Source: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY submitted to
DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0231639
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
TEX09518
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 9, 2012
Project End Date
Oct 8, 2017
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Wherley, B. G.
Recipient Organization
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
750 AGRONOMY RD STE 2701
COLLEGE STATION,TX 77843-0001
Performing Department
Soil & Crop Sciences
Non Technical Summary
With the major shift from rural to urban population centers occurring in recent decades, agricultural landscapes continue to be converted into urban metropolitan centers at a record pace. Urbanization has altered the soil ecosystem by increasing impervious surfaces, increasing storm water runoff volumes, and altering the hydrology of plant communities. Turfgrass has become the dominant component of many urban landscapes due to its functionality in athletic fields, golf courses, home lawns, and landscapes. In fact, in the United States, turfgrass has become the single largest irrigated crop. Turfgrasses offer numerous recreational and environmental benefits including erosion control, heat mitigation, and biological filtration of contaminants in effluent and rainwater. Despite this, pressures to conserve water and reduce fertilizer/ pesticide usage continue to be targeted to turfgrass systems, and a greater emphasis has been placed on the efficient use of resources (fertilizer, water, etc.). Alternative plant communities (i.e. native grass mixtures, etc.) are also gaining popularity with consumers for use within urban areas based on the presumption of lower maintenance and inputs. Very little scientific information is known concerning the best management practices for these urban ecosystems or best management approaches to minimizing long-term environmental impacts from them.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
30%
Applied
40%
Developmental
30%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1020110107010%
1020530107020%
1030530107010%
1112130107020%
1120530107010%
2052130107010%
2062130107010%
4032130107010%
Knowledge Area
112 - Watershed Protection and Management; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 205 - Plant Management Systems; 103 - Management of Saline and Sodic Soils and Salinity; 111 - Conservation and Efficient Use of Water; 403 - Waste Disposal, Recycling, and Reuse; 206 - Basic Plant Biology;

Subject Of Investigation
2130 - Turf; 0530 - Parks and urban green space; 0110 - Soil;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;
Goals / Objectives
1)Investigate primary and secondary cultural management practices of conventional turfgrass and native grass systems for successful growth and efficient use of resources, with the goal of developing functional, sustainable, and low impact systems with minimal environmental impact. 2)Determine the environmental fate of water, nutrients, pathogens, and pesticides from turf systems and establish criteria on how to best establish, maintain, and maximize productivity within these systems while minimizing environmental impacts. 3)Compare the environmental stress tolerance (drought, salinity, low-temperature, shade) of experimental germplasm and commercially available turf cultivars and develop best management practices for adequate maintenance of these varieties.
Project Methods
This project will involve applied and basic investigations utilizing the field and laboratory resources available to the program. The Turf Ecology Program within the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences has a premier field ecology laboratory located in College Station, TX. Collaborative research with the breeding program will also utilize facilities at the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Research Center in Dallas, TX. The College Station lab is equipped with independently zoned, replicated irrigation research field plots consisting of multiple warm season turfgrasses representing lawns, golf, and athletic turf. Also, we have recently completed a state-of-the-art Urban Ecology Runoff Laboratory, which consists of 24 replicated, independently zoned irrigation plots for studying irrigation and fertilizer management practices on runoff volume and water quality. Our location in the southern U.S. positions us well to study a range of environmental stress impacts such as poor quality irrigation water, sodic soils, and drought on turfgrass growth and quality. A 30,000 sq. ft. addition to the current field lab is in currently in progress to accommodate a recently awarded TDA Specialty Crop Block Grant investigating best management practices for native grass mixtures. Multiple greenhouse and growth chamber facilities available through the department allow us to examine more basic research questions with finer detail.

Progress 10/09/12 to 10/08/17

Outputs
Target Audience: USDA NIFA Golf Course Superintendents and their Associations (Texas and National- GCSAA Environmental Institute for Golf, United States Golf Assn.) Athletic Field Managers and their industry (STMA) Texas Turfgrass and Landscape Industry Invited guest lectures at other state conferences (Georgia and Louisiana) Turfgrass Producers of Texas Texas Turfgrass Assn United States Golf Association Greens Section National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Texas Nursery and Landscape Assn. Texas County Master Gardeners Texas Dept. of Agriculture, USDA (specialty crops research initiative) Major Turf and Ornamental Industry partners: The Scotts Miracle Gro Company Petro Canada Bayer Crop Science Helena, Inc. Aqua Aid, Inc. 40 undergraduate and 4 graduate students in Dept. of Soil & Crop Science, 1 grad student at University of Hawaii Changes/Problems:-Departure of our State Turfgrass Specialist, Casey Reynolds (September 2017) -Retirement of teaching/research Turf Faculty Richard White (August 2017). -Both of the above changes have created numerous new challenges and demands on my time related to my designated appointment and priorities during this reporting period, but I believe we've done a relatively good job managing the transition due to a solid support staff and students. We are also moving to fill the two state turf extension positions within the department. -Continued time, energy, and resources to accomodate the relocation and transition of our turf research and maintenance operations from old field laboratory on Agronomy Rd. to new field research laboratory on F&B Road. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1) USDA NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative ($150,000 over 4 years 2016-2019): Manuel Chavarria (PhD student), Reagan Hejl (Technician) 2) USGA Sandcapping Project ($78,000 over 3 years, 2014-2016): Wes Dyer (MS Student), Kevin Hejl and Brett Martin (undergraduate SCSC students 3) Texas A&M AgriLife/ Texas Engineering Experiment Station Waterseed Project ($225,000 over 2 years, 2016-2017): Udaya Kopthapalli (MS Student), Reagan Hejl (Technician-SCSC) 4) Scotts Company Runoff Project ($80,000 over 2 years, 2015-2016): Baoxin Chang (PhD student), Nadezda Ojeda (MS student), Colton Shelton (SCSC Undergraduate student) 5) USGA Shade Project ($39,000 over 2 years, 2016-2017): Zhaoxin Chang (MS Student) undergraduate student) 6) USGA/ GeoJava Feasibility of Spent Coffee Grounds in Turf Systems ($30,000 over 2.5 years, 2017-2018) 7) 2017 Turfgrass and Landscape Field Day, which was held October 2017 and attracted nearly 150 attendees from the turfgrass industry throughout the state. Nearly 15 faculty and students participated in educational, research, and demonstration stops serving to educate the industry on the latest research from the program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?International/National Meetings -Crop Science Society of America, Phoenix, AZ, (Nov. '16) -Golf Course Superintendents Assn. of America Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (Feb. '17) Regional Meetings -Speciality Crops Research Initiative Summer Meeting, Tifton, GA (May 2017) -Southeastern Turf Conference, Tifton GA (May 2017) State Meetings Texas Turfgrass Assn., San Antonio, TX (Dec. '16) Texas Turfgrass Assn. Summer Meeting, Horseshoe Bay, TX (June '17) Texas Turfgrass Assn. Winter Meeting, San Antonio, TX (Dec. '16) What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? • My research program continues to been strengthened through fostering collaborations with faculty across a range of disciplines including Mechanical Engineering, Urban Water Quality, Soil Physics,Horticulture, Weed Science, Turfgass Pathology, Soil Fertility, and Turfgrass/ Native Grass development. • I am continuing to serve as Co-PI on a newly funded, 4-yr. USDA-NIFA funded Specialty Crops Research Initiative project involving collaboration among faculty from Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Oklahoma State Univ., Univ. of Florida, Univ. of Georgia, and N.C. State University, as well as industry advisors from groups including water purveyors (SAWS, etc.), Home Builder Assns., USGA Green Section (Mike Kenna, PhD), National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (Kevin Morris), and Turfgrass Producers of Texas (Brent Bachelor). Goal of this new project is to continue to develop and test elite warm season turfgrass lines from the first SCRI project for persistence under long-term municipal irrigation restriction regimes and drought. This multidisciplinary project involves breeders, physiologists, extension, and economists. will run 2016-2019. • I continue to serve as PI on a second 2-yr Texas Research, Engineering, and Extension Water Seed Grant Project involving faculty from Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES). Project involves developing a wirelessly controlled platform for the LIRMS system which was developed in the first project. LIRMS systems will be installed at multiple sites in Texas for real-world testing on different soils and landscape environments. We will also work closely with water purveyors in the region to better understand feasibility of implementation into actual residential landscapes, one of which is the City of College Station Water Department (Jennifer Nations). Co-PI's on project are Dr. Jorge Alvarado (TEES) and Dr. Fouad Jaber (Texas AgriLife Dallas Ag. and Biological Engineering). Collaborators also include Dr. Richard White (SCSC). A full utility patent on the LIRMS system was published January 27, 2017. During 2017, prior to recieving approval on utility patent, we were contacted by a venture capital company who is seeking worldwide exclusive license on the LIRMS system. Licensing agreement is being developed by TAMU Technology Commercialization. • I have served over the past 3 years as PI on United States Golf Assn. funded project investigating chemical and special dynamics of sand capping on golf course fairways. Project involves collaboration between Texas A&M Campus Golf Course Director of Agronomy Carter Hindes and Texas A&M AgriLife faculty Co-PI Dr. Kevin McInnes (Soil Physicist), Dr. Richard White (Turf Management), James Thomas (Soil Science Specialist), and Dr. Casey Reynolds (Turf Extension). Project has recently been completed, and two new proposals dealing with sandcapping have been submitted to the USGA seeking continued funding for this program. • I have served over the past 3 years as PI on a United States Golf Assn. funded project investigating minimal light requirements and influence of growth regulators and mowing practices on zoysiagrass and bermudagrass cultivars on southern golf courses. Co-PI Dr. Dr. Casey Reynolds (Turf Extension) and graduate student Zhaoxin Chen. Project will be completed late 2017. • Member of Texas A&M/ Scotts Miracle-Gro Joint Management Committee. Objectives of the research program with Scotts involves refinement of current fertilization and irrigation recommendations warm-season turf in the southern U.S. as well as to validation of new herbicide andexperimental wetting agent products for the residential landscape market. • During the past 5 years, I have also collaborated with Dr. Joey Young, Turfgrass Science faculty member at Texas Tech University in developing and teaching a 4-hr seminar entitled 'Preparing for and Managing Through Golf Course Water Shortages and Drought' at the Golf Industry Show. The seminar has sold out the past 3 years, and attracts superintendents from throughout the world, educatin gthem on developing a site-specific Irrigation Budget, developing a water allocation reduction or drought contingency plan, and tips on communication with membership. In addition to copresenting this to over 275 golf course superintendents from around the world at the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 Golf Industry Shows, we have since also presented this to the west-, central-, and north-Texas golf course superintendent groups. The course has been very well received. We are embarking on research to evaluate agronomic properties and feasibility of applying Spent Coffee Grounds to turfgrass systems, both as a topdressing/fertlizer as well as soil amendment in sand-based systems. This project is partially supported by GeoJava, a spin off company of Aspen Beverage in San Antonio, TX. Aspen Beverage is one of the largest cold-brew coffee producers in the United States, and has seen massive growth and demand for their product. While they currently generate 40 cu yds. spent coffee grounds daily, they are increasing their production capacity due to increased demand, and anticipate generating between 2500 and 3000 cu yds daily by late 2018. The company is currently paying a tipping fee to haul the spent grounds away, but are seeking opportunities to use the by product in agricultural systems.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: C. Fontanier, J. Aitkenhead-Peterson, B. Wherley, R. White, J. Thomas, and S. Quiring. 2017. Irrigation and fertilizer N inputs influence nitrate losses via runoff from St. Augustinegrass lawns. Journal of Environmental Quality, 46(4): 793-801.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Chang, B. Wherley, and J. Aitkenhead-Peterson. 2016. Irrigation Water Quality and Fertilizer Source Effects on Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency of Bermudagrass. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: U. Kothapalli, B. Wherley, J. Alvarado, R. White, F. Jaber, J. Thomas, and R. Hejl. 2016. Development of a Landscape Irrigation Runoff Mitigation System. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Dyer, D., K. McInnes, and B. Wherley, and C. Reynolds. 2016. Influence of sand capping depth and subsoil textural attributes on temporal and spatial water dynamics. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Z. Chen, B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, and R. Jessup. 2016. Daily light integral requirements for bermudagrass and zoysiagrass species: Impacts of cutting height and trinexepac-ethyl application. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: M. Chavarria, B. Wherley, A. Chandra, R. Jessup, and R. Cabrera. 2016. Salt accumulation and excretion characteristics of warm-season turfgrasses of contrasting salinity tolerance. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: R. Hejl, B. Wherley, R. White, and C. Fontanier. 2016. Deficit irrigation programs for bermudagrass fairways in Texas. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, D. Dyer, K. McInnes, C. Reynolds, J. Thomas. 2016. Fairway sand capping: Agronomic implications of placement depth and subsoil texture. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, *Z. Chen, and R. Jessup. 2016. Minimum daily light integral requirements for Texas lawn, athletic, and golf turf cultivars. Texas Turfgrass. 3rd Quarter 6-8.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, *R. Hejl, R. White, and *C. Fontanier. 2016. Effects of deficit irrigation and traffic on bermudagrass fairways. GCM Magazine 5:82-87.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: W. Dyer, B. Wherley, and K. McInnes. 2016. Sandcapping effects on bermudagrass fairways. Golfdom Magazine. Available at: http://www.golfdom.com/sand-capping-effects-on-bermudagrass-fairways/
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, R. White, A. Chandra, R. Jessup, and Y. Jo. 2016. Update on golf course related turfgrass research projects being conducted at Texas A&M. Report Submitted to USGA Green Section. December 1.
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley and J. Alvarado. 2016. Field Deployment and Wireless Integration of the Landscape Irrigation Runoff Mitigation System. Midterm Report. Submitted to AgriLife/TEES Water Seed Grant Committee. November.
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, Z. Chen, and C. Reynolds. 2016. Field assessment of Minimal Daily Light Integral Requirements for Warm-Season Fairway and Rough Cultivars. Year 1 Progress Report Submitted to USGA Green Section.
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2016 Citation: K. McInnes, C. Reynolds, B. Wherley, and T. Baker. 2016. Assessment of Topdressing Sands and Associated Cultural Practices used to Manage Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Greens Year 1 Progress Report Submitted to USGA Green Section.
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, W. Dyer, K. McInnes, J. Thomas. 2016. Evaluating sand capping depth and subsoil influence on fairway performance, irrigation requirements, and drought resistance. Year 3 Progress Report Submitted to USGA Green Section.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: C. Fontanier, B. Wherley, R. White, J. Aitkenhead-Peterson, and D. Chalmers. 2017. Historical ETo  based Irrigation Scheduling for St. Augustinegrass Lawns in the South-Central United States. Irrigation Science, 35(4): 347-356.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: S. Sermons, B. Wherley, C. Zhang, D. Bowman, and T. Rufty. 2017. Role of internal and external nitrogen pools in bermudagrass growth during spring emergence from dormancy. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 40(10):1404-1416.
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, Z. Chen, and R. Jessup. 2016. Minimal Daily Light Integral Requirements for Texas Lawn, Athletic, and Golf Turf Cultivars. Year 1 TTREE Update Report.
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, J.A. Peterson, J. Thomas, C. Fontanier, and R. White. 2016. Effects of Synergy Wetting Agent on St. Augustinegrass Performance, Nutrient, and Water Runoff. Final Report. Submitted to The Scotts-Miracle Gro Company.
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2017 Citation: B. Wherley, B. Chang, and J. Peterson. 2017. Water Quality and Nitrogen Source Effects on Fertilizer Use Efficiency in Bermudagrass Turf. Progress Report to: GCSAA Environmental Institute for Golf. May 31.
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2017 Citation: B. Wherley, J. Alvarado, R. White, and F. Jaber. 2017. Field Deployment and Integration of Wireless Communication & Operation Support System for the Landscape Irrigation Runoff Mitigation System. Semi-annual Progress Report. Submitted to the Texas A&M AgriLife & TEES Waterseed Grant Program.
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2017 Citation: B. Wherley and Reagan Hejl. 2017. Effects of HM1632 and HM0549 when compared to Sulfate of Potash and 10-34-0 on the Potassium and Phosphorus Concentration of Warm Season Turfgrass Species. Final Report. Submitted to Helena Co.


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:-USDA NIFA -Golf Course Superintendents and their Associations (Texas and National- GCSAA, USGA) -Athletic Field Managers and their industry (STMA) -Texas Turfgrass and Landscape Industry -Turfgrass Producers of Texas -Texas Turfgrass Assn -United States Golf Association Greens Section -National Turfgrass Evaluation Program -Texas Nursery and Landscape Assn. -Texas County Master Gardeners -Texas Dept. of Agriculture, USDA (specialty crops research initiative) Major Turf and Ornamental Industry partners: -The Scotts Miracle Gro Company -Petro Canada -Bayer Crop Science -Helena, Inc. 35 undergraduate and 3 graduate students in Dept. of Soil & Crop Science 35 undergraduate and 3 graduate students in Dept. of Soil & Crop Science Changes/Problems:-Retirement of my previous technician Jim Thomas. Refilling of this position with Mr. Reagan Hejl. -Graduation of our previous field lab manager (research assistant) Charles Fontanier. Refilling of this position with Mr. Bruce Vento -Time, energy, and resources to accomodate the relocation and transition of our turf research and maintenance operations from old field laboratory on Agronomy Rd. to new field research laboratory on F&B Road. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1) USDA NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative ($150,000 over 4 years 2016-2019): Manuel Chavarria (PhD student), Reagan Hejl (Technician) 2) USGA Sandcapping Project ($78,000 over 3 years, 2014-2016): Wes Dyer (MS Student), Kevin Hejl and Brett Martin (undergraduate SCSC student) 3) Texas A&M AgriLife/ Texas Engineering Experiment Station Waterseed Project ($225,000 over 2 years, 2016-2017): Udaya Kopthapalli (MS Student), Reagan Hejl (Technician-SCSC) 4) Scotts Company Runoff Project ($80,000 over 2 years, 2015-2016): Baoxin Chang (PhD student), Nadezda Ojeda (MS student), Colton Shelton (SCSC Undergraduate student) 5) USGA Shade Project ($39,000 over 2 years, 2016-2017): Zhaoxin Chang (MS Student) undergraduate student) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?International/National Meetings -Crop Science Society of America, Minneapolis, MN (Nov. '15) -Golf Course Superintendents Assn. of America Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA (Feb. '16) Regional Meetings SERA-IEG Turf Meeting- Gulf Shores, AL (June '16) State Meetings Louisiana Turfgrass Conference (Jan. '16) Texas Turfgrass Assn. (Dec. '15) Texas Turfgrass Assn. Summer Meeting, Galveston, TX (June '16) Texas Turfgrass Assn. Winter Meeting, San Antonio, TX (Dec. '15) What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue to meet the objectives of the ongoing research projects and see graduate research programs to completion. Interact with other faculty from across the country at regional and national meetings to identify problems and develop research programs to address these issues.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? • My research program has matured and grown. It continues to been strengthened through fostering collaborations with faculty across a range of disciplines including Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, Urban Water Quality, Horticulture, Weed Science, Turfgass Pathology, Soil Physics, Soil Fertility, and Turfgrass/ Native Grass development. • I serve as Co-PI on a newly funded, 4-yr. USDA-NIFA funded Specialty Crops Research Initiative project involving collaboration among faculty from Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Oklahoma State Univ., Univ. of Florida, Univ. of Georgia, and N.C. State University, as well as industry advisors from groups including water purveyors (SAWS, etc.), Home Builder Assns., USGA Green Section (Mike Kenna, PhD), National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (Kevin Morris), and Turfgrass Producers of Texas (Brent Bachelor). Goal of this new project is to continue to develop and test elite warm season turfgrass lines from the first SCRI project for persistence under long-term municipal irrigation restriction regimes and drought. This multidisciplinary project involves breeders, physiologists, extension, and economists. will run 2016-2019. • PI on a second 2-yr Texas Research, Engineering, and Extension Water Seed Grant Project involving faculty from Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES). Project involves developing a wirelessly controlled platform for the LIRMS system which was developed in the first project. LIRMS systems will be installed at multiple sites in Texas for real-world testing on different soils and landscape environments. We will also work closely with water purveyors in the region to better understand feasibility of implementation into actual residential landscapes, one of which is the City of College Station Water Department (Jennifer Nations). Co- PI's on project are Dr. Jorge Alvarado (TEES) and Dr. Fouad Jaber (Texas AgriLife Dallas Ag. and Biological Engineering). Collaborators also include Dr. Richard White (SCSC). The team leveraged this seed grant in submitting a pre-proposal for a U.S. Department of Defense ESTCP Grant focused on Water Conservation and Reuse for Military Facilitiesbut was not selected. A full utility patent on the LIRMS system was filed through Office of Technology Commercialization July 20, 2016. Efforts to market the system to industry will occur over the next year. • Continue to serve as PI on 3-yr United States Golf Assn. funded project investigating chemical and special dynamics of sand capping on golf course fairways. Project involves collaboration between Texas A&M Campus Golf Course Director of Agronomy Carter Hindes and Texas A&M AgriLife faculty Co-PI Dr. Kevin McInnes (Soil Physicist), Dr. Richard White (Turf Management), James Thomas (Soil Science Specialist), and Dr. Casey Reynolds (Turf Extension). • Serving as PI on 2-yr United States Golf Assn. funded project investigating minimal light requirements and influence of growth regulators and mowing practices on zoysiagrass and bermudagrass cultivars on southern golf courses. Co-PI Dr. Dr. Casey Reynolds (Turf Extension) and graduate student Zhaoxin Chen. • Member of Texas A&M/ Scotts Miracle-Gro Joint Management Committee. Co-PI on multi-year collaborative project with scientists from the Scotts-Miracle Gro Company (Dr. Phillip Dwyer, Dr. Mark Slavens, Dr. Steven Kelly, Dr. Gina Zirkle) and Texas A&M AgriLife faculty (Dr. Jacqui Aitkenhead-Peterson, Dr. Richard White, and Mr. Baoxin Chang), to measure the impacts of various fertilizer, wetting agent, and irrigation programs on runoff water quality and quantity. Results of this research will help refine current fertilization and irrigation recommendations warm-season turf in the southern U.S. as well as to validate new experimental wetting agent products for the residential landscape market. • During the past 3 years, I have also collaborated with Dr. Joey Young, Turfgrass Science faculty member at Texas Tech University in developing and teaching a 4-hr seminar entitled 'Preparing for and Managing Through Golf Course Water Shortages and Drought'. This course walks superintendents through developing a site-specific Irrigation Budget, developing a water allocation reduction or drought contingency plan, and tips on communication with membership. In addition to copresenting this to over 200 golf course superintendents from around the world at the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Golf Industry Shows, we have since also presented this to the west-, central-, and north-Texas golf course superintendent groups. The course has been well received.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: D. Hargey, B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, R. White, and G. Parker. 2016. Performance of winter overseeded versus colorant-treated Tifway bermudagrass under limited irrigation and simulated traffic. HortScience 51(5): 580-587.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: D. Hargey, B. Wherley, A. Malis, J. Thomas, and A. Chandra. 2016. Influence of mowing and trinexapac-ethyl on St. Augustinegrass sod establishment during a 35-day water variance period. Hort Technology 26(1): 54-62.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: R. Hejl, B. Wherley, R. White, J. Thomas, and C. Fontanier. 2016. Deficit irrigation and simulated foot traffic on Tifway bermudagrass summer performance and autumn recovery. Crop Science 56: 1-9.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: R. Hejl, B. Wherley, J. Thomas, and R. White. 2015. Irrigation water quality and trinexepac-ethyl effects on bermudagrass response to deficit irrigation. HortScience 50(7): 1081-1087.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, Z. Chen, and R. Jessup. 2016. Minimum daily light integral requirements for Texas lawn, athletic, and golf turf cultivars. Texas Turfgrass. 3rd Quarter 6-8.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, *R. Hejl, R. White, and *C. Fontanier. 2016. Effects of deficit irrigation and traffic on bermudagrass fairways. GCM Magazine 5:82-87.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: W. Dyer, B. Wherley, and K. McInnes. 2016. Sandcapping effects on bermudagrass fairways. Golfdom Magazine. Available at: http://www.golfdom.com/sand-capping-effects-on-bermudagrass-fairways/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley, K. McInnes, *W. Dyer, J. Thomas, and C. Reynolds. 2015. Evaluating sand capping depth and subsoil influence on fairway performance, irrigation requirements, and drought resistance. USGA Turf and Environmental Research Online 14(2).
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, Z. Chen, and R. Jessup. 2016. Minimal Daily Light Integral Requirements for Texas Lawn, Athletic, and Golf Turf Cultivars. Year 1 TTREE Update Report.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, J.A. Peterson, J. Thomas, C. Fontanier, and R. White. 2016. Effects of Synergy Wetting Agent on St. Augustinegrass Performance, Nutrient, and Water Runoff. Final Report. Submitted to The Scotts-Miracle Gro Company.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley, K. McInnes, W. Dyer, C. Reynolds, and Z. Chen. 2016. Research presentation to the United States Golf Association Greens Section Research Committee. Sept. 17. College Station, TX.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley and J. Alvarado. 2016. Introduction to the Landscape Irrigation Runoff Mitigation System. City of College Station Water Conservation Program. Aug. 17. College Station, TX.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley and M. Chavarria. 2016. Warm season turfgrass salinity research update. SCRI Summer Meeting. June 14. Orange Beach, AL. Invited
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley. 2016. The state of the Texas A&M Turfgrass Teaching, Research, and Extension Programs. SERA IEG 25-Turf Summer Meeting. June 14.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley. 2016. Introduction to Warm Season Turfgrass Ecology. Horticulture 202 Field Tour Presentation. April 25.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley. 2016. Introduction to Warm Season Turfgrass Ecology. Horticulture 202 Field Tour Presentation. April 11.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley. 2016. Warm-Season lawn care basics. Waller County Master Gardeners. College Station, TX. March 3.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley and J. Young. 2016. Preparing for and managing through water shortages and drought. GCSAA Golf Industry Show 4-hr workshop. San Diego, CA. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley. 2016. Development of the Landscape Irrigation Runoff Mitigation System. TEES/AgriLife Water Seed Grant Symposium. January 27. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley. 2016. Field Deployment and Integration of Wireless Communication and Operation Support System for the Landscape Irrigation Runoff Mitigation System. TEES/AgriLife Water Seed Grant Symposium. January 27. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley. 2016. Tips, Tools, and Tactics for Managing Turf in Shade. Louisiana Turf Conference. January 7. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: B. Wherley. 2016. Environmentally Sensitive Nutrient Management. Louisiana Turf Conference. January 7. Invited.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:-USDA NIFA -Golf Course Superintendents and their Associations (Texas and National- GCSAA, USGA) -Athletic Field Managers and their industry (STMA) -Texas Turfgrass and Landscape Industry -Turfgrass Producers of Texas -Texas Turfgrass Assn -National Turfgrass Evaluation Program -Texas Nursery and Landscape Assn. -Texas County Master Gardeners -Texas Dept. of Agriculture, USDA (specialty crops research initiative) Major Turf and Ornamental Industry partners: -The Scotts Miracle Gro Company -Petro Canada -Bayer Crop Science -Helena, Inc. 35 undergraduate and 4 graduate students in Dept. of Soil & Crop Science 35 undergraduate and 4 graduate students in Dept. of Soil & Crop Science Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1) USDA NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative: Manuel Chavarria (PhD student), Rodrigo Martinez (undergraduate SCSC student) 2) USGA Sandcapping Project ($78,000 over 3 years, 2014-2016): Wes Dyer (MS Student), Jacob Doucet (undergraduate SCSC student) 3) Texas A&M AgriLife/ Texas Engineering Experiment Station Waterseed Project ($250,000 over 2 years, 2014-2015): Junfeng Men (MS Student), Dean Tate (undergraduate Engineering student) 4) Scotts Company Runoff Project ($130,000 over 2 years, 2014-2015): Charles Fontanier (PhD student), Nadezda Ojeda (MS student), Colton Shelton (SCSC Undergraduate student) 5) TREEE Winter overseeding vs. colorant application on athletic turf under water restrictions and traffic ($12,000 over 2 years, 2014-2015): Dan Hargey (MS Student), Forest Hagar (undergraduate SCSC student), Kevin Hejl (SCSC undergraduate student), Garrett Parker (SCSC undergraduate student) 6) Evaluating minimal daily light integral requirements for golf course fairway and rough species ($10,000 over 1 year, 2015): Zhaoxin Chen (MS Student) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?International/National Meetings Crop Science Society of America, Minneapolis, MN (Nov. '15) Golf Course Superintendents Assn. of America Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA (Feb. '15) State Meetings Texas Turfgrass Assn. (Jan. '15) Texas Turfgrass Assn. Summer Meeting, Galveston, TX (June '15) Texas Turfgrass Assn. Winter Meeting, San Antonio, TX (Dec. '15) What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue to meet the objectives of the ongoing research projects and see graduate research programs to completion. Interact with other faculty from across the country at regional and national meetings to identify problems and develop research programs to address these issues.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? My research program has been strengthened through fostering collaborations with faculty across a range of disciplines including Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, Urban Water Quality, Horticulture, Weed Science, Turfgass Pathology, Soil Physics, Soil Fertility, and Turfgrass/ Native Grass development. Co-PI on 5-yr. USDA-NIFA funded Specialty Crops Research Initiative project involving collaboration among faculty from Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Oklahoma State Univ., Univ. of Florida, Univ. of Georgia, and N.C. State University, as well as industry advisors from National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (Kevin Morris), and Turfgrass Producers of Texas (John Cosper). Goal of the project is to develop and commercialize drought and salinity tolerant turfgrass cultivars for the southern United States. This multidisciplinary project involves breeders, physiologists, extension, and economists. Grant request for funding of a second 4-yr project was recently submitted by the group and has been selected for funding for 2016-2019. PI on a 2-yr Texas Research, Engineering, and Extension Water Seed Grant Project involving faculty from Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES). Project involves developing a low-cost, wireless system that will be installed within curbs for detection of runoff and wireless feedback-control of landscape irrigation systems. Support and input for the project has been received by The City of College Station Water Department (Jennifer Nations). Co-PI's on project are Dr. Jorge Alvarado (TEES) and Dr. Fouad Jaber (Texas AgriLife Dallas Ag. and Biological Engineering). Collaborators also include Dr. Richard White (SCSC), Dr. Casey Reynolds (SCSC), and Dr. Ronald Wooley (Texas AgriLife Extension). The team has recently leveraged this seed grant in submitting a pre-proposal for a U.S. Department of Defense ESTCP Grant focused on Water Conservation and Reuse for Military Facilities. A provisional patent has been filed for the Landscape Irrigation Runoff Mitigation System through Office of Technology Commercialization. PI on 3-yr United States Golf Assn. funded project investigating chemical and special dynamics of sand capping on golf course fairways. Project involves collaboration between Texas A&M Campus Golf Course Director of Agronomy Carter Hindes and Texas A&M AgriLife faculty Co-PI Dr. Kevin McInnes (Soil Physicist), Dr. Richard White (Turf Management), James Thomas (Soil Science Specialist), and Dr. Casey Reynolds (Turf Extension). Member of Texas A&M/ Scotts Miracle-Gro Joint Management Committee. Co-PI on multi-year collaborative project with scientists from the Scotts-Miracle Gro Company (Dr. Phillip Dwyer, Dr. Mark Slavens, Dr. Steven Kelly, Dr. Gina Zirkle) and Texas A&M AgriLife faculty (Dr. Jacqui Aitkenhead-Peterson, Dr. Richard White, and Mr. Charles Fontanier), to measure the impacts of various fertilizer and irrigation programs on runoff water quality and quantity. Results of this research will help refine current fertilization and irrigation recommendations warm-season turf in the southern U.S. PI on Texas Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant focused on developing best management practices for establishment and production of sod composed of Texas native grass mixtures. Project involves collaboration among Texas A&M AgriLife faculty co-PI Dr. Russell Jessup, Dr. Richard White, and Dr. David Chalmers. Supporting agencies collaborating in the research include Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center (Dr. Mark Simmons), Turfgrass Producers of Texas (John Cosper), and San Antonio Water System (Karen Guz). Results are being shared with Turfgrass Producers in the state for guiding establishment, irrigation, and weed control practices on native grasses. Bladerunner Farms (David Doguet) has recently initiated production of native sod composed of those species used in the project. PI on 2-yr research project supported through Turfgrass Producers of Texas. In light of the substantial increase in fertilizer prices over the past decade, this research is aimed at developing methods and strategies for maintaining adequate production levels while reducing N, P, and K inputs. Collaborators on the project include Horizon Turf Farm (William Gravonovic), Dr. Sam Feagley (Texas AgriLife Extension), Dr. Richard White (Texas AgriLife Turf Management), and Jim Thomas (soil specialist). Co-PI on multidisciplinary project exploring the long-term effects of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer inputs on large patch (Rhizoctonia solani) occurance in zoysiagrass. This is a collaborative project with Dr. Young-Ki Jo (Extension Turf Pathologist) and Lorna Nissen (Pathology PhD student). The project also explores use of a fungicide 'Civitas', and therefore involves collaboration with multiple national and regional scientists from Suncor Turf, a division of Petro-Canada. During the past two years, I have also collaborated with Dr. Joey Young, Turfgrass Science faculty member at Texas Tech University in developing and teaching a 4-hr seminar entitled 'Preparing for and Managing Through Golf Course Water Shortages and Drought'. This course walks superintendents through developing a site-specific Irrigation Budget, developing a water allocation reduction or drought contingency plan, and tips on communication with membership. In addition to co-presenting this to over 130 golf course superintendents from around the world at the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Golf Industry Shows, we have since also presented this to the west-, central-, and north-Texas golf course superintendent groups. The course has been well received.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley, J. Aitkenhead-Peterson, J. Thomas, C. Fontanier, and R. White. 2015. Runoff losses of nitrogen and phosphorus during St. Augustinegrass sod establishment. J. Env. Qual. 44:1137-1147.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: J. Smith, B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, R. White, S. Senseman, and S. Falk. 2014. Weed Control Spectrum and Turfgrass Tolerance to Bioherbicide Phoma macrostoma. J. Intl. Pest Mgmt. DOI:10.1080/09670874.2015.1014450
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ambika Chandra, Kevin E. Kenworthy, Brian M. Schwartz, Paul L. Raymer, Yanqi Wu, Susana R. Milla-Lewis, Lloyd R. Nelson, Patricio Munoz, Qingyi Yu, Justin Quetone Moss, Benjamin Wherley, Grady L. Miller, Dennis L. Martin, Freddie Clinton Waltz Jr., J. Bryan Unruh, W Casey Reynolds, Tracy Boyer, Chanjin Chung, and Marco Palma. Plant Genetics and Genomics to Improve Drought and Salinity Tolerance for Sustainable Turfgrass Production in the Southern United States. 2015. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: C. Fontanier, B. Wherley, J. A. Peterson, R. White. 2015. Soil moisture dynamics of St. Augustinegrass under varying irrigation. ASA-CSSA-SSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: C. Fontanier, B. Wherley, J. A. Peterson, R. White. 2015. Seasonal Runoff and Nutrient Transport from St. Augustinegrass Turf. ASA-CSSA-SSA International Meetings. D. Hargey, C. Reynolds, B. Wherley, R. White, and J. Thomas. Overseeding and Pigment Impacts on Bermudagrass Spring Transition. 2015. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings. W. Dyer, B. Wherley, K. McInnes, and J. Thomas. Sandcapping Depth, Subsoil, and Irrigation Effects on Bermudagrass Performance. 2015. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings. Z. Chen, B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, R. Jessup, and J. Thomas. Minimal Light Requirements for Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass Cultivars. 2015. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings. M. Chavarria, B. Wherley, A. Chandra, R. Jessup, R. Cabrera, and M. Pendleton. 2015. Utilization of Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy for Elucidating Salinity Tolerance Mechanisms in Warm-Season Turfgrass Species. C. Fontanier, J. Aitkenhead-Peterson, B. Wherley, R. White, J. Thomas. 2015. Water Conservation Practices Mitigate NO3-N Exports in Surface Runoff from Lawns. Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies Water Policy Conference.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: C. Fontanier, B. Wherley, J. A. Peterson, R. White. 2015. Seasonal Runoff and Nutrient Transport from St. Augustinegrass Turf. ASA-CSSA-SSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: D. Hargey, C. Reynolds, B. Wherley, R. White, and J. Thomas. Overseeding and Pigment Impacts on Bermudagrass Spring Transition. 2015. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Meeks, M., A. Chandra, and B. Wherley. 2015. Growth Responses of Hybrid Bluegrasses Treated with and without Trinexapac-ethyl Under Shade. HortScience 50(8):1241-1247.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley, M. Dukes, S. Cathey, T. Sinclair, and G. Miller. 2015. Consumptive water use and crop coefficients for warm-season turfgrass species in the Southeastern U.S. J. Ag Water Mgmt. 156: 10-18.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: A Chandra, AD Genovesi, BG Wherley, SP Metz, JA Reinert, YZ Wu, P Skulkaew, MC Engelke, D Hargey, LR Nelson, BM Schwartz, PL Raymer, YQ Wu, DL Martin, SR Milla-Lewis, G Miller, KE Kenworthy, P Munoz 2015. Registration of DALSA 0605 St. Augustinegrass. J Plant Reg 9(1): 27-34.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: W. Dyer, B. Wherley, K. McInnes, and J. Thomas. Sandcapping Depth, Subsoil, and Irrigation Effects on Bermudagrass Performance. 2015. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Z. Chen, B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, R. Jessup, and J. Thomas. Minimal Light Requirements for Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass Cultivars. 2015. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: M. Chavarria, B. Wherley, A. Chandra, R. Jessup, R. Cabrera, and M. Pendleton. 2015. Utilization of Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy for Elucidating Salinity Tolerance Mechanisms in Warm-Season Turfgrass Species.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: C. Fontanier, J. Aitkenhead-Peterson, B. Wherley, R. White, J. Thomas. 2015. Water Conservation Practices Mitigate NO3-N Exports in Surface Runoff from Lawns. Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies Water Policy Conference.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley, W. Dyer, K. McInnes, J. Thomas. 2015. Evaluating sand capping depth and subsoil influence on fairway performance, irrigation requirements, and drought resistance. Year 2 Progress Report Submitted to USGA Green Section.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley, K. McInnes, *W. Dyer, J. Thomas, and C. Reynolds. 2015. Evaluating sand capping depth and subsoil influence on fairway performance, irrigation requirements, and drought resistance. USGA Turf and Environmental Research Online 14(2).
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Evaluation of foliar applied experimental compounds at shortening bermudagrass dormancy period. A Final Report to Helena, Inc.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Evaluation of Gantec Experimental Fertilizer companion products for enhanced bentgrass fairway quality under reduced N inputs. A Final Report to Gantec, Inc.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, and D. Hargey and. 2015. Performance of Overseeded and Colorant-Treated Bermudagrass Athletic Turf Under Traffic and Water Restrictions. Texas Turfgrass. 3rd Quarter. 6-8.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Evaluation of Bayer experimental fungicide programs on Miniverde bermudagrass performance, health, and root development responses.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. J. Alvarado, R. White, F. Jaber, C. Reynolds, R. Wooley. 2015. Development of a Landscape Irrigation Runoff Mitigation System. Final Report. Submitted to AgriLife/TEES Water Seed Grant Committee.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley, J. Moss, and M. Richardson. 2015. Protocol for evaluating chronic and acute drought stress and water requirements in warm season turf. Submitted by request to National Turfgrass Evaluation Program.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: W. Dyer, B. Wherley, J. Thomas, K. McInnes. 2015. Evaluating Sand Capping Depth and Subsoil Influence on Fairway Performance, Irrigation Requirements, and Drought Resistance. In press. GCM Magazine.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley and J. Alvarado. 2015. Midterm report for Landscape Irrigation Runoff Mitigation System Project. Submitted to Office of Corporate Relations, Texas A&M AgriLife Research. March 2.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: J. Peterson and B. Wherley. 2015. Effects of deficit irrigation and fertilization on Turfgrass Performance and Impacts on Runoff Chemistry over two seasons. A Final Report to Scotts Company.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Civitas programs for best establishment and management of bermudagrass turf. A final report to Suncor, Inc.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: D. Hargey and B. Wherley. 2014. Performance of Overseeded and Colorant-Treated Bermudagrass Athletic Turf Under Traffic and Water Restrictions. Sports Turf Magazine.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: J. Peterson and B. Wherley. 2014. Seasonal runoff of nutrients from turfgrass plots. Midterm progress report to the Scotts Company.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley, W. Dyer, K. McInnes, J. Thomas. 2014. Evaluating sand capping depth and subsoil influence on fairway performance, irrigation requirements, and drought resistance. Year 1 Progress Report Submitted to USGA Green Section.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley and J. Thomas. 2014. Influence of strigolactones on bermudagrass evapotranspiration and response to water deficit. Final Report to Asilomar Bio, Inc.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: J. Peterson and B. Wherley. 2014. Seasonal Losses of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Carbon runoff from St. Augustinegrass. Texas Turfgrass Magazine- 3rd Quarter.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Winter Options for Dormant Athletic Turf. Texas Turf Association. San Antonio, TX. Dec. 15.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Strategies for managing turf in the shade environment. Texas Plant Protection Conference. College Station, TX. Dec. 9.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Landowners workshop turfgrass id and use. October 15. La Grange, TX.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley and D. Hargey. 2015. Fertilizer and Civitas impacts on bermudagrass traffic tolerance. Texas A&M Turfgrass Field Day. October 14.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: Z. Chen and B. Wherley. 2015. Shade tolerance of warm-season turf species and cultivars. Texas A&M Turfgrass Field Day. October 14.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Developing an Irrigation Water Budget for the Texas Golf Course. Texas Turfgrass Assn. Summer Meeting. Galveston, TX. July 19.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Director of the 3-hour 4-H Roundup Turfgrass Workshop at Texas A&M University. June 10.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Texas State Turfgrass Research Report. Southeast Research Exchange Group SERA-IEG 25. Oklahoma City, OK. June 3.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Lawn management practices for the homeowner. TAMU Dallas Lawn Field Day. June 6.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley and P. Raymer. 2015. Update on SCRI turfgrass salinity screening evaluations at College Station. SCRI Summer Meeting. Stillwater, OK. June 4.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: M. Chavarria, B. Wherley, W. Pendleton, and A. Holzenburg. 2015. Leaf Surface Anatomical Responses to Salinity in Four Warm Season Turf Species. TAMU Microscopy Imaging Student Poster Presentation Session.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. What in the world is Turfgrass Science? Brown Bag Lunch Presentation to Mrs. Browns Enrichment 2nd Grade Class at Pebble Creek Elementary. April 17, 2014. Invited.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. What in the world is Turfgrass Science? Brown Bag Lunch Presentation to Mrs. Browns Enrichment 3rd/4th Grade Classes at Pebble Creek Elementary. April 17, 2014. Invited.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Update on the state of the Texas A&M Turfgrass Program- Presentation to the Texas Turfgrass Board. Spring TTA meeting. March 17,2015.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley and J. Young. 2015. Preparing for and managing through water shortages and drought. GCSAA Golf Industry Show 4-hr workshop. San Antonio, TX. Invited
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Overview of the turfgrass ecology program at Texas A&M University. Jacobsen/Textron Turf Managers Field Day. College Station. Feb. 20.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Sandcapping fairways for improving playability and turf health. Jacobsen/Textron Turf Managers Field Day. College Station. Feb. 20.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Dormant overseeding and painting options for bermudagrass under winter traffic and irrigation restrictions. Jacobsen/Textron Turf Managers Field Day. College Station. Feb. 20.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. Efforts to Improve the sustainability of turfgrass systems. Soil and Crop Sciences Seminar. February 11.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2015. BMPs for Native Sod Production. TPT Annual Meeting, Bay City, TX. Jan 20. Invited.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Sandcapping Fairways: Is there more than just piling on the sand? Texas Turfgrass Association Conference. Fort Worth, TX. Dec. 17.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Using ET data to more effectively manage irrigation on the golf course. Texas Turfgrass Association Conference. Fort Worth, TX. Dec. 17.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Organizations and Agencies: -USDA NIFA -Golf Course Superintendents and their Associations (Texas and National- GCSAA, USGA) -Athletic Field Managers and their industry (STMA) -Texas Turfgrass and Landscape Industry -Turfgrass Producers of Texas -Texas Turfgrass Assn -National Turfgrass Evaluation Program -Texas Nursery and Landscape Assn. -Texas County Master Gardeners -Texas Dept. of Agriculture, USDA (specialty crops research initiative) Major Turf and Ornamental Industry partners: -The Scotts Miracle Gro Company -Petro Canada -Bayer Crop Science -Helena, Inc. 35 undergraduate and 4 graduate students in Dept. of Soil & Crop Science Changes/Problems: None to report What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? 1) USDA NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative: Manuel Chavarria (PhD student), Rodrigo Martinez (undergraduate SCSC student) 2) USGA Sandcapping Project ($78,000 over 3 years, 2014-2016): Wes Dyer (MS Student), Jacob Doucet (undergraduate SCSC student) 3) Texas A&M AgriLife/ Texas Engineering Experiment Station Waterseed Project ($250,000 over 2 years, 2014-2015): Junfeng Men (MS Student), Dean Tate (undergraduate Engineering student 4) Scotts Company Runoff Project ($130,000 over 2 years, 2014-2015): Charles Fontanier (PhD student), Nadezda Ojeda (MS student), Hunter Townsend (undergraduate SCSC student), Michael Healey (undergraduate SCSC student) 5) TREEE Winter overseeding vs. colorant application on athletic turf under water restrictions and traffic ($12,000 over 2 years, 2014-2015): Dan Hargey (MS Student), Forest Hagar (undergraduate SCSC student), Kevin Hejl (SCSC undergraduate student) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? International / National Meetings: Crop Science Society of America, Long Beach, CA (Nov. '14) Golf Course Superintendents Assn. of America Meeting, San Antonio, CA (Feb. '14) State Meetings: Arkansas Turfgrass Assn. (Feb. '14) Texas Turfgrass Assn. (Dec. '14) North Texas Golf Course Supts. Assn. (Jan. '14) Numerous state, regional, field day, or workshop presentations as listed in 'presentations' above What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1) USDA NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative ($350,000 over 5 years, 2011-2015): Co-PI with Dr. Ambika Chandra along with collaborators from 5 land-grant institutions. Ongoing research projet ot collaboratively assess drought and salinity tolerance of thousands of experimental lines from the major warm-season turfgrass breeding programs (UF, NCSU, UGA, TAMU, OKST). Have been through 4 years of field screening (~1 acre of irrigated plot space dedicated to project at our field lab), and have advanced two rounds of advanced lines for salinity tolerance screenings. Replicated field trials have been planted to test most promising lines under mowing heights, evaluate recovery from divots, and traffic. Trials will continue through 2015 with goal of releasing top cultivars at the end of project. 2) USGA Sandcapping Project ($78,000 over 3 years, 2014-2016): This project collaborates with soil physics (Dr. McInnes) and seeks to evaluate sandcapping methods, which have gained popularity in golf course construction where effluent, or otherwise low-quality water and heavy soils exist. A 1/2 Acre research fairway has been constructed at the turfgrass research field laboratory with plots that include various sand capping depths and irrigation treatments. Goal of project is to evaluate bermudagrass fairway performance, rooting characteristics, water and salt relations, and subsoil characteristics over a 3-year period under various sandcapping depth x subsoil texture combinations. In the final year, a 60 day drought will be imposed on plots to test survival, recovery characteristics resulting from the soil construction methods. 3) Texas A&M AgriLife/ Texas Engineering Experiment Station Waterseed Project ($250,000 over 2 years, 2014-2015): This project seeks to collaborate with engineering (Jorge Alvarado) and Biological and Ag Engineering (Fouad Jaber) to develop a wireless sensor that will detect and prevent landscape irrigation runoff into streets and storm sewers. Various prototypes have been designed and constructed and are in the field proof-of-concept testing phase. A candidate prototype will be advanced for field testing on our runoff facility during 2015 summer to document water savings and benefit to landscape water capture compared to traditional irrigation or rainout sensor system operation. We are in the process of filing disclosure documentation and hope to attract major industry partners. 4) Scotts Company Runoff Project ($130,000 over 2 years, 2014-2015): This project seeks to collaborate with water quality faculty (Dr. Aitkenhead- Peterson) to evaluate runoff water quantity and quality as influenced by irrigation and nutrient management. Water was collected from natural rain events which were substantial enough to generate runoff, with the second season of data having now been compiled. The first manuscript from the project has been submitted to Journal of Environmental Quality. Future projects building off the current season's projects are in planning phase. 5) TREEE Winter overseeding vs. colorant application on athletic turf under water restrictions and traffic ($12,000 over 2 years, 2014-2015): This project evaluates colorant applications versus overseeding for winter quality and traffic tolerance under 0, 0.5, and 1 days per week irrigation regimes corresponding with Stage 2,3, and 4 water restricitons in the region. The study will provide practical information useful to practitioners and municipalities facing fall/winter/spring water restrictions and allow them to make more informed decisions about overseeding or colorant applications on their facilities.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Research Update from Texas A&M College Station to the USDA SCRI Research Group. SCRI Summer Meeting. Gainesville, FL. May 28.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Gadgets and Tools and Gadgets Every Turf Manager Should Know About. Texas A&M AgriLife Turf and Landscape Expo Industry Day. Dallas, TX. May 16.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley and D. Genovesi. 2014. AgriLife Turfgrass Varieties for Use in the Landscape. Texas A&M AgriLife Turf and Landscape Expo Industry Day- Turf Track. Dallas,TX. May 16.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: M. Chavarria, B. Wherley, A. Chandra, L. Nelson. 2014. Evaluation of Warm-Season Turfgrasses for Salinity Tolerance. Texas A&M AgriLife Turf and Landscape Expo Industry Day. Poster. Dallas, TX. May 16.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: D. Hargey, B. Wherley, A. Chandra, and C. Reynolds. 2014. Cultural Effects on St. Augustinegrass Sod Rooting During a 35-Day Water Variance Period. Texas A&M AgriLife Turf and Landscape Expo Industry Day. Poster. Dallas, TX. May 16.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: A. Chandra, B. Wherley, and C. Reynolds. 2014. Hands-on Turfgrass Selection and Management. Texas A&M AgriLife Turf and Landscape Expo Homeowner Day. Poster. Dallas, TX. May 16.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: J. Thomas, B. Wherley, R. White, J. Peterson, C. Fontanier. 2014. Design and Construction of a New Urban Runoff Facility at Texas A&M. Texas A&M AgriLife Turf and Landscape Expo Homeowner Day. Poster. Dallas, TX. May 16.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. What in the world is Turfgrass Science? Brown Bag Lunch Presentation to Mrs. Browns Enrichment 2nd Grade Class at Pebble Creek Elementary. March 7, 2014.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. What in the world is Turfgrass Science? Brown Bag Lunch Presentation to Mrs. Browns Enrichment 3rd/4th Grade Classes at Pebble Creek Elementary. March 7, 2014.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Irrigating to reduce off site movement of pesticides. North Texas GCSA Golf Turf Workshop. Dallas, TX. Feb. 25th.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Nutrient effects on weed control efficacy. North Texas GCSA Golf Turf Workshop. Dallas, TX. Feb. 25th.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Managing shaded turf on the golf course. North Texas GCSA Golf Turf Workshop. Dallas, TX. Feb. 25th.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Golf Course IPM tactics for weed control. North Texas GCSA Golf Turf Workshop. Dallas, TX. Feb. 25th.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Interpreting Turf Pesticide Labels. North Texas GCSA Golf Turf Workshop. Dallas, TX. Feb. 25th.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley and J. Young. 2014. Preparing for and managing through water shortages and drought. GCSAA Golf Industry Show 4-hr workshop. Orlando, FL. Invited
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Nutrient management and fertilizer calculations. Texas A&M Turf Ecology Short Course. Memorial Student Center. College Station, TX. Jan 28.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Irrigation scheduling calculations. Texas A&M Turf Ecology Short Course. Memorial Student Center. College Station, TX. Jan 28.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Zoysia vs. Bermuda: How do I choose? University of Arkansas Turfgrass Association Annual Meeting- Lawn section. Jan 23rd. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Tips for managing shaded lawns. University of Arkansas Turfgrass Association Annual Meeting- Lawn section. Jan 23rd. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Tips for managing turf in the shade. University of Arkansas Turfgrass Association Annual Meeting- Parks and sports turf section. Jan 23rd. Invited.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley, J. Heitholt, A. Chandra, P. Skulkaew. 2014. Supplemental irrigation requirements for zoysiagrass and bermudagrass cultivars. Crop Sci 54(4): 1823-1831.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: C. Fontanier, J.A. Peterson, B. Wherley, J. Thomas, and R. White. 2014. Nitrogen losses from St. Augustinegrass lawn turf: Fertility x irrigation interactions. TWRI Water Days.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: C. Fontanier, B. Wherley, J. Peterson, J. Thomas, and R. White. 2014. Positive feedback mechanisms of deficit irrigation promote soil moisture retention, water conservation, and runoff mitigation. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: C. Fontanier, J.A. Peterson, B. Wherley, J. Thomas, and R. White. 2014. Nitrogen losses from St. Augustinegrass lawn turf: Fertility x irrigation interactions. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: L. Nelson, A. Chandra, B. Wherley, G. Miller, S. Milla-Lewis, K. Kenworthy, P. Raymer, B. Schwartz, and Y. Wu. 2014. Turf quality and transition of annual and intermediate ryegrass lines in southern USA in 2011-2012. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: M. Chavarria, B. Wherley, A. Chandra, L. Nelson, and P. Raymer. 2014. Evaluation of salinity tolerance in warm season turfgrass species and experimental lines. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: D. Hargey, B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, and R. White. 2014. Evaluation of winter overseeding vs. colorants under drought stress and traffic. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: D. Hargey, B. Wherley, A. Chandra, J. Thomas. 2014. Effects of mowing and plant growth regulator on St. Augustinegrass sod establishement during a 35-day water variance period. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Sandcapping Fairways: Is there more than just piling on the sand? Texas Turfgrass Association Conference. Fort Worth, TX. Dec. 17.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Using ET data to more effectively manage irrigation on the golf course. Texas Turfgrass Association Conference. Fort Worth, TX. Dec. 17.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley and M. Teel. 2014. The Turfgrass Science Degree at Texas A&M University. Snook High School. October 23, 2014.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley, K. McInnes, and D. Dyer. 2014. The basics of sandcapping for fairways. Lone Star GCSA Education Field Day. College Station, TX. Sept. 22
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Using ET-based irrigation for golf course fairways. Lone Star GCSA Education Field Day. College Station, TX. Sept. 22.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: T. Sinclair, B. Wherley, and M. Dukes. 2014. Penman's sink-strength model as an improved approach to estimating canopy transpiration. J. Ag Forest Meteorology 197: 136-141.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: A. Chandra, J. Fry, M. Engelke, A. Genovesi, B. Wherley, J. Reinert, S. Metz, Q. Zhang, and D. Okeyo. 2014. Registration of 'Chisolm' zoysiagrass. J Plant Reg 9(1):21-26.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley, J. Thomas, J.A. Peterson, R. White, K. McInnis, and C. Fontanier. 2014. Design and construction of an urban runoff research facility. J Vis Exp (90), e51540, doi:10.3791/51540.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Research field tour: Nutrient runoff project update. TAMU/Scotts JMC Meeting. College Station, TX. July 28.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Research field tour: EZ Seed St. Augustine patching project update. TAMU/Scotts JMC Meeting. College Station, TX. July 28.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Tips for managing shaded turf on the golf course. University of Arkansas Turfgrass Association Annual Meeting- Golf section. Jan 22nd. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Fertilizer Use Efficiency in Sod Production. TPT Annual Meeting. Bay City, TX. Jan 14.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: D. Hargey and B. Wherley. 2014. Performance of Overseeded and Colorant-Treated Bermudagrass Athletic Turf Under Traffic and Water Restrictions. Sports Turf Magazine.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: J. Peterson and B. Wherley. 2014. Seasonal runoff of nutrients from turfgrass plots. Midterm progress report to the Scotts Company.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley, W. Dyer, K. McInnes, J. Thomas. 2014. Evaluating sand capping depth and subsoil influence on fairway performance, irrigation requirements, and drought resistance. Year 1 Progress Report Submitted to USGA Green Section.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley and J. Thomas. 2014. Influence of strigolactones on bermudagrass evapotranspiration and response to water deficit. Final Report to Asilomar Bio, Inc.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: J. Peterson and B. Wherley. 2014. Seasonal Losses of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Carbon runoff from St. Augustinegrass. Texas Turfgrass Magazine- 3rd Quarter.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: K. Ledbetter and B. Wherley. 2014. Keeping the landscape in shape; theres an app or device for that. AgriLife Communications Release.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Impact of Soil P and K Levels and Additional Surface Applications on Sod Establishment. The Pallet. p.4.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: J. Peterson, B. Wherley, C. Fontanier, R. White. 2014. Runoff Quality as affected by irrigation level and annual fertilizer application amount. Report to TREEE.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: C. Fontanier, B. Wherley, R. White. 2014. Irrigation and rainfall capture and runoff in response to deficit irrigation management of St. Augustinegrass. Report to TREEE.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: C. Reynolds and B. Wherley. 2014. Spring Transition of Warm-Season Turfgrasses. Texas Turfgrass Magazine.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hejl, R. and B. Wherley. 2014. Deficit irrigation and traffic influence turf performance and quality. In: Super Science. Golfdom Magazine. In press.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Impact of Soil P and K Levels and Additional Surface Applications on Sod Establishment. A Final Report to Turfgrass Producers of Texas.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley. 2014. Influence of Civitas Applications on zoysiagrass fairways under decreasing irrigation and nitrogen. A Final Report to Suncor, Inc.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley and J. Thomas. 2014. Influence of Civitas Applications on bermudagrass under stress from golf course traffic. A Final Report to Suncor, Inc.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: B. Wherley and R. Jessup, and J. Thomas 2014.Determining best management practices for sod production of native grass mixtures. A Final Report to Texas Dept. of Agriculture.


Progress 10/09/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Organizations and Agencies: -Golf Course Superintendents Associations (Texas and Nationall- GCSAA, USGA) -Texas Turfgrass and Landscape Industry -Turfgrass Producers of Texas -Texas Turfgrass Assn -National Turfgrass Evaluation Program -Texas Nursery and Landscape Assn. -Texas County Master Gardeners -Texas Dept. of Agriculture, USDA (specialty crops research initiative) Major Turf and Ornamental Industry partners: -The Scotts Miracle Gro Company -Bayer Crop Science -FMC, Inc. -Exacto, Inc. -Petro-Canada -Organic Nevada 30 undergraduate and 4 graduate students within the Dept. of Soil and Crop Science Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? GCSAA EIFG Project -M.S. Student- Reagan Hejl, who will defend in January 2014 -Undergraduate turfgrass science major student researchers- Timothy Pepper and Andrew Malis, both who have since graduated in 2013. Scotts Projects (Runoff and Bioherbicide Projects) Charles Fontanier (PhD student) Jonathon Smith (MS student) Undergraduate turfgrass science major student researcher- Michael Healey USDA SCRI Project Manuel Sanchez (PhD student with emphasis in salinity tolerance of grasses) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Presentations National Meetings: American Society of Agronomy, Tampa, FL (Nov '13) Golf Course Supts. Assn. of America Meeting, San Diego, CA (Feb '13) Southern Weed Science Society, Houston, TX (Jan '13) State Meetings: Texas Turfgrass Assn. Meetings, Arlington TX (July '13) and Dallas, TX (Nov. '13) Central TX Golf Course Supts. Meeting, Austin, TX, Jan '13 ~20 state or regional meetings/conferences ranging from master gardener groups to grounds conferences (listed in 'presentations' section above) What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? -Continue to successfully guide and manage ongoing projects, while pursuing new funding opportunities in these areas -Publish results in peer-reviewed journals, and extend results where possible through state and national meetings and outreach events.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Major Research Projects 1) GCSAA Environmental Institute for Golf-Funded Chapter BMP Project ($24,500 over 2 yrs): Collaboration with Dr. Richard White (SCSC). Wrapped up the second season of this project and submitted final report to project sponsor. Results of the project have been presented at multiple state (TTA, CTGCSA) and national (ASA) meetings to provide golf course superintendents with critical information neccesary for achieving better water conservation in management of bermudagrass fairways on golf courses. Will be presenting a workshop at the 2014 GCSAA Annual Meeting on Water Conservation that will share many of the findings to golf course superintendents. Manuscript is nearly ready for submitting to Agronomy Journal or Crop Science. Two trade magazine articles were generated. 2) Turfgrass Producers of Texas- Funded 2-yr Nutrient Management Project ($15,000 over 2 yrs): Collaboration with Dr. Sam Feagley (SCSC). Completed field and greenhouse projects aimed at providing turfgrass producers with information on minimal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium requirements as they relate to TAMU soil testing laboratory results. Found that injecting fertilizer N rather than granular applied surface applications saved nearly 2/3 the amount of N fertilizer with only minor delays in turfgrass regrowth. Determined that surface applications of P were not beneficial when soil testing revealed adequecy in soil levels already exist. Results presented at the 2013 TPT Annual Meeting, Bay City, TX as well as Texas Turfgrass Meeting, Dallas, TX. 3) Texas Dept. of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant 1-yr project ($85,100 over 1 yr): Collaboration with Dr. Russell Jessup (SCSC). Constructed a native grass research area at the Texas A&M Turfgrass Field Lab. Determined best management practices for growing in native grass mixutres for sod production, and compared the irrigation and mowing requirements to those of bermudagrass. Also evaluated herbicide tolerance to numerous commonly used pre- and post-emergence herbicides, applied both granularly and liquid based. Presented findings at multiple field days and local and state meetings (master gardeners, Texas Turfgrass Assn Meeting, SE TX Grounds Managers Conf.) Met all quarterly report deadlines. 4)Scotts Company- Funded Landscape Runoff Research ($95,000 over 2 yrs): Collaboration with Dr. Jacqui Peterson (SCSC). Evaluated water quality leaving turfgrass systems as rainfall or irrigation runoff. Work was conducted during sod establishment phase (fall 2012) as well as in established turf systems (spring-fall 2013). Determined that fertilizer nutrients posed minimal threat to the environment, and that dissolved organic nitrogen sources of N eminating from decomposing clippings played a much larger role in N losses than originally thought. Largest losses of phosphorus occured with heavy rainfall events (>2"), but were minimal when due to irrigatoin water. Results were presented at state (TTA) and national (ASA) meetings. Two manuscripts are in prep, one for submission to J Env. Quality and the other to Biogeochemistry. 5) USDA SCRI Breeding for Drought and Salinity Tolerant Turfgrasses (~$250,000 over 5 yrs): Co-PI with Dr. Ambika Chandra along with collaborators from 5 land-grant institutions. Ongoing research project to collaboratively assess drought and salinity tolerance of thousands of experimental lines from the major warm-season turfgrass breeding programs (UF, NCSU, UGA, TAMU, OKST). Have been through 2-yrs of field drought screening (~1 acre of space currently devoted to this at our field lab), and have advanced 35 of these drought-resistant experimental lines for salinity screening in the greenhouse. Field and greenhouse trials will continue through 2015 with the goal of releasing top cultivar(s) at end of project. The group met in Griffin GA in August to plan and discuss progress made. 6) Scotts Company Natural Bioherbicide Research (~$13,500 over 2 yrs): Determined needed application rates, weed control spectrum, turfgrass tolerance, and cultural management practices for effective use of bioherbicide Phoma macrostoma, being developed by the Scotts Company. One manuscript has been accepted by Journal of Biopesticides and Biofertilizers. Thesis has also been recently completed on the project by Jonathon Smith.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Nitrogen source, rate, and application methods impact sod regrowth. Turfgrass Producers of Texas Annual Meeting. Jan 22. Bay City, TX. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Making the most efficient use of water on the golf course, in good times and bad. Central Texas GCSA Winter Meeting. Jan 14. Buda, TX. Invited.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Design of Lysimeter for Turfgrass Water Use. In: Evapotranspiration: Principles and Applications for Water Management. Eds. Megh R Goyal and Eric W Harmsen. Apple Academic Press. In press.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Water Conservation for Turfgrass. In: Evapotranspiration: Principles and Applications for Water Management. Eds. Megh R Goyal and Eric W Harmsen. Apple Academic Press. In press.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley, R. White, J. Thomas, C. Fontanier, J. Smith, and R. Hejl. 2012. Management and Culture for Sustainable Turfgrass. In: Earthkind Principles. Ed. Mengmeng Gu. In press.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: T. Sinclair, B. Wherley, and M. Dukes. 2013. Transpiration: Moving from semi-empirical approaches to first principles. Agronomy Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: C. Fontanier, R. White, J. Peterson, and B. Wherley. 2013. Drought-Induced Canopy Effects on Surface Runoff from St. Augustinegrass Lawns. Agronomy Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: J. Smith, B. Wherley, R. White, P. Baumann, and S. Sensemen. 2013. Evaluation of Phoma macrostoma for preemergence weed control in bermudagrass. Agronomy Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: J.Smith, B. Wherley, R. White, P. Baumann, and S. Sensement. 2013. Evaluation of weed control of Phoma macrostoma in warm-season turf. Agronomy Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: R. Hejl, B. Wherley, R. White, J. Thomas, and C. Fontanier. 2013. Irrigation and Traffic Stress influence bermudagrass fairway quality. Agronomy Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: R. Hejl, B. Wherley, R. White. 2013. Water quality and growth regulator effects on bermudagrass managed under irrigation stress. Agronomy Abstracts. B. Wherley, J. Peterson, R. White, J. Thomas, C. Fontanier, and P. Dwyer. 2013. Nitrogen and Phosphorus runoff during St. Augustinegrass sod establishment. Agronomy Abstracts. J. Thomas, B. Wherley, J. Peterson, R. White, and C. Fontanier. 2013. A new urban runoff research facility at Texas A&M University. Agronomy Abstracts. J. Smith, B. Wherley, R. White, P. Baumann, and S. Senseman. 2013. Evaluation of Weed Control Spectrum of Canadian Bioherbicide. Southern Weed Science Society Meeting abstract. L. Nissen, Y. Jo, and B. Wherley. 2013. Large patch activity in zoysiagrass in response to irrigation, nitrogen, and Civitas applications. Southern Div. of American Phytopathological Society Abstract.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: R. Hejl, B. Wherley, R. White. 2013. Water quality and growth regulator effects on bermudagrass managed under irrigation stress. Agronomy Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley, J. Peterson, R. White, J. Thomas, C. Fontanier, and P. Dwyer. 2013. Nitrogen and Phosphorus runoff during St. Augustinegrass sod establishment. Agronomy Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: J. Thomas, B. Wherley, J. Peterson, R. White, and C. Fontanier. 2013. A new urban runoff research facility at Texas A&M University. Agronomy Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: J. Smith, B. Wherley, R. White, P. Baumann, and S. Senseman. 2013. Evaluation of Weed Control Spectrum of Canadian Bioherbicide. Southern Weed Science Society Meeting abstract.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: L. Nissen, Y. Jo, and B. Wherley. 2013. Large patch activity in zoysiagrass in response to irrigation, nitrogen, and Civitas applications. Southern Div. of American Phytopathological Society Abstract.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley, A. Chandra, A. Genovesi, M. Kearns, T. Pepper, and J. Thomas. 2013. Developmental Response of St. Augustinegrass Cultivars and Experimental Lines to Moderate and Heavy Shade. HortSci 48(8): 1047-1051
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wherley, B. 2013. Evaluation of Exacto wetting agent chemistry formulations on bermudagrass under deficit irrigation and salinity. A Final Report to Exacto, Inc. Wherley, B., R. Hejl, R. White, and J. Thomas. 2013. Deficit Irrigation Programs for Water Conservation in Bermudagrass Fairways. A Project Summary to the United States Golf Assn. Wherley, B., R. Hejl, R. White, and J. Thomas. 2013. Deficit Irrigation Programs for Water Conservation in Bermudagrass Fairways. A Final Report to the GCSAA EIFG. R. Cabrera, K. Wagner, B. Wherley, and L. Lee. 2013. Urban Landscape Water Use in Texas: A special report by the Texas Water Resources Institute. TWRI EM-116. A. Chandra,Y. Wu, D. Genovesi, and B. Wherley. 2013. Breeding for Improved Abiotic and Biotic Stress Resistance in St. Augustinegrass with Wider Adaptation across the southern United States. In Press. The Pallet. McFarland, M., T. Provin, L. Redmon, D. Boellstorff, A. McDonald, L. Stein, and B. Wherley. 2013. Salinity and Boron Tolerance of Common Native and Introduced Plant Species. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Publication # XXXXX. In prep. B. Wherley and C. Anthony. 2013. Using historical ET as a guide to watering your Brazos county lawn. Garden Sense column. The Eagle Newspaper. Bryan-College Station TX. In prep. B. Wherley. 2013. Deficit Irrigation Programs for Bermudagrass Fairways in Texas. GCSAA Environmental Institute for Golf Project- Annual Report. May 1. B. Wherley and R. Jessup. 2013. Determining BMPs for Native Sod Mixutres. TDA Specialty Crop Block Grant- Midterm Report. May 1. B. Wherley. 2013. Why summer is the best time to feed a Southern lawn. Scotts Company May 2013 Texas Consumer Announcement. B. Wherley. 2013. Efficient and economical nitrogen application strategies for sod production. The Pallet (publication of the Turfgrass Producers of Texas). April. B. Wherley. 2013. Soil N depletion and turf quality response to NutriLife treated PCSU fertilizer on bermudagrass. A report to Agricen Sciences, Inc. B. Wherley. 2013. Exacto experimental products influence on St. Augustinegrass quality and soil health. A report to Hanson & Associates. B. Wherley. 2013. Aquatrols SWQ Influence on turf quality, soil salinity, and soil water retention. A report to Aquatrols, Inc. B. Wherley. 2013. Zoysiagrass Fairway Quality Response to Civitas Applications Under Decreasing Nitrogen and Irrigation. A report to Suncor, Inc. B. Wherley, R. Cabrera, T. Pannkuk, C. Campos. 2013. Effects of elevated application rates of MAT28 products on potted ornamental plants in Texas. A report to The Scotts Company.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: R. Cabrera, K. Wagner, and B. Wherley. 2013. An evaluation of urban landscape water use in Texas. Texas Water Journal 4(2): 14-27.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley, T. Pannkuk, R. Cabrera, and C. Campos. 2013. Off-Target Injury to Southern adapted ornamentals following aminocyclopyrachlor application. J. Env. Hort. 31(3):189-193.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: K. Steinke, J.C. Thomas, R.H. White, D.R. Chalmers, C.H. Fontanier, B. Wherley. 2013. Lateral Spread of Three Warm Season Turfgrass Species as Affected by Prior Water Stress and Root Zone Depth. HortSci 48(6): 790-795.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Fontanier, C., J. Aitkenhead-Peterson, R. White, B. Wherley. 2013. Drought-induced canopy effects on surface runoff from St. Augustinegrass lawns (poster). Texas Plant Protection Conference. Bryan,TX. Dec 10-11.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: J. Smith, B. Wherley, R. White, P. Baumann, and S. Sensemen. 2013. Evaluation of Phoma macrostoma for preemergence weed control in bermudagrass (poster). Texas Plant Protection Conference. Bryan,TX. Dec 10-11.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: R. Hejl, B. Wherley, R. White, J. Thomas, and C. Fontanier. 2013. Irrigation Water Quality and Growth Regulators influence Bermudagrass Quality under drought stress (poster). Texas Plant Protection Conference. Bryan,TX. Dec 10-11.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. How low can you go with N, P, and K for successful turf establishment? Texas Turfgrass Assn. Winter Meeting. Dallas, TX. Nov. 12.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Are there products that help save water during drought? Texas Turfgrass Assn. Winter Meeting. Dallas, TX. Nov. 12.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Civitas Benefits in Drought and Traffic Stress. Civitas University 101. Tampa Marriott Waterside. Tampa, FL. Nov. 2nd. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B . Wherley. 2013. Species selection workshop for New Landowners. Fayette County AgriLife Extension Workshop. Fayetteville, TX. Oct. 18
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Resource Efficient Lawncare. 20th Annual Montgomery County Grounds Maintenance Conference. Conroe, TX. Oct. 17.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Sustainable Lawncare Workshop. Ft. Bend County Master Gardeners Workshop. Rosenberg, TX. Oct. 16. B. Wherley. 2013. The Basics of Texas Lawncare. 1-hr interview on Doug Welshs Garden Success Radio Program. KAMU. Sept. 26. B. Wherley. 2013. Efficient use of irrigation in the landscape. Brazos County Master Gardeners Training. Aug. 20. Invited. A.Chandra, B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, and D. Genovesi. 2013. Field Day Introduction of DALSA0605 to the Turfgrass Producers of Texas. Wittig Turf Farm. Boling, TX. Aug. 14. Invited. B. Wherley. 2013. Update on the SCRI project at College Station Texas. SCRI Summer Meeting. Griffin, GA. Aug. 1. Invited. B. Wherley. 2013. Selecting the best-suited grass species for your Texas landscape. Texas Turfgrass Assn. Summer Meeting. July 7. Arlington, TX. Invited. B. Wherley. 2013. Cultural strategies for successful turf establishment. Texas Turfgrass Assn. Summer Meeting. July 7. Arlington, TX. Invited. B. Wherley. 2013. Making the most efficient use of water: In good times and bad. Texas Turfgrass Assn. Summer Meeting. July 7. Arlington, TX. Invited. B. Wherley. 2013. Current and emerging turfgrass and landscape issues in Texas. Interview with Lawn and Landscape Magazine writer Jason Stahl. July 1, 2013. B. Wherley. 2013. Turfgrass Ecology Program Research Highlights. SEC Sports Turf Managers Field Day. June 19. College Station, TX. B. Wherley, R. White, T. Pepper, and C. Potts. 2013. Introduction of Texas A&M turfgrass science program to area middle schoolers at Kyle Field. May 22. B. Wherley. 2013. Opportunities for improved water use-efficiency in home lawns. Texas Water Star Conference. Harris/ Ft. Bend Counties, TX. May 17. Invited. B.Wherley. 2013. County Extension Agent Turf Field Day. Texas A&M Turf Field Lab. April 24. B. Wherley. 2013. Sustainable Turf Management Lawn Practices: Establishment, Species Selection, and Fertilization, and Irrigation. 5 hour Brazos County Master Gardener Training Short Course. Brazos County, TX. April 11. Invited. B. Wherley. 2013. Tools, Tips, and Tactics for Managing through drought and water shortages. GCSAA Golf Industry Show. San Diego, CA. Feb. 7. Invited. B. Wherley. 2013. Nitrogen source, rate, and application methods impact sod regrowth. Turfgrass Producers of Texas Annual Meeting. Jan 22. Bay City, TX. Invited. B. Wherley. 2013. Making the most efficient use of water on the golf course, in good times and bad. Central Texas GCSA Winter Meeting. Jan 14. Buda, TX. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Sustainable Lawncare Workshop. Ft. Bend County Master Gardeners Workshop. Rosenberg, TX. Oct. 16.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. The Basics of Texas Lawncare. 1-hr interview on Doug Welshs Garden Success Radio Program. KAMU. Sept. 26.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Efficient use of irrigation in the landscape. Brazos County Master Gardeners Training. Aug. 20. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: A.Chandra, B. Wherley, C. Reynolds, and D. Genovesi. 2013. Field Day Introduction of DALSA0605 to the Turfgrass Producers of Texas. Wittig Turf Farm. Boling, TX. Aug. 14. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Update on the SCRI project at College Station Texas. SCRI Summer Meeting. Griffin, GA. Aug. 1. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Selecting the best-suited grass species for your Texas landscape. Texas Turfgrass Assn. Summer Meeting. July 7. Arlington, TX. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Cultural strategies for successful turf establishment. Texas Turfgrass Assn. Summer Meeting. July 7. Arlington, TX. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Making the most efficient use of water: In good times and bad. Texas Turfgrass Assn. Summer Meeting. July 7. Arlington, TX. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Current and emerging turfgrass and landscape issues in Texas. Interview with Lawn and Landscape Magazine writer Jason Stahl. July 1, 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Turfgrass Ecology Program Research Highlights. SEC Sports Turf Managers Field Day. June 19. College Station, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley, R. White, T. Pepper, and C. Potts. 2013. Introduction of Texas A&M turfgrass science program to area middle schoolers at Kyle Field. May 22.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Opportunities for improved water use-efficiency in home lawns. Texas Water Star Conference. Harris/ Ft. Bend Counties, TX. May 17. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B.Wherley. 2013. County Extension Agent Turf Field Day. Texas A&M Turf Field Lab. April 24.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Sustainable Turf Management Lawn Practices: Establishment, Species Selection, and Fertilization, and Irrigation. 5 hour Brazos County Master Gardener Training Short Course. Brazos County, TX. April 11. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: B. Wherley. 2013. Tools, Tips, and Tactics for Managing through drought and water shortages. GCSAA Golf Industry Show. San Diego, CA. Feb. 7. Invited.