This is the presentation given at the LTA Conference in Baton Rouge on January 6, 2011, which covers the identification and management of common diseases affecting warm-season southern turfgrasses in Louisiana.

A good sports field doesn’t just happen. Even well constructed fields will be worn out if over used or abused.To better sustain your current turf surface this year, manage these prime considerations.

Layering of very different soil types creates root problems. If you can, always avoid sodding a sand-based root-zone area with native-soil-based sod.

Our warm-season grasses don’t like low temperatures. Some may show off colors because of chilling injury. Don't confuse this with disease and don't make it worse.

A general overview calendar of Bermuda grass maintenance options for athletic turf managers.

From Saturday night in Tiger Stadium to golf courses, lawns, cemeteries, sod farms, airports, roadsides and parks, turfgrasses provide environmental, economic, recreational, employment, health, safety and aesthetic benefits to Louisiana.

The analysis or "formula" listed on the fertilizer bags tells you what is inside. This information lets you apply the proper amount of fertilizer.

The soil's pH (acidity level) is a basic foundation of soil fertility and productivity. It is 'step one' in plant production.

Soil salts affect turf mostly by withholding moisture from plant tissues. They may also compete for uptake of nutrient ions. Try these suggestions to manage a soil salinity situation.

Mowing in the morning will give a longer time of high quality play during hours of play than mowing in afternoon or evening because of the way grass grows.

It takes some knowledge and research to select turfgrass species and varieties that are adapted to your site and that will perform well under their intended use and time of planting.

Sports turf grown on a sand-based root zone requires special attention since it is sand and not soil. This management is more like a hydroponic culture.

A properly constructed and maintained playing surface is an important component of the overall athletic facility. This publication includes information on the construction and maintence of athletic field turfgrass. (PDF format only)

Soil compaction and lack of aeration are death on turf.

Whether renovating your field or planting a new one, a good, strong start is the key to success.

Several useful and applicable reference articles for sod farming.

The turfgrass cover on playing fields definitely affects the play of the game. Field speed, ball roll and safety are all very much related to the turf condition. An attractive field is inspirational to the team and a pleasure to watch play on.

Phosphorus (P) is a major essential nutrient in plants and soils, but is often eyed as an element of concern. Following our BMPs for P fertilization should yield adequate growth, color and pest resistance without harmful pressures on our water’s quality.

The chemical analysis of a soil sample has been worked out and calibrated so that the numbers reported mean something useful to the client. However, the results are only as good as the sample is representative of the area and crop’s root zone.

Although the earth’s crust is about 5% iron (Fe), we still see iron deficiency in plants. This may be because of a problem with the plant roots, soil and/or environment. This publication includes tips on how to care for your turfgrass. (PDF Format Only)

Louisiana sod farm situation for 2008.

A lawn that’s properly cared for and healthy will resist weeds and other pest problems. Following the best management practices (BMPs) in this publication should help keep your lawn in good condition.

A properly designed and operated irrigation system will ensure that the critical factor of soil moisture will be there to sustain healthy plant growth.

Increased emphasis on safer sports turf has evolved greatly over the past years. About 20 years ago, two-thirds of reported sports injuries occurred on practice fields. Those fields were less maintained than game fields.

Two-thirds to three-quarters of the golf game is affected by the green; thus your first dollars should go toward a well-performing green.

Areas that receive a lot of traffic usually become compacted. Soil particles are packed closer together, creating a root zone where there is little air, poor percolation of water and a tough medium for roots to grow in. The most effective form of relief for a compacted lawn is core aerification.

There are several things that will give all athletic fields success in keeping adequate turf cover on the field. Simply put, you must grow grass, avoid wearing it out and don’t have a mud pit.

Numbers and lines on turfgrass are best applied with specially formulated turf paints. These materials are not toxic to leaf blades and allow them to breathe.

Poa infestations are usually combated with herbicides. Several options exist with preemergence herbicides applied in the early fall for Poa control on golf courses that will not be overseeded. However, most of these herbicides are not labeled for golf greens.

The good mowing practices are okay with most lawns and tall-cut turf. Tall cut grass often has more abuse tolerance by nature of more leaf area and more root mass. Low-cut turf does not have these extended benefits to draw from and requires the best mowing practices to sustain decent quality.

Some sand bunkers are a nightmare to maintain. The structural stability of sand on a slope is a function of slope, type of sand and the amount of water. Knowledge of the following principles will show you where your problem lies and suggest what to do about it.

Gray leaf spot occurs on a wide range of turfgrasses throughout the United States. In Louisiana, it is most commonly seen on St. Augustine grass but occasionally can be a problem for Bermuda grass or centipede grass as well. This publication describes how to identify and manage this disease. (PDF Format Only)

Interest in commercial sod production has risen because of increased demand for an instant turf by many building contractors and their customers. This publication discusses basic cultural practices and equipment required to produce quality sod. (PDF Only - Rev 04/08)

Many people think that grass just grows and grows and you can’t wear it out. The truth is that most fields are over used and under maintained. Assessing wear also helps with field maintenance schedules and budgets.

Bermudagrass sod is a tough, fine-textured, aggressive, warm-season turf that's just perfect for a pretty lawn or well-performing athletic turf. It does not tolerate shade, so overhangs and trees are a big problem.

All warm-season grasses can thrive in Louisiana. This collection of photos and descriptions can help the home gardener select the right species.

Managing nematodes in golf greens is quickly going to change over the next two years. The current nematicide that is being use is being phased out.

To harvest an acre of sod on a sod farm will require more than an acre to be cut because it is virtually impossible to harvest all the grass as a saleable item. Losses will come from several sources.

Some people believe a turfgrass sod farm will eventually look like a strip mine because top soil is depleted with each harvest.

In mid-April it’s time to do two things – pay taxes and fertilize your lawn. If you’ve already taken care of the taxes, now you should decide whether or not to fertilize your lawn.

There is a lot of play on the skinned areas of a ball field. Proper maintenance is required for safety and quality play.

The term ‘topdressing’ is used for both the material used and the process of adding a thin layer of material to the surface of a sod or seed bed.

Large patch (formerly called brown patch) is the most common disease of warm-season turfgrasses in Louisiana. This article describes the disease and how to manage it. (PDF Format Only)

Knowing what is in your soil and what it needs is a basic and first step to a good crop and plant health. This off-season time is a good time to get this information and find the products you will require.

St. Augustine disease is a virus disease that affects St. Augustine grass across the Gulf States. This fact sheet describes the disease and how to mange it. Color photos are included. (PDF Format Only)

A simple but accurate way of checking the output of your sprayer is the H 128 method of sprayer calibration.

The green industry is the production, sale and maintenance of ornamental plants and related products. The purpose of this study was to estimate the impact of the green industry on Louisiana’s economy. (PDF format only)

(Distributed 7/25/03) Sometimes you must pick up lawn waste or trash that can include leaves, pine needles and grass clippings as well as twigs, seed pods from trees, pine cones and other debris. There are tools designed for such jobs, says LSU AgCenter engineer Dr. Richard Parish.

All grasses should be "brought back" in April. A good strong start helps prevent weed establishment.

If you overseeded your lawn or athletic fields last fall, you should help your turf out of that "fix," says LSU Agricultural Center horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. The warm-season grass will be trying to re-establish itself as the cool-season, overseeded grass grows strong.

If handled the wrong way, centipede lawns can develop a lethal syndrome.

(Distributed January 2004) In January and February, outdoor gardening activities are limited. Why not prepare for spring?

Mushrooms in lawns and moldy foods can be health hazards for your dogs, according to LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Steve Nicholson.

Maintaining good Bermudagrass turf primarily includes adequate fertility, mowing and weed control, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed May 2004) A recent Florida study showed that a sodded St. Augustine lawn, even on a sandy soil with 10 percent slope, was very effective in retaining the applied N (nitrogen). Sod was fertilized with a standard 1 pound. N/1000 square feet. every other month during the growing season. Researchers found less than 2 percent of the applied N was lost as leaching down through that soil. This loss occurred essentially with fresh applications and higher rainfall.

As we move into August, heat and humidity make you think twice before working outdoors. In wet summers, the extra turf growth and extra mowing also may squelch your enthusiasm. But spending less time in your yard could lead to a loss of general soil fertility.

(Distributed 7/25/03) Does your lawn have ruts or stripes caused by mower tires? Have you ever envied the beautiful checkerboard and diagonal patterns on golf greens and sports fields? You can counteract the ruts and improve the look of your lawn with a little forethought and change in your mowing patterns, according to LSU AgCenter engineer Dr. Richard Parish.

(Distributed 7/25/03) Fertilization is one way to promote rapid recovery of worn turf areas on athletic fields. But time is running short to restore the grass, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.