The recent mention of the improvements that K-State is making to their program really got me thinking about what they are doing there ... off the field and on the field. Specifically, their field management program is cutting edge like ours. I do believe that we could borrow a few ideas out of Manhattan, in case the trend of global warming and periodic Arctic blasts from the polar vortex breakdowns result in extreme heat and cold spells. As a result, the turf is seeing the brunt of the extremes.

K-State has experimented with a variety of Bermuda grass blends (including Latitude 36, which has been chosen for Kyle Field).
Reference: https://blogs.k-state.edu/turf/cold-hardy-bermudagrass-varieties/

They went from Latitude 36, to Tahoma31, and have switched to a blend of OKC3920 & OKC1876.

Kyle Field is now covered with Bermuda Latitude 36, a hybrid bermudagrass known for exceptional heat tolerance, durability, and rapid recovery, making it highly suitable for the heavy demands of football. Developed at Oklahoma State University, Latitude 36 is designed to thrive in and above the transition zone, where cold hardiness is essential. HOWEVER ... this may be yesterdays news.

Considering how K-State is developing tomorrows better solutions today, refer to the S&C program ( https://texags.com/forums/5/topics/3607771 ), perhaps we are a step behind ... and may want to consider the merits of the OKC blends. " Turfgrass quality under drought stress data from the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program shows that OKC1876 was comparable to TifTuf the national standard for drought resistance and significantly better than Latitude 36 "

I see you weren't kidding when you accepted the challenge...bravo

Quote:

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Latitude 36 is designed to thrive in and above the transition zone, where cold hardiness is essential.

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Interesting. We're well south of the transition zone. I wonder what other qualities that variety of turf has that made us choose it?

I'm an old Agronomy major with an emphasis on turfgrass management and worked with Craig and Leo on the fields as a student worker back in the mid to late 90's but haven't worked in the "green industry" in over 25 years so my familiarity with these things ain't what it used to be.

yeah, i was thinking surely the Texas heat (and winters) are much different than Manhatten KS.

I'd be shocked if we didnt have the very best people constantly monitoring the technology of grasses.

p.s. i havent noticed any problems with Kyle, either visually, weather hold-up, or injury. if it aint broke....
but i'm no expert.

Wonder why I thought this post was going to be about CK's cutting edge practices since now HC/OC at KState...hmmm.

This guy, talking about grass. Who cares about agriculture. What do we look like to you, a bunch of aggies?

When I was young we played in a small patch behind school that had more rocks than grass.

Both ways.

IN THE SNOW.

There is only one true expert and that is Carl Spackler:

This is a hybrid. This is a cross, ah, of Bluegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Featherbed Bent, and Northern California Sensemilia. The amazing stuff about this is, that you can play 36 holes on it in the afternoon, take it home and just get stoned to the bejeezus-belt that night on this stuff.

Carl Spackler: Your place got a pool?
Ty Webb: We have a pond in the back. We have a pool and a pond... Pond'd be good for you.

Tree Hugger said:

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There is only one true expert and that is Carl Spackler:

This is a hybrid. This is a cross, ah, of Bluegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Featherbed Bent, and Northern California Sensemilia. The amazing stuff about this is, that you can play 36 holes on it in the afternoon, take it home and just get stoned to the bejeezus-belt that night on this stuff.

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Huggy Bear: Shiii-iiii Hold my 9-iron.

What global warming?