after seeding we mowed the first time and by the end of the month we were mowing 3x/week. “We continued weekly fertilizer applications through June (nu- trients total lbs: 7.2 N, 4.49 P, 5.69 K/1,000 sq ft) and the program jump started our field and brought density to nearly 100% be the end of June. “In July we changed the irrigation regime to 15-minute sets dur- ing the night with occasional syringes during days as necessary. We also began to use growth regulators that reduced mowing require- ments from 3x to 2x/week. July 31, 100 days after seeding, we took rootzone soil profiles and found a 3.5-4-inch root system through- out the field. Through July’s total nutrients: 9.37 N, 4.94 P, 6.66 K/1,000 sq ft. “In August we changed irrigation to deep, infrequent cycles to encourage deeper rooting. Through four months of growth, our total nutrients were 10.66 N, 5.55 P, 7.49 K/1,000 sq ft. “We held the first game of the season September 4, 135 days after seeding. The turfgrass was dense and had established a 4-inch root system throughout the field so it was ready. Through 5 months’ growth: 12.74 N, 5.75 P, 8.29 K/1,000 sq ft. “In October we cut back on fertilizer apps as we began to phase out of the grow-in and into a maintenance fertility program. Into November and football over, we made a final, dormant application bringing the total grow-in nutrients to 13.42 lbs N, 5.75 lbs P and 8.51 lbs K per 1,000 sq ft.
>> 6/9/09: Iowa STMA Chapter Turf & Technology Workshop
“This aggressive grow-in program succeeded as we went from seed to a full season of play without missing one scheduled event,” Netwal wrote.
SportsTurf: What changes are you planning to make to your maintenance plan for 2011, if any? Netwal:We have always challenged ourselves as a team to take
our turf management programs to the next level and try to exceed the expectations of our administration, coaches, athletes and com- munity. To accomplish this we constantly evaluate our maintenance
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