Effects of Foliar Applied Titanium (Ti) on Quality and Nutrient Uptake Of Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis Stolonifera) on Professional Golf Course Greens

Abstract

This research project would not have been possible without the support of numerous individuals. I want to thank the College of Applied Science and Technology for allowing me to pursue and complete my master's degree and the financial support that goes with that. I also want to thank the Central Illinois Golf Course Superintendents Association of America for the facilities and also for their financial support as well. This thesis would not have been possible without the guidance of my advisor, Dr. David Kopsell. Thank you for supporting me in this project and always being available to answer any questions and all the help along the way. I learned just as much from you while completing the project as I did in the classroom with you lecturing and maybe even more. I also want to thank my other committee members. I want to thank Dr. Dean Kopsell for all of the lab equipment and guidance you provided in making this project as efficiently effective as you did. Also, I want to thank Dr. Rob Rhykerd. Ever since the first day in the Department of Agriculture, you always made this place feel welcoming. Without the experience and expertise you both provided, this project would have been a lot more difficult to complete. I also want to thank Travis Williams, Mike Rayman, Cory Wisher, and Nick Stein for their assistance in providing a location to complete the project and aiding with the data collection. My most sincere appreciation goes to the Illinois State University Department of Agriculture for all of the experiences, knowledge, laughs, and good times along the way. I promise these memories will always be with me. I also want to thank Dr. Michael Barrowclough for his assistance with the data analysis portion of this project. I appreciate the way you were always available to help and broke down ii the steps of the analysis for me to understand what each segment meant. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank my family, especially my parents, John Bradford (Brad) and Daphne Wepprecht. Both of you have always done anything and everything you could to put my brothers and I in the best position we could possibly be in. You have always encouraged me to do this and supported me endlessly along the way. Thank you for everything, especially believing in me to accomplish things I didn't think I could.