Dr. Kathleen Dobson

Topic: Using Compost to Help Prevent Wear Damage on High-Traffic Areas
Description: The objectives of this discussion will be for turfgrass managers to greater understand how compost topdressing can be used in their turf management program. The talk will review a three-year compost topdressing study performed at the Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre in Olds, AB; and a demonstration trials on in-use play fields in Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge, Alberta. Attendees will gain further insights into:

• The process of creating good quality compost.
• What to look for when sourcing compost for topdressing purposes.
• Some quick tests for determining if the compost is safe to use.
• Strategies for topdressing with compost on existing turf swards.
• The benefits of using compost topdressing on high wear areas.

Jess Benelli

Topic: New Insights on Snow Mould Management  

Description: Environmental factors play a huge role in the success of your snow mould management program. In this presentation, attendees will learn how the sudden shifts in weather conditions can influence the behavior of snow mould pathogens and the fate of your plant protection materials. Additionally, attendees will gain new perspective into the past, present, and future of snow mould management and how they can successfully navigate these new regulatory waters moving forward.

Dr. Eric Miltner

Topic: Extracting the Value From Your Fertilizer

Description: Fertilizers are not all created equal. Understanding what’s in the bag is critical in making the best decisions surrounding your approach to turfgrass fertilization. Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers help deliver more nutrients to the plant, while limiting losses to the environment. But different EEFs work differently, so it’s important to match the technology with your objectives. In addition, the way your fertilizer blend is built can have a big impact on your bottom line, and it may not be what you think. Consider not just the price, but the technology, blend quality, and long-term value of your fertilizer before you make your fertilizer programming decisions.

Is your irrigation control system operating at peak efficiency? This talk will outline steps to optimize your system including hydraulic setup and applying water based on amount versus runtime to provide high quality turf and save water. The latest technology influencing the irrigation industry will also be discussed.

Jamie will discuss how the job of the golf course technician has changed over time. 

Which should you use, a holder or a penetrant?

What expectations should superintendents demand from their wetting agents?

Can adding organic compounds to wetting agents improve performance?

These are some of the points discussed during this entertaining and thought-provoking segment. Wetting agent research from Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan State, University of Wisconsin, Purdue University, University of Arkansas, and the USGA is highlighted.

The weather has been changing in Atlantic Canada with hotter, more humid summers and often more open winters so species such as Poa annua suffer and may die. Introducing new species and cultivars with improved genetics may reduce problems and costs. Discussion of species to be used on greens and fairways with genetic advances plus how to introduce new genetics will be covered.