The current spell of hot, dry weather is providing a challenge for many turf professionals up and down the country, especially now we are seeing a number of water restrictions and bans being put into place.  

South East Water has just last week (26th June) introduced a hosepipe and sprinkler ban in Kent and Sussex. 

The BBC’s report on the situation says the water company imposed the ban after supply issues left around 4,000 customers without water. Others were experiencing low water pressure, in areas including Wadhurst, Mayfield, Biddenden and Staplehurst.

 
There are also a bans across Cornwall and in parts of Devon, including the Colliford and Roadford areas.

The BBC go on to say that other water companies are monitoring water levels closely, “although no hosepipe bans are currently planned in other parts of England”. There are no bans in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The report quoted the Environment Agency who said bans have been put in place because hot weather affects how quickly water storage reservoirs can be refilled. It said there is no threat of a drought in the UK at present.

Here is some helpful information for our turf professional readers - during a hosepipe ban water cannot be used for the following:

• Watering a garden using a hosepipe
• Cleaning a private motor-vehicle (or a trailer for such a vehicle) using a hosepipe
• Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
• Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
• Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
• Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
• Filling or maintaining a domestic pond (manmade or natural) using a hosepipe
• Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain (including a cascade or any other display of moving water, and includes filling by permanent plumbing)
• Cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises, using a hosepipe
• Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
• Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe

South East Water adds that its customers can water a lawn that has been laid within the last 28 days – you just need to ensure you water it outside of ‘peak hours’ (8am to 10am, then 5pm to 9pm).

 
It states, "You may use a hosepipe to water newly laid turf in domestic gardens for 28 days after planting/laying in order to help them establish.
‘In order to do so you must be able to provide evidence of that date on which the gardening work was completed. Failure to do so and watering for longer than 28 days will be considered a breach of the conditions of the temporary use ban."

People can still water their gardens using a bucket of water, or using a watering can. 

Garden ponds can be filled purely for the safety of fish or aquatic animals that live in the pond.

The aim of the bans is to conserve water. It’s worth noting, though, that these exemptions may differ slightly depending on your local area. There are more specifics to consider for farms, allotments, parks, schools, businesses, etc, too.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to check your local water supplier’s rules and follow them.

 
As for conserving water, here are a few tips for turf professionals:- 

• Monitor and adjust irrigation scheduling to suit the requirements of your facility. Regularly inspect your sports pitches for leaks, broken sprinklers, or other issues that may result in water wastage. Address these problems promptly to minimise water loss.
• Conduct a water audit in terms of calibrating your sprinklers output and accuracy.
• Regularly monitor weather conditions, evapotranspiration rates, and soil moisture levels to determine the actual water requirements of your sports pitches. Adjust your irrigation schedule accordingly to avoid overwatering.
• Install efficient irrigation systems such as weather-based controllers, soil moisture sensors, and drip irrigation. These systems can provide precise and targeted watering, reducing water waste.
• Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and reduce the need for frequent irrigation. Avoid watering during windy conditions to minimise water evaporation.
• Keep the playing surface in good condition by regularly aerating, dethatching, and top-dressing the turf. This allows water to penetrate the soil effectively, reducing runoff and promoting better water absorption.
• Choose grass species and varieties that are more resistant to drought conditions. These grasses require less water and are better suited for sports pitches in arid or water-scarce regions.
• Consult with landscape and irrigation professionals who specialise in sports turf management. They can provide tailored advice and assist in implementing water-saving strategies.
• Consider the installation of a bore hole if the site is suitable for one, they are an effective means of acquiring additional water supplies to your facility. 

Husqvarna Group has announced an investment of 2.5M Euros in Angsa Robotics, a Munich-based startup that they describe as "disrupting automated waste collection in green spaces".

The investment by Husqvarna Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Husqvarna Group, aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of Angsa's robotics platform.

Angsa Robotics say they are developing an autonomous solution, providing a cost-efficient, ecologically friendly and AI-adaptive robot for waste collection in green spaces. With its ability to navigate autonomously, detect obstacles and collect litter, Angsa boast their technology offers another opportunity within green space management.

Mark Johnson, head of Husqvarna Ventures said the company sees significant potential in Angsa's solution. "By investing at an early stage," he said, "Husqvarna can contribute to the development of Angsa's innovative technology and collaborate around potential future product offerings. This investment aligns perfectly with our strategy to explore new complementary robotics applications and address the evolving needs of commercial green space management."

Lukas Wiesmeier, CEO and co-founder of Angsa Robotics, added, "We are thrilled to have Husqvarna Ventures as our strategic investor. Their deep understanding of the robotics market, combined with their extensive global network, will provide invaluable support in scaling our development and accelerating our go-to-market strategy. We look forward to collaborating with Husqvarna Group to bring our cutting-edge robotics platform to customers worldwide."

Boss ORV has announced they have partnered with Euromec Contracts Ltd to retail Corvus Off-Road Vehicles’ products in the East Midlands region.

L-R: Maria Griffiths, finance director; Graham Hill, sales director; Phil Everett, Boss ORV MD; Nikki Heighton, director

Euromec, which dates back to 1997, has developed as industrial cleaning and groundcare equipment specialists. They offer sales and service of scrubber dryers, floor sweepers, lawn mowers, tractors and utility vehicles. Based in Market Harborough, they are also dealers for Kubota, Honda Power Products, STIGA and Mountfield. The dealership says they have a particular pride in sourcing innovative products but emphasise they believe in putting the customer first and providing a full range of after-sales services.

Phil Everett, MD at Boss ORV, welcomed the company to the Corvus dealer network that now comprises of forty-three dealers giving a total of sixty outlets across the UK. Phil said, "I'm looking forward to working with finance director Maria Griffith, sales director Graham Hill, director Nikki Heighton, Annie Povilionis, and all the Euromec team to grow the Corvus business in the region."

Landscape, the industry trade show, along with The Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust and the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust have announced the launch of the Wildlife Friendly Garden Design in a Pot Competition.

The competition invites talented designers from all walks of life to submit their innovative and environmentally conscious garden designs that can be realised in a pot. By that the organisers mean using planters, window boxes or containers - making space for nature in an urban environment where natural features are scarce.

A spokesperson explained, "We are looking for creative and practical ideas that can inspire people to create their own, using features from your design. 

"This exciting challenge not only showcases the endless possibilities of compact garden design but also encourages participants to prioritise wildlife conservation in their creations. By creating spaces that harmoniously coexist with nature, these designs will serve as inspiring examples of sustainable landscaping. The winning professional designer will have the exclusive chance to see their imaginative creation become a reality at Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust’s Centre of the Earth education centre in Birmingham."

The competition will culminate at Landscape 2023 at the NEC on the 27th & 28th of September, where the winning designs will be prominently showcased. The display will allow attendees to appreciate the creativity, craftsmanship and eco-consciousness of the designers, while providing a platform for winners to gain recognition. 

To learn more about the brief and how to submit your entry visit here. The deadline for entries is Friday 25th August 2023.

CRICKET ON THE UP

MY TOP FIVE CONCERNS

by guest editor, Andrew Turnbull 

BIODIVERSITY IN PARKS

DROUGHT CONDITIONS PREVAIL

MAY BE BUSY

A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
by guest editor Angus Macleod

TURF HARVEST FESTIVAL

FEEDING TIME

TIME TO GET TOUGH

STAY CURIOUS!
by guest editor, Alex Vickers

A TRANSISTIONAL MONTH

SPRING IS UPON US

HEDGE YOUR BETS

PEOPLE'S PARKS, PUBLIC PARKS - IN PERIL?

by guest editor, Paul Rabbits

TESTING TIMES AHEAD

ROBOTIC POTENTIAL

CHANGEOVER TIME

WE MUST DEVELOP OUR OWN STAFF

by guest editor, Karl McDermott

DOUBLE CENTURY CELEBRATED

OUR PARKS IN CRISIS

AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS

OPTIMISM RETURNING
By Guest Editor, Roy Rigby

WATERLOGGING ISSUES

NEW YEAR, NEW FEATURES

View all of 2022's blogs here

View all of 2021's blogs here

View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

BERBERIS THUNBERGII
A shrub that has stood the test of time

ENSURING FUTURE PROSPERITY
Advice imparted at road shows

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
A key focus

PHOTINA RED ROBIN
A sensational flowering shrub

VALUING THE GRASSROOTS
We must not overlook those who maintain these grounds

MANAGING WEEDS SUSTAINABLY
In amenity spaces

DETECTING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
In turf plants

SPRING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
A crucial period

SUSTAINABILITY IN SUPPLY
A focus on those who supply essential inputs to our sector

CHANGING CLIMATE
Is a borehole the key for clubs?

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE SHARP END
How to put into practice when budgets are tight?

ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY
Clubs are struggling

SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
Seeking transparent and robust supply chains is essential

TIME FOR ACTION
To reverse recruitment crisis

CONTROLLING COSTS
Planning is crucial

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABILITY
What exactly does the term mean?

CARING FOR THE GRASSROOTS
From volunteers to contractors

DEFRA IS LETTING DOWN THE COUNTRY
Complete failure to address the plastic grass debate

WE CAN ALL DO MORE
To aid biodiversity

MY LIFE IN GREENKEEPING
With Bruce Cruickshank

LEVELLING UP, GETTING SMARTER & GETTING AHEAD
Parks require so much more funding

SWITCHED ON FOR HARD WORK
Putting trimmers through their paces

MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS
At this year's show

MY SALTEX
Daniel Lewis​, Manchester City Football Club

AWASH WITH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Two months till showtime

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Priorities for the amenity sector

THE DECLINE OF ‘PARKITECTURE’
A symptom of the state of parks in 2022

DEVELOPERS SHIRKING GREEN SPACE RESPONSIBILITIES
Lack of financial commitment

TIME TO COME TOGETHER
For the good of the industry

THE DEATH OF GRASS ROOTS CRICKET
Gathering apace?

ROUTES INTO THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ENSURED
Q&A with David Fisher, Lantra’s head of industry partnerships

STRONG VIEWS ON CRICKET PITCH PERFORMANCE MARKING
A bone of contention

A PREMIUM PRODUCT
Delivered at Naas Golf Club

THE GREEN REVOLUTION
And Esker Hills

MAKING A CHANGE
Laytown and Bettystown Golf Links

A DAY AT THE RACES
Naas Race Course

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE VOICE
How the industry needs to proceed

OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION
Wesley College

ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT
Dennis's Ian Howard talks electrification

THE HOME OF CORK GAA
Páirc Uí Chaoimh

LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED
STIHL HLA 66 and HLA 86

OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY
Johnstown Castle and Gardens

A CLUB GONE WILD
Kilkenny Golf Club

A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND
Woodenbridge GC

80 YEARS YOUNG
Charleville Golf Club

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
Albeit gradually . .

GO WEST
Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe

WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Nenagh Golf Club

ON A MISSION
Wrekin Golf Club aiming to enrich wildlife and fauna

WILD AND WONDERFUL
Design By Nature

LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE
Abbey Par 3

TACKLING OBESITY
Vital that schools can provide sport

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Vital for turf professionals

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
Tullamore Golf Club

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES
At Trinity College Dublin

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW
Bray Golf Club

A WELL POLISHED COURSE!
Ierne Social And Sports Club

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES
Of grounds maintenance

THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT
But it will survive

WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED
Renewed hope and optimism for the future

GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED
Parks invisible on national agenda

A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST
Wexford Golf Club

GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES!
Keith Kent says we must invest in people

WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY
Right time for all sides to come together

SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS
Good-quality soil can help save the planet

MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS
Encouraging the next generation

A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB
Wide experience of the turf grass industry

PAYING THEIR WAY
Low wages is the bane of the industry

AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL
Professor John Moverley

CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES
Mary Worrall

TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN
What causes you the most frustration in your role?

PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Vic Demain and Phil Sharples

BOWLS CLUBS IN PERIL
A sad decline

A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY
Loz looks back

SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER"
Commercial model capable of covering 50,000 m2 teased

HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT
Invest in mowers

COMPRESSED AERATION
The new way

PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
Recent sector developments

ON TEST
STIHL blowers

THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future

ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP
A split along racial lines

ON TEST
EGO STX3800 strimmer with RTX2300 Rotocut head

A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES
Review of the National Action Plan

PARKS MATTER
The role of public parks in the recovery: a discussion paper

A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE
Wormsley private estate

A BTME OUTDOORS?
A good bet for the industry

PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
Q&A with Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at Adur and Worthing Council

CRICKET LOAM
What does it mean?

A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL
Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager

ON TEST
STIHL battery products

TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants during biotic and abiotic stress in turfgrass plants

AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The coming months are going to prove very difficult

THE ABUSE OF PARKS . .
Is the abuse of society

WHY PARKS MATTER?
A statement from the Parks Management Forum to the Prime Minister

THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER
Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT!
Cricket under covid

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?
Debate brought back into focus

A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS
Running golf design projects from home

PRESSURE SITUATION
Cementing the reputation

A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF
10 years at the helm of Olton GC

GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE
The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth

THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL
Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS
2001

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS
Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself

RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME
. . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’

PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS
An urgent problem

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

When deciding how to fertilise turfgrass surfaces it is common to search and read the results of independent trials. Research and trials on nutrient requirements for different turfgrass species, however, are based on the application of synthetic/mineral fertilisers but these are often very inefficient in how the plant takes them up. This means that the amount of nutrients in kg/ha is often inaccurate compared to how much the turfgrass plant needs and/or takes up. Understanding the efficiency of fertilisers will help turfgrass managers to select the correct sources of nutrients and the quantities required for their turfgrass surfaces. 

Nitrogen is the most important nutrient as it drives all plant growth processes, with optimum turfgrass health and growth depending on all other nutrients being in the correct balance. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) quantifies the amount of applied nitrogen that is taken up and utilised by plants versus the amount lost to the atmosphere as ammonia gas (volatilisation as NH3) and in drainage water from the rootzone (leaching). Understanding NUE is essential for optimising fertiliser use, reducing environmental impacts, and producing quality turfgrass playing surfaces. Improving NUE is crucial for sustainable turfgrass management and minimizing environmental impacts.

By focusing on improving NUE, turfgrass managers can enhance playing surface quality, reduce fertiliser costs, and minimise environmental impacts associated with nitrogen losses to water bodies and the atmosphere. NUE can vary depending on several factors such as soil conditions, climate, turfgrass species, and management practices. Both chemical and organic fertilisers can contribute to nitrogen use efficiency in turfgrass management, with chemical fertilisers providing rapid and precise nutrient delivery but come with higher risks of nutrient losses. Organic fertilisers offer slow-release benefits, improve soil health, and have lower environmental impacts but may not work as quickly as required in colder weather, e.g. when trying to present smooth playing conditions in a cold, dry April. The choice between the two depends on specific turfgrass requirements, management goals, and environmental considerations.

How to calculate Nitrogen Use Efficiency

A simplified version of the NUE calculations is the following formula:

NUE (%) = (Y₂ - Y₁) / (F - N₁) * 100

Where:

Y₂ = Clipping volume (L) with nutrient application (two weeks after granular fertilising or one week after liquid fertilising)
Y₁ = Clipping volume (L) before fertilising
F = Total nitrogen applied in kg/ha to turfgrass surface
N₁ = Foliar nitrogen content before fertilising

Clipping volume is measured by emptying the grass boxes after mowing and tipping into a large, graduated measuring jug, and the volume read off the scale on the jug in ml and/or litres. The values obtained from this calculation provide a general indication of nutrient efficiency but should be interpreted in conjunction with other factors such as soil conditions, turfgrass species, management practices, and specific site conditions.

Enhancing Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Several management practices can enhance NUE, including:

• Optimising fertiliser application timing and rate to match turf demand, e.g. using the % Growth Potential model
• Using slow/controlled-release and/or organic fertilisers that provide a steady supply of nitrogen over an extended period.
• Implementing precision turfgrass management techniques to tailor fertiliser application based on specific conditions and turfgrass needs.
• Incorporating nitrogen-fixing cover crops or rotating with leguminous crops to enhance soil nitrogen availability.
• Adjusting and monitoring irrigation practices to minimize nutrient leaching and runoff.
• Monitoring soil nutrient levels through regular rootzone and tissue testing to guide fertiliser application decisions.

How does the NUE compare between different nitrogen fertilisers? 

Chemical Fertilisers:

Chemical fertilisers are synthetic products made from oil and/or mineral deposits, providing readily available nutrients to plants and typically contain ammonium nitrate, urea, or ammonium sulphate. They often have higher nutrient concentrations and are designed for fast nutrient release than organic based fertilisers. Some key points regarding NUE with chemical fertilisers: 

1. Fast-Release: Chemical fertilizers deliver nitrogen to turfgrass quickly, which can lead to rapid growth responses. However, this fast-release nature may also increase the risk of nutrient leaching and volatilization, especially if applied in excessive amounts or under inappropriate conditions.
2. Nutrient Losses: Nitrogen losses can occur through leaching, where excessive rainfall or irrigation carries the nutrients beyond the root zone. Volatilisation can also happen when the nitrogen from urea-based fertilizers is applied to the turfgrass surface and converted into ammonia gas and lost to the atmosphere, mostly during to higher than optimum air temperatures.
3. Immediate Response: Due to the rapid availability of nutrients, chemical fertilisers can provide quick greening and growth responses. However, the effects may be short-lived, requiring frequent applications to maintain desired results.
4. Precision Application: Chemical fertilisers allow precise control over nutrient ratios and concentrations. This enables customised fertilisation programs tailored to specific turfgrass requirements, considering factors like soil tests, growth stage, and environmental conditions.

Examples of chemical fertilisers:

1. Urea - Urea is a widely used nitrogen fertiliser that contains a high percentage of nitrogen. Its NUE can vary depending on factors such as soil moisture, temperature, and the presence of urease enzymes. On average, urea has a moderate to high NUE, ranging from 30% to 70%. However, it is important to note that urea is susceptible to nitrogen losses through volatilisation, particularly if not incorporated into the soil or when applied under dry and warm conditions.
2. Methylene Urea - Methylene urea is a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer that provides a controlled release of nitrogen over an extended period. It is designed to improve NUE by gradually supplying nutrients to plants as they need them. Methylene urea generally exhibits a higher NUE compared to fast-release fertilizers like urea. It can have NUE values ranging from 50% to 80% or even higher, depending on the formulation and environmental conditions.
3. Potassium Nitrate - Potassium nitrate provides both nitrogen and potassium. It is commonly used in horticulture and greenhouse applications. The NUE of potassium nitrate is typically higher than that of urea, ranging from 50% to 70%. The presence of nitrate nitrogen in potassium nitrate allows for more efficient uptake by plants compared to ammonium forms of nitrogen.
4. Ammonium Sulphate -Ammonium sulphate is a nitrogen fertiliser that provides both ammonium and sulphate. It is often used in soils with high pH or when additional sulphur is required. The NUE of ammonium sulphate can vary but is generally considered relatively high, ranging from 50% to 80%. Ammonium nitrogen, present in ammonium sulphate, is readily taken up by plants, contributing to its higher NUE compared to some other nitrogen sources

Organic Fertilisers

Organic fertilisers are derived from natural sources such as compost, animal manure, bone meal, feathers, and other organic matter. They provide a slow and steady release of nutrients through microbial activity and natural decomposition. They offer a range of benefits such as improving soil fertility, promoting microbial activity, enhancing soil structure, and providing slow-release nutrients. The nutrient use efficiency of organic fertilizers can vary depending on several factors, including the type of organic fertiliser, its nutrient content, application method, soil conditions, and turfgrass requirements.

Some considerations regarding the nutrient use efficiency of organic fertilisers: 

1. Slow-release nature: Organic fertilisers typically release nutrients slowly over time as they undergo decomposition and microbial activity in the soil. This slow-release characteristic can enhance nutrient use efficiency by providing a continuous supply of nutrients to plants, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching or runoff. This slow-release nature reduces the risk of nutrient leaching and volatilisation, resulting in improved NUE.
2. Soil Health and Structure: Organic fertilisers contribute to the improvement of soil health and structure by promoting microbial activity, enhancing nutrient retention, and increasing water-holding capacity. These factors indirectly enhance NUE by creating a favourable environment for root growth and nutrient uptake.
3. Nutrient availability: The availability of nutrients in organic fertilisers is influenced by microbial activity in the soil. Microorganisms break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms that plants can readily absorb. The nutrient release rate from organic fertilisers depends on the microbial activity, which can be influenced by temperature, moisture, and soil conditions. While the initial response may be slower, the nutrients are released gradually, providing a continuous supply over an extended period.
4. Nutrient balance: Organic fertilisers generally have a lower nutrient content compared to synthetic fertilisers and may not always match the exact nutrient requirements of plants. However, the presence of a wide range of nutrients, along with organic matter, can improve nutrient balance in the soil and promote overall plant health and resilience.
5. Soil interactions: Organic fertilisers have a more sustained effect on turfgrass growth compared to chemical fertilisers by improving soil health through enhancing its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Healthy soils with good structure and nutrient availability can improve the nutrient use efficiency of plants. Organic fertilisers contribute to the long-term fertility of the soil and support sustainable management practices.
6. Environmental Considerations: Organic fertilisers are more environmentally friendly since they rely on natural materials and reduce the risk of nutrient runoff and pollution. Their nutrient content, however, can be variable with no more than 8%-9% nitrogen content and higher application rates may be required to meet turfgrass nutritional needs.

It's important to note that while organic fertilisers offer several benefits, their nutrient release can be slower compared to synthetic fertilisers. This slower release rate may require timely application and a longer-term perspective on nutrient management. Regular soil testing and monitoring can help optimise nutrient application rates and timing to maximise nutrient use efficiency and minimise potential nutrient losses.

Examples of organic fertilisers:

1. Compost - Compost is a well-decomposed organic matter produced through the controlled decomposition of plant residues, animal manures, and other organic materials. It is rich in nutrients, organic matter, and beneficial microorganisms. Compost improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and supplies a slow-release source of nutrients to the turfgrass.
2. Plant-Based Meals - Plant-based meals are organic fertilisers made from various plant materials such as alfalfa meal, soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and corn gluten meal. These meals are rich in nitrogen, along with other essential nutrients. They provide slow-release nitrogen, enhance microbial activity, and improve soil fertility.
3. Fish hydrolysate - Fish hydrolysate is a liquid organic fertiliser made from fish that is degraded through using enzymes. Beware of cheap fish emulsions, which are derived from rotting fish waste. True hydrolysates have much more beneficial effects on plant growth and soil health than using the cheaper fish emulsions, which are fish waste degraded using bacteria and recognised by their soup consistency and stink! True fish hydrolysate is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements. Fish hydrolysate is rapidly absorbed by plants and provides a quick source of nutrients and is commonly used as a foliar spray or soil drench for fast-acting nutrient supplementation.
4. Seaweed and Kelp Extracts - Seaweed and kelp extracts are derived from marine algae. They can be rich in trace elements, growth-promoting hormones, and beneficial plant compounds, depending on the species of seaweed used. Seaweed extracts enhance turfgrass growth, improve stress tolerance, and stimulate root development. They can be applied as foliar sprays or soil drenches.
5. Amino Acids - Amino acids are organic compounds that contain nitrogen and are used as foliar fertilizers or soil amendments. The NUE of amino acids can vary depending on the specific formulation and application method. Amino acids have the potential to enhance NUE by improving nutrient uptake and utilization in plants, but it is challenging to provide a specific range for NUE in amino acids as it can be influenced by various factors, including the specific amino acid composition, plant species, and environmental conditions.

These organic fertilisers offer numerous advantages in turfgrass management, including slow and steady nutrient release, improved soil health, reduced nutrient leaching, and environmental sustainability. However, it's important to consider the nutrient content, application rates, and specific requirements of the turfgrass when selecting and applying organic fertilisers. Soil testing and following recommended application guidelines will help ensure proper nutrient balance and promote healthy turf growth.

It is important to note that these NUE ranges are approximate and can vary depending on specific circumstances. Additionally, NUE can be influenced by factors such as fertiliser application rate, timing, and management practices. Optimising NUE requires considering the specific turfgrass surface, rootzone conditions, and other site-specific factors to develop effective nutrient management strategies.