For the first time, the Mid-Atlantic Sports Field Management Association will be hosting our BIG ANNUAL SPRING EDUCATION EVENT at Laurel Park (Maryland Jockey Club)!

AGENDA

07:00 - 07:40 Registration and Breakfast
07:40 - 08:00 Welcome & MASFMA Annual Meeting
08:00 - 08:50 1st Presentation "Infield skin construction and renovation" presented by Evan Mascitti, PhD Candidate - Soil Science, Penn State University
This presentation covers the important considerations when beginning an infield re-build. Topics include lip removal, laser grading techniques, importing soil, and mound/plate construction tips.
08:50 - 09:00 Break
09:00 - 09:50 2nd Presentation "Plant and Soil Interactions" presented by Adam Thoms, Assistant Professor - Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University
This presentation will teach attendees how to maximize plant growth while lowering inputs. We dive into how to read a soil test, how pH can make nutrients limiting, and how much nutrition is actually needed for various elements. This talk tries to limit waste while improving plant health through proper plant nutrition.
09:50 - 10:00 Break
10:00 - 10:50 3rd Presentation "Measuring the performance of baseball infield mixes" presented by Evan Mascitti, PhD Candidate - Soil Science, Penn State University
This presentation covers new laboratory tests developed at Penn State. These tests measure the “cleat-in/cleat-out effect” and how infield soils react to changing water content.
10:50 - 11:00 Break
11:00 - 11:30 Advocacy Updates
11:30 - 12:30 Lunch & Awards (MVP DMV Winner)
12:30 - 01:20 4th Presentation "Examining Hybrid Systems" presented by Adam Thoms, Assistant Professor - Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University
This presentation will discuss hybrid (natural and synthetic turf) systems. We will talk about differences between stitched and mat systems as well as how to manage them and how they compare to synthetic turf as well as pure natural grass systems. These systems when managed properly can help lessen the need for extra inputs because they can handle extra traffic.
01:20 - 01:30 Conclusion
01:30 - 01:40 Break
01:40 - 02:30 Tour

Special thanks to Logan Freeman who facilitated securing our contract.

MD - 4 Credits Approved for 3A, 3B, 3C, CORE*, PVT*
DE - 2 Credits Approved for Nutrient Management
DC - 4 Credits Approved 00 - Core, 8 Credits Approved for 3A, 3B

Tickets

$0.00 Member Ticket

$50.00 Non-Member Ticket