Organically Managed Lands Program Durango, CO

Prepared by:

Chip Osborne Osborne Organics

Organically Managed Lands Program

Pioneer Riverfront/Iris Needham Riverview Sports Complex Brookside Schneider Fanto Folsom

Parks currently in conventional and organic programs and conventionally managed sports turf. Two school properties with a minimal program.

The Systems Approach to Turf Management

Basic understanding of soil biology Exclusive use of natural organic products Revised cultural practices

What is a systems approach?

The opposite of a product approach. Understanding how the system works, and how to make it work for us.

The Difference Between Conventional and Natural Programs

Conventional
Synthetic fertilizers Product centered Treats symptoms Prophylactic use Chemical pesticides Quick fix Calendar date apps Preventative apps

Natural
Natural, organic inputs Sustained benefit Soil testing Healthy soil

Does not treat symptoms Works to solve problems

Site Analysis
A site analysis was performed in early November Soil collected for testing History of the sites Documentation of existing conditions Determination of current program Photographic documentation

Pioneer

Brookside

Riverfront/Iris

Schneider

Needham

Fanto

Riverview Baseball

Riverview Soccer

Folsom

Systems Approach Turf Management

The Basics of the System as they Relate to Durango

Soil Texture
Soil is the foundation of our landscape. Comprised of sand, silt, and clay mixed with varying amounts of organic matter, water, and air. Soil is very much alive. Ideal soils are typically described as having the following characteristics: 45% mineral, 25% air, 25% percent water, and 5% organic matter.

Soil Textural Triangle

Durango soils are Clay loams and Silt loams. They are fine textured. They tend to compact. They hold moisture.

Soil Chemistry Basics

pH (Acidity or Alkalinity) Nutrient Management Organic Matter (OM) and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

Soil Biomass and Microorganisms

Soil biomass is the foundation upon which our nutrient program is based. In taking a feed the soil approach, soil microbes are at the heart of our management strategy. Natural, organic fertilizer is broken down by the microbial life to nutrients for the plant. Synthetic fertilizers by their nature, and with high salt content, compromise the activity of the life in the soil.

Fertility and Turfgrass Nutrition

Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) Nitrogen not just from fertilizer, also from compost topdressing, and humic substances, microbial inoculants, and grass clippings. Organic fertilizers work with soil microbial life. A program has been designed that will move these properties through the transition. It will address the turf and the biomass.

Cultural Practices
Irrigation
Deep watering

Cultivation
Need non-compacted, aerobic soils

Over-seeding
Maximum density of grass suppresses weeds

Mowing

Recommendations
Move fertility to organic In addition to N, incorporate soil building inputs that address the biomass Combination liquid/granular program Increase seeding and aeration at lower level properties Possible elemental sulfur application to lower the pH to make P more available Compost use as a selected topdress

Recommendations
New Product Inputs
Nitrogen from soy protein Kelp Biologically active humic acid Molasses Minerals and micro nutrients

Transition Period
When moving from a conventional program to a natural one, the length of transition is directly related to the intensity of current and past management practices and the overall turf quality. After years of synthetic, water-soluble fertilizers with high salt levels, the soil microbiology has been bypassed somewhat compromised. Dont expect a collapse or failure.

Turf is an Ecosystem unto itself

It is made up of the following: Turf plants Soil Biomass Beneficial insects Pathogens and damaging insects

Cultural Intensity
Amount of inputs, water, aeration, and over-seeding that needs to be done on annual basis
Relates directly to amount of inputs and time required to keep lawns and turf in a condition to satisfy expectations

DETERMINE EXPECTATIONS SATISFY EXPECTATIONS

Low level inputs=lower cost yields low expectations High level inputs=higher cost yields high expectations

Communicated Expectations
Expectations are high Little tolerance for weeds Programs have been designed with that in mind Currently a monoculture of primarily Kentucky bluegrass-high maintenance Proposed program addresses that

Next Steps
Work through the budget Address optional product and cultural practices Address equipment needs

Summary
Continued work will refine the program Every effort will be made to have the basic program cost neutral for primary annual inputs Will address the issue of improvements to the lower level properties In house labor will be assessed so that a strain will not be placed on the department Proposed program would begin in the Spring