Page 25 - Transitioning Turfgrass

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6 ETS Field Days

Figure 2 Color-enhanced image of plots in the Figure 3 Researchers at Rutgers University are evaluating
nearinfrared (NIR) band on 31 August 2015. Percentages methods to reduce fungicide usage on golf course
denote evapotranspiration (ET) replacement irrigation fairways. Bentgrass cultivars with dollar resistance can
treatments. Dark green(high) indicates more turf biomass help the golf course become more sustainable (Rutgers
(Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, U.S.A). University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.A).

and Wildlife Foundation, provide valuable in- Putting Green Construction
formation on how mammals, birds, fish, reptiles,
and amphibians use the golf course. In 1990, the The USGA continues to improve the recommen-
USGA established the Audubon Cooperative dations for putting green construction. This meth-
Sanctuary Program in cooperation with Audubon od is the most method of green construction that
International. Currently, the USGA is supporting provides consistent playing conditions worldwide.
new research on the ecosystem services, such as To some degree, the USGA putting green rec-
carbon storage, stormwater management, and ommendations have helped expand the game of
heat island reduction that golf courses provide to golf throughout the world. This method provides
a community. the best chance to have quality greens because it

Pesticide and Nutrient Fate

The USGA research showed that proper applica-
tion of pesticides and nutrients would not negative-
ly impact the environment. However, this research
also demonstrated that quality turfgrass could be
produced with fewer pesticide and fertilizer appli-
cations. Since 2005, golf courses in the U.S. have
reduced nitrogen use by 35 percent (31,000 tons
annually) and phosphorous by 53 percent (17,000
tons annually). USGA research showed tall veg-
etation along ponds and streams protect water
quality. However, pesticide use has remained at Figure 4 The number of dollar spot infection centers in
the same level since 2005, and more needs to be highly susceptible (red lines), moderately susceptible (orange
done in the area. The USGA is actively supporting lines), and more tolerant (green lines) bentgrass cultivars
and dollar spot risk index (black line) calculated using a
disease forecasting models and the introduction of weather-based, logistic regression model during 2015
new turfgrass cultivars with disease resistance. (Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.A).

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