathering, steer-ing errors are less critical. Since they donot have a full-width agitator to turn asa drop spreader does, they require lesseffort to push.

Rotary spreaders normally handlelarge particles well, but drift is a prob-lem with fine particles when wind ispresent. Ground clearance in turf isusually no problem for a rotary. Sincerotary patterns vary, more calibrationtime is needed.

A major advantage of rotary spread-ers is that they are usually be con-structed with plastics and fiberglass.Therefore, they are more resistant to cor-rosion. Rotary spreaders are also moredurable in commercial use, and less

34 sports TURF

likely to be knocked out ofcalibration thansome drop spreaders.Maximizing Your Efficiency

Experienced turf care professionals arefamiliar with proper spreader use, butnew operators should review basic oper-ating procedures. Begin by reading theoperator's manual or instruction book-let provided by the manufacturer and fol-low the manufacturer's instructions.The second obvious recommendation isto follow the instructions on the productlabel. Modify rate and pattern settingsif necessary for specific conditions.

"Header strips" at each end of theturf area provide a place to turn aroundand realign the spreader, and serve tomake the border ofthe turf area more uni-form. Get the spreader moving at arated speed (normally 3 miles pr hour)on the header strip or on a driveway, side-walks, etc. and then open the spreaderas you cross into the turf area to betreated. At the other end, the spreadershould be closed when moving into theheader strip and turning.

Your spreader should be closed whenstopped to prevent excessive productfrom being applied to a small area.Likewise, the end turns should be madewith the spreader closed, since the appli-cation pattern would be very irregularwhile turning.

Occasionally, it might be impossibleto obtain a completely acceptable patternwith a rotary spreader and striping of turfcan result. A common solution to this prob-lem is to reduce the setting to a half rateand go over the lawn twice at rightangles. This is not a valid solution to theproblem. This approach will not averageout the patter as is usually believedbut will merely change stripes into a diag-onal checkerboard. If pattern problemscannot be corrected, the proper procedureis to reduce the setting to a half rate andreduce the swath width in half, but stillgo back and forth in parallel swaths.

Normally, a spreader should not beoperated backwards. It is obvious withmost rotary spreaders that pulling thespreader backwards delivers an unac-ceptable pattern. There also is a problemwith reversing the direction of a dropspreader. Most drop spreaders will deliv-er granules at a considerably differentrate at the same setting if reversed. Insome cases, such as in loose soil with newseedings, the spreader might be be eas-ier to pull than push. If you want tooperate a spreader backwards, a dif-ferent setting must be determined.

Some rotary spreaders are providedwith a means of cutting offone side ofthepattern. This feature is desirable whenedging along driveways, sidewalks, etc.

Finally, it is usually best to set and fillthe spreader on a paved surface rather thanon the lawn. If a spill occurs, a drivewayis much easier to sweep clean than turf.

Getting PreciseBecause ofmany variables, it is high-

ly recommended that all spreaders, dropor rotary, be calibrated for proper deliv-ery rate with the specificoperator and prod-uct to be used. Many product suppliers fur-nish recommended settings and swathwidths. These are as precise as the man-ufacturer can make them, but the factorsjust mentioned can add up to a significantrate variation in some cases. Label set-ting should be used only as the initial set-ting for verification runs by the operatorprior to large scale use.

It is suggested that calibration bechecked and corrected according to themanufacturer's direction at least once aweek when the spreader is in regularuse, and more frequently if the spreaderhas suffered any abuse or mechanicaldamage.

The easiest way for an operator tocheck the delivery rate of a spreader isto spread a weighed amount of prod-uct on a measured area, preferably at least1,000 square feet for a drop spreader an~

continued on page 3

May 1994 35

Calibrating Spreaderscontinued from page 34

5,000 for a rotary, and then weigh theproduct again to determine the rateactually delivered.

To avoid contamination of a turf areafor initial calibration, the spreader canbe supported above the floor and thedrive wheel spun at the correct speed withthe spreader remaining stationary. Thegranules can be collected and reusedwith this technique. Another methodof rate verification that can be usedwith drop spreaders is to hang a catchpan under the spreader and push thespreader a measured distance at theproper speed. This method can be pre-cise, but it is essential that the pan behung on the spreader so that there is nointerference with the shut-off bar orrate-control linkage.

With rotary spreaders, it is also nec-essary to check and correct the distri-bution pattern. Although the product labelusually gives a recommended setting

and width, a custom applicator is fool-ish not to verify the setting and widthbefore treating a large number oflawns.A quick pattern check can be made byoperating the spreader over a pavedarea and observing the pattern. However,this method is not highly accurate sinceeven major distribution errors mightnot be visible because of particle bounceand scatter.

A preferred method is to layout a rowof shallow cardboard boxes on a lineperpendicular to the direction of travel.Boxes 1- to 2-inches high, with an areaof about 1 square foot, spaced on I-footcenters are good for commercial push-typerotaries. The row of boxes should coverone and one-half to two times the antic-ipated swath width.

To conduct the test, pour some productinto the spreader and set it at the labelsetting for rate and pattern. Makethree passes over the boxes, operating inthe same direction each time. Thematerial caught in each box can be

weighed and a distribution patternplotted. A simpler procedure is to pourthe material from each box into a testtube, vial or small bottle. With thebottles standing side by side in order, aplot of the pattern is visible.

This method can be used to detect andcorrect skewing and to determine swathwidth. The effective swath width istwice the distance out to the point wherethe rate is one-half the average rate atthe center. For example, if the center threeto four bottles have material2-inches deepand the bottles from the 6-foot positions(6 feet left of the spreader centerlineand 6 feet right of the spreader centerline)have material I-inch deep, the effectiveswath width is 12 feet. 0

Editor's note: The above article wasadapted from "The Calibration ofCommercial Pesticide ApplicationEquipment for Ornamentals andTurfgrass," a manual produced by theAgricultural Engineering Departmentat the University of Illinois in Urbana.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGEBy Greg Petry

The last time wecommunicated Iwrote about com-

mitment. I wrote aboutpeople who share avision, people who con-tribute to the cause ofpromoting better andsafer sports turf - andthen some.

I am pleased to highlight that wewill have a great opportunity to share ourvision of the sports turf industry at theSTMA Conference and Show scheduledfor February 4-8 in Bradenton, FL. MikeSchiller of the Schaumburg Park District,Henry Indyk of Turfcon, and EugeneMayer of a.M. Scott have assembledthe program outline and are currentlyfinalizing topics and speakers.

If you have an idea for a topic orspeaker, please pass it along. We welcomeyour input. Bret Kelsey, our executivedirector, has visited the site. (Again,you have to mention commitment,because Bret went down to Florida on agolf outing with his friends and spent oneofhis days scoping out the conference site.)

36 sporfsTURF

~~Managers Association

Bret has worked out most of the on-site logistics with the committee.

I think we are ready to have a greatconference. Are you ready? Here's somethoughts to keep in mind:

1. Budget to attend the conference andshow.

2. Save up to bring your family orfriends - we have some great activitiesplanned.

3. Schedule ahead so you have the timeto attend.

Justify attending:1. Exposure to latest techniques,

products, technology and trends.2. Ability to gain information and

advice from experts in a short period oftime.

3. Ability to exchange informationwith fellow professionals sharing simi-lar concerns.

4. Commercial members will be ableto return with potential customers,while gaining a realistic perspective oninterests and issues.

5. Continuing education increasesknowledge, skills, and productivity.

Also at the conference, we will bepresenting our 1994 awards. I know

that each and every one ofyou is extreme-ly busy now that we are in the height ofthe season. So take some time to docu-ment your success. Carry a camera withyou to photograph the great job you'redoing, and plan on submitting an awardapplication. Awards will be given forthe best baseball, soccer, and footballfields.

Bob Milano, from the University ofCalifornia at Davis, is our awards com-mittee chairman. He will publicizingthe awards program soon. It's rare thatyou have an opportunity to boast your suc-cess. Please plan to do so - you may findout how good you really are!

How well you perform is truly relat-ed to how well you have been trained. Ionce heard it said that 90 percent ofall jobs in the 1990s will require at leasta high school education. Job requirementskeep changing and therefore, job trainingand continuing your education areimportant. Some organizations recognizethat training and development are keysto growth and success. The primarypurpose of training is to make sureabilities, interest, and personal needs arematched between the organization andthe individual employee.

I hope you take advantage of the1994 STMA Conference and its trainingopportwrities. You will benefit, and so willyour organization.

STMA Chapter NewsMidwest Chapter: STMA—Special

Reminder. The Midwest Chapter willhold an afternoon Sports Turf Workshopat the Philip B. Elfstrom baseball stadiumat Kane County Event Center, Geneva,IL, on May 24. Attendees will close thesession with fun and fellowship as theywatch the Kane County Cougars, a FloridaMarlins farm club, taking on the AppletonFoxes in an evening game. For moreinformation contact workshop coordinatorScott Pippen, (708) 883-8600.

The Midwest Chapter elected its 1994officers and board at the annual meet-ing held March 24. The results of that elec-tion are as follows: President, Marc VanLanduyt, Van's Enterprises, Ltd.,Mundelein, IL; Past President, MikeTrigg, Waukegan Park District,Waukegan, IL; Vice President, JesseFelix, West Chicago Park District, WestChicago, IL; Secretary, John Anderson,Arthur Clesen, Inc., Wheeling, IL;Treasurer, Lonnie Berg, Lyons TownshipHigh School, La Grange, IL; High SchoolDirector, Jim Lewandowski, HinsdaleCentral High School, Hinsdale, IL;College/University Director, Dale Getz,University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame,IN; Parks Director, Mike Bonne, McHenryTownship Parks Dept., McHenry, IL;Commercial Director, Don Michaels,Conserv FS, Wauconda, IL; ProfessionalTeam Director, Dave Mellor, MilwaukeeBrewers, Milwaukee, WI; WorkshopChairman, Scott Pippen, Village ofLincolnshire, Lincolnshire, IL; MailingLabels, Karin Van Landuyt, Van'sEnterprises, Ltd., Mundelein, IL.

A meeting is in the planning stagesfor July 19 at Kishwaukee College inMalta, IL. This meeting will center on theTurf and Floral Test Plots and TurfgrassManagement.

For more information contact theChapter Hotline, (708) 439-4727.

Iowa Sports Turf ManagersAssociation — Special Reminder. TheIowa Sports Turf Managers Associationwill hold a two-part workshop onBaseball/Softball Field Maintenance inBoone, IA, on Saturday, May 14.

The morning session, held at MemorialPark, 2000 Boone Street, begins at 9:30a.m. Featured presenter Mike Andersonfrom the Iowa Cubs will be assisted byDale Roe of Iowa State University, andother ISTMA members.

The afternoon softball session, held atthe Little League Complex, 300 West 2nd

Street, begins at 1:30 p.m. Featuredpresenter will be Bill Antons of theBoone Community School District.Antons also will be assisted by DaleRoe and other ISTMA members.

For further information on this meetingcontact Bill Antons, Boone CommunitySchool District, 500 7th Street, Boone,IA, 50036, (515) 433-0750.

A Soccer Meeting is in the planningstages for August 4 in Muscatine, IA Moredetails are forthcoming.

For more information contact GaryPeterson, (515) 791-0765.

The New England Chapter: STMA— The New England Chapter is planninga Field Day for August 10 at the HolyCross College, Worcester, MA. Furtherdetails will be announced soon.

For more information contact MaryOwen, University of MassachusettsCooperative Extension System,(508) 892-0382.

STMA Florida Chapter #1 — TheSouth Florida Chapter has severalmeetings in the planning stages. A meet-ing will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. onJuly 13 at the City of Pompano Stadium.The prime topic will be aerification.From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Tom Mascaro,Turf-Tec International, will coveraerification principles. From 10 a.m. tonoon, aerification equipment will bedemonstrated. The lunch from noon to1 p.m. gives attendees additionalopportunities for networking. TomCurran will host the event. Those wishingto make arrangements to demonstrateequipment should contact John Mascaro.

An August 3 meeting at Floyd HallStadium will focus on fertilization andirrigation. The event will be hosted byKathy Conner.

The chapter will also take part inthe Florida Turfgrass AssociationConference and Trade Show slated forSeptember 18-21 at the Ft. LauderdaleConvention Center.

Further details on these events willbe announced soon.

For more information contact JohnMascaro, (305) 938-7477 or Ed Birch, (305)938-0217.

The Southern California Chapter:STMA — The Southern CaliforniaChapter is planning exciting andinformative events. An August 12networking-learning-fun session willbe held at Dodger Stadium andwill include a game between the Dodgersand the Cubs. The Southern CaliforniaInstitute, an event coordinated

with the national STMA, will be heldOctober 12 at UCLA in Los Angeles.Further details will be announced soon.

For more information contact ChrisBunnell, (619) 432-2421.

The Heartland Chapter: STMA— Plans continue to develop for theHeartland Chapter's first Sports TurfField Day, scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.on July 13, at the Heritage Park SoftballComplex, Olathe, KS. This event will beco-sponsored by the Missouri ValleyTurfgrass Association. MVTGA memberscan contact President Ty Heidbreder.Further details on the field day will beannounced soon.

The Heartland Chapter Boardmeets the first Wednesday of each monthfrom 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage ParkSports Complex. All members are invitedto attend.

For more information contact MarkDiller, sports turf manager, JohnsonCounty Parks and Recreation, (913)782-7625 or Jack Schwarz, J.S. SportsTurf, Liberty, MO, (816) 792-2808 or(800) 344-8873.

Chesapeake Chapter: STMA —Special Reminder. The ChesapeakeChapter is working on a SeptemberRegional Workshop that will be held inconjunction with the national STMA.

Board meetings are held the firstTuesday of each month from 4 p.m. to 6p.m. Members are invited to attend.The June 7 and July 5 board meetingswill be held at Camden Yards.

For more information contact theChapter Hotline, (301) 865-0667.

Colorado Chapter: STMA — Forinformation on the chapter or its futureactivities, contact Joe Adams, GreeleyParks and Recreation, (303) 350-9340.

The Minnesota Sports TurfManagers Association — Progresscontinues for the Minnesota Sports TurfManagers Association. Those interestedin finding out more about the chapter areurged to contact one of the followingboard members: Acting President,Tom Rudburg, University of St. Thomas,St. Paul, MN, (612) 962-6545; ActingVice President, Mike McDonald,Bierman Athletic Complex, Universityof Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, (612)625-6097; or Acting Secretary/Treasurer,Brian Deyak, St. Cloud Sports Center,St. Cloud, MN, (612) 255-7223. •

May 1994 37

ROOKIES....New BermudagrassPest Management

Integrated Pest Management Systems,Inc., introduces Turfject, a low-pressure,low-volume pesticide injection systemfor control ofmole crickets, nematodes andgrubs. Turfject injects all liquid-appliedinsecticides and nematicides below thethatch layer where soil-borne insectsand nematodes live.

Unlike high pressure systems, Turfjectuses pressure from 20- to 50-psi and vol-umes from 10- to 20-gpm. Pesticide isplaced below the thatch layer, reducingphotodegradation and tie-up within thethatch layer, making applications moreeffective. The system also limits operatorand environmental exposure to chemicals.INTEGRATED PESTMANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.Circle 125 on Postage Free Card

Pennington Seed announces therelease of Yuma Dwarf SeededBermudagrass. Yuma is a dwarf, cold-tolerant bermudagrass that is lower-growing and finer textured in appearancethan currently marketed seeded bermuda-grasses. Its enhanced cold toleranceallows it to be used further north ofcurrent bermudagrass areas of theUnited States.

Yuma produces a fine textured, darkgreen turf that is excellent for golffairways, sport turf and lawns. It alsoappears to be an excellent seed yielder.PENNINGTON SEEDCircle 126 on Postage Free Card

AeratorA unique feature allows Millcreek

Manufacturing Company's core aeratorto mount on the front of popular land-scaping mowers. The front-mount featuremaximizes the use of front-end mowers,freeing tractors to be used for other pur-poses requiring PTO operation. The hol-low-tine Millcreek aerators can be mount-ed on the front end ofFord, John Deere,Kubota and Excel Hustler mowers.MILLCREEK MFG.Circle 127 on Postage Free Card

TopdresserThe new Bannerman Sport-Topper

is fast precise and maneuverable. Its 40.5-cubic foot capacity and all-aluminumhopper reduce weight while its treadlessturf tires, mounted on compensatingswing axles, maintain a surface pressureof 8 tol0 psi. The variable-speed conveyorfloor and rotating rear brush are bothhydraulically driven to ensure accuratespreading depth and width. The Sport-Topper has PTO capability or can befitted with its own reservoir and pump.GORDON BANNERMAN LIMITEDCircle 128 on Postage Free Card

SCOREBOARD....T

CLASSIFIEDSClassified Advertising Rates: $55.00 per inchpayable in advance. One inch minimum (about 50words). Send copy with check for $55.00 at leastfour weeks prior to issue date to: sportsTURF,68-860 Perez Road, Suite J, Cathedral City, CA,92234, or fax to (619) 770-8019. Blind box num-bers are available. Special borders and rules willbe billed at display advertising rates. Classified adsare not commissionable.

POND & LAKE LINERSBuy Direct from fabricator 20,30,40 mil PVC,Hypalon, HOPE, & VLDPE.Custom fabricated panels of up to 25,000S.F. Material Only, Material & Supervisionor Complete Installation service available.

1-800-524-8672COLORADO LINING COMPANY

1062 Singing Hills Rd., Parker, CO 80134303-841-2022

FAX 303-841-5780.

38 sporfsTURF

TADVERTISER INDEX

Aquatrols Corp. of America 39Bucyrus Equipment Co., Inc 14Cygnet Turf 18Gordon Bannerman Ltd. . 9Holland/ Aer-Way 18Hunter Industries 5Jacklin Seed Co 7, 13Kifco 26

Kubota Tractor Corp 3M. Putterman & Co., Inc , .. 23McCord lire 21Medalist America 040

Mid Tenn Turf Co., Inc. . 26

Millcreek Mfg. Co 23

Partac Peat Corp. . 22

Pennington Seed Inc. . 2, 17

Progressive Electronics 20

Stabilizer, Inc. . 27

STMA Conference 35

Turfco Mfg. Co. " 15

Ty-Crop Turf Equipment, Inc 25

STMA Conference 35

Verti-Drain/Emrex 19

Since 1954 when AquaGro® was introduced to thenation's golf courses, hardly a year has passed thatsome company didn't come along with a new wettingagent. Most products have vanished like the morningdew they claimed to control. A few brands havemanaged to demonstrate their residual effectiveness,but year after year AquaGro remains the hands downfavorite among golf course superintendents...becauseon the golf course performance counts.

The Top PerformerDon't just take our word for it. According to a

survey of golf course superintendents conducted lastwinter by the Center For Golf Course Management'sMarket Research Division, AquaGro remains the mostpopular brand by a large margin. CGCM found thatmore AquaGro users are satisfied with the product thanusers of any other brand of soil wetting agent.

To our delight not only did AquaGro receive thehighest satisfaction rating, it also received the lowest"poor" rating. Only 1.5% of the superintendentsresponded that they were dissatisfied with itsperformance. Among the leading competitors 8.1% ofthe Naiad users, 7.6% of the Lesco-Wet users, 6.1% ofthe Aqua-Aid® users and 3.7% of the Hydro-Wet® usersrated the performance of their wetting agent as "poor".

% OF SUPERINTENDENTS REPORTINGGOOD OR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE

zC

If you're not already using AquaGro, it's time youdiscovered why the first wetting agent is still the

best. AquaGro is available from your localAquatrols turf products distributor.

AQUAGRO HYDRO-WET* AQUA-AID" NAIAD LESCO-WET

We sincerely thank the nearly 1000 superintendentswho participated in this survey, and the thousands ofloyal AquaGro users who vote each year with theirbudgets.

Satisfaction GuaranteedIn addition to being the most popular soil wetting

agent on the market, AquaGro is the only one carryinga money-back performance guarantee.

AquaGro is available in liquid, Spreadable andPellet formulations. AquatroLs also offers the LittleSquirt and P.RM Unit precision irrigation injectors,the Advantage™ pellet applicator, the Dilute nShoot™ hose-endproportions and the Dose-It™portable injector.

Circle 123 on Postage Free Card

1 AQUATROLSMaking Water Work Efficiently

5 North Olney AvenueCherry Hill, NJ 08003-1622 U.S.A.1-609-751-0309 • 1-800-257-7797FAX: 1-609-751-3859

Aqua-Aid is a Registered Trademark of Aqua-Aid. Inc Hydro-Wet is ARegistered Trademark ot Kalo. Inc., © 1994, Aquatrols Inc