Environment Report, August, 2009
MGSA Environment Report
The MGSA Board has been working on setting up water runoff testing program with ten golf clubs throughout the province. During water run off events (rain fall, snow melt) collecting water samples to test for nutrients and pesticides levels. Each club will have nutrient levels tested and one site specific pesticide. This will be the start of annual data collecting program and hopefully establish sound scientific data regarding water runoff information on a yearly basis. Annual reports will be distributed to MGSA superintendent members.
Nutrient Management Update: There has been correspondence with David Hay from the water stewardship branch. To clarify for everyone if you have not received any information to date your plan has been accepted and there is no need to submit another nutrient management application this year if you included your season fertilizer totals with your first nutrient application. Let this be a reminder that soil samples will have to be taken in 2009 for nutrient management application for 2010.
For further information please contact Kerry C. Watkins by phone at 889-0899 or by email at kerry.watkins@stcharlescountryclub.ca.
Respectfully Submitted by,
MGSA Environmental Committee
 
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Environment Report April 2009
MGSA Environmental Report
A reminder with the 2009 golf season almost here there are some important steps golf course superintendents have to complete. These steps are applying for provincial pesticide use permits, achieving IPM certification and renewal of pesticide applicators license if you have not already done so. In addition to these steps the provincial nutrient management plan will be in effect for 2009. Golf course superintendents will have to submit their nutrient management plans for approval 14 days prior to the first turf nutritional application. The forms have to be filled out accordingly and must include current soil test results (from 2008) along with recommendations. Please be aware that soil test labs must conduct the Olsen test for Phosphorous levels and indicate Nitrogen levels along with there recommendations. A major challenge for some golf courses will be if main playing features are within designated “buffer zones” where Nitrogen or Phosphorous can not be applied. If you have any doubt regarding your site and buffer zones please contact David Hay by phone at 945-7096 or email at David.Hay@gov.mb.ca. to conduct a site tour to assist in determining buffer zones. Again this is the first year with such a program in place and there will be without question some trial and error as the year progresses. Let’s hope the weather improves as we head into April.
Respectfully Submitted by
MGSA Environment Committee
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