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Abstract
We studied the growth of perennial ryegrass in soils amended with 5—100% composted sewage sludge (CSS), and the impacts of CSS amendment on soil physical and chemical properties. Soils amended with ≤20% CSS did not significantly affect the seedling emergence, while the contents of chlorophyll, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium of perennial ryegrass grown in such soils were greatly improved. Bulk density, water retention, and nutrient contents of the soil were also improved with the amendment of CSS, but high CSS contents introduced excessive amounts of heavy metals and soluble salts. Results show that Cu, Zn, and Pb accumulated slightly (up to 2.3 times) in clippings of perennial ryegrass grown in CSS-amended soils compared to those grown in the base and reference soils, while no significant Cd absorption in shoots of perennial ryegrass occurred. The detrimental effects on seedling emergence and turfgrass growth observed on substrates with high (≥40%) CSS contents were mainly attributed to the presence of high soluble salt concentrations. The findings suggest that addition of CSS at 10—20% levels can greatly improve the soil nutrient supply for turfgrass growth without significantly affecting heavy metal and soluble salt contents of the soil. For the complete study, click here.
Authors: Hefa Cheng a , , , Weipu Xu b , Junliang Liu c , Qingjian Zhao d , Yanqing He b and Gang Chen e
a Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
b Department of Urban Construction, Hebei Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Zhangjiakou, Hebei 075024, PR China
c College of Urban Construction, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, PR China
d College of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, PR China
e Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
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STMA members use efficient and effective irrigation in managing athletic fields and now can more visibly show athletes, fans and the community just how committed they are to good water stewardship. During July, which is Smart Irrigation Month , STMA members are encouraged to promote their water conservation practices.
Smart Irrigation Month was established by the Irrigation Association to encourage efficient watering practices, to provide information about highly efficient irrigation products, and to raise public awareness of outdoor water conservation. July was designated Smart Irrigation Month because July is a peak water-use month. The ultimate goal is to use less water while producing healthy crops, turf, gardens and landscapes all year.
Here are 5 ways Sports Turf Managers can gain exposure for your contributions to water conservation:
1. Use the Smart Irrigation logo on all correspondence (including email) during July to raise awareness. For free use of the “logo” and other resources, go to: www.irrigation.org/SIM.htm
2. Write an article about your water conservation efforts for your local paper, sports field user group newsletter, industry publications such as your local chapter newsletter or STMA’s SportsTurf Magazine.
3. Contact your local environmental news reporter to establish yourself as a resource for him/her for water conservation information now and in the future.
4. Post your watering plan and schedule to show how your management program adapts to the weather and other geographic, topographic and agronomic conditions.
5. Share your expertise by offering to present tips on efficient and effective water use to a local service or civic club.
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Considering certification as a Sports Field Manager? Take the CSFM practice exam to determine the content areas that you are strong in and where you might need a refresher. To determine if you have the 40 points necessary to be eligible to take the test, contact Leah Craig, ph. 800-323-3875. And, remember you can take the test at a time and location convenient to you.
How do Professional Athletes Rate their Playing Fields?
Now you can read the results of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) survey about playing surfaces during the 2006. New this year are questions regarding synthetic playing surfaces.
What do you do with your Staff on a rainy day?
Consider gathering your staff around the computer and take an on-line course! Click on the link to STMA On-line courses from the Top Links at www.STMA.org or use this link. STMA on-line courses include sessions on fertilizers, wear and traffic management, master planning, construction and renovation and other practical techniques. New topics will be posted this month, so check back often.
Brush up on your Project Management Skills
STMA has just produced Advisory Bulletin #4 — The Fundamentals of Project Management. To download a free copy of the 8-page pamphlet, click here. The bulletin contains the key elements to managing a project from start to finish, and it even provides a ‘Top Ten Tips’ from your fellow sports turf managers.
Begin Preparing Now to Submit a Field of the Year Application
Although Field of the Year applications are not due until October, now is the perfect time to take springtime photos of your field and document your management practices. View the application and photo requirements on-line. The application has been simplified even more so than from previous year’s forms to make applying fast and easy for you.
Field of the Year winners are featured in an issue of SportsTurf , receive complimentary conference registration to the 2008 annual conference with two nights complimentary lodging at the Phoenix Hyatt, signature clothing for the winner, national and local media releases, and recognition at the STMA Annual Awards Banquet.
Consider Serving on the STMA Board
Each year, STMA presents a “Call for Nominations” for you to indicate your interest in board service. Please take a moment to consider serving on the STMA Board of Directors, or nominating a qualified colleague. The benefits are many. Through serving on the board, you’ll:
• Contribute to your professional association.
• Be a part of a decision-making body.
• Hone your listening, collaborative and other personal development skills.
• Strengthen your leadership abilities.
• Make a difference in the strategic direction of the profession.
• Garner respect from your employer, your peers and your staff.
For 2008, STMA is seeking nominations for Directors from the Academic, the Parks and Recreation and the Higher Education segments of membership. Per the STMA Bylaws, an Academic must be a member engaged in research, education or in extension outreach programs related to sports fields. The Parks and Recreation representative must be a member who manages sports fields for a parks and recreational facility, municipality, city or other non-profit entity. The Higher Education representative must be a member who manages sports fields for institutions that provide education beyond the secondary level. These three positions will be elected to two-year terms.
For 2009, the Director positions up for election will be K-12, (a member who manages sports fields for institutions that provide education to students in grades Kindergarten through 12); Professional representative, (a member who manages sports fields used by professional athletes); and Commercial representative. The Bylaws define “Commercial” as an entity engaged in a commercial enterprise providing services and/or products to the sports turf profession.
The Nominating Committee, chaired by Past President, Mike Trigg, CSFM, and comprised of non-board members from the segments up for election, considers all nominations and prepares the Slate of Candidates for the membership’s vote. Members can write in a candidate for any position up for election, including the Officers (Secretary, Treasurer, Commercial Vice President, President Elect, and President). The sixth Officer, the Immediate Past President, automatically ascends from President and is a non-voting position on the Board.
If you are interested in board service, please click here.
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