*   CGCSA Web Site plug!

*    2007 Hospitality Suite

*   California Players Results in GCSAA Golf Classic

*    2007 CGCSA Annual Conference, Tradeshow & Golf Championship

*    CGCSA Government Relations

*    Job Opportunities

*    GCSAA News
2007 Annual Election Results

*    Member's Profile
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I was very pleased to see Steve Sinclair, CGCS put a well deserved plug in for the California GCSA web site on the front page of the February issue of the Sea to Sand monthly newsletter.
I hope the other state publications can follow suit if they have not done so already. Can always use these reminders to keep it fresh in everyone's minds.
If you have a chance to spread the word to the other chapters Steven summarized it quite well.

The San Diego GCSA also published the California GCSA Web Site news release, in the January issue of the INFOREMER newsletter. 

Thanks, Web Site & E-Magazine Committee Member: Greg Chamberlain, Western Turf Equipment

"The House of Blues"
1530 S. Disneyland Dr. Anaheim, CA, 
Thursday, February 22, 2007, from 6:30 - 9:30 PM.

Hello everyone. Should we be involved with this? If so we need to send a rep to the upcoming meeting. I would go....but I will be on vacation.

Jim Husting, CGCS
California GCSA
Government Relations Chairman

Please find attached the revised March 20, 2007 Board Meeting agenda.  The previous item 8 was renumbered to item 9, and a workshop item (Water Recycling) was added for item 8.

The comment deadline for item 8 is March 27, 2007 by 5 p.m. 
<<3_20_07agenda_rev.pdf>> 
Thank you, 

Song Her, Clerk to the Board 
State Water Resources Control Board 
1001 "I" Street, 24th Floor 
Sacramento, CA  95814 
Phone (916) 341-5600 
Fax (916) 341-5620 
sher@waterboards.ca.gov 
 
 

MARCH 20, 2007 

ITEM 8 

SUBJECT 

WORKSHOP REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF A STATEWIDE WATER RECYCLING POLICY 

DISCUSSION 

The purpose of this item is to solicit public comment on whether the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) should develop a statewide Water Recycling Policy and on the issues such a policy would address. Recycled water is a major source of water supply in California and a major component in California’s plan for meeting the state’s growing water demand. The California Water Plan estimates that recycled water usage can increase from half a million acre-feet per year in 2003 to two million acre-feet per year in 2030. The Recycled Water Task Force issued a report in June 2003 that contained recommendations that California should implement to achieve this goal. Some of the recommendations concerned the need to consistently apply state statutes and regulations regarding water recycling and water quality. The purpose of a statewide policy would be to provide direction to the Regional Water Boards on how to interpret state statutes, regulations, plans, and policies with respect to water recycling projects, thus ensuring consistent interpretation of the requirements among the Regional Water Boards. 

Staff has identified the following issues that could be addressed in a water recycling policy: 

Irrigation Projects and Salts 

? What should the State Water Board do to protect groundwater basins in the state from the accumulation of salt, including nitrate? 

? To protect groundwater basins from the accumulation of salt, should the concentration of salt in recycled water used for irrigation be limited? If so, what procedures should be used to establish the limitations? 

? To limit the discharge of nitrate to groundwater, should the State Water Board require recycled water users to prepare nutrient management plans? 

? Should groundwater monitoring be required for recycled water irrigation projects? 

March 6, 2007 

Groundwater Recharge Reuse Projects 

? What requirements should be placed on groundwater recharge reuse projects to protect the public from toxic constituents? 

Impoundments 

? What requirements should be placed on impoundments to prevent them from degrading underlying groundwater? 

Anti-degradation Policy

? Should the State Water Board modify Resolution 68-16 (Anti-degradation Policy) to encourage water recycling or to clarify the language? Is so, what modifications should be made to the policy? 

? Should the Water Recycling Policy define what is "maximum benefit to the people of the state" and/or what is "best practical treatment or control" for water recycling projects? 

Agency Coordination

? The Department of Health Substances is developing regulations for groundwater recharge reuse projects. Should the State Water Board not address some issues related to groundwater recharge reuse projects, since they may be addressed by the Department of Health Services regulations? 

Aquifer Storage and Recovery Projects 

? Should the scope of the policy also cover aquifer storage and recovery projects? 

Subsequent to this public workshop, the State Water Board will consider whether there is a need for further action on this issue. 

POLICY ISSUE 

Should the State Water Board pursue development of a Water Recycling Policy? 

FISCAL IMPACT

State Water Board staff work associated with or resulting from the Board’s direction will be addressed with existing and future budgeted resources. 

REGIONAL WATER BOARD IMPACT 

Yes, all Regional Water Boards. 

-2- March 6, 2007 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION 

That the State Water Board direct staff to pursue development of a statewide Water Recycling Policy.

Directors are; 
James R. Fitzroy, CGCS; 
Robert M. Randquist, CGCS; 
Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS; 
Sanford G. Queen, CGCS; 
Keith A. Ihms, CGCS. 
The immediate past president is Sean A. Hoolehan, CGCS. 
In addition, all amendments to the GCSAA bylaws were approved. 

Matt Pearse, Superintendent Avila Beach Golf Resort, Avila Beach, CA

     Matt was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA where his family still lives. He attended Junior College at Bakersfield J.C. for 2 year majoring in Horticulture. After graduating with an A.S. degree, he moved to San Luis Obispo where he attended Cuesta College for a year. He then transferred to Cal Poly SLO to complete his education. Originally he was interested in Landscape Design but soon the greens industry "Bug" got him and after graduation he started as a greenskeeper at Avila Beach Golf Resort, working for golf course superintendent Pete Prentice. He worked approximately three months as the greenskeeper and was then promoted to the assistant superintendent position which he held for two years. When Pete Prentice was assigned as the Director of Golf Maintenance, Matt was able to move into the golf course superintendent position. 
     Matt is single and loves his coastal life. He enjoys the beach, surfing, golf and fishing. He loves bonsai which is a hobby he developed out of his love for trees. He currently has a collection of over 12 trees, some of which he has had for over 15 years. Matt considers his job as one of the most enjoyable hobbies he has. "I enjoy spending time on my golf course and really enjoy all the colorful characters that this career has afforded me to meet. I am so happy to be a superintendent and I am very thankful to be associated with the industry and all the people in it." 
    The courses irrigation system is a manual system, so Matt has two employees that handle the irrigation. He has installed some new irrigation lines and moved several of the heads to help with coverage. Matt loves the diversity of the golf course. The front nine has lots of Oak and Sycamore trees and the back nine is like an estuary, flat and a lot of water. Future plans for the course include enlarging the tees and two greens. Matt would like to renovate the kikuyugrass collars and make them poa/bent like the greens. 
     Matt continues to support the Cal Poly SLO program and has at least three students working on his maintenance crew. He hopes to continue this program which is one of his priorities.
     Matt says his family has been a huge influence in his life. His Mom, Dad, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew give him tons of support. With all that going for you how can you go wrong. Congratulations Matt on all your success.

Author: Irene Cline, GCSACC Association Manager

GCSAA Webcast Series
GCSAA's live education webcasts will be 90 minutes long and will take place at the computer of your choice. 
To increase the event's interaction, we recommend the use of a microphone, but you can ask questions and participate using the text chat feature.
Visit the system check today to learn more about what's required and test your system, free of charge.

03/08/07      Using Excel to Enhance Your Operation 2007                                       2:00 PM
03/15/07      So What's the Big Deal with Organic Matter in Bentgrass Greens? 12:00 PM
03/29/07      The ABCs of Algae                                                                                12:00 PM 
04/05/07      IPM: Starting an Effective Plan for Your Golf Course                        12:00 PM 
04/10/07      How Do I Know if I Have Herbicide Resistant Weeds?                     10:00 AM 
04/18/07      Poa Prevention and Control Strategy                                                   10:00 AM 

For Details; visit the GCSAA Web Address: http://www.gcsaa.org/education/webcast/webcast.aspx
Or call Kyle Kreighbaum 800-472-7878 x5167 

Greens mowers are not created equally

Playability, putting green speed and trueness of ball roll and maintaining healthy turf are the ultimate concerns of every superintendent. Competition among golf courses caused by golfers’ desire for faster greens prompts many superintendents to mow their greens closer as the primary method of increasing green speed. This practice may cause undesirable effects, while making greens more susceptible to stress and disease. An understanding of how greensmower design affects turf quality can help the superintendents choose and customize their greens mowing equipment to achieve a healthier turf without having to cut grass exceedingly low. 

First, it is critical to acknowledge that no two greensmower models will cut exactly the same.  Even bench-set identically, the results in the turf will be different due to the design characteristics of the particular machine. Just as each mower is different, so are the peculiarities of individual greens from region to region, golf  course to golf course and even among greens on the same golf course. Management practices such as topdressing, rolling, aeration, dethatching, fertility and water regimens  ¾ all of which are appropriate for achieving the desired playing characteristics ¾ also affect the manner in which various greensmowers perform on those greens. 

Worldwide there is a variety, and often a blend, of different turf cultivars.  We have firm greens and soft greens, and anything in between.  We have varying thatch levels. All of these complicate the procedure of setting up the mower properly for your conditions. Comparing competitive brands and models of mowers all set at the same effective cutting height, while hoping for the same ball roll result and quality of cut would be fruitless. 

Superintendents around the world tell us that they want to be able to raise the cutting height and still get the same ball roll, with the underlying thought that turf maintained at higher heights of cut is more resistant to stress and disease. For that reason turfgrass breeders developed the new-generation grass cultivars that are finer leaved, have a more upright growth habit and greater turf density. Providing a faster, truer ball roll and better ball lie should be the primary aim of any greens management program, rather than competing with neighboring superintendents on who can cut the lowest. 

The design attributes of all of our mowers are dictated by market research we conduct among our customers. Consistency in cutting height was one of the most desired features when we developed our greensmaster in the late 1980s. 
 

  Greensmowers popular then were balanced fairly equally between the front and rear rollers, which to the uninitiated sounds like good design.  Good balance should yield good handling and a consistent cut, but it didn’t. The slightest push downward on the handle would cause the front roller to lift slightly, resulting in an uneven cut. Operators had to be trained to place their hands “palms up” below the T-handle mowers popular at the time to avoid pressing down on the handle. It took considerable skill to able to guide or steer these mowers while keeping the front of the mower firmly to the ground. 

With the weight bias toward the front roller, the consistency in quality of cut was no longer influenced by the operator.  Another real benefit of the front weight bias was a gradual reduction of the thatch layer on greens. 

Change is not always easy, even with the best of intentions and a favorable end result.  Having more weight on the front roller requires that the mowers be set slightly higher to achieve a comparable effective height of cut with other mowers. How much higher depends on local turf conditions at the time.

Toward the end of the 1990s, new “superbent” and ultradwarf Bermudagrass cultivars which require more intense management were introduced. During the same period, golf course architects began incorporating more heavily undulated greens designs to make putting more challenging. Superintendents needed mowers to be able to cut lower to control thatch layers produced by these vigorously growing cultivars, and to mow the more severely undulated greens at lower heights without scalping.

Roller selection
Manufacturers offer different types of rollers to enable superintendents to tailor their greensmowers for conditions present at the time. Grooved (Wiehle) rollers are most commonly used because they penetrate better into the turf  ¾  thus helping to prevent thatch buildup ¾ and don’t lay the grass flat before it is cut.  Wiehle Rollers also help operators of walk greensmowers mow in straight lines. 

Full (smooth or solid) rollers are typically used during grow-in, on soft greens, or to keep turf healthier during high stress periods.

While all grooved or smooth rollers may look alike, there are nuances of design for achieving different results. Cast iron, machined steel and aluminum rollers all weigh differently and penetrate the turf to greater or lesser degrees. Narrow or wider spacing on grooved rollers also allows greater or lesser penetration. Lastly, rollers with different diameters will exert different amounts of pressure onto the turf. In short, “a roller is not necessarily a roller”. The many design differences make rollers perform differently in the turf, and require proper selection for conditions present at the time. 

We recommend that everyone purchase a set of solid/full rollers along with grooved/Wiehle rollers so they are on the shelf in case greens thin out during stress periods. They are a tool to protect the green during this critical time and often have to be changed out at a moment’s notice. Ordering them from the distributor at that time of need may be too late. 

Mower weight, ground pressure/compaction, and performance
Many superintendents have switched from riding to walk greensmowers for several reasons, amongst them to minimize ground pressure and compaction. Tires on riders can leave wear patterns or obvious marking, especially on the clean up cut. Compaction from walk greensmowers is reduced because the weight is spread out over the entire width of the rollers and the drum. However, total weight of the mower and its weight distribution do influence mower setup and performance.

Other things being equal, mowers with more weight on the front roller (front weight bias) will cut lower than a mower that is lighter in the front. 

The new generation turfgrass cultivars ¾ with finer leaved blades, more upright growth and a much denser growth habit ¾ require more frequent aeration and topdressing, and lower and more frequent mowing to maintain them for maximum play and minimum thatch buildup. Unfortunately, as you lower the height of cut, all imperfections become more visible. In order to cut as low as 1/16th of an inch with no or minimal scalping to prevent thatch buildup and deliver a crisp cut.
 
 
 

Mower Model	Front Roller Weight*	Rear Roller Weight	Clip Rate
Toro Flex 21	39 lbs.	44.5 lbs.	.159
Jacobsen Tournament Cut 22	27 lbs.	33 lbs.	.200

*Note: The Jacobsen TC22 is significantly lighter on the front roller and in total weight than the Flex 21. This suggests that depending on turf conditions (soft or firm), the Flex 21 needs to be adjusted up to .040 inch higher than the TC22  to achieve the same effective height of cut.

Greensmower Wheelbase
Wheelbase of a walk greensmower is referred to as the distance between the front roller and the rear roller support of the cutting unit, which in the case of most walk greensmowers is actually the rear drive drum rather than the rear cutting unit roller. The cutting edge of the reel is located somewhere between these two support points. Wheelbase becomes an important factor in the cutting process when mowers are being used on undulated greens. 

Undulated greens can be more easily managed with mowers having a short wheelbase. The closer the rollers are to the bedknife edge, the less chance the mower can bite into the turf and scalp. In other words, the shorter the distance between the front and rear rollers, the better they will guide the mower over undulations and prevent scalping. 

Bedknife Location/Attitude 
The location of the bedknife edge relative to the center of the reel, called the attitude of the cutting unit, is an important design consideration. The farther the bedknife cutting edge is located behind the center of the reel, the more aggressive the reel will be at removing grass.  On the other hand, a cutting edge located closer to the center of the reel will be less aggressive and remove less grass. 

The attitude of the cutting units on riding greensmowers can be adjusted to make them more or less aggressive by changing the height of the front and rear rollers relative to each other.  Traditionally, walk greensmowers have a fixed position rear drum which acts as the rear roller, so the aggressiveness of the mower could not be adjusted. 

The many different types and thicknesses of bedknives available today can be confusing. 
*Note: Use of an improper bedknife could result in turf bruising

Benchsetting versus actual Height of Cut (HOC)
There continues to be much controversy today over benchsetting versus effective height of cut, especially when it involves a changeover in a mower fleet. Perhaps we, as manufacturers, have not provided sufficient guidelines, but it is an extremely difficult task given so many mower configurations (models, bedknives, groomers, etc.) and the myriad of variables encountered across all field conditions. 

Superintendents resort to different methods of determining if two mowers cut at the same height. A practical way is by making a few passes across the practice green with one mower and then make a few cross cuts with the other mower. Use a TurfEvaluator prism and check in the overlap areas of the different mowers to determine if the heights match. Others judge by the amount of grass is in the basket, this can be misleading because the catching efficiencies can be different. Still others just roll a golf ball and visually observe its speed and straightness.  In my judgment these are all highly inaccurate methods.

A quick word about the prism. This technology has been used by Toro for over a half a century, and was designed mainly to evaluate turf quality ¾  not as a measurement device for HOC. In fact, prisms can be highly inaccurate in determining cutting height. The only quantifiable parameter as a specific and achievable goal that superintendents and golfers can agree upon is ball speed.  That is the only true measuring stick that golfers compete against and measure us by.  Stimpmeter readings are the most repeatable and most credible, and a reading within 6” of one another are generally considered to be consistent. 

Operators
More than ever before, - operators have greater influence in the purchasing decision process today than ever before. Operators are also very important in delivering a good quality of cut. However, operators tend to be most concerned with how easy it is for them to perform the job. For this reason, operators may opt for a lighter weight walk greensmower, because it is easier for them to turn around at the end of each pass.  The first consideration in buying a walk greensmower should be the quality of cut it delivers. Operators are paid to perform this function, and can be trained to operate any walk greensmower correctly.

Turf Equipment Technicians
Turf equipment technicians deserve our thanks and praise. They understand and deal with the complexity of greensmowers very well, make correct adjustments, and keep mowers in excellent cutting condition. In some cases, however, it is difficult for technicians to adapt their methods to the requirements or peculiarities of a new fleet of mowers, especially when it involves changing brands. This is understandable, since we are all creatures of habit. Every model of greensmower has unique mowing characteristics that require specific adjustments and solutions to problems. Those used to “orange equipment” may find it difficult to adjust to a new fleet of “red” or “green”. The many differences in mower designs all require rethinking and retraining to get it right with a new brand of mower. This is especially true as it pertains to achieving the same effective HOC with the new mower as achieved before with their old. We as manufacturers need to provide better training to technicians and superintendents so they can readily benefit from enhanced greensmower designs.

In Summary
The demand of golfers for faster greens has caused superintendents to engage in a continuously dropping spiral of height of cut in order to provide the desired speeds. Mower manufacturers have responded with new technologies to achieve lower cutting heights, and universities and plant breeders have responded with new cultivars more tolerant to the lower cutting heights. But lower cutting heights demand more intense management practices by superintendents to maintain healthy and better playing putting surfaces. Toro mowers are designed with a front weight bias to provide a consistent height across the green, with the result of a faster ball roll at higher heights. Changing out fleets may require retraining for technicians to achieve equivalent effective height of cuts.
There still exists a misunderstanding among superintendents and technicians as to determining the proper cutting height to achieve the desired outcome; a uniform ball roll consistent with the skills and requirements of the golfing clientele. Height of cut, as an arbitrary parameter unto itself, is meaningless. Continued attempts to lower cutting heights offer only false promise, and frequently result in greater turf stress and diminishing returns in economic productivity. If this can be achieved at higher cutting heights, with the help of advanced mower technology, new turfgrass cultivars and a variety of diverse management practices, then that will be a winning proposition to achieve healthier turf, for the satisfaction of superintendent and the golfer. 

Helmut Ullrich, a senior  product manager at Toro Co 
 

The Air Resources Board (ARB) is considering a rule that would impact companies that own off-road diesel equipment and vehicles like forklifts, scrapers, graders, backhoes and skid steer loaders and operate it in California.  The rule is scheduled to be considered by the ARB in April 2007.  Staff plans to hold workshops to discuss the proposed rule and solicit input on it in February 2007.  A brief summary of the proposed rule follows. 

All fleets would be required to report their affected equipment to ARB.  Then, annually, as vehicles are repowered, replaced, or retrofit, the changes must be reported to ARB.

All fleets would be asked to meet fleet average emission rate targets for particulate matter (PM).  Large and medium fleets would also be asked to meet fleet average emission rate targets for oxides of nitrogen (NOx).  The targets decline over time, requiring fleets to reduce their emissions as time goes on.  In order to meet the fleet averages, fleets have the option to retrofit their vehicles with verified emission control devices, repower them with cleaner engines, or replace them with cleaner vehicles (new or used).

* It’s not dead, it’s dormant – Golfers react to color and may not understand why the grass turns brown when the weather is cold. It is simply a matter of the duration and degree of the low temperature. Several days of temperatures below 50ºF cause warm season grasses to lose color and go into dormancy. 

* The grass is not dead – it just temporarily stops growing as a defense mechanism against the cold temperatures. Color and growth will resume once we have warmer temperatures. 
Minimize traffic on dormant turf – Dormant turf is incapable of recovering from normal cart traffic and divot injury. Restricting carts to the paths will help maintain reasonable playing quality until the turf resumes active growth. 

* To water, or not to water – that is the question – Water use rates are generally low during the winter, but that does not mean you should completely shut off the irrigation system. Try to maintain balanced moisture in the soil. Even dormant turf needs some moisture to prevent desiccation. If freezing temperatures are expected, try to hand water or spot water during the warmest part of the day so the soil has time to drain. Try to avoid heavy watering that can contribute to frozen soil conditions and further delay play the next morning. 

* Salinity control – Courses in the Southwest depend on the winter rains to reduce soluble salts in the soil. With the lack of rainfall this year, it is especially important to monitor salt levels with a portable EC meter and irrigate to keep the salts from reaching harmful concentrations. Heavy watering (leaching) when freezing temperatures are expected may not be a good idea. It is best to keep the soil evenly moist and then schedule leaching when the danger of frost is past. 

Source: Pat Gross, pgross@usga.org or 714-542-5766
February 8, 2007
 

The following pictures and descriptions illustrate the step-by-step process as it was accomplished. 

(1) Regrade the subgrade of the bunker to conform to the general slope of the finished grade. 

(2) Check the original outfall drainage pipe on the bunker floor to ensure it still functions. Flushing dyed water through the pipe and viewing its exit at the outlet is essential. If this drainage system doesn't work, fit it at this time. 

(3) The old rootzone was then excavated to a depth of four inches. While the box blade and loader combination was used to remove most of the mix and load it into a waiting truck, the edges of the green had to be excavated by hand. 

(4) Install the gravel blanket to a compacted depth of 1.5 to 2.0 inches over the bunker floor. Washed pea gravel or crushed stone with a size of 1\4 to 3\8 inch is preferred. 

(5) Install the filter cloth. The 7.5-ounce non-woven Trevira product is the most popular product for this bunker renovation method. Metal staples are used to secure the filter cloth to the bunker floor and edges. 

(6) Install the plastic edge liner over the filter cloth liner at the bunker sides. Precut the plastic liner to the desired height. Staple the edging into the bunker sidewall. Eagle Products manufactures a popular liner that's ideal for this purpose. It is the same product used for the interface moisture barrier at putting greens. 

(7) Cut the filter cloth over the drainage lines on the bunker floor and install Enkamat. Placing the Enkamat over the drain lines prevents clogging and ensures water flow to the drainage tile. 

(8) Install the bunker sand to a compacted depth of 4 to 6 inches. 

(9) Turn water away from the bunker (if needed). Any surface water flowing into the bunkers can cause minor washouts if not diverted. 

This unique building method solves many bunker renovation concerns. The filter cloth is secure on the bunker floor and edges with metal staples. No tucking of the filter cloth is needed due to the placement of the new plastic edging product. Bunker edging has been simplified with the permanent edge barrier system observable for workers that allows trimming without damaging the filter cloth. Drainage is maximized with the Enkamat product over the drain lines. Sand is not piled to depths of 2 to 4 feet on the bunker faces anymore. Little or no new sod is required after the renovation in most instances. The original bunker design is kept intact for years with proper maintenance. 

This bunker renovation method is more expensive compared to traditional methods. Costs are similar to building a putting green. Construction is practically all done by hand work and wheel barrels. The higher cost will be offset by a huge reduction in labor and sand replacement costs. A contractor should be hired to renovate all bunkers, but "if you only have 10 or less bunkers to remedy, most maintenance crews can handle this project," said Kennelly. However, a good size crew is required to tackle this extra work. 

Today, we have a solution to remedy the age-old problem of bunker washouts. Next year, bunker maintenance costs will be reduced dramatically with only two to three workers hand raking and checking sand depths. Using this easy formula can keep your bunkers on the right track. 

Important Note - Liners have been tried in bunkers for many years, often with poor success. Most problems have stemmed from their use on steeply sloped bunker faces, the use of liners in conjunction with mechanical bunker rakes, and the failure to maintain the sand in the bunker to a sufficient depth (at least 4 inches). 

When liners are used on steep bunker faces (where the sand is often shallow (less than 2 inches deep), it is possible for the player to contact the liner when he/she digs in for the explosion bunker shot. There is also the possibility of hitting the liner with the club. 

When mechanical bunker rakes are used, great care must be taken to keep the machinery off the steeply sloped areas of the bunker. Also, plow attachments (used to prevent the sand from crusting and to prevent weed seeds from taking root) should not be used. The most severe problems with liners occur when the liner is snagged by the mechanical rake and pulled to the surface. For these reasons, hand raking is preferred when liners are utilized. At the very least, the steep bunker faces should be raked by hand, a practice that should be employed whether or not a liner is used. 

Contact with the liner by players or by equipment can be greatly reduced by maintaining a minimum depth of 4 inches of sand anywhere a mechanical rake is to be used (typically in the floor area of the bunker). On steep faces where hand-raking is utilized, the depth should be at least 2 inches. 

by Patrick O'Brien, Southeast Region Director, USGA Green Section and Tim Kennelly, CGCS, The Farm Golf Club, Rocky Face, Georgia; >>>>View Article

Physical soil testing is the process of analyzing the gravel, sands, and amendments, used in green construction to determine factors such as porosity, hydraulic conductivity, whether or not the sand is calcareous, and the actual size of the materials.

The laboratories listed below specialize in physical soil analysis for the golf industry. Before submitting samples to a laboratory, be sure to contact the lab for specifics regarding the amount of materials required for testing, the types of tests they offer, fees for their services, and shipping instructions. Keep in mind that it takes time to perform these tests and that the first batch of materials you submit may not meet your construction requirements. Be sure to begin the testing process early enough to allow re-testing of subsequent materials, if necessary.

Accredited Laboratory List

What does accreditation mean? The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) is a non-profit, professional membership society committed to the success of laboratories through the administration of a broad-spectrum, nationwide laboratory accreditation system and a full range of training on laboratory practices taught by experts in their field.

A2LA accredits testing laboratories in the following fields: acoustics and vibration, biological, chemical, construction materials, electrical, environmental, geotechnical, mechanical, metrology, nondestructive and thermal. Accreditation is available to private, independent, in-house and government labs. To learn more about A2LA, browse to www.a2la.org.

The following laboratories are accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), having demonstrated ongoing competency in testing materials specified in the USGA's Recommendations for Putting Green Construction. The USGA recommends that only A2LA-accredited laboratories be used for testing and analyzing materials for building greens according to our guidelines.
 

USGA Turf Maintenance >>>View Article

Perennial ryegrass grown in both peat:sand mix and in silt-loam soil amended with calcium silicate or wollastonite significantly accumulated silicon. The percent silicon in perennial ryegrass leaf tissue and soil significantly increased with increasing rates of silicon applications in all four soil and silicon source combinations. Uptake of Ca, Mg, P, K, Fe, Cu, B, Al, Zn, Mn, and Na by perennial ryegrass plants was not significantly influenced by increasing amounts of silicon to soil. The soil pH was significantly higher in silicon-treated peat:sand mix (high rate) than the non-amended control in peat:sand mix.

2006 Turfgrass and Environmental Research Summary. 2006, p. 19. Author; Uddin, Wakar,  Pennsylvania State University>>>View Article

Significant differences for resistance to pink snow mold were observed offering promise for reducing chemical inputs in the future by planting resistant cultivars. The parental species of Poa annua were collected from central Europe and will serve to unravel the complex genetics of invasiveness, adaptability, and genetic stability. Western seed yield trials demonstrated good commercialization potential for two Penn State cultivars and a second round of testing using larger seed fields in two locations has been initiated. Seed was supplied to several research projects across the country that are working to enhance the utility of greens-type Poa annua for the golf industry.

2006 Turfgrass and Environmental Research Summary. 2006, p. 29. Author Huff, David R., Pennsylvania State University; >>>>View Article

Multiple strategies can be used to suppress moss. No strategy was capable of eliminating moss. Moss strategies should be timed when moss is actively growing spring and fall, and may not be necessary midsummer. Baking soda spot applied twice in spring can effectively suppress moss all season. Chlorothalonil alone or in combination with other contact fungicides can suppress moss, but requires at least three sequential applications every 14 days. Spring and fall applications of Quicksilver at 6 oz/A (four total) can effectively suppress moss without adverse effects to bentgrass health.

2006 Turfgrass and Environmental Research Summary. 2006, p. 64. Authors Settle, D. M.; Kane, R. T.; Miller, G. L., Affiliation Chicago District Golf Association; >>>>View Article
 

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The Environmental Protection Agency announced today that the Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Contractor and Certified Irrigation Designer programs have become the first professional certifications to earn the WaterSense label. The environment, irrigation consumers, and certified irrigation professionals will all benefit from WaterSense recognition of IA certifications, says IA Executive Director Deborah Hamlin. 

How to Participate in "Smart Irrigation Month"

1) Identify and promote systems or products that conserve water, save money, offer convenience and ease of use. 
2) Create "why they apply" material and product success stories. 
3) Develop special distributor or contractor promotions or incentives. 
4) Use the Smart Irrigation Month logo on your website, press releases and print collateral. 
5) Launch educational efforts including introduction of the Irrigation Association Turf and Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices to employees, distributors, and contractors. 
6) Create consumer information including press releases with tips for the most efficient use of irrigation systems. 
7) Use multiple channels such as corporate newsletters, distributor newsletters, statement stuffers, email, trade ads, the web, distributor meetings, or trade shows to reinforce your message. 

Source: www.irrigation.org

Water sustains every community... from the most basic needs of its citizens to the very lifeblood of the community's economic growth. In both urban and rural areas across the U.S., water rights, allocation, treatment, delivery, and supply issues are increasingly subject to legislation and regulation. Frequently, measures are passed in reaction to a crisis and without a comprehensive plan. As the focus on our water resources increases, so does the need for equitable policy and progressive water management practices.

The Irrigation Association® has developed Turf and Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices (BMPs) for policymakers and professionals who must save and extend our water supply while protecting water quality. The BMPs will help key stakeholders - policymakers, water purveyors, designers, installation and maintenance contractors, and consumers - to develop and implement appropriate codes and standards for effective water stewardship.

Turf and Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices (BMPs): >>>> Complete version: