Dr. Cale Bigelow Sabbatical

Just a quick note from across the pond. I will be on study-leave/sabbatical for fall semester from 15 Aug. - 31 December, 2011. I will be collaborating with colleagues interested in urban ecology and studying alternative low input turfgrass systems in Europe (primarily the United Kingdom). Please note that during this time I will have limited access to my Purdue email but will do my best to check it at least weekly. Do not be offended if my responses are slow, I have not forgotten about you, things are just slower over here...! If you call my office phone I will be checking that number very infrequently you are better off to send me an email cbigelow@purdue.edu or simply call Jennifer Biehl directly 765-494-8039. In my absence, the Turf Team (Drs. Gibb, Jiang, Latin, Patton, Richmond and of course Ms. Jennifer Biehl) are more than able to help answer any questions you might have regarding turfgrass in Indiana. You can find loads more information on our turf home page. www.agry.purdue.edu/turf

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Check out these new and improved tools!

We have been working hard this winter trying to help you be more efficient…..

These tools/calculators are now available on our Purdue Turf Science web-site to help you answer various turf-related questions.

1. An updated Turf Fertilizer Calculator. It still allows you to calculate granular fertilizer needs based on target nutrient rate and product analysis. It has been enhanced to help applicators interpret a fertilizer label and offers a new calculator to help determine liquid product needs. http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/fertilizerCalculator/index.html
2. A NEW seed calculator: This tool allows you to understand a seed label, calculate seed needs, and compare products. http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/seedCalculator/index.html
3. A NEW sand needs calculator: This new tool helps turfgrass managers determine sand needs for topdressing, filling core aeration holes and sand bunkers. It was designed in response to the numerous questions regarding how much sand to use. Users input various criteria such as how large their area is, what depth they intend to apply the sand, provides information regarding the importance of core cultivation and sand topdressing and the potential golfer’s response to core aeration spacing/depth. http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/sandCalc/index.html
4. A NEW lawn species selection tool. This new tool was created in response to the numerous questions related to the “what is the BEST species” to plant in lawns throughout the state. This tool allows the user to first identify the site criteria: user’s must select their turf intended turf use (lawn or utility turf), environmental conditions (shade vs. sun), desired appearance/intended visual quality (low, medium, high), and the specific county where the turf will be cultivated. The tool then provides a list of potential species that could be planted and successfully cultured on the site. In addition a color photo of the turfgrass and brief description of the species are provided. Additionally a printable copy of this description is also offered. It also provides a link to important cultural and pest information for the North Central Region at the “Lawn Problem Solver” as well as our own Extension publications. http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/turfgrassSelectionTool/index.html

As always we are open to your feedback and suggestions for potential improvement. If something does not seem to be working properly, PLEASE let me know…

Cale A. Bigelow (email:cbigelow@purdue.edu)

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Indiana Reception at the GCSAA in Orlando

For those making the trip to Orlando for the Golf Industry Show, the Indiana Reception, Sponsored by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation and Purdue Agronomy Department will be held Wednesday, February 9, 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Salon 8 of the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Dr, Orlando, FL. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with your classmates and old friends. Please plan on attending and also bring along any other alumni or friends of the Purdue Turf Program.

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Students Placed 1st at the Seventh Annual Sports Turf Competition

Cody Whitis, Justin Shirley, Joey Gerking, and Zak Peterson traveled to Austin, TX for the seventh annual Student Challenge Exam at the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Meetings. Purdue placed 1st out of 32 teams. The students worked hard to prepare for the competition and were surprised when announced in 1st place. “This motivates us to continue to work hard in order to do well at the GCSAA Show in Orlando, FL” according to 3rd year turf bowl member and President of the Turf Club, Justin Shirley. The STMA is rich with Purdue University tradition as the late Dr. Bill Daniel, long-time Purdue professor and a pioneer in the turf industry, was one of the four founding members. Dr. Daniel is honored each year by an award in his name that honors individuals who have significantly contributed to the sports turf industry through research, teaching and extension.

Teams from various colleges and universities participated in a written exam on sports turf and sports field topics. The two hour competition included the identification of insects, grasses, and weeds and covered mathematics, soil physical properties, plant physiology, and plant growth and development in addition to question on athletic field construction, design and maintenance. At the conference, students were able to take advantage of many activities specifically geared to them including the student challenge exam, workshops and a student network luncheon. The teams would like to acknowledge the support they received this year from the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF), Agronomy Department, their advisor Dr. Cale Bigelow and graduate teaching assistants, Tracy Tudor and Jon Trappe. Without Dr. Bigelow, Tracy Tudor, MRTF and the help of the Agronomy Department the students would not be able to compete in the STMA competition. Please commend them on their performance and hard work the next time you see these students.

1st Place team pictured left to right: Chris Calcaterra (STMA President), Cody Whitis, Justin Shirley, Joey Gerking, and Zak Peterson

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Students Placed 8th at the Seventh Annual Sports Turf Competition

Tony Feitz, C.J. Coy, John Thackery, and Steve Vonderheide traveled to Austin, TX for the seventh annual Student Challenge Exam at the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Meetings. Purdue placed 8th out of 32 teams. The students worked hard to prepare for the competition and were surprised when Purdue was announced in 1st place. “I was excited to see our other team take 1st place and I am working hard to take this momentum forward to perform well at the GCSAA Show in Orlando, FL” according to 2nd year turf bowl member and Secretary of the Turf Club, C.J. Coy.

8th place team from left to right: John Thackery, Tony Feitz, Steve Vonderheide, C.J. Coy

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