//SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 3 - PDF document

//SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 3 •Preventing soil compaction•Reducing or eliminating the use of syn- (4 , 5) . TheNOFA Standards for Organic Lawn Care (6) rec-ommends applying one inch or three cubic yardsCompost as a fertilizer. Mature compost pro-vides turf plants with a balanced source of nu-Ecological Golf Course Man-agement, Paul D. Sachs and Richard T. Luff (4) state:…plants have a hard time understanding andnisms that buffer and regulate the amount ofUnlike soluble, synthetic fertilizers that imme-Compost maturity. As will be discussed in moredetail below, compost can effectively suppress (7 , 8 , 9) .You can make a preliminary assessment of com- (5) . In addition, special soil analysis laborato-ries can assess the types of microorganism domi- AlternativeSoil Testing Laboratory Resource List provides con-tact information and descriptions of the analysisIf you are purchasing compost, make sure that itis from a reputable source and that it is mature, //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 4 nutritionally well balanced, and does not con-tain heavy metals, pathogens, or other toxic sub- (7 , 9 , 10) . If you want to make your owncompost, the ATTRA publication Farm-ScaleComposting Resource List provides a compendiumof books and Web sites that can guide you.Compost application. Compost can be tilled intothe soil during turf renovation, used as aWhen fertilizing turf, base the compost applica-tions on the nutrient needs of the turf, which areFor maintenance of existing turf, apply compostas a topdressing. Compost may be applied as an (4 , 11) . The advantages of mixing com-post with sand are easier application and betterdistribution. But adding sand to compost canThe best time to apply compost is in the springor fall. Compost applied in the spring provides (12) . As will be discussed in more detaillater, compost mixed with cool-season grass seedManaging for soil fertility. Turfgrass requiresnitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K),and other nutrients. As for fields or gardens, Alternative SoilTesting Laboratory Resource List for laboratoriesthat provide biological as well as chemical analy- (6) .Nitrogen needs. Proper nitrogen fertilization is http://www.planetgreen.com/education.shtml?performance Tilling compost into soil during lawn renovation. //S . Both pesticides andicity. They also retard their ability to regrow byincreasing soil acidity and compaction. In addi-of soil organisms. Making the transition from a Turf composed of a single species. To mini-conditions within the yard. Also, choose variet-Table 2 (see Appendix) lists growth characteris-tics of common turf grasses. Within these spe-or the ability to stand up to wear. Often, a mix-cies. For example, Kentucky bluegrass is oftenbetter wear and disease resistance. In moresion, and better adaptation to both sun and shade. In mid-latitude locations, a mix-of the season along with heat and drought toler-ance in mid-summer. A mixture of appropriatepests and diseases. Your local Cooperative Ex-ing good turf. Read and compare seed labelscarefully before purchasing turf grass. Inexpen-and need to be reseeded yearly. Common filler. To avoid weed control•Grass variety listed by trade name — not•Germination rate of seed —should be at•Weed content less than 0.5%•Inert matter less than 5%•No noxious weeds stated on the label�. Trials To minimize maintenance problems, use onlyspecies that are appropriate for your locationand for the specific conditions within the yard. ing the summer. Root growth for cool-season //S 10 lawn. Adding clover to the turf cover can:•Increase the drought-tolerance of the•Provide two pounds of nitrogen per 1000•Decrease disease infestations by increas-•Decrease weed infestationsis a good complement to turfgrass or wildflow-ment. Like clover, medic fixes nitrogen, helpssistant, low-maintenance yard or turf. For ex- Illustration 3. Dutch white clover is an excellent addition //S 11 . Sedges and rushes serve as a low-mainte-are also being developed. Researchers creating Including wildflowers as part of aety to your landscape. The diversity of speciesinsects and birds. Substitution of different plantshade, and moisture conditions. And since wild-Choosing seed. To ensure that a wildflowerlocal climate and soil conditions. Note that manyEstablishing a wildflower lawn. A wildflowerplants when the plants are still small. While fallplanting allows for earlier blooming of flowersappropriate land preparation. Surprisingly,erosion. A common method of land preparation. Then, in thespring, remove any remaining plant growth byburning it or scalping the soil with a lawnmowerbefore planting seeds. If you wait until spring toseeds. For more information on flame weeding,as buckwheat, annual flax, wild rye or oats, oryou can use native cover crops. Evening prim-rose, black-eyed Susan, and nodding wildrye arebroadcasting. Attempt to plant approximatelyfifteen to thirty seeds per square foot. This willWildflower seed mixtures. Most wildflower mix-nial, and annual plants. While the early bloom-seed, much of this seed will probably not fall onbare ground. Reseeding annuals into the wild- Illustration 4. Wildflowers add diversity to lawns. (Photo //S 14 zone is allowed to become partially dry betweenwaterings. For best turf growth, wait until the. When rewetting a dry soil, slowly. Besides being waste-Overwatering. Watering grass too frequently orHeat management. Reducing the water supply. However, deeply watering the lawn onceto retain enough growth to remain competitivediately following the rain to ensure that the fullheavy waterings as needed. You can test soiluse a moisture meter. You can also rely on evapo-colleges. Applications of seaweed extract canfurther reduce heat stress in turf. By stimulating Overseeding is a practice that al-Overseeding also allows you to slowly replacerieties. In some areas, overseeding extends the(September or October). Prior to broadcastingrake. Or you can plant seed with a slice-seeder. For best turf growth, wait until the soil hasdried to a depth of 2 to 4 inches then irrigateto replenish water to the depth of the rootzone. •Mow grass higher when temperatures•Manage grass located in shady or•Regularly sharpen mower blades,since tearing grass with dull blades•Clean mowers regularly to remove //S 15 seed-to-soil contact. Seed can be broadcast orof compost. If turf seed is broadcast planted, itof the winter. Under these conditions, you canthe fall with an annual cool season grass. Thevent pest and disease infestations by reducingpredators. Building soil quality, avoidingand irrigating correctly are practices that reducepest and disease infestations. Cultural controlbecoming established or spreading. If preventa-damage. The . Prevention is the key to diseasemanagement in turf. Planting resistant variet- “My program begins with a detailed lawn evaluation. I look first at the turf type. Then, I look forproblem areas. Most of the time the weeds that are in the lawn will tell me what are the problemsand what needs to be done. For example, are they summer, winter, or spring weeds? Are theyannuals or perennials? Can they be controlled using pre-emergence measures or are they bettercontrolled after emergence? Can they be spot controlled, or do control measures need to be used“What time of year are you evaluating the lawn? If it is early spring and there are bare spots, asummer annual weed will probably invade. Look for problems with shade from trees, any diseaseor pest problems, too much or too little water, and thatch build-up. Key in on the condition of theturf. Is it thick and well-established? Or, is it thin and patchy? Take a shovel and look at your soiland the root systems of the grass. This is where most problems begin. If there are several inches ofhealthy soil and a strong root system, then a maintenance program is all that is needed. However,“Be realistic and don’t make promises to your clients that you cannot keep. It will take time toadjust deficiencies. Take advantage of the highest growing period of your turf types. This is whenShannon Pope, proprietor of Healthy Soils, and organic lawn care service //S 16 •Altering the environment within the turf•Applying natural supplements such as•Overseeding with turf varieties that are•Waiting for weather conditions to changegens. Research at Cornell University dem-well as conventional fungicides. This effect. Diseases•dollar spot (•brown patch (•pythium root rot (•typhula blight (•red thread (•pythium blight (•necrotic ringspot (pressive benefits. Compost must be mature andfully cured to suppress diseases. Immature com-. Diseaselowed to “cure.” During curing, bacteria andthat are antagonistic to turf pathogens. Compostready in the soil. However, the type of compostCompost can suppress diseases in two ways. Itorganisms already present in the soil. Prelimi- indicate that compost derived from eithertions of disease suppressive organisms. How- did so by pro- http://www.bethelfarms.com/Brown patch disease can be controlled by theapplication of certain types of compost. //S 18 as well as pests. Pesticides also kill many soilaggregates, and suppress diseases. As a result,crease turf stress. Thus, turf managed with pes-Cultural control measures. As with the controlmeasures can greatly reduce insect damage. Cul-•Reducing stress on turf by building up•Decreasing thatch through a combination•Increasing the diversity of plants withinful refuges for many beneficial insects. or applying about 1/10 of an•Using pest- and disease-resistant variet-their growth cycles. Secondly, scout for pestssoil. Monitoring provides information on thepresence and changes in populations of insectpests. By combining monitoring and life cycleEndophytes. Perennial ryegrass and many dif-the grass. Grasses that contain endophytes pro-kills many of those that continue to feed. Be-ture. However, once the endophyte-infected•Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic (Bt) a bacteria used•Milky spore, formed by the bacteria •Entomopathogenic ((insect-eating) nema-•Neem, a botanical insecticide derived•Repellents containing garlic juice and ex-•Insecticidal soaps http://www.bethelfarms.com/insects.htmlGrubs feeding on turf. //S 20 fective natural post-emergence herbicide. Itweed leaves, resulting in desiccation. More fre-very thick cuticle layers. While vinegar typicallyfreeze evaporation can increase it to 30%. Re-. Some gar-treatment for large areas. Approximate costs forit is caustic. When applying this material, youresists pests and diseases. Establishing and main-nating conditions that put stress on the turf. Acontrol of pests and diseases. Regular additionstain weeds. Raising mowing height to 2 ½ to 3eases. Similarly, watering infrequently—but tofavor root diseases. A diversity of species withinmany of the organizations and resources listedpublication. ATTRA specialist Steve Diver iden-ATTRA specialist Rex Dufour provided pest anddisease biocontrol references. They both pro-vided excellent review assistance. ShannonLawrence, KS 66049-3859Telephone: 800-472-7878, 785-841-2240vironmentally sensitive turfgrass care. Theirmagazine, Golf Course Management, includesRolling Meadows, IL 60008 //S 21 lawn watering practices. Also includes a data-inces in Canada. Their Web page provides an-Far Hills, NJ 07931Telephone: 908-234-2300USGA Publications: 1-800-336-4446Care. Their Web page also lists names ofentists, and citizen activists. It includes lists ofpractices for organic land care. Purchase of thisRick L. Brandenburg. 1997. Publication AG-562.Raleigh, NC 27695-7603Practical information for homeowners. Main-Telephone: 802-222-4277sionals who install and maintain lawns. The //S 22 book is divided into two sections. The first, calledtility. Part Two focuses on the business aspectsof running a lawn care business. This book isSachs, Paul D., and Richard T. Luff. 2002. 197 p.Web page: management. It focuses on managing the healthand to engage many of the powerful alliesthat live above and below ground.Williamstown, MA 01267Telephone: 800-793-9396Telephone: 607-255-7654management strategies. The guide covers prob-living (abiotic) or living (biotic) factors. Eachment strategies. Also includes chapters onSchumann, G., P. Vittum, M. Elliott, and P. Cobb.course superintendents. Describes IPM andhow it can be performed on golf courses. Chap-Cornell Media Services Resource Center. 12 p.Telephone: 607-255-2080Bio-Integral Resource Center. 1987. 70 p.Berkeley, CA 94707Telephone: 510-524-2567Telephone: 800-527-8200Designed for homeowners. Includes informa- //S 25 dation in Kentucky bluegrass turf. Journalof Economic Entomology. Vol. 83. No. 6. p.22)Daehnke, David. 2000. The GardeningAccessed at:23)The Lawn Institute. 2001. How to establish,renovate, or overseed your lawn. Accessed24)Osentowski, Jerome, and Peter Bane. 2002.25)Grimes, James C. 1999. Little bluestemGrasses for Gardeners Everywhere. Brook-lyn Botanic Garden. Accessed at: 26)Daniels, Stevie. 1995. The Wild LawnHandbook. Alternatives to the TraditionalFront Lawn. Macmillan, New York, NY.27)Prarie Nursery. 2002. “No Mow” LawnMix. Wildflowers & Native Grasses. Ac-28)Daniels, Stevie. Low & Slow Fescues. In:29)Palmer, Dave (ed.). 2001. Growing Con-cerns. University of Florida Extension.April, May, June. Accessed at: 30)Seattle Public Utilities. 2000. About Ecoturf.Lawn Care. Accessed at: 31)Diboll, Neil. 2002. Wildflowers: The caseWestfield, WI. Accessed at: 32)American Meadows. n.d. Planting Instruc-tions: How to create your own wildflowermeadow. Accessed at: 33)Wasowski, Sally. 2002. Gardening withPrairie Plants: How to Create BeautifulNative Landscapes. University of Minne-sota Press, Minneapolis, MN. 285 p.34)PageWise. 2001. How to plant a wildflowermeadow. Accessed at: 35)McHenry County Defenders. 1996. Got thelawnmower blues? Natural Landscaping,Woodstock, Il. Accessed at: 36)Wheaton, Paul. 2000. Organic lawn carefor the cheap and lazy. Accessed at: 37)Mugaas, Bob. 2002. LILaC: Low InputLawn Care. University of Minnesota Ex-tension Service. Accessed at: 38)Nelson, Eric B., and C.M. Craft. 1991. Sup-compost-amended topdressings. Plant Dis-39)Hoitnik, H.A.J., M.J. Boehm, and Y. Hadar.1993. Mechanisms of suppression of soilamended substrates. p. 601–621. In: H.A.J. //S 26 Hoitnik and H.M. Keener (eds.). Scienceand Engineering of Composting. Renais40)Quarles, William. 2001. Can composts sup-press plant disease? Common Sense Pest41)Nelson, Eric B., and Michael J. Boehm.sion of turf grass diseases. Part I. BioCycle.42)Ingham, E.R., D.C. Coleman, and J.C.43)Quarles, William. 2001. Compost tea fororganic farming and gardening. The IPM44)Blair, Marney, Christa Conforti, KevinHutchins, and Jean Koch. 2002. The effects2002 International Symposium:Composting and Compost Utilization. TheOhio State University. Accessed at:45)Anon. 1999. A new companion. BUGS46)Torello, W.A., H. Gunner, and M. Coler.1999. Biological disease control in golf turf:pathogenic activity bacterium. p. 25. In:1999 Turfgrass Field Day. University of47)Sachs, Paul D. 1996. Handbook of Success-ful Ecological Lawn Care. The Edaphic48)Zein, S.M. 2001. B.U.G.S. Flyer. March. p.49)Wilhelm, S. Paul. 2002. Nematodes andlawn care. IPM Practioner. Vol. XXIV. No.50)Demoden, P.H., M.J. Carroll, and J.M.Krouse. 1993. Weed management and talltrogen, and herbicides. Crop Sciences. Vol.51)Christians, Nick. 1999. Using biologicalcontrol strategies for turf . Part III: Weeds.Grounds Maintenance. Vol. 34. Number3. p. 28–32. Accessed at: 52)Quarles, William. 1999. Corn gluten meal:a least-toxic herbicide. The IPM Practitio-53)Radhakrishnan, Jay. 2002. The “Vinegar54)Market Farming listserve. May 30, 2002.55)RO. 1997. Vinegar. Material Safety DataSheet. Accessed at: 56)AllAboutLawns.Com. 2001. Getting toknow your lawn. Accessed at: 57)Brown, Deb. 2001. (Ultra) low maintenancelawns. Yard and Garden Brief. Univer-sity of Minnesota Extension. Accessed at:58)Meyer, Scott. 1997. Your personal lawn careadvisor. Organic Gardening. February. p.59)Schultz, Warren. 1989. The Chemical-FreeLawn. Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA. 194 p. //S 27 Sustainable Turf Carehttp://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/turfcare.htmlhttp://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/ //S 28 tween 1 thousand to 1 million CFU*/gdw Table 1. Characteristics of good quality compost for turf //S 29 • synthetic nitrogen fertilizers• rock phosphate• steamed bone meal from• synthetic phosphorus fer-• synthetic potassium• uncomposted manure, since it contains weed seeds and pathogens• sewage sludge, since it may contain heavy metals and pathogens APPENDIX: Table 2. Organic Nutrient Sources //S 30 Diseases- moderateDiseases- moderateDiseases- moderateCold - moderate APPEINDIX: Table 3. Characteristics of Common Turf Grasses Sources: 56, 57, 58 //S 31 • All cool-season grasses increase • reduce N in late spring, summer • adjust pH to 6 - 6.5 • adequate fertilization necessary • raise pH increase N, iron reduce N reduce N minimize stress reduce N reduce N Other • topdress compost • remove excess organic matter • decrease thatch • rototill or remove soil • reduce thatch • topdress compost • reduce shade • prevelent in cool • reduce shade • topdress compost • reduce shade • heavy fall compost ap- APPENDIX: Table 4. Cultural Practices for Turf Disease Control //S 32 season grasses available availableincrease fertility, pH Sources: 12, 13, 22 APPENDIX: Table 4. Cultural Practices for Turf Disease Control - Continued //S 33 White grubs Billbugs Mites Sod webworms Crane flies• withold water in July and early August• increasing mowing height to 3 inches en-• remove thatch to reduce habitat• reduce compaction• water deeply in spring• resistant varieties of grass• frequent light watering• water thoroughly to remove bugs• water lightly during heat of the day• enhance fertility for adultsto control Japanese Beetles APPENDIX: Table 5. Cultural and Biological Control Methods for Turf Insect Pests and Other Athropods //S 34 Armyworms• Moist, humid• Copper barriers• Horsetail (Equisetum) extract• Sawdust• Woodash APPENDIX: Table 5. Cultural and Biological Control Methods for Turf Insect Pests and Other Athropods - Sources: 6, 13, 58, 59 //S 35 WeedAnnual bluegrassBarnyardgrassBirdsfoot TrefoilBlack MedicBroadleaf PlantainCommon MulleinCorn ChamomileCorn SpeedwellCrabgrassCreeping ThymeCurly DockSoilSoil pHHighLowLowHighHighHighSoil fertilityHigh NLow NLow fertilityLow fertilityLow NMowingToo lowInfrequentToo lowToo lowToo lowShadeToo muchshade APPENDIX: Table 6. Conditions that Favor Weed Infestations //S 36 WeedEnglish DaisyFoxtailHop CloverLady’s ThumbLeafy SpurgeMallowProstrate KnotweedProstrate SpurgeRed SorrelSpeedwellWild ParsnipYarrowYellow WoodsorrelSoilLowLowSoil pHHighHighHighSoil fertilityLow fertilityLow fertilityLow fertilityLow NLow fertilityMowingToo lowToo lowShade APPENDIX: Table 6. Conditions that Favor Weed Infestations - Continued Sources: 4, 13 //S 37 is reducing turf stress. Turf experiences stress•Establish and maintain a healthy soil en-•Include a diversity of species in the lawn•Use cultural practices that reduce stress•Understand and work with your local soil•Use biological pest controlssource of nutrients. Compost can be tilled intoor applied to existing turf as a topdressing. Whenthe spring or fall. Compost applied in the springpromotes early spring growth. Other organicorganisms. These organisms help create a soft,porous, well-aerated soil. They also break downInclude A Diversity Of Species In The Lawnnutrients and water than turf composed of a di-versity of species (12). To minimize maintenanceditions within the yard. Also, choose varietiesdecrease diseases and weed infestations. Whenfescue is suitable for the cooler, medium-rainfallern United States, and southern Canada. Vari-sects and birds. When purchasing wildflowerditions. Avoid inexpensive seed mixes that con-nual species. Native, warm-season prairiestressed lawn. Raising the mowing height to 2returning mower clipping to the soil stimulates //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 8 soil compaction or if only a fraction of the top-soil removed is put back, turf will grow poorly.Thatch. Thatch is turf root growth that forms onthe surface of compacted soils. Lawn clippings (4 , 19) .Aeration. Turf soils can be aerated by regularly (19) .Following mechanical aeration, topdress com-heavier mixture that will fall into the holes more (7 , 19 , 20) .While adding topsoil may appear to be the solu- (19) .Reducing or eliminating the use of synthetic Earthworms, other soil invertebrates,and soil microorganisms are essential for main- (7 , 19) . Most pesticides are toxic to earth-worms. Similarly, the soluble fertilizers ammo- http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/node1.asp A professional aerator. //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 18 •Reducing stress on turf by building up•Decreasing thatch through a combination•Increasing the diversity of plants within (20) .•Syringing or applying about 1/10 of aninch of water mid-day during hot, dry (20) •Using pest- and disease-resistant variet- (19 , 47) .Endophytes. Perennial ryegrass and many dif-ferent types of fescue are bred with endophytes—fungi that live symbiotically within the cells of (4) .Biological and botanical insecticides useful in turf (4) •Beauveria bassiana•Milky spore, formed by the bacteria •Entomopathogenic ((insect-eating) nema-•Neem, a botanical insecticide derived•Repellents containing garlic juice and ex-•Insecticidal soaps http://www.bethelfarms.cominsects.html Grubs feeding on turf. //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 18 •Reducing stress on turf by building up•Decreasing thatch through a combination•Increasing the diversity of plants within (20) .•Syringing or applying about 1/10 of aninch of water mid-day during hot, dry (20) •Using pest- and disease-resistant variet- (19 , 47) .Endophytes. Perennial ryegrass and many dif-ferent types of fescue are bred with endophytes—fungi that live symbiotically within the cells of (4) .Biological and botanical insecticides useful in turf (4) •Beauveria bassiana•Milky spore, formed by the bacteria •Entomopathogenic ((insect-eating) nema-•Neem, a botanical insecticide derived•Repellents containing garlic juice and ex-•Insecticidal soaps http://www.bethelfarms.comsects.html Grubs feeding on turf. //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 18 •Reducing stress on turf by building up•Decreasing thatch through a combination•Increasing the diversity of plants within (20) .•Syringing or applying about 1/10 of aninch of water mid-day during hot, dry (20) •Using pest- and disease-resistant variet- (19 , 47) .Endophytes. Perennial ryegrass and many dif-ferent types of fescue are bred with endophytes—fungi that live symbiotically within the cells of (4) .Biological and botanical insecticides useful in turf (4) •Beauveria bassiana•Milky spore, formed by the bacteria •Entomopathogenic ((insect-eating) nema-•Neem, a botanical insecticide derived•Repellents containing garlic juice and ex-•Insecticidal soaps http://www.bethelfarms.comcts.html Grubs feeding on turf. //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 18 •Reducing stress on turf by building up•Decreasing thatch through a combination•Increasing the diversity of plants within (20) .•Syringing or applying about 1/10 of aninch of water mid-day during hot, dry (20) •Using pest- and disease-resistant variet- (19 , 47) .Endophytes. Perennial ryegrass and many dif-ferent types of fescue are bred with endophytes—fungi that live symbiotically within the cells of (4) .Biological and botanical insecticides useful in turf (4) •Beauveria bassiana•Milky spore, formed by the bacteria •Entomopathogenic ((insect-eating) nema-•Neem, a botanical insecticide derived•Repellents containing garlic juice and ex-•Insecticidal soaps http://www.bethelfarms.coms.html Grubs feeding on turf. //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 18 •Reducing stress on turf by building up•Decreasing thatch through a combination•Increasing the diversity of plants within (20) .•Syringing or applying about 1/10 of aninch of water mid-day during hot, dry (20) •Using pest- and disease-resistant variet- (19 , 47) .Endophytes. Perennial ryegrass and many dif-ferent types of fescue are bred with endophytes—fungi that live symbiotically within the cells of (4) .Biological and botanical insecticides useful in turf (4) •Beauveria bassiana•Milky spore, formed by the bacteria •Entomopathogenic ((insect-eating) nema-•Neem, a botanical insecticide derived•Repellents containing garlic juice and ex-•Insecticidal soaps http://www.bethelfarms.comhtml Grubs feeding on turf. //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 18 •Reducing stress on turf by building up•Decreasing thatch through a combination•Increasing the diversity of plants within (20) .•Syringing or applying about 1/10 of aninch of water mid-day during hot, dry (20) •Using pest- and disease-resistant variet- (19 , 47) .Endophytes. Perennial ryegrass and many dif-ferent types of fescue are bred with endophytes—fungi that live symbiotically within the cells of (4) .Biological and botanical insecticides useful in turf (4) •Beauveria bassiana•Milky spore, formed by the bacteria •Entomopathogenic ((insect-eating) nema-•Neem, a botanical insecticide derived•Repellents containing garlic juice and ex-•Insecticidal soaps http://www.bethelfarms.comml Grubs feeding on turf. //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 18 •Reducing stress on turf by building up•Decreasing thatch through a combination•Increasing the diversity of plants within (20) .•Syringing or applying about 1/10 of aninch of water mid-day during hot, dry (20) •Using pest- and disease-resistant variet- (19 , 47) .Endophytes. Perennial ryegrass and many dif-ferent types of fescue are bred with endophytes—fungi that live symbiotically within the cells of (4) .Biological and botanical insecticides useful in turf (4) •Beauveria bassiana•Milky spore, formed by the bacteria •Entomopathogenic ((insect-eating) nema-•Neem, a botanical insecticide derived•Repellents containing garlic juice and ex-•Insecticidal soaps http://www.bethelfarms.com Grubs feeding on turf. ATTRA is the national sustainable agriculture information service operated by the National Centerfor Appropriate Technology, through a grant from the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S.companies, or individuals. NCAT has offices in Fayetteville, Arkansas (P.O. Box 3657, Fayetteville, By Barbara Bellows HORTICULTURE SYSTEMS GUIDE Abstract: This publication is written for lawn care professionals, golf course superintendents, or anyone with alawn. Its emphasis is on soil management and cultural practices that enhance turf growth and reduce pests and S USTAINABLE T URF C EAVESPACELATER Illustration 1. A healthy lawn complements a healthy Introduction..................................2Turfcare Practices........................2for Turf...........................................2Environment.................................9Stress on Turf.............................12Methods for Turf.......................15Summary.....................................20Acknowledgements...................20Organizations.............................20Resources.....................................21Electronic Database...................23References...................................23Appendix: Tables 1-6........28-36Executive Summary...................37 //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 2 Related ATTRA Publications Farm-Scale Composting Resource ListAlternative Soil Testing Laboratory Resource List IntroductionOne 1996 survey found that more pesticides are (1) . High-maintenance turfgrass sites such as golfcourses use large amounts of fuel, fertilizer, pes-ticides, and water (2) . However, homeowners,landscapers, and golf course managers are be- (3) •Elimination of pesticides from recre-•Decreased susceptibility of turf to pests,•Reduced runoff and leaching of excess•Enhanced biodiversity in urban regions,•Establish and maintain a healthy soil en-•Include a diversity of species in the lawn•Use cultural practices that reduce stress•Understand and work with your local soil•Use biological pest control methods (2) •Adding compost•Monitoring soil pH and managing for “The heart of organic lawn care is the naturalShannon Pope, proprietor of HealthySoils, an organic lawn care service“The challenge of the turfgrass manager is tobecome an expert not only in the managementDr. Eric Nelson, Cornell University //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 3 •Preventing soil compaction•Reducing or eliminating the use of syn- (4 , 5) . TheNOFA Standards for Organic Lawn Care (6) rec-ommends applying one inch or three cubic yardsCompost as a fertilizer. Mature compost pro-vides turf plants with a balanced source of nu-Ecological Golf Course Man-agement, Paul D. Sachs and Richard T. Luff (4) state:…plants have a hard time understanding andnisms that buffer and regulate the amount ofUnlike soluble, synthetic fertilizers that imme-Compost maturity. As will be discussed in moredetail below, compost can effectively suppress (7 , 8 , 9) .You can make a preliminary assessment of com- (5) . In addition, special soil analysis laborato-ries can assess the types of microorganism domi- AlternativeSoil Testing Laboratory Resource List provides con-tact information and descriptions of the analysisIf you are purchasing compost, make sure that itis from a reputable source and that it is mature, //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 5 Guide for Determining Compost Application Rates(developed from information provided in references 4 and 12) Step 1. Test the compost nutrient content. A nutrient test should be conducted on each compost pile you willbe using. Especially if you are using commercial compost, test it for nutrient content as well as for thepresence of heavy metals or pesticides. If the compost is to be used for disease control, an analysis of micro-Step 2. Determine the amount of nutrients needed. Most soil testing laboratories provide recommendationson the amount of nutrients to be applied, based on the type of soil and plant variety you will be using. Whencalculating the amount of nutrients coming from compost, remember that only about one-third to one-halfFor uniform turf growth throughout the growing season, apply the majority of your compost in the springand fall, with some topdressing during the summer. For example, you may want to apply 50% of the nutri-Step 3. Determine the weight of compost needed (nitrogen based)To calculate the amount of compost needed, divide the amount of nitrogen to be applied by the percentage of2Nitrogen content of compost = 2.0% on a dry weight basisThus:Compost to be applied = 6 pounds N/(0.02 x 0.4) = 750 pounds of compost / 1,000 ft2To translate pounds/1,000 ft2 into pounds/acre, multiply by 43.5.Thus:750 x 43.5 = 32,625 pounds or 16.3 tons of compost would be needed to cover an acre.Step 4. Calculate the volume of compost neededBulk compost is usually sold by the cubic yard rather than by weight. To calculate the volume of compost3 x 27 ft3/ yd3 = 675 pounds/yd3Continuing with the example given above:3 = 1.1 yd3 /1,000 ft3 of compost needed.Or32,625 pounds of compost /675 pounds per yd3 = 48.4 yd3 / acre needed.Step 5. Depth of compost layer to applyIt is easier to apply compost by thickness rather than by weight per area. To convert cubic yards of compost3/1,000 ft2 by the conversion factor 3.086OrDivide yd3 /acre by the conversion factor 134.44.Continuing with our examples:3 /1,000 ft3 needed / 3.086 = 0.35 inch or 3/8 inch of compost to be applied.or 48.4 yd3 / acre /134.44 = 0.35 inch or 3/8 inch of compost to be applied.Note that normal agronomic compost application rates range from 5 to 10 tons/acre. The recommended (5) . //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 8 soil compaction or if only a fraction of the top-soil removed is put back, turf will grow poorly.Thatch. Thatch is turf root growth that forms onthe surface of compacted soils. Lawn clippings (4 , 19) .Aeration. Turf soils can be aerated by regularly (19) .Following mechanical aeration, topdress com-heavier mixture that will fall into the holes more (7 , 19 , 20) .While adding topsoil may appear to be the solu- (19) .Reducing or eliminating the use of synthetic Earthworms, other soil invertebrates,and soil microorganisms are essential for main- (7 , 19) . Most pesticides are toxic to earth-worms. Similarly, the soluble fertilizers ammo- http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/node1269.asp A professional aerator. //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 11 28) . Sedges and rushes serve as a low-mainte-nance ground cover suitable for moist climates.Genetically-modified “no-mow” grass varieties (29) .Wildflowers. Including wildflowers as part of ayard provides options for adding color and vari- (30 , 31) .Choosing seed. To ensure that a wildflower (31) .Establishing a wildflower lawn. A wildflower (32) .As with any turf management practice, success-of sand and compost mix (33) . Then, in thespring, remove any remaining plant growth by Flame Weeding forVegetable Crops .Mixing wildflower seed with an annual cover (28) .Since many wildflower seeds are small, you have (31 , 33) .Wildflower seed mixtures. Most wildflower mix- Illustration 4. Wildflowers add diversity to lawns. (Photo //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 12 Grasses, especially native warm-season prairiegrasses, are a natural complement to wildflow-Andropogonscoparius), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula),and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) are excel-lent companions for wildflowers since they grow (31) .To rapidly establish a wildflower area, you can (34) . Wild-flower sod costs considerably more than seedsChoosing and installing sod. Most sod containshigh-maintenance grasses and is grown usingsynthetic inputs. If you use sod, try to chooseture of grasses appropriate to your locality. GoodMulches. Mulches serve as attractive and low-maintenance complements to turf. They are par-ticularly useful in shady or wet areas that do not (6) .Cultural Practices that Reduce StressBy creating healthy soil and selecting appropri-Mowing correctly can kill weeds, save water, re-duce diseases, stimulate root growth, and pro-vide grasscuttings for fertilizer (35) . Mowing in-correctly can cause stress on turf, introduce dis- http://www.americansod.com/photoessay.html Recently laid wildflower turf. Illustration 5. Prairie grasses can add diversity and beauty //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 13 eases, promote weed growth, and encouragethatch build-up.Reducing stress. Increasing the height of cutduring mowing is key to reducing stress on (19) . For native grass lawns, heights up to 3inches are recommended (20 , 36) . Time the in-tervals between mowings so only one-third ofthe grass is removed each time you mow. ThisIncreasing the mowing height is particularlyimportant when turf is under stress by heat, (19) .Mower type. Mulching mowers and grasscyclingthat are returned to the soil, rather than being2 (12 , 19) . If you use a non-mulching mower and leave clippings on the soil, (4) .Manual reel mowers provide less soil compac-Mower maintenance. Maintaining sharp mowerblades enhances mowing efficiency, reduces (14) . Conversely, a dullblade favors the spread of diseases since it cuts (12) .Water management. Healthy lawns that are wellaerated and have a moderate to high level of or-Proper watering. Watering less frequently andmore deeply encourages root growth deep into (36) . By increasing mower height, you can both re- //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 14 Most grasses are adapted to seasonally dry con-ditions and compete best if the soil in the root (19) . When rewetting a dry soil, slowlywet the surface, wait an hour or so for the water (19 , 36) .Watering also needs to be timed according to the (22) . Besides being waste-ful, this runoff can transport diseases across theOverwatering. Watering grass too frequently ortoo lightly causes lawns to develop shallow rootsystems, encourages water logging, increases the (19) . Wa-tering during the morning places less stress on (37) .Heat management. Reducing the water supply (37) . However, deeply watering the lawn onceduring each rainless month allows turf grasses (19) .If your area receives a light rain during an other- (31) .If you want to maintain green lawns throughout (4 , 36) .Leaving grass clippings on the soil andOverseeding. Overseeding is a practice that al-lows you to rejuvenate a lawn and fill in barespots where weeds might otherwise grow (19) .Overseeding also allows you to slowly replace For best turf growth, wait until the soil has Mowing guidelines to reduce turf stress (36) •Mow grass higher when temperatures•Manage grass located in shady or•Regularly sharpen mower blades,•Clean mowers regularly to remove //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 15 These techniques provide the conditions for goodseed-to-soil contact. Seed can be broadcast or (19 , 23) .Following seed planting, press the seed into theIn the mid-latitude, humid areas of the country,warm season grasses thrive in the summer andBiointensive Pest Control MethodsBiointensive pest control seeks primarily to pre-overfertilization, choosing locally appropriateOnce you are aware of a pest or disease prob-lem, your first step is to identify the cause of theResources section of this publica-tion lists several books that you can use to iden-Turf diseases. Prevention is the key to diseasemanagement in turf. Planting resistant variet-ies, keeping mower blades sharp, avoiding over- “My program begins with a detailed lawn evaluation. I look first at the turf type. Then, I look for“What time of year are you evaluating the lawn? If it is early spring and there are bare spots, a“Be realistic and don’t make promises to your clients that you cannot keep. It will take time toadjust deficiencies. Take advantage of the highest growing period of your turf types. This is whenShannon Pope, proprietor of Healthy Soils, and organic lawn care service //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 17 Different composts provide selective control ofsome diseases. For example, composted sewageFusarium oncarnations and peas, but decreased the incidenceFusarium on cucumbers (40) . Composted poul-try litter provided 75% control of brown patch (40) . Studies by Elaine Inghamand her coworkers (42) indicate that compostmade from succulent materials such as grass clip-To obtain optimum disease control, broadcastmature compost monthly. Applications of pesti-Compost tea. You can make anaerobic composttea by soaking a burlap bag full of compost in abarrel of water for up to two weeks. Soaking for (8) . Aerobic compost is prepared in thesame manner, except that the ratio of water to (43) . Research exam-ining the effect of compost tea on golf greens (44) . For more detailed informationon the production and use of compost teas, see Notes on Compost Teas .Microbial fungicides. If preventative measuresTrichoderma harzianum helps controlseveral diseases, including brown patch (causedRhizoctonia solani), dollar spot(caused by Sclerotinia homoecarpa), and pythiumroot rot and blight (caused by Pythiumgraminicola) (45) . Commercial products contain-ing Trichoderma include BINAB T™ from BINABBio-Innovation AB, a Swedish company, andBacillus bacteria. It is rec-ommended for both general maintenance and (45) . A new anti-fungal strain of bacterialabeled as APM-1 is being developed for turf use (4 , 46) .For additional information on biological or bo- &#xhttp;&#x://w;&#xww.a;&#xgrob;&#xiolo;&#xgica;&#xls.c;&#xom/0; ). Thispage has an excellent database of pests and dis-Turf insect pests. While pesticides kill insectpests listed on their labels, many pesticides arenon-specific. That is, they kill beneficial insects A compost tea brewing tank in California.Steve Diver //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 9 nium nitrate and methyl urea significantly reduceearthworm populations (21) . Both pesticides andfertilizers kill soil organisms through direct tox-In contrast to soluble fertilizers, compost containscarbon and nutrients that promote the growthSpecies Diversity in the LawnTurf species. Turf composed of a single speciesis highly susceptible to becoming weedy and (12) . To mini-mize maintenance problems, use species that areTable (see Appendix) lists growth characteris-tics of common turf grasses. Within these spe- (19) . In mid-latitude locations, a mix-ture of cool season and warm season grasses al-ance in mid-summer. A mixture of appropriateGood quality seed is fundamental to establish-ing good turf. Read and compare seed labels (22 , 23) . To avoid weed controlproblems, use seed from a reputable dealer and (23) •Grass variety listed by trade name — not•Germination rate of seed —should be at•Weed content less than 0.5%•Inert matter less than 5%•No noxious weeds stated on the label http://www.ntep.org/ �. Trialsconducted nationwide by the NTEP are designedMixed species lawns. For greater diversity, youmay want to consider mixing Dutch White Clo-ver (Trifolium repens) or subterranean clovers (Tri-folium subterraneum) into the turf mixture (3 , 6) . To minimize maintenance problems, use only Cool-season grasses do most of their growing //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 16 Cultural control practices for turf grass diseasecontrol include (20) •Altering the environment within the turf•Applying natural supplements such as•Overseeding with turf varieties that are•Waiting for weather conditions to change (2 , 11) dem-onstrated that topdressing with compost sup- (12 , 38) •dollar spot (•brown patch (•pythium root rot (•typhula blight (•red thread (•pythium blight (•necrotic ringspot ( (39) . Diseasesuppressive composts contain thoroughly de- (4 , 16 , 39) .Compost applications control diseases by sup-plying the soil with millions of microorganismsthat are antagonistic to turf pathogens. CompostCompost can suppress diseases in two ways. Itmay contain a high population of disease-sup- (8) indicate that compost derived from eitherbrewery sludge or municipal biosolids was ef-Pythium, because it contained high popula-tions of disease suppressive organisms. How-Pythium did so by pro-viding appropriate nourishment to disease sup- http://www.bethelfarms.com/ Brown patch disease can be controlled by theapplication of certain types of compost. //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 17 Different composts provide selective control ofsome diseases. For example, composted sewageFusarium oncarnations and peas, but decreased the incidenceFusarium on cucumbers (40) . Composted poul-try litter provided 75% control of brown patch (40) . Studies by Elaine Inghamand her coworkers (42) indicate that compostmade from succulent materials such as grass clip-To obtain optimum disease control, broadcastmature compost monthly. Applications of pesti-Compost tea. You can make anaerobic composttea by soaking a burlap bag full of compost in abarrel of water for up to two weeks. Soaking for (8) . Aerobic compost is prepared in thesame manner, except that the ratio of water to (43) . Research exam-ining the effect of compost tea on golf greens (44) . For more detailed informationon the production and use of compost teas, see Notes on Compost Teas .Microbial fungicides. If preventative measuresTrichoderma harzianum helps controlseveral diseases, including brown patch (causedRhizoctonia solani), dollar spot(caused by Sclerotinia homoecarpa), and pythiumroot rot and blight (caused by Pythiumgraminicola) (45) . Commercial products contain-ing Trichoderma include BINAB T™ from BINABBio-Innovation AB, a Swedish company, andBacillus bacteria. It is rec-ommended for both general maintenance and (45) . A new anti-fungal strain of bacterialabeled as APM-1 is being developed for turf use (4 , 46) .For additional information on biological or bo- c al Web page( &#xhttp;&#x://w;&#xww.a;&#xgrob;&#xiolo;&#xgica;&#xls.c;&#xom/0; ). Thispage has an excellent database of pests and dis-Turf insect pests. While pesticides kill insectpests listed on their labels, many pesticides arenon-specific. That is, they kill beneficial insects A compost tea brewing tank in California.Steve Diver //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 17 Different composts provide selective control ofsome diseases. For example, composted sewageFusarium oncarnations and peas, but decreased the incidenceFusarium on cucumbers (40) . Composted poul-try litter provided 75% control of brown patch (40) . Studies by Elaine Inghamand her coworkers (42) indicate that compostmade from succulent materials such as grass clip-To obtain optimum disease control, broadcastmature compost monthly. Applications of pesti-Compost tea. You can make anaerobic composttea by soaking a burlap bag full of compost in abarrel of water for up to two weeks. Soaking for (8) . Aerobic compost is prepared in thesame manner, except that the ratio of water to (43) . Research exam-ining the effect of compost tea on golf greens (44) . For more detailed informationon the production and use of compost teas, see Notes on Compost Teas .Microbial fungicides. If preventative measuresTrichoderma harzianum helps controlseveral diseases, including brown patch (causedRhizoctonia solani), dollar spot(caused by Sclerotinia homoecarpa), and pythiumroot rot and blight (caused by Pythiumgraminicola) (45) . Commercial products contain-ing Trichoderma include BINAB T™ from BINABBio-Innovation AB, a Swedish company, andBacillus bacteria. It is rec-ommended for both general maintenance and (45) . A new anti-fungal strain of bacterialabeled as APM-1 is being developed for turf use (4 , 46) .For additional information on biological or bo- i i c al s Web page( &#xhttp;&#x://w;&#xww.a;&#xgrob;&#xiolo;&#xgica;&#xls.c;&#xom/0; ). Thispage has an excellent database of pests and dis-Turf insect pests. While pesticides kill insectpests listed on their labels, many pesticides arenon-specific. That is, they kill beneficial insects A compost tea brewing tank in California.Steve Diver //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 17 Different composts provide selective control ofsome diseases. For example, composted sewageFusarium oncarnations and peas, but decreased the incidenceFusarium on cucumbers (40) . Composted poul-try litter provided 75% control of brown patch (40) . Studies by Elaine Inghamand her coworkers (42) indicate that compostmade from succulent materials such as grass clip-To obtain optimum disease control, broadcastmature compost monthly. Applications of pesti-Compost tea. You can make anaerobic composttea by soaking a burlap bag full of compost in abarrel of water for up to two weeks. Soaking for (8) . Aerobic compost is prepared in thesame manner, except that the ratio of water to (43) . Research exam-ining the effect of compost tea on golf greens (44) . For more detailed informationon the production and use of compost teas, see Notes on Compost Teas .Microbial fungicides. If preventative measuresTrichoderma harzianum helps controlseveral diseases, including brown patch (causedRhizoctonia solani), dollar spot(caused by Sclerotinia homoecarpa), and pythiumroot rot and blight (caused by Pythiumgraminicola) (45) . Commercial products contain-ing Trichoderma include BINAB T™ from BINABBio-Innovation AB, a Swedish company, andBacillus bacteria. It is rec-ommended for both general maintenance and (45) . A new anti-fungal strain of bacterialabeled as APM-1 is being developed for turf use (4 , 46) .For additional information on biological or bo- c al s Web page( &#xhttp;&#x://w;&#xww.a;&#xgrob;&#xiolo;&#xgica;&#xls.c;&#xom/0; ). Thispage has an excellent database of pests and dis-Turf insect pests. While pesticides kill insectpests listed on their labels, many pesticides arenon-specific. That is, they kill beneficial insects A compost tea brewing tank in California.Steve Diver //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 17 Different composts provide selective control ofsome diseases. For example, composted sewageFusarium oncarnations and peas, but decreased the incidenceFusarium on cucumbers (40) . Composted poul-try litter provided 75% control of brown patch (40) . Studies by Elaine Inghamand her coworkers (42) indicate that compostmade from succulent materials such as grass clip-To obtain optimum disease control, broadcastmature compost monthly. Applications of pesti-Compost tea. You can make anaerobic composttea by soaking a burlap bag full of compost in abarrel of water for up to two weeks. Soaking for (8) . Aerobic compost is prepared in thesame manner, except that the ratio of water to (43) . Research exam-ining the effect of compost tea on golf greens (44) . For more detailed informationon the production and use of compost teas, see Notes on Compost Teas .Microbial fungicides. If preventative measuresTrichoderma harzianum helps controlseveral diseases, including brown patch (causedRhizoctonia solani), dollar spot(caused by Sclerotinia homoecarpa), and pythiumroot rot and blight (caused by Pythiumgraminicola) (45) . Commercial products contain-ing Trichoderma include BINAB T™ from BINABBio-Innovation AB, a Swedish company, andBacillus bacteria. It is rec-ommended for both general maintenance and (45) . A new anti-fungal strain of bacterialabeled as APM-1 is being developed for turf use (4 , 46) .For additional information on biological or bo- c alsl s Web page( &#xhttp;&#x://w;&#xww.a;&#xgrob;&#xiolo;&#xgica;&#xls.c;&#xom/0; ). Thispage has an excellent database of pests and dis-Turf insect pests. While pesticides kill insectpests listed on their labels, many pesticides arenon-specific. That is, they kill beneficial insects A compost tea brewing tank in California.Steve Diver //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 17 Different composts provide selective control ofsome diseases. For example, composted sewageFusarium oncarnations and peas, but decreased the incidenceFusarium on cucumbers (40) . Composted poul-try litter provided 75% control of brown patch (40) . Studies by Elaine Inghamand her coworkers (42) indicate that compostmade from succulent materials such as grass clip-To obtain optimum disease control, broadcastmature compost monthly. Applications of pesti-Compost tea. You can make anaerobic composttea by soaking a burlap bag full of compost in abarrel of water for up to two weeks. Soaking for (8) . Aerobic compost is prepared in thesame manner, except that the ratio of water to (43) . Research exam-ining the effect of compost tea on golf greens (44) . For more detailed informationon the production and use of compost teas, see Notes on Compost Teas .Microbial fungicides. If preventative measuresTrichoderma harzianum helps controlseveral diseases, including brown patch (causedRhizoctonia solani), dollar spot(caused by Sclerotinia homoecarpa), and pythiumroot rot and blight (caused by Pythiumgraminicola) (45) . Commercial products contain-ing Trichoderma include BINAB T™ from BINABBio-Innovation AB, a Swedish company, andBacillus bacteria. It is rec-ommended for both general maintenance and (45) . A new anti-fungal strain of bacterialabeled as APM-1 is being developed for turf use (4 , 46) .For additional information on biological or bo- c als Web page( &#xhttp;&#x://w;&#xww.a;&#xgrob;&#xiolo;&#xgica;&#xls.c;&#xom/0; ). Thispage has an excellent database of pests and dis-Turf insect pests. While pesticides kill insectpests listed on their labels, many pesticides arenon-specific. That is, they kill beneficial insects A compost tea brewing tank in California.Steve Diver //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 4 nutritionally well balanced, and does not con-tain heavy metals, pathogens, or other toxic sub- (7 , 9 , 10) . If you want to make your owncompost, the ATTRA publication Farm-ScaleComposting Resource List provides a compendiumof books and Web sites that can guide you.Compost application. Compost can be tilled intothe soil during turf renovation, used as aWhen fertilizing turf, base the compost applica-tions on the nutrient needs of the turf, which areFor maintenance of existing turf, apply compostas a topdressing. Compost may be applied as an (4 , 11) . The advantages of mixing com-post with sand are easier application and betterdistribution. But adding sand to compost canThe best time to apply compost is in the springor fall. Compost applied in the spring provides (12) . As will be discussed in more detaillater, compost mixed with cool-season grass seedManaging for soil fertility. Turfgrass requiresnitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K),and other nutrients. As for fields or gardens, Alternative SoilTesting Laboratory Resource List for laboratoriesthat provide biological as well as chemical analy- (6) .Nitrogen needs. Proper nitrogen fertilization is http://www.planetgreen.com/education.shtml?performance Tilling compost into soil during lawn renovation. //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 6 they are actively growing. These grass speciesshould not be fertilized in the fall or winter when (13 , 14) .Turf species, soil conditions, length of the grow- (13 , 15) . Turfneeds more nitrogen in southern states, whereCompost as a source of nutrients. Compost pro-vides a complete source of turf nutrients, includ-Natural nutrients sources. While compost is anexcellent natural nutrient source, its balance of Alterna-tive Soil Amendments and Sources of Organic Fer-tilizers and Amendments , respectively.Soil pH refers to the acidity (soil pH lower thanTo raise the soil pH (make the soil less acid), ap-ply lime. Lime is available in two mineral forms: Illustration 2. Soil testing helps you provide your lawn with the correct(Photo by Lynn Betts, Natural Resources Conservation Service) //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 7 The nitrogen in topdressed fertilizers is subjectto loss through volatilization. Between 13% and (16) . Incorporating compost or fer-tilizer into the soil can decrease the chances forCaution when applying nitrogen to turf. Use carenot to overapply nitrogen to turf. Large doses of (16) . High ni-trogen availability also increases the succulenceTurf fertilization and water quality. Applyingtoo much fertilizer or providing turf with nutri- (17) . Too much nitro-gen fertilization, especially when applied to bareThis is particularly true for compost made from (18) .Soluble nitrogen applied through an irrigationFor large turf areas such as golf courses, parks,or athletic fields, ponds or constructed wetlands (14) .Preventing and correcting soil compaction. Turfgrows poorly in compacted soil because its rootPeople walking, exercising, or playing on thegrass can compact turf soils. Even mowing theTurf soil may be thin and compacted because ofthe natural characteristics of the soil in the area The average homeowner uses ten times more (17) . //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 9 nium nitrate and methyl urea significantly reduceearthworm populations (21) . Both pesticides andfertilizers kill soil organisms through direct tox-In contrast to soluble fertilizers, compost containscarbon and nutrients that promote the growthSpecies Diversity in the LawnTurf species. Turf composed of a single speciesis highly susceptible to becoming weedy and (12) . To mini-mize maintenance problems, use species that areTable 3 (see Appendix) lists growth characteris-tics of common turf grasses. Within these spe- (19) . In mid-latitude locations, a mix-ture of cool season and warm season grasses al-ance in mid-summer. A mixture of appropriateGood quality seed is fundamental to establish-ing good turf. Read and compare seed labels (22 , 23) . To avoid weed controlproblems, use seed from a reputable dealer and (23) •Grass variety listed by trade name — not•Germination rate of seed —should be at•Weed content less than 0.5%•Inert matter less than 5%•No noxious weeds stated on the label http://www.ntep.org/ �. Trialsconducted nationwide by the NTEP are designedMixed species lawns. For greater diversity, youmay want to consider mixing Dutch White Clo-ver (Trifolium repens) or subterranean clovers (Tri-folium subterraneum) into the turf mixture (3 , 6) . To minimize maintenance problems, use only Cool-season grasses do most of their growing //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 10 •Increase the drought-tolerance of the•Provide two pounds of nitrogen per 1000•Decrease disease infestations by increas-•Decrease weed infestations (24) .In addition to legumes, a combination of grassesSchizachyrium scoparium), common or Pennsyl-vania sedge (Carex pensylvanica), and tuftedhairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa) is well adaptedto the Northeastern coastal areas (25) , while bluegrama (Bouteloua gracilis), buffalograss (Buchloedactyloides), purple three-awn (Aristidapurpurea), and sideoats grama (Bouteloua (26) . You can get information on grass na-tive to your area from your Cooperative Exten-Some nurseries have created “no mow” lawnmixes composed of slow growing turf grasses, (27 , Illustration courtesy of Bob Mugaas, University ofMinnesota Department of Horticulture.Illustration 3. Dutch white clover is an excellent addition //SUSTAINABLE TURF CAREPAGE 16 Cultural control practices for turf grass diseasecontrol include (20) •Altering the environment within the turf•Applying natural supplements such as•Overseeding with turf varieties that are•Waiting for weather conditions to change (2 , 11) dem-onstrated that topdressing with compost sup- (12 , 38) •dollar spot (•brown patch (•pythium root rot (•typhula blight (•red thread (•pythium blight (•necrotic ringspot ( (39) . Diseasesuppressive composts contain thoroughly de- (4 , 16 , 39) .Compost applications control diseases by sup-plying the soil with millions of microorganismsthat are antagonistic to turf pathogens. CompostCompost can suppress diseases in two ways. Itmay contain a high population of disease-sup- (8) indicate that compost derived from eitherbrewery sludge or municipal biosolids was ef-Pythium, because it contained high popula-tions of disease suppressive organisms. How-Pythium did so by pro-viding appropriate nourishment to disease sup- http://www.bethelfarms.com/ Brown patch disease can be controlled by theapplication of certain types of compost.