Managing Fertilizer & Salinity in Turfgrass

October 6th - 9:30 am

Biography:

Dr. Vassey, originally from Atlanta, teaches courses primarily in turfgrass, landscape and golf course management at Cal Poly and is the advisor for the Cal Poly Turf Club and Environmental Horticulture Club. His research interests are in sustainable turfgrass management, environmental stewardship, native and ornamental grass establishment and management, and golf course management practices. He is associated with many turfgrass and golf course management organizations and contributes often to their educational efforts.

He received his BS degree from the University of Georgia in 1980, his MS from Iowa State University (1983), and his PhD in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Missouri in 1986. From there he completed two Post Docs; one at the University of Illinois and one at the University of Wisconsin. Vassey worked as a golf course superintendent from 1992 till 2003 in Atlanta and later in coastal North Carolina. His last position, before entering academia fulltime, was as the General Superintendent at Sea Trail Resort and Golf, a 54-hole golf resort in Sunset Beach, N.C.

Course Title: : Managing Fertilizer & Salinity in Turfgrass

Course Description: This seminar is designed to provide the turfgrass manager with information and strategies to better manage plant nutrition and salinity problems in both the soil and in irrigation water. I will address the growing issues with improper fertilization and ground water contamination and help the listener to develop sound and sustainable fertility programs. I will also address soil and water salinity and ways to avoid "salt" problems as well as deal with them if they (problems) do occur.

Introduction:

Managing Soil Salinity

Managing Turfgrass Fertility

Fertilizer Types

Selecting a Fertilizer

Fertilizer Programs

Schedule subject to change