>> KEVIN TROTTA, left, of the Global Sports Alliance and Jerad Minnick.
troleum products to operate. Gasoline, diesel fuel, oils, and grease are all big expenses. Additionally, operating such a large fleet of equipment constantly emits exhaust into the air during a workday. Evolution Potential for Maintenance Programs: Hybrid and electric technologies are no longer advancements solely owned by car companies. Equipment companies are now producing hy- brid mowers that require up to 40 percent less diesel fuel and are comparable in cost to conventional mowers. Not only do the hybrid mowers dramatically eliminate emissions, but it also re- quires less maintenance with less fluid changes and the engine running at less rpm's decreases noise pollution. In addition, veg- etable-based hydraulic fluids and greases reduce petroleum de- pendence, along with reducing the risk of hydraulic leaks onto the grass and shop spills. As more machines are designed to burn engineered fuel, bio-diesel will continue to grain strength and popularity
WATER CONSERVATION/ WATERING EFFICIENCY
source. Overuse and waste of water not only impacts our overall water quality, it also adds to disease pressure on stressed turf- grass and washes fertilizers through the soil more quickly. Evolution Potential for Maintenance Programs: When con- sidering water conservation and irrigation, turf managers should strive to water efficiently and purposefully. The effects of improper timing for watering are harmful.
Environmental Impact: Water is our earth's most valuable re-
Not only is water wasted but the likelihood of disease outbreaks increases because of prolonged periods of leaf wetness. Overwatering is also harmful. Roots are damaged when over- watering takes place as the water reduces the air space in the soil and the nutrient food bank is lost because the water washes them through the soil profile. Improvements in weather forecasting resources to monitor weather conditions provide valuable information for reaching
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