@article{miller_pinnix_bartley_mccauley_jackson_2019, title={Evaluation of Turfgrass Clippings from Mulching Versus Side Discharge Mower Operation}, volume={5}, ISSN={["2374-3832"]}, DOI={10.2134/cftm2019.06.0050}, abstractNote={Mower design and operation have been based on reducing clipping size to enhance filtering into the turfgrass canopy away from the surface. Reduced clippings on the surface can increase surface uniformity, a primary goal for lawn mower use. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of mulching mower units to reduce clipping particle size compared with traditional side-discharge mower units. Three commercially available mowers of different horsepower/ size were tested in mulching and side-discharge modes of operation to evaluate clipping parameters from tall fescue and zoysiagrass maintained under typical home-lawn conditions. Turfgrass species and mower size had a greater impact on clipping length and specific projected area than mode of operation. Tall fescue clippings were 28% longer than zoysiagrass and had a 34% greater specific projected area. A medium or large mower produced clippings 28 to 31% shorter than the small mower and decreased the specific projected area by 19 to 32%. Mulching operation did not decrease clipping size as hypothesized. Instead, mulching resulted in average increases of 9 and 0.2% in clipping length and specific projected area, respectively. A side discharge mode of operation may result in fewer clippings on the surface, increasing surface uniformity compared to a mulching mode of operation. I t has been reported that recycling lawn clippings promotes retention of plant nutrients and enhances turfgrass quality (Heckman et al., 2000; Kopp and Guillard, 2002; Bigelow et al., 2005). Little information has been found in the literature as it relates to turfgrass particle size from mowing and decomposition rates. Studies by Angers and Recous (1997) reported the decomposition of rye (Secale cereal L.) green residues and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw was influenced by particle size. It seems reasonable to postulate from previous work that smaller turfgrass clippings are more likely to filter down through the turfgrass canopy to the soil surface, enhancing the onset of decomposition and providing an environmental benefit. From a consumer’s perspective, fewer clippings visible on the turfgrass surface can result in a more uniform, attractive turfgrass canopy. Rotary lawn mowers are equipped with decks that house one to three horizontal rotating blades that cut turfgrasses. The decks of these mowers are designed to lift, cut, and discharge leaf tissue through side or rear orifices. Many mowers offer a mulching Crop Forage Turfgrass Manage. 5:190050. doi:10.2134/cftm2019.06.0050 © 2019 The author(s). Re-use requires permission from the publisher. Published October 17, 2019}, number={1}, journal={CROP FORAGE & TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT}, author={Miller, Grady L. and Pinnix, Garland D. and Bartley, Paul C. and McCauley, Raymond K. and Jackson, Brian E.}, year={2019}, month={Oct} }
 @article{mccauley_pinnix_miller_2019, title={Fraise Mowing as a Spring Transition Aid}, volume={5}, ISBN={2374-3832}, DOI={10.2134/cftm2019.04.0025}, abstractNote={Core Ideas Fraise mowing can reduce perennial ryegrass cover in overseeded bermudagrass turf. More aggressive fraise mowing treatments had less ryegrass cover after treatment. June fraise mowing treatments produced a more consistent transition. Fraise mowing temporarily reduced bermudagrass cover and turf quality. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) often must be removed culturally or chemically from overseeded hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] in the spring. Fraise mowing has traditionally been used for shallow organic matter management. However, turfgrass managers are utilizing this novel cultural practice for additional uses including annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) removal in cool-season turf. The objective of this study was to evaluate fraise mowing as a viable spring transition aid. Hybrid bermudagrass was overseeded with perennial ryegrass in the fall of 2016 and 2017. Fraise-mowing treatments were made at three depths (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 inches) in May and June of 2017 and 2018. Perennial ryegrass-cover, bermudagrass-cover, and turfgrass quality (TQ) were assessed weekly after fraise mowing until late July each year. Intermediate and deep (0.5- and 0.75-inch) fraise mow treatments in May reduced perennial ryegrass cover compared with the untreated control. All fraise-mowing treatments performed in June resulted in decreased ryegrass cover. However, all treatments including untreated controls had no ryegrass present and ≥ 90% bermudagrass cover in late July of both years. Unacceptable TQ (<6) followed fraise mowing at all depths. Fraise-mowing depth and timing impacted the duration of unacceptable TQ. The intermediate June fraise-mowing treatment effectively removed perennial ryegrass and had unacceptable TQ for the shortest duration after treatment. Fraise mowing at 0.5- or 0.75-inch depths provides turf managers with an effective cultural practice for removing perennial ryegrass from overseeded bermudagrass.}, number={1}, journal={CROP FORAGE & TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT}, author={McCauley, Raymond K. and Pinnix, Garland D. and Miller, Grady L.}, year={2019} }
 @article{pinnix_mccauley_miller_2019, title={Leaf Wetness Influences Turf Colorant Application}, volume={5}, ISSN={["2374-3832"]}, DOI={10.2134/cftm2018.12.0099}, abstractNote={Core Ideas Conditions during application can impact the visual quality of turf colorants. The response of measured colorant color parameters to pre-application irrigation was variable among products tested. Turf colorants with increased product viscosity benefit from pre-application irrigation. Turf colorants are primarily used on warm-season grasses throughout the southern United States to maintain aesthetic quality leading into and during winter dormancy. To maximize aesthetic quality, turf colorants must be applied when certain conditions are present. The objective of this field study was to evaluate the presence of leaf moisture during turf colorant application to dormant turfgrass and its effect on measured color parameters (color, intensity, and hue angle). Four turf colorants were applied to wet and dry (i.e., irrigated and non-irrigated) dormant ‘Tifsport’ hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] and ‘El Toro’ zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.). Color parameters were evaluated weekly for 5 consecutive weeks following turf colorant application. Average colorant color and intensity ratings were 14 and 10% higher when dormant turfgrass was irrigated prior to colorant application, respectively. Color and intensity ratings were unaffected by leaf wetness following applications of Endurant Premium and Green Turf Paint applications. However, color and intensity ratings increased by 38 and 26%, respectively, when turfgrass was irrigated prior to the application of Green Lawnger and Ultradwarf Super. Negative effects (i.e., streaking) commonly seen during application of turf colorants higher in viscosity were alleviated as a result of pre-application irrigation. Hue angles quantified from digital images were unaffected by the presence of leaf wetness during colorant application. Results from this research indicate turfgrass managers should consider wetting dormant turfgrass through a quick irrigation cycle to mitigate possible unattractive streaking that result from the use of higher-viscosity products or increased application rates.}, number={1}, journal={CROP FORAGE & TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT}, author={Pinnix, Garland D. and McCauley, Raymond K. and Miller, Grady L.}, year={2019}, month={Mar} }
 @article{pinnix_mccauley_miller_2018, title={Air Temperature Effects on Turfgrass Colorant Transfer}, volume={4}, ISSN={["2374-3832"]}, DOI={10.2134/cftm2017.12.0091}, abstractNote={Core Ideas
Air temperature during turf colorant application can greatly affect colorant performance.
Turf colorant applications that occur in colder temperatures increases the risk of colorant transfer onto absorbent materials.
Turf colorant selection is imperative as certain products are able to adhere to the turfgrass canopy better than others.
}, number={1}, journal={CROP FORAGE & TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT}, author={Pinnix, Garland D. and McCauley, Raymond K. and Miller, Grady L.}, year={2018}, month={Jun} }