[…]process. Additionally, local governments may regulate and dictate the required code and methods for backflow prevention. At a minimum, Maryland regulations (COMAR 15.05.01) require that pesticide storage areas must meet requirements that include the following: The storage area must be secured or locked to prevent unauthorized access. Pesticides must be stored in a separate building or, at a minimum, must be separated by a physical barrier from living and working areas and from food, feed, fertilizer, seed, and safety equipment. A warning sign approved by MDA must be placed on the exterior of the storage area. Pesticides must be stored […]
[…]likelihood of resistance. Follow guidelines and advice provided by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC), Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC), and Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC). Next: Record Keeping and […]
[…]and sampling wells according to the monitoring schedule required by the regulating authority. Before installing new wells, the local regulatory authorities should be contacted to determine the permitting and construction requirements and the required isolation distances from potential sources of contamination. New wells should be located up-gradient as far as possible from potential pollutant sources, such as petroleum storage tanks, septic tanks, chemical mixing areas, or fertilizer storage facilities. Best Management Practices Surround new wells with bollards or a physical barrier to prevent impacts to the wellhead. Maintain records of new well construction and modifications to existing wells. Obtain a […]
[…]trials are evaluated each year at the University of Maryland and Virginia Tech. The cultivar performance data obtained at various trial locations are reviewed annually in a joint meeting of university researchers and representatives of the Department of Agriculture of both states. The use of recommended cultivars usually results in a turfgrass stand of higher quality and density, greater stress tolerance, lower nutrient requirements, less water usage, and fewer pest problems. Also, the use of recommended cultivars generally has the benefits of greater water infiltration, reduced need for pesticide applications, reduced water runoff, and the enhancement of the environmental benefits […]
[…]disadvantages exist for each. In addition, not all fertilizers can be spread with every spreader. For example, a drop spreader can damage the sulfur coating in sulfur-coated urea, essentially leading to an increase of soluble urea. Most importantly, accurately calibrated sprayers or spreaders are essential for proper application of fertilizers. Incorrectly calibrated equipment can easily apply too little or too much fertilizer, resulting in damaged turf, excess cost, and greater potential of nutrient movement off-site. An excellent resource for spreader care and calibration can be found at Penn State’s Department of Plant Science. Spreaders should also be thoroughly cleaned after […]
[…]applications to achieve a soil pH of about 6.4 are available. (See Nutrient Management Guidelines for Commercial Turfgrass Seeding. ) If diseases such as summer patch of Kentucky bluegrass or spring dead spot of bermudagrass are of concern, maintaining lower soil pH (5.4 to 5.7) may be desirable, and reduced or no limestone should be applied to achieve this level. Also, it is recommended, when practical, that limestone be applied approximately one month or more before seeding to minimize potential P availability problems and the potential for volatilization loss of applied N. While these recommendations should result in satisfactory establishment […]
[…]frequency, shade, mowing equipment, time of year, root growth, and abiotic and biotic stress. For example, mowing frequency affects turfgrass growth habit. Frequent mowing increases tillering and shoot density, but also decreases root and rhizome growth. Therefore, mowing practices should balance these two physiological responses to allow quick turf recovery through decisions related to height of cut, frequency, and mowing patterns. Mowing too infrequently results in alternating cycles of vegetative growth followed by scalping, which further depletes food reserves of the plants. Next: Height of […]
[…]with proper seedbed fertility. More information can be found in Nutrient Management Guidelines for Commercial Turfgrass Seeding. 2005. University of Maryland and the Nutrient Management section of this website. Best Management Practices The area to be established should be properly prepared. Ensure erosion and sediment control devices are in place and properly maintained. Conduct a soil test before seeding to determine nutrient needs. Sprigs should be “knifed-in” and rolled to hasten root establishment. Sod should be topdressed to fill in the gaps between sod pieces and seams. This hastens establishment and provides a smoother surface. Use appropriate seeding methods for […]
[…]Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act FRAC Fungicide Resistance Action Committee HOC height of cut HRAC Herbicide Resistance Action Committee IBDU isobutylidene diurea IPM integrated pest management IRAC Insecticide Resistance Action Committee K potassium MDA Maryland Department of Agriculture MDE Maryland Department of the Environment MES Maryland Environmental Service Mg magnesium mg/L milligrams per liter MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets N nitrogen NH+4 ammonium NO-3 nitrate NRC National Response Center NTEP National Turfgrass Evaluation Program OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration P phosphorus PCU polymer coated ureas PGR plant growth regulator PPE personal protective equipment QA/QC quality assurance/quality control SCU sulfur […]
[…]below. These recommended ranges take into account the variability in the factors listed above. For example, rates at the higher end of recommended ranges may be appropriate on sites where clippings are removed, irrigation intensity is high (which increases growth rates and nutrient uptake) and traffic is intense (such as heavily played public golf courses). In some situations, N rates somewhat higher than those listed in the table below are needed in an unusual year to meet the specific conditions and needs of a given golf course or site on a golf course. Rates at the lower end of the […]
