Benefits of MulchingMulches enhance seedbeds in

many different ways. Their primarybenefit is water conservation.Covering the soil decreases waterevaporation from the soil surface. Themulching material itself may havehigh moisture holding capacity andaid in maintaining moisture levels atthe soil surface.Mulch protection of the soil against

rain and irrigation helps maintain soilstructure. Water droplets carry a lot ofenergy when striking the ground. Theimpact of the droplets can cause thesoil aggregates to disperse. The disper-sion can lead to decreased soil struc-ture and surface sealing, both of whichcan decrease infiltration rates.Minimizing the change in soil tem-

peratures at the soil's surface isanother benefit of mulches. This "insu-lating" effect can help moderate soiltemperatures during times when airtemperatures are rapidly changing.

Conventional MulchesOne of the most widely used

mulches is straw, which is composedof the stems of plants from smallgrain crop, such as oats or barley.

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Straw has very good mulching char-acteristics and is usually readilyaccessible. Unfortunately, straw hassome negative affects on the seedbedsand seedlings.Straw usually contains a wide vari-

ety and large quantity of weeds. Sincestraw is harvested from an agricultur-al field, any weeds (and accompanyingseedheads) are included in the harvestof the straw. Many times the weedscan be perennial grassy weeds, suchas orchardgrass, that are very difficultto selectively control in turfgrass.Straw also has a high carbon to

nitrogen ratio, meaning it containsmuch more carbon than nitrogen.Adding straw to a soil's microbial activ-ity system can result in a significantdepletion of soil nitrogen. Soil microbesuse the carbon of the straw as an ener-gy source. Since soil microbes alsorequire nitrogen as an energy source,they must use nitrogen from the soilbecause there is very little in the straw.The nitrogen deficiency results in thinand yellowed turf that is very suscepti-ble to weed invasion.The other main problem with straw

is it is difficult to keep in place. Strawapplications often require a tacifier to

be applied. A tacifier can be a gum-based or synthetic product that isapplied over the top of the straw to getthe straw to "knit" together.The other commonly used mulch is

hydraulic mulch. These mulches canbe made up of 100 percent virginwood cellulose fibers or 100 percentrecycled paper and just about anycombination in between. Hydraulicmulches are usually dyed green sothat they provide an aesthetic greenappearance after they have beenapplied. Most hydraulic mulches also. have very good mulching characteris-tics, but they require a specialmachine for application.

New Pelleted Paper MulchesPelleted paper mulches became

available in 1995. The original pellet-ed paper mulch, PennMulch, wasdeveloped and patented by PennState University. The PennMulchtechnology is based on the incorpora-tion of water-absorbing polymer intopaper fiber to significantly improvepellet and mulch performance. Otherpelleted paper mulches have come onthe market since the creation of thisnew market category.

Pelleted paper mulches are easy toapply and provide mulching charac-teristics similar to hydraulic mulches.They are typically made from recycledpaper fibers that are dyed green toprovide a green appearance afterapplication. Pellet size is importantbecause small pellets cover more areaper unit weight than large pellets.Paper fibers are biodegradable, so

removal of pelleted paper mulchesafter germination is not required.Some types of pelleted paper mulcheshave fertilizer incorporated into thepellets to provide nutrients for newseedlings. The fertilizer also preventsthe depletion of nitrogen in the soil,which can happen due to the micro-bial breakdown of the paper fibers.

Athletic Field ApplicationsPrior to pelleted paper mulches,

athletic field managers did not havemuch of a selection of mulches tochoose from. Hydraulic mulch wasabout the only choice, and only thosefortunate mangers with access to anapplicator could use it. Pelleted papermulches now give the sports turfman-ager another tool for seeding projects.

For better seed establishment, regardless of weather or soil condition, use PennMulch. Just call your

22 September 2000

Call 1(800)817-1889 use Fast Fax #1300800 and/or Circle 130 on Inquiry Card

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High wear areas, such as goal-mouths and sidelines, usually requireextensive seeding in order to repair thedamage. Core cultivation in conjunc-tion with slit seeding can create afavorable seedbed. An application ofmulch will increase the germinationtime and overall success of the seeding.Conventional overseeding to repair

thin or worn turf can also benefit frommulching. The pelleted mulches willnot smother the existing grass, unlikeother types of mulch. The pellets tendto migrate, following rainfall or irriga-tion, towards the slit created by theoverseeder. This creates an optimumenvironment for germination andgrowth of the seed placed in the slits.Repair of utility line installation is

another use of pelleted paper mulch.Whether it is irrigation or electric lineinstallations, pelleted paper mulchesare ideal to help re-vegetate the dis-turbed trench areas.

Methods of Appli~ationApplication rates for pelleted

paper mulches are very high, comparedto fertilizers or seed. Typical applica-tion rates of pelleted mulches rangefrom 60 to 80 lbs per 1,000 square feet.

Application rates are as important formulches as they are for other agricul-tural products. Under dosing and over-dosing can result in poor product per-formance or turf damage.In order to deliver this high of rate,

applicators need to have high flowrates. For small areas, specialty dropspreaders with fixed rate bottomsprovide a good method of application.Usually one-pass can provide anacceptable rate with the appropriatesized bottom on the spreader.Spreading by hand is also an option.Small to medium sized areas can

be treated with specialty broadcastspreaders. Companies have designednew "high-flow rate" broadcastspreaders to apply these types ofmulches and other high-rate materi-als. These spreaders can also deliverthe required rate in one or two passes.For large areas and overseeding

applications, many of the commercial-ly available topdressers can be used.Topdressers usually cover large areasand have large holding and outputcapacities.Many of these various types of

applicators have been tested, calibrat-ed and approved for pelleted mulch

application. Not all types of spreadingdevices are acceptable. The pelletsize, bulk density and application ratemake it difficult to spread with ordi-nary spreaders.

Another Toolfor Su~~essful SeedingUsually a major drawback of ath-

letic field seeding is the lack of ampleirrigation. The seeding may be toosmall to warrant setting up above-ground irrigation, or irrigation maynot even be feasible. Any procedure ormaterial that improves moistureretention will improve germinationand growth.Time is usually limited in athletic

field renovations. Fast germination,growth and development are key tosuccessful seedings. Pelleted papermulches provide another tool forsports turf managers to use in theirbattle against the bare spots.

George W Hamilton, Jr., is a seniorlecturer of Turfgrass Science at PennState University.

PennMulch® is a registered trade-mark of Lebanon-Seaboard Corp.,Lebanon, PA.

pennMulcHVLebanon Turf Products Distributor or 1-800-233-0628. Seed Establishment Mulch

Call 1(800)817-1889 use Fast Fax #1300800 and/or Circle 130 on Inquiry Cardsports TURF • http://www.sporsturfonline.com September 2000 23

nagers and Biostimulants:ngoing Relationship

by Susan Doyle

R nt is not producing enough amino acids, vita-mins or hormones, the biostimulant will provide them as asupplement. For example, we have demonstrated that after

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24 September 2000

treati g a plant with a biostimulant, leaf tissue analysisshows more of the vitamins than that of the control (nobiostimulant).

RS: Biostimulants enable turf managers to conditionpla~ts to tolerate subsequent adverse environmental con-diti9 .We know that plants treated with appropriatebios mtilants exhibit improved tolerance to drought, salin-ity, diseases .and nematodes, just to mention a few exam-ples.

RW: So if plants are showing any form of stress, related tonutrition, biostimulants can help. Let's take an example ofC:hlOtosis.This is usually due to a lack of iron (and man-ganese) and can be solved by use of a chelated iron.However, frequently there is enough iron in the soil and abiostimulant will enable the plant to take up the ironalready available in the soil.

RS: Let me add that the use ofbiostimulants is effective toimplement and integrate plant management practices.Fewer pesticides are generally required when biostimu-lants are employed.Biostimulants have become, for many turf managers, an

integral part in turf management practices, though fertil-izers will continue to be essential in the culture of turfgrasses. In appropriate uses fertilizers may actually causea negative influence on the growth of a field. For example,high nitrogen fertility of bentgrass during high tempera-tures may stimulate foliar growth and increase respiration,thus causing a significant reduction on non-structural car-bohydrates. This, in turn, could reduce the endogenousantioxidants causing senescence. Appropriate biostimulanttreatments would enhance antioxidant (such as Vitamin E)development and condition the grass to tolerate the stressof heavy fertility and hot weather.

RW: Biostimulants supplement NPK. The attempt to getthe same benefit by just increasing NPK can be disastrous.Nitrogen, beyond a certain point, weakens the root system,which is the most important part of the grass plant.

RS: And such high fertility of stolonferous grasses in somecases increases thatch development, causing anaerobic rootzones. This is occurring with the new vigorous bentgrasses.The use of certain biostimulants has been shown to reducethe need of high fertility to provide the required turfgrassquality and reduce thatch buildup and the anaerobic blacklayer syndrome.

Susan L. Doyle 1,S the advertising manager forROOTSinc.

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The ABC's Grounds Maintenance:Volume 1 Softhall Fields,by Ground Maintenance Services,A videotape training series for softballgroundskeepers. Computer graphics anddetailed explanations provide uniqueinsight and understanding of athletic

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The ABC's Grounds Maintenance:Volume III Soccer/Football FieldRefurbishment,by Grounds Maintenance Service,A videotape training series for Soccer/footballgroundskeepers. Computer graphics anddetailed explanations provide unique insight

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Many pitched in to make the event a success. As the datedrew nearer, STMA Headquarters became the central con-tac oint. Mike Trigg and Mike Pavelich of the WaukeganP rict and Midwest Chapter developed the brochure.T 'e connected with Dr. Clark Throssell, assistantp Agronomy with Purdue University, who agreedto ith the educational program. Updike also madetHe rrangements and arranged and sponsored theaft eak. Getz agreed to conduct the on-field toursof t DameFootball Stadium, Loftus Sports Center,EO ll.Stadium and the Ivy Softball Complex and

the event with the University. Getz also madeCements for the morning continental breakfastg coffee break, co-sponsored by Kenney Outdoornd the Toro Company. All the organizers spentcontacting potential attendees. Baker arrangedest Chapter group transportation and Boydery, CSFM, arranged the Ohio Chapter groupation.registration and the opportunity to meet and net-

war, the group moved into the University of Notre Dame's,football media center. It's located within the FootballStadium and is a familiar site due to the televised post-game player and coach interviews. Terry Updike openedthe morning sessions with a welcome to attendees. Next,Rich Moffitt gave an update on STMA. Tim Moore thengave a presentation on "Baseball Infields-Build Them forOptimum Playability and Easy Maintenance," an issue ofdaily concern in his position as ballfield coordinator of theMaryland National Capital Parks & Planning Commission.STMA Executive Director Steve Trusty gave an update onthe Certification program. Dr. Throssell wrapped up themorning program with a presentation on "Species and SeedDecisions for Athletic Fields."The group then moved to Stadium Press Box to enjoy a

great lunch while overlooking the football field. Followinglunch, Getz gave a brief overview of the fields to be touredand then led attendees down to the football field for an in-depth discussion. As the group walked from venue to venue,Getz first outlined the field's construction and developmentand pointed out key areas of the maintenance program. Hethen invited questions and comments. Dr. Throssell alsoassisted in this interactive, in-depth, on-field discussion.Many took advantage of the photo opportunities at mid-

field of the football stadium and in the football locker room.While a good time was had by all, as always at STMA meet-ings, the opportunity to learn, discuss problems and solu-tions, share ideas and network was the true heart of theprogram. Plans are already underway for next year's multi-Chapter meeting.

Builders of Aesthetic, Safe andMaintainable Sports Fields

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""'S FIIlBSJim Grant 706·596·9236 Mike Mobleywww.grantsportsfields.com • email: grantsportsfields@aol.com

Circle 126 on Inquiry Card,

Chapter NewsMark your calendars now for STMLfs 12th Annual

Conference & Exhibition, "Upward and Onward," to be heldJan. 17-21, 2001, at the Tampa Marriott Waterside and theTampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla.

Arizona: The City of Peoria, Arizona, will host theArizona Chapter Athletic Field Maintenance Workshop onSept. 15. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the programhours 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For information on this event or

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