2011 MSU Research Highlights - BALL-C

3:30 pm: Fertilizer Program Effects on Soil and Tissue Test Results - Xiao Miyuan, MSU
This presentation will discuss the effect of different nitrogen carrier treatments on an A-4 creeping bentgrass putting green grown on three rootzones. With three years data, the presentation will focus on soil and tissue nutrient analysis for the nitrogen treatments and rootzones. Additionally, turfgrass quality, disease/weed occurrence and playability will also be discussed in the talk.

3:45 pm: Rolling Fairways and Approaches to Reduce Dollar Spot Infection - Thomas Green
The times are changing, and there’s no industry that changes more than the turf industry, particularly in the realm of pesticide usage, efficacy, and impact on the environment. It is only a matter of time before Chlorothalonil will be banned from use completely; thus, an alternative method must be discovered quickly, for the days of applying chemical pesticides are coming to a close. Lightweight rolling of putting greens to reduce dollar spot incidence has been studied intensively by Dr. Thomas A. Nikolai and Mr. Paul R. Giordano. Time and time again it has proven to be effective in controlling dollar spot infection on putting greens. Therefore, this study in collaboration with Dr. John N. Rogers, III, Dr. Thomas A. Nikolai, Dr. Joseph M. Vargas, and Ms. Nancy Dykema will investigate lightweight rolling of fairways and approaches along with sand topdressing regimes to reduce incidence of dollar spot infection.

4:00 pm: Is Water Conservation-Based Irrigation a Good Fit for Michigan? - Mark Miller
A look at three different irrigation practices for putting greens in Michigan and how they impact water usage, water quality, and overall turfgrass performance.

4:15 pm: Water Regimes and Cultural Practices for Putting Greens – Rodney V. Tocco, Jr.
This presentation will be the second installment discussing potential water conservation in putting green management for a sustainable future. The results of watering to 30%, 60%, and 90% ET, combined with single or double mowing regimes and a wetting agent application will be presented.