Turf Surfaces Research Articles

Control of Green June Beetle Grubs During Egg Hatch Resolves Problem of Grubs Dying on Turf Surface, 1993

Abstract This study was conducted in a mature, low-maintenance stand of Kentucky bluegrass in Lexington, KY. The turf was on a Maury silt loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Typic Paleudalf)- Thatch accumulation was negligible. Plots (10 × 10 ft) were established in a RCB with five replications. There were 2 ft untreated boundaries between plots. The turf was mown weekly to 3 inch height, with the clippings left on the plot surface. Treatments were applied 28 Jul, about 2 wk after peak adult flight activity. Conditions at the time of treatment were sunny, 92°F, with 5-10 mph winds. Granular treatments were diluted with dry sand and applied to the plots by gloved hand. The wettable powder formulation was mixed with water and applied with a Solo backback sprayer using 1 gal of spray per plot. All treatments were immediately irrigated with 0.25 inch of water, using a water truck and hose with a shower-type nozzle. The grub population at the time of treatment consisted of eggs and first instars. Effectiveness of treatments was assessed 61-62 DAT using an insecticide flush method. Triumph 4E (isazophos) was applied at the labeled rate (2 lb (AI)/acre) on 27 Sep, using a Solo backback sprayer that delivered 0.5 gal spray/plot. The flush spray was immediately syringed with 0.25 inch of water as before. Grub populations were assessed at dawn of the following 2 d. A frame (3.3 × 3.3 ft) made from PVC pipe was placed in the center of each plot, and dead green June beetle grubs within the sample area were counted and removed. Counts for the two samples were pooled and analyzed by ANOVA followed by Fisher’s protected LSD to separate treatment means.

The Bird Community Found on Golf Courses in British Columbia

We compared the density and species richness of birds with the wildlife habitats found on four golf courses in the lower Fraser Valley region of British Columbia. From November 1990 to July 1991, 82 species of birds were observed during 120 bird counts. Twenty-nine species were considered to belong to the community of birds likely to be found on golf courses. Five species: the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), northwestern crow (Corrus caurinus), black-capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus), American robin (Turdus migratorius) and European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) were considered common. Bird density was greatest on ponds and waterways. Species richness was highest in hedgerows and wooded areas where foliage and vegetation at ground level had not been removed. Turf surfaces had the lowest density of birds and were the lowest in species richness. The popularity of golf has increased greatly in the past 20 years, resulting in a large number of proposals for new courses (Argyle et al. 1991). In British Columbia, many golf course developments are at the interface between expanding population centers and diminishing rural lands (Argyle et al. 1991, Moore 1990, Kerr et al. 1985). Golf courses were found to be a useful habitat for some species of wildlife in England (Green and Marshall 1987). However, a review of published literature showed little information on wildlife use of golf courses in North America. In an effort to foster the inclusion of wildlife habitat within new golf courses, we undertook to survey the birds found on existing courses and to compare bird numbers and species richness with the habitats offered. This study was part of a larger project looking at interactions between wildlife and pesticides on British Columbia golf courses (Moul and Elliott 1992). STUDY AREA AND METHODS Birds were counted on Beach Grove, Point Grey, Surrey and Tsawwassen golf courses, located from Vancouver to Surrey in the lower Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Canada (Fig. 1). The courses were chosen to reflect a range of potential wildlife habitat from very open sites with minimal tree cover to others with large areas of trees and hedgerows. On each course we surveyed and flagged three or four 100 m wide survey areas or belts, (transects) parallel to each other and separated by 50 m. Transect lengths were not equal on each course, but reflected the maximum area achievable within the confines of course dimensions. Where a transect incorporated only a portion of a pond, the additional water area was added to the total survey area. The total study area on the four courses was 69.9 ha. Within each of the transects the major vegetation was mapped and the habitats classified as: (1) turf-all areas of intensive turf maintenance including the greens, tees, fairways and areas of rough not associated with trees, shrubs or brush; (2) hedgerowall areas of trees and shrubs where underbrush and ground covering vegetation was minimally maintained and allowed to grow naturally; (3) trees-individual or grouped trees or shrubs of any species where underbrush had been removed; (4) water-all lakes, ponds, streams and ditches. To estimate the area of each habitat tpe, acetate overlays depicting each habitat, at a scale of 1:1200, were placed on 1/4 inch graph paper and t-he proportion of each habitat was determined by counting squares. We visited each course 30 times from 30 November 1990 to 1 July 1991 at approximately one week intervals. Surveys began at first light and lasted between two and four hours depending on the course surveyed. We walked the center of each transect and recorded the species and the location of all birds seen or heard within the transect area. Waterfowl using rain pools on turf areas were

Control of Cutworms in a Golf Green with Entomopathogenic Nematodes, 1992:

Abstract This study was conducted on a creeping bentgrass golf green at the Campbell House Golf Club, Lexington, KY. The green had been topdressed with sand over native soil. Plots (10 X 10 ft) were established in a RCB design with 5 replicates. The target population consisted of mixed instars of both black and bronzed cutworms. Treatments were applied as surface sprays (5 gal/1000 ft2) using pump-type, backpack sprayers equipped with a fan-type nozzle. Plots were treated on 13 Aug. Dursban plots were treated at 11 AM with the spray allowed to dry on the turf surface. Nematode plots were treated 2 h later, followed immediately by irrigation with 0.25 inch of water to all plots. Temperature at the time of the nematode treatment was 74°F, with 76% relative humidity and 4 mph winds. Cutworms were sampled 7 DAT. A frame (6.6 x 6.6 ft) made from PVC pipe was first placed in the center of each plot. Four gallons of an irritant drench (1 oz of Joy liquid detergent/ gal water) were applied to the area defined by the frame using a sprinkling can, and the number of cutworms that surfaced within 10 min was recorded.

Impact Absorption Characteristics on Turf and Soil Surfaces

AbstractPlaying quality of athletic fields is critical to an athlete from the safety and performance standpoints. Use intensity and maintenance practices affect playing surface quality and impact characteristics within and among fields. The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess the effects of cutting height, compaction, soil water content (date), and turf cover on the impact absorption characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) turf. Treatments were four cutting heights (0 [bare soil], 19, 38, and 57 mm), and two compaction levels (with and without) for Exp. I, and three cutting heights (19, 38, and 57 mm), two compaction levels, and three surface types (full turf, no verdure, and no thatch) in Exp. II. Surface impact characteristics measured were peak deceleration, time to peak deceleration, and impact duration. Two hammer weights, 2.25 kg and 0.5 kg, were used to assess impact characteristics on four dates and to obtain data for soil water conditions of 0.263, 0.197, 0.163, and 0.064 kg kg−1. The highest peak deceleration values and shortest time periods were associated with the periods of low soil water and compacted conditions. Only the 0.5‐kg hammer detected differences in impact absorption characteristics between cutting heights. Significant cutting height‐by‐compaction‐ by‐date interactions occurred for each impact characteristic, indicating interdependence of one of the factors on another. It appears that field management practices that influence soil water content, soil compaction, and turf cover are more important than cutting height in altering the impact absorption capability of Kentucky bluegrass turf.

Nocturnal variation of air-surface temperature gradients for typical urban and rural surfaces

The nocturnal variation of the standard atmospheric air-ground surface temperature gradient under fair weather conditions is considered. A semi-analytical model in the form of an exponential response function is proposed and experimentally verified against field observations conducted by the author at Haifa ( ca 32°N) and by others at various geographical locations. The proposed model is intended to predict the sought gradient variation with the aid of an experimentally derived parameter (a time constant) which is directly proportional to the thermal inertia of the substrate matter beneath the surface in question. Among the impervious ground-cover types widely encountered in urban environments, concrete surfaces exhibit the highest time constant of about 10 h, while that of bare dry rural soil is 6.5 h. Turf and wet soil surfaces, common in rural environments, have time constants of 3.6 and 10.8 h, respectively. Applicability of the proposed model to the exterior surfaces of building-envelope elements is also discussed, as are the implications of the present findings regarding the causative factors of urban heat islands.

Control of Green June Beetle and Surfacing of Grubs Following Application

Abstract This study was conducted on an established Kentucky bluegrass turf in Fayette County, KY. Treatment plots were 6 × 6 ft with 2 ft untreated borders, arranged in a randomized complete block design with 6 replicates. Insecticides were applied 28 Sep. Granular insecticides were mixed with dry sand and handshaken onto the plots. Liquid formulations were applied with a CO2 powered sprayer that delivered 1.3 gal/1000 ft2. The plot was then irrigated with 0.75 inches water. Dead and moribund GJB on the turf surface were sampled twice on 29 and 30 Sep. by counting all grubs within a 1 m2 frame placed in the center of each plot. Samples were pooled before analysis. Living GJB still in the soil were sampled on 5-7 Oct by digging 3 areas (1 ft2, 1 ft deep) within each plot.

A SUBSURFACE POINT INJECTOR APPLICATOR FOR TURFGRASS INSECTICIDES

Broadcasting insecticides on turfgrass for control of many subsurface grubs can result in potential hazards to people, pets, and other animals exposed to the insecticides. To reduce this danger, a system was assembled with a modified rolling point fertilizer injector and used to inject insecticides below the turf surface and into the main zone of activity of the grubs. The results indicate that insecticides can be successfully injected with little damage to the turf. However, analyses of residues after injection of a common turfgrass insecticide, chlorpyrifos (Dursban 4E), showed little dispersion from the point of injection in the soil at one and seven days after application. Limited movement of chlorpyrifos from the injection point along with short travel distances of many turfgrass grubs, indicate a low probability of achieving efficient and effective control. However, the point injector applicator may perform satisfactorily for applications of other materials such as fertilizers.

The principles of fertilizer use for sports turf

Abstract. Fertilizer application to sports turf has a significant effect on the playing characteristics of the surface as well as its aesthetic appearance. Nutrient availability affects leaf and root density, infestation by weed species, resistance to fungal pathogens, tolerance to wear, drought and cold in the turf grasses and surface hardness. The increasing use of high sand content, free‐draining root zones for sports areas is leading to a larger demand for nitrogen and also to an increased interest in the use of slow‐release nitrogen fertilizers. The optimum nutrient application rates are examined, particularly for nitrogen and the direction in which research on fertilization practice should take is considered.

Ammonia Volatilization from Urea and an Experimental Triazone Fertilizer

Abstract Urea, a major source of N fertilizer for turfgrass, is susceptible to ammonia (NH3) volatilization when applied to the surface of turf (4) and soil (3). Urea hydrolyzes in the presence of urease and water to form ammonium ( and, in the process, raises soil pH (3). As a result, a portion of the formed can then be converted to gaseous NH3, part of which can volatilize into the atmosphere. Under certain environmental conditions, significant N loss may result (1).

The Effects of Playing Football on Artificial Turf

A greater number of professional football based injuries have been reported when playing on artificial turf surfaces. This study investigated whether artificial turf or natural grass causes more professional football related injuries. Data were collected from a random sample of videotapes of the 1985 National Football League (NFL) season and by performing a literature search of all severe injuries of the 1984 season. There were no significant differences between the amount of severe injuries occurring on artificial and natural grass surfaces. A major cause of football injuries resulting in severe injuries is that football is inherently a violent sport and those same injuries seem to occur against a few teams.

Bermudagrass, Tropical Sod Webworm Control, Florida, 1984

Abstract Portions of a bermudagrass green at the Ft. Lauderdale Research Center were divided into 1.5 × 3.0m2 (50 ft2) plots. A 61-cm-wide untreated buffer zone of turf was left between plots. Populations were sampled by sprinkling 1 liter of 0.02 to 0.03% pyrethrin, emulsified in the water with a wetting agent, on 0.37 m2 (4 ft2) of turf in each plot. An additional liter of water was sprinkled over the sample area to wash the pyrethrin solution to the webworm larvae on or just below the soil surface Larvae which came to the turf surface within a 10-min period were counted. Successive samples within a plot were taken in different locations Plots were assigned to 4 replicates by pretreatment counts, in a RCB experiment and treatments were applied 3 Aug. The EC and WP (in solution in water) formulations of insecticides were applied with an Ortho brand hose-end siphon sprayer. All other test insecticides were provided by S. G. Johnson & Son, Inc., as hose-end aerosol formulations (HA). Aerosol formulations also contained a foam tracer.

Bermudagrass, Tropical Sod Webworm Control, Florida, 1983

Abstract Portions of a bermudagrass green at the Research Center were divided into 1.5 x 3.0-m plots. A 61-cm-wide untreated buffer zone of turfgrass was left between plots. Populations were sampled by sprinkling 1 liter of 0.02 to 0.03% pyrethin, emulsified in the water with a wetting agent, on 0.37 m of turf in each plot. An additional liter of water was sprinkled over the sample area to wash the pyrethrin solution to the webworm larvae on or just below the soil surface. Larvae which came to the turf surface within a 10-min period were counted. Successive samples within a plot were taken in different locations. Plots were assigned to 4 replicates by pretreatment counts, in a randomized complete block experiment. All insecticides were mixed with 1.9 liters of water per plot and sprayed on the grass with a compressed-air sprayer. Fenvalerate was included as a standard labeled for sod webworm control.

Thatch Accumulation in Bermudagrass as Influenced by Cultural Practices1

AbstractExcessive thatch accumulation is a serious problem in golf course putting greens and other intensively managed turfgrass areas. More effective procedues for thatch control are needed. The relationship between different cultural practices and thatch accumulation was studied on Dothan sand loam (fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic Plinthic Paleudult) in an experimental putting green planted to three bermndagrasses [Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensisBurtt‐ Davy] cultivars Tifdwarf, Tifgreen, and a selection called Dothan. Practices evaluated included N source, core aerification, vertical mowing, and sand topdressing. A multiple split plot experimental design allowed the evaluation of each individual practice in combination with all others. Effects of treatments on thatch were determined by measuring thatch depth and the compressibility of the turf surface with a thatch compression meter. Thatch accumulation, after three seasons, increased in the order: Tifgreen, Dothan, Tifdwarf. However, the effects of treatments on thatch accumulation were similar for all cultivars. Four topdressings per year reduced thatch accumulation more than a single topdressing and increased mat depth. Neither monthly aerification nor biweekly vertical mowing provided more thatch control than twice yearly application of the respective cultural practice. Fertilization with activated sewage sludge resulted in 14% more thatch than when NH4NO3was the N source. Within a given topdressing frequency, no differences in thatch accumulation occurred among N sources, levels of aerification, or vertical mowing. The regression of millimeters compressibility on thatch depth was not significant. Turf quality was not correlated with thatch depth. Tifdwarf had the greatest accumulation on thatch and also produced high turf quality ratings. Nitrogen source influenced turf quality more than other treatments. Activated sewage sludge produced superior turf quality, although more thatch was produced than when NH4NO3was applied. Cultural practices had no consistent effect on establishment of ‘Pennfine’ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) overseeded on the experimental green. Ammonium nitrate produced better ryegrass quality than activated sewge sludge. Plots fertilized with activated sewage sludge had significantly more annual bluegrass (Poa annuaL.) than those receiving NH4NO3. Core aerification, topdressing, nor vertical mowing frequency affected ryegrass quality or annual bluegrass occurren

Flow Resistance in Broad Shallow Grassed Channels

Resistance to sheet flows over natural turf surface is investigated experimentally. The formulation of a functional relationship between the resistance coefficient and controlling parameters for shallow flows over various turf surfaces is essential to the mathematical modeling of the rainfall-runoff process and sediment yield from a watershed which may consist of various vegetated surfaces. An analysis of results obtained from laboratory experiments for laminar flow on Kentucky Blue grass and Bermuda grass surfaces reveals that a relationship exists between the Darcy-Weisbach friction coefficient, Reynolds number, and bed slope. A further analysis of previous investigators' experimental results for flow on various smooth and rough surfaces under or no rainfall leads to the qualitative determination of a general trend of the resistance relationship for shallow flows over such dense turf surfaces as affected by bed slope, raindrop impact, and roughness size.

Japanese Beetle: Control of Larvae in Turf with Fensulfothion134

Fensulfothion gave consistently excellent control of cyclodiene-resistant larvae of Popillia japonica Newman under a wide range of conditions in tests on golf course fairways at 5 sites in Ohio. The material penetrates thatch and apparently can remain on the surface of turf for up to 15 days without severe degradation. The material has recently been granted a federal registration for use against larvae of the Japanese beetle in Ohio.

A Method of Turf Sampling and Extraction of Leatherjackets

SUMMARYAn apparatus for the extraction of leatherjackets (larvae of Tipula paludosa Meig.) from turf samples is described. Cores are retained in metal cutting cylinders and are stood turf surface downwards in dishes of cold water while heat is applied to the other end. The temperature gradient drives the leatherjackets down into the water. The system is very convenient to operate and is of acceptable efficiency.

Environmental Studies With Artificial Turf and Grass Surfaces

Environmental Studies With Artificial Turf and Grass Surfaces

The Friction Coefficient for Shallow Flows over a Simulated Turf Surface

An incomplete understanding of the friction coefficient of rough surfaces is one of the limiting factors in the application of the basic momentum and continuity equations to the modeling of overland flow. Experiments on steady, uniform flows in the laminar and transitional regions over a simulated turf surafce provide the data required to investigate the general hydraulic roughness properties of natural turf, and the particular parameters that are likely to influence the friction coefficient. Since boundary geometry depends on flow depth, it is erroneous to disregard this factor when considering the relationship between friction coefficient and Reynolds number. By maintaining constant depths while varying the Reynolds number, the separate effects of boundary geometry and Reynolds number on the friction coefficient are demonstrated. The results, which are presented in the form of a friction coefficient chart, may be rationally explained if the simulated turf is considered to be a complex porous medium in which the boundary geometry is variable.

Drainage of Airport Surfaces - Some Basic Design Considerations

For determination of runoff from the flat turf surfaces encountered on the inter-runway areas of airports, a methodology is presented employing the newer knowledge concerning retention, infiltration, and overland flow. Since determination of supply rates is required, a detailed procedure is given that takes into account not only the fact that in nature antecedent precipitation within the storm reduces infiltration capacity values, but also the fact that in many storms rainfall rates are less at times than the related infiltration capacities. Within most turfed areas a peak-reducing pondage is available and practical procedures are developed for obtaining the outflow rates from the ponded areas. Two examples of design are presented. These illustrate that, once pipe sizes are selected and a hydraulic balance is achieved for runoff from rainfall of a selected frequency and duration, the capacity of a system varies but little for other frequencies or durations due to the relation of large changes in mass pondage to very small changes in depths.

XXXII.—Observations of the Earth-air Electric Current and the Atmospheric Potential Gradient at Edinburgh

The portable gold-leaf electrometer designed by C. T. R. Wilson gives a means of measuring the charge upon and current through a conductor exposed to the earth's field and maintained at zero potential. Further, Wilson has shown (1) that the dissipation factor (the ratio of current per minute to the corresponding charge) is approximately the same for a surface of turf and the metal test-plate; and (2) how to deduce the corresponding charge and current per square centimetre on the neighbouring ground-level. Wilson's measurements were made chiefly in a country atmosphere (near Peebles), and we have made observations with a similar instrument in town air, in and near Edinburgh, to find out whether the dissipation factor is notably affected by the purity of the atmosphere as regards smoke, etc.