Sports Fields – how many is enough?

Sports Fields – how many is enough?

The turf guys are on their own today, ranting about sports fields. Where do these "annual hours of field use" limits come from? Can we use them to find an appropriate amount of field space to support local sports? What are some ideal scheduling techniques to allow for field recovery? Don't forget a big shoutout to the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP winning Cornell Big Red Men's Lacrosse team. LGR!

Long-term Lawns with Paige Boyle

Dr. Paige Boyle, University of Minnesota, joins the show to discuss her recent work with the Long-Term Ecological Research Project in the twin cities area. We chat about pollinator lawns and trying to channel the energy from No Mow May into more valuable land management approaches. UMN LTER Project: https://mspurbanlter.umn.edu/research-areas/effectiveness-pollinator-habitat [https://mspurbanlter.umn.edu/research-areas/effectiveness-pollinator-habitat] Lawns to Legumes program: https://ncipmhort.cfans.umn.edu/lawns-legumes [https://ncipmhort.cfans.umn.edu/lawns-legumes]

Deep roots and deep dives with Ming-Yi Chou

Dr. Ming-Yi Chou, Rutgers, stops by the show to discuss root pathogens. The result is a detailed discussion of application timing (depends on the type of pathogen), and application method that requires moving the product (with water) down into the root system. We also hear from Ming-Yi on some new analytical methods to identify pathogen communities that will improve our ability to control them. Chemical Control of Turfgrass Diseases 2024: https://publications.ca.uky.edu/files/PPA1.pdf [https://publications.ca.uky.edu/files/PPA1.pdf]

Breaking the norm: alternative (and traditional) weed control with Matt Elmore

Dr. Matt Elmore, Rutgers, joins to discuss a variety of weed control topics. We start with the considerations a professional should make when evaluating a traditional pre-emergent weed control strategy vs. a post-emergent strategy that allows for more immediate seeding and growing of turfgrass. Then, we get to the crazy stuff like fiesta, rolling, and even clover for crabgrass control!

The Insect mashup show with Kyle Wickings

It's the insect mash-up show this week. We tackle No Mow May and Kyle's data on pollinator resources and below-ground insects. Annual bluegrass weevil timing seems to be lining up "like normal", but what should we consider as showery weather ahead possibly reduces product efficacy? Can we affect ABW overwintering sites? Robot mowers for earthworm control? Brewing your own entomopathogenic nematodes? The "fastest 30 minutes in turf" is at it again!