Turf Tips Archives
Members Only Website
Please complete this two question survey. It should take you less than one minute. Follow this link to complete the survey: https://purdue.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1Yugo3dCjOystaQ The Midwest Regional Turf Foundation would like to know if offering a members only website would be beneficial and find out what you would like to have on this website. You do not […]
Indiana Reception at the GCSAA in Orlando
For those making the trip to Orlando for the Golf Industry Show, the Indiana Reception, Sponsored by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation and Purdue Agronomy Department will be held Wednesday, February 9, 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Salon 8 of the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Dr, Orlando, FL. It’s a great opportunity to catch […]
Indiana Green Expo a Success!
For those of you that had the opportunity January 17-19 to attend the Indiana Green Expo, I am sure that you noticed the eight educational sessions, six workshops, and trade show that was offered. Over 1,850 people attended the expo this year and we heard many good comments about the education program and the 126 […]
Students Placed 1st at the Seventh Annual Sports Turf Competition
Cody Whitis, Justin Shirley, Joey Gerking, and Zak Peterson traveled to Austin, TX for the seventh annual Student Challenge Exam at the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Meetings. Purdue placed 1st out of 32 teams. The students worked hard to prepare for the competition and were surprised when announced in 1st place. “This motivates us […]
Students Placed 8th at the Seventh Annual Sports Turf Competition
Tony Feitz, C.J. Coy, John Thackery, and Steve Vonderheide traveled to Austin, TX for the seventh annual Student Challenge Exam at the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Meetings. Purdue placed 8th out of 32 teams. The students worked hard to prepare for the competition and were surprised when Purdue was announced in 1st place. “I […]
Top Ten Turf Tips of 2010
Top Ten Turf Tips of 2010 Part II: Summer diseases in Residential Turf Part III: Summer weeds: Common summer weeds and their control Part I: Too hot: Why some turfgrass species look poor in summer Color Variation in Residential and Commercial Lawns Crabgrass Control Now is the time to seed lawns and other turf areas […]
What is Driving Recent Increases in Fertilizer Prices?
Fertilizer prices are on the upswing again, buoyed by the high prices of agricultural products that have stimulated increased demand. While the general U.S. economy struggles to recover from the financial crisis of 2008, the demand for agricultural products continues in a strong position due to favorable exchange rates, grain usage for biofuels, production concerns […]
What is Driving Recent Increases in Fertilizer Prices?
by Bruce Erickson, Purdue Agricultural Economics Fertilizer prices are on the upswing again, buoyed by the high prices of agricultural products that have stimulated increased demand. While the general U.S. economy struggles to recover from the financial crisis of 2008, the demand for agricultural products continues in a strong position due to favorable exchange rates, […]
Top Ten Turf Tips of 2010
Part II: Summer diseases in Residential Turf Part III: Summer weeds: Common summer weeds and their control Part I: Too hot: Why some turfgrass species look poor in summer Color Variation in Residential and Commercial Lawns Crabgrass Control Now is the time to seed lawns and other turf areas Choosing a Preemergence Herbicide Late Fall […]
Purdue Turf Club Apparel
Dear Supporter of the Purdue Turf Science Program, The Purdue Turf Club would like to extend our greetings and future holiday wishes to you. As we enter the end of the growing season we begin to consider the upcoming industry conferences. With these comes the opportunity for our Turf Science students to compete in the […]
Late Drought Causing Problems and Questions for Many
Earlier this fall we made recommendations on how to recuperate lawns after a drought; however, rain has not returned and now we must further adjust our maintenance practices in unirrigated turf areas. The map on the left shows the lack of rainfall in Indiana over the past 90 days. The majority of Indiana has received […]
Late Fall fertilization
Cool-season turfgrass species should be fertilized mainly in the autumn. In addition to a fertilization in September, a fertilization with nitrogen in November will help produce a healthy turf. Lawns damaged during summer months as in 2010 and newly seeded lawns may need this November fertilization to help with recovery and the establishment of new […]
Is it too late to seed? What should we do?
Recently, the question of whether or not it is too late to seed has been posed to me by many. The drought that we have experienced during our optimum seeding window has pushed back seeding dates for many. Now the question is do I seed now, do a dormant seed, or wait and seed in […]
How late is too late to control broadleaf weeds?
Due to the current drought conditions for many in Indiana we have recommended holding off on herbicide applications until rain returns to drought stressed turf. Herbicides are most effective on weeds that are not drought-stressed and herbicides can be damaging when applied to drought-stressed turf. As we continue to wait for significant rains to return […]
What should I do with all these falling leaves?
There is a myth circulating that returning mulched tree leaves can be detrimental to turfgrass quality. The research shows just the opposite. It is true that heavy layers of tree leaves shading the grass can smother and kill grass. However, our research at Purdue and other universities shows that Tree leaves (both oak and maple) […]
Why do parking lot islands of turf fail in the summertime?
Have you ever noticed that grass located in or near parking lots struggle in heat or drought conditions? In fact, many times grassed areas in or near parking lots are great indicators of when turf is getting dry, as they are normally the first to show heat or drought stress. The most common reason why […]
Dealing with Drought
Many turf professionals in central and southern Indiana are trying to figure out how best to cope with the current drought because it is affecting their normal 1) fall seeding, 2) fertilization, 3) herbicide applications and 4) cultivation. Below are some strategies on how to cope with the current situation. The maps below show illustrate […]
Rick Latin on Sabbatical Leave
Rick Latin will be on sabbatical from October 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011. He will be conducting research on turf disease management and fungicide performance with Dr. Phil Harmon at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Rick will make periodic trips back to campus and will fully participate in the Expo in January. […]
Rust Diseases
Rust is a disease of taller mown turf. Outbreaks are most common on residential lawns, low budget athletic fields, and, occasionally, on golf course roughs. A variety of related fungi cause rust. Ccommon names include leaf rust, crown rust, and stem rust, and the disease occurs almost exclusively on Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Rust […]
Fall Time Mole Control
Moles are back in the limelight!. These small subterranean, tunnel-making pests are causing big frustrations for those managing turfgrass and landscapes. Mole damage is most common during the spring and fall. The only two methods of effectively controlling moles are to; (1) use a bait that they are attracted to OR (2) to physically remove […]