11/24/2020 - By Dr. Jeff Atkinson

As winter approaches for the Northern tier of the United States, the 2020 growing season is fresh in our memory, and the 2021 growing season seems like a spec on the horizon. However, it feels like every year the gap to that horizon closes faster and faster, and the pages of the calendar seem to flip with accelerating speed. It’s just another reminder that there’s really no true downtime in turf maintenance; still, the cold winter months can provide an opportunity to review the past and plan for the future. Agronomic planning is an individualized process, and many techniques can be successful. And although a lot of it comes down to personal preference, there are some tools out there that can really help to streamline the process. Below are just some of the tools available that can help improve planning efficiency and accuracy, resulting in a more successful 2021 growing season.

1. POLYGRAPH®

   Harrell’s POLYGRAPH® calculator is a proprietary, performance-guaranteed indicator of POLYON® Controlled-release fertilizer performance. Based on thirty years of weather data as well as mountains of quality controlled-release data, POLYGRAPH® provides a breakdown of weekly nitrogen release based on specified location, POLYON grade, and application rate. POLYGRAPH® is an incredibly useful tool for accurately planning granular fertility application dates to optimize nitrogen release and growth response through the growing season. POLYGRAPH® is particularly useful when planning for a big event such as a member-guest or a PGA Tour stop, as it allows the user to dial in nutrient release right down to the week. Reach out to your rep to learn more about POLYGRAPH®.

2. Foliar Calculator

   If you’re like me, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the number of liquid fertility options available. Further, nutrient application rate calculations for foliar fertility are not nearly as simple as calculations for granular fertility. As our Sports Turf rep Waldo Terrell says, “Math is hard.” Our foliar calculator takes the arithmetic out of planning liquid fertility and biostimulant sprays. Enter application rates, spray tank volume, and spray tank coverage, then let our calculator do the rest. Our Foliar Calculator provides easy-to-interpret nutrient application rates for each product, sums the total nutrient application rates for all products included in a spray, and provides a simple mix-sheet to simplify your next spray tank fill-up. Reach out to your rep to learn more about the Foliar Calculator.

3. Annual Programs

   Perhaps you purchase products from multiple vendors—no problem. Harrell’s new Annual Programs allows for agronomic planning and inventory management for a broad range of turf management products, regardless of vendor. Curious if there’s enough fungicide in your storage area to cover next month’s sprays? Check Annual Programs. Curious when your next insecticide spray is scheduled? Check Annual Programs. Annual Programs is an outstanding tool to keep your entire agronomic program in your pocket. Reach out to your rep to learn more about Annual Programs.

4. Spreader Calculator

   At the outset, calibrating a spreader can seem like throwing darts at a wall…blindfolded. However, our spreader calculator is a great tool to get you started for an accurate spreader calibration. Since spreaders vary in manufacturing, use, and wear & tear, our spreader calculator should not be relied on for 100% accuracy, but it is a great way to get you in the ballpark and on track for an accurate calibration.

5. GreenCast Soil Temperature Maps

   As we better understand the role that soil temperatures play in weed seed germination, disease epidemics, and insect growth and development, experts are recommending an increasing number of pesticides be applied according to specific soil-temperature triggers. While investing in a quality soil-temperature probe and measuring soil temperatures on your property should not be replaced by Syngenta’s GreenCast Soil Temperature Maps, this tool is incredibly useful for forecasting appropriate application timing for a range of pesticides.

These tools are just a few available to turf managers today. Do you have a tool you find useful? Share it with us on Twitter. Interested in how these tools can be accessed or utilized during your agronomic planning? Reach out to your Harrell’s rep. We’d be happy to help. Also, don’t forget about the plethora of resources and education opportunities available through myHarrells, where you can find useful videos, courses, and CEUs.