TurfNetTV - Latest Video is Live....

My latest ON COURSE video for TurfNet.com is live. In this video I chat with Matt Gourlay, CGCS - superintendent at Colbert Hills Golf Course in Manhattan, KS. We discuss his "More is Less" philosphy about turfgrass management. Matt also gives us some insight about what it meant to be named TurfNet Superintendent of the Year back in 2015. Please click HERE to view. As always, thanks to my supporting sponsor Tanto Irrigation

Vole Control on the Golf Course

There is no debating the fact that one of the biggest issues for superintendents in the mountain west are those little pesky voles. Voles are rodents and a relative of the mouse. There are over 100 species of voles. The meadow vole is responsible for the bulk of the damage in a turfgrass situation. Voles are herbivores and the majority of their diet consists of grass stems and leaves. In the summertime voles migrate to thick taller grassy/native areas for protection against predators. However, when snowfall arrives they have protection under snow cover and this is the time they migrate to fine turf areas and can cause damage. This makes golf course turfgrass very susceptible to damage during wintertime period. Voles cause turf damage by chewing grass plants extremely low to the ground. They chew so low they cause damage to the crown of the plant. Voles also create runways in the winter, first by chewing the plants, then by using these to forage for additional food each day. These runways can see extensive traffic throughout the winter as voles forage each day on 10-15 trips through these runways.

Vole Damage in a fairway situation with no Milorganite applied. 

Generally speaking, voles don’t directly kill the turf plant. Although if they damage the crown of the plant extensively, it is possible. The main issue with vole damage is the slow recovery of the turf in the spring. With the combination of cold soil temperatures and damaged turf plants in the spring, recovery can be extremely slow. The other issue with vole damage is its effect on playability. When a golf ball lands in one of the vole tunnels it can nestle down and make for a very poor lie. So until complete recovery occurs playability suffers.

Vole Damage to Kentucky Bluegrass tee surrounds. The tee surface received
 an application of Milorganite and sand topdressing and is not touched!

Controlling voles is extremely difficult if not impossible. Over the year’s superintendents have tried many different products with minimal success. One product I found which shows some vole repellency is Milorganite fertilizer. I discovered this primarily by accident. I have used Milorganite fertilizer for many years as a dormant feed on greens, tees, and fairways. What I didn’t realize was all those years of apply Milorganite, I was also repelling voles in those areas. 

All the years we applied Milorganite to the fairways we were getting
a side benefit of vole control, which we really discovered in 2014.

This came to light during the winter of 2014-15. That fall we had early snow cover and only finished 11 fairways with our Milorganite application. That spring we had extensive vole damage on fairways that didn’t receive the Milorganite application. We also noticed that spring that late season topdressing applications also reduced vole damage. With this in mind, we decided to apply Milorganite to the rough as well in the fall of 2015. We also set-up some small test areas with check plots to test our theory.

Some testing I performed in some grassy hollows which every year suffers
from vole damage. No Milorganite applied on the left and 0.75#N/M applied
to the right. Totally clean from any damage with the Milorganite.

In the spring of 2016 we were amazed at almost the complete lack of vole damage on the property. Our test plots also show without question that Milorganite certainly repels vole activity. We used a rate of 0.75#/N/M in all the rough and in our test areas. The results were fantastic. With this in mind, ONCOURSETurf, LLC set-up some independent testing in the fall of 2017 at some other local golf facilities, Sonnenalp Club and Red Sky Ranch. All test plots were 25 square feet and received a rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Plots were established in areas of consistent vole damage each spring. Most areas were north facing, which allowed prolonged snow cover. In mid-April this past spring after snowmelt, I was able to observe the results from those test plots. The past winter season was a low pressure vole year, meaning the voles were not as active as other years. The main reason for this was the lack of snowfall and the lack of duration of what snow was received. With voles primarily active under snowcover. No snow cover equals no voles. There was some snow cover however and we did see some positive results with the Milorganite use. The rate used for the test plots was 1#/N/M. Take a look at some of my findings below.

Voles active in the area, but the Milorganite plot stayed clean from any damage.

In this test plot we had heavy vole damage on two sides, but the plot was generally clean.
The arrow shows vole entry into the plot from the right side, but it appears there was
repellency as very minimal damage occurred.
  

Another observation from the test plots was spring green-up. At the time of the test plot observations, soil temperatures were in the high 30's. In the photos below you can already see some spring green up occurring even with these extremely cold soil temperatures.

Initial spring green-up noticed immediately after snowmelt with soil temperatures in the high 30's.

Although it wasn't a high pressure vole year, there were certainly some indications that Milorganite can be effective for vole repellency. Presently, I am in the process of establishing some new testing on some of Colorado's front range courses to study this repellency further. Stay tuned.
Special thanks to Milorganite and WinField United for their support in establishing these test plots. 

To summarize, Milorganite certainly shows some control for vole damage. This fertilizer is a great option for a dormant fertility program with getting additional side effects of vole repellency. Getting two things accomplished with one product, that is a big plus! To read the benefits of Milorganite as a dormant fertility product click HERE

TurfNetTV - Latest Video is Live....

My latest ON COURSE video for TurfNet.com is live. In this video I highlight some ideas that have caught my eye during my travels. From "Stump Grooving" to "Dry Erase Tape", check them out. Thanks to all those who helped contribute to this video.  Please click HERE to view. As always, thanks to my supporting sponsor Tanto Irrigation

Dormant Fertilization

Dormant fertilization is one turfgrass management practice that I believe is vital for a successful upcoming season.  I have been a big fan of dormant fertilization throughout my entire career.  My definition of dormant fertilization is:  fertilizing when temperatures have dropped sufficiently to stop top growth - basically, when mowing has ceased. At this time, however, root growth can still be active.

What fertilizer is best for dormant fertilization?  There are many choices, but for 40+ years of golf course management career I have used the natural organic Milorganite.   Milorganite was my go-to fertilizer for all dormant applications.  Each fall when top growth stopped, we fertilized the entire golf course with Milorganite. 

Alway a great time of year when the dormant Milorganite application goes out!

Always a smile on my face when spreading Milorganite.

Greens, tees, fairways, and rough all received between 0.75#N/M-1.25#N/M.  Even today, as a consulting agronomist, it is the single most important fertilization practice I recommend and discuss with clients. I do get questions on why Milorganite.  So, let’s discuss the reasons why it’s such a great fertilizer and why it’s particularly great for a dormant application.

First, Milorganite has been in business for over 90 years. That is some kind of staying power. Some of the reason for that is the consistency with the manufacturing of this product.  In my 40+ years of using this material, I have never opened a bag that had an issue - truly remarkable. To have a better understanding of the production of Milorganite, check out this great video link, HERE. 

The consistency in the manufacturing of this product is truly amazing!

Second, Milorganite may be the most researched fertilizer in the world. So, why is it such a great dormant fertilizer choice?  First, as an organic, it is very stable and leaching concerns are non-existent during fall/winter.  So, from that aspect, it is very environmentally safe and gives great piece of mind. From a turfgrass plant use, the real key to dormant Milorganite is all about nitrogen mineralization.  Consistent research results show that microorganisms responsible for the mineralization of the organic nitrogen in Milorganite remain active even in frozen soils.  The percent of nitrogen mineralization throughout the winter period has been shown to be in the 15% range.  This has been documented multiple times through university research.

Possibly the most researched fertilizer ever!

So for example, if you apply 1#N/M to your fairways as a dormant application, there will be 0.15N/M available immediately to the plant after snowmelt.  Nitrogen availability, along with the iron content, will produce tremendous spring green-up without any flush of growth.

Early spring fairway green-up.

Early green surface green-up.

This nitrogen availability will easily be 2-3 weeks ahead of any spring-applied fertilizer. The remaining nitrogen fraction will be released during the growing season to help with the peaks and valleys of a conventional fertilizer release curve. So, it’s that time of year to set yourself up for next season – using Milorganite as dormant fertilization will certainly be a big help!  Milorganite is a fabulous choice for dormant fertilization.

TurfNet TV - Latest Video is Live.....

My latest ON COURSE video for TurfNet.com is live. In this video I chat with John Feeney, Golf Course Superintendent of Estes Park Golf Course. We discuss how he deals with some of the largest Elk herds in the country and what it takes to prepare the golf course after the Elk have been there. Please click HERE to view. As always, thanks to my supporting sponsor Tanto Irrigation

TurfHead Jam Podcast.....

Recently, I had the opportunity to team up with my good friend, Dave Wilber for a "TurfHead Jam" podcast for TurfNet.com This was about as much fun as you can have when it comes to talking about the golf course industry. No script, no outline, just pure TurfHeads saying what they think! We talk about Tiger Woods, depression, clipping volume, and just a bunch of wisdom from two guys that have been at it a long time. Take a listen, click HERE and enjoy. 

Love this Graphic - Thanks TurfNet.com

Greens Construction Amendments......

When it comes to USGA greens construction, the addition of rootzone organic amendments can certainly make a major difference during the grow-in/establishment phase. Many times, superintendents are under tremendous pressure to establish new greens as fast as possible and get them ready for play. The use of amendments is a great way to help accomplish this. One organic amendment, Milorganite, has been one of the most used and successful amendments for greens construction for many years. I’ve personally used Milorganite as an amendment in greens construction throughout my career and have seen excellent results. I would personally not perform any greens construction and grow-in without the supplemental use of Milorganite.

Adding an organic amendment such as Milorganite during greens
construction can enhance establishment dramatically. 

Research was conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison using various organic fertilizer amendments showed some very interesting results. All plots treated with amendments showed more rapid grow-in than the control plot. The study also found that adding additional organic materials to the rootzone mix increased firmness and stability, improved water retention and water infiltration rates, enhanced color, increased rooting depth and reduced phosphorous deficiency symptoms.

This photo shows the incredible rooting and establishment of a USGA
green I constructed a few years ago with the use of Milorganite. 

As you can see in the graph below, Milorganite amended plots rated numerically higher or, at minimum, equal to the highest treatment, in all categories. Adding Milorganite to the original off-site mix or as an on-site supplement increased the establishment and performance of the new greens construction plots.

As fall golf course renovation hits full stride, consider adding an organic amendment such as Milorganite to your rootzone mix for superior grow-in and establishment of USGA greens construction.

If you haven't read this....you should!

This is a great piece by TurfNet Maestro, Peter McCormick. Felt like I was along for the walk with him. Growing up on the coast of Connecticut and Maine, this had some special meaning. Take a few minutes out of your hectic day and give this a read. Click HERE ......enjoy!

TurfNetTV - Latest Video is Live...

My latest ON COURSE video for TurfNet.com is live. In this video I highlight the use of a simple protractor to help measure arcs on adjustable part circle sprinkler heads. This data can then be transferred and entered in the central irrigation control systems very accurately. Take a look. Click HERE to view. As always, thanks to my supporting sponsor Tanto Irrigation

2018 US Senior Open Volunteer

Last month, I was in Colorado Springs to volunteer as part of the agronomy team for tournament preparations at the US Senior Open at the Broadmoor. I have known Fred Dickman, Director of Grounds at the Broadmoor for many years and wanted to help out for the week. I've volunteered at many tournaments through the years, but this was the first 'close to home' tournament. This was a special volunteer trip because for the first time my wife, Karen came along to volunteer with me. So it was extra special to be 'Team Ross' at the US Senior Open. Here are some photos and highlights of the week.

The Broadmoor Hotel is certainly special and is celebrating its 100th year Anniversary. 

That 1959 Amateur win by Nicklaus is sure special!

Karen, volunteering with me for the first time! Team Ross.

As usual, it was all hands on deck preparing championship conditions daily.

Had a lot of fun hanging with Dr. Tony Koski, Colorado State University talking turf throughout the week!

My morning daily duty, mowing fairways with a great team of individuals!

Our fairway team leader, Rocco from Jamaica. What a superstar this guy is.

Michael Sartori, East Course Superintendnet (left) hands out the duties, 
while Fred Dickman, Director of Grounds (center) listens in on the plan.
A special thanks to both of these individuals for a great week!

Where Freddie goes......his dogs go!

Even the dogs needed the proper credentials.

Nice to check out flat sand Donald Ross style bunkers. Great stuff!

Being a retired superintendent and now agronomic consultant, I don't see 
many golf course sunrise and sunsets anymore. Certainly enjoyed them 
at the Broadmoor. Brought back old memories. 

A big thanks to all the vendors for their support.