Granularwetting agentstrials

With climate change making weather patterns more unpredictable, turf managers need to find practices and products to ensure turf health is maintained under a range of irrigation levels

BY GEOFF FENN, R&D DIRECTOR, AND KELLY CLACK, AGRONOMY TECHNICAL MANAGER, ORIGIN AMENITY SOLUTIONS

Water availability is going to be a significant issue in the near future, as legislators will obviously prioritise mains water for housing and industry over sportsturf. It is important therefore that the turf industry demonstrates good water-use responsibility to enable access to future water supplies. Ifwe can show we are only using the water we need to maintain our playing surfaces, we have a better chance ofbeing granted access to irrigation supplies.

The use ofwetting agents as a turfmanagement tool has been widespread for decades, and there is proven research that demonstrates their ability to improve turf health and growth during times ofdrought or soil moisture stress. A lot of this work has been done on established turf, but a key part ofthe turfmanager's year is establishing a new surface from seed, whether that be an entire football pitch, a new golfgreen or divot/goalmouth repairs.

Seed Establishment

The very first stage ofgrass seed germination is imbibition - the process where seed is exposed to water, which is drawn in through the seed coating to initiate new root and shoot growth - and sufficient soil moisture around the newly sown seed is vital to get a good 'strike'.

Many grounds teams have old, inefficient irrigation systems, limited access to mains water or restrictions on extraction licences, and so need to maximise any water available. Turfmanagers with good irrigation systems are able to apply large amounts ofwater to ensure good germination, but with diseases such as brown patch and grey leafspot affecting young swards, can we reduce this watering to lower disease pressures and still allow for good seed establishment?

Wetting agents are available in both liquid and granular form, but granular wetting agents may have advantages over liquid applications in seeding situations in terms ofease ofapplication, longevity and cost-effectiveness.

Research Trial

At the Origin TurfScience and Technology Centre in Essex, we carried out a trial looking at the use of our granular wetting agent (Tricure AD Granular) in the establishment ofnew ryegrass seedlings and how the sward development is affected at different irrigation levels.

The theme for this year's Amenity Forum

Updating Events is policy, compliance and enforcement. These three areas cover the working environment for many organisations and projects in the amenity sector. Policy and legislation set the framework to work within. Compliance ensures organisations work within the envelope of legislation and good practice. Enforcement ensures those who do not comply and take shortcuts are caught and either closed down or are made to comply to produce a safe working environment and an even playing field for all organisations.

Revised National Action Plan

We are awaiting publication of the Revised Pesticide National Action Plan (NAP), a five-year plan that aims to minimise the risks and impacts of pesticides to human health and the environment, while ensuring that pests and pesticide resistance are managed effectively. The Amenity Forum is at the forefront of lobbying for the development of sustainable solutions that fulfil the requirements of the NAP. Unfortunately, the NAP is unlikely to be published until later this year. We were hoping to be able to present to members our interpretation of the NAP and what the sector needs to achieve in order to comply with this five-year plan.