Vole Test Plots Results

Last fall, I established some test plots using Milorganite fertilizer for vole repellency. You can read about it HERE In mid-April after snowmelt, I was able to observe the results from those test plots. This 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 recieved. Voles are 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. This fall, I plan to establish some new test plots to study this repellency further. Stay tuned.

TurfNetTV - Latest Video is Live...

My latest ON COURSE video for TurfNet is live. In this video I discuss how to take great before and after photos on the golf course of project work. Documenting your work with before and after photos is very important. Follow these few simple steps and your before and after photos will become special. To view video click HERE

Thanks to Tanto Irrigation for supporting my video work. Visit their website HERE

TOCA Award for Solheim Cup Coverage

Recently, I received the news as part of the TurfNet team, that I was the recipient of a TOCA Award (Turf and Ornamental Communication Association) for my video work during the 2017 Solheim Cup. What a great honor to receive this award as part of the TurfNet team. You can read the entire award coverage HERE

My experience at the Solheim Cup was one I will never forget. A big thanks to both TurfNet and Rick Tegtmeier, Director of Grounds, Des Moines G&CC for allowing me to cover this great event. You can view all my 2017 Solheim Cup coverage HERE  I also would like to give a shout out to my sponsors, without them this wouldn't have been possible. Thanks to Tru-Turf, WinField United, GRIGG, DHR Construction, Frost Inc., Toro, Larry Rodgers Design Group, Pro-Angle Sand, Tee-2-Green, Bayer Golf, Aerification FX, and Swingle Tree.

Proud to Receive this Award!

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