The last week in May will celebrate and increase awareness of the industry.
The state of Ohio has officially designated an “Ohio Turfgrass Week,” in order to increase awareness of the turfgrass industry and the importance of turfgrass to the state’s economy and environment.
The Ohio Revised Code 5.2239 says, “The General Assembly finds that the turfgrass industry in this state employs thousands of people and generates billions of dollars in revenue each year. The General Assembly also finds that turfgrass acts as an environmental filter absorbing pollutants such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide and prevents soil erosion.
The idea was initiated in early 2005 and a bill was signed on Dec. 23, 2010 by now former Gov. Ted Strickland just before he left office.
During the last week in May, the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation and other industry groups will promote the benefits of turfgrass, as well as the industry.
Source: www.lawnandlandscape.com
January 21, 2011
Increasing Demands Bring Advancements in Oil Filtration
Undeniably, the best filter of all is the invisible filter. This is the filter that doesn’t have to be purchased, doesn’t have to be installed, doesn’t have to be changed and doesn’t have to be monitored. This is the filter that gets the oil clean simply by a change in human conduct and behavior. It’s the countless little actions by people who work with lubricants and machinery that prevent oil from becoming dirty in the first place. These are the things that humans do to expose oil to contamination (knowingly or unknowingly).
The invisible filter is the conspicuous awareness that cleanliness is virtuous toward achieving machine reliability and that every critical machine has an assigned cleanliness target and is monitored religiously.
Awareness and measurement bring about human behavioral change. Be cleanliness wise and cleanliness conscious.
Read the rest of the article
here.
January 19, 2011
‘Grass whisperer’ engineers Willow Springs rebound
The fairways had more weeds than turf, the greens had recently been resodded after a worker killed the grass with a heavy application of pesticide, and an outmoded irrigation system had produced more bare spots than bermuda.
"Of all of them, it was in the worst situation," Fryrear said of the ACGT courses. "That one had dropped down a notch or two."
Enter Brian Woolard, 38, who only a few months earlier had been hired to oversee Mission Del Lago.
"I kind of left it to Brian to get it all working," Fryrear said.
Just more than a year later, Woolard's remarkable efforts at Willow Springs earned him recognition as superintendent of the year by the Central Texas Golf Course Superintendents Association.
"It just needed some tender loving care and some direction," said Woolard, an Alvarado native who didn't pursue a career in the golf industry until he discovered the superintendent degree program at Texas State Technical College in Waco. "I wasn't involved with what was going on previously. I just knew I could turn it around."
He did so by applying experience learned in more than a dozen years serving as an assistant on various properties statewide and what others around him term an extraordinary knack for identifying and treating trouble spots on the course.
Woolard, a golfer while at Alvarado High School southeast of Fort Worth, does so despite suffering from a form of cerebral palsy that has cost him some motor function on the left side of his body.
"It doesn't affect my brain," he said. "I do things. I just can't do it as fast as some."
Fryrear dismisses that claim. "I haven't noticed any lack of speed," he said. "Our experience with Brian is he gets it done faster than anybody else. That's just him being modest."
Indeed, that disability hasn't appeared to slow what Woolard terms a "passion" for keeping his golf course in top shape for players. He arrived in San Antonio in January 2009 after five years as an assistant superintendent at exclusive Brae Burn Country Club in Houston.
After the short stint at Mission Del Lago, he was transferred to Willow Springs, located across from the AT&T Center, and found a 250-acre tract that was a stark contrast to Brae Burn's meticulously manicured landscape.
Woolard went to work, supervising the manual operation of balky irrigation heads around the 7,221-yard course. He eliminated the weed problem with aggressive treatments; successfully treated turf damaged by the heavy salt content from effluent water; added gypsum, nitrogen and other nutrients to trouble areas, and oversaw aerification of greens as needed.
"Brian's experience let us go to hyper-speed mode," Fryrear said.
"He's an extremely talented superintendent who took ownership at Willow Springs," said Jim Roschek, president and CEO of ACGT. "As an operator, I couldn't ask for more."
Healthy rains over much of the past year buoyed Woolard's efforts, as did his growing reputation as a sort of "grass whisperer." Today, even as he battles the same irrigation system issues and mercurial weather, Willow Springs' rebound ranks as the most impressive in the city.
"I see disease before anybody else does," Woolard said. "I guess it's one of those things that just came to me. I just watch, and I'm very observant. Some people give me too much credit sometimes.
"I just do what I do and know what I know. It's hard to explain."
BRIAN WOOLARD
Age: 38
Job: Head superintendent, Willow Springs Golf Course
Education: Golf course superintendent program, Texas State Technical College (Waco)
Professional: Worked seven years at various properties for American Golf ... Served at Brae Burn Country Club in Houston from 2005-09 ... Superintendent for Mission Del Lago from January-September 2009 ... Hired as superintendent at Willow Springs in fall 2009.
Award: 2010 Superintendent of the Year, Central Texas Golf Course Superintendents Association
Source
What is Driving Recent Increases in Fertilizer Prices?
Bruce Erickson, Purdue Agricultural Economics
Fertilizer prices are on the upswing again, buoyed by the high prices of agricultural products that have stimulated increased demand. While the general U.S. economy struggles to recover from the financial crisis of 2008, the demand for agricultural products continues in a strong position due to favorable exchange rates, grain usage for biofuels, production concerns related to recent unfavorable weather in key crop growing regions, and a host of other factors. Higher fertilizer prices have put heavy users such as farmers, lawn care companies, and golf course superintendents on the defensive trying to best manage the input costs of their businesses. The following explains some factors that influence fertilizer prices and possible strategies in dealing with high and fluctuating prices.
Prices Influenced by World Markets and Energy Fertilizer prices reached record levels in 2008 just prior to the financial crisis, with the prices of some key fertilizer materials such as anhydrous ammonia and diammonium phosphate exceeding $1000 per ton. Prices retreated in 2009 and 2010, but began increasing again last fall. The price of urea is approximately twice what it was a decade ago (see figure). In the 1980s the United States was a significant nitrogen exporter--now more than 57 percent of nitrogen used in the U.S. is imported (2008 data). Most commercial nitrogen fertilizers originate from a process that uses natural gas to convert the nitrogen gas in the air into a form usable by crops. Natural gas prices in other parts of the world are a fraction of what they are in the United States, so it is often more economical to produce there even considering transportation costs. Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Russia, and the Middle East are major suppliers to the U.S.
Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) fertilizer sources such as DAP (Diammonium phosphate, 18-46-0) and muriate of potash (0-0-60) originate mostly from open or underground mines, with the bulk of production controlled by a handful of companies. The U.S. is the world’s leading supplier/exporter of phosphorus fertilizers, but imports most of its potassium from Canada. Investments in fertilizer mining and manufacturing are often long-term commitments and companies often lack the ability to adjust quickly to short-term market conditions.
Fertilizer Pricing is Complex Fertilizer is not traded on a common exchange like stocks, currencies, or grains, so it can be much more difficult to get a read on prices. In addition, fertilizers are heavy, bulky commodities and their transport involves expense, time, and logistical constraints. Many customers also depend on their suppliers for fertilizer storage and specialized application equipment. So the market is not as fluid as many other inputs—users aren’t as likely to shop around and then just go pick up what they need as they might for chemicals or seeds.
Dealing With High Fertilizer Prices Using the correct form and amount of fertilizer to achieve the desired plant response maximizes efficient input use and keeping costs in check. Fertilizer suppliers may be willing to enter into contractual arrangements with their larger customers that specify a future quantity and price, to help them manage their own price risk as well as that of their customers. In addition, some larger fertilizer users have also built their own bulk storage facilities that allow them to capitalize on seasonal price advantages or other price trends.
For More Information
Illinois Production Costs Report, Illinois Department of Agriculture: http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/gx_gr210.txt
Agricultural Prices, United States Department of Agriculture: http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1002
Factors Shaping Price and Availability of This Year’s Fertilizer Market, 2008, Purdue Agricultural Economics: http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/news/financial/Fertilizer_Market.pdf
Fertilizer prices are on the upswing again, buoyed by the high prices of agricultural products that have stimulated increased demand. While the general U.S. economy struggles to recover from the financial crisis of 2008, the demand for agricultural products continues in a strong position due to favorable exchange rates, grain usage for biofuels, production concerns related to recent unfavorable weather in key crop growing regions, and a host of other factors. Higher fertilizer prices have put heavy users such as farmers, lawn care companies, and golf course superintendents on the defensive trying to best manage the input costs of their businesses. The following explains some factors that influence fertilizer prices and possible strategies in dealing with high and fluctuating prices. Prices Influenced by World Markets and Energy Fertilizer prices reached record levels in 2008 just prior to the financial crisis, with the prices of some key fertilizer materials such as anhydrous ammonia and diammonium phosphate exceeding $1000 per ton. Prices retreated in 2009 and 2010, but began increasing again last fall. The price of urea is approximately twice what it was a decade ago (see figure). In the 1980s the United States was a significant nitrogen exporter--now more than 57 percent of nitrogen used in the U.S. is imported (2008 data). Most commercial nitrogen fertilizers originate from a process that uses natural gas to convert the nitrogen gas in the air into a form usable by crops. Natural gas prices in other parts of the world are a fraction of what they are in the United States, so it is often more economical to produce there even considering transportation costs. Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Russia, and the Middle East are major suppliers to the U.S.
Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) fertilizer sources such as DAP (Diammonium phosphate, 18-46-0) and muriate of potash (0-0-60) originate mostly from open or underground mines, with the bulk of production controlled by a handful of companies. The U.S. is the world’s leading supplier/exporter of phosphorus fertilizers, but imports most of its potassium from Canada. Investments in fertilizer mining and manufacturing are often long-term commitments and companies often lack the ability to adjust quickly to short-term market conditions.
Fertilizer Pricing is Complex Fertilizer is not traded on a common exchange like stocks, currencies, or grains, so it can be much more difficult to get a read on prices. In addition, fertilizers are heavy, bulky commodities and their transport involves expense, time, and logistical constraints. Many customers also depend on their suppliers for fertilizer storage and specialized application equipment. So the market is not as fluid as many other inputs—users aren’t as likely to shop around and then just go pick up what they need as they might for chemicals or seeds.
Dealing With High Fertilizer Prices Using the correct form and amount of fertilizer to achieve the desired plant response maximizes efficient input use and keeping costs in check. Fertilizer suppliers may be willing to enter into contractual arrangements with their larger customers that specify a future quantity and price, to help them manage their own price risk as well as that of their customers. In addition, some larger fertilizer users have also built their own bulk storage facilities that allow them to capitalize on seasonal price advantages or other price trends.
For More Information
Illinois Production Costs Report, Illinois Department of Agriculture: http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/gx_gr210.txt
Agricultural Prices, United States Department of Agriculture: http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1002
Factors Shaping Price and Availability of This Year’s Fertilizer Market, 2008, Purdue Agricultural Economics: http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/news/financial/Fertilizer_Market.pdf
January 14, 2011
Golf Course Trades February Issue
The article this month is written by Paul L. Carter CGCS from The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay Harrison Tennessee. The article is entitled Promoting the industry and yourself. Paul and his golf course have been awarded the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary as designated by Audubon International and the first site in Tennessee to be designated as a Groundwater Guardian Green Site by The Groundwater Foundation.
From the article "Our environmental stewardship programs, such as our work with Audubon International and The Groundwater Foundation, has led to The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay being awarded several environmental awards, both regionally and nationally, over the past years. We were very fortunate to be awarded the 2009 Governors’ Environmental Stewardship Award from the State of Tennessee, becoming the first golf course in the award’s 24 year history to win the award. We were also fortunate to be awarded a Chapter Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s Environmental Leaders in Golf awards program the same year. These awards have been a great “jumping off point” to continue to tell the public of our programs. We use press releases and interviews to inform the public of what we have accomplished and what we are planning next."
Great job Paul keep up the good work!
Contact Paul L. Carter CGCS about this article at this email paul.carter@tn.gov.
Also you can visit his blog at www.bthbgcm.blogspot.com
Make sure you click on the cover above to see the entire magazine!
This months Company Spotlight is for Cross Country Cowboy, Inc. From their web site: Cross Country Cowboy, Inc. has spent many years doing extensive research on barrier netting, compiling data to set the standard for many firsts in this unique industry. With our exclusive cross brace design, Patent #5,732,935, comes a wind protection mechanism on a golf barrier netting installation. This cross brace cable system has a 4’chain link mesh along the bottom, working in conjunction with the design. The chain link is installed pole to pole with cable lines, no posts needed. It looks professional and stops balls from rolling under the net and prevents the ground crew from cutting the net with ball pickers, lawn mowers, weed whackers, etc.
Our 1st quality, detailed work gives you the best golf range netting installation nationwide —Guaranteed! We are a full service experienced company with commitment to customer service. Cross Country Cowboy, Inc., was established in 1981 in the construction field. By 1990, all our energy and time went into golf range netting, perfecting our design and in 1998 finalizing our patent. For almost 2 decades, our dedication to integrity, perfection, and quality have come full-circle. We do not use sub-contractors; we have our own equipment, staff, and field crews.
So whether you are looking for fairway or driving range net, litter control, baseball or soccer netting, baseball or golf cages, we are the company for you. Our turnkey installations offer “you” peace of mind, because our system has proven to withstand wind loads where others fail.
Contact Info:
Cross Country Cowboy, Inc.
233 13th Street
Hammonton, NJ 08037
Phone: 609-561-0830
Fax: 609-567-9555
Email: crosscountrycowboy@comcast.net
Sam Diamond, President
Lucrecia Codario, VP
January 13, 2011
IGCEMA Announces 2011 Virtual Trade Show
Today the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association (IGCEMA) would like to announce the official opening of registration for our 2011 Virtual Trade Show (VTS) that will take place on March 23 -25th.
IGCEMA CEO Stephen Tucker stated, “We are excited this year to be hosting our second Virtual Trade Show. This year we have partnered with the GCSAA to not only help us with the marketing of the trade show but also we wanted to offer this tool for their membership as well. It is important with the current economy that we all make every effort to work together as a team and I believe this is a great opportunity for both of us to do just that. I am very excited to see where this year’s VTS takes us in terms of innovative new ideas, I think it’s exciting!”
The virtual trade show is a three-day, live, online event for suppliers, dealers and customers to gather for meaningful business development and relationship building. It provides rich communication tools to foster an online meeting place where suppliers and their customers can meet, learn and make buying decisions. Virtual trade show booths allow attendees to browse product information, conduct meetings and engage in discussions with suppliers via e-mail and chat tools.
The first golf industry Virtual Trade Show was put on last year by the IGCEMA and brought support from many major manufacturers such as Toro, John Deere Golf and Jacobsen. This year, both Toro and John Deere Golf, have signed on in support of the event as official sponsors for the second year in a row. With the ability to reach a world-wide audience all in one place, without having to travel many say this is the future. If you are looking for education, renewing an equipment lease, or just want to see what’s new and exciting then register today. www.virtualgolfshow.com
About IGCEMA
IGCEMA is a worldwide association for golf course technicians. An equipment technician is an integral part of the success of a golf management team, and is responsible for all the equipment used to maintain the golf course on a daily basis. Formed in 2006 to expand recognition and respect for golf course equipment managers, IGCEMA provides professionalism, standards, education, and achievement for its members.
IGCEMA CEO Stephen Tucker stated, “We are excited this year to be hosting our second Virtual Trade Show. This year we have partnered with the GCSAA to not only help us with the marketing of the trade show but also we wanted to offer this tool for their membership as well. It is important with the current economy that we all make every effort to work together as a team and I believe this is a great opportunity for both of us to do just that. I am very excited to see where this year’s VTS takes us in terms of innovative new ideas, I think it’s exciting!”
The virtual trade show is a three-day, live, online event for suppliers, dealers and customers to gather for meaningful business development and relationship building. It provides rich communication tools to foster an online meeting place where suppliers and their customers can meet, learn and make buying decisions. Virtual trade show booths allow attendees to browse product information, conduct meetings and engage in discussions with suppliers via e-mail and chat tools.
The first golf industry Virtual Trade Show was put on last year by the IGCEMA and brought support from many major manufacturers such as Toro, John Deere Golf and Jacobsen. This year, both Toro and John Deere Golf, have signed on in support of the event as official sponsors for the second year in a row. With the ability to reach a world-wide audience all in one place, without having to travel many say this is the future. If you are looking for education, renewing an equipment lease, or just want to see what’s new and exciting then register today. www.virtualgolfshow.com
About IGCEMA
IGCEMA is a worldwide association for golf course technicians. An equipment technician is an integral part of the success of a golf management team, and is responsible for all the equipment used to maintain the golf course on a daily basis. Formed in 2006 to expand recognition and respect for golf course equipment managers, IGCEMA provides professionalism, standards, education, and achievement for its members.
PGMS Announces Certified Grounds Technician (CGT) Accreditation Points System
The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) has expanded the continuing education requirement for its Certified Grounds Technician (CGT) professional designation program. Effective Jan. 1, 2011, all certified CGTs will need to obtain 35 Continuing Education Units every five years.
“Maintaining certification through continuing education, be it academic instruction, technical classes or other education opportunities, will help build skills essential in personal professional development,” said PGMS Vice President John Van Etten, CGM.
Upon recertifying, CGTs will need to submit proof of attendance in the following accreditation categories: classes taken (that pertain to grounds, business, management, horticultural or technical); teaching or writing an article for the PGMS newsletter the Grounds Management Forum or any other professional trade magazine tying PGMS into the story; involvement with the society; attendance at the School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO, a PGMS Regional Seminar and Site Visitation and/or PGMS branch meetings and; certifications such as the Pesticide License or First Aid Certificate.
The CGT program is for grounds professionals who are directly involved with performing the day-to-day tasks of grounds maintenance. To become a CGT, an applicant must pass the CGT test that consists of 60 questions based on the overall grounds maintenance field and 10 questions based on the applicant’s region. For more information on the CGT process visit www.pgms.org/cgtcertification.htm.
PGMS also offers a Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) program, a more advanced certification aimed at already established grounds managers in the industry. Those achieving the CGM designation must have first accomplished a set level of education and on-the-job experience and then successfully completed a two-part examination process administered by PGMS. For more information on the CGM process visit www.pgms.org/cgmcertification.htm.
Golf superintendents to back E-K
Windsor is set to host the first Ontario Golf Superintendents Association conference and trade show ever held outside the Toronto area.
The three-day event opens today at Caesars Windsor with two noteworthy events affecting the local golf community.
First, Chris Andrejicka, the superintendent at Essex Golf & Country Club, will be installed as the 2011 president of the OGSA at the annual general meeting Thursday.
Second, the OGSA will unveil a new initiative to support a local charity and the recipient will be the Essex-Kent Boys Golf Tournament.
A collection will be taken up during the conference and all guest speakers have agreed to donate their per diems to the cause.
A cheque presentation will be made to E-K directors Bernie Grabowiecki and Kevin Corriveau at an awards luncheon Friday.
In 2010, Andrejicka served as a vice-president on the OGSA's board of directors.
The 48-year-old Andrejicka said London and Windsor bid to host the 2011 conference, which has been held in Toronto the past six years.
"It was starting to get cost prohibitive," Andrejicka said of having the event in Toronto.
"It was difficult with all the vendors and all the big equipment that comes in."
Superintendents from across the province will get a chance to see the latest technology available in turf management, irrigation and a host of other manufacturers relevant to the industry.
Source
The three-day event opens today at Caesars Windsor with two noteworthy events affecting the local golf community.
First, Chris Andrejicka, the superintendent at Essex Golf & Country Club, will be installed as the 2011 president of the OGSA at the annual general meeting Thursday.
Second, the OGSA will unveil a new initiative to support a local charity and the recipient will be the Essex-Kent Boys Golf Tournament.
A collection will be taken up during the conference and all guest speakers have agreed to donate their per diems to the cause.
A cheque presentation will be made to E-K directors Bernie Grabowiecki and Kevin Corriveau at an awards luncheon Friday.
In 2010, Andrejicka served as a vice-president on the OGSA's board of directors.
The 48-year-old Andrejicka said London and Windsor bid to host the 2011 conference, which has been held in Toronto the past six years.
"It was starting to get cost prohibitive," Andrejicka said of having the event in Toronto.
"It was difficult with all the vendors and all the big equipment that comes in."
Superintendents from across the province will get a chance to see the latest technology available in turf management, irrigation and a host of other manufacturers relevant to the industry.
Source
Making Fuel at River Oaks Country Club
January 12, 2011
Fort Mill golf course honored
The Fort Mill Golf Club golf course has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.
"Fort Mill Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Jim Sluiter, staff ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs.
"Fort Mill is the third of our four golf courses to achieve this distinction," said Tim Patterson, president of Leroy Springs & Co., which owns and operates the club. "It culminates a great deal of hard work and planning by Superintendent Noel Buchanan and his assistant, Nick Jackson, and I congratulate them on their success."
American Chronicle
"Fort Mill Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Jim Sluiter, staff ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs.
"Fort Mill is the third of our four golf courses to achieve this distinction," said Tim Patterson, president of Leroy Springs & Co., which owns and operates the club. "It culminates a great deal of hard work and planning by Superintendent Noel Buchanan and his assistant, Nick Jackson, and I congratulate them on their success."
American Chronicle
January 7, 2011
The Battle of 2010
In a continuing effort to discover the many effects the past summer has had on golf greens turf I have launched a mini survey. The last survey I finished yielded 422 responses from across the US and gave many superintendents valuable information. This survey is just slightly different being that many have digested the season and have plans or actions in place that will safeguard turf though stressful summer conditions. The survey will only take several minutes and I will post a link with the results after the GIS next month. Thanks in advance, and all my best this New Year. Click to go to survey site.
www.mcmahongroup.blogspot.com
www.mcmahongroup.blogspot.com
January 6, 2011
Case Study for GCSAA's Environmental Institute for Golf
Click here to link to Attracting Wild Turkey at Harrison Bay Case Study
We are always excited to have the opportunity to spread the word about our environmental activities at The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay. This case study is actually the second one posted by GCSAA. Our other case study dealt with the creation of our native planting bed on #1 tee.
Click here to link to our Going Native case study
The GCSAA Environmental Institute for Golf website here is loaded with valuable information and I hope you can take time to look at some of the other case studies found there. The case studies can be found on the Online Resource page of the website EIFG Case Studies
N Cycle of pHish Ponds on Golf Courses
by Scott Morrison at Turfhuggers.com
With a growing trend towards dedicating water features as wildlife habitat, turf staff must now find ways of balancing the aesthetic value of a water feature with the challenge of a hazard while preserving the ecological integrity of the pond.
Learning the basics of pond chemistry can help turf staff understand how flora, fauna and human influences play an intricate part in the nitrogen cycle. Here's a basic review.
pH is perhaps the most complicated chemistry topic when it comes to understanding water chemistry. pH is the measurement of free hydrogen ions in water as measured on a logarithmic scale of 1 to 14, with 7 considered neutral. Ponds should be between 5.5 and 8.5, the ideal range is 7.0 and 7.4.
High pH readings indicate that more hydrogen ions have bonded and are part of a molecule, primarily water molecules. Low pH readings indicate more free ions in the water.
To provide healthy pond water conditions for fish, the pond requires ample water molecules with oxygen as well as a reasonable amount of free hydrogen to bind with oxygen at the surface and at aeration points such as water fountains, stream inlets and water falls.
Higher pH readings indicate more hydrogen within water molecules and so reflect the degree of water molecules in the pond. These molecules make oxygen available to fish, plants and aerobic bacteria. The pH in a pond is always changing. Seasonal temperature and aquatic plant growing trends mixed with the constant removal of oxygen by fish and the introduction of organic matter all have significant influence upon water quality.
The decomposition of organic matter, also known as nitrogenous waste, by aerobic or oxygen using bacteria generates the waste product ammonia. If a pond is high in ammonia there are either too many fish present (fish produce waste high in ammonia), there is a low concentration of nitrosomonas bacteria, or there is an outside source of ammonia leaching into the water table. Often when fish are seen “gasping for air” on the surface there is either low dissolved oxygen in the water, a low pH, or the presence of ammonia or nitrite. As soon as you have ammonia in the pond, the nitrogen cycle becomes a major player in the state of your water quality.
Read more at Turfhuggers.com
With a growing trend towards dedicating water features as wildlife habitat, turf staff must now find ways of balancing the aesthetic value of a water feature with the challenge of a hazard while preserving the ecological integrity of the pond.
Learning the basics of pond chemistry can help turf staff understand how flora, fauna and human influences play an intricate part in the nitrogen cycle. Here's a basic review.
pH is perhaps the most complicated chemistry topic when it comes to understanding water chemistry. pH is the measurement of free hydrogen ions in water as measured on a logarithmic scale of 1 to 14, with 7 considered neutral. Ponds should be between 5.5 and 8.5, the ideal range is 7.0 and 7.4.
High pH readings indicate that more hydrogen ions have bonded and are part of a molecule, primarily water molecules. Low pH readings indicate more free ions in the water.
To provide healthy pond water conditions for fish, the pond requires ample water molecules with oxygen as well as a reasonable amount of free hydrogen to bind with oxygen at the surface and at aeration points such as water fountains, stream inlets and water falls.
Higher pH readings indicate more hydrogen within water molecules and so reflect the degree of water molecules in the pond. These molecules make oxygen available to fish, plants and aerobic bacteria. The pH in a pond is always changing. Seasonal temperature and aquatic plant growing trends mixed with the constant removal of oxygen by fish and the introduction of organic matter all have significant influence upon water quality.
The decomposition of organic matter, also known as nitrogenous waste, by aerobic or oxygen using bacteria generates the waste product ammonia. If a pond is high in ammonia there are either too many fish present (fish produce waste high in ammonia), there is a low concentration of nitrosomonas bacteria, or there is an outside source of ammonia leaching into the water table. Often when fish are seen “gasping for air” on the surface there is either low dissolved oxygen in the water, a low pH, or the presence of ammonia or nitrite. As soon as you have ammonia in the pond, the nitrogen cycle becomes a major player in the state of your water quality.
Read more at Turfhuggers.com
January 5, 2011
Increase in Golf Course Renovations May Be on Tap for 2011, Says ASGCA
The struggling economy of recent years impacted decision makers across the country, in many cases limiting or even forestalling planned renovations at both public and private golf courses. Those plans may be moving to the front burner in 2011, notes the America Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).
Just as a house built during the 1980s and 1990s needs a new roof or replacement windows, so too golf courses designed and constructed during the game’s growth 20-25 year ago are in need of well-designed updates to continue serving players for decades to come. A properly renovated course also has a positive economic impact on the club because it reduces maintenance costs.
“The economy impacted everything in recent years, including the ability of some golf course owners to obtain credit to make necessary renovations,” said ASGCA president Erik Larsen. “With the new year, ASGCA expects to see more attention focused on development to improve and sustain courses in infrastructure such as irrigation, greens construction, bunkers and cart paths.”
A one-page flyer developed by ASGCA and other allied golf associations, “Golf Course Items Expected Life Cycle,” provides a detailed look at how long specific components of a golf course should last before the need for replacement. The time is fast approaching for many courses developed in the ‘80s and ‘90s. For example, even items which have the longest “life expectancy” – greens, concrete cart paths, irrigation systems – are typically not designed to last more than 30 years.
Once a course owner/manager or superintendent reviews the “Life Cycle,” it may be time for consultation with an ASGCA member. Through a career’s worth of experience in Master Planning, an ASGCA member can make sure all questions are asked and answered before renovation projects begin. A well-developed plan can avoid possible mistakes, such as completing cosmetic changes to a course and realizing two years later those changes must be torn up when the irrigation system needs replacing.
“Golf Course Items Expected Life Cycle” and “Master Planning for Golf Courses: Questions and Answers” are available for free download here.
Just as a house built during the 1980s and 1990s needs a new roof or replacement windows, so too golf courses designed and constructed during the game’s growth 20-25 year ago are in need of well-designed updates to continue serving players for decades to come. A properly renovated course also has a positive economic impact on the club because it reduces maintenance costs.
“The economy impacted everything in recent years, including the ability of some golf course owners to obtain credit to make necessary renovations,” said ASGCA president Erik Larsen. “With the new year, ASGCA expects to see more attention focused on development to improve and sustain courses in infrastructure such as irrigation, greens construction, bunkers and cart paths.”
A one-page flyer developed by ASGCA and other allied golf associations, “Golf Course Items Expected Life Cycle,” provides a detailed look at how long specific components of a golf course should last before the need for replacement. The time is fast approaching for many courses developed in the ‘80s and ‘90s. For example, even items which have the longest “life expectancy” – greens, concrete cart paths, irrigation systems – are typically not designed to last more than 30 years.
Once a course owner/manager or superintendent reviews the “Life Cycle,” it may be time for consultation with an ASGCA member. Through a career’s worth of experience in Master Planning, an ASGCA member can make sure all questions are asked and answered before renovation projects begin. A well-developed plan can avoid possible mistakes, such as completing cosmetic changes to a course and realizing two years later those changes must be torn up when the irrigation system needs replacing.
“Golf Course Items Expected Life Cycle” and “Master Planning for Golf Courses: Questions and Answers” are available for free download here.
ASGCA Background
Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members have completed a rigorous two-year long application process that includes the peer review of four representative golf courses. ASGCA members are experienced golf course architects, able to counsel in all aspects of golf course design and remodeling and comprise many of the great talents throughout the golf industry.
January 3, 2011
Golf Course Trades January Issue
Once again we have been graced with an article from a long time contributor Chris Tritabaugh at Northland Country Club out of Duluth, Minnesota. Chris has done the January issue three years running and we hope for many more from him, THANKS CHRIS!
The latest article from Chris is entitled "Visualizing the final product" a small insert "My feeling is that anything we can do to extend the length of time between irrigation cycles is a big plus. Extending our irrigation intervals not only allows us to manage bentgrass over Poa annua, it also gives us a huge advantage when it comes to managing disease without the use of fungicides."
Pictured with Chris on the cover are 1st assistant Jake Ryan and 2nd assistant Joe Levoir you all do a great job keeping your course in tip top shape for your members.
Chris has a blog for his maintenance department visit it at www.northlandgrounds.blogspot.com.
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