Throughout Mark Mahady’s nearly 35-year career, he has researched turfgrass and ornamental, golf course, sports field, and landscape maintenance. Mark shares his perspective on irrigation and water conservation, turf and soil moisture management, and other topics in this edition of Cutting-Edge Perspectives.
With his experience in turf research, Mark founded Mark M. Mahady & Associates, Inc. in 1992. Here, he continues research efforts in water conservation, moisture management, and other agronomic areas in the turf and ornamental industry as well as the winegrape industry. Mark M. Mahady & Associates, Inc. specializes in site-specific problem solving, agronomic master planning for new construction and renovations, evaluation and modification of agronomic programs, and development of integrated plant management programs that emphasize environmental and economic awareness.
While the turf and ornamental and agriculture industries are very different, there is significant overlap in both. From agronomic sciences and technology advancements to conservation and water management strategies. Mark explains how his vast turf experience lends itself to research in the winegrape industry and what he takes back to the turf industry from agriculture.
Mark has done five replicated research trials with wetting agents and soil surfactants over the past seven years with the objective of enhancing soil moisture without reducing surface firmness and golf ball movement. Some of the studies were done under actual golf tournament conditions where the turf was watered for 4-8 weeks before the tournament and then hand-watered only during the event. These tests showed the hydrophobicity differences between untreated and treated turf and how wetting agents and soil surfactants allow the water to penetrate the surface rather than run off.
Surfactants are widely used across the world – in fact, you probably use surfactants every day in soaps, detergents, toothpaste, cosmetics, and countless other applications. Surfactants are just as important in agriculture and turf and understanding how and when to use the right surfactant can make or break a successful application.
Pre-emergence herbicide applications offer a valuable tool to prevent or reduce weed infestations early in the season. While these applications are helpful, it can be a challenge to achieve optimum results. Adjuvant use is increasing and studies continue to prove their effectiveness.
Leaders from Exacto and other companies recently took part in advocacy activities in Washington, DC, engaging in twenty-four meetings with congressional leadership, senators, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They addressed a major challenge related to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Failed weed control may resemble herbicide resistance, but it’s not always the culprit. Recent cases of HPPD-inhibitor (group 27) herbicide failures have shown that certain application errors are more common culprits than resistance. This research shows ways to overcome these application challenges.
Exacto has strong research and product development capabilities build on 40 years of experience. We offer customized product development services to meet your specific pesticide, fertilizer, biostimulant, biopesticide, adjuvant, or seed treatment needs.
Our full-service specialty chemical development and commercialization program provides access to the latest technologies and the technical and marketing support needed to establish a successful custom branded product program, including in-house label design and printing capabilities.
Monitoring the regulations that affect your day to day operations, Exacto’s regulatory compliance staff provides a wealth of information for both our associates and partners for expert advice to navigate the complicated world of local, state, federal, and international rules and regulations.
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