Home > Lawn & Garden > Commercial Horticulture > Turfgrass > Diseases of Southern Turfgrasses (PDF) [Image: Gray leaf spot on St. Augustine] This is the presentation given at the LTA Conference in Baton Rouge on January 6, 2011, which covers the identification and management of common diseases affecting warm-season southern turfgrasses in Louisiana. Ironing Your Turfgrass Although the earth’s crust is about 5% iron (Fe), we still see iron deficiency in plants. This may be because of a problem with the plant roots, soil and/or environment. This publication includes tips on how to care for your turfgrass. (PDF Format Only) Calculating Fertilizer Application Rates The analysis or "formula" listed on the fertilizer bags tells you what is inside. This information lets you apply the proper amount of fertilizer. Louisiana Sod Farms in 2008 [Image: sod] Louisiana sod farm situation for 2008.  more articles... Tune up Landscape Irrigation [Image: irrigate] A properly designed and operated irrigation system will ensure that the critical factor of soil moisture will be there to sustain healthy plant growth. Louisiana Plant Pathology: Gray Leaf Spot of Turfgrasses [Image: gray leaf spot] Gray leaf spot occurs on a wide range of turfgrasses throughout the United States. In Louisiana, it is most commonly seen on St. Augustine grass but occasionally can be a problem for Bermuda grass or centipede grass as well. This publication describes how to identify and manage this disease. (PDF Format Only) Warm Season Lawn Grasses [Image: St. Augustinegrass] All warm-season grasses can thrive in Louisiana. This collection of photos and descriptions can help the home gardener select the right species. Louisiana Plant Pathology: Large Patch of Warm-season Turfgrasses [Image: brown patch] Large patch (formerly called brown patch) is the most common disease of warm-season turfgrasses in Louisiana. This article describes the disease and how to manage it. (PDF Format Only) Soil Test in Fall or Winter [Image: test] Knowing what is in your soil and what it needs is a basic and first step to a good crop and plant health. This off-season time is a good time to get this information and find the products you will require. Sod Farming is Not Strip Mining [Image: sod] Some people believe a turfgrass sod farm will eventually look like a strip mine because top soil is depleted with each harvest. Dealing With Salinity Soil salts affect turf mostly by withholding moisture from plant tissues. They may also compete for uptake of nutrient ions. Try these suggestions to manage a soil salinity situation. Managing Ultra-dwarf Greens [Image: green] Most high-end golf courses in Louisiana play on high-speed, dense, ultra-dwarf bermudagrasses like TifEagle, Champion or Mini Verde. These new-generation grasses can be wonderful but unforgiving compared to older grasses like TifDwarf or TifGreen. Maintaining Skinned Areas [Image: ball] There is a lot of play on the skinned areas of a ball field. Proper maintenance is required for safety and quality play. Saving Athletic Fields [Image: sport] A good sports field doesn’t just happen. Even well constructed fields will be worn out if over used or abused.To better sustain your current turf surface this year, manage these prime considerations. Click for more information...