One of the major factors limiting seed germination and seedling development in a low‐input, low‐maintenance environment is soil moisture availability, yet little is known about the germination response of cool‐season turfgrasses to differing osmotic potentials. Controlled‐environment studies were conducted to identify germination characteristics of cool‐season turfgrass species experiencing water‐restricted conditions. At osmotic potentials between 0.0 and −1.6 MPa, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) germinated more and had greater radicle lengths than tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort], hard fescue (Festuca brevipila Tracey), strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra ssp. rubra L.), Chewings fescue [Festuca rubra L. ssp. fallax (Thuill.) Nyman], and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Under higher osmotic potentials of 0.0 to −0.8 MPa, strong creeping red fescue had the greatest plumule lengths, but only perennial ryegrass was able to maintain significant plumule length at an osmotic potential of −1.2 MPa. Generally speaking and with some deviation between species, decreasing water potential between 0 and −0.7 MPa serves primarily to delay germination while decreasing water potential between −0.7 and −1.6 serves primarily to prevent germination. Based on germination occurrences and initial radicle and plumule length development at decreasing osmotic potentials, utilizing perennial ryegrass in turfgrass seed mixtures may enhance establishment under low soil moisture conditions.

Urban Nutrient Management Handbook Chapter 2. General Soil Science Principles Urban Nutrient Management Handbook 2-9 Chapter 2. General Soil Science Principles 2-10 Urban Nutrient Management Handbook Chapter 2. General Soil Science Principles 2-12 Urban Nutrient Management Handbook Chapter 2. General Soil Science Principles conservation, and soil productivity. Soil survey reports are available from county and state USDA-NRCS cooperative Extension offices and online at http://soils. usda.gov/survey/online_surveys/. Urban Nutrient Management Handbook 2-13 Chapter 2. General Soil Science Principles 1980 often map disturbed soils as "Udorthents," which simply indicates that they are dominantly young soils due to their native profiles being largely destroyed.

Who We Are Golf Course Superintendents Association of AmericaThe Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is the professional association for the men and women who manage and maintain the game's most valuable resource -the golf course. Today, GCSAA and its members are recognized by the golf industry as one of the key contributors in elevating the game and business to its current state.Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas, the association provides education, information, and representation to more than 17,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession, and enhance the enjoyment, growth, and vitality of the game of golf. Environmental Institute for GolfThe Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) fosters sustainability by providing funding for research grants, education programs, scholarships, and awareness of golf's environmental efforts. Founded in 1955 as the GCSAA Scholarship & Research Fund for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the EIFG serves as the association's philanthropic organization. The EIFG relies on the support of many individuals and organizations to fund programs to advance stewardship on golf courses in the areas of research, scholarships, education, and advocacy. The results from these activities, conducted by GCSAA, are used to position golf courses as properly managed landscapes that contribute to the greater good of their communities. Supporters of the EIFG know they are fostering programs and initiatives that will benefit the game and its environment for years to come.

Turfgrass managers apply covers to manipulate grass and soil environments. This study evaluated how various cover compositions and colors affect winter temperatures under cover, light and moisture penetration, and wet and dry weights of covers in the field. Seven covers including interwoven translucent polyethylene, gray, white, or orange nonwoven geotextiles, black and white woven polypropylene, and aluminized high‐density polyethylene strips were tested in Blacksburg, VA. Covers were in place December to March of 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 to evaluate bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy, ‘Patriot’) surface temperature moderation. Cover effects on photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), moisture penetration (measured as percent change in soil volumetric water content [%SVWC] at 5‐cm soil depth under cover prior to and following a minimum 1.25 cm rain event), as well as cover dry and wet weights in the field prior to and after 0.1 cm irrigation were collected in spring 2016. Considering mean minimum extreme low temperatures, all covers provided significantly higher temperatures than uncovered control in 2013–2014, while in 2014–2015 all covers except for interwoven translucent polythethylene and aluminized high‐density polyethylene strips exceeded the control. Of standard covers, translucent polyethylene had the highest PAR transmission and was always in the top statistical category for mean maximum and daily range temperatures. Orange geotextile had the greatest dry and wet weights and gray and orange geotextiles had the lowest change in %SVWC on a 3% sloped native soil. Understanding differences in cover parameters will aid turfgrass managers in appropriate cover selection.

Utility type vehicles (UTVs) are popular equipment used in a variety of settings, including the lawn care industry. Their hauling capacity and versatility have increased their popularity, and they are widely used in rural, suburban, and urban settings for a variety of lawn care, agricultural, construction, and industrial applications. Considering that UTVs are widely used in the green industry, it is extremely important that young workers in the industry become familiar with the safe operation of UTVs. The purpose of this training guide is to familiarize young workers with the safe use of UTVs. General DescriptionUtility type vehicles are similar to golf carts except they are fitted with cargo beds to carry loads. Most UTVs weigh 1,000 or more pounds, and they are designed to carry or pull loads equivalent to their weight. They generally come with either side-by-side or bench seats with seat belts. Most UTVs are also equipped with a rollover protection structure to protect the occupants during a tip over. This structure consists of a tubular frame system that surrounds the operator and passenger space. Generally, UTVs are classified as self-propelled vehicles specifically designed for hauling goods.UTV designed for hauling goods. Major Components and OperationThis section of the training guide includes a general description of major components of UTVs. For specific details and specifications, consult the owner's manual for the particular machine.