Spring 2015 Sidelines
description
Transcript of Spring 2015 Sidelines
Texas Sports Turf Managers
Association
Providing education and training for safer and
healthier sports turf facilities
Txstma.org
txstmainfo@ yahoo.com
(817) 736-0727
P.O. Box 11967
College Station, TX 77842
Spring 2015 Issue
Sports Turf Managers Association
Names Dan Bergstrom
Professional Facilities Director
(LAWRENCE, Kan.) – Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) – the professional organization for 2,600 men and women who manage sports fields worldwide – recently named Dan Bergstrom, Sen-ior Director of Major League Field Operations for the Houston Astros, as its newly-elected Profes-sional Facilities Director.
Bergstrom was officially installed at the STMA Conference & Exhibition in Denver (Jan. 13-16). STMA conducts its annu-al elections electronically in late November and directors serve two-year terms.
“STMA has been a guiding force in my 20-year sports field management career and my primary resource for continuing
education in the industry,” says Bergstrom. “It’s an honor to be elected Professional Facilities Director and I look forward
to contributing to STMA's growth as a leading association for the sports turf community.”
Bergstrom has served in this role with the Astros since 2004. He is charged with managing Minute Maid Park, the team’s practice facilities and has aided in surface renovation for many of Houston's minor league affiliates. Bergstrom has been an active STMA member since 1993.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Bergstrom and his wife, Krista, reside in Spring, Tex. and enjoy fostering rescued dogs in their home.
About STMA
STMA is the not-for-profit, professional association for men and women who manage sports fields worldwide. Since 1981, the association and its 34 local chapters have been providing education, information and sharing practical knowledge in the art and science of sports field management. Its more than 2,600 members oversee sports fields and facilities at schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities, and professional sports stadiums.
See Details Inside
this Issue
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Field Day
March 11, 2015
Featuring
Dr. Calvin Finch—Texas A&M Institute of
Renewable Natural Resources
and
Tom Burns—Diamond Pro and Former Head
Groundskeeper for the Texas Rangers
MEMBERSHIP!!!
As a Sports Turf Manager, membership in a
professional organization is important to
help you advance your career and keep you
current with cutting edge technology. So,
don’t forget that it’s time to renew your
membership and also it’s a great time to
get your team on board as members to fur-
ther their knowledge. Our membership re-
newal period goes by calendar year January-December.
Your TXSTMA professional organization is all about education and
peer to peer interaction. We try to provide relative topics to all
levels of Sport Field Managers as well as hands on training that
will benefit your field management team from the beginning level
employee to the seasoned veteran. When you do attend a field
day we hope you invite your fellow turf manager from the town
next door and you get to know your fellow turf manager sitting
next to you at the field day. If you are part of a school district in-
vite your coaches or Athletic Director to come learn and listen so
they better understand why and how you do what you do. If you
deal with youth organizations invite some of those non-turf folks
to come to a field day so they can better understand why you
make the day to day decisions for the fields that you maintain for
them or those fields that they help you maintain for their respec-
tive youth organizations.
I want to give a Big Shout Out / Thank You to our Field Day Spon-
sors, newsletter advertisers, supporters of our scholarship funds,
etc.: our Commercial Members. TXSTMA could not exist without
our partnership with these companies. Please take the time to sit
down and visit when that commercial member sales guy or gal
comes by. These members are an invaluable asset to us as pro-
fessionals because they are bringing a new insight or perspective
and perhaps new product that could help solve a challenge that
you are currently facing.
Good luck this spring and hopefully we all have a successful
spring transition season. Pray for some good soaking, lake filling
rains for all areas of the state that
are in need. NO Floods!
Remember MEMBERSHIP!!!!
It has its PRIVLEDGES!!!
Sincerely your friend in Turf,
Rusty Walker, CSFM
2015 One-Star Sponsors
2015 Three-Star Sponsors
Thank you to our
2015 Star Sponsors.
Your generous
support is greatly
appreciated.
January 13 - 16, 2015 STMA's 26th Conference & Exhibition
March 11, 2015 Mary Hardin Baylor University
Education and Field Day Event
Spring 2015 Date and Site to be Determined - Houston Region
Education and Field Day Event
May 12, 2015 Globe Life Park (Home of the Texas Rangers)
Education and Field Day Event
July 13, 2015 Texas Tech University - Turfgrass Research Field Day
Details of Event Coming Soon
October 6, 2015 DFW Clay Shoot Scholarship Fundraiser
October 2015 Texas A & M University - Education and Field Day Event
These are just a few of the events that will be coming your way in 2015!
We will post more details and events as they become available.
All dates are tentative and subject to change.
LOVE COLLEGE BASKETBALL? Join the TXSTMA NCAA’s Basketball Tour-
nament Challenge on ESPN.com. Compete against other TXSTMA members as you fill out a
bracket and earn points for every correct pick! Earn plenty of bragging rights among your
friends by winning it all. Best of all, it's free to play and win.
Get in the action now: Click here to join TXSTMA Group
Group: TXSTMA Members
Password: txstma2015
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Field Day
March 11, 2015
Cost is FREE to all current TXSTMA Members.
Non-Members—$30.00 (this covers your dues for the remainder of
2015 and you can attend all other field days in 2015 FREE!
Please RSVP on our website: http://www.txstma.org/
or email
[email protected] or [email protected]
8:30—9:00 New Member Reception *new meeting feature* - meet your Board of Directors and current members while
enjoying a cup of coffee and donut
9:00—9:30 Meeting Registration—Crusader Stadium located off Martin Luther King and University Drive in Belton, TX
9:30—10:30 Dr. Calvin Finch, Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources
Topic: Water Conservation for Sports Field Managers
10:30—11:30 Tom Burns—Diamond Pro
Topic: Mound and Home Plate Management
11:30—12:15 Tour Crusader Stadium
12:15—1:00 Lunch at Dining Hall (All You Can Eat)
1:00—2:15 Tour Sportsplex Facilities (baseball, softball, soccer)
2:15—3:30 Vendors Exhibit
A BIG Thank You to our Sponsors!
Silver Sponsor Bronze Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Dr. Calvin Finch is the Director of the Urban Water Program of the Texas A&M Institute
of Renewable Natural Resources. The Center serves as a focal point for Texas A&M applied
research in water conservation and water resource development. Dr. Finch's research pri-
orities are in water conservation, reuse water, aquifer storage and recovery, and land-
scape plant water needs. He has a Ph.D. in horticulture from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Finch appears regularly on television in the San Antonio area. He also has popular col-
umns published each week in the San Antonio Express-News and 7 other South Texas newspapers. His
articles are archived on the website plan-
tanswers.com. Dr. Finch also answers horticulture and
water conservation questions every Saturday and Sunday
from noon to 2:00 p.m. on KLUP 930 AM Radio. Dr.
Finch's work in water conservation, the media and with
volunteers has garnered numerous state and national
awards.
Tom Burns began his career with TXI
Diamond Pro as a Sales / Professional
Consultant, effective June 1, 2006. Tom
has injected real-world experience and
knowledge into all aspects of the Dia-
mond Pro business.
Tom came to Diamond Pro from the Tex-
as Rangers. He served as Head Groundskeeper for the
Rangers at The Ballpark in Arlington since October, 1996.
Tom's career in the athletic field industry began in 1978
in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked on the grounds
crews for both the Browns and the Indians under legend-
ary groundskeeper Marshall Bosard. After honing his
skills for five years, Tom moved to Mesa, Arizona to be-
come Head Groundskeeper for the California Angels' spring training site, Gene Autry Park. In February
1986, the Texas Rangers offered Tom the position of Assistant Field Superintendent under Jim Anglea,
who later helped develop the Diamond Pro product in partnership with Barrett Reese Sr. and TXI. After
one season, Tom was offered the Field Superintendent job at Charlotte County Stadium in Florida, the
spring training site for the Texas Rangers. Tom spent the next ten years developing his talent and, for
six of those ten years, he earned the Florida State League Groundskeeper of the Year. This achieve-
ment was truly impressive and made the Rangers stand-up and takes notice of his skills.
Tom is a long standing member of the National Sports Turf Managers Association and has served on the
Board of Directors from 1998 through 2000. He is a member of the Texas Turfgrass Association and
served on its Board of Directors from 2003 through 2005. A frequent speaker at turfgrass and athletic
field seminars across the country and internationally, Tom has been widely known and respected as one
of the top groundskeepers in Major League Baseball.
In January 2010 Tom was presented with the Harry Gill Award by the Sports Turf Managers Associa-
tion. The Harry Gill award is the Association's highest honor and represents an individual's dedication
and service to the sports turf industry.
STMA’s Call for Presentations
for 2016 Conference now open!
Be a part of STMA’s 2016 annual conference from
January 19-22 in San Diego, California. Share
your ideas and expertise by being a presenter for
the education sessions. Take advantage of this
unique opportunity to share your experience and
increase your visibility within the sports turf man-
agement profession. All submissions are due elec-
tronically to STMA by March 16, 2015. Please call
Kristen Althouse at 785-542-9243 or email, kalt-
[email protected], if you have any questions about
presenting or problems with the electronic form.
Why should you submit?
You have experience, expertise and ideas to
share that would benefit your peers.
You would like to take your communication and
presentation skills to the next level.
You would like to increase your visibility within
the sports turf management profession.
You may earn 1 industry service point, per
presentation, towards CSFM recertification.
What are the criteria for selection?
Successful submittals will:
be relevant to the sports turf management pro-
fession.
include a clear & concise description of the
presentation.
include a detailed outline of the presentation.
include clearly defined and detailed learning
objectives.
feature a qualified presenter.
Click here for
more details
or to submit!
For 2016 con-
ference
presentation ideas, CLICK HERE to view the topics
requested by attendees at the 2015 confer-
ence. (These suggestions were taken from at-
tendee evaluations and the post-conference at-
tendee survey.) STMA reserves the right to limit
the number of speakers for presentations depend-
ing on session duration. Please direct any ques-
tions or concerns to Kristen Althouse, STMA Educa-
tion Manager – 785-542-9243
A few things you should know:
The conference takes place January 19-22 in San Diego, California. The exact time and length of each
program will be determined at a later date.
All selected presenters will be required to sign a speaker contract.
All selected presenters will receive complimentary conference registration. Other benefits, such as
travel, lodging, and an honorarium, will be defined in the subsequent speaker contract.
STMA may audio and/or video record conference programs. Presenters will not receive any compen-
sation for any eventual sales of the recordings, but may receive a complimentary recording of their
program upon request. Presenters may not opt out of recording unless the presentation contains
sensitive information.
Presenters are expected to provide PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and any related articles to
STMA prior to the conference. STMA posts materials on the website for conference attendees to use
as supplements for furthering their education. STMA will secure all information in an effort to protect
speaker materials.
Submittals will be reviewed by the STMA Conference Education Committee and notification of selec-
tion will take place in early June.
4
2015 Conference Education Session Record-
ings Available for Purchase
STMA partnered with IQ Media this year to bring
you recorded education sessions. Recorded ses-
sions will be available through an On-Line Library
where users can have access to education at any
time throughout the year. CLICK HERE to access
the library and purchase sessions.
Price for an all access subscription to the On-Line
Library is $99.00 for conference attendees. Hurry
and take advantage of this low rate before it in-
creases to $159 for STMA members on February 9.
Unable to attend the conference? Take the educa-
tion you missed at your desk. The cost for STMA
members who did not attend the conference is also
$159. Individual sessions will also be available via
the On-Line Library for $20 per session. A DVD will
be available for purchase for those interested in a
hard copy back up to the online content.
These recordings benefit conference attendees un-
able to make it to concurrent sessions and sports
turf managers unable to make it to the conference.
The recordings are also valuable as a refresher
throughout the year for sports turf managers to
stay current and educated in the industry. Make
sure to take advantage of this valuable opportunity
to enhance your education and stay current with
industry trends and research!
Also, don't forget to visit the STMA Conference
Handouts page to download and print speaker
presentations and handouts from education ses-
sions at the conference.
Conference proceedings for 2010—2014 are also
available here.
Water Advocacy Benefits Members
In late 2014, STMA joined the Waters Advocacy
Coalition with other industry organizations to con-
tribute comments to the US EPA and US Army
Corp of Engineers proposed rule to define waters
of the US under the Clean Water Act. The coalition
had numerous concerns with the rule as did STMA,
and we supported the more than 85 pages of com-
ments. This is important to members on three
fronts: 1) Helps to protect the your facilities and
your work from restrictive regulation; 2) Brings
STMA into the national spotlight, joining with more
than 60 other high-profile organizations comment-
ing; and 3) Moves STMA into its first experience
with formal lobbying efforts on members behalf.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and
Public Works will hold a joint hearing on Wed.,
Feb. 4 to examine the impacts on state and local
governments of this proposed rule. STMA will con-
tinue to monitor this issue and provide updates as
it advances.
New SAFE Videos - Free to Download
The SAFE Foundation, STMA's charity, in conjunc-
tion with the association has created three educa-
tional videos about field safety. Sports and Recrea-
tion Fields – Safety First, is a video outreach pro-
gram directed to non-technical audiences -- par-
ents, volunteers, athletic directors, coaches, refer-
ees -- anyone who comes in contact with athletic
fields or oversees outdoor sporting events. Ross
Kurcab, CSFM, former sports turf manager for the
Denver Broncos and current sports field consultant
with Championship Sports Turf wrote and pro-
duced the videos, which are downloadable in an
MP4 format.
Natural Grass Field Safety
Synthetic Field Safety
Sports Facility & Equipment Safety
Online Training in Turfgrass Science
STMA has developed a unique on-line training
course, Introduction to Turfgrass Science. This self
-paced training will provide a good refresher for
anyone who manages sports fields. It is especially
pertinent for new crew members or for those who
have not been formally educated in turfgrass sci-
ence.
The On-line Curriculum: • Offers comprehensive training through 5 Units
• Introduction to Turfgrass Science
• Turfgrass Growth & Development, Anatomy, ID
• Turfgrass Soils
• Turfgrass Cultural Practices
• Turfgrass Establishment
Click here and either log in or create a new visitor
record, then click the membership, merchandise
and online registration link to order Introduction to
Turfgrass Science. The course is now available and
is only $75 for STMA members.
Challenges for crabgrass and other annual grassy weed control: the preemergence/herbicide dilemma By Dr. John R. Street, Pamela J. Sherratt, and Dr. David S. Gardner
The basic concept of weed control in turfgrass ecosystems will really never change. The paramount prin-
ciple against the establishment of weeds in any turfgrass system is the culture and maintenance of a
healthy, dense, competitive stand of turf. A preventative cultural approach is successful only on sports
fields if proper fertilization, mowing, irrigation, pest control, core cultivation, overseeding, etc. practices
are implemented in an integrated management program. Unfortunately, on sports fields an additional
challenge to maintaining a dense stand of turfgrass is foot
traffic (in many cases severe) that creates the additional
stress of both direct physical wear and tearing/shearing/
divoting that weakens the turfgrass and opens up the sur-
face to an increasing opportunity for weed encroachment
and for the germination of annual grassy weeds. Basically,
annual grassy weed control in any turfgrass system is
what I refer to as the “science of voidology” and
“ecological niches.” Weed seed present in the soil is lying
dormant just waiting for an opportunity under the right
environmental and cultural conditions to invade a weak-
ened turf with open voids. Annual grassy weeds like
crabgrass prefer these voidology and ecological niche con-
ditions. Weed encroachment on sports fields is much more
likely due to “voidology conditions” and more so than any other turfgrass management system.
Sports turf managers therefore require the ultimate expertise in the art and science of turf management
as the odds in many cases are against you. Although there are many potential problematic weeds that
can invade athletic fields certainly the most common annual grassy weed across the country is crabgrass
as it observes no boundaries. It is a C4 turfgrass in the same physiological class as the warm-season
grasses and thus thrives under moist and warm/hot environmental conditions (ecological niche). Give
crabgrass an opening/opportunity under the appropriate conditions and it germinates and infests turf
quickly with tillering occurring within weeks of germination.
In our opinion the key predictive criteria for crabgrass germination and infestation is soil temperature.
Other predictive methods can be used to determine crabgrass germination like growing degree days
(GDDs), phenological events like forsythia bloom drop, calendar dates, weather consultant services, his-
torical experience, etc. but soil temperature monitoring is by far the most reliable qualitative method.
Crabgrass typically initially germinates in late winter/early spring when nighttime soil temperatures reach
50-55F for several consecutive nights. It continues to germinate throughout the spring and early to mid
summer period.
Monitoring soil temperatures at a 2” depth is one of the best ways to predict when crabgrass will initially
germinate. The temperatures listed in Table 1 refer to the low nighttime soil temperatures over a period
of several consecutive nights. Any method that assists in monitoring soil temperature within your region
can be used like a simple soil thermometer or a website weather database; a weather monitoring tech-
nology like the Spectrum Technology Watch Dog weather system also can provide a wide variety of oth-
er climatological data in addition to soil temperature, local weather consultants, etc. Our Ohio Agricultur-
al Research and Development Center at the Ohio State monitors climatological data at 20 different loca-
tions across the state and provides weather data via the OARDC weather system web-site every 5
minutes 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Sports field managers can log onto the site anytime and retrieve
past and current nighttime soil temperatures at the 2” and 4” depths every night and day during the late
winter/spring. As soil temperatures begin to move into the 50-55F range for several consecutive nights,
just like a clock, crabgrass will initiate germination. The OARDC weather system is a great soil tempera-
ture monitoring tool. Check with your closest land grant university or state turfgrass specialists to see if
such a weather-based system is available to you in your state. The second best attribute of this system
is that it is FREE. I think most of us like valuable things that are free.
The relatively new GDD tracker program/model (www.GDDTracker.net) developed at Michigan State Uni-
versity is another good way to assist you in monitoring crabgrass germination timing based on growing
degree days. It is set up for monitoring in four mid west states at the present time. In Ohio, GDD tracker
program use is being financially sponsored by John Deere Landscapes and the Ohio Turfgrass Founda-
tion. You may want to consider working with sponsoring agencies, associations and foundations in your
state to bring this program on board.
Most turfgrass managers continue to rely on the use of preemergence herbicides as a standard preven-
tative control for crabgrass and other annual grasses (an “offensive” strategy). Preemergence herbicides
provide a chemical barrier or blanket at the soil surface intercepting the young seedling weed and pre-
venting it from emerging/developing. Thus, proper application timing is a key factor in its effectiveness.
Many agronomists consider improper (i.e. missing the initial window of crabgrass germination) as the
primary reason for preemergence herbicide failure. Emerged crabgrass plants are not controlled by
preemergence herbicides, except for Dimension, which exhibits early post and pre activity. The basic
“offensive” principle is that the preemergence herbicide be applied before the onset of crabgrass seed
germination. It is fairly simple if you engage the “offensive” principle and monitor soil temperatures and/
or GDDs. Crabgrass can germinate at significantly different times from year to year. In Columbus (a
great example) crabgrass germinated at its typical time of April 20-25 in 2013, but in 2012 crabgrass
surprised most turf managers by germinating March 15-20 (4 weeks earlier than normal). Sports turf
managers monitoring for soil temperatures and/or GDDs where well ahead on the “offensive” side of the
game plan whereas many other managers lost the game in the first quarter (March/April 2012). Really
can’t recover when the initial germination window has long passed (like a wide receiver 30 yards down
the field and wide open!).
Preemergence herbicides, or the “offensive” strategy for sports turf managers is confounded by the fact
that most of these preemergence herbicides will severally damage, kill and/or prevent the emergence of
desirable turfgrasses as well as weeds. Sports turf managers have several choices of preemergence
herbicides based on species tolerance and efficacy where NO seeding or overseeding programs are
planned. Most of the herbicides listed for standard preemergence use cannot be used on turfgrass areas
at the time of seeding or within a certain time interval after a preemergence application.
Please note that there are major differences in the tolerance/safety of these herbicides between cool-
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and warm-season grasses. Pay particular attention to the herbicide label regarding use on more sensitive
species like the fine fescues and hybrid bermudagrasses, as well. Never use a preemergence or
postemergence herbicide for crabgrass or other annual grassy weed control before fully reading and un-
derstanding the use requirements and restrictions on the label. A good example would be Dimension
(dithiopyr) that cannot be safely applied at the time of seeding or until the desirable turfgrass has been
mowed at least 2-3 times. Also, there is a suggested waiting period or time interval after a Dimension
application of 6 to 16 weeks before seeding/overseeding depending on application rate.
Thus the standard “offensive” strategy becomes a problem in attempting to control crabgrass and other
weed species during turfgrass establishment in seeding or overseeding operations. One approach is “site
specific” management by only applying a preemergence herbicide on sports field areas that DO NOT re-
quire seeding or overseeding like outside the hash marks, beyond the 20 or 30 yard lines, end zone are-
as, and side line areas on football fields.
Where seeding or overseeding is necessary, there are a few options. The list is restricted to only a few
but includes siduron (Tupersan), mesotrione (Tenacity) and Pylex (topramazone). Follow the label care-
fully. When used properly, siduron will reduce crabgrass, goosegrass, foxtail and many summer annual
broadleaf weeds by 70-80%. Mesotrione (Tenacity) and Pylex (topramezone) are excellent preemergence
tools to use in seedings for reducing spring/summer weed pressure from crabgrass, goosegrass, sedges,
and summer annual broadleaf weeds by 90% or greater. These two latter products allow sports turf
managers to be more successful with spring and summer seedings by effectively reducing weed competi-
tion and actually “widening the window” for successful seeding/overseeding into the summer.
Both Tenacity and Pylex are in the same chemical family and inhibit carotenoid biosynthesis with chloro-
phyll destruction resulting in all susceptible weeds turning white (bleaching symptom). These two herbi-
cides have both pre- and postemergence activity on crabgrass and many other weeds. Preemergence
residual with both these herbicides, however, lasts only about 30 days and, therefore, will not provide
season-long preemergence activity. Where longer preemergence activity/residual is required, like in ear-
ly spring or early summer seedings/overseedings, a sequential or follow-up application can be made at a
30-day interval or at least 4 weeks after seedling emergence. Where perennial ryegrass is a principle
component of the sports field turf, it is NOT suggested that the interval on repeat applications be short-
ened to less than 30 days. Reducing crabgrass and other annual weed competition during seeding oper-
ations with these latter two herbicides should greatly enhance your success at spring and summer seed-
ings/overseedings. They are a definite benefit in establishment programs should be included in every
sports turf manager’s weed control tool box.
Defensive strategies
Postemergence herbicide options or “defensive” strategies for controlling crabgrass in established
turfgrasses include Acclaim Extra (fenoxaprop p-ethyl), a number of quinclorac (Drive DF) products and
XLR8, Tenacity (mesotrione), Pylex (topramezone) and a few combination pre/post products including
Calvalcade PQ (combo of prodiamine plus quinclorac), Echelon (combo of sulfentrazone plus prodia-
mine), and Dimension (dithiopyr). Dimension has early postemergence activity on crabgrass so young (3
-5 leaf and before tillering) crabgrass is controlled and a preemergence barrier is set in place for the re-
mainder of the season. This is a great herbicide tool in the spring where crabgrass germination has oc-
curred before the application of a preemergence herbicide. A similar “defensive” strategy is the basis for
the combination products Calvalcade PQ and Echelon where the quinclorac or sulfentrazone provides
post activity on already germinated crabgrass and the prodiamine provides a preemergence barrier for
the remainder of the season.
Drive DF products and XLR8 are good “defensive” options where crabgrass has matured beyond the ear-
ly post crabgrass stage (tillered). It is a foliar absorbed post herbicide that requires a surfactant and
needs to be applied at no less than 0.75 lbs. ai/A for best results. XLR8 would be an excellent choice for
sports turf managers in late summer where a rescue treatment for quick crabgrass knockdown is re-
quired before the beginning of the playing season (a “defensive” save face strategy). XLR8 will discolor
and reduce the visibility of crabgrass in the canopy within 3-5 days in conjunction with a good fertility
program.
Finally, both Tenacity and Pylex have been evaluated for postemergence crabgrass control in Ohio State
research over the past several years. Both again are so called “bleacher” herbicides. Two sequential ap-
plications of both herbicides will effectively control mature crabgrass on a consistent basis. The addition
of triclopyr with Tenacity (8 oz product/A) increases the efficacy of Tenacity to where a single application
of the combo provides good to excellent post crabgrass control. Pylex alone has shown good to excellent
postemergence activity on tillered crabgrass in a single application. The inclusion of triclopyr with Pylex
also enhances its activity on tillered crabgrass and many other weeds. Pylex is a stellar product for
goosegrass control. The inclusion of triclopyr in combos with Tenacity or Pylex also eliminates the
bleaching or whitening symptom.
Dr. John R. Street is an extension/research associate professor; Dr. David Gardner is a research/
teaching associate professor; and Pamela Sherratt is a senior extension sports turf specialist, all with the
Department f Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University, Columbus.
Satellite might help explain Texas water deficit
A satellite launched in California will provide im-
portant data as researchers grope for ways to
explain a massive deficit in Texas water over the
past several years, a scientist involved in the
research said.
While gravitational measurements from a 13-
year-old satellite mission were used to deter-
mine the size of the Texas water deficit, the mis-
sion starting Friday will use radar and radio
waves to measure one little-understood compo-
nent — soil moisture.
Scientists are trying to figure out why Texas'
"total water storage" has remained extremely
low since scorching, drought-stricken 2011. To-
tal water storage is the amount of water stored
in the soil, in aquifers and in above-ground res-
ervoirs and streams.
As part of its ongoing coverage of water issues
in the Southwest, the El Paso Times last
week reported on an analysis of satellite data..
It showed that in 2011, Texas' water storage
dropped 84 million acre-feet below its 13-year
average.
Since then, despite unusually wet recent weath-
er, the state's water storage has increased by
only 10 percent, leaving a deficit of 76 million
acre-feet, the amount of water needed to cover
76 million acres a foot deep.
Click here to read the full article from the
El Paso Times
Fading El Niño could extend Texas drought
The Aussies say El Niño — the hoped-for rainmaker
for drought-plagued North Texas — has mostly fiz-
zled out in the Pacific Ocean.
That might be good news Down Under, but it’s not
exactly what Texas water providers want to hear.
And the U.S. Climate Prediction Center’s latest sea-
sonal drought forecast shows much less promise for
improvements in Texas than it did a couple of
months ago. Areas that expected to see the five-
year drought ease or even end are now looking at
continued or possibly worsening drought in the
coming months.
Even with last week’s rains — more than an inch in
many parts of North Texas — lake levels showed
only the slightest improvements.
Basically, said David Finfrock, chief meteorologist at
KXAS-TV (NBC5), any increases in lake levels prob-
ably came from the rain that actually fell over the
lakes. There was precious little runoff to trickle into
the region’s reservoirs.
“We’re well above average [in rainfall] for the first
22 days of the month,” Finfrock said, “so the soil
moisture is great — I think we’ll have a good wild-
flower crop this spring.
“But we haven’t had torrential downpours with
enough runoff to begin filling the lakes,” he said.
“The native plants will do fine. But humans need
water in the lakes.”
Click here to read the full article from the
Dallas Morning News
Turface Athletics Presents 2014 Field Maintenance,
Scholarship Awards
Turface Athletics™ presented its 2014 Field Maintenance and Scholarship awards at the American
Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) annual luncheon Jan. 4., held in Orlando, Florida. The mainte-
nance awards recognize outstanding field maintenance at the high school and college levels, while the
scholarships provide assistance to two schools in need of field improvements.
Worcester State University was selected as the recipient of the ABCA/Turface Athletics Field Mainte-
nance Award for the college division, while Walton-Verona High School in Verona, Kentucky, was again
the high school division winner, having won it twice before. Accepting on behalf of the schools at the
luncheon were Worcester State head coach Dr. Dirk Baker, and Walton-Verona head coach Kevin
McIntyre.
“It is very important to me, as well as the team to maintain and play on one of the finest ballparks in
all of New England,” Baker said. “It is nice to know that all of our hard work has paid off these past
few years with all the improvements we have made.”
As part of the award package, Baker and McIntyre each received 1 ton of Turface MVP® infield condi-
tioner and $400 to be spent on maintenance equipment.
“We look forward to the upcoming season and will further make improvements on the field with our
honorable awards we were given,” Baker said.
The Worcester State Lancers play the team’s home
games at Kevin Lyons Baseball Diamond at Rockwood
Park in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Columbus Catholic High School in Waterloo, Iowa,
and Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina,
received the Field Maintenance Scholarships in the
high school and college divisions, respectively. The
two schools will each receive three tons of
Turface® and a total of $500 over the next two years
for use on maintenance equipment and supplies.
“Turface Athletics has a long history of educating
sports field managers, coaches and volunteers to
keep fields of any size safe and playable for the ath-
letes using them,” said Jeff Langner, brand manager
for Turface Athletics. “The annual awards help show-
case and congratulate fields that are maintained at
the highest level, while providing assistance for fields
that may have a strong support system in place, but
lack the necessary resources to make field improve-
ments.”
Dr. Dirk Baker (right) with ABCA
Executive Director Craig Keilitz.
Photo courtesy of Lou Pavlovich
3 Simple Secrets to Turf Success: Explain Yourself!
The sports turf management career has certainly changed as the economy forced limited budgets and
increased challenges to provide safe playable surfaces, among other issues. So how will you adjust your
approach to work and your career to succeed in the new reality?
These 3 simple secrets will help you take control of your career into your own hands:
Know your audience
What individuals influence your professional success today? Consider your direct supervisor, his/her em-
ployer, athletes who play on the product you create, and even your close friends and family that have
an opinion on how you spend your time. Identify their specific wants/needs and make them happen.
Speak their language Articulate why you do what you do in such a way that:
Shares just the right amount of information (not too much detail, but answers their questions –
even if not the ones they actually ask!)
Uses precise wording to clearly communicate to your audience (each individual may need dif-
ferent words, depending on their perspective)
Avoid jargon. Try different phrasing – sometimes multiple times – and speak in language non-turf
professionals understand.
Share your value
To help those significant individuals understand, first identify your specific value in terms of the unique
strengths you offer. What makes you best suited for this work at this facility? It might be your educ
tion and experience, but more likely, it’s your “soft skills” – knowing what you bring to the table and
using those strengths to build a powerful team. Think how your personality helps you best communicate
and relate to others.
The more you can help others understand what you do in a way that clarifies how your knowledge, skills
and passion for the turf meet their needs, the more valuable you become.
The overall key to accomplishing these 3 simple secrets to succeed in your turf management career is to
focus on building positive relationships – with your crew, your employer and your customers.
You are welcome to send questions, comments and stories about “explaining yourself” to me at:
Lyne Tumlinson helps turf professionals who lead from the middle – those who both “manage up” and
manage down – and find themselves stuck and their teams frustrated, overworked and unmotivated by
energy-sucking changes at work. After team and/or individual coaching, clients
discover their improved communication and leadership skills power up their level
of confidence in what they offer and what direction to go, on their own and with
their team.
She brings experience as career services director at the Golf Course Superinten-
dents Association of America (GCSAA) and cross-cultural trainer at University of
Kansas, plus degrees in psychology, business and Russian Studies. Now a certi-
fied coach through the International Coach Federation, Tumlinson specializes in
strengths strategy, and personal and social branding.
Executive Directors:
President: Rusty Walker, CSFM—City of Grapevine, [email protected]
Past President: Nick McKenna, CSFM— Texas A&M University, [email protected]
President - Elect: Kevin Lebanik—Harrell's, [email protected]
1st Commercial Vice Pres: Darin Eberly—Pioneer Manuf. Co., [email protected]
2nd Commercial Vice Pres: John Kearns—Professional Turf Products, [email protected]
Treasurer: Leo Goertz—Texas A&M University, [email protected]
Committee Directors:
Advertising: Travis Sales—City of Mesquite, [email protected]
Communication Committee: Dan Bergstrom—Houston Astros, [email protected]
Region I (DFW): Allen Reed, CSFM, FC Dallas, [email protected]
Region II (Austin/San Antonio): Michael Piñon, San Antonio ISD, [email protected]
Region III (Houston): Josh Scott, Alvin ISD, [email protected]
Membership: Brant Williams, CSFM, Dallas Baptist University, [email protected]
Scholarship: Chris Pitts, Clear Creek ISD, [email protected]
Chapter Executive: Carol Cloud, [email protected], (817) 736-0727
2015 Membership Renewal!
The TXSTMA values your membership and continuing support. We
appreciate your participation and would like to remind you that it
is time to renew your membership for 2015. Follow the links be-
low to make the process as easy as pie.
1. Update Contact Information Click Here if your contact information has changed.
If nothing has changed recently, skip to step 2.
2. Pay for Membership - Click Here
3. That's it! Your Done!
If you are not a current member we would love to have you as a member.
All you have to do is:
1. Membership Application - Click Here
2. Pay for Membership - Click Here
3. That's it! Your Done! Now enjoy you membership!
Members like you make doing business a real pleasure.