SportsTurf 21www.stma.org

HONDA HS928 SNOWBLOWERThe HS928 employs a specially designed,heavy-duty, height-adjustable serrated augerto slice through icy snow build-up depositedby snowplows. Features include:• Honda OHV Commercial Grade Engine • Infinitely variable speed control hydrostatic drive train • 28” Clearing Width, 20” Clearing Height • Self-propelled, Wheel drive • Automatic Decompression for Easy Starting • Adjustable Snow Deflection • A Single Lever Accurately Adjusts GroundSpeed without Affecting Auger RotationSpeed • Ice Breaking Serrated Auger • 210º Adjustable Discharge Chute EasilyControlled From Operating Position • Interconnected Drive/Auger • Convenient Control Levers • Metal Auger Housing • 3 Year Residential / Commercial Warranty www.hondapowerequipment.com

TANK S WINTERATTACHMENTSCub Cadet Commercial is mak-ing it easier to complete alltasks regardless of season byintroducing winter attach-ments for the innovative TANKS. Complete with cab enclosuresystem, snow blade and saltspreader, the TANK S can nowhandle even the heaviest

snowfall. To protect the operator from the elements simply secure thecab enclosure and climb inside. For increased control, the TANK S usesits Synchro-Steer Technology giving the operator full directional con-trol of the front casters for superior handling in rough terrain. Add ona durable snow blade and salt spreader capable of holding 80 lbs. andthe TANK S transforms into the perfect all-season product.www.CubCadetCommercial.com

FRONT-MOUNTED SNOWBLOWER FORBOBCAT COMPACT TRACTORSA front-mounted snowblower with a 72-inch cutting width isnow available for Bobcat compact tractors (models CT 225 toCT450). The new snowblower joins front-mounted models with

49- and 62-inch cuttingwidths introduced lastyear. Features includequarter-inch-thick steelendplates, a half-inch-thick replaceable steelcutting edge, a 20-inch-diameter six-blade fanwith adjustable open-ing, a 24-inch-tall snowintake and 230 degreesof chute rotation.

Tractors must be equipped with a mid-PTO as well as a loaderjoystick and control valve. A lift kit controlled by the loader joy-stick hydraulically raises and lowers the snowblower. The loaderjoystick also hydraulically controls the chute rotator so that theoperator can easily redirect snow as needed.www.bobcat.com/utility_machines/tractors

22 SportsTurf | October 2010 www.sportsturfonline.com

Facility&Operations—EWING IRRIGATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | By Kevin Trotta

RECENTLY AN STMA FRIEND called me a treehugger, and meant it as a compli-ment. I’ve been figuratively hugging trees for years, but it wasn’t long ago that envi-ronmentalism and turfgrass management seemed worlds apart. It’s wonderful to seeus moving steadily toward closing that gap as our industry evolves.

The attitudes of society are also changing. Bluntly stated, as our civilization has grown andspread, environmental degradation has followed. Our generation has recognized that this trendcannot continue. We want to mend the dysfunctional relationship between the human popu-lation and the rest of the natural world. (It’s a pity clean air and water have become politicalkickballs.)

We must deal with humankind’s dirtier habits and the dan-ger they present to the planet‘s life-supporting capacity. OnMarch 20, 1987 the Brundtland Commission of the UnitedNations signaled this commitment to sustainability when itlucidly stated, “sustainable development is development thatmeets the needs of the present without compromising the abili-ty of future generations to meet their own needs.” This means

rethinking how we do things, including managing sports turf. [The inimitable Dr. RobertCarrow of the University of Georgia published an excellent overview of the issues, includingthe need for our industry to be proactive, in the July 2010 issue of this magazine, p. 18.]

We’ve entered a new age of stewardship in the world of sports. Rainwater recycling, solarpanels, waterless toilets, recycling bins, LEED certification, and the MLB/NRDC initiative arejust a few examples of this exciting new momentum. But as sports turf managers, we are thefront line of facility operations. No field, no game. As we embrace a cleaner future, the SportsTurf Managers Association should represent the face of environmental stewardship in sports.

Following the lead of golf course management, we have embarked on the journey of honestreappraisal and systems overhaul. [I have addressed this process previously in SportsTurf articlesdetailing Environmental Turf Craft in October 2006 and January 2008 issues.] As stewardswe’ve been busy learning to fine tune our operations to reduce waste and conserve resources.We are rethinking our N and P fertility programs and implementing other ecologically com-patible management strategies to improve efficiency and prevent pollution. It’s a labor of loveand a work in progress with much to learn and lots to do.

ORGANIC FUNDAMENTALIST JIHADWe have grown especially prudent in the use of pesticides. For ecological, social and/or eco-

nomic reasons, there are a growing number of facilities now being managed with little or nopesticide use. To us as turf managers, the difference between “pesticide-free” and “almost pesti-cide-free” appears very slight. But to some activists and critics, the difference remains ideologi-cally central.

In this modern age of extreme polarization, dialogue is needed more than ever but has

Developing an environmentallysound industry (and lettingpeople know about it)

never been more difficult to initiate. Websitesacross cyber space are actively converting soccermoms into internet toxicologists, implying thatchildren are being recklessly exposed to toxins.Regrettably, the general public’s grasp of sci-ence continues to weaken, leaving them vulner-able to confusion and misinformation.

Consider the document called “Pesticidesand Playing Fields,” posted on the website of aprominent anti-pesticide group. This docu-ment, (ironically called a “fact sheet”) states,“The typical soccer field is deluged with a mix-ture of poisons designed to kill fungus, weeds,and insects.” Evidently, facts are of little signifi-cance in the jihad of some organic fundamen-talists. It should be possible for the author topromote organics without slinging this kind ofmanure. We must work harder than ever tocounteract this type of inflammatory deception.Ultimately, extremists impede progress.

We need to continue to set the recordstraight regarding our commitment and ourcommanding sense of responsibility as sportsturf professionals (and as parents ourselves). AsAmerican humorist Will Rogers said, “Even ifyou’re on the right track, you’ll get run over ifyou just sit there.” We need to be activelyinvolved in separating fact from fiction. Asworking professionals we recognize that, outsideof utopia, compost tea won’t solve every prob-lem. Science and the sensible middle ground ofIPM are under attack, but they’re not dead. Wehave to stay visible, vocal and accessible as thegenuine experts in the field of environmentallycompatible turfgrass management.

We also need to be circumspect.Greenwashing (the use of environmentalthemes to whitewash environmental shortcom-ings) could create irreparable damage to ourmission, integrity and image and must beguarded against. Too many industries arealready succumbing to the sleazy temptation ofmisrepresenting their environmental achieve-ments in order to win public approval. We alsomust not automatically call ourselves “environ-mentalists”, convinced of our own green cre-dentials, strictly because of our association witha product that is inherently green—grass. It’s atitle that needs to be earned.

Yes, science has demonstrated that turf pro-vides obvious environmental benefits but ourmanagement decisions will determine if thesebenefits are realized, or negated by debits to theecological balance sheet. We are responsible forfinding the balance to maximize these benefits

We need to continue to set the record straightregarding our commitment and our commandingsense of responsibility as sports turf professionals(and as parents ourselves).

w w w. E w i n g 1 . c o m

while minimizing the negative impacts from chemical and fertility mis-management and yesterday’s equipment and procedures. It may also betime for our industry to confront unrealistic, situation-inappropriateexpectations. Major league perfection in Little League settings will notprove sustainable.

There are exciting developments and prospects to report about.The Global Sports Alliance (GSA) was very pleased to sign aMemorandum of Cooperation with the STMA in March 2009 indi-cating the two organizations’ shared commitment to promote envi-ronmental stewardship among sports enthusiasts. To launch theagreement, a document providing useful guidelines for planning‘Green’ sports events was collaboratively issued and is posted on theSTMA’s outstanding Resources/Environmental Stewardship page.[Kudos to STMA’s Education Manager, Kristen Althouse, for devel-

oping this Resource section.]Additionally, several sports turf managers are currently serving as

GSA Team Captains, actively promoting environmental awareness andaction in the world of sports and advertising their green accomplish-ments by flying GSA’s Ecoflag. Also, in an important step this year,the STMA kicked off an Environmental Task Group to tackle theissue of sustainability and our role in environmental stewardship in the21st century. And in another noteworthy development, there is grow-ing interest in exploring collaboration with Audubon International andthe potential for designing a sports facility program based on theirenormously successful Cooperative Sanctuary Program. Stay tuned(and show your support at the state and national STMA levels).

Environmentalist Paul Hawken has written, “It has been said thatenvironmentalism failed as a movement, or worse yet, died. It is theother way around. Everyone on earth will be an environmentalist inthe not too distant future, driven there by necessity and experience.”The fouling of air and water and the destruction of habitat and loss ofbiodiversity threatens all life on earth, including our own. Future gen-erations will live with the choices we all make today. STMA membershave an opportunity to lead by example. ■

Kevin Trotta BS, MA, is the New York Team Captain of the GlobalSports Alliance and the principal proponent of Environmental Turf Craft.He can be reached at turfIPMguy@aol.com.

www.stma.org SportsTurf 23

www.sportsturfonline.com26 SportsTurf | October 2010

W ELLESLEY COLLEGE wasestablished back in 1870 inWellesley MA and to this day is

one of the premier women’s colleges in thecountry. The college is situated on a pris-tine 500-acre campus that includes themajestic Lake Waban and a host of statelyevergreen and deciduous trees. Wellesleyenrolls approximately 2300 students andparticipates in 13 varsity sports in theNCAA Division III’s New England

Woman’s and Men’s Athletic Conference. In April 2006 John Ponti took over as

the Sports Turf Specialist; “Ponti” managesthe three sand-based fields, one native soilfield and the synthetic field. The threesand-based sites, a softball, multipurposeand what John calls his premier field, wereall built by his predecessor, Chris Kneale,in 2003. (Chris has since moved onto aposition as an Athletic Turf and GroundsConsultant for the Tom Irwin Company, a

New England based sales and consulting firm.)The fields were constructed using a 70:20:10mix of sand, peat moss and soil which mayexplain the stronger than normal cationexchange capacities (CEC) on these fields.Typically a sand-based field of this age will haveCEC readings anywhere in a range from 2-6depending on its construction.

Between the construction and the amend-ment programs that John has implementedthese fields are ranging from a 7 to 12 CECwhich is exceptional and allows John to pushthe fields a little more and recover a bit better.“We are very proud of our recovery ability onall of our fields and it gets noticed by thecoaches and players and has allowed us to movebeyond the varsity sports,” reported Ponti.

The Wellesley fields are used for a host ofsporting events including club teams, highschools, senior soccer teams, summer campsand some higher profile events. One majorevent that Wellesley supported was a soccermatch between the Celtic United Team andLisbon who both used the fields for practicebefore an event in nearby Fenway Park this pastspring. According to Ponti “both the Celtic

FieldScienceBy Joel Simmons

Photos courtesy of Jim Doyle

The Soil Profile is a quarterly interview series that will be accompanied by soil test audits ofa selected field from all corners of the sports turf world. Our goal is to evaluate the soil andwater tests from a selected sports field and build a fertility program based on the soil profile.We would like to encourage all sports field managers who would like to be interviewed for thispiece to contact the magazine. Agronomist Joel Simmons has been building soil-based programsfor more than 20 years. Along with Logan Labs he will provide free soil test work and consult-ing to the selected site.

THE WELLESLEY FIELDSare used for a host ofsporting events includingclub teams, high schools,senior soccer teams, sum-mer camps and somehigher profile events. Onemajor event that Wellesleysupported was a soccermatch between the CelticUnited Team and Lisbonwho both used the fieldsfor practice before anevent in nearby FenwayPark this past spring.

The soil profile: WELLESLEY COLLEGE

SportsTurf 27www.stma.org

United and the Lisbon teams loved our fieldsand that makes all of our hard work well worththe time.” He also hosted the USC andStanford women soccer teams and “they toohad a great time and were very complementaryof our fields and you can’t get much betterthan that,” Ponti said.

John has been testing the soils on all of hisfields for as long as he has been at Wellesleyusing Logan Labs in Ohio. John comments, “Itis amazing how well you can grow grass on wellbalanced soils. I have learned so much since Ihave been here on how to read a good soil testsand I have to say I know of the base saturationcontroversy but I don’t understand it. There isno controversy of the results we get.”

As can been seen on his soil tests the balanceof the basic cations are pretty good; the desiredvalues are pretty close to the values found withonly some slight potassium deficiencies. “Ournative field was pretty tight and as you can seein this soil test taken a year ago, we neededsome limestone which we were able to applyalong with some flowable gypsum and we use agood humic acid based calcium liquid productin our spray tank every 2 weeks and this fieldhas responded incredibly well. The rooting isbetter, recovery is great and the soil has openedup physically which has created better drainage.This field is great!” Ponti said.

One of the agronomic concerns that the soiltests do indicate is a buildup of sodium espe-cially on the sand-based fields. Ideally sodiumlevels are lower than 25 pounds per acre on thecolloidal test and lower in percentage thanpotassium on the water soluble paste extract. Ifsodium is higher than these ideals it will typi-cally mobilize quickly into the plant cell andcreate a wilting of the plant. John is well awareof this situation on his property and is aggres-sively managing the situation with a quality liq-uid organic program rich in humic acids com-bined with flowable gypsum and liquid calciumproducts as part of a monthly flushing pro-gram. “Our flushing program works and wecan see the difference almost immediately, thegrass stands up and it just doesn’t have thestress that we use to fight before we initiatedthis program,” Ponti said.

The aerification program on the fieldsincludes two core aerifications in spring andfall and on deep tine aerification in the middleof the summer when they can get on the field.

Sample Location Softball Recreation Varsity UpperSample ID FldLab Number 11 12 13 14Sample Depth in inches 6 6 6 6Total Exchange Capacity (M. E.) 9.47 7.89 10.27 12.61 pH of Soil Sample 6.70 6.70 6.40 5.90Organic Matter, Percent 3.35 3.06 3.47 7.46

30 26 30 79

1113 1081 1191 1122

2576 2146 2793 34302766 2280 2846 2758

-672

272 227 295 363301 253 304 495

295 246 320 393200 179 227 401-95 -67 -93

80 83 73 75

73.00 72.22 69.28 54.67

13.24 13.36 12.33 16.35

2.71 2.91 2.83 4.08

1.84 2.30 1.54 1.29

4.70 4.70 5.00 5.60

4.50 4.50 9.00 18.00

0.52 0.49 0.62 0.43

281 312 324 157

31 21 26 6

5.98 4.82 6.06 3.21

8.61 6.96 8.62 7.26

881 735 794 1276

0.8 1 0.8 1

12.9 6.5 13.1 28.4

75.13 32.09 53.57 48.24

AN

ION

S SULFUR p.p.m.

Mehlich III as (P2O5 )Phosphorous: lbs / acre

CALCIUM: Desired Valuelbs / acre Value Found

Deficit

MAGNESIUM: Desired Valuelbs / acre Value Found

Deficit

POTASSIUM: Desired Valuelbs / acre Value Found

Deficit

SODIUM: lbs / acre

Calcium (60 to 70%)

Magnesium (10 to 20%)

Potassium (2 to 5%)

Sodium (.5 to 3%)

Other Bases (Variable)

Exchangable Hydrogen (10 to 15%)

Boron (p.p.m.)

Iron (p.p.m.)

Manganese (p.p.m.)

Copper (p.p.m.)

Zinc (p.p.m.)

Aluminum (p.p.m.)

NH4-N (p.p.m.)

N03-N (p.p.m.)

Silicon

EXCH

AN

GEA

BLE

CATI

ON

SBA

SE S

ATU

RATI

ON

TRA

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Figure 1

OTH

ER

Soil Report

28 SportsTurf | October 2010 www.sportsturfonline.com

John noted, “Summer is a very busy time of year hereand finding the room for anything let alone an aerifi-cation is tough but we really see the difference whenwe get this summer deep tine done.” They also run aSEEDAvator in August and topdress straight sandbehind all the aerifications. This also allows them toconstantly introduce newer seed varieties which hetypically chooses for color and density. “I like a lot ofthe PickSeed varieties such as Moon Shadow, BlueVelvet and American Kentucky Blue,” said Ponti.

“The fertility program at Wellesley does include alot of organics, we start the season with a 10-2-5ammonium sulfate spiked organic in April whichhelps us to jump start into the spring. Then we use a5-4-5 organic in small shots every month starting inMay and going through the fall. That really helps uswith recovery and water holding capacity and reallyhelped in what was probably the worst year we haveseen in years,” according to Ponti.

The organics are supplemented with a strong liq-uid program that includes an 18-3-6 liquid and acouple of good trace packages in the spay tank on abimonthly basis. He supplements that program withwetting agents, growth regulators, liquid organic fer-tilizers and fungicides as needed. One program thatJohn spoke very proudly of was the one he uses forhis goal mouths. “The goal mouth is everything insports turf and keeping grass there is something wework very hard at and we get a lot of complements,”Ponti said. “We pitchfork and Multi-Pro the area andtopdress with an organic amendment called RenovatePlus, an organic 5-4-5 fertilizer, a granular calciumsilica and seed. I’m excited to see how well they doespecially in a year like this one.” ■

Joel Simmons is the President of EarthWorks NaturalOrganic Products and Soil First consulting and teachesthe Soil First Academy all across North America. Heholds a Masters Degree from Penn State University andis a former Penn State County Extension Agent andInstructor of Soils at Rutgers University. He may bereached in front of his computer at joel@soilfirst.commost likely working on yet another client’s soil test.

FieldScience

Sample Location Softball Recreation Varsity UpperSample ID FldLab Number 22279 22280 22281 22282 Water Used DI DI DI DI pH 6.7 6.7 6.4 5.9Soluble Salts p.p.m. 76 97 132 123Chloride (Cl) p.p.m. 5 10 8 15 Bicarbonate (HCO3) p.p.m. 93 85 127 66

2.76 5.51 10.8 16.81

0.23 0.32 0.45 0.1

9.64 12.36 22.4 12.130.48 0.62 1.12 0.61

2.12 2.74 5.01 4.810.18 0.23 0.42 0.40

9.46 12.35 21.94 20.220.25 0.32 0.57 0.53

9.7 16.28 23.14 11.980.42 0.71 1.01 0.52

36.35 32.96 35.97 29.54

13.31 12.17 13.41 19.52

18.53 17.11 18.30 25.58

31.81 37.76 32.32 25.37

0.12 0.13 0.12 0.12

0.46 0.83 1.26 0.81

0.02 0.04 0.09 0.03

0.04 0.07 0.1 0.03

0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02

0.66 1.16 1.75 1.57

SULFUR p.p.m.

Phosphorous: p.p.m.

CALCIUM: p.p.m.meg/l

MAGNESIUM: p.p.m.meg/l

POTASSIUM: p.p.m.meg/l

SODIUM: p.p.m.meg/l

Calcium

Magnesium

Potassium

Sodium

Boron (p.p.m.)

Iron (p.p.m.)

Manganese (p.p.m.)

Copper (p.p.m.)

Zinc (p.p.m.)

Aluminum (p.p.m.)

AN

ION

SSO

LUBL

E CA

TIO

NS

PERC

ENT

TRA

CE E

LEM

ENTS

Saturated Paste Report

Figure 2

“The goal mouth iseverything in sports turfand keeping grass there issomething we work veryhard at and we get a lot ofcompliments,” Ponti said.

www.stma.org SportsTurf 29

THE THURSTONCOUNTY/CITYof Lacey RegionalAthletic Center(RAC) is not just a

sports complex. Already regard-ed as one of the finest outdoorsporting venues in Washingtonstate, the 100-acre complex fea-tures six regulation soccer fields,including one with all-weatherturf and lighting: four regula-tion softball fields with syntheticturf infields and lighting; oneminor-league-rated baseball fieldwith synthetic turf infield andlighting; electronic score boards;two concession buildings; fivelarge group picnic shelters; spec-

tator seating; parking for 500vehicles; three playgrounds; twomiles of walking and joggingpaths; a kite-flying hill; threehalf-basketball courts; and a six-acre outdoor event and festivalarea. In addition, nearly 20 acreshave been preserved to protectnative oak savannahs.

The project was developedjointly by the City of Lacey andThurston County. It wasdesigned by the Tacoma land-scape architecture firm BruceDees & Associates and con-structed by Ceccanti, Inc. Withits second phase reaching com-pletion just last year, the award-winning complex has filled a

major void in the recreationalneeds of the community. A cen-tral element in the design of theRAC was a focus on mainte-nance. To help achieve this,maintenance personnel playedan active role in the design.

The intent to “WasteNothing” became the spirit ofthe RAC project. Strippingsfrom all graded areas werescreened and recycled for top-soil. Tailings from the screen-ings were then used to shape thewest side of “Kite Hill,“ a natu-ral feature of the site. To accom-modate the massive earthwork,two of the six fields that lay on anaturally raised elevation were

maintenanceDesigning

FieldScience | By Bruce Dees, FASLA

forThe intentto “WasteNothing”became thespirit of theRAC project.Strippingsfrom all

graded areaswere screenedand recycledfor topsoil.

30 SportsTurf | October 2010 www.sportsturfonline.com

FieldScience

used as a dynamic soil reservoir for balancing cut and fill and as bor-row after discoveries of unsuitable soil left behind by the previousland owner. As excavation revealed buried deposits of unsuitable soil,the material was removed and used as non-structural fill to enhancethe shape of Kite Hill and the two field areas provided structuralreplacement fill. By recycling material on site, economic and ecologicsavings were realized through eliminating the need for exporting orimporting soil, thus reducing fossil fuel consumption as well.

Pre-design geotechnical studies were used to influence layout ofactivities and support facilities. Areas with high infiltration ratesbecame locations for the athletic fields, while less intensive uses wereplaced on areas of lower permeability. The majority of the two milesof trails are pervious asphalt, and the pervious concrete ball fieldcomplex plaza allows infiltration directly under it. As a result, thecost of expensive storm water facilities for collection and conveyanceis avoided. With direct infiltration of the fields and pervious paving,storm water infiltration pond size was minimized while active recre-ation space was maximized.

All infields and one of the soccer fields were constructed with syn-thetic turf to extend use throughout the year, virtually eliminatingrainouts and maximizing field rental revenue. Since no watering or

mowing is required and no infield prep necessary before each ballgame, daily operational costs are kept to a minimum.

Ease of maintenance of the natural grass areas was considered aswell. For grass fields and passive-use locations, the majority are acces-sible by gang mowers with mow strips provided adjacent to fencesand structures. Furthermore, preserving the native white oak savan-nahs and their under story was a key design precept and avoidedpotential maintenance.

Minimizing water and power use was carefully considered.Irrigation master valves help avoid water loss by shutting down thesystem in the event of leaks. All lines are the requisite purple pipe toallow the use of reclaimed water from a future sewage treatmentplant north of the park. Floodlighting of all the ball fields is state-of-

the-art 1,500 watt shielded metal Halide luminar-ies with reduced reflecting surfaces to reduce off-site light spill.

Maintenance is supported by a 2,100SF main-tenance building with shop, storage, office, rest-rooms, and lunch room for staff. Equipmentwash-down and material storage are containedwithin the 20,000SF fenced yard. The park man-ager and support staff are adjacent in the 1,630SFevents building, which includes a reception area,staff offices and meeting rooms.

All these cost saving features enhance the over-all design and the park is recognized as one of thefinest athletic complexes in Washington. The parkreceived the 2009 Washington Recreation & ParkAssociation’s Best Sports Complex Award, the2010 International Northwest Park andRecreation Association Design of the Year, andthe Washington Concrete & Aggregates 2010Pervious Concrete Design Award. “This is atremendous facility and a great place to bring thefamily,” says Lacey resident Jay Rasmusson,“Before this our options were quite limited. TheRAC is an amazing addition to our community.”

Discussions for designing an additional 20-acrePhase III are in progress. ■

Bruce Dees is the principal partner at Bruce Dees& Associates (www.bdassociates.com), a landscapearchitecture, urban design, site planning and recre-ational facilities design firm in Tacoma, WA.