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EDITOR'S BLOG

IRRIGATION IS VITAL
For effective bowling green maintenance
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

Bowling green turf professionals are expected to produce exceptional playing surfaces often with limited resources and budgets.

The summer months of May, June, July and August are generally a busy period for both flat and crown green bowling greenkeepers, who are expected to produce exceptional playing surfaces often with limited resources and budgets - with many facing an onslaught of fixtures every week.

It has been a challenging spring and early summer with many parts of the country receiving little rain. Clubs have been relying on the fact they have decent irrigation facilities to maintain optimum grass growth.

Some clubs are even experiencing drought conditions already and there could even be a drought forecast if these dry conditions prevail. Some parts of the country have only had 3-4mm of rainfall compared to their normal average of 30 plus mm for the month.

Allowing your greens to dry out too much will bring on several problems, principally the fact that the grass plant goes into stress and can become dormant to protect itself, before finally dying.

I remember the results of long dry summers. The following set of photos illustrate the devastation of long dry periods.

The speed and smoothness of your greens will be influenced by the condition of the playing surface in terms of sward quality. This will be influenced by many factors including amount of grass cover, weed content, pest and disease and the level of input undertaken by the club’s greenkeeper.

However, the availability of water is an essential ingredient in the management and conditioning of grass playing surfaces. Nowadays, irrigation is an important and integral part of the turf grass management industry, especially as the demand for better quality playing surfaces has increased.

This demand has been largely due to extensive televised coverage of major sporting events. Seeing immaculate, aesthetically presented golf courses, football, rugby pitches and horse racing courses has increased the expectations of the players and viewers. Most professional sporting facilities have irrigation systems of one sort or another. Without them they would not be able to prepare and maintain their playing surfaces.

Irrigation is essential for a number of reasons:

for plant survival and growth.
for soil formation
for soil strength
for chemical transport
for managing playability
for presentation

Water is influential in all chemical, physiological and biological processes of plant growth. The soil/plant water relationships is critical to the sustainability of any grass plant. Understanding these relationships is critical. All grass plants are a continuum of water movement. Over 90% of the plant's water requirements are transported through the plant from the soil profile, via the roots and stem tissues into the leaves and out into the atmosphere. Knowledge of these relationships is important when designing and operating irrigation systems. The main aim is to achieve a water balance within the soil profile ensuring that the grass plant can access available water from the soil.

Key factors

Turf type and condition; healthy vigorous turf will transpire more water than an unhealthy turf plant.

Time of the year; there is likely to be more soil water present during the spring, autumn and winter months when temperatures are cooler coupled with higher levels of rainfall.

Weather; air temperature, daylight hours, solar energy inputs, wind speed and shading are factors that will affect evapotranspiration rates.

Maintenance regimes; keeping the soil open and aerated will increase the drainage capacity of the soil. On the other hand, compacted soils will prevent the movement of water through soils, often creating an environment that prevents water getting down into the soil profile. By carrying out effective regular maintenance regimes that include aeration, scarifying, harrowing, brushing, top dressing all help to keep the soil in good condition.

Water resources; quantity and quality. The quantity of water available, and the amount licensed for use in any one year, will determine the performance of any system and irrigation capabilities.

Facility type; design and construction. USGA greens perform differently to pushed up soil greens, each having different water and management requirements. Modern drainage systems also effect soil water conditions. Extensive drainage systems will freely drain water from the soil.

Turf professional’s knowledge; it is important that there is someone who understands all of the above parameters and can access the water requirements of the turf and correctly implement the right irrigation schedule for the facility.

Technology

Technology has moved on, and we now see a wide range of irrigation systems from stand alone, self-travelling or boom sprinklers to computer controlled high-tech pop-up gear driven or jet sprinkler systems able to deliver precise amounts of water.

All irrigation systems are driven by water pressure. It is important that the correct specification of piping is used to conform to the pressure requirements of the system being employed. Using the wrong size piping materials and UPVC joints could result in leakage problems once the system is up and running. Leaks and loss of pressure will have a dramatic effect on the performance of the system, with the added problem that the water will be going somewhere else!

Also, the quality of your water may affect the performance of your system. Sites in areas with heavy lime deposits may require filtration systems. Similarly, recycled water (grey water systems) will require an effective filtration system employed to clean the water prior to use on natural turf surfaces.

The desired application of water from any irrigation system will be fully dependant on irrigation scheduling. Proper irrigation scheduling is a difficult skill that surprisingly few groundsmen and greenkeepers have mastered. By far the largest loss or decline of turf grass quality on playing surfaces is the direct result of improper irrigation scheduling. You may be surprised to learn that the most common irrigation scheduling problem is not too little water, or even too much water, it is watering too frequently. Many of the common turf grass diseases are made worse by, or even may be the result of, watering too frequently. It is vitally important to understand the water needs of the plants and soil rootzone.

Like all mechanical and electrical equipment there is a need for maintenance. Regular inspections should be carried out to installations, man hole covers and pop up sprinkler heads looking for any damage or leaks. It is also important to periodically calibrate the system, checking the uniformity of the irrigation and ensuring that all sprinklers are working. Drops in water pressure or leaks will effect the delivery of the system, often leading to non-uniform watering, which may lead to dry spots and inconsistent surface playability.

Keep records and diaries of irrigation scheduling, running/operating times and performances of the facility. Records will play an important part in the future use of water, especially as this resource may become scarce or restricted.

Irrigation management and the optimisation of watering strategies are important to the proper maintenance of sports facilities. Insufficient moisture when soils reach soil water deficit will result in a declining quality of sward, or even death. Legislation is going to force the industry to control and manage this scarce resource, therefore the understanding and implementation of an irrigation strategy is a must for all clubs and organisations.

Far too often clubs fail to invest in decent irrigation systems and even if they have one, they seldom know how maximise it potential or fail to maintain it in good working order. These irrigation systems need to be constantly checked and maintained to ensure they are fit for purpose.

NEWS

EMERGENCY AUTHORISATION GRANTED
To combat chafer grubs

An Emergency Authorisation (EA) for the use of an insecticide to target chafer grubs in certain areas has been granted for the 2022 season.

An Emergency Authorisation (EA) for the use of the Syngenta insecticide Acelepryn to target chafer grubs has been granted for the 2022 season.

The new EA now includes first-class cricket outfields, as well as specific areas of golf courses, racecourses and airfields.

This season, the chafer grub authorisation permits use of Acelepryn up to 28 August 2022 – to cover key periods of adult chafer egg laying and target early larval activity in the soil.

Chafer grubs cause damage to turf through extensive feeding on roots, which can be severe in localised patches. Surface stability where grubs have chewed through turf roots is of hugely significant concern for racecourses.

Furthermore, say Syngenta, extreme damage can occur in all turf surfaces when badgers, birds and other foragers root through turf in search of the grubs. The EA permits application in situations where there is an acknowledged instance of economic damage, or risk of bird strike on airfields, and where the product has been recommended by a BASIS qualified agronomist.

Subject to specific conditions, areas permitted for Acelepryn use cover affected areas of golf course greens, tees and fairways, horse racecourses and gallops, airfields and first-class cricket outfields under exceptional circumstances. The EA was applied for and held by ICL.

Acelepryn users will be required to submit online stewardship records of areas treated, linked from the ICL website.

“Over recent seasons the damage by soil pests has been of increasing concern,” reported Syngenta technical manager, Sean Loakes. “Obtaining this EA enables turf managers to develop an integrated turf management programme to tackle the severe effects of these pests.”

Further trials are underway on golf courses and fine turf surfaces to refine the application timing, along with aeration practices and the potential to use Acelepryn in conjunction with effectively targeted nematode treatments.

Sean advocates the best results have been achieved with applications at the peak flight of egg laying adults, for the product to be in the soil zone to target early feeding larvae. “The online Pest Tracker reporting system provides a picture of pest activity across the UK and Ireland, to better aid application timing.

“Keep surfaces irrigated where possible prior to application, to attract pest larvae to towards the surface,” he advised. “It’s important to ensure the soil profile is not hydrophobic at the time of application. Apply at higher water volumes, above 600 l/ha, using the white O8 XC Nozzle to help the spray reach the soil surface.”

A further EA has also been submitted by ICL on behalf of the turf industry for the treatment of leatherjacket infestations later in the season. The regulatory system only permits a 120-day use period - which requires a separate submission for leatherjackets, to target later application at peak pest timing.

An online turf pest ID guide, to aid the identification of adult stages of key soil pests and target application timing, is now available on the Syngenta Turf website.

ENTRIES NOW OPEN
For Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year

The search is on to recognise the UK's most professional sprayer operators in the turf and landscape amenity sector.

The Amenity Forum's Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY) awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

You can enter the awards here.

Sponsored by Syngenta and ICL, in association with BASIS, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

The winner is presented at the BIGGA Awards ceremony at BTME, along with a prize of a weekend break for two at a luxury hotel of choice. Two runners-up receive £100 Machine Mart vouchers.

This year the entry process aims to test sprayer operators' broader knowledge of issues and solutions faced across the amenity sector. Barry Browne, ICL landscape & industrial sales manager, explained entrants are not expected to know the answers to all the questions, but will help the judging panel to assess an individual’s experience and approach to dealing with challenges.

"The entry process itself will stimulate thought and understanding of the issues around application, including the need to create integrated solutions using a full range of tools and tactics. We're looking to find operators that can make those important proactive decisions with every application."

Professor John Moverley of the Amenity Forum highlighted the ASOOTY awards exemplified the organisation's objective to promote best practice across the sector.

"It seeks to do this by advocating a fully integrated approach to weed, pest and disease management, tailoring solutions to meet specific situations and making use of the appropriate approved chemical and non-chemical techniques, to produce the most effective and efficient outcome - whilst seeking to create safe and healthy amenity spaces.

"The Amenity Forum has taken the lead in a major step forward in highlighting the importance of amenity management and the need to use professionally approved operators in any public space."

All entrants will be invited to attend an on-line session to review the entry form with judges and to share and learn from the experiences of others.

“ALL BLACKS SWEPT THE DRESSING ROOM”
From World Cup Final to school playing fields

Keith Kent has recently given an interview, charting the course of his career, that includes preparing pitches for Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford and for Clive Woodward at Twickenham.

Keith Kent has scaled the heights of his profession. He has presided over the preparation of pitches for the English Premier League, England football internationals, England Rugby internationals and the Rugby World Cup Final.

In a recent episode of the Inside Agri-Turf podcast, he charts the course of his career, of preparing pitches for Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford and for Clive Woodward at Twickenham where he had to bring the grass down from 75mm to 25mm as the season progressed.

The highlight of his career was preparing the pitches for the 2015 Rugby World Cup – and he tells of his shock and delight at the sportsmanship of the All Blacks when he went round to their dressing room after the final whistle.

A superb ambassador for his profession and terrific communicator, Keith is never more at home than when passing on his experience to those responsible for the grass surfaces at both professional and recreational clubs. Now retired from Twickenham, Keith is helping out maintaining the playing fields at Loughborough School

This is a terrific episode with Keith opening up about the joy of turf management, weather watching, hosting an NFL game – and his part in attracting the Rolling Stones to play Twickenham.

LISTEN TO EPISODE

TONY CUNDALL
Sad passing

Campey Turf Care Systems have announced the passing of Tony Cundall at the age of 75.

It is with great sadness that Campey Turf Care Systems have announced the passing of Tony Cundall at the age of 75.

Tony was the first Campey product specialist to cover Manchester, Wirral, Cheshire and Staffordshire, an area where the company says he quickly became both respected and well-liked by his customers and colleagues.

Not only did he provide excellent sales and service say Campeys, he was renowned for his willingness to go the extra mile and a very professional approach to his work. His popularity extended beyond his sales role and he became known throughout the industry as a true gentleman on every level.

Before retiring in 2011, Tony gave up working in the field and was general manager in house.

“Our thoughts are with Tony’s wife Dinah and Tony’s family at this sad time," said Richard Campey. "He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and worked with him.”

GMA APPOINTS
New partner to support SALTEX '22

Grounds Management Association says they have ambitions to attract record visitors to NEC this year.

Following a successful competitive tender, Norwich-based marketing agency, OneAgency, has been appointed by the Grounds Management Association (GMA) to lead the marketing communications activity for this year’s SALTEX.

Now in its 76th year, the exhibition will be held at Birmingham’s NEC over two days on 2-3 November.

GMA commercial and events director, Sarah Cunningham said, “We have every confidence that OneAgency’s digital-led, integrated marcomms approach will help us to realise our ambitions to attract record visitors and make this year’s SALTEX one of the best yet.

“People are keen to get back to face-to-face events, to network with industry colleagues, learn about the latest innovations, and see what manufacturers and industry suppliers have to offer. We are delighted to welcome the OneAgency team into the SALTEX family.”

OneAgency account director, Liz Cooper said, “This is an exciting win for the agency. Our work for the GMA will call upon the distinctive creative, digital and PR disciplines that we have within the agency. We know SALTEX well as we have attended with exhibiting clients for a long time. We now look forward to working with the team at the GMA to boost both engagement and numbers from exhibitors and visitors alike.”

TYM PLAN TO INVEST $20M IN PRODUCTION FACILITIES
Aims to be a top 3 brand

The investment plan includes the construction of a 142,500 square feet factory equipped with the latest manufacturing technology.

It has been announced that tractor maker TYM Group's North American subsidiaries, TYM-USA and Branson, plan to expand their North American market share through large-scale investment into production facilities in the United States.

On May 20th, the South Korean based TYM revealed its plans to invest more than 20 million dollars into manufacturing facilities in Georgia, USA by joining forces with its two North American subsidiaries.

The investment plan announced included the construction of a 142,500 square feet factory equipped with the latest cutting-edge manufacturing technology on TYM's 900,000 square feet factory grounds in Rome, Georgia. The expansion of the current parts centre and the establishment of the TYM Technology Institute (TTI) for service education were also included in the investment plan.

TYM announced that it has completed negotiations with the Georgia state government and that it will begin the factory design work in May, with the goal of completion in June 2023. "We expect to create more than 150 jobs within the state of Georgia through this investment," a TYM representative said.

TYM, which currently has production facilities in four states in the USA, plans to increase its annual tractor production in North America from 30,000 to 50,000 units through this newest investment plan.

TYM Group is currently among the top five tractor manufacturers in North America, with total manufacturing market share of more than 10% in the North American tractor market under 100HP.

The company say it is their ambitious plan to take the leap into becoming a top three brand in the North American market by launching the new TYM North America and expanding its production facility through this investment to support its growth in the market.

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