The Turf Zone Podcast

NEW ENGLAND BLADE:

Everyone wants better employees and today, that usually requires growing them internally. By starting with a high-potential worker and developing them intentionally, companies are able to build a near-ideal employee ready to tackle their specific issues. But employee development only occurs in the right environment.

Employee growth is not unlike plant growth in that the result is dependent primarily on environmental factors rather than genetic make-up. Unfortunately, managers rarely audit their environment for employee growth potential and even fewer have clear ideas about the factors that would make a strong growth environment. Here are the seven environmental factors that should be considered when cultivating a culture of development:

Advanced Expertise – Employee growth can only occur when there is guidance from an experienced mentor who is setting the pace for production and sharing knowledge. Everyone should have a committed coach or mentor.

Continually Challenged – Advancing to the next professional level never happens by accident, so an environment where everyone is challenged to reach higher levels of performance creates the tension needed to advance intentionally.

Future-Oriented – A team which is focused on past mistakes doesn’t have the right outlook to grow their team. Growth is always the result of forward thinking where a better reality is a goal and positive intent around its achievement is embraced.

Mission Driven – When team members understand what their company does to enhance the lives of their customers and how their role contributes to making a difference, they are more likely to wake up excited and be driven to be the best version of themselves. This energy is essential to growth.

Failure is Embraced – When we learn new skills and put them into practice, failing is a large part of the learning journey. In fact, learned experience is the quickest way to actually know anything. But a negative reaction to mistakes will deplete growth momentum, so wise team leaders expect failures and embrace the opportunities they provide.

Mutual Advancement – People always work best when they’re working together, so teams where every member is growing are far more likely to see positive results. The best environments for growth have individualized and continuous development happening for every person and the culture is one of learning. •

If your team needs more help growing itself to the next level, or your want help building a better growth environment, check out the industry-specific resources available at www.GrowTheBench.com. NESTMA members are invited to connect with

The post NESFMA – Cultivating an Environment of Growth appeared first on The Turf Zone.

MTC NEWS: Fereshteh Shahoveisi

In 2023, our team conducted several fungicide and nematicide trials at the UMD Paint Branch Research Facility to evaluate their efficacy against various turfgrass diseases and nematodes. The trials were mainly focused on:

• Brown patch and dollar spot affecting fairway and green height creeping bentgrass.

Preliminary findings from these experiments were presented at our Field Day in July. Currently, we are concluding the studies and analyzing the data. For the trials with registered fungicides, reports detailing our observations and results will be made available on our program’s website

In terms of disease progress in the season, May and early June were relatively drier and cooler than the usual averages for the season. This led to a delayed onset of diseases at the farm. However, as summer progressed, the typical weather patterns prevailed, leading to elevated disease pressure. Most diseases, including the brown patch and dollar spot, peaked during this period. By mid to late September, we observed a significant reduction in the prevalence of most diseases.

Turfgrass Variety Trial Update

By Geoffrey Rinehart

Did you know that the University of Maryland turfgrass research program conducts ongoing experiments to evaluate varieties from several different turfgrass species? Using data from these trials and in coordination with data collected by turfgrass researchers at Virginia Tech, and the professionals from the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Virginia Department of Agriculture Seed Laboratories, the “Maryland-Virginia Recommended Varieties List” is updated on annual basis to summarize the top varieties from several of the major turfgrass species used in the Mid-Atlantic provided the varieties are available as certified seed and has been tested by either or both the MD or VA Seed Labs. Typically, these trials are conducted as part of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program’s (NTEP) research efforts. Previously high-performing varieties which are not included in the most current NTEP trials are planted and evaluated in supplemental trials so that researchers can continue to evaluate these cultivars as one of the criteria for them to remain on the recommended list. NTEP conducts variety trial testing for all major cool- and warm-season turfgrass species in over 35 states throughout the country to identify top-performing varieties both on a national and regional level. The University of Maryland’s NTEP trials, as well as the Annual MD/VA Recommended Varieties List, are an important part of evaluating varieties both locally/regionally and nationally and providing you, the Maryland Turfgrass Professional, with the varieties which will grow well and produce the best turfgrass for your customers. In fact, one of the requirements sod farmers in Maryland must meet is to utilize only varieties found on the MD/VA Recommended Varieties list.

This summary of information can be found in University of Maryland Extension publication TT-77. This and other UMD Extension publications are available to all members and industry professionals on the Maryland Turfgrass Council website. Currently, the UMD turfgrass program has trials evaluating bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, tall fescue, “fine” fescue (includes Red, Chewings, and Sheep Fescues), and Kentucky bluegrass (the newest trial of which was planted in early October 2023).

For more information on the University of Maryland’s turfgrass variety trials, please contact Geoffrey Rinehart (E-mail: [email protected])

The post Maryland Turfgrass Council – Fungicide Trials Update – Turfgrass Pathology Program appeared first on The Turf Zone.

MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS: J. Scott McElroy, PhD – Professor, Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Auburn University

As a scientist, I hesitate to make predictions such as those a fortune teller might reveal. I wince when I hear people speaking with absolute certainty that this or that will happen in the future. That some team will win, some politician will lose, or that some event will occur is often pure speculation. Absolute predictions are nonsensical, and an affront to probabilistic thinking. To think probabilistically is to think in terms of the percentage of probability that something will occur. This is the foundation of good science.

Having said that, it is highly probable that in the next 10 years autonomous technology will gain a significant portion of the professional and consumer market in the United States. I base this prediction on four pieces of evidence:

1.

2.

3.

4.

But here I am addressing the “Contrarian’s Guide to Turfgrass Robotic Technology.” To the robotic contrarian, any positive arguments I present regarding this technology will likely fall on deaf ears. To the contrarian, only seeing is believing. Once my prediction has come true, the contrarian will adopt the technology as self-evident. Don’t get me wrong. Skepticism is a good thing. However, a complete understanding and realistic expectation of what robotic technology can do and where the technology is going is necessary to the healthy skeptic. I want to convince the contrarian that instead of waiting for the technology to be tested by fellow industry partners, they should begin testing and evaluating it themselves. With that in mind, I present this article to the contrarian on fundamentals of robotic technology today.

“The Technology is Just Not There Yet.”

This is the contrarian’s favorite phrase. In frustration I respond, “Where is There?” or even “What is There?”. If the technology has not arrived at the point where it can be adopted, what are its current limitations?

What irks me so much about this critique is the underlying assumptions about imagined technological characteristics that may not even be possible. The contrarian’s perception of automation is that the technology can be easily set up with little or no planning or understanding of the technology. That it may be deployed for use with little, or no, oversight. The phrase, “The Technology is Just Not There Yet,” is normally rooted in some technological advancement in artificial intelligence, or machine learning, that the contrarian has developed based on their perception of technological development, or maybe even a touch of science fiction.

My response is “The technology is what the technology is.” 2022 might as well have been ten years ago when it comes to robotic and autonomous technology in the United States. 2023 saw an incredible number of major advances. These include allowance for extended range connection to 4G and network RTK systems; daisy chaining of reference station signals for greater lengths; creation of virtual zones that can vary in direction, speed, and height of cut; and mobile deployment across multiple sites. The technology launched in 2023 will be the basis of robotic technology for the next five to ten years.

To the contrarian, if you were talking about 2022, I agree. The technology was not “there” for the professional user. It was largely restricted to wire boundary units, mowing randomly at a single fixed zone height. But 2023 completely changed the game.

Autonomous vs. Semi-Autonomous

Before discussing the technology that now makes robotic automation possible, let me make a rather large distinction in technology – Autonomous vs. Semi-Autonomous Technology. Now and in the future, it will be extremely difficult for any mowers with traditional mowing implements to be fully autonomous simply due to liability. As I have been told (I am not an expert on liability, nor am I a lawyer) liability has been and will continue to restrict deployment of certain technology. Such technology – semi-autonomous technology – will require an operator to be watching it while it is completing its task. It will not work at night and will likely not have a fixed position point for deployment. It will need to be taken to the location by hand for deployment. Fully autonomous technology will likely be small, lightweight equipment weighing approximately less than 300 lbs. Again, I may be wrong, but making traditional mowing equipment fully autonomous is going to be challenging to say the least.

Robot Positioning – The Leap Forward in 2023

The technology that made 2023 the year of advancement largely dealt with how the robots position themselves in space. And the one acronym you need to know is RTK.

RTK. RTK stands for Real-Time Kinematic. It is a satellite navigation technique used for enhancing the precision of position data obtained from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) like GPS (Global Positioning System). RTK is commonly used in applications where high accuracy location information is required, such as surveying, agriculture, construction, and autonomous vehicles. RTK requires a base station in a fixed position that can then communicate to a rover (in our case a mower, painter, or range picker). RTK allows for real time positioning and correction for the rover. RTK signals can stretch from 200 meters to 10 miles depending on the signal type. Husqvarna and Echo Robotics use a fixed position RTK signal that extends 200–300 meters. (Actually, Echo Robotics now has 4G RTK which extends up to 10 miles.)

nRTK. nRTK stands for network real-time kinematics. nRTK is a mesh network system individual companies deploy and then offer other companies for use. For example, NexMow uses nRTK from TopCon (https://global.topcon.com/). Kress (https://www.kress.com/en-us/all-robot-lawn-mowers/) has developed its own nRTK system specifically for its mower technology. Tiny Mobile Robots also uses an nRTK system

RTK, whether a dedicated local RTK reference station, or a nRTK system, allows for positioning of technology in space, allowing for removal of wire from the field and the creation of virtual boundary systems. RTK also allows for directional or systematic work, not random work. With RTK the efficiency of the equipment increases exponentially and the ability to deploy over a wider area has increased.

If it is true that robotic technology will be a common form of turfgrass management in the next five to 10 years, one probably needs to start learning about and adapting the technology now. To be fair, there are some early adopters that have made significant investments in this technology, but the contrarian samples the product before a full commitment. The key to what to utilize first is choosing equipment that solves a problem. Depending on the operation, you already have mowing equipment, so unless you need to make a major purchase, the first goal is to seek out equipment that solves a problem. Here is my list of useful equipment that solves major issues.

Field Painters. Field Painters have been adopted in the United States faster than any other autonomous technology for one big reason – they solve a problem. Painting field lines is a tedious, repetitive task that was begging for automation. Technology from Turf Tank (https://turftank.com/us/) and Tiny Mobile Robots (https://tinymobilerobots.com/field-marking-robot/) have taken athletic field maintenance by storm with painters becoming the fasting growing segment of autonomous turfgrass management.

Range Pickers. Ranges can have a myriad of problems that robots can solve. Large pickers used frequently can compact soil. They are very abrasive to the turf reducing stand density and quality and can cause damage during high soil moisture conditions. Light weight pickers such as the Echo Robotics Range Picker (https://echorobotics.com/en-us/)can be programmed to pick ranges at all hours of the day. It uses the same positioning technology as Echo Robotics mowers – either a WiFi or 4G signal – which massively extends the range of use of the picker.

Slope Climbers. Mowing slopes is a burdensome task. It can be damaging to the turf and dangerous for the operator. Because of the difficulty, some sloped areas are mowed infrequently reducing the turfgrass stand and leading to debris buildup after mowing. The Husqvarna 535 AWD is a compact, light-weight slope mower that can be deployed to cover up to 0.8 acres. While it is random and has a wire boundary, it is efficient, and virtual zones can be created after it has mapped the wire bounded area.

Drop and Mow. Many contrarians are turned off by the idea of fixed position mowers that are bound to a specific docking station and work zone. They would prefer to be able to deploy mowers to other locations during the evaluation phase. The NexMow M1 (https://nexmow.com/) is a deployable drop and mow system that allows for mapping and deployment at hundreds of areas stored on the NexMow app. Simply choose the location that you have mapped and stored in the app, deploy one or multiple mowers, and return to pick up when the app tells you the job is complete.

Mowing Technology. Or the contrarian could just deploy other mowing technology. Mowers from Husqvarna, Kress, and Echo Robotics are all light weight, fully autonomous mowers that can be deployed to mow fairways, rough and tee areas, sports fields, common areas, or large multi-use complexes. This will allow the contrarian to evaluate the cut quality, evaluate the equipment for its functionality at their location, and determine how best to scale with autonomous technology.

Final Thoughts

When the iPhone was introduced in 2007 it was an amazing leap in mobile technology. It has changed the way we work, play, and live. The current version of the iPhone is even more amazing – camera technology; the myriad of apps that are available; and how you can do almost anything on the iPhone. I have never heard a single person who bought the original iPhone complain that they should have waited to buy the current iPhone and skipped the 16 years of previous iterations. Sure, the new iPhone is amazing, but so was the original.

I leave the contrarian with this final comparison. The technology released in the US in 2023 will be the dominant technological innovations for the next decade and beyond. There will be upgrades and innovations along the way, but the base technology will remain the same. If you wait for some mythical technological level that may never come, you will miss out on the journey this technology will take us on for years to come.

Disclosure

Dr. McElroy is a professor at Auburn University, and also owns Scotsman Turf Robotics, (http://scotsmanturfrobotics.com) which is a distributor of Husqvarna, Echo Robotics, and NexMow. Scotsman does not distribute Kress, Turf Tank, or Tiny Mobile Robots but sees these as valuable additions to a growing autonomous turfgrass technology industry. Dr. McElroy and Scotsman encourage readers to explore all aspects of autonomous and semi-autonomous equipment that will be the future of turfgrass management. Robotic equipment is currently <1% of the US turf equipment market but is slated to grow substantially over the next five years.

The post Mississippi Turfgrass Association – A Contrarian’s Guide to Autonomous Turfgrass Robotic Technology appeared first on The Turf Zone.

ARKANSAS TURFGRASS: J. Scott McElroy, PhD – Professor, Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Auburn University

As a scientist, I hesitate to make predictions such as those a fortune teller might reveal. I wince when I hear people speaking with absolute certainty that this or that will happen in the future. That some team will win, some politician will lose, or that some event will occur is often pure speculation. Absolute predictions are nonsensical, and an affront to probabilistic thinking. To think probabilistically is to think in terms of the percentage of probability that something will occur. This is the foundation of good science.

Having said that, it is highly probable that in the next 10 years autonomous technology will gain a significant portion of the professional and consumer market in the United States. I base this prediction on four pieces of evidence:

1. Robotic technology has already captured a significant portion of the technology in Europe.

2. All major brands that market traditional mowing technology or mowing equipment are developing robotic technology.

3. At one count there were over 40 additional startups and companies developing all manner of robotic technology, including mowers, painters, and sprayers.

4. The labor shortage will be sustained into the foreseeable future and could potentially increase (https://www.wsj.com/articles/america-still-has-a-worker-shortage-d0c65166).

But here I am addressing the “Contrarian’s Guide to Turfgrass Robotic Technology.” To the robotic contrarian, any positive arguments I present regarding this technology will likely fall on deaf ears. To the contrarian, only seeing is believing. Once my prediction has come true, the contrarian will adopt the technology as self-evident. Don’t get me wrong. Skepticism is a good thing. However, a complete understanding and realistic expectation of what robotic technology can do and where the technology is going is necessary to the healthy skeptic. I want to convince the contrarian that instead of waiting for the technology to be tested by fellow industry partners, they should begin testing and evaluating it themselves. With that in mind, I present this article to the contrarian on fundamentals of robotic technology today.

“The Technology is Just Not There Yet.”

This is the contrarian’s favorite phrase. In frustration I respond, “Where is There?” or even “What is There?”. If the technology has not arrived at the point where it can be adopted, what are its current limitations?

What irks me so much about this critique is the underlying assumptions about imagined technological characteristics that may not even be possible. The contrarian’s perception of automation is that the technology can be easily set up with little or no planning or understanding of the technology. That it may be deployed for use with little, or no, oversight. The phrase, “The Technology is Just Not There Yet,” is normally rooted in some technological advancement in artificial intelligence, or machine learning, that the contrarian has developed based on their perception of technological development, or maybe even a touch of science fiction.

My response is “The technology is what the technology is.” 2022 might as well have been ten years ago when it comes to robotic and autonomous technology in the United States. 2023 saw an incredible number of major advances. These include allowance for extended range connection to 4G and network RTK systems; daisy chaining of reference station signals for greater lengths; creation of virtual zones that can vary in direction, speed, and height of cut; and mobile deployment across multiple sites. The technology launched in 2023 will be the basis of robotic technology for the next five to ten years.

To the contrarian, if you were talking about 2022, I agree. The technology was not “there” for the professional user. It was largely restricted to wire boundary units, mowing randomly at a single fixed zone height. But 2023 completely changed the game.

Autonomous vs. Semi-Autonomous

Before discussing the technology that now makes robotic automation possible, let me make a rather large distinction in technology – Autonomous vs. Semi-Autonomous Technology. Now and in the future, it will be extremely difficult for any mowers with traditional mowing implements to be fully autonomous simply due to liability. As I have been told (I am not an expert on liability, nor am I a lawyer) liability has been and will continue to restrict deployment of certain technology. Such technology – semi-autonomous technology – will require an operator to be watching it while it is completing its task. It will not work at night and will likely not have a fixed position point for deployment. It will need to be taken to the location by hand for deployment. Fully autonomous technology will likely be small, lightweight equipment weighing approximately less than 300 lbs. Again, I may be wrong, but making traditional mowing equipment fully autonomous is going to be challenging to say the least.

Robot Positioning – The Leap Forward in 2023

The technology that made 2023 the year of advancement largely dealt with how the robots position themselves in space. And the one acronym you need to know is RTK.

RTK. RTK stands for Real-Time Kinematic. It is a satellite navigation technique used for enhancing the precision of position data obtained from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) like GPS (Global Positioning System). RTK is commonly used in applications where high accuracy location information is required, such as surveying, agriculture, construction, and autonomous vehicles. RTK requires a base station in a fixed position that can then communicate to a rover (in our case a mower, painter, or range picker). RTK allows for real time positioning and correction for the rover. RTK signals can stretch from 200 meters to 10 miles depending on the signal type. Husqvarna and Echo Robotics use a fixed position RTK signal that extends 200–300 meters. (Actually, Echo Robotics now has 4G RTK which extends up to 10 miles.)

nRTK. nRTK stands for network real-time kinematics. nRTK is a mesh network system individual companies deploy and then offer other companies for use. For example, NexMow uses nRTK from TopCon (https://global.topcon.com/). Kress (https://www.kress.com/en-us/all-robot-lawn-mowers/) has developed its own nRTK system specifically for its mower technology. Tiny Mobile Robots also uses an nRTK system

RTK, whether a dedicated local RTK reference station, or a nRTK system, allows for positioning of technology in space, allowing for removal of wire from the field and the creation of virtual boundary systems. RTK also allows for directional or systematic work, not random work. With RTK the efficiency of the equipment increases exponentially and the ability to deploy over a wider area has increased.

If it is true that robotic technology will be a common form of turfgrass management in the next five to 10 years, one probably needs to start learning about and adapting the technology now. To be fair, there are some early adopters that have made significant investments in this technology, but the contrarian samples the product before a full commitment. The key to what to utilize first is choosing equipment that solves a problem. Depending on the operation, you already have mowing equipment, so unless you need to make a major purchase, the first goal is to seek out equipment that solves a problem. Here is my list of useful equipment that solves major issues.

Field Painters. Field Painters have been adopted in the United States faster than any other autonomous technology for one big reason – they solve a problem. Painting field lines is a tedious, repetitive task that was begging for automation. Technology from Turf Tank (https://turftank.com/us/) and Tiny Mobile Robots (https://tinymobilerobots.com/field-marking-robot/) have taken athletic field maintenance by storm with painters becoming the fasting growing segment of autonomous turfgrass management.

Range Pickers. Ranges can have a myriad of problems that robots can solve. Large pickers used frequently can compact soil. They are very abrasive to the turf reducing stand density and quality and can cause damage during high soil moisture conditions. Light weight pickers such as the Echo Robotics Range Picker (https://echorobotics.com/en-us/)can be programmed to pick ranges at all hours of the day. It uses the same positioning technology as Echo Robotics mowers – either a WiFi or 4G signal – which massively extends the range of use of the picker.

Slope Climbers. Mowing slopes is a burdensome task. It can be damaging to the turf and dangerous for the operator. Because of the difficulty, some sloped areas are mowed infrequently reducing the turfgrass stand and leading to debris buildup after mowing. The Husqvarna 535 AWD is a compact, light-weight slope mower that can be deployed to cover up to 0.8 acres. While it is random and has a wire boundary, it is efficient, and virtual zones can be created after it has mapped the wire bounded area.

Drop and Mow. Many contrarians are turned off by the idea of fixed position mowers that are bound to a specific docking station and work zone. They would prefer to be able to deploy mowers to other locations during the evaluation phase. The NexMow M1 (https://nexmow.com/) is a deployable drop and mow system that allows for mapping and deployment at hundreds of areas stored on the NexMow app. Simply choose the location that you have mapped and stored in the app, deploy one or multiple mowers, and return to pick up when the app tells you the job is complete.

Mowing Technology. Or the contrarian could just deploy other mowing technology. Mowers from Husqvarna, Kress, and Echo Robotics are all light weight, fully autonomous mowers that can be deployed to mow fairways, rough and tee areas, sports fields, common areas, or large multi-use complexes. This will allow the contrarian to evaluate the cut quality, evaluate the equipment for its functionality at their location, and determine how best to scale with autonomous technology.

Final Thoughts

When the iPhone was introduced in 2007 it was an amazing leap in mobile technology. It has changed the way we work, play, and live. The current version of the iPhone is even more amazing – camera technology; the myriad of apps that are available; and how you can do almost anything on the iPhone. I have never heard a single person who bought the original iPhone complain that they should have waited to buy the current iPhone and skipped the 16 years of previous iterations. Sure, the new iPhone is amazing, but so was the original.

I leave the contrarian with this final comparison. The technology released in the US in 2023 will be the dominant technological innovations for the next decade and beyond. There will be upgrades and innovations along the way, but the base technology will remain the same. If you wait for some mythical technological level that may never come, you will miss out on the journey this technology will take us on for years to come.

Disclosure

Dr. McElroy is a professor at Auburn University, and also owns Scotsman Turf Robotics, (http://scotsmanturfrobotics.com) which is a distributor of Husqvarna, Echo Robotics, and NexMow. Scotsman does not distribute Kress, Turf Tank, or Tiny Mobile Robots but sees these as valuable additions to a growing autonomous turfgrass technology industry. Dr. McElroy and Scotsman encourage readers to explore all aspects of autonomous and semi-autonomous equipment that will be the future of turfgrass management. Robotic equipment is currently <1% of the US turf equipment market but is slated to grow substantially over the next five years.

The post Arkansas Turfgrass Association – A Contrarian’s Guide to Autonomous Turfgrass Robotic Technology appeared first on The Turf Zone.

PENNSYLVANIA TURFGRASS: Brad Jakubowski, Assistant Teaching Professor, Center for Turfgrass Science, Penn State University

Keeping an eye on the weather is something professional turfgrass managers have ingrained into our systems. Can I mow today? We check our phones for the most recent forecast. Should I spray today? We monitor dewpoints, humidity and temperatures. Will I pull the tarp prior to today’s game? We study the weather radar. There is a tremendous amount of weather information out there and nearly all of us have some form of a weather app on our phones, or a link to our favorite weather website, to help us make day-to-day management decisions. Let’s take a journey, to see what is out there and what information will help us make the best weather-based decisions possible.

Which app is the best?

Honestly, there is no one best app. It is important to find an app or a number of apps that provide you the most reliable and quickly available information. Basic Information that is important to have available with the least number of clicks would be: High and Low Temperatures (including overnight lows), Dewpoint, Relative Humidity, and Short-Term Weather forecasts. Intermediate information includes: Radar (Base and Composite Reflectivity), Satellite Imagery, and Severe Weather (especially lightning). Advanced information would be: Echo Tops, Vertically Integrated Liquid, Digital Storm Accumulation and Forecast Discussion.

Basic Information

When looking for basic information, it is best to have most or all important data on the first screen, or within one or two clicks from the first screen. That is often a good way to judge how well your app will benefit you over time. As an example, The National Weather Service includes much of the basic data (Figure 1). At a glance, you can get a good idea of what is happening now and what will happen in the immediate future. High and low temperatures provide a quick mental image of how the day (and night) may influence your maintenance plans. Winds, dewpoint and relative humidity provide a quick insight on irrigation requirements, disease potential, and infield skin management requirements.

It is beneficial to see both relative humidity and dewpoint together. Viewing only either limits your view of the big picture. For example, a relative humidity of 95% with dewpoints near 70 degrees indicate that less time may be spent scouting for wilt and instead used scouting for diseases. The same relative humidity with dewpoints under 30 may indicate a majority of the day may be dedicated for scouting wilt or watering an infield skin.

The Hourly Forecast – The Turf Manager’s Secret Weapon!

The Hourly Forecast on Weather.gov (Figure 2) is the turf manager’s secret weapon. In one image, a turf manager can make plans for multiple issues and tasks. For Example, The Heat Index: potential high heat indexes aids in planning for employee safety; Temperature and Dewpoint: Matched high overnight dewpoints and temperatures means extended leaf wetness and high disease potential. They also indicate heavy dew until at least 8am, which may require a syringe cycle to limit mower clumping, or to make sure greens are whipped post-cut; Wind Speed and Direction (Surface Wind): predicted light southerly winds meaning even higher probability for disease potential and dew, as well as for good spraying conditions in the early morning, but gusts in the teens starting around 11am; Relative Humidity: indicates conditions will be wet early, but dry quickly throughout the day; Sky Cover: indicates it will be partly cloudy throughout the day providing some relief, while Precipitation Potential indicate a 50% chance of rain throughout the day.

Intermediate Information

When making game-time decisions such as tarp pulls, or field evacuations, due to severe weather, radar becomes an important tool. There are numerous good weather radar apps available. Many are free, some require an annual fee of $US 10 to 50. Many of the fee-based apps offer expanded functionality, precision and overall quality of information. Regardless of cost, radar app selection should prioritize the type of reflectivity the radar images are based upon. There are two types: Base Reflectivity and Composite Reflectivity. Each time a radar transmitter spins, it sends out a microwave ‘sweep’ at different elevations to get a complete picture of all atmosphere elevations. A Base Reflectivity image represents only a single sweep of the radar transmitter. This means that near the transmitter the radar ‘sees’ is low in the storms and as distance increases the beam rises and can overshoot the core of heavier precipitation. Many High-Resolution (Hi-Res) radar images feature only Base Reflectivity sweeps.

Composite Reflectivity stitches together all elevation scans, in order, to create an image that represents a more complete picture of an incoming storm. These are often lower-resolution images and may be more pixelated. Figures 3 and 4 are of the same storm with the former being a Base Reflectivity image and the latter a Composite Reflectivity image.

Figure 5 shows the different reflectivity options you may have within a radar app, and again illustrates not all radar imagery is the same. So, when trying to make critical game-time decisions, a radar image using Base Reflectivity may grossly underestimate the significance of an incoming storm. When selecting a radar app, be sure investigate the types of radar images it provides, and be prepared to spend a few dollars for radar that will prove worthwhile in the future.

Satellite Imagery

There are numerous Satellite Imagery options as well. They provide visible cloud cover; infrared (the most common that we see), moisture content; and all-in-one maps that include a combination of radar, infrared, and weather station models to tell a complete weather story. Satellite images can give you a broader perspective of how the weather is behaving on a wider, more continental, scale. The images and loops illustrate air flow, cloud and moisture movement and overall dynamics of frontal systems. These large-scale images and video loops can help in longer-term planning. They can aid in project preparation and used as a tool to help protect fields when communicating with administrators that may be considering additional unexpected events during non-use days. It is useful to compare these images with regular weather maps to get a good working knowledge of fronts and changing weather systems.

Severe Weather

Lightning is the most critical facet of severe weather for sport turf managers. In 2022, one in five people struck by lightning were engaged in an outdoor sporting activity. Having an app that can provide you lightning information instantly or within a click on your phone is important. The lightning information from the WeatherBug app for Figure 6 only required a short scroll down and a single click. An old AM radio is also good to have on-hand as a back up lightning detector. Significant increase in crackles and static transmitted across AM radio bands are dependable indicators of lightning activity in the area. Old School!

Advanced Information

As we work towards becoming more proficient with understanding weather and being able to make better weather-based decisions, we find more advanced tools to help us. Echo Tops or Cloud Height is another function to help us assess the intensity of an oncoming storm. An Echo Top measures the overall height of a storm, which is an indicator of the strength of storm updrafts. Stronger updrafts make convective wind gusts and large hail more likely.

When several storms are on radar, the Echo Tops tool can point out the more severe storms and the direction they are travelling (Figure 7). This can be valuable information to report to the front office when asked about making a call on a game or whether the conditions will be safe to conduct a last-minute tarp pull. Another tool to assess the strength of a storm is Vertically Integrated Liquid (VIL). The VIL index measures how much water is being transported vertically throughout a storm cloud and is another indicator of a storm’s updraft strength. Taller updrafts tend to have higher values of VIL and are more likely to produce hail.

One more tool that can be used to help determine the total accumulation of a precipitation event is Digital Storm Accumulation. By allowing you to assess discrete accumulations over short periods of time, this tool may help you determine whether or not to pull a field cover for a particular rain event. Saving time and energy that could be used elsewhere and avoid unnecessary delays. This tool may also aid in determining the potential of a flash flood event in your area.

Summary

Technological advancements afford us incredibly convenient tools and information apps that support worker and clientele safety while improving our maintenance, irrigation, pest management, and playability decision-making. Take advantage of this opportunity by investigating these different apps and functions. Poll your colleagues, service providers, and blogs/forums to best experiment and discover what works best for you and your facility.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS: Kyley Dickson, Ph.D.

When it comes time to reseed or renovate an area in the fall or spring, selecting the most suitable grass variety can be a challenging task. Over the years, plant breeders and seed companies have made significant advancements in enhancing their grasses through plant breeding. These improvements include developing grasses with resistance or increased tolerance to specific diseases, better drought tolerance, and an enhanced ability to withstand extreme climatic conditions. However, verifying these claims is crucial. To address this, various research programs conduct tests on new turfgrass varieties under different conditions, comparing them with standard grasses that have been used for many years.

Research programs are essential in identifying new varieties of turfgrasses that stand out as premium performers and discovering how much they have improved. For instance, Kentucky 31 tall fescue, which was identified in Kentucky in 1931, is still available for purchase at most stores that sell grass seed today. The improvements in technology have increased efficiency and overall performance of turfgrasses, just like how cars have evolved from 1931 to today. Plant breeders make major improvements every year, with many of these new varieties being more efficient with fewer inputs and more adapted to difficult environments. Breeders look at several variables such as plant density, color, leaf thickness, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and traffic tolerance to improve turfgrasses.

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) is a renowned turfgrass research program that has gained global recognition. It has expanded to evaluate seventeen turfgrass species across forty U.S. states and six Canadian provinces. The program collects and summarizes data on various aspects of turfgrass, including quality, color, density, resistance to diseases and insects, and tolerance to heat, cold, drought, and traffic. NTEP’s findings are used by plant breeders, researchers, extension personnel, local and state government entities, growers, and consumers worldwide. The program has become the standard for turfgrass evaluation in the United States and many other countries.

The NTEP trials are carried out over a consecutive five-year period at various research universities across the nation. The researchers monitor the quality of each variety, recording monthly results. At the end of each year, they publish an updated report on the trials. The NTEP data is a valuable resource that can help determine grass varieties that are ideal for low maintenance, traffic tolerance, and overall quality. This is due to the wide range of trials conducted by the program. The data is freely accessible to everyone on NTEP.org. Additionally, the NTEP has introduced a new search tool that allows users to identify different grasses based on species, location, or variety. You can also scan the QR code provided to visit the NTEP website directly.

It’s important to note that while the data is available online, there are no certifications or approval of varieties from the NTEP. The information solely reflects how well a particular grass variety performed in the trials. Nevertheless, this resource is highly beneficial when selecting turfgrass varieties. Next time you purchase a seed bag, take a moment to examine the tag and review how the grasses fared in the NTEP trials. Opting for a variety that performed well in your area according to NTEP results will likely yield superior results. Keep in mind that certain varieties may thrive better in specific regions of the country compared to others. Therefore, it’s advisable to consider the locations of the tests and select a variety that closely represents your area.

There are organizations that offer approved varieties or certifications. Two such organizations are the Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST) and the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA). Similar to the NTEP, both the A-LIST and TWCA conduct research trials at universities across the U.S. to evaluate grasses. Currently, these trials are limited to cool season grasses.

The Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST) is a national non-profit organization that aims to assist turfgrass managers and grass growers in achieving sustainable plant growth. The organization comprises universities and industry companies that work together to test, identify, and promote grass varieties that combine high turf quality with low-input performance. These varieties are designed to reduce water, chemical, and fertility requirements. The A-LIST provides information on certified, high-quality turf that is verified through transparent protocols and independently tested. The A-LIST focuses on varieties respond to reduced inputs such as water, fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and fertility. To become A-LIST approved, grasses must be in the top statistical grouping at multiple locations over multiple years.

The Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) is a non-profit organization committed to water conservation and dedicated to preserving the ecological benefits of turfgrass in the managed environment. The organization believes that by improving the plant materials available, they can reduce the water needs of the managed environment while preserving the vital ecological services provided by green space. The TWCA provides independent transparent analysis of objective data, which anchors their peer-reviewed qualification process. The TWCA program assesses drought tolerance of grasses using rainout shelters to simulate drought conditions and measure their resilience.

The research funded from these organizations instills confidence that the grasses possess the improved traits claimed by the respective organizations. Both programs indicate their approval by displaying their logos on seed tags located on each bag. Currently, there are only approvals for seed for cool-season grasses. These programs have resulted in greater breeding efforts that has resulted in the traits each of these organizations are focused on. The work these organizations have done to improve areas of breeding that have not always been the highest priority is tremendous. Both organizations are formed from groups of seed companies that saw a need and have funded research to further breeding in each area and decided to make it happen. For a comprehensive list of approved varieties, please refer to each organization’s websites https://a-listturf.org or https://www.tgwca.org, or scan the QR codes.

Using grass varieties that require lower inputs is better for the environment. These varieties are more sustainable because they need less water, or fertilizer, or pesticides to thrive. By reducing the use of these inputs, we can minimize the environmental impact and promote a healthier ecosystem. These new varieties require fewer chemical treatments and less water, making them more environmentally friendly. Additionally, they can help conserve water resources and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

If you think, “It’s great that they have these approvals for low inputs and water reduction, but how did they do in our area?” Well for those who live in Tennessee, table 1 is a top ten list of reduced input of tall fescue varieties and table 2 is for Kentucky bluegrass. These tables show either A-LIST or TWCA varieties that did well in Tennessee’s NTEP and all the NTEP trials overall that grass species overall. There are three varieties of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrasses that are in bold, these highlighted varieties would be the top three varieties for use in Tennessee due to their superior performance in research trials. The other top ten are great varieties perform well in Tennessee, the bolded varieties simply highlight the top performers according to the criteria used to rank the grasses overall. All the grass varieties in both lists should have superior performance in these conditions and can survive in more stressful conditions than traditional standard varieties. Not all grasses are great in all circumstances, sticking with the car analogy you would not use a small car to try and pull a semi-trailer, as with grasses some are adapted for certain uses better than others. Keep in mind that even the most adapted grasses can still die and do poorly if the conditions for growth become too harsh.

Table 1. Top Ten Tall Fescue Reduced Input Varieties for Tennessee

Variety Company ALIST Approved TWCA Approved NTEP Traffic NTEP Knoxville NTEP Overall

Table 2. Top Ten Reduced Input Kentucky Bluegrass Varieties for Tennessee

Variety Company A-LIST Approved TWCA Approved NTEP Traffic NTEP Knoxville NTEP Overall

The data from the NTEP is from Knoxville at the University of Tennessee trial site. To explain the table there is an X by each area that a grass was the top statistical category for that area. The columns show if they are A-LIST or TWCA approved. Additionally, there is a column indicating they were in the top statistical performer for the NTEP traffic trial, this indicates that the varieties had superior traffic tolerance good for high use areas. Additionally, the top statistical category for the NTEP trial in Knoxville, this helps to see how these varieties would do in an area with similar growing conditions to Knoxville.

The last column is when all the NTEP locations for that trial are taken and averaged, these grasses were in the top performers for the trial overall.

One of the limitations of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) is that many of the varieties it tests are not commercially available or may never go into commercial production for various reasons. However, this article aims to provide tables of commercially available varieties that can be purchased today. These varieties can help improve management situations where inputs are limited or where you simply want a variety with improved genetics that offers optimum performance. However, locating these improved varieties can be challenging. I have included a list of companies that currently sell these products in the tables. It is important to note that these higher-end products are typically not available at big-box stores; instead, they can be found at landscape supply stores, distributors, or sod farms.

It is important to note that grass varieties that thrive in one region may not perform well in another. Therefore, it is advisable to look at the NTEP data for your specific area. The NTEP provides valuable information about grass varieties that excel in different regions. For instance, certain varieties may flourish in Utah but struggle in Tennessee. By selecting the right variety for your area, you can optimize your turfgrass management and achieve better results.

Grass breeding efforts have significantly contributed to improving sustainability and adaptability. Universities such as Rutgers, Oklahoma State University, University of Georgia at Tifton, Texas A&M University, University of Florida, Mississippi State University, and North Carolina State University, along with seed companies, have made remarkable progress in breeding grass varieties with improved genetics. These varieties listed in the tables are more resistant to pests, diseases, and drought. They require fewer chemical treatments and less water, making them more environmentally friendly. By leveraging these advancements in grass breeding, you can enhance your turfgrass management situation and contribute to a greener and healthier environment.

In a world where resources are becoming increasingly scarce, it is crucial to choose grasses that are well-suited to their environment. This article presents an overview of some of the top cool season grasses to consider when making selections in Tennessee. In the southern part of the state, cool season grasses may struggle to thrive, making warm season grasses a more viable option. Tennessee has seen great success with many warm season grasses, including Bermudagrass and Zoysia. The tables are specifically cool season grasses that are two commonly used grasses in Tennessee. The advancements in breeding in the last two decades show some amazing improvements in a short period of time. When renovating or reseeding an area this fall, consider opting for seeds with improved genetics. Doing so will result in better turf quality and contribute to a healthier environment overall. If you are unsure whether to choose cool or warm season grasses, consult with a University of Tennessee County Extension agent for guidance.

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MTC TURF NEWS: Geoffrey Rinehart

Did you know that the University of Maryland turfgrass research program conducts ongoing experiments to evaluate varieties from several different turfgrass species? Using data from these trials and in coordination with data collected by turfgrass researchers at Virginia Tech, and the professionals from the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Virginia Department of Agriculture Seed Laboratories, the “Maryland-Virginia Recommended Varieties List” is updated on annual basis to summarize the top varieties from several of the major turfgrass species used in the Mid-Atlantic provided the varieties are available as certified seed and has been tested by either or both the MD or VA Seed Labs. Typically, these trials are conducted as part of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program’s (NTEP) research efforts. Previously high-performing varieties which are not included in the most current NTEP trials are planted and evaluated in supplemental trials so that researchers can continue to evaluate these cultivars as one of the criteria for them to remain on the recommended list. NTEP conducts variety trial testing for all major cool- and warm-season turfgrass species in over 35 states throughout the country to identify top-performing varieties both on a national and regional level. The University of Maryland’s NTEP trials, as well as the Annual MD/VA Recommended Varieties List, are an important part of evaluating varieties both locally/regionally and nationally and providing you, the Maryland Turfgrass Professional, with the varieties which will grow well and produce the best turfgrass for your customers. In fact, one of the requirements sod farmers in Maryland must meet is to utilize only varieties found on the MD/VA Recommended Varieties list.

This summary of information can be found in University of Maryland Extension publication TT-77. This and other UMD Extension publications are available to all members and industry professionals on the Maryland Turfgrass Council website. Currently, the UMD turfgrass program has trials evaluating bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, tall fescue, “fine” fescue (includes Red, Chewings, and Sheep Fescues), and Kentucky bluegrass (the newest trial of which was planted in early October 2023).

For more information on the University of Maryland’s turfgrass variety trials, please contact Geoffrey Rinehart (E-mail: [email protected]) •

By Fereshteh Shahoveisi

In 2023, our team conducted several fungicide and nematicide trials at the UMD Paint Branch Research Facility to evaluate their efficacy against various turfgrass diseases and nematodes. The trials were mainly focused on:

• Brown patch and dollar spot affecting fairway and green height creeping bentgrass.

Preliminary findings from these experiments were presented at our Field Day in July. Currently, we are concluding the studies and analyzing the data. For the trials with registered fungicides, reports detailing our observations and results will be made available on our program’s website

In terms of disease progress in the season, May and early June were relatively drier and cooler than the usual averages for the season. This led to a delayed onset of diseases at the farm. However, as summer progressed, the typical weather patterns prevailed, leading to elevated disease pressure. Most diseases, including the brown patch and dollar spot, peaked during this period. By mid to late September, we observed a significant reduction in the prevalence of most diseases. •

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NEW ENGLAND BLADE: Pam Serratt

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is the predominant cool-season sports turf grass. It was originally introduced to the United States as an amenity grass, forage grass, and for soil erosion control, and we’ve been successfully using turf-types since their introduction in the 1960s. Although perennial ryegrass is revered in Europe, it is somewhat suffered in the United States, with some cool-season turf managers preferring to seed only Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), even if the chance of success is minimal. The distaste for perennial ryegrass as a sports turf grass has always perplexed me, since I know that most fields are already comprised of ryegrass, and I know just how great it can perform as a sports surface. It does have its challenges, but I believe its pros outweigh its cons. Let’s delve deeper in a point-counterpoint format:

Point: It is a bunch-type grass, and therefore does not have the capability to spread laterally.

Counterpoint: Ryegrass is a prolific producer of tillers and provides great sward density – particularly if mowed at the lower end of the preferred height of cut (1 – 2″). In studies conducted at Ohio State over many years, ryegrass has had recuperative potential as good as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue under traffic. In addition to its recuperative ability, it is very wear tolerant, and persists during heavy traffic.

Point: Because it is a bunch-type grass, fields must be constantly overseeded.

Counterpoint: There is no such thing as an athletic field that doesn’t need to be constantly overseeded, regardless of turf type. On native soils, where traffic and compaction are commonplace, all cool-season turfgrasses need regular overseeding to keep fields playable and safe.

Point: It is slippery.

Counterpoint: It is shiny on the underside of the leaf, which makes it look wet from a distance.

Point: It has poor heat, drought and cold tolerance.

Counterpoint: Like bluegrass and tall fescue, it is a cool-season grass, and so prefers air temperatures of 60 – 75° (15 – 24°C) and soil temps of 50 – 65°F (10 – 18°C). In extreme conditions, it may not be as heat and drought tolerant as tall fescue, or as cold tolerant as bluegrass, but it will survive in most areas.

Point: It is susceptible to grubs.

Counterpoint: Like many other turfgrasses, it is susceptible to grubs. However, many perennial ryegrass cultivars contain endophytes (microscopic fungi in the plant cells) that prevent attack from surface-feeding pests such as bluegrass billbugs, chinch bugs and sod webworms.

Point: It is difficult to mow in spring when flower stems are forming. This can result in poor mowing quality.

Counterpoint: Modern cultivars and sharp mower blades greatly reduce or eliminate this problem.

Point: In fall and spring, ryegrass does not mix well with other grasses. The color is different, and the clumps of ryegrass stand out.

Counterpoint: Ryegrass staying green longer into the fall/early winter and greening up quickly in spring is a major advantage for sports turf managers with fall or spring sports. Masking color differences can be achieved by applications of PGRs, iron or nitrogen fertilizers, choosing bluegrass cultivars with short winter dormancy, or spraying the field with a green dye in early spring. Some turf managers may also cover the field with a growth blanket, to promote uniform spring growth of all the grasses. In Europe, ryegrass cultivars are much lighter green, to mask the Poa annua that invariably encroaches on sports fields.

Point: Ryegrass takes over the field like a weed.

Counterpoint: The number-one reason it does so well is its ability to germinate and establish quickly. The ability to grow quickly means it can shade out the bluegrass and prevent seed germination and establishment. Athletic fields are not perennial stands of grass like lawns; they are in a constant state of renovation and, as such, the key to success is a quick establishing grass.

Point: Perennial ryegrass is susceptible to a whole host of turfgrass diseases.

Counterpoint: Yes, it is. No arguing on this point. If the conditions are favorable for a disease attack, ryegrass is prone to get it. Turf managers need to be extremely vigilant with summer applications of irrigation and nitrogen, and choose cultivars that have shown improved disease resistance. Where possible, especially on game fields, preventative applications of fungicide may be required. As a side note, however, because it is so quick to grow, it can sometimes survive a disease like damping off much more successfully than slower-growing species.

Pamela Sherratt is sports turf extension specialist at The Ohio State University. Connect with Pam at [email protected].

This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of SportsField Management magazine.

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