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Introduction

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey (GCSANJ) was

established in 1926 and is comprised of dedicated golf maintenance professionals and

agronomists who proudly maintain New Jersey’s 350 golf courses. GCSANJ serves the

golf course superintendent by advancing the profession, offering professional

development, and fostering relationships for all members and partners.

New Jersey, proudly known as the Garden State, has earned that name for being home

to various natural features, including pristine beaches, sprawling farmlands, picturesque

lake and river communities, and rugged mountainous regions. With this diverse

geography, it is no surprise that New Jersey would be home to so many beautifully

maintained golf courses, several of which are internationally renowned.

New Jersey golf course superintendents are committed to providing our golfers and

communities with the best playing conditions while being stewards of the

environment. To protect the environment with such vast differences in geography and

preserving natural resources for years to come, we created this guide of best

management practices (BMPs). The New Jersey Golf Industry Best Management

Practices covers all aspects of maintaining golf courses with environmental concerns

and sustainability as the basis for its use. Golf courses following these standards would

be exercising the most current means of sustainability while becoming leaders as

environmental stewards.

Acknowledgement

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

The 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 Golf

The 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.

United States Golf Association

The United States Golf Association (USGA) provides governance for the game of golf,

conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open as well as 10

national amateur championships, two state team championships and international

matches, and celebrates the history of the game of golf. The USGA establishes

equipment standards, administers the Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status,

maintains the USGA Handicap System and Course Rating System, and is one of the

world’s foremost authorities on research, development and support of sustainable golf

course management practices.

Acknowledgments

The GCSAA and EIFG wish to thank the University of Florida, Institute of Food and

Agricultural Sciences, faculty, Dr. J. Bryan Unruh, Dr. Travis Shaddox, Dr. Jason Kruse,

and Mr. Don Rainey, who worked on this project, providing their knowledge and

expertise to help the golf course industry; the USGA for their grant to fund this important

project; the volunteers who served on the task group to review BMP and provide

technical assistance; and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for

permission to copy its publication, “Best Management Practices for the Enhancement of

Environmental Quality on Florida Golf Courses

Additional Acknowledgements

The development of the New Jersey Golf Industry Best Management Practices was

made possible by superintendents in the state of New Jersey, scientists at Rutgers, The

State University of New Jersey, and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of

New Jersey. We are indebted to those individuals that provided their time and expertise

to develop and review drafts of best management practices to protect the natural

resources of New Jersey.

The committee members for this effort included the following;

• Jeremy Hreben, CGCS, BMP Committee Chairman, Superintendent, Indian

Spring Golf Course

• Darrell Marcinek, CGCS, Director of Golf Maintenance, Somerset County Parks

Commission

• Brandon Perrine, Superintendent, Deerwood Country Club

• Michael Tardogno, Superintendent, Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West

• Matthew Castagna, Superintendent, TPC Jasna Polana

• Dr. James A. Murphy, Extension Specialist, Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural

Experiment Station (NJAES) and Cooperative Extension

In addition, the following Rutgers NJAES and Cooperative Extension personnel assisted

in the development of this document:

• Dr. Bruce Clarke, Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Pathology

• Dr. Matthew Elmore, Assistant Extension Specialist in Weed Science

• Dr. George Hamilton, Extension Specialist in Integrated Pest Management

• Dr. Albrecht Koppenhöfer, Extension Specialist in Entomology

• Dr. Christopher Obropta, Associate Extension Specialist in Water Resources.

Others assisting in the development of this document include our industry partners that

provided invaluable information and expertise:

• Mark Kuhns, CGCS Regional Manager, Turco Golf

• James Devaney, Storr Tractor Company

• James Barrett, James Barrett Associates

• Corey Angelo, Soil and Water Consulting

Kevin Doyle of GCSAA and Maureen Sharples, GCSANJ Executive Director also

provided valuable assistance in initiating, organizing, and promoting this project. We

also appreciate the photo contributions from superintendents across the state. We thank

the external reviewers both individuals and agency representatives for their time and

effort to strengthen our document and ensure its accuracy. Reviewers included the

following:

• Bradley Park, Laboratory Researcher, Rutgers NJAES Center for Turfgrass

Science

• Dr. Stephanie Murphy, Director, Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory

• Erin Landis, River Friendly Coordinator, The Watershed Institute

• Jeffrey Hoffman, P.G., State Geologist, NJ Geological and Water Survey

• L. Stanton Hales, Jr., Ph. D., Director, Barnegat Bay Partnership

• Robert Karl, Supervisor, Source Water & Watershed Programs, Brick Township

Municipal Utilities Authority

Funding and support for this project were provided by the Golf Course Superintendents

Association of America (GCSAA), The Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), and the

United States Golf Association (USGA).

Table of Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3

Acknowledgement ........................................................................................................... 4

Additional Acknowledgements ........................................................................................ 6

BMP Index ....................................................................................................................... 9

Planning, Design and Construction ............................................................................... 11

Nutrient Management .................................................................................................... 21

Water Quality Monitoring and Management .................................................................. 35

Cultural Practices .......................................................................................................... 44

Integrated Pest Management ........................................................................................ 50

Pesticide Management .................................................................................................. 65

Pollinator Protection ...................................................................................................... 75

Maintenance Operations ............................................................................................... 78

Landscape ..................................................................................................................... 87

Energy ........................................................................................................................... 91

References .................................................................................................................... 97

Additional References ................................................................................................. 107

BMP Index

Planning, Design and Construction ............................................................................... 11

Regulatory Issues ...................................................................................................... 11

Planning ..................................................................................................................... 11

Design ....................................................................................................................... 12

Construction .............................................................................................................. 13

Grow-in ...................................................................................................................... 14

Erosion and Sediment Control ................................................................................... 14

Wetlands .................................................................................................................... 14

Drainage .................................................................................................................... 15

Surface Water: Stormwater, Ponds, Lakes ................................................................ 15

Maintenance Facilities ............................................................................................... 17

External Certification Programs ................................................................................. 19

Wildlife Considerations .............................................................................................. 19

Nutrient Management .................................................................................................... 21

Regulatory Considerations ........................................................................................ 21

Soil Testing ................................................................................................................ 23

Plant Tissue Analysis ................................................................................................. 24

Fertilizers Used in Golf Course Management ............................................................ 25

Soil pH ....................................................................................................................... 33

Nutrient Management ................................................................................................ 33

Water Quality Monitoring and Management .................................................................. 35

Regulatory Considerations ........................................................................................ 35

Site Analysis .............................................................................................................. 36

Water Quality Sampling Program .............................................................................. 37

Sampling Parameters, Collection, and Analysis ........................................................ 38

Buffer Zones .............................................................................................................. 39

Wetland Protection .................................................................................................... 41

Stormwater Management .......................................................................................... 41

Sediment ................................................................................................................... 42

Sodic/Saline Conditions ............................................................................................. 43

Cultural Practices .......................................................................................................... 44

Mowing ...................................................................................................................... 44

Cultivation .................................................................................................................. 46

Shade and Tree Management ................................................................................... 48

Integrated Pest Management ........................................................................................ 50

Regulatory Considerations ........................................................................................ 50

IPM Overview ............................................................................................................ 51

Written Plan ............................................................................................................... 52

Pest Thresholds ......................................................................................................... 52

Monitoring .................................................................................................................. 53

Record Keeping ......................................................................................................... 54

Turfgrass Selection .................................................................................................... 54

Biological Controls ..................................................................................................... 55

Pollinators .................................................................................................................. 56

Conventional Pesticides ............................................................................................ 56

Disease ...................................................................................................................... 57

Weeds ....................................................................................................................... 60

Insects ....................................................................................................................... 62

Nematodes ................................................................................................................ 64

Pesticide Management .................................................................................................. 65

Regulatory Considerations ........................................................................................ 65

Human Health Risks .................................................................................................. 67

Environmental Fate and Transport ............................................................................ 67

Pesticide Transportation, Storage, and Handling ...................................................... 68

Emergency Preparedness and Spill Response ......................................................... 69

Pesticide Record Keeping ......................................................................................... 69

Sprayer Calibration .................................................................................................... 70

Types of Sprayers ...................................................................................................... 70

Inventory .................................................................................................................... 70

Shelf Life .................................................................................................................... 71

Leaching Potentials ................................................................................................... 71

Mixing/Washing Station ............................................................................................. 72

Disposal ..................................................................................................................... 72

Personal Protective Equipment ................................................................................. 73

Pesticide Container Management .............................................................................. 73

Pollinator Protection ...................................................................................................... 75

Regulatory Considerations ........................................................................................ 75

Pollinator Habitat Protection ...................................................................................... 76

Maintenance Operations ............................................................................................... 78

Regulatory Considerations ........................................................................................ 78

Storage and Handling of Chemicals .......................................................................... 78

Equipment Storage and Maintenance ........................................................................ 80

Waste Handling ......................................................................................................... 81

Equipment Washing ................................................................................................... 81

Fueling Facilities ........................................................................................................ 82

Pollution Prevention ................................................................................................... 82

Landscape ..................................................................................................................... 87

Species Selection and Size Considerations .............................................................. 87

Design and Function .................................................................................................. 88

Planting Methods ....................................................................................................... 89

Energy ........................................................................................................................... 91

Energy Conservation ................................................................................................. 91

Evaluation .................................................................................................................. 92

Efficiency ................................................................................................................... 93

Design and Renovation ............................................................................................. 94

Implementation Plan .................................................................................................. 94

Infrastructure ............................................................................................................. 94

Alternative products, operations, and practices ......................................................... 95

Course Management Plan ......................................................................................... 95

Irrigation ..................................................................................................................... 96

Planning, Design and Construction

Regulatory Issues

The construction phase of any industry’s infrastructure poses the greatest risk of

ecosystem alteration. With proper planning and design, golf facilities can be constructed

and maintained with minimal impact to existing wildlife and their habitat. Furthermore,

facilities should be designed and constructed to maximize energy efficiency.

Regulatory Issues

Local and state regulations may be in place in your location. Early engagement among

developers, designers, local community groups, and permitting agencies is essential to

designing and constructing a golf facility that minimizes environmental impact and

meets the approval process.

Planning

Principles

Proper planning will minimize expenses resulting from unforeseen construction

requirements. Good planning provides opportunities to maximize/integrate

environmentally favorable characteristics into the property. This often requires the

involvement of golf course architects, golf course superintendents, civil engineers, soil

scientists, agronomists, irrigation designers, ecologists, etc.

Best Management Practices

• Assemble a qualified team

o Golf course architect

o Golf course superintendent

o Clubhouse architect

o Irrigation engineer

o Environmental engineer

o Energy analyst

o Economic consultant

o Civil engineer

o Soil scientist

o Geologist

o Golf course builder

o Legal team

• Determine objectives

• Complete a feasibility study

o Are needs feasible given existing resources?

o Environmental

o Financial

o Water

o Energy

o Labor

o Materials

o Governmental regulatory requirements/restrictions

• Select an appropriate site that is capable of achieving the needs of stakeholders.

• Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the selected site.

• Identify any rare, protected, endangered, or threatened plant or animal species

on the site.

Design

Principles

Proper design will meet the needs of the stakeholders, protect the location's

environmental resources, and be economically sustainable.

Best Management Practices

• Retain a qualified golf course superintendent/project manager at the beginning of

the design and construction process to integrate sustainable maintenance

practices in the development, maintenance, and operation of the course.

• Design the course to minimize the need to alter or remove existing native

landscapes. The routing should identify the areas that provide opportunities for

restoration.

• Design the course to retain as much natural vegetation as possible. Where

appropriate, consider enhancing existing vegetation through the supplemental

planting of native vegetation/materials next to long fairways, out-of-play areas,

and along water sources supporting fish and other water-dependent species.

• Design out-of-play areas to retain or restore existing native vegetation where

possible. Nuisance, invasive, and exotic plants should be removed and replaced

with native species that are adapted to that particular site.

• Greens

o Select a location that has adequate sunlight to meet plant-specific needs

and provides sufficient drainage.

o Choose a green size and a sufficient number of hole locations that are

large enough to accommodate traffic and play damage, but not so large

that it is not sustainable with your resources.

o Select an appropriate root-zone material as designated by the USGA.

o Consider the number of bunkers as it relates to resources available for

daily maintenance.

o Greens should be irrigated separately from surrounding turf.

o Select a turf species/variety that meets the needs of the stakeholders

while adhering to the principle of “right plant, right place.”

• Plant only certified turfgrass.

• Decide whether bunkers will contain drainage.

• Consider bunker entry and exit points. Consider wear patterns and create

adequate space for ingress/egress points on greens, tees, fairways, and

bunkers.

• Select the proper color, size, and shape of bunker sand that meets your needs.

• Define play and non-play maintenance boundaries.

Construction

Principles

Construction should be completed with care to minimize environmental impact and

financial ramifications caused by poor construction techniques.

Best Management Practices

• Conduct a pre-construction conference with stakeholders.

• Construction should be scheduled to maximize turfgrass establishment and site

drainage.

• Use environmentally sound construction techniques.

• Use soil stabilization techniques to minimize soil erosion and maximize sediment

containment. Minimize soil compaction from heavy equipment.

• Maintain a construction progress report and communicate the report to the

proper permitting agencies.

• Use only qualified contractors who are experienced in the special requirements

of golf course construction.

• Schedule construction and turf establishment to allow for the most efficient

progress of the work while optimizing environmental conservation and resource

management.

• Temporary construction compounds should be built in a way that minimizes

environmental impacts.

Grow-in

Erosion and Sediment Control

Principles

• Soil carried by wind and water erosion transports contaminants with it.

Contaminants can dislodge, especially on entering water bodies, where they can

cause pollution.

• Erosion and sediment control is a critical component of the construction and

grow-in of a golf course.

Best Management Practices

• Develop a working knowledge of erosion and sediment control management.

Each state has its own specifications including types of acceptable structures,

materials, and design features.

• Develop and implement strategies to effectively control sediment, minimize the

loss of topsoil, protect water resources, and reduce disruption to wildlife, plant

species, and designed environmental resource areas.

• Hydro-seeding or hydro-mulching offer soil stabilization.

Wetlands

Principles

• Most states consider wetlands as “waters of the state,” a designation that carries

significant legal ramifications. Furthermore, permitting requirements for wetlands

can have multiple overlapping jurisdictions of federal, state, and local agencies.

At the federal level alone, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE), EPA,

U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA), and maritime agencies may all be involved.

• Wetlands act both as filters for pollutant removal and as nurseries for many

species of birds, insects, fish, and other aquatic organisms. The biological activity

of plants, fish, animals, insects, and especially bacteria and fungi in a healthy,

diverse wetland is the recycling factory of our ecosystem.

• When incorporated into a golf course design, wetlands should be maintained as

preserves and separated from managed turf areas with native vegetation or

structural buffers. Constructed or disturbed wetlands may need to be permitted to

be an integral part of the stormwater management system.

Best Management Practices

• Ensure that proper permitting has been obtained before working on any

wetlands.

• Ensure that wetlands have been properly delineated before working in and

around any wetlands.

Drainage

Principles

• Adequate drainage is necessary for growing healthy grass.

• A high-quality BMP plan for drainage addresses the containment of runoff,

adequate buffer zones, and filtration techniques in the design and construction

process to achieve acceptable water quality.

• Drainage of the golf course features is only as good as the system’s integrity.

Damaged, improperly installed, or poorly maintained drainage systems will result

in inferior performance that negatively impacts play and increases risks to water

quality.

Best Management Practices

• When constructing drainage systems, pay close attention to engineering details

such as subsoil preparation, the placement of gravel, slopes, and backfilling.

• Internal golf course drains should not drain directly into an open waterbody, but

should discharge through pretreatment zones and/or vegetative buffers to help

remove nutrients and sediments.

• Drainage should discharge through proper drainage and stormwater

management devices, for example, vegetative buffers, swales, etc.

• The drainage system should be routinely inspected to ensure proper function.

Surface Water: Stormwater, Ponds, Lakes

Principles

• Stormwater is the conveying force behind nonpoint source pollution.

• Controlling stormwater on a golf course is more than preventing the flooding of

facilities and play areas. In addition to controlling the amount and rate of water

leaving the course, stormwater control also involves storing irrigation water,

controlling erosion and sediment, enhancing wildlife habitat, removing

waterborne pollutants, and addressing aesthetic and playability concerns. Keep

in mind that not all stormwater on a golf course originates there; some may be

from adjoining lands, including residential or commercial developments.

• It may be appropriate to maintain 12” to 14” of freeboard in the irrigation pond for

storm water retention.

• Each water body should have a comprehensive plan to maintain water quality

and quantity. Aquatic plant management is an important component of this

strategy. The strategy should address the intended uses of the waterbody, the

aquatic plants that are reasonably anticipated to be present, and the

management techniques that will be used to control them. This should include

both desired and nuisance vegetation. Nuisance vegetation can negatively affect

a pond’s water quality, storage capacity and treatment capacity.

Best Management Practices

• Stormwater treatment is best accomplished by a “treatment train” approach, in

which water is conveyed from one treatment to another by conveyances that

themselves contribute to the treatment.

• Eliminate or minimize as much directly connected impervious area (DCIA) as

possible. Disconnect runoff from gutters and roof drains from impervious areas,

so that it flows onto permeable areas that allow the water to infiltrate near the

point of generation.

• Utilize vegetated buffers adjacent to water bodies to filter pollutants and slow the

flow of runoff into the waterbody.

• Use vegetated swales to slow and infiltrate water and trap pollutants in the soil,

where they can be naturally destroyed by soil organisms.

• Use depressed landscape islands or rain gardens in parking lots to catch, filter,

and infiltrate water, instead of letting it run off. When hard rains occur, an

elevated stormwater drain inlet allows the island to hold the treatment volume

and settle out sediments, while allowing the overflow to drain away.

• Maximize the use of pervious pavements, such as brick or concrete pavers

separated by sand and planted with grass. Special high-permeability concrete is

available for cart paths or parking lots.

• The use of cisterns and sump pumps may be useful in retaining runoff for future

irrigation needs. Runoff can be pumped back to irrigation and retention ponds.

Regulatory Considerations

Principle

Course owners and superintendents should investigate regulatory requirements that

apply to the golf facility to protect surface and groundwater quality and quantity.

Best Management Practices

• Golf course design and construction should be in accordance with all state and

local regulations. Consulting with local officials early in the planning process will

ensure that all regulatory requirements are met. This may include construction

permitting, natural resource inventory and permitting, stormwater management

and water allocation.

• Environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, floodplains or wildlife habitat

are protected under federal, state and local regulations. Consult with the

appropriate officials prior to any construction or management activities in those

areas.

• Golf course design and management may be affected by Total Maximum Daily

Loads (TMDLs), regional stormwater management plans and watershed

restoration and protection plans. Consultation with state and local officials will

ensure that the golf course supports implementation of those plans.

• Consult with the appropriate officials when planning the irrigation source for the

golf course. Water allocation permits may be required for the selected water

source.

• Application of chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers may be regulated

under state or local regulations. Ensure that all staff hold the appropriate licenses

for the work they are performing and that any necessary permits for application

are obtained.

• Aquatic plant management may require additional permits or licensing. This may

include use of grass carp, aeration, mechanical controls, biological controls, and

chemical controls. Consult with federal, state and local agencies prior to

implementing management actions for ponds or wetlands.

• Management of stormwater runoff may require permitting or compliance with

state and local regulations. During design, this will include ensuring that the

volume of water discharged from the golf course does not adversely affect

downstream properties and that water quality criteria are met. Following

construction, this will include operation and maintenance of best management

practices. Disposal of sediments from stormwater ponds may be subject to

regulations. New Jersey has state stormwater management regulations that

apply to design and operations to protect water quality and quantity. Local

municipalities may have additional requirements.

Maintenance Facilities

Principles

The maintenance facilities must incorporate best management practices to minimize the

potential for contamination of soil and water resources. The pesticide mixing and

storage facility, the equipment wash pad, and the fuel center are focal points.

Best Management Practices

• Design and build pesticide storage structures to keep pesticides secure and

isolated from the surrounding environment.

• Store pesticides in a roofed concrete or metal structure with a lockable door.

• Construct floors of seamless metal or concrete sealed with chemical-resistant

paint.

• Ensure that flow from floor drains does not discharge directly to the ground and

that drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer line or septic system.

• Equip the floor with a continuous curb to retain spilled materials.

• Do not store pesticides near burning materials or hot work (welding, grinding), or

in shop areas.

• Provide storage for personal protective equipment (PPE) where it is easily

accessible in the event of an emergency, but do not store in the pesticide storage

area.

• Provide adequate space and shelving to segregate herbicides, insecticides, and

fungicides.

• Use shelving made of plastic or reinforced metal. Keep metal shelving painted.

• Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation and an emergency wash area.

• Always place dry materials above liquids, never liquids above dry materials.

• Never place liquids above eye level.

• Locate operations well away from groundwater wells and areas where runoff may

carry spilled pesticides into surface waterbodies.

• Do not build new facilities on potentially contaminated sites.

• An open building must have a roof with a substantial overhang (minimum 30°

from vertical, 45° recommended) on all sides.

• In constructing a concrete mixing and loading pad, it is critical that the concrete

has a water-to-cement ratio no higher than 0.45:1 by weight.

• The sump should be small and easily accessible for cleaning.

• Ensure that workers always use all personal protective equipment as required by

the pesticide label and are provided appropriate training.

• Assess the level of training and supervision required by staff.

• Any material that collects on the pad must be applied as a pesticide according to

the label or disposed of as a (potentially hazardous) waste according to state

laws and regulations.

• Clean up spills immediately!

• Always store nitrogen-based fertilizers separately from solvents, fuels, and

pesticides, since many fertilizers are oxidants and can accelerate a fire. Ideally,

fertilizer should be stored in a concrete building with a metal or other type of

flame-resistant roof.

• Always store fertilizers in an area that is protected from rainfall. The storage of

dry bulk materials on a concrete or asphalt pad may be acceptable if the pad is

adequately protected from rainfall and from water flowing across the pad.

• Sweep up any spilled fertilizer immediately.

• Do not wash equipment unnecessarily.

• Clean equipment over an impervious area, and keep it swept clean.

• Brush or blow equipment with compressed air before, or instead of, washing.

• Use spring shutoff nozzles.

• Use a closed-loop recycling system for wash water.

• Recycle system filters and sludge should be treated and disposed of

appropriately.

• Each piece of equipment should have an assigned parking area. This allows oil

or other fluid leaks to be easily spotted and attributed to a specific machine so

that it can be repaired.

• Use solvent-recycling machines or water-based cleaning machines to cut down

on the use of flammable and/or toxic solvents.

• Use a service to remove the old solvents and dispose of them properly.

• Design pesticide storage to keep pesticides secure and isolated from the

environment.

External Certification Programs

Principles

• Golf-centric environmental management programs or environmental

management systems can help golf courses protect the environment and

preserve the natural heritage of the game.

• These programs help people enhance the natural areas and wildlife habitats that

golf courses provide, improve efficiency, and minimize potentially harmful

impacts of golf course operations.

• Golf courses can gain valuable recognition for their environmental education and

certification efforts.

Best Management Practices

• Obtain and review materials to ascertain whether the facility should seek

certification.

• Work with staff to establish facility goals that lead to certification.

• Establish goals to educate members about the certification program.

Wildlife Considerations

Principles

• Golf courses occupy large land areas, generally in urban areas, providing critical

links between urban and rural/natural environments.

• Maintaining wildlife habitat on golf courses better maintains biological diversity,

which is especially important in the urban environment.

• Most golfers enjoy observing non-threatening wildlife as they play the game.

Best Management Practices

• Identify the different types of habitat specific to the site.

• Identify the habitat requirements (food, water, cover, space) for identified wildlife

species.

• Identify species on the site that are considered threatened or endangered by the

federal or state government, including species the state deems “of special

concern.”

• Preserve critical habitat.

• Identify and preserve regional wildlife and migration corridors.

• Design and locate cart paths to minimize environmental impacts. Construct the

paths of permeable materials, if possible.

• Avoid or minimize crossings of wildlife corridors. Design unavoidable crossings to

accommodate wildlife movement.

• Remove nuisance and exotic/invasive plants and replace them with native

species that are adapted to a particular site.

• Maintain clearance between the ground and the lowest portion of a fence or wall

to allow wildlife to pass, except in areas where feral animals need to be

excluded.

• Retain dead tree snags for nesting and feeding sites, provided they pose no

danger to people or property.

• Construct and place birdhouses, bat houses, and nesting sites in out-of-play

areas.

• Plant butterfly gardens around the clubhouse and out-of-play areas.

• Retain riparian buffers along waterways to protect water quality and provide food,

nesting sites, and cover for wildlife.

• Minimize stream or river crossings to protect water quality and preserve stream

banks.

• Retain riparian buffers along waterways to protect water quality, provide food,

nesting sites, and cover for wildlife.

Nutrient Management

Regulatory Considerations

Proper nutrient management plays a key role in the reduction of environmental risk and

increases course profitability. Among other benefits, applied nutrients increase the

available pool of nutrients for dense, vigorous growth and allow turfgrass to recover

from damage, increase its resistance to stress, and increase its playability. However,

the increase in available nutrients also increases the potential risk of environmental

impact. Nutrients may move beyond the turfgrass rootzone via leaching or runoff, which

may directly impact our environment. Other organisms also respond to increases in

nutrients and, in some cases, these organisms may deleteriously alter our ecosystem. A

proper nutrient management plan should incorporate the 4R concept: Right fertilizer

source at the Right rate, at the Right time, and in the Right place. Stewardship requires

the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) that optimize the efficiency of

fertilizer use. The goal of fertilizer BMPs is to match nutrient supply with the need to

achieve an acceptable playing surface (crop requirements) and apply these nutrients in

a manner that maximizes plant uptake and minimizes nutrient losses. Selection of

BMPs varies by location, and those chosen for a given golf course are dependent on

local soil and climatic conditions, turfgrass species, management conditions, and other

site-specific factors.

Regulatory Considerations

As of January 5, 2012, all professional fertilizer applicators are required to undergo

training and become certified through the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station

(NJAES) at Rutgers University or other qualified organization. (Source: New Jersey Act,

P.L. 2010, c. 112 (C.58:10A-64),

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/Bills/PL10/112_.PDF)

Principles

• Local and state regulations are in place to better manage nutrient risks based on

the unique conditions that exist in your location. Designing a nutrient

management plan within these regulations addresses local concerns and

minimizes risk within your unique ecosystem.

• Depending on your location, regulatory agencies may include federal, state, or

local policies.

• In general, if your location is regulated by nutrient policies (such as nutrient

management plans), all of your nutrient BMP will be designed according to these

policies.

• Understand the importance of nutrient licensing.

Best Management Practices

• Identify who must be certified/licensed.

o Persons responsible for decisions regarding the management of fertilizers

containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus/phosphate at the facility must be

certified/licensed (certified fertilizer applicator).

• Describe differing licenses, if applicable.

o Persons making applications of fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or

phosphate at the facility must be either certified or trained (trained fertilizer

applicator).

o Trained fertilizer applicators can only apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or

phosphate while under the supervision of a certified fertilizer applicator.

• Provide the minimum requirement.

o Certified fertilizer applicator: trained and pass the certification exam

o Trained fertilizer applicator: trained

• Detail the Continued Education Unit required to maintain the license.

o Certified fertilizer applicators must attain 8 units of continuing education

during a 5-year recertification cycle and pay an annual certification fee.

o Trained fertilizer applicators must receive training each year and pay an

annual certification fee; Certified fertilizer applicators must attest to that

training being received.

• Understand the value of training programs.

o Protect all New Jersey surface and groundwaters from impairment by

minimizing nitrogen and phosphorus loading that may be derived from

fertilizer

• Contact local and state organizations for regulatory restrictions.

o The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) is responsible

for the training and certification of professionals fertilizer applicators

through the Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification and Training

(ProFACT) program.

Website: https://profact.rutgers.edu

Phone: 848-932-6373

E-mail: ProFACT@sebs.rutgers.edu

Mail: ProFACT

Department of Plant Biology

59 Dudley Road

New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520

Soil Testing

Principles

• Soil testing may or may not provide the appropriate answers to your nutrient

management questions. Consult with your local land-grant university to get the

most current information and to better understand which soil test values are

relevant in your location.

o Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory can provide further details and is located

at 57 US Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8554. Phone: 848-932-

9295, Email: soiltest@njaes.rutgers.edu

• Through proper sampling, laboratory analysis, interpretation of results,

recommendations, and record-keeping, soil testing can be used to manage

nutrients more efficiently. Resources for detailed information on the interpretation

of soil tests and resulting recommendations include:

o Turfgrass soil fertility and chemical problems: assessment and

management authored by R.N. Carrow, D.V. Waddington, and P.E. Rieke

(2001, Sleeping Bear Press. Chelsea, MI).

o Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Mehlich-3 Values for

Relative Level Categories. Available: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-

lab/relative-levels-of-nutrients.php

• Interpretations of results are affected by various philosophies of laboratories or

individuals and typically involves two approaches:

o Percentage saturation of basic cations as a guide to whether nutrients are

balanced

o Sufficiency level, which evaluates the amount of available nutrients

• Recommendations are typically based on two approaches:

o Sufficiency to meet the immediate needs of the plant

o Buildup soil levels to an optimum and maintenance to meet plant

requirements

Best Management Practices

• Accurate and consistent sampling is essential to providing useful soil test

information over time.

• Divide the course into logical components such as greens, fairways, tees,

roughs, etc., for each hole.

• Ten to 15 soil samples should be randomly taken from each component and

blended together to provide a representative, uniform soil sample for that

component.

• Each soil sample should be taken from the same depth.

• Poor-quality turfgrass areas that are of concern should be sampled separately

from higher-quality turfgrass areas.

• The purpose of a soil test is to identify deficiencies and provide the grower with a

prediction of a plant’s response to an applied nutrient.

• Use an extractant appropriate for your soils. Many soil testing labs use Mehlich-3

as the primary soil test extractant in this region including Rutgers NJAES.

• Different chemical extractants used by soil testing labs have different correlations

to nutrient availability and calibrations for fertilizer response. In order to compare

soil test results over time, the same extractant must be used for each test.

• Keeping soil tests from prior years will allow you to observe changes over time.

• This practice can provide good evidence of the impact of your nutrient

management plan.

• Building up nutrient levels is more feasible in fine-textured soils that have greater

cation exchange capacity (CEC). Nutrient levels in sand and soils with a low CEC

(~4 cmol kg

-1

or lower), having less nutrient-holding capacity, cannot be built up

to levels possible in fine-textured soils.

• Annual soil testing is recommended when soil fertility status is very low or large

changes are desired. Soil testing every two to three years will be adequate when

soil fertility status is sufficient/high.

• At a minimum, soil testing should be used to identify whether any soil nutrient is

at a very low level, which indicates action is required.

• Nitrogen availability is not a routine soil analysis due to its dynamic nature and

should be applied according to turf growth needs as recommended on soil test

reports and accessed in real-time by experienced turf managers.

Plant Tissue Analysis

Principles

• Tissue testing provides a precise measurement of nutrients within the plant.

Tissue test sufficiency ranges are only as good as the correlation data of a given

element to an acceptable quality level of a given turfgrass.

• Through proper sampling, consistent intervals, and record-keeping, tissue

sampling may be used to measure existing turf health.

• Keep in mind that factors other than soil test levels may affect the nutrient status

of the plant tissue; examples include limited root growth, soil pH, soil aeration, or

soil water content.

Best Management Practices

• Tissue samples may be collected during regular mowing.

• Do not collect tissue after any event that may alter the nutrient analysis. Events

may include fertilization, topdressing, pesticide applications, etc.

• Place tissue in paper bags, not plastic.

• If possible, allow tissue samples to air-dry at your facility before mailing them.

• Poor-quality turfgrass that is of concern should be sampled separately from

higher-quality turfgrass for comparison.

• When turfgrass begins to show signs of nutrient stress, a sample should be

collected immediately.

• More frequent tissue sampling allows a more accurate assessment of your

turfgrass nutrient status changes over time.

• The frequency of tissue analysis you choose to use is entirely up to you and your

needs. However, two to four tests per year are common on greens and one to

two tests per year are common on tees and fairways.

• Keeping tissue tests from prior years will allow you to observe changes over

time.

• Tissue testing can provide good evidence of the impact of your nutrient

management plan.

Fertilizers Used in Golf Course Management

Principles

Understanding the components of fertilizers, the fertilizer label, and the function of each

element within the plant are all essential in the development of an efficient nutrient

management program.

Terminology

• Grade or analysis is the percent by weight of Nitrogen (N), Available Phosphate

) and Soluble Potash (K

O) that is guaranteed to be in the fertilizer.

• A complete fertilizer contains N, P

, and K

• The laws governing the labeling of fertilizer vary among states. Consult your

land-grant university or the appropriate state agency regarding the laws in your

location.

Label

• The label is intended to inform the user about the contents of the fertilizer which,

if understood and the product is applied accordingly, will result in little to no

environmental risk.

• The fertilizer label may contain:

o Brand

o Grade

o Manufacturer’s name and address

o Guaranteed analysis

o “Derived from” statement specifying source of nutrients

o Net weight

o Directions for Use

Macronutrients

Macronutrients are required in the greatest quantities by plants and include nitrogen (N),

phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Understanding the role of each macronutrient within the plant should provide you with a

greater awareness of why these nutrients play such a key role in proper turfgrass

management.

The role of nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen is required by the plant in greater quantities than any other element except

carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). Nitrogen plays a role in numerous plant

functions including an essential component of amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids.

• Fate and transformation of N

o The goal of all applied nutrients is to maximize plant uptake while

minimizing nutrient losses. Understanding each process will increase your

ability to make sound management decisions and ultimately leads to an

increase in course profitability and a reduction in environmental risk.

o Nitrogen exists in many forms in soil and environment and undergoes

many processes in changing from one form to another. Its dynamic nature

can make it especially challenging to manage.

o Soluble forms of N are the most common cause of eutrophication in

saltwater systems, and nitrate-N is a human-health hazard in drinking

water.

• Nitrogen processes

o Mineralization: the microbial-mediated conversion of organic N into plant-

available NH

(ammonium)

o Nitrification: the microbial-mediated conversion of NH

to plant-available

(nitrate)

o Denitrification: the microbial-mediated conversion of NO

to N gases,

which is a loss of plant-available N; this primarily occurs in wet (low-

oxygen) environments and is enhanced by high soil pH and temperature.

o Volatilization: the conversion of NH

to NH

(ammonia) gas, another

potential loss of plant-available N

o Leaching: the downward movement of an element below the rootzone

(loss)

o Runoff: the surface lateral movement of an element beyond the intended

turfgrass location (loss) and potentially into water bodies (pollution)

• The release mechanism and factors influencing N release from available N

sources: Understanding how certain N sources should be blended and applied is

an essential component in an efficient nutrient management plan. Application of

N sources without regard to their release characteristics is an improper practice

and increases the risk of negative environmental impact. Each N source

(particularly slow-release forms) is unique and therefore should be managed

accordingly. Applying a polymer-coated urea in the same manner one would

apply a sulfur-coated urea greatly reduces the value of the polymer-coated urea.

Similarly, applying 1 pound of N from ammonium sulfate may cause burning,

while applying 1 pound of N from certain polymer-coated urea products may not

provide the desired turfgrass response. Rate, application date, location, turfgrass

species and age of turf all should be included in your nutrient application

decision.

• Soluble nitrogen sources

o Urea (46-0-0)

o Ammonium nitrate (34-0-0)

o Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0)

o Diammonium phosphate (18-46-0)

o Monoammonium phosphate (11-52-0)

o Calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0)

o Potassium nitrate (13-0-44)

• Slow-release nitrogen sources: A slow-release N source is any N-containing

fertilizer where the release of plant-available N into the soil is delayed either by

requiring microbial degradation of the N source, by coating the N substrate which

delays the dissolution of N, or by reducing the water solubility of the N source.

These include:

o Sulfur-coated urea

o Polymer/resin-coated

o Isobutylidene diurea

o Urea-formaldehyde/ureaformaldehyde reaction products

o Natural organic

• Urease and nitrification inhibitors

o Urease inhibitors reduce the activity of the urease enzyme resulting in a

reduction of volatilization and loss of plant-available N.

o Nitrification inhibitors reduce the activity of Nitrosomonas bacteria, which

are responsible for the conversion of NH

to NO

(nitrite). This

reduces loss of plant-available N via denitrification.

The role of phosphorus (P)

Phosphate (biologically active form of phosphorus) can be a growth-limiting factor for

many unintended organisms and is a major contributor to eutrophication of freshwater

bodies. Thus, proper timing and rates of fertilizer application should be implemented to

reduce the risk of off-site movement of phosphates.

Phosphate forms high-energy compounds that are used to transfer energy within the

plant. Phosphate may remain in an inorganic form or may become incorporated into

organic compounds. Phosphate application rates should be based upon soil test results

derived from documented calibrations demonstrating a turf/crop response to soil test

phosphate levels.

• Phosphate deficiency symptoms

o Initially, reduced shoot growth and dark green color may be observed

o Later, lower leaves may turn reddish at the tips and then the color may

progress down the blade

• Phosphate sufficiency ranges

o Soil test P levels <13 ppm (<26 lb/A) using the Mehlich-3 extractant are

considered very low and a spoon feeding approach, where P is applied

two to six times per year at low rate of 0.25 to 0.5 lb P

per 1,000 sq. ft.,

will be important. The higher of these rates for several years may be

needed to build up soil test levels.

o Tissue testing can be used to help diagnose a true deficiency, but the

sufficiency range may vary with species, cultivar, and growing conditions.

o Consult your land-grant university for additional information.

• Phosphate fertilizer sources

o Diammonium phosphate (18-46-0)

o Concentrated superphosphate (0-44-0)

o Monoammonium phosphate (11-52-0)

o Natural organics

The role of potassium (K)

Potassium is of no environmental concern, but can be an economic concern, particularly

when potassium is over-utilized. Too much potassium in soil has an antagonistic effect

on uptake of certain other nutrients. Furthermore, two common K sources have risk of

osmotic ‘burning’ of plant tissue (high salt index). Thus, over-application of potassium is

discouraged for agronomic as well as economic considerations. Generally, potassium

concentrations in turfgrass tissue are about ⅓ to ½ that of nitrogen.

Potassium is not a component of any organic compound but is a constituent of plant cell

cytosol and moves readily within the plant. Potassium is key component of

osmoregulation which has been documented to increase stress resistance.

• K deficiency symptoms

• Except under severe, documented deficiencies, K may not have an observable

influence on turfgrass quality. Yellowing of older leaves followed by tip dieback

and scorching of leaf margins have been reported. K sufficiency ranges

o Soil test K levels less than the range of 20-40 ppm (40-80 lb/A) using the

Mehlich-3 extractant are considered very low. Research indicates that

annual bluegrass is more susceptible to anthracnose when K levels in the

sand-topdressed, mat layer of putting greens are <50 ppm (<100 lb/A),

o Potassium cannot be built up in low CEC soil (sands) that are subject to

leaching from high rainfall and, therefore, must be maintained by a spoon-

feeding approach. Annual fertilization rates for N and K

O that produce a

N:K

O ratio of ~1:1 are common.

o Percent K saturation on the soil CEC is useful in monitoring whether the

percent K is changing over time in response to fertilization or irrigation. A

target of 2 to 7% K saturation is a reasonable range to maintain.

o There is limited data establishing K sufficiency ranges for turfgrass tissue;

however, a general recommendation of 1.0 to 2.5% K in turfgrass leaf

tissue is often used. Research indicates that annual bluegrass is much

more susceptible to anthracnose at leaf K concentrations below 2.0%.

Other reports indicate that leaf K concentrations below 2.1, 2.2, and 1.5%

were deficient for ryegrasses (annual and perennial), tall fescue, and

Kentucky bluegrass, respectively.

o Consult your land-grant university for additional information

• K fertilizer sources

o Potassium sulfate (0-0-50,low salt index)

o Potassium chloride, or Potash (0-0-60, high salt index)

o Potassium nitrate (13-0-45, medium salt index)

Secondary Macronutrients

Secondary macronutrients are essential to plant function and are required in quantities

less than N, P, and K, but more than micronutrients. These include calcium (Ca),

magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S)

The role of calcium (Ca)

• Primarily a component of cell walls and structure

• Calcium deficiency is rare in grasses.

• Application of limestone to increase pH in acidic soil, typical of NJ, generally

provides sufficient Ca for nutritional needs.

• Soil test Ca levels less than the range of 375-503 ppm (750-1007 lb/A) using the

Mehlich-3 extractant are considered low.

• Ca saturation of 65 to 80% of the soil CEC is sometimes presented as the “ideal”.

General guides to cation balance in the soil are ≤8.5:1 for Ca:Mg; ≤15:1 for Ca:K.

• Tissue Ca concentration <0.5% is considered deficient.

• Found in gypsum, limestone, and calcium chloride

The role of magnesium (Mg)

• Central ion in the chlorophyll molecule and chlorophyll synthesis

• Application of dolomitic limestone to increase pH in acidic soil acts a slow-

release source of Mg.

• Soil test Mg levels less than 23 ppm (46 lb/A) using the Mehlich-3 extractant are

considered very low (Rutgers NJAES)..

• Carrow et al. (2001) recommends Mehlich-3 extractable Mg of 70-140 ppm (140-

280 lb/A) for sandy (low CEC) soils and >140 ppm (>280 lb/A) for finer-textured

soils.

• Mg saturation of 10 to 20% on the soil CEC is normal. Typical guidelines for Mg

ratios based on percent cation saturation are ≤8.5:1 for Ca:Mg; ≤5:1 for Mg:K.

• Tissue Mg concentration <0.15% is considered deficient.

• Found in S-Po-Mg (langbeinite, 11% Mg), dolomitic limestone, and magnesium

sulfate

The role of sulfur (S)

• Metabolized into the amino acid, cysteine, which is used in various proteins and

enzymes

• Tissue content of S in turfgrasses ranges from 0.15 to 0.50% (dry weight) with

<0.20% often considered deficient

• Grasses have a lower S requirement than many other plants

• Turfgrass often receives S additions as a component of: N-fertilizers like SCU,

ammonium sulfate; from K-fertilization as K

, potassium-magnesium sulfate

(Sul-Po-Mag [langbeinite], 22% S); from P-fertilization in superphosphate 0-20-0

(12% S); in CaSO

(gypsum) to amend calcium-deficient or sodic soil; from Mg

fertilizer like MgSO

; with micronutrients applied as sulfate forms; and in use of

elemental S to reduce soil pH and/or in irrigation water that has been acidified.

• The most reliable method to confirm S deficiency is a combination of tissue

testing and trial application of a SO

-containing fertilizer

o Since S deficiency results in chlorosis, a foliar application of 0.05 lb S per

1,000 ft

as K

or CaSO

in 3 to 5 gallons of water should provide a

greening response if S is deficient.

• Consult your land-grant university for additional information

• Found in ammonium sulfate, elemental sulfur, gypsum, potassium sulfate

Micronutrients

Understanding the role of each micronutrient within the plant should provide you with a

greater appreciation of why these nutrients play such a key role in proper turfgrass

management.

Micronutrients are just as essential for proper turfgrass health as macronutrients, but

they are required in very small quantities compared to macronutrients. Micronutrients

include iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum

(Mo), Chlorine (Cl), and Nickel (Ni). Deficiencies of most are very rarely observed (Zn,

Cu, Mo, B) or never reported (Cl, Ni) under field situations. Iron (Fe) deficiencies are

relatively common; manganese (Mn) deficiencies are less often observed but not

unusual.

• Micronutrient categories are less well defined than macronutrient categories.

Micronutrient Units

Critical

Level

†

High

‡

Iron

ppm soil

100

Zinc

ppm soil

1.0

Copper

ppm soil

0.5

Boron

ppm soil

0.5

Manganese

pH dependent: calculate an activity index

MnAI = 101.7 + 3.75Mn - 15.2pH

25 100

†

Values below the "critical level" should be considered deficient

‡

Values above "high" should be considered a warning. Certain micronutrients

can be toxic to plants at excessive levels.

In addition to its effect on manganese availability, soil pH also affects the

availability of other micronutrients. Aeration can also be a factor.

• Iron (Fe) deficiency symptoms first occur on younger leaves, due to its immobility

in the plant, as interveinal yellowing. In contrast, N deficiency appears initially on

older leaves. Leaves turn pale yellow to white under prolonged deficiency and

exhibit thin spindly growth with older leaves becoming chlorotic. Tissue

concentrations of Fe are usually within 100 to 500 ppm. Critical deficiencies vary

with bentgrass <100 ppm and bermudagrass <50 ppm. Calcareous soils

generally have a pH between 7.3 to 8.5 and are prone to causing Fe deficiency

because of its low solubility in alkaline soil.

• Manganese (Mn) deficiencies can be observed on turfgrasses grown on acid

sandy soils and calcareous sands. Frequent use of foliar Fe contributes to Mn

deficiencies by suppressing Mn uptake. Deficiencies of Mn are most often

associated with high pH soils or recently limed soils. Acidifying N-carriers may

increase Mn availability on alkaline soils by enhancing Mn solubility.

Consult your land-grant university for additional information on micronutrients.

The role of iron (Fe)

• Is part of the catalytic enzymes and is required for chlorophyll synthesis

• Affects photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and respiration

The role of manganese (Mn)

• Involved in photosynthesis

• Required as a cofactor for ~35 enzymes

• Lignin biosynthesis depends on Mn. Reduced lignin content in roots (thinner root

cell walls) may contribute to susceptibility to take-all patch and other root

diseases.

The role of boron (B)

• Found in the cell wall; probably required for the structural integrity of the cell wall

The role of copper (Cu)

• Cu-protein plastocyanin is involved in photosynthesis

• Cofactor for a variety of oxidative enzymes

The role of zinc (Zn)

• Structural component of enzymes

• Required for protein synthesis

• Carbohydrate metabolism affected by Zn

The role of molybdenum (Mo)

• Primarily related to nitrogen metabolism

• Structural and catalytic functions of enzymes

The role of chlorine (Cl)

• Required for the oxygen-evolving reactions of photosynthesis

• Also appears to be required for cell division in both leaves and shoots

The role of nickel (Ni)

• Relatively recent classification as an essential nutrient for higher plants

• Nickel is a metal component of urease (enzyme) necessary for proper structure

and activity of urease, which catalyzes the transformation of urea, CO(NH

)

, to

Soil pH

Principle

Identifying pH levels may be the most important soil test result for turfgrass managers.

In most cases, a pH of 6.3 is ideal because it provides the greatest probability of

micronutrient availability. Soil pH adjustments may occur slowly and are temporary.

Best Management Practices

• To increase soil pH, apply a liming material (calcium carbonate, calcium oxide,

dolomitic limestone) that contains Ca

and neutralizes acidity.

• To lower soil pH, products containing elemental sulfur should be applied.

• In some cases, utilizing injection pumps into irrigation water to address pH can

be beneficial.

Nutrient Management

Principles

• Within each state, environmental conditions vary greatly including differences

among soils, topography, rainfall, and temperature. These differences require

that a nutrient management plan be flexible enough to allow turfgrass managers

to address their unique needs.

• Understand the importance of application timing for most effective use of applied

nutrients.

Best Management Practices

• The objective of all nutrient applications is plant uptake and the corresponding

desirable response, healthy and vigorous plants.

• Apply nutrients when turfgrass is actively growing and therefore able to take up

and utilize the nutrients.

• Apply slow-release N fertilizers at the appropriate time of year to maximize the

products’ release characteristics. For example, an application of slow-release N

to warm-season turfgrasses in fall may not be as effective as the same

application applied in early summer because of the prolonged-release time in fall.

• Follow N application rate recommendations from your local land-grant university.

See Rutgers Cooperative Extension bulletin E327, Best Management Practices

for Nutrient Management of Turf in New Jersey at

https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.php?pid=E327

• N application rates from slow-release materials should take into consideration the

release rate of the chosen material. If insufficient material is applied, the desired

response may not be observed.

• Consult your local land-grant university for efficient N:K in your location. Annual

fertilization rates for N and K

O that produce a N:K

O ratio of ~1:1 are common.

• The reduced height of cut and excessive traffic damage on putting greens result

in an increased need for growth leading to an increase in nutritional

requirements.

• Tees and landing areas often have higher fertility requirements than fairways and

roughs because they suffer constant divot damage.

• Fairways and roughs often require less nutrient inputs than other locations

because of their increased height of cut, less damage, and clipping return.

• Exercise caution when applying nutrient applications, especially N and P, during

turfgrass establishment as these applications are particularly susceptible to loss

via leaching and runoff or erosion and can contribute to eutrophication of water

bodies.

• In the seedling stage, provide appropriate rates and products to minimize N loss

without reducing turfgrass establishment.

o Increased water applications

o Increased nutrients to hasten establishment

o Low root density and mass compared to mature turfgrass

• Be aware of the different types of spreaders and understand the advantages and

disadvantages of each.

• Not all fertilizers can be spread with every spreader. For example, if sulfur-coated

urea was spread through a drop spreader, the sulfur coating could be damaged,

essentially leading to an application of soluble urea.

• Choose the appropriate spreader for a given fertilizer material.

o Walk-behind rotary

o Drop spreader

o Bulk rotary

o Spray

• Calibration of spreaders and sprayer settings reduces environmental risk and

increases profitability.

• Proper fertilizer storage, loading, and clean-up reduce environmental risk.

• Avoid applying fertilizer to soils that are at, or near, field capacity or following rain

events that leave the soils wet.

• Do not apply fertilizer when the National Weather Service has issued a flood,

tropical storm, or hurricane watch or warning, or if heavy rains are likely.

Water Quality Monitoring and Management

Regulatory Considerations

Principle

Golf course owners and superintendents should investigate regulatory requirements

that may exist in their location to protect surface and groundwater quality.

Best Management Practices

• Aquatic management of plants may be regulated under construction permitting

and regulatory licensing requirements. Consult with federal, state, and local

water management agencies before managing golf course lakes and wetland

areas.

• Consult with federal, state, and local water management agencies, and/or

consult an approved management plan before performing cultural practices:

fertilization; installation of plants; hand removal of plants, or mechanical

harvesting.

• The introduction of aquatic triploid grass carp, biological controls, aeration, and

chemical controls (herbicide/algaecide) must be approved and monitored

according to permit and licensing protocols and compliance.

• The disposal of sediments from surface-water ponds (stormwater detention) may

be subject to regulation.

• Golf course owners are responsible for Total Maximum Daily Loading (TMDLs),

mitigation, and watershed basin management action plans (BMAP).

• Wetlands are protected areas; consult with federal and state agencies before

altering natural aquatic areas.

• Constructed wetlands should have an impervious bottom to prevent groundwater

contamination.

• Studies of water supplies are needed for irrigation systems, including studies of

waterbodies or flows on, near, and under the property are needed to properly

design a course’s stormwater system and water features to protect water

resources.

Site Analysis

Principle

Design an aquatic plant management strategy that addresses the intended uses of the

waterbody to maintain water quality. Identify the site’s physical attributes and location,

the invasive or weedy species present, aesthetics, watershed and groundwater

assessments, and other environmental considerations.

Best Management Practices

• Accommodate natural lake processes in the construction of lakes and ponds;

include herbaceous and woody vegetation and emergent and submergent

shoreline plants to reduce operational costs.

• Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and native or naturalized vegetation

wherever practical.

• Apply appropriate herbicides to minimize damage to non-target littoral plantings.

• Maintain a narrow band of open water at the pond edge to control the expansion

of plants into more desirable littoral plantings.

• Use appropriate aquatic herbicides to avoid turfgrass injury.

• Where appropriate, use mechanical means to control nuisance vegetation. For

example, remove algae by hand to prevent negative effects on aquatic wildlife or

desirable vegetation.

• Document maintenance of waterbodies and chemical treatment of waterbodies

• Irrigation should not directly strike or runoff to waterbodies and no-fertilization

buffers should be maintained along edges.

• Outline goals and priorities to guide the development of the BMP necessary to

support the lake/aquatic management plan.

• Superintendents should monitor designated waters in their area for the

persistence of highly toxic herbicides and algaecides in the environment.

• Secondary environmental effects on surface water and groundwater from the

chemical control of vegetation should be monitored and recorded.

• Apply fertilizer and reclaimed (reuse) irrigation/fertigation appropriately to avoid

surface and groundwater contamination. Reclaimed (reuse) irrigation should be

analyzed quarterly throughout the growing season.

• Apply copper products per label instructions to reduce the risk of negative

biological impacts and impairing water quality.

• Identify the position of property in relation to its watershed.

• Identify overall goals and quality concerns of the local watershed.

• Indicate surface water and flow patterns.

• Indicate stormwater flow as well as existing and potential holding capacity.

• Indicate impervious surfaces, such as buildings, parking lots, or pathways.

• Indicate major drainages and catch basins that connect to local surface water

bodies.

• Identify and understand the depth to water tables and soil types.

• Locate and protect wellheads.

Water Quality Sampling Program

Principles

• Every golf course should have a plan to monitor the state of the environment and

the effects the golf course may be having on the environment.

• Monitoring is the method used to determine whether outside events are

impacting the water quality entering the golf course, or whether the golf course is

having a positive, neutral, or negative effect on water quality. It also provides a

body of evidence on the golf course’s environmental impact.

• A water quality monitoring plan should be prepared to ensure the ongoing

protection of groundwater and surface-water quality after construction is

completed. The same sites should be monitored during the preconstruction

phase, although the monitoring plan can be modified based on site-specific

conditions.

• Sampling parameters are determined based on golf course operation and basin-

specific parameters of concern (these may be identified by local/state Total

Maximum Daily Load [TMDL] Programs). Typically, samples should be analyzed

for nutrients, pH and alkalinity, sediments, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen

(DO), heavy metals, and any pesticides expected to be used on the golf course.

Some things can be monitored with handheld sensors but all can be analyzed by

a certified laboratory.

• Establish thresholds for important water quality parameters such as dissolved

oxygen to maintain a healthy ecosystem and reduce stress or death to aquatic

wildlife such as fish.

• Ongoing, routine water sampling provides meaningful trends over time. A single

sample is rarely meaningful in isolation. Select one time per year, at a minimum,

and consistently use that season year after year for sampling.

• Post-construction surface-water quality sampling should begin with the

installation and maintenance of golf course turf and landscaping. Samples should

be collected a minimum of three times per year.

• Should there be no discharge on the scheduled sample date, samples should be

taken during the next discharge event.

• Post-construction surface-water quality sampling should continue through the

first three years of operation and during the wet and dry seasons every third year

thereafter, provided that all required water quality monitoring has been completed

and the development continues to implement all current management plans. It

may also be wise to sample if a significant change has been made in course

operation or design that could affect nearby water quality.

Best Management Practices

• Establish dissolved oxygen (DO) thresholds to prevent fish kills (occur at levels of

2 ppm), for example, use artificial aeration (diffusers).

• Reduce stress on fish; keep DO levels above 3 ppm.

• Select algaecides containing hydrogen peroxide instead of one containing copper

or endothall to treat high populations of phytoplankton. Consult with a

professional to properly identify the algae type.

• Use IPM principles to limit the excessive use of pesticides.

• Spot-treat filamentous algae or frequently remove algae by hand to prevent

lowering oxygen concentrations in water.

• Use dyes and aeration to maintain appropriate light and DO levels.

• Apply algaecides to small areas to prevent fish mortality; do not treat the entire

pond at once.

• Coordinate construction/renovation activities to minimize the amount of disturbed

area and possible risk of contamination via runoff.

• Plan construction/renovation activities in phases to limit soil disruption and

movement.

• Sod, sprig, or reseed bare or thinning turf areas.

• Mulch areas under tree canopies to cover bare soil.

• Avoid the use of trimmers that reduce debris from entering bodies of water.

• Mow lake and pond collars at 2 inches or higher to slow and filter overland flow to

water bodies.

• Remove excess sediments to reduce irrigation system failures.

• Treat dredged materials as a toxic substance. Avoid contact with turf. Collecting

a sample of dredged material from a pond can be helpful to determine toxicity

and use parameters.

• Locate littoral shelves at the pond’s inlets and outlets to reduce problems with the

playability and maintainability of a water hazard.

Sampling Parameters, Collection, and Analysis

Principles

• A water quality monitoring program must include monitoring of surface water,

groundwater, and pond sediments. It should be implemented in three phases:

background, construction, and long-term management.

• Sampling of all watershed ingress and egress points is important to know what is

coming into the property to identify potential impacts and baseline of water

quality data.

• The purpose of quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) is to ensure that

chemical, physical, biological, microbiological, and toxicological data are

appropriate and reliable and are collected and analyzed using scientifically sound

procedures.

• It is strongly recommended that a certified laboratory be used even if the data are

only for proprietary use and are not reported to any regulatory agency.

• QA/QC procedures should be followed. Golf course management must have

good data to make good decisions. If a golf course should ever want to produce

data for an agency or in court to defend the facility from unwarranted charges,

those data must meet QA/QC standards to be defensible as evidence.

Best Management Practices

• Seek professional assistance from an environmental specialist to design an

appropriate water sample collection strategy.

• Determine what sites will be analyzed and use reputable equipment and qualified

technicians.

• Demonstrate responsible land and water use practices based on water data.

• Define data values appropriately based on the associated BMP used to protect

water quality.

• Record observations of fish, wildlife, and general pond conditions.

Buffer Zones

Principles

• Buffers around the shore of a waterbody or other sensitive areas filter and purify

runoff as it passes across the buffer. Ideally, plant buffers with native species

provide a triple play of water quality benefits, pleasing aesthetics, and

habitat/food sources for wildlife. As discussed above, it is important to continue

these plantings into the water to provide emergent vegetation for aquatic life,

even if the pond is not used for stormwater treatment.

• Effective BMPs in these areas include filter and trap sediment, site-specific

natural/organic fertilization, and limits on pesticide use, primarily focusing on the

control of invasive species.

• Golf course stormwater management should include “natural systems

engineering” or “soft engineering” approaches that maximize the use of natural

systems to treat water.

Best Management Practices

• Riparian buffers are zones adjacent to waterbodies that help to filter pollutants

from runoff and protect the waterbody.

• Establish low-maintenance zones adjacent to waterbodies where chemicals are

not applied and vegetation is not frequently mowed. This will improve the filtering

ability of these zones. The nutrients in runoff encourage aquatic plant growth and

algae blooms.

• Riparian buffer areas are above the high-water mark and should be unfertilized

and left in a natural state.

• Collect and dispose of grass clippings where runoff and wind will not carry them

back to the water body.

• Establish chemical-free zones adjacent to waterbodies. The nutrients runoff

encourages aquatic plant growth and algae blooms.

• The placement of bunkers and the shaping of contours surrounding a green

should allow proper drainage and provide for the treatment and absorption of

runoff from the green.

• Use turf and native plantings to enhance buffer areas. Increase the height of cut

in the riparian zone to filter and buffer nutrient movement to the water.

• Practice good fertilizer management to reduce the nutrient runoff into ponds that

causes algae blooms and ultimately reduces DO levels.

• Use a deflector shield to prevent fertilizer and pesticide prills from contacting

surface waters.

• Apply fertilizer and pesticides based on the effective swath; keep application on

target and away from buffers or channel swales.

• Use a swale and berm system to allow for resident time (ponding) for water to

infiltrate through the root zone to reduce lateral water movement to the surface

water body.

• An appropriate-sized buffer (steeper slope requires great buffer width) of turf

mowed at a higher height of cut and minimally fertilized with enhanced-efficiency

fertilizers can provide an effective buffer.

• Ideally, littoral zones should have a slope of about 1-foot vertical to 6-10 foot

horizontal.

• Encourage clumps of native emergent vegetation at the shoreline.

• Reverse-grade around the perimeter to control surface water runoff into ponds

and reduce nutrient loads.

• Planting on slopes with less than a 6-foot horizontal to a 1-foot vertical may not

be as successful over the long term.

• Construct random small dips and ridges of a few inches to a foot to promote

diversity within the plant community and provide a healthier and more productive

littoral zone.

• All or most of the out-of-play water bodies should have shoreline buffers planted

with native or well-adapted noninvasive vegetation to provide food and shelter for

wildlife.

• Manipulate water levels to prevent low levels that result in warmer temperatures

and lowered DO levels.

• Aerate shallow lakes less than 6 feet in depth to maintain acceptable DO levels.

• Where applicable, aerate at night to control oxygen depletion in any pond.

• Install desirable plants to naturally buffer DO loss and fluctuation.

• Dredge or remove sediment to protect beneficial organisms that contribute to the

lake's food web and overall lake health.

Wetland Protection

Principles

• Several states protect wetlands as waters of the state by rule of law. Wetlands

act both as filters for pollutant removal and as nurseries for many species. Many

people do not realize the vital role they play in purifying surface waters.

• The biological activity of plants, fish, animals, insects, and especially bacteria

and fungi in a healthy, diverse wetland is the recycling factory of our ecosystem.

While wetlands do pose a special concern, their mere presence is not

incompatible with the game of golf. With care, many golf holes have been

threaded through sensitive areas, and with proper design and management golf

can be an acceptable neighbor.

• When incorporated into a golf course design, wetlands should be maintained as

preserves and separated from managed turf areas with native vegetation or

structural buffers.

• Constructed or disturbed wetlands may be permitted to be an integral part of the

stormwater management system.

Best Management Practices

• Establish wetlands where water enters lakes to slow water flow and trap

sediments.

• Maintain appropriate silt fencing and BMP on projects upstream to prevent

erosion and sedimentation.

• Natural waters cannot be considered treatment systems and must be protected.

(Natural waters do not include treatment wetlands.)

• Establish a low- to no-maintenance level within a 75-foot buffer along non-tidal

and tidal wetlands.

• Establish and maintain a sustainable, protective riparian buffer.

Stormwater Management

Principle

Controlling stormwater on a golf course is more than just preventing the flooding of the

clubhouse, maintenance, and play areas. In addition to controlling the amount and rate

of water leaving the course, stormwater involves storing irrigation water, controlling

erosion and sedimentation, enhancing wildlife habitat, removing waterborne pollutants,

and addressing aesthetic and playability concerns. Keep in mind that not all stormwater

on a golf course originates there; some may be from adjoining lands, including

residential or commercial developments.

Best Management Practices

• Use bioretention systems (i.e. rain gardens, bioswales, etc.) to slow and infiltrate

water and trap pollutants in the soil, where they can be naturally destroyed by

soil organisms.

• Maximize the use of pervious pavements, such as brick or concrete pavers

separated by sand and planted with grass.

• Special high-permeability concrete is available for cart paths or parking lots.

• Design stormwater control structures to hold stormwater for appropriate

residence times in order to remove total suspended solids.

• Use a stormwater treatment train to convey water from one treatment structure to

another.

• Eliminate or minimize directly connected impervious areas as much as possible.

• Disconnect runoff from gutters and roof drains from impervious areas, so that it

flows onto permeable areas that allow the water to infiltrate near the point of

generation.

• Use depressed landscape islands in parking lots to catch, filter, and infiltrate

water, instead of letting it run off. When hard rains occur, an elevated stormwater

drain inlet allows the island to hold the treatment volume and settle out

sediments, while allowing the overflow to drain away.

• Ensure that no discharges from pipes go directly to water.

Sediment

Principle

During construction and/or renovation, temporary barriers and traps must be used to

prevent sediments from being washed off-site into water bodies. Wherever possible,

keep a vegetative cover on the site until it is actually ready for construction, and then

plant, sod, or otherwise cover it as soon as possible to prevent erosion.

Best Management Practices

• Use shoreline grasses to prevent bank erosion.

• Use dry detention basins/catchments to buffer flooding and excessive runoff that

may contain sediment.

• When constructing drainage systems, pay close attention to engineering details

such as subsoil preparation, the placement of gravel, slopes, and backfilling.

• Internal golf course drains should not drain directly into an open water body, but

should discharge through pretreatment zones and/or vegetative buffers to help

remove nutrients and sediments.

• Maintain a vegetative cover on construction sites until it is actually ready for

construction.

• Regularly sweep impervious surfaces during construction to remove sediment

and debris.

Sodic/Saline Conditions

Principles

• All-natural waters contain soluble salts; however, the amount and type of salts

they contain vary greatly.

• Irrigation water can degrade when wells are pumped at high rates or for

prolonged periods. Sometimes “up-coning” can occur from pumping, whereby

saline water, rather than freshwater, is drawn into the well.

• Saline water typically is unsuitable for irrigation because of its high content of

total dissolved salts.

• Saltwater intrusion from groundwater pumping near coastal areas can create a

problem with some irrigation wells.

Best Management Practices

• Use surface water to mix (blend) affected groundwater to lower the total salt

concentration.

• Routinely monitor water quality to ensure that salt concentrations are at

acceptable levels.

• Consider fertilizer that uses soluble nitrogen forms with a relatively low

concentration of salts in frequent applications.

• Consider a controlled-release fertilizer to reduce salt injury.

• Identify salt additions and saline sources that contribute to the total salt

concentration.

• Base management plan on routine soil tests to determine sodium adsorption

ration (SAR), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), electrical conductivity

saturated paste method/unit (ECe), and free calcium carbonate content.

• Select alternative turfgrass and landscape plants that are more salt-tolerant.

• Reduce salt accumulations in the soil by flushing soils as needed with a higher-

quality water source. In New Jersey, where rain averages 40” per year, flushing

soils is typically not a concern. However, using Saturated Paste method testing

and irrigation water testing can help determine if flushing is necessary to reduce

sodium accumulations in the soil.

• Design irrigation systems to account for the flushing of salt accumulation from the

soil.

• Amend soil and water to remove salt ions from affected areas.

Cultural Practices

Mowing

Cultural practices are an important part of golf course turf management. Certain cultural

practices such as mowing, verticutting, and rolling are necessary to provide a high-

quality playing surface, while others such as aerification are required to enhance plant

health.

Heavily used areas such as putting greens often deteriorate because of compacted soil,

thatch accumulation, and excessive use. Soil problems from active use are usually

limited to the top 3 inches of the soil profile and should be actively managed to enhance

turf health and improve nutrient and water uptake.

Unlike annual crops, which offer the opportunity for periodic tilling of the soil profile to

correct problems like soil compaction that might develop over time, turfgrass does not

offer opportunities for significant physical disturbance of the soil without destroying the

playing surface.

Mowing

Principles

• Mowing is the most basic yet most important cultural practice to consider when

developing a management plan.

• The mowing practices implemented on a facility will have an impact on turf

density, texture, color, root development, and wear tolerance.

• Mowing practices affect turfgrass growth. Frequent mowing will increase shoot

density and tillering. It will also decrease root and rhizome growth as a result of

plant stress associated with the removal of leaf tissue.

• Infrequent mowing results in alternating cycles of vegetative growth followed by

scalping (removing more than ⅓ of leaf tissue), which further depletes food

reserves of the plants.

• Proper mowing height is a function of the species/cultivar being managed and

the intended use of the site. Other factors influencing mowing height include

mowing frequency, shade, mowing equipment, time of year, root growth, and

abiotic and biotic stress.

• Maintaining an optimal root-to-shoot ratio is critical. Turfgrass plants that are

mowed too low will require a substantial amount of time to provide the food

needed to produce shoot tissue for future photosynthesis. If turf is mowed too low

in one event, an imbalance occurs between the remaining vegetative tissue and

the root system, resulting in more roots being present than the plant needs

physiologically. As a result, the plants will slough off the unneeded roots. Root

growth is least affected when no more than 30% to 40% of leaf area is removed

in a single mowing.

• Failure to mow properly will result in weakened turf with poor density and quality.

Best Management Practices

• Mowing frequency should increase during periods of rapid growth and decrease

during dry, stressful periods.

• If turf becomes too tall, it should not be mowed down to the desired height all at

once. Such severe scalping reduces turf density and can result in a dramatic

reduction in root growth. Tall grass should be mowed frequently and height

gradually decreased until the desired height of cut is achieved.

• Shade affects turfgrass growth by filtering out photosynthetically active radiation.

As a result, turfgrass plants respond by growing upright in an effort to capture

more light to meet their photosynthetic needs. As a result, mowing height should

be increased by at least 30% to improve the health of turf grown in a shaded

environment.

• The use of the plant growth regulator trinexapac-ethyl has been shown to

improve overall turf health when used as a regular management tool for grasses

growing in shaded environments.

• Environmental stresses such as prolonged cloudy weather or drought can have a

significant impact on turf health. Increase mowing heights as much as use will

allow in order to increase photosynthetic capacity and rooting depth of plants.

• Use proper mowing equipment.

• Reel mowers are ideally suited for maintaining turfgrass stands that require a

height of cut below 1.5 inches. They produce the best quality when compared to

other types of mowers.

• Rotary mowers, when sharp and properly adjusted, deliver acceptable cutting

quality for turf that is to be cut above 1 inch in height. Dull blades will result in

shredding of leaf tissue, increasing water loss and the potential for disease

development.

• Flail mowers are most often used to maintain utility turf areas that are mowed

infrequently and do not have a high aesthetic requirement.

• Mowing patterns influence both the aesthetic and functional characteristics of a

turf surface. Vary mowing patterns to distribute wear and compaction over as

large an area as practical.

• Turfgrass clippings are a source of nutrients, containing 2% to 4% nitrogen on a

dry-weight basis, as well as significant amounts of phosphorus and potassium.

• Nutrients contained in clippings can be sources of pollution and should be

handled properly.

• Clippings should be returned to the site during the mowing process unless the

presence of grass clippings will have a detrimental impact on play. Cases when

clippings should be removed, include times when the amount of clippings is so

large that it could smother the underlying grass or on golf greens where clippings

might affect ball roll.

• Collected clippings should be disposed of properly to prevent undesirable odors

near play areas and to prevent fire hazards that can occur when clippings

accumulate. Consider composting clippings or dispersing them evenly in natural

areas where they can decompose naturally without accumulating in piles.

Cultivation

Principles

• Cultivation involves disturbing the soil or thatch through the use of various

implements to achieve important agronomic goals that include relief of soil

compaction, thatch/organic matter reduction, and improved water and air

exchange.

• Cultivation techniques will result in disturbance of the playing surface that can

require significant time for recovery.

• Frequency of cultivation should be based on traffic intensity and conditions of the

turf and soil profile and weather.

• Core aerification is effective at managing thatch, soil compaction, and aiding in

the improvement of water infiltration and soil drainage.

• Accumulation of excessive thatch and organic matter will reduce root growth,

encourage disease, and create undesirable playing conditions.

• Light and frequent applications of sand will smooth the playing surface, modify

thatch, and potentially change the physical characteristics of the underlying soil

when done in conjunction with core aerification.

Best Management Practices

• Core aerification involves the removal of small cores or plugs from the soil profile.

Cores are usually 0.25 to 0.75 inch in diameter. Annual core aerification

programs are often designed to remove 15%-20% of the surface area. High-

traffic areas may require a minimum of two to four core aerifications annually.

• Core aerification should be conducted only when grasses are actively growing to

aid in the quick recovery of plant density.

• Vary depth of aerification events by incorporating tines of varying lengths to

prevent development of compacted layers in the soil profile as a result of

cultivation.

• Solid tines cause less disturbance to the turf surface and can be used to

temporarily reduce compaction and soften surface hardness during months when

the growth rate of grasses has been reduced. Benefits of solid-tine aerification

are temporary because no soil is removed from the profile.

• Deep-drill aerification creates deep holes in the soil profile through use of drill

bits. Soil is brought to the surface and is either removed or distributed into the

canopy. Holes can be backfilled with new root-zone materials if a drill-and-fill

machine is used. These machines allow the replacement of heavier soils with

sand or other materials in an effort to improve water infiltration into the soil

profile.

Drill and Fill at Deerwood Country Club

• Slicing and spiking reduce surface compaction and promote water infiltration with

minimal surface damage.

• Slicing is faster than core aerification but is less effective. Slicing is best

accomplished on moist soils.

• A spiker can break up crusts on the soil surface, disrupt algae layers, and

improve water infiltration.

• Vertical mowing practices can be incorporated into a cultural management

program to achieve a number of different goals. The grain of a putting green can

be reduced by setting a groomer to a depth that just nicks the surface of the turf

typically only cutting leaf blades. Deeper penetration of verticutting knives will

stimulate new growth by cutting through stolons and rhizomes while removing

accumulated thatch.

• Scarifying depth for thatch removal should reach the bottom of the thatch layer

and extend into the surface of the soil or mat layer beneath the thatch.

• Dethatching with a scarifier is an aggressive practice that typically is not

recommended on golf putting greens because of the damage that occurs and the

extensive recovery time required.

• Initiate vertical mowing practices before the thatch level reaches 0.25 to 0.5 inch

in depth. Shallow verticutting can be completed at least monthly on putting

greens to prevent excessive thatch accumulation.

• Groomers, or miniature vertical mowers attached to the front of reels, are

effective at improving the management of grain and improving plant density.

• Topdress the playing surface with sand following core aerification and deep

vertical mowing practices to aid in the recovery of turf. Rates will vary from 0.10

to 0.25 inch in depth and will depend on the aggressiveness of cultivation as well

as the capacity of the turf canopy to absorb the material without burying the

plants.

• Light, frequent applications of topdressing sand on putting greens can smooth

out minor surface irregularities, aiding in the management of thatch

accumulation.

• Use only weed-free topdressing materials with a particle size similar to that of the

underlying root zone.

• Use of finer materials can result in layering and can have a negative impact on

water infiltration.

• Daily rolling of putting surfaces following mowing can increase putting speeds by

roughly 10%, allowing for improved ball roll without lowering the height of the cut.

• To minimize the potential for compaction caused by rolling, use light weight

rollers.

Greens Rolling- The Ridgewood Country Club

Shade and Tree Management

Principles

• In general, most turfgrasses perform best in full sun.

• Excessive shade reduces photosynthesis and air circulation, thus increasing the

susceptibility of the turf to pest and disease problems.

• The roots of large trees growing near playing surfaces will extend well beyond

the drip line and compete with the turf for nutrients and water, leading to the

decline of those playing surfaces.

• As trees age and grow larger, the impact on playing surfaces, play, and strategy

of the course intensifies.

Best Management Practices

• Prune tree limbs and roots as needed to reduce competition for sunlight, water,

and nutrients.

• When possible, trees located near closely mowed areas such as tees and greens

should be removed or their canopy should be thinned to promote good turf

growth.

• Understand the variability in sun angles at different times of the year and how

this affects turf health.

• Conduct a shade audit to identify problem areas.

• Conduct a tree survey that identifies each tree’s location, species, health, life

expectancy, safety concerns, value and special maintenance requirements.

Integrated Pest Management

Regulatory Considerations

The philosophy of integrated pest management (IPM) was developed in the 1950s

because of concerns over increased pesticide use, environmental contamination, and

the development of pesticide resistance. The objectives of IPM include reducing pest

management expenses, conserving energy, and reducing the risk of pesticide exposure

to people, animals, and the environment. However, its main goal is to reduce pesticide

use by using a combination of tactics to control pests, including cultural, biological,

genetic, and chemical controls.

Pest management on golf courses results in significant inputs of time, labor, and

financial resources. To grow healthy turfgrass, it is important for golf course

superintendents to know what IPM is and how to implement it for each pest group

(arthropods, nematodes, diseases, and weeds). They must be well-versed in pest

identification, understanding pest life cycles and/or conditions that favor pests, and

know about all possible methods of controlling pests.

Regulatory Considerations

Principles

• Some federal or state regulations cover practically anyone who manufactures,

formulates, markets, and uses pesticides.

• Record keeping of pesticide use may be required by law. IPM principles suggest

that you keep records of all pest control activity so that you may refer to

information on past infestations or other problems to select the best course of

action in the future.

Best Management Practices

• Proper records of all pesticide applications should be kept according to local,

state, or federal requirements.

• Use records to establish proof of use and follow-up investigation of standard

protocols regarding:

o Date and time of application

o Name of applicator

o The person directing or authorizing the application

o Weather conditions at the time of application

o Target pest

o The pesticide used (trade name, the active ingredient, amount of

formulation, amount of water)

o Adjuvant/surfactant and amount applied if used

o Area treated (acres or square feet) and location

o The total amount of pesticide used

o Application equipment

o Additional remarks, such as the severity of the infestation or life stage of

the pest

o Follow-up to check the effectiveness of the application

IPM Overview

Principles

• The fundamental basis of an environmentally sound pest control program is a

process called IPM.

• IPM focuses on the basics of identifying the pests, choosing pest-resistant

varieties of grasses and other plants, enhancing the habitat for natural enemies

of pests, scouting to determine pest populations and determining acceptable

thresholds, and applying biological and other less toxic alternatives to chemical

pesticides whenever possible.

• Chemical controls should be used in a manner to minimize negative effects on

beneficial organisms and the environment and to minimize the development of

pesticide resistance.

Best Management Practices

• Chemical pesticide applications should be carefully chosen for effective and site-

specific pest control with minimal environmental impact.

• Identify key pests on key plants.

• Determine the pest’s life cycle and know which life stage to target (for example,

for an insect pest, whether to target egg, larva/nymph, pupa, and/or adult).

• Use cultural, mechanical, or physical methods to prevent problems from

occurring (for example, prepare the site, select resistant cultivars), reduce pest

habitat (for example, practice good sanitation, carry out pruning and

dethatching), or to help promote biological control (for example, provide nectar or

honeydew sources).

• Decide which pest management practice is appropriate and carry out corrective

actions. Direct control to where the pest lives or feeds.

• Use preventive chemical applications only when your professional judgment

indicates that properly timed preventive applications are likely to control the

target pest effectively while minimizing the economic and environmental costs.

• Determine whether the corrective actions actually reduced or prevented pest

populations were economical, and minimized risks. Record and use this

information when making similar decisions in the future.

Written Plan

Principles

• IPM is an overall pest management strategy that includes pest monitoring, action

thresholds, and biological controls, cultural methods, other applicable practices.

• A pest-control strategy should be used only when the pest is causing or is

expected to cause more damage than what can be reasonably and economically

tolerated. A control strategy should be implemented that reduces the pest

numbers to an acceptable level while minimizing harm to non-target organisms.

• When a pesticide application is deemed necessary, its selection should be based

on effectiveness, minimal toxicity to non-target species, cost, and site

characteristics, as well as its solubility and persistence.

Best Management Practices

• Decide which pest management practice(s) are appropriate and carry out

corrective actions. Direct control where the pest lives or feeds. Use properly

timed preventive chemical applications only when your professional judgment

indicates they are likely to control the target pest effectively while minimizing the

economic and environmental costs.

• Determine whether the corrective actions actually reduced or prevented pest

populations were economical, and minimized risks. Record and use this

information when making similar decisions in the future.

• Observe and document turf conditions regularly (daily, weekly, or monthly,

depending on the pest), noting which pests are present, so intelligent decisions

can be made regarding how damaging the pests are and what control strategies

are necessary.

Pest Thresholds

Principles

• IPM is commonly used in agricultural crop production, where the economic

thresholds for key pests have been determined. Pest levels exceeding the site’s

threshold warrant treatment.

• Using IPM is more challenging on golf courses than in an agricultural setting. The

golf industry is sensitive to aesthetic damage, and golfers are often intolerant of

anything that could affect the appearance of turfgrass and ornamental plants.

Increased golfers and maintenance personnel's education could raise their

tolerance of minor, aesthetic damage without compromising plant health, play,

and aesthetics.

Best Management Practices

• Use available pest thresholds to guide pesticide application decisions (see IPM

Guide).

• Use preventive chemical applications only when professional judgment indicates

that properly timed preventive applications are likely to effectively control the

target pest while minimizing economic and environmental costs.

• Record and use this information when making similar decisions in the future.

Monitoring

Principles

• Monitoring, or scouting, is the most important element of a successful IPM

program. Monitoring documents the presence and development of pests or the

conditions that are conducive for pest outbreaks throughout the year.

• It is essential to record the results of scouting in order to develop historical

information, document patterns of pest activity, and document successes and

failures.

Best Management Practices

• Train personnel to observe and document turf conditions regularly (daily, weekly,

or monthly, depending on the pest), noting which pests are present, so intelligent

decisions can be made regarding how damaging they are and what control

strategies are necessary.

• Train personnel to understand the pest’s life cycle and know which life stage to

target (for example, for an insect pest, whether it is an egg, larva/nymph, pupa,

or adult).

• Train personnel to determine whether the corrective actions actually reduced or

prevented pest populations were economical and minimized risks. Record and

use this information when making similar decisions in the future.

• Train personnel to document, identify, and record key pest activities on key

plants.

• Look for signs of the pest. These may include mycelium, reproductive structures

(such as acervuli, perithecia, mushrooms), animal damage, insect frass, or

webbing.

• Identify the symptoms of the pest. Look for symptoms such as chlorosis,

necrosis, leaf spots, dieback, growth reduction, defoliation, mounds, or tunnels.

• Determine the damage. Problem areas might include the edges of fairways,

shady areas, or poorly drained areas.

• Document when the damage occurred. Note the time of day, year, and flowering

stages of nearby plants.

• Map pest outbreak locations to identify patterns and susceptible areas for future

target applications and ultimate pesticide reductions.

Record Keeping

Principles

• It is essential to record the results of scouting in order to develop historical

information, document patterns of pest activity, and document successes and

failures.

• Record keeping is required to comply with the federal Superfund Amendments

and Reauthorization Act (SARA, Title III), which contains emergency planning

and community right-to-know legislation.

• Certain pesticides are classified as restricted-use pesticides (RUPs). Very few

pesticides in this category are routinely used in turf maintenance, but if you

happen to use one of them, certain record-keeping requirements apply.

Best Management Practices

• Document, identify, and record key pest activities on key plants and locations.

• Understand the pest’s life cycle and know which life stage to target (for an

insect pest, whether it is an egg, larva/nymph, pupa, or adult).

• Determine whether the corrective actions actually reduced or prevented pest

populations were economical and minimized risks. Record and use this

information when making similar decisions in the future.

• Observe and document turf conditions regularly (daily, weekly, or monthly,

depending on the pest), noting which pests are present, so intelligent decisions

can be made regarding how damaging they are and what control strategies are

necessary.

Turfgrass Selection

Principles

• Selecting pest-resistant cultivars or plant species is a very important part of IPM

and leads to reduced pesticide usage. Species grown outside of their zone of

adaptation are more prone to pest problems.

• Species and cultivars should be managed under conditions similar to their

intended use (for example, not exceeding mowing height limitations that a grass

was bred for or selected for).

• Educate builders, developers, golf course and landscape architects, sod

producers, golfers, and others on which plants are best suited to their areas.

• Turfgrasses must be scientifically selected for the eco-region of the golf course,

resulting in minimized irrigation requirements, fertilization needs, and pesticide

use.

Best Management Practices

• Select the most suitable turfgrass for existing conditions and one that adheres to

design specifications.

• Avoid the use of turfgrass in heavy shade.

• Select shade-adapted grasses for areas receiving partial sun or shaded areas.

• Reduce pest and disease pressures by correcting dead spots and air-circulation

issues by pruning understory and adjusting irrigation scheduling.

• Reduce fertilizer applications in shaded areas.

• Reduce traffic in shaded areas to protect turfgrasses and trees from injury and

soil compaction, if practical.

Biological Controls

Principles

• The biological component of IPM involves the release and/or conservation of

natural predators, such as predators, parasites and pathogens, and other

beneficial organisms (pollinators).

• Natural enemies (including ladybird beetles, green lacewings, parasitic wasps)

may be purchased and released near pest infestations.

• Areas on the golf course can also be modified to better support pests’ natural

enemies and beneficial organisms.

• Biological control products that suppress turfgrass diseases must be applied on a

preventive basis, have a short shelf life (3 to 6 months), need to be reapplied to

maintain efficacious populations of the biocontrol agent, and typically do not

provide adequate disease control when disease pressure is high.

Best Management Practices

• Identify areas on the golf course that can be modified to attract natural enemies,

provide habitat for them, and protect them from pesticide applications.

• Install flowering plants that can provide parasitoids with nectar or honeydew from

sucking insects (aphids, mealybugs, or soft scales).

• Minimize pesticide applications to roughs, driving ranges, or other low-use areas

to provide a refuge for beneficial organisms.

• Release insect-parasitic nematodes to naturally suppress insect pests such as

white grubs, billbugs, annual bluegrass weevil, and cut-, sod web-, and

armyworms.

Pollinators

Principles

• It is important to minimize the impacts on bees and beneficial arthropods.

Pesticide applicators must use appropriate tools to help manage pests while

safeguarding pollinators, the environment, and humans.

• Pollinator-protection language is a labeling requirement found on pesticide

labels.

• When applying pesticides, be mindful of pollinators, focusing on minimizing

exposure to pollinators in play and non-play course areas.

• Pollinators may be negatively impacted when pesticide applications are made

based on insufficient information and/or made without regard to pollinators'

safety.

Best Management Practices

• When using pesticides, minimize injury and damage by following label directions.

• Follow label information concerning the application of pesticides when plants

may be in bloom. Avoid applying pesticides during bloom season.

• Stay on target by using coarse-droplet nozzles and monitor wind to reduce drift.

• Do not apply insecticides when pollinators are active.

• If possible, spray in the evening after bees have returned to hives, which allows

for spray residues to dry overnight.

• Before applying a pesticide, scout/inspect the area for both harmful and

beneficial insect populations. Apply only when the indicated threshold of damage

has been reached.

• Mow flowering plants before insecticide application.

• If flowering weeds are prevalent, mow them to remove blooms or control them

before applying insecticides.

• Use insecticides that have a lower impact on pollinators.

• Use the latest spray technologies, such as drift-reduction nozzles, to prevent off-

site (target) translocation of pesticide.

• Avoid applications during unusually low temperatures or when dew is forecasted.

• Use granular formulations of pesticides that are known to be less hazardous to

bees.

• Consider lures, baits, and pheromones as alternatives to insecticides for pest

management.

Conventional Pesticides

Principles

• IPM does not preclude the use of pesticides. However, pesticides should be

viewed as one of the many tools used to minimize pest problems.

• IPM involves both prevention — keeping the pest from becoming a problem —

and suppression — reducing the pest numbers or damage to an acceptable

level.

• A pest-control strategy using pesticides should be used only when the pest is

causing or is expected to cause more damage than what can be reasonably and

economically tolerated.

• Pesticides are designed to control or alter the behavior of pests. When, where,

and how they can be used safely and effectively is a matter of considerable

public interest.

• Pesticides should be evaluated on effectiveness against the pest, mode of

action, life stage of the pest, personnel hazards, non-target effects, potential off-

site movement, and cost.

• A control strategy should be implemented that reduces the pest numbers to an

acceptable level while minimizing harm to non-targeted organisms.

• Always follow the directions on the label. These directions have been developed

after extensive research and field studies on the chemistry, biological effects, and

environmental fate of the pesticide. The label is the single most important

document in the use of a pesticide. State and federal pesticide laws require

following label directions!

Best Management Practices

• Train employees in proper pest identification and pesticide selection techniques.

• Choose the product most appropriate for the problem or pest.

• Mix only the quantity of pesticide needed in order to avoid disposal problems,

protect non-target organisms, and save money.

• Spot-treat pests whenever appropriate.

• Make note of any environmental hazards and groundwater advisories included

on the label.

• Rotate pesticide modes-of-action to reduce the likelihood of resistance.

• Follow guidelines and advice provided by the Fungicide Resistance Action

Committee (FRAC), Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC),and

Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC).

Disease

Principles

• Most turfgrass diseases on golf courses in the State are caused by fungal

pathogens.

• The most common foliar diseases on golf courses in New Jersey include;

anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereale), dollar spot (Clarireedia jacksonii), brown

patch (Rhizoctonia solani), brown ring patch (Waitea circinata), etiolated tiller

syndrome (Acidovorax avenae and Xanthomonas translucens), fairy ring (a

complex of basidiomycete fungi), gray leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea), gray snow

mold (Typhula incarnata), leaf spots (Bipolaris and Drechslera spp.), pink snow

mold (Monographella nivalis), Pythium blight (Pythium spp.), red thread

(Laetisaria fuciformis), rust (Puccinia spp.), yellow patch (Ceratobasidium

cereale), and yellow turf (Sclerophthora macrospora).

• Pythium root dysfunction (principally Pythium volutum), Necrotic ring patch

(Ophiosphaerella korrae), summer patch (Magnaporthiopsis poae and M. meyeri-

festucae), and take-all patch (Gaeumannomyces graminis) are the major root

diseases on golf courses in the state.

• In the presence of a susceptible host and a conducive environment, plant

pathogens can disrupt play by infecting and damaging intensely managed turf.

• No measure can completely eliminate the threat of turfgrass disease on a golf

course. However, turfgrass managers can reduce the likelihood of disease by

following best management practices.

• Cultural factors that can influence turfgrass stress and the likelihood of disease

include fertilizer programs, mowing and rolling practices, irrigation management,

topdressing and cultivation practices.

• Healthy, well-managed turfgrass is less likely to develop disease problems.

• Moreover, disease outbreaks that do occur are less likely to be severe on turf

that is healthy because it has better recuperative potential than stressed,

unhealthy turf.

Best Management Practices

• Select turfgrass cultivars with good tolerance to major diseases on the golf

course to reduce the severity of disease outbreaks and lower fungicide inputs

(http://ntep.org/ and https://turf.rutgers.edu/research/reports/).

• Optimize cultural practices to reduce disease pressure:

o Fertilize to maintain vigor without overfertilizing turf.

o Maintain adequate nitrogen (N) fertility to reduce the severity of low N

diseases (anthracnose, dollar spot, red thread, brown ring patch, and

rust), and avoid excessive applications (> 0.5 lb/1,000 sq ft) of water-

soluble N to limit outbreaks of high N diseases (brown patch, Pythium

blight, pink snow mold, and leaf spot).

o Annually test the turfgrass root zone to ensure that soil pH does not

become too acidic.

o Apply acidifying fertilizers to lower soil pH and reduce the severity of

summer patch, take-all, and pink snow mold using a target pH of 6.0,

when possible.

o Apply potassium and manganese to reduce the severity of anthracnose

and certain root diseases (summer patch and take-all), respectively, when

soil or tissue concentrations are sub-optimal.

o Use sufficient rates of topdressing to reduce the severity of stress-related

diseases such as anthracnose and dollar spot.

o Avoid extremes in soil water since wilt-stress and excessively wet

conditions can predispose turf to stress-related diseases such as

anthracnose and dollar spot.

o Mow at or above 0.125 inches (3.2 mm) on putting greens to reduce the

severity of stress-related diseases such as anthracnose.

o Use rolling or increased mowing frequency to maintain ball roll distance

(green speed) at higher mowing heights.

o Utilize cultivation practices to reduce compaction, layering, and improve

plant vigor while avoiding excessive turf injury.

• Identify the causal agent (turf pathogen) when disease develops. This often

involves sending samples to a diagnostic laboratory.

• Record and map turf areas that have a history of disease, identify trends that can

help guide treatments, and focus on modifying conditions in disease-prone areas

to reduce the incidence and severity of future outbreaks.

• Determine when major diseases typically occur on the course and make sure

appropriate cultural and chemical control measures are in place before disease

outbreaks develop.

• Correct conditions that produce stressful environments and encourage disease

(for example, improve airflow and drainage, decrease shade, and reduce the leaf

wetness period).

• Integrate fungicides into an overall management strategy for the golf course.

• Employ sound resistance management strategies to reduce the risk of fungicide

resistance:

o Limit the total number of applications during the growing season (typically

3 to 4 per year) for fungicides with a high potential for resistance (for

example, benzimidazole, phenylamide, demethylation inhibitor,

QoI/strobilurin, and succinate dehydrogenase inhibiting fungicides).

o Avoid sequential applications of fungicides with a high risk of resistance.

o Alternate fungicides with different modes of action (for example, use

fungicides with different FRAC numbers).

o It is important while tank mixing fungicides, or using premixed products,

with different modes of action to assure that all active ingredients are

effective against the target pathogen.

o Use preventative fungicide applications for high-risk diseases.

o Avoid late-curative and reduced rate fungicide applications which can

allow pathogen populations to increase.

o Reduce the interval between fungicide applications and/or increase rates

during periods of high disease pressure.

• Select and apply the most efficacious fungicides at the optimum rate, timing, and

water carrier volume (1 - 2 gal. water/1,000 sq ft for foliar diseases, and 2 - 5 gal.

water/1,000 sq ft for root diseases). See PPA-1 fungicide recommendation

booklet entitled, Chemical Control of Turfgrass Diseases for fungicide ratings

(http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/PPA/PPA1/PPA1.pdf)

• Schedule (time) fungicide applications properly to maximize efficacy:

o Apply fungicides preventively when conditions are conducive to infection

to avoid severe outbreaks.

o Use disease predictive models for diseases such as dollar spot, Pythium

blight, brown patch, summer patch, take-all patch, and fairy ring to time

fungicide applications when conditions are most conducive to infection

and before symptoms appear.

o Routinely scout areas on the course with a previous history of disease (hot

spots) to identify initial outbreaks and breakthroughs in the fungicide

program.

o When best management practices are being followed, early-curative

/threshold sprays can effectively control “foliar” diseases such as dollar

spot and anthracnose particularly on more tolerant cultivars.

• However, for “ectotrophic root-infecting diseases” such as summer patch,

necrotic ring patch, take-all patch and fairy ring disease, fungicides must be

applied on a preventive basis when conditions are conducive to infection

(typically when soil temperatures exceed a specific temperature).

• Select fungicides that do not adversely affect animals, fish, birds, or pollinators,

by utilizing methods such as the “The Environmental Impact Quotient”

(https://nysipm.cornell.edu/eiq/) to assess potential environmental and health

impacts and make informed decisions regarding pesticide selection.

Weeds

Principles

• Weeds compete with desired plants for space, water, light, and nutrients and can

harbor insect pests and diseases. Weeds also reduce the quality and

functionality of the playing surface. Weeds are hosts for other pests such as plant

pathogens, nematodes, and insects, and certain weeds can cause allergic

reactions in humans. Whether a plant is considered a weed or a desirable plant

is at the golf course superintendent's discretion.

• Many weeds can be found on a golf course. The most problematic weeds of fine

turf in New Jersey include annual bluegrass (Poa annua), crabgrass (Digitaria

spp.), sedges (Cyperus spp.), and kyllingas (Kyllinga spp.), goosegrass (Eleusine

indica), and paspalum species (Paspalum spp.). Other common weeds include

dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), clovers (Trifolium spp.), violets (Viola spp.).

• Weeds found in low maintenance “naturalized” areas are different than those

found in fine turf areas due to infrequent (typically once or twice annually)

mowing. Quackgrass (Elymus repens), deertounge grass (Dichanthelium

clandestinum), Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimenium) sedges, and thistles

are some of the weeds common to naturalized areas in New Jersey.

• Weed management is an integrated process by which several strategies are

employed. Encourage desirable turfgrass ground cover to help prevent

infestations. If a weed infestation occurs, various strategies can be used to

selectively remove the weed from the turfgrass. The most common methods of

weed removal include physical removal (e.g., hand weeding) or chemical

removal (e.g., herbicide application). When herbicides are used, it is important

that they be intelligently selected and judiciously used. Strategies for successful

weed management often include:

o preventing weed seed or other reproductive structures (e.g., stolons,

rhizomes) from being introduced to a weed-free area.

o using proper turfgrass management and cultural practices to promote

vigorous, competitive turf

o properly identifying the target weeds, and then selecting and using the

appropriate control strategy.

• Weeds reproduce from seed, root pieces, and special vegetative reproductive

organs such as tubers, corms, rhizomes, stolons, or bulbs. People, maintenance

equipment, animals, birds, wind, and water can distribute seeds.

• Weeds complete their life cycles in either one growing season (annuals), two

growing seasons (biennials), or three or more years (perennials). Annuals that

complete their life cycles from spring to fall are referred to as summer annuals.

Those that complete their life cycles from fall to spring are winter annuals. Many

winter annuals such as annual bluegrass can survive the summer in New Jersey

and behave as perennials.

Best Management Practices

• Properly identify problematic weeds and understand their life cycles. “Weeds of

the Northeast” authored in 1997 by Uva et al. and the “Turfgrass Weed Control

for Professionals” guide authored by Patton et al. and updated annually are

excellent guides to aid in turfgrass weed identification. The Uva et al. guide can

be purchased through various booksellers. The Patton et al. guide is available

online through the Purdue University bookstore.

• Understand the abiotic factors (e.g., soil properties, environmental conditions,

mowing practices) that may contribute to weed infestations.

• Understand biotic factors (e.g., improper turfgrass species and/or cultivar,

disease incidence, insect damage) that may contribute to weed infestations.

• Understand the source of the weed infestation. For example, weed infestations of

crabgrass on putting greens are often the result of seed movement into the

putting green from surrounds, as crabgrass will not usually produce seed when

mowed at putting green height. Control the weed in these source areas.

• Implement cultural practices that protect turfgrass from environmental stresses

such as disease, shade, drought, and extreme temperatures.

• Address turf management practices, such as fertilizer sources, rates, and

application timing, mowing height or mowing frequency, soil aeration, and

physical damage and compaction from excessive traffic that may contribute to

weed incidence. Not all changes in turf management practices that discourage

weeds are practical. Additionally, a change in management practices to

discourage one weed may cause another weed or biotic or abiotic stressor to

become problematic.

• Proper fertilization is essential for turfgrasses to sustain desirable color, growth

density, and vigor and to better resist weeds. This is especially true for annual

weeds such as crabgrass.

• Avoid scalping; it reduces turf density, increasing weed establishment.

• If renovation is an option, select appropriate turf species or cultivars that are

adapted to the prevalent environmental conditions to reduce weed encroachment

that may lead to bare soils. Utilize University Extension resources, local seed

retailers, as well as results of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP)

to select the appropriate species and cultivars.

• Weed-free materials should be used for topdressing, sodding, and construction.

• Record and map weed infestations to help identify site-specific issues for future

preventative actions.

• Control weeds, ideally before they begin to reproduce via seed or vegetative

structures (e.g., tubers, rhizomes). Physical (e.g., hand weeding, sod cutting) or

chemical weed control methods (e.g., herbicides) can be used depending on the

target weed and resources available. Target the weed at vulnerable periods in

the life cycle. For example, annual grassy weeds can be controlled before they

emerge from seed using pre-emergent herbicides. Post-emergence herbicides

are most effective when weeds are small and actively growing. Controlling

mature weeds is more difficult.

• The “Turfgrass Weed Control for Professionals” guide authored by Dr. Aaron

Patton and available online through the Purdue University bookstore is a

comprehensive resource available to help superintendents select the proper

herbicide(s) depending on the target weed and desirable turfgrass species.

Insects

Principles

• A plethora of insect species can be found in golf course turf areas, the majority of

which are harmless or even beneficial to the turfgrass.

• White grubs, the larvae of a complex of several species of scarab beetles (e.g.,

oriental beetle, Japanese beetle, northern masked chafer, etc.), are the most

common and potentially the most destructive insect pest group in New

Jersey. They feed on the grass roots near the soil surface, which at high larval

densities and under warm and dry conditions can lead to wilting of plants,

gradual thinning of the turf, and death of large turf areas. In addition, vertebrate

predators (skunks, raccoons, crows, etc.) can tear up the turf to feed on the

grubs, even at larval densities that by themselves would not cause damage.

• The annual bluegrass weevil is the most difficult to control insect pests in New

Jersey, particularly due to its ability to develop resistance to many synthetic

insecticides. Its larvae initially tunnel grass stems but cause the most severe

damage as larger larvae by feeding on the crown and at the base of stems, killing

tillers or entire plants.

• The larvae of several moth species initially skeletonize foliage; but as they get

larger, they create burrows in the soil from which they emerge at night to feed on

the grass shoots (sod webworms, cutworms), or they live on the surface feeding

on grass foliage and stems (armyworms). Black cutworm larvae are perennial

problems on golf course greens and tees because their feeding and burrowing

create dead patches, sunken areas, or pockmarks.

• Other common, potentially damaging insects include chinch bugs, billbugs, ants,

and crane flies.

• Healthy, well-managed turf is generally more tolerant of insect feeding and better

able to recover from limited damage.

• Synthetic insecticides can become less effective over time due to the

development of insecticide resistance in some insect populations and/or

increased microbial degradation of the active ingredient by soil bacteria that

adapt to use repeatedly applied material as an energy source.

Best Management Practices

• Proper identification of insects and their life stages is essential for effective

management.

• Record and map insect infestations and identify trends that can help guide future

treatments and focus on changing conditions in susceptible areas to reduce

infestations.

• Increase turf tolerance to insect feeding by reducing turf stress by selecting

appropriate turf species or cultivars adapted to the prevalent environmental

conditions and using stress-reducing cultural practices.

• Use endophyte-infected cultivars of tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, or fine

fescues where appropriate as they are relatively resistant to many surface

feeding insects (chinch bugs, billbugs, sod webworms).

• Correct conditions that favor insect infestation and damage. For example, keep

areas with a high percentage of Poa annua drier to reduce Poa annua and with

that annual bluegrass weevil problems; drain wet areas to reduce issues with

crane flies.

• Design your regular pest management activities around the key pest(s) in any

given area, those pests that are most likely to occur and cause problems.

• Use spot treatments as needed for occasional infestations of easy-to-control

insects (for example, army-, cut-, sod webworms).

• Base preventive applications against perennial and difficult to control pests on

records of previous infestations and risk for damage. Treat only areas at risk,

including an adequate buffer around them.

• Minimize the use of synthetic insecticides and rotate modes-of-action and

insecticide classes between insect generations to delay the development of

insecticide resistance and increased microbial degradation.

• Consider using the multi-target approach to reduce insecticide applications. The

right material applied at the right rate and the right time can suppress more than

one insect problem. But always use this approach around your key pest(s).

Nematodes

Principles

• Plant-parasitic nematodes adversely affect turfgrass health.

• Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic roundworms (unsegmented), usually

between 0.0156 and 0.125 inches (0.25 and 3 mm) in length, and are difficult to

control.

• Nematodes debilitate the root system of susceptible turfgrasses; plant-parasitic

nematodes cause turf to be less efficient at water and nutrient uptake from the

soil and make it much more susceptible to environmental stresses. Additionally,

weakened turf favors pest infestation, especially troublesome weeds that

necessitate herbicide applications.

• Over time, turf in the affected areas thins out and, with severe infestations, may

die. The roots of turfgrasses under nematode attack may be very short, with few,

if any, root hairs, or they may appear dark and rotten.

• Turfgrasses usually begin showing signs of nematode injury as they experience

additional stresses, including drought, high temperatures, low temperatures, and

wear.

Best Management Practices

• When nematode activity is suspected, an assay of soil and turfgrass roots is

recommended to determine the extent of the problem.

• The application of a nematicide on golf course turf should always be based on

assay results.

• Divert traffic away from areas that are stressed by insects, nematodes, diseases,

or weeds.

• Increase mowing height to reduce plant stress associated with nematodes, root-

feeding insects, disease outbreaks, or peak weed-seed germination.

• Spoon-feed the turf with repeated applications of a small amount of fertilizer

rather than larger amounts applied more often. This prevents excessive fast root

growth which can increase populations of plant-parasitic nematodes.

• Reduce/eliminate other biotic/abiotic stresses when nematodes are

compromising the root system and plant health.

Pesticide Management

Regulatory Considerations

Pesticide use should be part of an overall pest management strategy that includes

biological controls, cultural methods, pest monitoring, and other applicable practices,

referred to altogether as IPM. When a pesticide application is deemed necessary, its

selection should be based on effectiveness, toxicity to non-target species, cost, site

characteristics, and its solubility and persistence in the environment.

Regulatory Considerations

The manufacturing, labeling, registration, and classification of pesticides, the

registration of pesticide dealers and pesticide dealer businesses, the registration of

applicators of pesticides, the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools, and

the distribution, use, application, storage, handling, transportation, and disposal of

pesticides in the State of New Jersey is governed by the New Jersey Department of

Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) Pesticide Control Program (Source: New Jersey

Administrative Code Title 7, Chapter 30, Subchapter 1,1

https://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/regulations/Subchapter%201.pdf)

Principle

Pesticides contain active ingredients (the component that targets the pest) and inert

ingredients such as solvents, surfactants, and carriers. Both active and inert ingredients

may be controlled or regulated by federal, state, and local laws because of

environmental and health concerns.

Best Management Practices

• Persons who use or supervises the use of any pesticide for any purpose or on

any property other than as provided by the definition of “private pesticide

applicator” should achieve and maintain the status of a “Commercial pesticide

applicator” (Source: New Jersey Administrative Code Title 7, Chapter 30,

Subchapter 1,2

https://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/regulations/Subchapter%201.pdf)

o Commercial pesticide applicators who satisfactorily complete the

requirements for Core certification and training pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:30-

6.2 should successfully pass a Category 3B - Turf examination; this

subcategory includes commercial pesticide applicators using or

supervising the use of pesticides to control pests in the maintenance and

production of turf. This subcategory also includes vegetation control on

commercial and residential sites only; flea and tick control in turf areas

only; and soil fumigation for turf only. (Source: New Jersey Administrative

Code Title 7, Chapter 30, Subchapter 6.3

https://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/regulations/Subchapter%206.pdf)

o In order to maintain his or her certification, the commercial pesticide

applicator shall meet the requirements for recertification as specified by

the Department. If the requirements for recertification are not met, the

commercial pesticide applicator shall again become certified in

accordance with the provisions of the NJ DEP Pesticide Control Program.

(Source: New Jersey Administrative Code Title 7, Chapter 30, Subchapter

6.6,

https://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/regulations/Subchapter%206.pdf)

o Once certification is achieved, certification is good for a minimum of 5

years. Recertification can be accomplished in two ways:

 Retake exams during the 5th year.

 Accumulate recertification credit units over the 5 year period by

attending Pesticide Control Program approved courses, seminars,

and meetings. A commercial pesticide applicator must accumulate

8 units of Core credits and 16 units of Category 3B – Turf credits

over the 5 years. (Source:

https://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/bpo-appcom.htm)

• Persons who apply pesticides under the direct supervision of a responsible

commercial pesticide are “Commercial pesticide operators” (Source: New Jersey

Administrative Code Title 7, Chapter 30, Subchapter 1,2

https://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/regulations/Subchapter%201.pdf)

o Commercial pesticide operators do not require passing Core and Category

3B examinations. Commercial pesticide operators must complete an NJ

DEP Pesticide Control Program approved Basic Pesticide Training Course

and complete forty hours of on-the-job training in each category of work.

(Source: https://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/bpo-operator.htm).

• Contact information for the NJ DEP Pesticide Control Program:

Bureau of Pesticide Compliance & Enforcement

Mail Code 401-04A

401 East State Street

PO Box 420

Trenton, NJ 08625-0420

• Only apply pesticides that are legally registered at all levels of jurisdiction.

• Only apply pesticides that are legally registered for use on the facility (for

example, do not apply pesticides labeled for agricultural uses even though they

may have the same active ingredient).

• Apply according to manufacturer recommendations as seen on the label.

Human Health Risks

Principle

Pesticides belong to numerous chemical classes that vary greatly in their toxicity. The

human health risk associated with pesticide use is related to both pesticide toxicity and

the level of exposure. The risk of a very highly toxic pesticide may be very low if the

exposure is sufficiently small.

Best Management Practices

• Select the least toxic pesticide with the lowest exposure potential.

• Know the emergency response procedure in case excessive exposure occurs.

Environmental Fate and Transport

Principle

Environmental characteristics of a pesticide can often be determined by the

environmental hazards statement found on pesticide product labels. The environmental

hazards statement (referred to as “Environmental Hazards” on the label and found

under the general heading “Precautionary Statements”) provides the precautionary

language advising the user of the potential hazards to the environment from the use of

the product. The environmental hazards generally fall into three categories: (1) general

environmental hazards, (2) non-target toxicity, and (3) endangered species protection.

Best Management Practices

• Select pesticides that have a low runoff and leaching potential.

• Before applying a pesticide, evaluate the impact of site-specific characteristics

(for example, proximity to surface water, water table, and well-heads; soil type;

prevailing wind; etc.) and pesticide-specific characteristics (for example, half-lives

and partition coefficients)

• Select pesticides with reduced impact on pollinators.

• Select pesticides that, when applied according to the label, have no known effect

on endangered species present on the facility.

Pesticide Transportation, Storage, and Handling

Principle

Storage and handling of pesticides in their concentrated form pose the highest potential

risk to ground or surface waters. For this reason, it is essential that facilities for storing

and handling these products be properly sited, designed, constructed, and operated.

Best Management Practices

• Store, mix and load pesticides away from sites that directly link to surface water

or groundwater.

• Store pesticides in a lockable concrete or metal building that is separate from

other buildings.

• Locate pesticide storage facilities from other types of structures to allow fire

department access.

• Storage facility floors should be impervious and sealed with a chemical-resistant

paint.

• Floors should have a continuous sill to retain spilled materials and no drains,

although a sump may be included.

• Sloped ramps should be provided at the entrance to allow the use of wheeled

handcarts for moving material in and out of the storage area safely.

• Shelving should be made of sturdy plastic or reinforced metal.

• Metal shelving should be kept painted to avoid corrosion. Wood shelving should

never be used, because it may absorb spilled pesticides.

• Automatic exhaust fans and an emergency wash area should be provided.

Explosion-proof lighting may be required. Light and fan switches should be

located outside the building so that both can be turned on before staff enter the

building and turned off after they leave the building.

• Avoid temperature extremes inside the pesticide storage facility.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be easily accessible and stored

immediately outside the pesticide storage area.

• Do not transport pesticides in the passenger section of a vehicle.

• Never leave pesticides unattended during transport.

• Place a spill containment kit in the storage area, in the mix/load area, and on the

spray rig.

Emergency Preparedness and Spill Response

Principle

Accidents happen. Advance preparation on what to do when an accident occurs is

essential to mitigate the human health effects and the impact on the environment.

Best Management Practices

• Develop a golf course facility emergency response plan which includes

procedures to control, contain, collect, and store spilled materials.

• Prominently post “Important Telephone Numbers” including CHEMTREC, for

emergency information on hazards or actions to take in the event of a spill.

• Ensure an adequately sized spill containment kit is readily available.

• Designate a spokesperson who will speak on behalf of the facility should an

emergency occur.

• Host a tour for local emergency response teams (for example, firefighters, etc.) to

show them the facilities and to discuss the emergency response plan. Seek

advice on ways to improve the plan.

Pesticide Record Keeping

Principle

Maintaining accurate records of pesticide-related activities (for example, purchasing,

storage, inventory, applications, etc.) is essential.

Best Management Practices

• Keep and maintain records of all pesticides used to meet legal (federal, state,

and local) reporting requirements.

• Use records to monitor pest control efforts and to plan future management

actions.

• Use electronic or hard-copy forms and software tools to properly track pesticide

inventory and use.

• Develop and implement a pesticide drift management plan.

• Keep a backup set of records in a safe, but separate storage area.

Sprayer Calibration

Principle

Properly calibrated application equipment is paramount to mitigating environmental and

human health concerns.

Best Management Practices

• Personally ensure spray technician is experienced, licensed, and properly

trained.

• Minimize off-target movement by using properly configured application

equipment.

• Properly calibrate all application equipment at the beginning of each season (at a

minimum) or after equipment modifications.

• Check equipment daily when in use.

• Use spray volumes, as directed by pesticide labeling, for the targeted pest to

maximize efficacy.

• Calibration of walk-behind applicators should be conducted for each person

making the application to take into consideration their walking speed, etc.

Types of Sprayers

Principle

Various types and sizes of application equipment are readily available. The size of the

equipment (tank size, boom width, etc.) should be matched to the scale of the facility.

Best Management Practices

• Use appropriately sized application equipment for the size of the area being

treated.

• Equipment too large in size requires greater volumes to prime the system. This

can result in significant waste that must be properly handled.

Inventory

Principle

Do not store large quantities of pesticides for long periods. Adopt the “first-in/first-out”

principle, using the oldest products first to ensure that the product shelf life does not

expire.

Best Management Practices

An inventory of the pesticides kept in the storage building and the Safety Data Sheets

(SDS) for the chemicals used in the operation should be accessible on the premises,

but not kept in the pesticide storage room itself.

Shelf Life

Principle

• Pesticides degrade over time. Do not store large quantities of pesticides for long

periods.

• Utilize computer software systems to record inventory and use.

Best Management Practices

• Avoid purchasing large quantities of pesticides that require storage for greater

than six months.

• Adopt the “first-in/first-out” principle, using the oldest products first to ensure that

the product shelf life does not expire.

• Many states offer “amnesty” days in order to eliminate potential public health and

environmental hazards from canceled, suspended, and unusable pesticides that

are being stored.

• Ensure labels are on every package and container.

• Consult inventory when planning and before making purchases.

• Ensure that labels remain properly affixed to their containers.

Leaching Potentials

Principle

Weakly sorbed pesticides (compounds with small Koc values) are more likely to leach

through the soil and reach groundwater. Conversely, strongly sorbed pesticides

(compounds with large Koc values) are likely to remain near the soil surface, reducing

the likelihood of leaching, but increasing the chances of being carried to surface water

via runoff or soil erosion.

Best Management Practices

• Understand pesticide sorption principles so that appropriate decisions can be

made.

• Understand site characteristics that are prone to leaching losses (for example,

sand-based putting greens, coarse-textured soils, shallow water tables).

• Identify label restrictions that may pertain to your facility.

• Avoid using highly water-soluble pesticides.

• Exercise caution when using spray adjuvants that may facilitate off-target

movement.

Mixing/Washing Station

Principle

Pesticide leaks or spills, if contained, will not percolate down through the soil into

groundwater or run off the surface to contaminate streams, ditches, ponds, and other

waterbodies. One of the best containment methods is the use of a properly designed

and constructed chemical mixing center (CMC).

Best Management Practices

• Loading pesticides and mixing them with water or oil diluents should be done

over an impermeable surface (such as lined or sealed concrete), so that spills

can be collected and managed.

• Mixing station surface should provide for easy cleaning and the recovery of

spilled materials.

• Pump the sump dry and clean it at the end of each day. Liquids and sediments

should also be removed from the sump and the pad whenever pesticide

materials are changed to an incompatible product (that is, one that cannot be

legally applied to the same site).

• Apply liquids and sediments as you would a pesticide, strictly following label

instructions.

• Absorbents such as cat litter or sand may be used to clean up small spills and

then applied as a topdressing in accordance with the label rates, or disposed of

as waste.

• Sweep up solid materials and use as intended.

Disposal

Principle

Wash water from pesticide application equipment must be managed properly since it

contains pesticide residues.

Best Management Practices

• Collect wash water (from both inside and outside the application equipment) and

use it as a pesticide in accordance with the label instructions.

• The rinsate may be applied as a pesticide (preferred) or stored for use as

makeup water for the next compatible application.

Personal Protective Equipment

Principle

Exposure to pesticides can be mitigated by practicing good work habits and adopting

modern pesticide mix/load equipment (for example, closed-loading) that reduce

potential exposure. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) statements on pesticide

labels provide the applicator with important information on protecting himself/herself.

Best Management Practices

• Provide adequate PPE for all employees who work with pesticides (including

equipment technicians who service pesticide application equipment).

• Ensure that PPE is sized appropriately for each person using it.

• Make certain that PPE is appropriate for the chemicals used.

• Ensure that PPE meets rigorous testing standards and is not just the least

expensive.

• Store PPE where it is easily accessible but not in the pesticide storage area.

• Forbid employees who apply pesticides from wearing facility uniforms home

where they may come into contact with children.

• Provide laundering facilities or uniform service for employee uniforms.

• The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires

employers to fit test workers who must wear tight-fitting respirators.

• Meet requirements for OSHA 1910.134 Respiratory Protection Program.

Pesticide Container Management

Principle

The containers of some commonly used pesticides are classified as hazardous wastes

if not properly rinsed, and as such, are subject to the many rules and regulations

governing hazardous waste. The improper disposal of hazardous waste can result in

very high fines and/or criminal penalties. However, pesticide containers that have been

properly rinsed can be handled and disposed of as non-hazardous solid waste. Federal

law (FIFRA) and some state laws require pesticide applicators to rinse all empty

pesticide containers before taking other container disposal steps. Under federal law (the

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA), A PESTICIDE CONTAINER IS

NOT EMPTY UNTIL IT HAS BEEN PROPERLY RINSED.

Best Management Practices

• Rinse pesticide containers immediately in order to remove the most residue.

• Rinse containers during the mixing and loading process and add rinsate water to

the finished spray mix.

• Rinse emptied pesticide containers by either triple rinsing or pressure rinsing.

• Puncture empty and rinsed pesticide containers and dispose of them according

to the label.

Pollinator Protection

Regulatory Considerations

Most flowering plants need pollination to reproduce and grow fruit. While some plants

are pollinated by wind, many require assistance from insects and other animals. In the

absence of pollinators, many plant species, including the fruits and vegetables we eat,

would fail to survive.

The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is one of the most important pollinators in the

United States. Hundreds of other bee species, including the bumble bee (Bombus spp.),

also serve as important pollinator species. Protecting bees and other pollinators are

important to the sustainability of agriculture.

Pesticides are products designed to control pests (for example, insects, diseases,

weeds, nematodes, etc.). Pesticides and other plant growth products, including plant

growth regulators, surfactants, biostimulants, etc., are used in golf course management.

The non-target effect of products used in golf course management is of increasing

concern; therefore, pesticide applicators, including those on golf courses, need to be

mindful of the impact pesticides have on pollinator species and their habitat.

Regulatory Considerations

Principles

• Pollinator-protection language is a labeling requirement found on pesticide

labels; follow the label, it is the law.

• Pesticide applicators must be aware of honey bee toxicity groups and able to

understand precautionary statements.

• Recordkeeping may be required by law to use some products. IPM principles

suggest that you keep records of all pest control activity so that you may refer to

information on past infestations or other problems to select the best course of

action in the future.

Best Management Practices

• Proper records of all pesticide applications should be kept according to local,

state, or federal requirements.

• Use records to establish proof of use and follow-up investigation of standard

protocols regarding:

o Date and time of application

o Name of applicator

o Person directing or authorizing the application

o Weather conditions at the time of application

o Target pest

o Pesticide used (trade name, active ingredient, amount of formulation,

amount of water)

o Adjuvant/surfactant and amount applied, if used

o Area treated (acres or square feet) and location

o Total amount of pesticide used

o Application equipment

o Additional remarks, such as the severity of the infestation or life stage of

the pest

o Follow-up to check the effectiveness of the application

• Those applying pesticides, and who make decisions regarding their applications

should be able to interpret pollinator protection label statements.

• Those applying pesticides should be aware of honey bee biology.

• Those applying pesticides should understand the various routes of exposure

(outside the hive and inside the hive).

• Those applying pesticides should understand the effects of pesticides on bees.

Pollinator Habitat Protection

Principles

• It is important to minimize the impacts of pesticides on bees and beneficial

arthropods. Pesticide applicators must use appropriate tools to help manage

pests while safeguarding pollinators, the environment, and humans.

• Be mindful of pollinators; when applying pesticides, focus on minimizing

exposure to non-target pollinators in play and non-play course areas.

• Pollinators require a diversity of flowering species to complete their life cycle.

Pollinator habitat contains a diversity of wildflower species of different colors and

heights, with blossoms throughout the entire growing season

Best Management Practices

• Follow label information directing the application of pesticide when the plant may

be in bloom. Avoid applying pesticides during bloom season.

• Stay on target by using coarse-droplet nozzles, and monitoring wind to reduce

drift.

• Do not apply pesticides when pollinators are active.

• Before applying a pesticide, scout/inspect the area for both harmful and

beneficial insect populations, and use pesticides only when a threshold of

damage has been indicated.

• Mow flowering plants (weeds) before insecticide application.

• If flowering weeds are prevalent, control them before applying insecticides.

• Use insecticides that have a lower impact on pollinators.

• Use the latest spray technologies, such as drift-reduction nozzles to prevent off-

site (target) translocation of pesticide.

• Avoid applications during unusually low temperatures or when dew is forecast.

• Use granular formulations of pesticides that are known to be less hazardous to

bees.

• Consider lures, baits, and pheromones as alternatives to insecticides for pest

management.

• Develop new pollinator habitat and/or enhance existing habitat.

Maintenance Operations

Regulatory Considerations

Equipment maintenance, fueling, and chemical storage can have an impact on water

quality on-site and off-site both during construction and during the maintenance of

existing golf courses.

Regulatory Considerations

Local and state regulations may be in place in your location. Early engagement among

developers, designers, local community groups and permitting agencies is essential to

designing and constructing a golf maintenance and storage facility that minimizes

environmental impact and meets the needs for the approval process.

Storage and Handling of Chemicals

Principles

• Proper handling and storage of pesticides and petroleum-based products are

important to reduce the risk of serious injury or death of an operator or bystander.

Fires or environmental contamination may result in large fines, cleanup costs,

and civil lawsuits if these chemicals are not managed properly.

• Check federal, state, and local regulations for specific requirements related to the

storage of pesticides.

Best Management Practices

• Storage buildings should have appropriate warning signs and placards.

• Follow all personal protective equipment (PPE) statements on pesticide labels.

• Store PPE away from pesticide storage areas in an area that is easily accessible.

• Develop an emergency response plan and educate all golf course personnel

regarding emergency procedures on a regular basis.

• Individuals conducting emergency chemical cleanups should be properly trained

under the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA).

• Store pesticides in a lockable concrete or metal building.

• Locate pesticide storage away from other buildings, especially fertilizer storage

facilities.

• Floors of chemical storage buildings should be impervious and sealed with

chemical-resistant paint.

• Floors of chemical storage buildings should have a continuous sill to contain

spills and should not have a drain. A sump is acceptable.

• Floor should be recessed, or a berm added 4” to 6” to retain a major spill.

• Mixing and Fill area or station should also have a containment sump or pad to

retain and reuse any spilled chemicals or rinsate.

• Mixing personnel should also be wearing PPE while mixing and loading tanks.

• Shelving should be fabricated from plastic or reinforced metal. Metal shelving

should be painted to avoid corrosion. Wood shelving should never be used

because of its ability to absorb spilled pesticides.

• Automatic exhaust fans and an emergency wash area should be provided

• Explosion-proof lighting may be required. Locate fan and light switches outside

the entrance to the building to facilitate ventilation of the building before entrance

of staff.

• Maintain detailed records of current pesticide inventory in the storage facility.

• Inventory should be shared or submitted to the local fire department on a yearly

basis.

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the chemicals stored on-site should be stored

separately from the storage room, but readily accessible on-site.

• Do not store large quantities of pesticides or chemicals for long periods of time.

Follow a “first-in, first-out” principle to rotate products into use to ensure products

do not expire.

• Store chemicals in original containers. Never store them in containers that might

be mistaken as packaging for food or drink.

• Arrange containers so the labels are clearly visible. Securely fasten loose labels

to ensure containers and associated labels are kept together.

• Damaged labels should be replaced immediately.

• Store flammable pesticides separate from those that are nonflammable.

• Store liquid materials below dry materials to prevent leaks from contaminating

dry products.

• Ensure that oil containers and small fuel containers (service containers) are

properly labeled and stored within the facility.

• Periodically evaluate products and chemicals in use for opportunities to replace

with alternative products that are more human health- or environment-friendly.

Equipment Storage and Maintenance

Principle

Storing and maintaining equipment properly will extend the useful life and reduce

repairs.

Best Management Practices

• Store and maintain equipment in a covered area complete with a sealed

impervious surface to limit the risk of fluid leaks contaminating the environment

and to facilitate the early detection of small leaks that may require repair before

causing significant damage to the turf or the environment.

• Seal floor drains unless they are connected to a holding tank or sanitary sewer

with permission from the local wastewater treatment plant.

• Store pesticide and fertilizer application equipment in areas protected from

rainfall. Rain can wash pesticide and fertilizer residues from the exterior of the

equipment and possibly contaminate soil or water.

• Store solvents and degreasers in lockable metal cabinets away from ignition

sources in a well-ventilated area. These products are generally toxic and highly

flammable. Never store them with fertilizers or in areas where smoking is

permitted.

• Keep an inventory of solvents and SDS for those materials on-site but in a

different location where they will be easily accessible in case of an emergency.

• Keep basins of solvent baths covered to reduce emissions of volatile organic

compounds (VOC).

• When possible, replace solvent baths with recirculating aqueous washing units.

Soap and water or other aqueous cleaners are often as effective as solvent-

based products and present a lower risk to the environment.

• Always use appropriate PPE when working with solvents.

• Never allow solvents or degreasers to drain onto pavement or soil, or discharge

into waterbodies, wetlands, storm drains, sewers, or septic systems.

• Collect used solvents and degreasers in containers clearly marked with contents

and date; schedule collection by a commercial service.

• Blow off all equipment with compressed air to reduce damage to hydraulic seals.

• Keep storage areas clean and free of debris to prevent fires and allow personnel

to swiftly exit the building in the event of an emergency.

Waste Handling

Principles

• Proper disposal of waste materials is critical for protection of water and natural

resources. State or local laws and regulations related to disposal of hazardous

waste products may vary. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all state and local

laws related to disposal/recycling of these waste materials.

• Identify and implement waste-reduction practices.

• Look for ways to increase recycling efforts and programs.

• Purchase environmentally preferred products in bulk packaging when possible.

Best Management Practices

• Pesticides that have been mixed for application must be disposed of as waste

and may be classified as hazardous waste depending on the materials involved.

Contact local authorities for guidance regarding proper disposal.

• Collect used oil, oil filters, and antifreeze in separate marked containers and

recycle them as directed by local and state authorities.

• Antifreeze may be considered hazardous waste by state or local laws and should

be handled accordingly. Commercial services are available to collect and recycle

antifreeze.

• Lead-acid batteries are classified as hazardous waste unless they are properly

recycled.

• Store old batteries on impervious services where they are protected from rainfall

and recycle as soon as possible.

• Recycle used tires.

• Recycle or dispose of fluorescent tubes and other lights according to state

requirements.

Equipment Washing

Principle

Wash water generated from equipment-washing facilities can be a source of both

surface-water and groundwater pollution. Steps should be taken to prevent pollution.

Best Management Practices

• Equipment washing areas should drain to an oil/water separator before draining

to a sanitary sewer or holding tank.

• Consider the use of a closed-loop wash-water recycling system.

• Grass-covered equipment should be brushed or blown off with compressed air

before being washed.

• Wash equipment with a bucket of water and a rag to minimize the amount of

water used and use only the minimal amount of water required to rinse the

machine.

• Spring-operated shut-off nozzles should be used.

• Do not allow any wastewater to flow directly into surface waters or storm drains.

Fueling Facilities

Principle

Safe storage of fuel, including use of above-ground tanks and containment facilities, is

critical to the protection of the environment. State or local laws and regulations related

to storage of fuel may vary.

Best Management Practices

• Locate fueling facilities on roofed areas with a concrete (not asphalt) pavement.

Areas should be equipped with spill-containment and recovery facilities.

• Use of above ground fuel tanks is preferred.

Pollution Prevention

Principles

• Plan appropriately to minimize the possibility of a discharge and the need for

disposal. Monitor the water to be discharged for contamination; never discharge

to the environment any contaminated water. If the water is not contaminated, it

can be reused or discharged to a permitted stormwater treatment system.

• Pesticide leaks or spills, if contained, will not percolate down through the soil into

groundwater or run off the surface to contaminate streams, ditches, ponds, and

other water bodies.

• Wash water from pesticide application equipment must be managed properly

since it contains pesticide residues. This applies to wash water from both the

inside and the outside of the application equipment. The material should be

collected and used as a pesticide in accordance with the label instructions for

that pesticide.

• An equipment-washing facility can be a source of both surface water and

groundwater pollution if the wash water generated is not properly handled. All

equipment used in the maintenance of golf courses and associated

developments should be designed, used, maintained, and stored in a way that

eliminates or minimizes the potential for pollution.

• One of the key principles of pollution prevention is to reduce the unnecessary

use of potential pollutants. Over time, the routine discharge of even small

amounts of solvents can result in serious environmental and liability

consequences, because of the accumulation of contaminants in soil or

groundwater.

• The proper handling and storage of pesticides are important. Failure to do so

correctly may lead to the serious injury or death of an operator or bystander,

fires, environmental contamination that may result in large fines and cleanup

costs, civil lawsuits, the destruction of the turf you are trying to protect, and

wasted pesticide product.

• Generating as little as 25 gallons per month of used solvents for disposal can

qualify you as a “small-quantity generator” of hazardous waste, triggering EPA,

and state reporting requirements.

• Pesticides that have been mixed so they cannot be legally applied to a site in

accordance with the label must be disposed of as waste. Depending on the

materials involved, they may be classified as hazardous waste.

• Provide adequate protection from the weather. Rain can wash pesticide and

fertilizer residues from the exterior of the equipment, and these residues can

contaminate soil or water.

• Never allow solvents to drain onto pavement or soil, or discharge into water

bodies, wetlands, storm drains, sewers, or septic systems, even in small

amounts.

• Office paper, recyclable plastics, glass, and aluminum should be recycled. Place

containers for recycling aluminum cans and glass or plastic soft drink bottles at

convenient locations on the golf course.

Best Management Practices

• Pesticides should be stored in a lockable concrete or metal building.

• Pesticide storage and mixing facility floors should be impervious and sealed with

chemical-resistant paint. Floors should have a continuous sill to retain spilled

materials and no drains, although a sump may be included.

• For valuable information about constructing chemical mixing facilities, reference

the Midwest Plan Service book, Designing Facilities for Pesticide and Fertilizer

Containment (revised 1995); the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) publication,

Coating Concrete Secondary Containment Structures Exposed to Agrichemicals

(Broder and Nguyen, 1995); and USDA–NRCS Code 703.

• Use a chemical mixing center (CMC) as a place for performing all operations

where pesticides are likely to be spilled in concentrated form—or where even

dilute formulations may be repeatedly spilled in the same area—over an

impermeable surface. (A CMC is a concrete pad treated with a sealant and

sloped to a liquid-tight sump where all the spilled liquids can be recovered.)

• Flush wash pad with clean water after the equipment is washed. Captured wash

water can be used as a dilute pesticide per labeled site, or it may be pumped into

a rinsate storage tank for use in the next application.

• FIFRA, Section 2(ee), allows the applicator to apply a pesticide at less than the

labeled rate.

• The sump should then be cleaned of any sediment before another type of

pesticide is handled.

• Discharge to a treatment system that is permitted under industrial wastewater

rules.

• Never discharge to a sanitary sewer system without written permission from the

utility.

• Never discharge to a septic tank.

• Use a closed-loop wash-water recycling system and follow appropriate BMP.

• Use non-containment wash water for field irrigation.

• Do not discharge non-contaminated wastewater during or immediately after a

rainstorm since the added flow may cause the permitted storage volume of the

stormwater system to be exceeded.

• Whenever practical, replace solvent baths with recirculating aqueous washing

units (which resemble heavy-duty dishwashers).

• Use soap and water or other aqueous cleaners; these products are often as

effective as solvent-based ones.

• Blowing off equipment with compressed air instead of washing with water is often

easier on hydraulic seals and can lead to fewer oil leaks.

• Grass-covered equipment should be brushed or blown with compressed air

before being washed. Dry material is much easier to handle and store or dispose

of than wet clippings.

• It is best to wash equipment with a bucket of water and a rag, using only a

minimal amount of water to rinse the machine.

• Clean up spills as soon as possible.

• Keep spill cleanup equipment available when handling pesticides or their

containers.

• If a spill occurs of a pesticide covered by certain state and federal laws, you may

need to report any accidental release if the spill quantity exceeds the “reportable

quantity” of active ingredient specified in the law.

• Large spills or uncontained spills involving hazardous materials may best be

remediated by hazardous material cleanup professionals.

• For emergency (only) information on hazards or actions to take in the event of a

spill, call CHEMTREC, at (800)424–9300. CHEMTREC is a service of the

Chemical Manufacturers Association. For information on whether a spilled

chemical requires reporting, call the CERCLA/RCRA helpline at (800) 424–9346.

• Do not allow any wash water to flow directly into surface waters or storm drains.

• Avoid washing equipment in the vicinity of wells or surface water bodies.

• Wash equipment over a concrete or asphalt pad that allows the water to be

collected. After the residue dries on the pad, collect, compost, or spread in the

field.

• If applicable, allow runoff onto a grassed area to soak into the ground, but never

into a surface water body or canal.

• Handle clippings and dust separately. After the residue dries on the pad, it can

be collected and composted or spread in the field.

• Minimize the use of detergents. Use only biodegradable non-phosphate

detergents.

• Minimize the amount of water used to clean equipment. This can be done by

using spray nozzles that generate high-pressure streams of water at low

volumes.

• Do not discharge wash water to surface water or groundwater either directly or

indirectly through ditches, storm drains, or canals.

• Do not conduct equipment wash operations on a pesticide mixing and loading

pad. (This keeps grass clippings and other debris from becoming contaminated

with pesticides).

• Solvents and degreasers should be used over a collection basin or pad that

collects all used material.

• Oil/water separators can be used but must be managed properly to avoid

problems. Do not wash equipment used to apply pesticides on pads with

oil/water separators

• Collect used solvents and degreasers, place them into containers marked with

the contents and the date, and then have them picked up by a service that

properly recycles or disposes of them. Never mix used oil or other liquid material

with the used solvents.

• Collect used oil, oil filters, and antifreeze in separate marked containers and

recycle them. Arrange pick up of used oil or deliver to a hazardous waste

collection site.

• Do not mix used oil with used antifreeze or sludge from used solvents. Antifreeze

must be recycled or disposed of as a hazardous waste.

• Store batteries on an impervious surface and preferably undercover. Remember,

spent lead-acid batteries must be recycled if they are to be exempt from strict

hazardous waste regulations.

• Lead acid batteries are required to be recycled by law. At a minimum, retail

establishments are required to accept old batteries in exchange for the purchase

of a new battery. The system for recycling lead acid batteries is well established

and economical. In addition, local and county hazardous waste collection

facilities generally accept used lead acid batteries.

• Equipment used to apply pesticides and fertilizers should be stored in areas

protected from rainfall.

• Pesticide application equipment can be stored in the chemical mixing center

(CMC), but fertilizer application equipment should be stored separately.

• Blow or wash loose debris off equipment to prevent dirt from getting on the CMC

pad, where it could become contaminated with pesticides.

• Ensure that all containers are sealed, secured, and properly labeled. Use only

regulatory agency-approved, licensed contractors for disposal.

• Rinse pesticide containers as soon as they are empty. Pressure rinse or triple-

rinse containers and add the rinse water to the sprayer.

• Shake or tap non-rinseable containers, such as bags or boxes, so that all dust

and material fall into the application equipment.

• After cleaning them, puncture the pesticide containers to prevent reuse (except

glass and refillable mini-bulk containers).

• Keep the rinsed containers in a clean area, out of the weather, for disposal or

recycling.

• Storing the containers in large plastic bags/tubs to protect the containers from

collecting rainwater.

Landscape

Species Selection and Size Considerations

Landscape (non-play) areas are an essential part of the overall course design, providing

enhanced course aesthetics, wildlife habitat, external sound/noise abatement, and

natural cooling and freeze protection.

An environmental landscape design approach addresses environmentally safe and

energy-saving practices; therefore, environmentally sound landscape management is

also economically important. Non-play areas require a mix of sun and shade, optimal

soil conditions, and adequate canopy air movement to sustain growth and function.

Species Selection and Size Considerations

Principles

• The fundamental principle for the environmentally sound management of

landscapes is “right plant, right place.” The ideal plant from an environmental

standpoint is the one that nature and evolution placed there. It has adapted

specifically to the soil, microclimate, rainfall, light patterns, insects, other pests,

and endemic nutrient levels over thousands of years.

• Know the ultimate sizes and growth rates of trees, shrubs, and ground covers.

This reduces the need for pruning and debris removal and lowers maintenance

costs.

• The addition of proper soil amendments can improve soil’s physical and chemical

properties, increase its water-holding capacity, and reduce the leaching of

fertilizers. Amendments may be organic or inorganic; however, soil

microorganisms rapidly decompose organic amendments such as peat or

compost.

• The goal of species-selection BMP is to maintain as close to a natural ecosystem

as practical while meeting a golf course's needs.

• Landscape areas should be fundamentally designed to facilitate rapid plant

establishment to conserve water and lower nutritional input requirements once

mature. Plants within areas that are not in play or are not critical to the course

design may be removed and replanted with native plant material that requires

little to no maintenance after establishment. Additionally, 50% to 70% of the non-

play areas should remain in natural cover. As much natural vegetation as

possible should be retained and enhanced through the supplemental planting of

native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation to provide wildlife habitat in non-

play areas, along with water sources to support fish and other water-dependent

species. By leaving dead trees (snags) where they do not pose a hazard, a well-

developed understory (brush and young trees), and native grasses, the amount

of work needed to prepare a course is reduced. At the same time, habitat for

wildlife survival is maintained.

Best Management Practices

• Base plant selection as close to a natural ecosystem as practical, while meeting

the needs of the golf course. It has adapted specifically to the soil, microclimate,

rainfall, light patterns, insects and other pests, and endemic nutrient levels over

many years.

• Select trees, plants, and grass species to attract birds seeking wild fruits, herbs,

seeds, and insects.

• Know the ultimate sizes and growth rates of trees, shrubs, and ground covers.

• Use plants that are adapted for the site based on the United States Department

of Agriculture (USDA) cold-hardiness map.

• Select stress-tolerant species or cultivars to manage periodic dry/wet conditions.

• Choose the most stress-tolerant species or cultivar for a particular area.

Design and Function

Principles

• Aesthetic gardens, window boxes, and container gardens should include a

variety of plants of different heights that provide nectar for hummingbirds and

butterflies. Again, “right plant, right place” is the key to success.

• When integrating turf areas into the landscape around the clubhouse, entries,

and other areas, design them for ease of maintenance and keep in mind that

turfgrasses grow best in sunny areas. Consider the effect that tree canopy and

other design features may have on the health and function of the turf.

• Garden plants, shrubbery, ground covers, or native plants may provide a

pleasing view and also provide useful food, cover, or other environmental

benefits to wildlife; they may also require reduced maintenance.

• Trees and shrubs along streams provide temperature moderation through shade,

which lowers water temperature in summer and increases it in winter.

Best Management Practices

• Well-designed forested buffers should contain a mixture of fast- and slow-

growing native trees, shrubs, and grasses to provide a diverse habitat for wildlife.

• Use forested buffers to trap and remove upland sources of sediments, nutrients,

and chemicals.

• Use forested buffers to protect fish and wildlife by supplying food, cover, and

shade.

• Use forested buffers to maintain a healthy riparian ecosystem and stable stream

channel.

• Leave dead tree snags whenever possible for nesting and food source to wildlife.

However, make sure that these snags are a safe distance away from playing

surfaces should they get blown over.

• Use turf as a landscape element where needed.

Planting Methods

Principles

• The ideal plant from an environmental standpoint is the one that nature and

evolution placed there. It has adapted specifically to the soil, microclimate,

rainfall, light patterns, insects, other pests, and endemic nutrient levels over

hundreds or thousands of generations. Where these factors have changed, the

challenge is finding other suitable plants. A BMP goal is to maintain as close to a

natural ecosystem as practical while meeting the golf course's needs.

• The use of organic mulches in gardens and aesthetic areas increases the

moisture-holding capacity of plantings and prevents weed growth when applied in

sufficient depth. Organic amendments are decomposed by soil microorganisms

and add to soil tilth.

• Keep mulch 2 to 3 inches away from plants to prevent fungal growth from excess

dampness.

• Excess mulch or compacted mulch may be detrimental, causing water to shed

away from the root zone and encourage overwatering. Compaction or excessive

mulch buildup should be avoided, especially when annual re-mulching is

performed.

Best Management Practices

• The plant palette and irrigation system should be appropriate for site conditions,

taking into account that, in some cases, soil improvement can enhance water-

use efficiency.

• Plants should be grouped based on irrigation demand.

• The percentage of landscaped area in irrigated high-water-use hydrozones

should be minimized. Local government ordinances should address the

percentage of irrigated landscaped area that may be included in high-water-use

hydrozones. These high water-use limits should not apply to landscaped areas

requiring large amounts of turf for their primary functions (for example, ball fields

and playgrounds).

• In most instances, established, drought-tolerant landscape plants have a root

system substantial enough to keep them alive with little or no supplemental

irrigation.

• Pruning and fertilizing will also benefit landscape plants while they are becoming

established.

• Add proper soil amendments in garden areas to improve the soil’s physical and

chemical properties, increase its water-holding capacity, and reduce the leaching

of fertilizers.

Energy

Energy Conservation

According to the GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profile, Vol. IV (GCSAA 2012), six

major energy sources were identified for golf course use: electricity, gasoline, diesel,

natural gas, propane, and heating oil. In addition, operational uses were segmented to

meet irrigation, turf maintenance, buildings, clubhouse operations, swimming pools, and

various amenity needs.

The overall conclusion of the study suggests that golf facility managers must take steps

toward identifying options for conservation, efficiency, and cost savings.

To address current needs and future energy reduction opportunities, managers should

evaluate current energy conservation performance practices based on the following

categories:

• General energy conservation position statements on policy and planning

• Buildings and amenities statements –buildings, infrastructure, and facility

amenities such as the clubhouse, swimming pool, restaurant, parking lot, kitchen,

offices, maintenance building(s), tennis courts, etc.

• Golf course statements – the golf course and surrounding landscapes, pump

station, irrigation system, and related agronomic operations (playing surfaces,

equipment, turfgrass maintenance, etc.)

Energy Conservation

Principles

• Determine goals and establish an energy policy that is part of the facility’s overall

environmental plan.

• Establish an energy management plan for the facility based on current energy

use baselines to optimize efficiency.

• Communicate the policy to all staff regarding use patterns and management

practices to effect change.

• Relate the policy to the entire facility, including the services the facility provides

to its customers and community.

• Incorporate quality management elements for continual improvement (plan, do,

check, and act) to reduce environmental and economic impacts.

• Understand that the irrigation pump is the largest user of energy. A well-

engineered pump station is critical to reducing energy consumption.

Best Management Practices

• Conduct an energy audit.

• Conduct a lighting audit.

• Conduct a carbon footprint analysis.

• Add insulation where needed.

• Use non-demand electrical hour rates: charge golf carts, and use pumps to

acquire water, charge maintenance equipment, and other items later in the day

or early in the morning.

• Limit high-consumption activities during periods when demand is high.

• Use alternative energy from natural sources, such as solar, geothermal, and wind

energy generation.

• Upgrade or install the National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s (NEMA)

premium efficiency-rated pump motors.

• Seek output reduction by watering less area, apply target golf goals.

• Install LED lighting and/or retrofit devices.

• Install motion sensors for lights where appropriate.

• Install a programmable thermostat.

• Install solar/Geo-Thermal pumps for pools and spa.

Evaluation

Principles

• Continually track and measure energy use at the facility based on energy

assessment units, for example, kilowatt hour.

• Benchmark practices to evaluate existing facility consumption with other local

golf facilities of similar size.

Best Management Practices

• Monitor energy use: track data, evaluate billing meters.

• Install adequate meters, gauges, etc.

• Develop an equipment inventory incorporating individual equipment’s energy

use, use / traffic patterns, etc. (maintenance records, operation hours, etc.).

• Establish a baseline for performance parameters to optimize irrigation pumps.

• Consider benchmarking performance against similar-sized facilities.

Efficiency

Principles

• Evaluate energy efficiency performance.

• Evaluate electric equipment/operations and ensure proper selection, operation,

charging, and maintenance.

Best Management Practices

• Evaluate all energy providers (electricity, natural gas, and liquid petroleum fuels)

for costs, efficiency/assistance programs, and incentives.

• Identify and categorize operations for energy efficiency opportunity and

conservation analysis.

• Perform assessments of all the facility’s infrastructure and operations.

• Perform appropriate audits throughout the facility depending on the operation,

infrastructure, and planning stage.

• Identify efficiency and conservation elements of infrastructure/hard items and

behavioral/process-oriented items.

• Consider alternative equipment, products, and practices.

Design and Renovation

Principles

• Incorporate an analysis of the assessments, audits, and data.

• Incorporate first cost consideration (initial investment and long-term gain).

• Redesign – evaluate future projects with a priority for energy conservation.

• According to system and compliance standards, communicate with utility

provider, insurance company, and any state or local regulatory officials.

Best Management Practices

• Identify buildings, amenities, and operations including existing, new construction,

or renovation activities where energy efficiency enhancements are needed.

• Identify the golf course, course infrastructure, and related agronomic operations

including existing and future developments or renovations that would benefit from

energy efficiency improvements.

Implementation Plan

Principles

• Set goals for buildings/amenities and the golf course operation; develop an

implementation plan.

• Set energy-use goals according to efficiency/conservation of the building,

infrastructure and equipment efficiency.

Best Management Practices

• Evaluate effectiveness of upgrades according to efficiency/conservation goals for

energy use.

• Continue to identify future energy needs and maintain good record keeping.

• Prioritize energy consumption as part of purchase/decision-making process for

HVAC, food service, laundry, swimming pools, etc.

• Consider other devices as part of the plan; do research on building, pumps, and

power generation.

Infrastructure

Principles

• Ensure efficient building/facility/amenities and related infrastructure.

• Consider the materials: used insulation and color selection.

• Ensure efficient lighting in both interior and exterior areas.

Best Management Practices

• Maximize use of space.

• Inspect and repair leaks/maintenance.

• Monitor temperature/environmental settings (heat loss, etc.).

• Evaluate building automation systems, monitoring systems, etc.

• Incorporate technology and up-to-date equipment (lights, controls, switches,

etc.).

• Implement schedules/controlled use.

• Evaluate off-grid pole lighting and similar technology.

Alternative products, operations, and practices

Principles

• Educate and motivate employees, guests, etc.

• Educate, train, and motivate employees on energy efficiency practices pertaining

to golf course operations.

• Identify incentives and programs from energy providers.

• Identify state/local programs and certification.

• Consider U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program.

• Consider EPA’s EnergyStar, Portfolio Manager, etc.

• Consider energy management software, services, etc.

• Consider national and local programs and programs like the EPA’s

WaterSense program as it relates to buildings (see Water Conservation BMP).

Best Management Practices

• Evaluate alternative transportation.

• Evaluate cleaning practices (dry vs. wet).

• Consider local vs. distant purchases, product selection, etc.

• Evaluate energy acquisition and energy coming into the facility.

• Evaluate golf car equipment/operations and ensure proper selection, operation,

charging, and maintenance.

• Incorporate training for employees.

• Incorporate the use of incentives.

Course Management Plan

Principles

• Set energy-use goals for efficiency/conservation including infrastructure,

equipment, behavior and agronomic practices.

• Ensure proper selection (type, size, etc.), operation, and equipment

maintenance.

• Ensure efficient design, selection, operation, and maintenance of irrigation

pumps, irrigation controls and other irrigation components.

• Implement energy source selection, management, and efficiency/conservation

practices.

Best Management Practices

• Work with energy providers and evaluate existing programs, resources, etc.

• Consider long-term costs in addition to acquisitions.

• Schedule reviews to evaluate future technology and fuel types.

• Evaluate upgrades.

• Evaluate use of alternative energy/fuels.

• Identify future energy needs.

• Prioritize energy consumption as part of selection.

• Optimize equipment use data including hours operated, use patterns, etc.

• Incorporate new technology and upgrades when feasible.

• Consider alternative equipment, products, and practices.

Irrigation

Principles

• Ensure efficient design, selection, operation, and maintenance of irrigation

pumps, irrigation controls, and other irrigation components.

• Assess irrigation pump efficiency; consider alternative equipment, products, and

practices; use energy efficiently to maximize the output of the pump station.

Best Management Practices

• Audit irrigation system (see Water Conservation BMP).

• Schedule and operate pumps and irrigation in an efficient manner.

• Identify and implement infrastructure and behavioral changes.

• Evaluate technology and upgrades; implement when feasible.

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