Little by little the lower North Central Region is pulling out of the drought that extends back to midsummer, although we still have a ways to go. For example, the Cincinnati area is still close to five inches down on annual rainfall. Check out the attached link from Dr. Aaron Patton at Purdue University if drought- related questions continue to impact your maintenance operation http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/tips/2010/11152010_latedrought.html.
Advance preparation goes a long way towards determining the impact that harsh weather will have. So is your maintenance operation ready for the next stint of less-than-ideally-timed harsh weather? We stand ready to review and advise based on current research and field observations.
We’ve received several phone calls about the EPA action on PCNB and there have been multiple postings on the topic over the last few weeks. Joe Rimelspach at Ohio State University also has offered some thoughts that are worth reviewing – http://buckeyeturf.osu.edu/component/option,com_intsportsnotes/Itemid,85/noteid,2491.
Do you carry an iPhone? Now is a great time to review some of the apps, available from Apple - http://www.apple.com/iphone/apps-for-iphone/, that can aid golf turf management.
- ‘Sun Seeker’ – As an industry we continually talk about the importance of sunlight in managing quality/dependable turf and this app can be a super tool. It shows very clearly how the sun’s path and angle changes through the course of a year. The app is a potentially great tool for communicating with those who resist embracing the potential need for selective tree removal.
- ‘iStimp’ – this is not a substitute for the real thing, but it does provide a quick reading.
- ‘BreakMeter’ – an alternative to carrying a digital level, although not quite as accurate.
- ‘Rules of Golf’ – full and complete.
- ‘GIS-2011’ – guide to the upcoming Golf Industry Show in Orlando
- There are a host of weather related apps that can enhance forecasting and monitoring radar.
- ‘Turfgrass Management’ – the University of Georgia continues to offer this app, both a free version and one with a yearly subscription.
While there are no viable alternatives for an agronomically sound maintenance program, carefully selected technology can aid the process and enhance communication. And of course, apps for smart phones are always appreciated gifts.
In the final analysis, there is no substitute for giving, or recommitting to give, your family and friends quality time during this holiday season and beyond. This is also a great time to firm up plans to give your course a Turf Advisory Service visit in 2011.
Next up on the conference circuit – the Ohio Turfgrass Conference and Show will be held during the 2 nd week of December in Columbus, OH ( http://www.ohioturfgrass.org/ohio-turfgrass-foundation-conference-and-show-general-information.php ). Our ‘Morning with the USGA’ open forum will be on Thursday, December 9th, beginning at 7:00 am. Hope to see you in Columbus.
Source: Bob Brame, bobbrame@usga.org or 859-356-3272.