TRENTHAM TAKES CONTROL
Irrigation best practice

Implementing moisture level monitoring, updating controllers with the latest software and frequently applying evolving course setup conditions to irrigation programmes, all contribute to responsible and sustainable management of golf courses.

 

Ed Stant, course manager at Trentham Golf Club near Stoke-on-Trent, says that recent changes to his irrigation management are paying dividends.

 

Ed Stant

 

“Two years ago we had a completely new irrigation system installed,” Ed says. “We opted for the intuitive Toro Lynx control system with 170 Infinity series greens, approaches and surrounds sprinklers. Having the right technology greatly aids professional irrigation management, but getting the most out of it is a skill in itself, and for me it all starts with monitoring soil moisture levels. I use a HH2 Moisture Meter probe and its readings depends on what irrigation I apply.”

 

Knowing the exact conditions of the turf’s health faces will lead to more informed and ecological decisions, as only the water needed to sustain it will be used. Couple this with an intuitive control system which can be accurately tailored to precise conditions and requirements, means users have even more control over water consumption and sward health. This is integral to good irrigation practice as every area of turf can be different.

 

“Having an intuitive control system is fantastic for precise irrigation and, of course, specific requirements around the course. We had a reasonably wet summer in 2017 but as we all know no course is uniform and for whatever reasons certain areas will need more moisture than others. Being able to apply additional water where it is needed over the last couple of years since we got the new system has resulted in us having great grass coverage across the entire course, even in the walked areas.

 

“We’ve also recently put a lot of time and effort into killing the coarse rye grass around the greens surrounds and that meant a lot of specific watering of the affected areas. Being able to water-in just the top-dressing or apply water where overseeding and spreading herbicide, has greatly aided the process, allowing us to also be far more water efficient than we could have previously been.”

 

Adding to the efficient irrigation at Trentham Golf Club is the fact that the club is also sustainable. At the same time as the irrigation system installation a 42m borehole was put in and seeing as the club does not exceed its limit, it means free water for irrigation purposes.

 

Trentham Golf Club believes this carefully managed control over water usage is more environmentally friendly, plants are healthier, surfaces are more aesthetically pleasing, playability is improved, and they are saving money too.

Rate: 12345 (0)
In this issue
EDITOR'S BLOG
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
NEWS
TURF PRO'S MOST READ STORIES OF 2017
'LACK OF RESPECT' FOR BALLYMENA PITCH
BIGGA AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUCED
VISITORS ENCOURAGED TO PRE-REGISTER FOR BTME
LES MALIN APPOINTED MD OF ETESIA UK
STRI APPOINT NEW RESEARCH OPERATIONS MANAGER
REESINK EXPANDS SCOTLAND TEAM
TRENTHAM TAKES CONTROL
JOBS
ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS HERE
Sponsored Product Announcements
SHOWCASE YOUR NEW PRODUCTS HERE
PARTNERS
Garden trader
PRODUCED BY THE AD PLAIN