March 2023 Greeting from MASFMA President
Hello MASFMA Members and Friends,
Happy Fertilizer Month! Yes, according to the Maryland Lawn Fertilizer Law of 2011, beginning March 1st you are now legally allowed to apply fertilizer to your turfgrass if your soil tests indicate it’s necessary.
The Mid-Atlantic SFMA Spring Education Event was last week on March 2nd; it was so good to see many of you in attendance this year and big shout out to the Laurel Racetrack for hosting us!
There are several pieces of legislation before the House of Delegates in the Maryland State Congressional that we are watching, and some we have already testified on that could impact our industry. From a ban on the use of PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pesticides, to a proposed bill related to synthetic turf chain of custody, MASFMA is working for you in trying to give Sports Turf Managers a voice in legislature.
With all this crazy weather, try taking some soil temperatures. I did a dormmate sprigging this past December, and then placed grow covers over the field. I took soil temperature on February 17th and the average temp was 55.3 degrees. Crabgrass germinating weather in mid-February! CRAZY!
March is also the start of the spring sports season. Our collegiate and professional Sports Field Managers have already kicked off their baseball and softball seasons. Now, being a parks and recreation guy myself, we fire up local ball fields practice the week of March 15th and games start on the 25th. This is a great time to reach out to MASFMA’s vendors and order your ball field supplies for the spring and summer sports.
I wish all of you a great spring season! If anyone that has a field issue arise or other concern come up, reach out to your fellow MASFMA’s members - it might very well be something one of us has had to deal with before and we could be able to help you through it. LET’S GO!
Thank you,
Jason W. Bowers, CSFM
President, Mid-Atlantic SFMA
