Best Management Practices for Maryland Golf Courses

Such waterways include surface waters subject to the jurisdiction of the state; the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries; ponds, lakes, public ditches, or tax ditches within the state; and drainage systems within the state other than those designed and sued to collect, convey, or dispose of sanitary sewage.

Establishment N and P Fertilizer Applications

• Although highly recommended, a soil test for P applications to the seedbed or prior to laying of sod is not required if the following conditions are met: a) The application is made for the purpose of establishing turf on bare ground b) The application rate is made in accordance with the seeding recommendations of the University of Maryland (Table 1), and c) The land has been disturbed, such as by construction or tillage. • A soil test is required for P application if an existing turfgrass area is being overseeded but the area is not being tilled. For example, overseeding existing tees or fairways using a slicer-seeder would require a soil test before P can be applied. • No P can be applied between to a seedbed or an area to be sodded between November 15 and March 1. • No N can be applied to a seedbed or an area to be sodded between December 1 and March 1. Between November 15 and November 30, 0.5 pounds actual N per 1000 ft 2 can be applied, but only using a soluble N source. • Between March 1 and November 15 on areas to be seeded or sodded, a maximum application rate of 0.7 or 0.9 pounds actual N per 1000 ft 2 can be applied using a soluble or slow release N source, respectively. Only a certified professional fertilizer applicator, or someone working under the direct supervision of a certified professional fertilizer applicator, can be paid to apply fertilizers. Professional Turfgrass Fertilizer Applicator Certificates are valid through June 30 of each year. Certificates may be renewed yearly for a $100 fee and verification of two hours of annual recertification training.

For more information, see:

• Maryland's fertilizer regulations http://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/Documents/Fertilizer_Law.pdf • Information related to training and certification http://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/Pages/nutrient_management_training_progra m.aspx

Soil Testing

The purpose of a soil test is to provide a prediction of a plant’s response to an applied nutrient. Through proper sampling, laboratory analysis, interpretation of results, application recommendations, and record keeping, soil testing can be used to manage nutrients more efficiently and in an environmentally sound method. A basic soil test will provide availability values for soil reaction (pH), P, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Additional

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