Each month two speakers presenting as part of STMA’s 2021 Virtual Conference will be featured by STMA. Don’t miss the educational opportunities being offered.
Dr. Beth Guertal is the Rowe Endowed Professor in the Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Department at Auburn University, Ala. On Wednesday, January 13, she will be presenting “What Do All These Numbers Mean? Soil Tests!”
This talk will cover the basics of soil testing, and how that process is used to create soil tests and recommendations. We will cover extractants, calibrations and how to use the numbers to diagnose issues in your fields. We will also talk about new methods for soil testing, including some for nitrogen.
By attending this session, participants will be able to:
- Read and understand their soil test.
- Use soil tests to make correct fertilizer and lime selections.
- Understand the value of the soil test for diagnosing issues with sodicity or salinity in soils.
Dr. David McCall is an Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Pathologist at Virginia Tech, in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. On Wednesday, January 13, he will be presenting “Maps Lead the Way: Mapping Pests for Targeted Pest Management.”
Natural playing surfaces are not uniform but are typically managed as if they are. Most pests are distributed sporadically yet entire surfaces are treated equally with pesticides. However, there are simple and complex strategies that allow turfgrass professionals to target applications. This presentation will provide tools available to apply the right product to the right place, at the right time.
Attendees will learn:
- Both simple and complex ways in which they can take control of mapping pest outbreaks across their facilities.
- How to use pest-incidence maps for precision turfgrass management, reducing both environmental and economic inputs.
- How to use aerial imagery to state their case to upper administration for necessary management inputs and resources.