Turfgrass Science at Purdue University

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,…Read more about What is Driving Recent Increases in Fertilizer Prices?[Read More]

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…Read more about Top Ten Turf Tips of 2010[Read More]

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…Read more about Purdue Turf Club Apparel[Read More]

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…Read more about Late Drought Causing Problems and Questions for Many[Read More]

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…Read more about Late Fall fertilization[Read More]

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…Read more about Is it too late to seed? What should we do?[Read More]

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…Read more about How late is too late to control broadleaf weeds?[Read More]

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)…Read more about What should I do with all these falling leaves?[Read More]

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…Read more about Why do parking lot islands of turf fail in the summertime?[Read More]

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…Read more about Dealing with Drought[Read More]

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….Read more about Rick Latin on Sabbatical Leave[Read More]

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…Read more about Rust Diseases[Read More]

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…Read more about Fall Time Mole Control[Read More]

Record drought and heat are making seedling establishment a serious challenge

After the extremely stressful summer conditions of 2010 many thin areas in cool-season lawns have been reseeded to restore turf density and improve appearance. Regardless of environmental conditions, establishing a turf from seed is a challenge and the process is as much art as it is science. Seedling establishment requires two steps, germination and development….Read more about Record drought and heat are making seedling establishment a serious challenge[Read More]

What to do about deteriorated lawns

This year there were multiple causes for turf decline in home lawns. High temperatures and drought were the primary causes for a decline in turf and an increase in weed incidence. During warm weather (especially temperatures > 87 °F) cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass have trouble making energy while much energy is needed to maintain…Read more about What to do about deteriorated lawns[Read More]

Late Season Insects Found in Turfgrass

The following letter and pictures were sent to us for identification. There was a buzz of follow-up letters and communication afterward indicating that maybe this is not just an isolated occurrence. I have enclosed the initial letter, accompanying photographs and the return response in hopes that this is of value to others noticing the same…Read more about Late Season Insects Found in Turfgrass[Read More]

Predicting the Future and Documenting the Past

When weather patterns are not typical, as with this summer, it is useful to both look ahead and behind to help improve your maintenance practices and better time future applications. Documenting the Past One advantage to tough summers like this is they provide an opportunity to learn. Experiencing tough summers will prepare us to better…Read more about Predicting the Future and Documenting the Past[Read More]

Fertilizer Recommendations

The amount of nitrogen fertilizer required by turf depends on various management and environmental/management factors (Table 1). A good rule to follow is to never apply more than 1.0 lb N/1000ft2 in any one application. Do not apply fertilizer more frequently than once monthly at a 1.0 lb N/1000ft2 unless you are establishing a new…Read more about Fertilizer Recommendations[Read More]

Lawn Cultivation: Is now the time?

Lawns are cultivated (sometimes referred to as aerfication) primarily to relieve soil compaction and manage thatch (organic) layers. Other reasons may be to open the turf canopy and create a seedbed in order to facilitate interseeding or overseeding, or move certain nutrients, composts, pesticides etc. into the rootzone. Common questions regarding lawn cultivation: What are…Read more about Lawn Cultivation: Is now the time?[Read More]

Now is the time to seed lawns and other turf areas

Timing The best time to seed a lawn is in the late summer to early fall. Adequate soil moisture, warm soil, and limited weed pressure allow for excellent seedling growth. Between August 15 and September 15 is optimum seeding time in the northern half of Indiana, and September 1 to September 30 is optimum in…Read more about Now is the time to seed lawns and other turf areas[Read More]

Turf Tips Archives