Preventative, IPM, and Organic Management Systems for Schools and Municipalities. Definitions are important. Definitions are important

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1 Preventative, IPM, and Organic Management Systems for Schools and Municipalities Example turf management approaches to be discussed today Calendar-based preventative & curative inputs Integrated Pest Management Synthetic pesticide free; allow synthetic fertilizers Organic Management Brad Park, Rutgers University STMA 25 th Conference & Exhibition January 24, 2014 Definitions are important Definitions are important Calendar-based preventative & curative inputs Large complexes: One size fits all programs Difficult to be site specific Product and timing based Can be annually budgeted; Public bid (July 1 June 30) One size fits all programs for numerous turf properties May lack site specificity resulting in unneeded applications Can provide acceptable turf conditions where turf establishment and/or cultural practices are not ideal

2 Is it necessary to execute this program. to solve this weed problem? Integrated Pest Management (IPM) As a long-term approach to maintaining healthy landscapes and facilities that reduces the risk to people and the environment, instead of routine chemical applications, IPM employs site assessment and monitoring, and pest management tactics that include horticultural, mechanical, physical, and biological controls and selective use of pesticides when needed to keep pest within acceptable limits. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Employ cultural practices to maintain healthy turf Cultural Practices Mowing Irrigation Fertilization Cultivation Repetitive overseeding (sports fields) Rutgers-NJAES Cooperative Extension Pest Management Office Photo courtesy of Rich Watson, Pine Hill Public Schools, Pine Hill, NJ Cultural practices IPM: Site assessment & monitoring: Establish site-specific pest thresholds (limits) Professional facilities = Low threshold level Minimal pests Highest level of playability & aesthetics Turf management with fewer (or no) synthetic pesticide inputs Maintaining acceptable turf quality Focus on basic cultural practices OBSERVATION: Currently, there are institutions interested in pursuing reduced pesticide programs or organic programs that are not adequately implementing basic cultural practices. Roadsides = High threshold level Greater number of pests Functionality

3 Developing pest thresholds for sports fields and grounds: Individual locations on properties you re responsible for managing often have different pest thresholds Non-irrigated utility turf High pest threshold Examples: Zone A: Varsity games fields; Lowest pest threshold Zone B: Recreation fields and lawns; Higher pest threshold Zone C: Utility lawns and; Highest pest threshold Elementary school field used for recess Medium to high pest threshold Little league field Medium threshold Is this acceptable? Elementary school lawn Zone 2 Outside the fence Zone C Inside the fence Zone A Clover increasingly being promoted as an acceptable, biodiverse groundcover Is this clover population acceptable for general grounds? Is someone willing to a pay for this as a contracted service outcome? Courtesy Rich Watson, Pine Hill Public Schools, Pine Hill, NJ

4 Clover Little increasingly league field being promoted as an acceptable biodiverse groundcover Is Zone this an 2? acceptable sports field surface? Is someone willing to a pay for this as a contracted service outcome? Recreation field White clover in Kentucky bluegrass evaluation trial compromises our ability to evaluate varieties = Unacceptable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) reduce the risk that pest control strategies may have on the environment and people Can minor weed problems be solved without making broadcast herbicide applications?

5 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Synthetic pesticide free From: A. Koppenhofer Example: New York State Child Safe Playing Fields Act The Child Safe Playing Fields Act bans the use of chemical pesticides on school playing fields and day care playgrounds (including playground equipment), turf, and athletic or playing fields. Chemicals can still be used on surrounding green areas and inside schools to combat pests. Pesticide defined as: a.) any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest, and b.) any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant. Exempt products: Products containing active ingredients listed as exempt under 25(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) may be used. The pesticides must also include inert ingredients that are eligible under the FIFRA exemption. Does not address fertilizer use Synthetic pesticide free Example 2: Connecticut s Lawn Care Pesticide Ban at Day Care Centers & Schools The Connecticut legislature passed a law (P.A ) banning lawn care pesticide applications on the grounds of day care centers, elementary and middle schools (grade 8 and lower)... This ban went into effect for day care centers on October 1, 2009 and for K-8 schools on July 1, Connecticut s pesticide ban prohibits the use of all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered pesticides labeled for use on lawn and/or ornamental sites This also includes organic pesticides that have EPA registration numbers. There are some pest control products that can be applied. EPA has developed criteria for minimum risk pesticides, which are exempt from federal registration and do not bear an EPA registration number (EPA 25b list). Applications of pesticides are allowed to eliminate a threat to human health, as determined by the local health director, commissioner of public health, commissioner of environmental protection, or public school superintendent. Does not address fertilizer use Clearly defines what is not allowed and avoids misnomers (i.e. IPM, organic, etc.) Active Ingredients Which May Be in Minimum Risk Pesticide Products Exempted under section 25(b) of FIFRA Castor Oil (U.S.P. or equivalent) Cedar Oil Cinnamon and Cinnamon Oil Citric Acid Citronella and Citronella Oil Cloves and Clove Oil Corn Gluten Meal Corn Oil Cottonseed Oil Dried Blood Eugenol (oil of cloves) Garlic and Garlic Oil Geraniol Geranium Oil Lauryl Sulfate (sodium lauryl sulfate) Lemon grass Oil Linseed Oil Malic Acid Mint and Mint Oil Peppermint and Peppermint Oil 2-Phenethyl Propionate (2-phenylethyl propionate) Potassium Sorbate Putrescent Whole Egg Solids (See ) Rosemary and Rosemary Oil Sesame and Sesame Oil (includes ground Sesame plant stalks) (See ) Sodium Chloride (common salt) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Soybean Oil Thyme and Thyme Oil White Pepper Zinc Metal Strips (consisting solely of zinc metal and impurities) Do not require EPA Registration (i.e. No EPA Registration number) Low Impact Pesticides per NJ School IPM Law Biological, living control agents (nematodes) also considered Low Impact Pesticides under NJ School IPM Law Nonselective chemical trimming of immature annual weeds Rutgers Adelphia Farm: Treatments applied 11 July 2011 Photo taken 27 July 2011 (16 days after treatment) Citric Acid Cloves and Clove Oil Eugenol (oil of cloves) Lauryl Sulfate (sodium lauryl sulfate) 2-Phenethyl Propionate (2-phenylethyl propionate) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate glyphosate (1.5% v:v) 2-Phenethyl Propionate 5.0% Eugenol. 5.0% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 0.05% Other Ingredients*. 89.5%

6 Corn gluten meal efficacy Rutgers Adelphia Farm: 27 July 2011 Corn gluten meal efficacy Rutgers Adelphia Farm: 27 July 2011 prodiamine (65 WDG) 1.0 lb/acre App: 18 April 2011 Corn Gluten Meal (9-0-0) 10.0 lbs/1000 sq ft App: 18 April 2011 Corn Gluten Meal (9-0-0) 10.0 lbs/1000 sq ft App: 18 April 2011 Corn Gluten Meal (9-0-0) 20.0 lbs/1000 sq ft App: 18 April 2011 Preemergence herbicide cost comparison Product Product Cost Product Rate/Acre Cost/Acre Synthetics pendimethalin; name brand $300 per 2.5 gallons 4.2 pts/acre $63.00/Acre No synthetic pesticides beginning 2009 Emphasis on cultural practices: Mowing (3.0-inch), fertilization, aerification, overseeding dithiopyr; name brand $700 per 2.5 gallons 2.0 pts/acre $70.00 per Acre prodiamine (G): post patent $195 per 10 lbs 1.5 lb/acre $29.25 per Acre Organic Corn gluten meal (a.i. corn gluten meal: 100%) $30 per 40 lbs 871 lbs (20 lbs/1000 sq ft) $653.25/Acre 436 lbs (10 lbs/1000 sq ft) $326.63/Acre Calendar-based synthetic pesticide program prior to elimination of synthetic pesticides Good turfgrass cover prior to adoption of synthetic pesticide free program All cultural practices performed in-house No white grub problems to-date Photo: October 2013 No synthetic pesticides No synthetic pesticides beginning 2009 No synthetic pesticides beginning 2009 Good turf cover outside high traffic Poor turf cover & summer annual weed encroachment under high traffic Good turf cover outside high traffic Photo: October 2013 Photo: October 2013

7 No synthetic pesticides beginning 2009 No synthetic pesticides beginning 2009 Strategic sodding Summer annual grassy weed skeletons outside sod Photo: October 2013 Overseeding & use of growth covers Photo: March 2012 Harvest the weed seed bank Use sod installation as a means to remove a portion of the weed seed bank No synthetic pesticides beginning 2009 No synthetic pesticides beginning 2009 Field initially seeded in Late Fall 2011 Poor seeding timing Late fall 2011 establishment from seed CHALLENGE: Summer annual weed management Inconsistent cover Photo taken October 2013 Photo: March 2012

8 Seedling competitiveness Canada: No synthetic pesticide use Best Seeding Timing: Late summer through fall Good soil temperatures Good soil water content (rain, low ET) Fewer diseases, insects, and weeds (important exception is annual bluegrass) Lower need for mowing Seed at the optimum time with a sufficient quantity of seed to minimize weed encroachment Seeding rate Species lbs/1000 ft 2 Optimum seeding timing Kentucky bluegrass: Aug. 10 Oct. 1 Tall fescue: Aug. 10 Oct. 1 Apr. 1 May 15 Fine fescues: Aug. 10 Oct. 1 Apr. 1 May 15 Perennial ryegrass: Aug. 10 Oct. 1 Apr. 1 May 15 Canada: No synthetic pesticide use Canada: No synthetic pesticide use Sports fields Aggressive perennial ryegrass overseeding Aggressive perennial ryegrass overseeding No perennial ryegrass overseeding Sports fields: Seeding Greatest Insect Threat: White Grub Complex

9 White Grubs Root-feeding near surface can kill grass No pesticide use White grub damage on a baseball outfield Foraging predators can destroy grass Entomopathogenic Nematode Life Cycle Entomopathogenic Nematodes Must apply under moist turf & soil conditions Ensure soil is moist before application and for at least two weeks after Apply nematodes at dusk and moderate temperatures Water immediately after the application Ensure soil is moist for at least two weeks after Follow instructions regarding shelf-life White grub control choices Product Price Product quantity/acre (cost per Acre) Nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora $28.50 (1 tray; 50 million nematodes) 43.6 trays 1 ($ ) $80.50 (1 tray; 250 million nematodes) 8 trays 1 ($644.00) Conventional Chlorantraniliprole $ (0.5 gallon) 16.0 fl oz. ($409.50) Imidacloprid (name brand) $70.00 (Four [4] 1.6 oz packets) 6.3 oz ($68.90) Imidacloprid (post patent) $28.00 (Four [4] 1.6 oz packets) 6.3 oz ($27.56) What is Organic Management? Organic Farm Certification & the National Organic Program (NOP) 1 High recommended rate for Oriental and Japanese Beetle grubs: 2 billion nematodes per acre

10 What is Organic Management? Organic agriculture National Organic Program: Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used. What is Organic Management? From Northeast Organic Farming Association (2009): a system of managing lawns that does not use synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or soil amendments and of land-care practices that take into account the local ecosystem. From Johnson, Rossi, & Horgan (2013): The principles of organic and sustainable turfgrass management go far beyond what inputs are used. Instead, the goal is to consider the entire system: growing the grasses and impacts on the environment around the turf area, as well as the people involved in maintaining and using the turf area, both on site and off site. What is Organic Management? Organic Management: Emphasis on systems-based management as opposed to product-focused management. USDA National Organic Program Standards Crop pests, weeds, and diseases will be controlled primarily through management practices including physical, mechanical, and biological controls When these practices are not sufficient, a biological, botanical, or synthetic substance approved for use on the National List may be used. Examples of systems-based management Soil preparation during establishment Turfgrass selection Maximizing turf density (weed control) Mowing frequency & height Overseeding Aerification Irrigation Organic Philosophy Central concept - building a living soil Soil Quality, Health, Function requires optimal properties: Chemical Physical Biological Physical properties too often ignored. Concept of feeding the soil is to provide food (carbon) to soil organisms promoting biological activity which helps to release immobilized nutrients to plants December 2013

11 Address soil issues prior to seeding/sodding Is this soil healthy? Older (non-rebuilt) South Jersey sports field: Good soil tilth Soil tilth: Physical condition of the soil related to how easily it can be tilled, how good a seedbed can be made, and how easily seedling shoots and roots can penetrate. Use soil testing to determine if there are nutrient and organic matter deficiencies and whether soil ph adjustment is necessary. Pre-plant incorporate compost, lime, and/or fertilizer Adding Organic Matter Established turf soil incorporation of OM is difficult Use of reverse tillage equipment allows for more thorough incorporation of amendments compared to conventional tillage equipment October 14, 2011 Tall fescue for organic turf: Improved varieties of tall fescue maintained at 3.0-inches Competitive turf: Less weed encroachment Potential for deep root system provides white grub tolerance Is this soil healthy? Rembrandt Tall Fescue: Seeded September inch mowing height No irrigation applied in lbs N per 1000 sq ft applied in 2011

12 Organic Management 1 Highlights of organic culture as they apply to organic lawn care: 1) Practicing law of return 2) Composting 3) Amending soils with naturally occurring materials as may be necessary to supply essential nutrients 4) Deep tillage to break-up soil compaction 5) Seeding lawns with the best adapted cultivars from conventional plant breeding 6) Encouraging biodiversity by accepting of legumes or having some tolerance for weeds in the landscape 7) Treating the landscape as a whole living system 8) Avoiding the use of prohibited materials as outlined in the USDA National Organic Program standards 9) Employing careful management rather than input substitution 10) Communicating with honesty and integrity about what is being labeled organic lawn care. 1 Heckman, J Argoecology of organic lawn care. Proc. of the 22 nd Annu. Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. p Organic Management 9) Employing careful management rather than input substitution Calendar-based preventative & curative synthetic inputs Calendar-based preventative & curative organic inputs Sample Organic Turf Program Month Product Product per acre Cost per acre March Liquid Corn Gluten 10 gal $ April Compost Tea 16 oz $30.00 May Compost Tea 16 oz $30.00 June Compost Tea 16 oz $30.00 June Organic preventative/curative fungicide 3 qts $55.87 July Compost Tea 16 oz $30.00 July USDA NOP Compliant; Insect rapid knockdown/kill 1 gal $79.95 August Compost Tea 16 oz $30.00 September Rhizobacteria & mycorrhizae for seeding 32 oz $9.31 October Organic based fertilzer or compost estimate $60.00 Effort to develop standards for land care (including lawns) Standards being authored that allow for non-organic rescue treatments : Integrated Pest Management???? What is Organic Management? Organic crop production standards: Land must have no prohibited substances applied to it for at least 3 years before the harvest of an organic crop... What Inputs Conform to Organic? Organic fertilizers and pesticides are either essentially derived from livings things or Turfgrass: Is it legitimate to call a turf organic if it has received synthetic inputs (including rescue treatments) within the last three years? naturally occurring minerals Industrially derived (synthetic) materials are prohibited

13 Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) Provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers, and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing. OMRI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. When companies apply, OMRI reviews their products against the National Organic Standards. Acceptable products are OMRI Listed and appear on the OMRI Products List. Fertilizer definitions 1 Organic fertilizer A material containing carbon or one or more elements other than hydrogen and oxygen essential for plant growth. Ex. Urea CH 4 N 2 O Natural Organic Fertilizer Materials derived from either plant or animal products containing one or more elements (other then carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) which are essential for plant growth. These materials may be subjected to biological degradation processes under normal conditions of aging, rainfall, sun-curing, air drying, composting, rotting, enzymatic, or anaerobic/aerobic bacterial action, or any combination of these. These materials shall not be mixed with synthetic materials or changed in any physical or chemical manner from their initial state except by manipulations such as drying, cooking, chopping, grinding, shredding, hydrolysis, or pelleting. 1 Association of American Plant Food Control Officials Natural organic nitrogen (N) fertilizers Fertilizer choice example Product Price/50-lb bag Quantity and cost to deliver 43.6 lb N per Acre Manures Seabird guano Fish Emulsion Feather Meal Corn Meal Blood Meal Alfalfa Meal Soybean Meal Corn Gluten Natural organic $ lbs ($470.88) Biosolid $ lbs ($261.60) Slow release $ lbs ($68.45) Slow release $ lbs ($76.30)

14 Organic based fertilizers Natural organic fertilizer Poultry manure is a natural organic fertilizer source but other components are not Corn gluten Not organic Not 25b

15 Facility size Small, minimally trafficked lawns

16 Thank you and Good luck in 2014! Sports fields are not lawns! Public sports fields & grounds Intense use (need for greater management) Acreage (Often overlooked unless you re the one managing!) Managing contracted services Brad Park Rutgers University