Ecological Golf Course Management

Ecological Golf Course Management is the most comprehensive work ever done on ecological turf management. It′s a must–have for any golf course superintendent, sports field manager, or turf professional interested in reducing or eliminating chemical pesticide use. Ecological Golf Course Management focuses on managing the health and welfare of all soil organisms from a single–celled bacterium to fully developed turf plants and connects the reader to the important and relevant interactions between them. It points out ways to exploit natural plant defense systems that have been largely ignored and to engage many of the powerful allies that live above and below ground. Ecological Golf Course Management explores in detail the many aspects of: Biological and botanical pest control Plant stress management Compost production and use Natural disease suppressants Biological fertility management Soil, leaf tissue, and water analysis The ecological impact of conventional pesticides and cultural practices

Chapter 1. The Soil Ecosystem. Chapter 2. Fertility. Chapter 3. Compost. Chapter 4. Analysis. Chapter 5. Pests. Chapter 6. Cultural Practices. Chapter 7. Taking Responsibility. Glossary. Sources and Resources. Index.

Paul Sachs is the founder and owner of North Country Organics, a Bradford, Vermont based manufacturer and supplier of natural fertilizers, soil amendments, and environmentally compatible pest controls. Paul has studied natural soil system dynamics for over 18 years and is considered one of the foremost authorities in the country on organic land care. He has written three books, hundreds of articles for trade journals, and speaks regularly at association conferences for professionals involved in both agriculture and horticulture. He has served as a member of the Technical Advisory Panel for the National Organics Standards Board of the United States Department of Agriculture. He also works as a consultant for a highly diversified group of clients. In 1993 he completed work on his first book entitled EDAPHOS: Dynamics of a Natural Soil System, in 1996 finished his second book, entitled Handbook of $uccessful Ecological Lawn Care, and in 1999 he completed a second edition of EDAPHOS: Dynamics of a Natural Soil System. Richard Luff is former superintendent and presently general manager of the Sagamore Hampton Golf Club, a course that has been maintained ecologically since 1962. He is intimately familiar with ecological maintenance procedures on the golf course and has successfully controlled most turfgrass pests biologically, botanically, or with cultural practices. His familiarity with golf course construction and maintenance dates back three generations. His father, R. DeWitt Luff, introduced him to ecological maintenance procedures as an adolescent. Richard also is a consultant for other courses that are trying to reduce or eliminate pesticide.