BY LAWN SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA | AUG 2020

AAMI Park Celebates STRI at the ASTMA

10 Years Saudi Cup Update / 1 ... Read more [pg 02] ... Read more [pg 22] ... Read more [pg 34] 2 / Welcome to TurfTalk,

Australia’s most comprehensive turf magazine. TurfTalk is suitable for all turf professionals, from turf growers to landscapers, golf courses and sports ground curators, to government and related industry organisations. TurfTalk is here to share with you the latest information on the turf industry, the exciting developments in turf research and to keep you up to date with everything you need to know about turf. TurfTalk is a free magazine, distributed to over 3000 landscape and turf professionals.

TurfTalk is published by Lawn Solutions Australia

Contact: For any enquiries, submissions or to subscribe to our digital edition please contact us at [email protected] Saudi Cup

Inside this issue

AAMI PARK PG 02 TAKING TURF GLOBAL PG 30

KEEPING LIVERPOOL GREEN PG 05 A PASSION FOR DESIGN WITH CHARLIE ALBONE PG 32

CABOOLTURE GOLF CLUB PG 09 ASTMA UPDATE PG 34

TURF CONSULTANCY PG 12 DOUGLAS DALY TOURIST PARK PG 39 BROOME TOWN BEACH PROJECT PG 15 THE JOURNEY OF NEW CHEMISTRY PG 41 BANKSIA ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL PG 18 THE TURF INDUSTRY WITH ALEX JENSEN PG 43 NEW TURF VARIETIES IN THE GOLF MARKET PG 20

UNDERSTANDING ORGANIC MATTER TESTING PG 45 STRI AT THE SAUDI CUP PG 22

ORIGIN AND ROLE OF GRASSES PG 26 STS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA PG 48

MAINTAINING MANUKA OVAL PG 28 INTERNATIONAL GREENKEEPERS FOR HIRE PG 51

WELCOME TO TURFTALK / 1 AAMI Park with Justin Lang

MELBOURNE & OLYMPIC PARKS SPORTS FIELD COORDINATOR

In 2010 Mr Justin Lang became the Sports Field Coordinator at Melbourne & Olympic Parks. Mr Lang is responsible for preparing and maintaining all sports fields at Melbourne & Olympic Parks Precinct to an international standard.

Mr Lang first arrived at AAMI Park four months before the first event and just before the first turf roll was rolled out.

AAMI Park

AAMI Park is primely positioned between Gosch’s Paddock and Olympic Park Oval training fields, within Australia’s world- class sports and entertainment precinct Melbourne & Olympic Parks. The precinct caters for both the community, with public access to parklands, as well as elite training and administration facilities for several professional sporting club tenants:

• Melbourne Storm (National Rugby League) • Melbourne Rebels (Rugby Australia) • Melbourne Victory FC (A-League) • Melbourne Demons FC (AFL) • Collingwood Magpies FC (AFL)

A team of qualified turf tradesman and horticulture staff manage seven hectares of sports fields. This encompasses AAMI Park’s stadium pitch, two AFL fields, a soccer pitch and a field catering for both rugby league and rugby union.

Melbourne & Olympic Parks

Melbourne & Olympic Parks is a 40-hectare precinct, sitting on the edge of Melbourne’s city centre and the Yarra River. In addition to AAMI Park, it is also home to premier venues and sports facilities including Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Arena, Margaret Court Arena and the National Tennis Centre. The precinct plays

2 / AAMI PARK Warm-ups on the AAMI pitch host to the renowned Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament each year and welcomes the spectrum of live entertainment, shows and sports.

AAMI Park Celebrates 10-year Anniversary

AAMI Park is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, hosting its first event in May 2010, an Australian Vs New Zealand Rugby League Test Match. AAMI Park is a 30,000 seat rectangular stadium, purpose- built by the Victorian Government to host rugby league, rugby union and football codes for the State. It has also hosted many -non-sporting events such as concerts and family shows including Monster Trucks.

AAMI Park Playing Surface

Mr Lang and his team’s imperative is to maintain the playing surface to the highest standards, to welcome the world’s best events, right around the stadium’s busy and diverse calendar. To achieve this, they have a hybrid turf system on a sand-based perched water table, that comprises of two different products. They also work very closely with turf suppliers to implement a leading ready-play turf system that can be brought in at a moment notice. Both products have a porous backing, allowing water to pass through, with erect fibres attached for surface stability. Melbourne’s climate permits a mature and strong turf product that can be installed in the stadium within three months from initial planting.

Each venue has its own unique set of conditions or microclimate. Mr Lang said there is always the unknown, “even with all the research and planning in the world, you need to be versatile.” One of the biggest challenges Mr Lang and his team face is the intensity of multiple teams and codes playing at AAMI Park, particularly when their competition fixtures all coincide and overlap during the year. Both rugby league and rugby union codes are very demanding on the turf surface, requiring imperative maintenance to manage the stress on wear and recovery. This can also lead to rapid instability if not prepared. Meanwhile, football (soccer) is a sport that requires a fast and even ball roll on a shorter grass length. Balancing the individual requirements of the three codes requires meticulous planning. Mr Lang is tremendously proud of their team and how they work together with the clubs, to turn-around events and maintain high standards, often hosting two to three sports events at AAMI Park in one weekend for the multiple codes.

Mr Lang is constantly working with their tenants and venue hirers to deliver the best possible outcome. “It is crucial to have a good working relationship with all tenants” he said. “If we can improve conditions, even

AAMI PARK / 3 Preparing for the Asian Cup

High profile Sports Turf in an ever-changing environment is always evolving. Mr Lang’s team are constantly working with their partners and tenants to improve the final product.

A Week at AAMI Park Some of the team With seven hectares of sports fields and five professional training tenants, you need to be organised. At the same time, you need to be very flexible as well. “Training times and even training days can change at a moment’s notice” said Mr Lang. A good relationship with the club team managers and staff is crucial. They also have many of the training fields available for public use, which allows the community to access these spaces for recreation around the sporting teams’ training times. if it is only by one percent, then we have and events at the venue. “We have hosted Mr Lang’s team have a structured approach done our job.” He continued. Australian teams in all three rectangular to managing the pitch at AAMI Park. Work codes and this is something we look back begins right after the final whistle of a Putting time and investment into the staff on with pride.” He said. game, with clean-up and recovery. This is always high on Mr Lang’s priority list. involves light-rigs, repairing divots and Whether it is further education, improved “Hosting the Asian Cup in 2015 with seven applying any products-either granular or safety procedures or networking with peers. games in 14 days, including a quarter final, is foliar. During high wear periods and the Most recently a staff member was sent to one of my biggest highlights. The A-League cooler months, Mr Lang said they like work with Manchester City FC and there are Grand Final in 2015 where Melbourne to give it as much rest as possible. “The plans to send their youngest team member Victory Defeated Sydney FC 3-0, is also theory is, if we don’t need to be out there, to Leicester City FC in the future. “Over the memorable. Being privileged enough we won’t be. We will cut once mid-week, years, we have partnered with domestic and to prepare Melbourne Storm’s pitch for then cut and prep the pitch prior to the international venues for work experience six preliminary finals out of the past nine event. During the A-League season, which opportunities.” Mr Lang said. seasons is another.” is our growing season, AAMI Park will be cut five to six days a week.” He said. Justin Lang Additional highlights include preparing cricket wickets for the Australian Cricket On triple-header (event) weekends, AAMI Mr Lang started his turf apprenticeship in Team, the Rugby World Cup in 2003 and Park could host Super Rugby Friday Night, 1990 as a 17-year-old at Punt Road Oval in Commonwealth Games in 2006. A-League Saturday night and NRL Sunday. Melbourne for the Richmond Cricket and Mr Lang said “when you are dealing with “To get the best result, you need to paint Football clubs. He became Turf Manager lines for each code on the same day as you in 1993, preparing cricket pitches for both nature, no two days are the same. You must always be ready for the unexpected.” This remove them. For example: Friday- cut, the Richmond and Victorian Bushrangers line mark, then wash off lines, change cricket teams. scenario can eventuate when in Melbourne, several environmental conditions can goalposts and divot post event. Saturday- In 2000, nine months after the stadium eventuate daily. In conjunction with high cut, line mark, then wash off lines, change opened, Mr Lang became the Marvel usage, working smarter to mitigate the goalposts and divot post event. Sunday- Stadium (formerly Etihad Stadium) detrimental effects on the health of the turf is Cut, line-mark and deploy light rigs post Assistant Turf Manager. Mr Lang’s position crucial. With the intensity of scrums in rugby, event.” Mr Lang said. involves researching, improving, and the havoc this plays on turf stability can be Impact of COVID-19 implementing all agronomic activities in devastating. Professionally this is one of accordance to industry best practice. It the most challenging circumstances sports also means overseeing all turf staff onsite, ground managers like Mr Lang face. COVID-19 has seen many industries suffer enhancing occupational health and safety and the sports and entertainment industry (OH&S) and Environmental Protection When it comes to weather, you can never has certainly been one. Mr Lang said Agency (EPA) standards. Any given day eliminate all risk. Placing importance they have been very careful to maintain can go from developing turf budgets, on research and development helps to their practices and the way we go about interpreting scientific research and liaising implement ongoing improvements that their roles, in-keeping with government with professional sporting club tenants and minimise this risk. Key upgrades that have requirements and best practice guidelines managing their training schedules. been introduced at the ground include, on health and safety. Melbourne & Olympic a hybrid turf system, recalibrating of the Parks have developed and implemented Justin Lang’s Highlights artificial lighting program, implementation additional operations and measures across of a more comprehensive agronomy all its facilities, to ensure the well-being of Some personal highlights for Mr Lang program and attaining regular independent all staff and the community is protected involved hosting international tournaments performance testing. and maintained during this time.

4 / AAMI PARK Keeping Liverpool Green

Q&A WITH DAMIEN CURTIS - PARKS COORDINATOR EAST

Damien Curtis has been working in the • Business Owner, Better Turf Solutions I implemented an Integrated Pest Strategy turf maintenance industry for 28 years. - Spraying Contractor for the Catholic to combat pest, weeds, and disease. Mr Curtis started in 1992 at Concord Diocese and local government / Turf This strategy involved the use of pre- Council where he developed a wealth of cricket wicket contractor / Landscape emergent herbicides, along with the use experience over 7 years. From there, Mr projects - 2 years of environmentally friendly pest control Curtis continued his career over in the • The Kings School - Head Curator - products, such as Acelepryn, which are sports turf maintenance sector, before 3.5 years applied to all fields. returning to council facilities in his • Landscape Solutions - Sports Turf current position at Liverpool Council. • We use Amazone machines to collect Account Manager - 2 years grass clippings off fields, so we What is your background and • Turf Maintenance Manager ANZ reduced the potential for pests and experience within the turf industry? Stadium - 2 years disease to flourish. We also started foliar fertiliser applications where we I started in 1992 at Concord Council as a What is your current position and what are getting great results with contact to facilities do you manage? ground’s person on turf wickets. I worked on plant, without the clippings impeding. all wickets in council, including those that I have been in my current position as Parks • The implementation of broad leaf hosted 1st grade and state ING cup games Coordinator East since January this year, at weed eradication program to over 300 at Drummoyne Oval for 7 years. my commencement we were right at the hectares of open space turf areas. With back end of a 3-year drought. We have 105 the floods, Khaki weed became a huge • Team Leader golf courses Massey Park hectares of sporting fields, 42 hectares issue in our passive high-profile areas /Barnwell Park as an assistant to Craig with poor quality turf due to the drought as well as surrounds to sporting fields. Malloy (Cypress Lakes Superintendent) and no turf manager programming for over • We were also experiencing a growth for 3 years, before becoming 12 months. rate exceeding our ability to maintain, coordinator for 2 years in green so I also implemented that application keeping services. We had rain come in February at near record of growth regulators used on a 3-week • Grounds Coordinator - Macquarie levels and we could not cut for 3 weeks due to the fields being too wet. cycle. The use of growth regulators University - 2 years on edges and on hard to maintain • Head Green keeper Port Macquarie What changes have been made to the surfaces such as steep banks, culverts, Panthers Bowling Club - sea change to turf maintenance practices at Liverpool and highway footpaths, has been raise a young family - 6.5 years City Council? particularly beneficial.

KEEPING LIVERPOOL GREEN / 5 “A big area we are working on is with our garden teams to bring colour and wow factor to our CBD areas, suburban gateways, and passive parks.” Damien Curtis - Parks Coordinator East

6 / KEEPING LIVERPOOL GREEN What projects is Liverpool City Council 190 playgrounds, 6 skate parks, 19 fitness hoping to work on in 2020-21? gyms, 500 hectares of passive open space turf and hundreds of gardens. This A big area we are working on is with combined with working in with illegal waste our garden teams to bring colour and teams, bush regeneration crews and tree wow factor to our CBD areas, suburban maintenance teams. gateways, and passive parks. We also manage external contractors, In sports turf areas, we are looking to residential requests, staff training and conduct more aeration and dethatching development, ordering stock, safety audits during the growing season. We also plan and meetings. to install more irrigation to our turf areas, especially using recycled water/storm What does a typical week look like at water harvesting. the Liverpool City Council ground staff, and for you and your staff? Another initiative is the roll out of more environmentally friendly products to target Our outdoor staff do a 36-hour 4-day week, pests and disease across all of our gardens so we need to schedule teams to spread and turf programs. across the working week, depending on what areas they are in. What have been the ‘big wins’ you’ve had since you’ve been in your role at My week is a 5-day 35 hours week with flexi Liverpool City Council? time accrued if I need to go over.

A big win has been with our council We have a lot of social events as well adopting innovation in machinery, which including Liverpool on a Roll Food Festival, means we will purchase some state-of-the- night markets, events at Casula Parklands art equipment in order to service our areas and Powerhouse Arts Centre. to higher standards, while allowing us to be Are there any major events being held more efficient. at Liverpool City Council grounds? And what were they called? Have there been any difficulties relating to the management of the I would like to lift the standard of our council grounds that you have had to sporting fields so that we can attract overcome? How was this achieved? large events, such as state cricket at Rosedale Oval or AFL, Baseball or softball Accessing staff training and creating tournaments at the Jacquie Osmond fields. pathways for staff to get mentored by industry people at work and in other We have some exciting civil construction workplaces, so they continue to improve of sports turf going on in growing new their skill set and stay interested in their suburbs and some major refurbishment of craft. Everything starts and finishes with old tired parks with new turf, gardens, and communication, so making sure we open playgrounds under construction. those lines of communication is imperative in developing positive relationships to How has COVID-19 affected you, your move forward. staff, and Liverpool City Council?

I really believe in local government as a not Our management team have kept the ball for profit business servicing the community rolling with no staff cuts or layoffs during the with great facilities and customer service. Covid 19 crisis. I have picked up great things from each Working with the NSW Heath guidelines employer and hope to continue to we hired additional vehicles and spent large learn and improve the areas in this local amounts of money on PPE and sanitizer to government precinct. keep the local government services going. We sit on 300 square kilometres of land We also rolled out a comprehensive with 900 full time staff in council. The playground and sanitizing program to days can be quite hectic, as this is not a all hard stand large areas, play gyms, controlled environment like a stadium or playgrounds, and BBQ areas. private school, where you can keep traffic off your areas. The public have really embraced our commitment to provide safe clean areas for Sports turf would account for approximately them to enjoy. 10% of my work, as I am responsible for many other facilities and areas. This includes

KEEPING LIVERPOOL GREEN / 7 Now Available on Apple and Android

8 / Colin’s Caboolture CABOOLTURE GOLF CLUB

Caboolture Golf Course is located Colin Caulfield - Superintendent • Cert IV Turf Management halfway between Brisbane and • Diploma in Project Management the Sunshine Coast. This 18-hole Colin Caulfield is the Golf Course • Cert IV Training and Assesment championship golf course is a beautiful Superintendent at Caboolture GC, which he scenic course with many of the holes has managed for over 6 years. Mr Caulfield From there Mr Caulfield went on to become running alongside Wararba Creek. started greenkeeping at 27 years old, where Superintendent at Pine Rivers Golf Club for he started an apprenticeship on South Molle 5 and 6 year periods respectively, between The first recorded instance of golf being Island under Ben Tilley for 3 years. He then 2000-2013. With roles as Farm Manager at played at Caboolture was on Newman flats moved to Beerwah Memorial Golf Club Princess Turf and Greenkeeper at Northlakes in 1929, the current site of the Caboolture Resort Golf Club between 2006-2008. Sporting Complex. In 1931, local enthusiasts after Mr Tilley offered him an opportunity to called a meeting and land was leased off complete his training. After leaving Pine Rivers in 2013, Mr Caulfield Mr Newman for an initial 2 years. It was was presented with an opportunity at Mr Caulfield completed his Cert III in proposed that 9 sand greens and turf tees Caboolture. top-dressed, and other works be carried Horticulture (turf management stream) out to complete the improvements. An at Beerwah and also achieved 5 years “Caboolture Golf Club rang and offered me agreement was reached shortly after and the employment as a greenkeeper. Mr Caulfield an interview for the recently vacated Course Caboolture Golf Club was formed. also obtained: Superintendent position, and I am happy

Caboolture Golf Course CABOOLTURE GOLF CLUB / 9 John Deere 2500B

Toro5800 Multispray

to say I have been here now for 6 and a half Irrigation Upgrades In 2020, the club purchased a Truturf R52 years.” Colin said. electric roller, John Deere 2500B diesel A complete upgrade of the courses greens mower, and a Toro5800 Multispray The Caboolture Golf Club has been on its irrigation system was completed in unit. These items of machinery helping to existing site, Lesley Avenue since 1964. 2018. The upgrades coming at a cost of enhance the results achieved on the course There are currently 3 fulltime staff including approximately $1.2 million. and increase productivity. Mr Caulfield and a casual that comes in 3 days per week. No volunteers on course. Upgrades included: Weekly Maintenance Program

The signature hole on the course is the Par 5 • New Davey Variable Speed drive 3 17th, which is a double dog leg 470 metre • Greens are mown 5 days per week x 22kW pumps and a 7.5kW jockey in summer and 3 times in winter. The monster, with water hazards running down pump 45 l/sec the entire length of the hole on two sides. recent addition of an electric roller • Rain Bird IC Stratus II Central control enables the team to roll 2 to 3 days per Caboolture GC has a much larger turf system 751E VIH on greens & surrounds week in winter. surface area than Mr Caulfield’s previous • Block system on tees and fairways • Tees are mown 2 to 3 days per week club Pine Rivers. “Timeframes were dependant on growth. similar in areas such as green and tee Project Irrigation completed works and maintenance programming, but there pump install. All Range Electrical completed • Bunkers are raked on Tuesday and was a big increase in other aspects like pump setup and electrical works. on Friday. green/tee surrounds, roughs and fairways • Fairways mown over on Wednesday, maintenance.” Colin said. Thursday and Friday. The Course • Holes on Wednesday and Saturday The course is heavily wooded in a few areas, so shade and a tree management 6,059 Metres - Par 71 as they need to be spotted and GPS plan needed consideration. The course entered into the MiScore app. itself is longer, so all turf maintenance Five Par 3’s, Four Par 5’s & Nine Par 4’s • Green and tee surrounds over Thursday schedules have increased along with water and Friday. Greens – 328 Bermuda - 1.2 Ha scheduling, repairs, and maintenance to • Spraying of greens generally happens irrigation. The course holds moisture a lot Tees – Wintergreen Couch - 1 Ha Tuesday and Thursday mornings. better, it is reasonably flat with just a few rises and falls in topography. Volumes in Fairways & surrounds – Mixture of kikuyu, • As far as other tasks such as bunker consumables like chemicals, fertilisers blue couch, common couch, and maintenance, herbicide applications, and other ancillary products increased. broadleaf carpet grass. 9 Ha Fairways, 1 machinery maintenance, general Mr Caulfield has height of cut parameters Ha Collars, 2.5 Ha greens surrounds, 7 whipper snipping are concerned, Mr that he works around dependent on the Ha of roughs, bunkers and dams. Caulfield and his team generally forgo climatic conditions. outer rough mowing to fit this in.

10 / CABOOLTURE GOLF CLUB Caboolture Golf Course

The Pampling Plate • Restricted staff travelling together in same vehicle. The Pampling Plate, Qld Trainee PGA Golfers Matchplay Event is held annually. • Staff directed to notify management of The event consists of an 18-hole Qualifier on any possible symptoms, and if any, to Monday morning, then the Pro-Am Monday see their doctor and stay home. afternoon. The 18-hole match play knockout • The removal of flags, rakes, NTP is held over Tuesday and Wednesday. markers, and SD protocols were followed as per the Qld Chief Health Finalists, 1 v 2 play 36 holes on Thursday Officer directions. and 3 v 4 play 18 holes the same day. Rod and Angela Pampling sponsor the winners • All turf equipment to be sanitised plate each year. Caboolture GC also after use. recently held the NZ Open pre-qualifier with the winner shooting -7. • Recently reintroduced flags and pool noodles to cups with ‘do not touch COVID-19 flagpole’ sticks for members as well as guests. “The business day we were informed that licensed and registered clubs had to shut Mr Caulfield reports that the course has was one I’ll never forget.” Colin said. been super busy, “in the initial stages when in groups of two, (especially in carts), there “The General Manager, bar manager and never seemed to be a gap in the field like I were all on the phone to State, Local and there used to be in the old days.” With the Federal government bodies, Golf Australia, increase to groups of 4 opening things up frantically trying to make sense of the rules a bit for the club, with an average of 150 and regulations as they were changing so players per day. rapidly. I rang our local Federal member that informed us, if you are not serving food, “We have picked up an extra 20 alcohol and following SD protocols, it was members over the last few months, great business as usual.” He continued. to see continued growth for the club.” Colin said. Management at the course held a department meeting to discuss any The Future at Caboolture GC questions or fears staff may have had regarding possible infection from Caboolture GC’s main goal and focus is indiscriminate contact with members and to continue to grow and attract potential guests and the possibility of club shutting members and guests. “We want to continue down, prior to Job keeper payments. to showcase the course on social media, promoting the advantages of a local “We as a business, had to trust that the community hub - this has never been more public were 100 % honest about doing the evident than it is in the current climate.” right thing regarding health and cleanliness Colin said. and not exposing staff to possible infection.” Colin said. The club has been fortunate to have a proactive and positive board over the last 6 Social distancing and Contact years and the team at Caboolture GC are all Measures Introduced driven to succeed. Colin continued “New Management are supportive of my goals for • Entry prevented to maintenance facility the course, which is vital as part of the club’s by non-essential people. overall success.”

• Cancellation of Workcover Participant “I would like to thank my wife Cindy and our Program. three sons for their continued support they have provided to me during this journey. • Introduced and reiterated mottos of They provide the necessary balance we all ‘sanitise regularly and reduce risks’, ‘do need in our day.” 1.5, stay alive’ to all staff.

CABOOLTURE GOLF CLUB / 11 France vs Croatia performance testing

The Changing Face of Turf Consultancy

The good ship sports-turf-industry has If you had engaged STRI in the 1980s, Moreover, the consultants might have been sailing a steady course for many when the oldest of us still active as had only cool season turfgrass experience years. Developments and innovations consultants in the industry probably started and be largely confined to the UK market. come and go, but it mostly appears our careers, your experience might have And there was one other thing you could to remain on an even keel. However, been very different from today. The options probably be sure of – there was still a lot of there is something in the water, for finding a consultancy might have been primary sports turf research being carried change is happening, and STRI is at limited to one or two organisations. The out for the wider good of the industry the forefront of that change. Principal consultancy services delivered will have such as sand selection, or different types consultant, Dr Richard Gibbs, shares been heavily focused on formal auditing of profile construction and drainage his views on how STRI has evolved or inspection of a facility at the request of techniques. This type of research was since the 1980s. senior club officials. funded largely by various sports governing

12 / TURF CONSULTANCY bodies, the results of which were freely The merging of natural and artificial turf published and available for all to use. technologies (hybrid systems), a greater focus on sustainability plus a greater In those days STRI was very comfortable crossover with engineering disciplines in that camp. Research and consultancy to account largely for moving into areas thousands of happy clients. A simple rule of of expertise not covered by traditional business is if you do not adapt to changing agronomic sports turf consultancy. Sports market forces you will fail. Therefore, STRI turf consultancy services delivered by STRI evolved to embrace developments in now overlap with urban drainage design, technology, increased competition and lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation commercialism, the significant elevation of control, robotics, biomechanics, precision/ the overall skillset of the industry and the remote sensing and digital design. It has ever-increasing expectation by players, also been very interesting to observe how sports’ governing bodies and spectators the artificial turf industry has ‘adopted’ alike that turf can be grown successfully natural turf as its own through the provision and perform well in all climates and of artificial turf ‘carpet hybrid’ reinforcement weather conditions. systems. Hybrid turf systems are now described as a third category of turf – the Diversification other two being artificial turf and natural turf. On paper this may make sense, but a hybrid One of the biggest changes since the 1980s turf system is absolutely a natural turf system has been an increase in diversification of the – so the adoption should really be seen as type of work carried out by STRI consultants. the other way around! No longer can the business be reliant on a diet of providing local agronomic advice Recognising that being able to offer a and ‘public good’ research. Nor can there large team skilled in planning, modelling be an expectation that information or supply and sustainability, as well as full project of services will be provided for free. management as part of a wider offering of design and consultancy services, has been Furthermore, many sporting codes and another development within STRI. An early associations now employ their own example has been the use of the ‘hemiview’ specialist in-house advisors, for example, light/shade analysis for stadium pitch the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, the development. Such services not only ensure Institute of Groundsmanship, FIFA and the a greater level of control (and responsibility) England and Wales Cricket Board. Public over a project, but they also allow the sports good research hardly exists anymore. surface to take greater prominence through In recognising that these changes were the entire design process of a project. coming, STRI has taken a very pro-active But there is another aspect too – as a approach in developing new and innovative consultancy has matured in experience and services. This change is not without some gained a solid reputation, this has resulted in significant controversy. being able to export those services overseas into countries with little or no turf research The above situation is analogous to or consultancy background. In turn, this stadium development. These buildings development has brought about the need are expensive to build and maintain, and for STRI consultants to have a much greater many need to operate as fully multi-use level of knowledge and expertise over a venues for economic survival, including wide range of climates from the cold winters having to change the playing surface from of Russia (-30oC) to the hot, dry climate one use to another. At one end of the of the of the Middle East (+50oC) and the extreme is a stadium which operates more humid climate of the tropics, not something as an arena, where the predominant mode experienced by your average UK climate, at is not a natural turf sports pitch within least not yet. which non-turf events like concerts need to be tolerated, but in fact the other way Commercialisation and acquisitions round – a multi-sports and events surface A highly controversial aspect of modern in which the occasional natural turf surface sport turf consultancy is the degree to which has to be installed. the traditional sports turf consulting role There are of course other factors that have has entered the world of commercialism. led to diversification in the type of services What has caused this move? Well, first of being offered by STRI, and these relate all let’s recognise that STRI and other sports principally to two important factors: turf consultancies have been operating commercially for years. STRI has never been • keeping up with technological government funded or has ever received developments some form of public good operating grant. Other obvious answers are the shrinking • recognising that the sports surface nature of ‘bread and butter’ sports turf Hearts Midlothian is often only a small part of a much consultancy (many more players in the bigger development market), the fact that sports turf contractors

TURF CONSULTANCY / 13 Australian research centre

Steve Baker completes ball bounce testing UK research centre

offer in-house design/build services and on the front page which are based on hard copy reports. Advance technologies that most sports turf research carried out performance data collected over a period have also aided in areas of design and by STRI is product-focused, commercially of time. Results can be uploaded to an construction as client expectations on sensitive and therefore confidential. online portal and can be compared against playing surface quality have increased standards being developed in the industry. significantly in recent times”. Peter One by-product of commercialism and It’s all about numbers, presentation and Anderson STC Australia” diversification in the sports turf industry has being succinct. been the formation of syndicates or alliances Conclusions as well as the acquisition of subsidiaries A similar style of reporting can also As in so many other areas of the sports turf and setting up of overseas offices (the be produced by greenkeepers, industry, the style of sports turf consultancy ‘group’ expansion). For example, the STRI superintendents, head groundsmen and turf at STRI is changing rapidly in response Group now offers a complete in-house managers using their own test equipment to changing demands in the market. The and data management systems such as ‘plan, design, build and operate’ package changes are being driven by some very the STRI TurfSync portal (see STRI Bulletin for certain types of project. The Group pro-active developments in the way services expansion also allows a fully international Issue 288). But with data collection comes are delivered. Consultancy is becoming a service to be provided, including the ability processing, analysis and interpretation. solutions delivery mechanism where specific to conduct sports turf research in both cool As sports surface performance testing problems and projects are managed with a and warm season climates. becomes more readily accessible and much more encompassing and integrated affordable, so too does the volume of data approach compared with 30 years ago. Standards, reporting and data generated. Therefore, we need to be careful management not to get lost in the numbers at the expense In time, traditional consultancy may well of what is staring us in the face, such as the be replaced almost entirely by automated As the consulting market becomes more cause of diseased or waterlogged turf. field sampling and testing, with algorithm- competitive, so has the nature of reporting based interpretation and reporting. One changed. Gone are the long-winded “The trends in Australian turf consultancy day we may even have ‘smart’ soils and consulting reports that take many hours have followed a similar pattern over the rootzones based on nanotechnology. to produce. Many reports can now be past 30 years with the focus being in But for the moment, I shall be hanging replaced by more visual, punchy reports online portals that provide the client with on to my pencil and soil sampler. We are or video, with a ‘dashboard type’ summary immediate real time data as opposed to definitely at a crossroads.

14 / TURF CONSULTANCY Broome Town Beach Project

SIR GRANGE ZOYSIA PROVIDING A GREEN SPACE SOLUTION

All images in this story- The Town Beach Precinct, Broome.

The Town Beach Precinct is located also provides an ideal vantage point for the Sub-Contractor - at the southern end of Hamersley ‘Staircase to the Moon’ phenomenon which Boab Design Landscapes Street in Broome. This precinct is occurs when a full moon rises over the an important location for the local exposed mudflats in Roebuck Bay, creating Boab Design Landscapes was engaged community and for tourism in the a beautiful optical illusion of a stairway by Roadline Civil as an experienced sub- area. The area hosts recreational and reaching to the moon. contractor, to install the soft landscape, cultural activities, attracting large irrigation, turf, planting, and mulch. crowds during events throughout Project Overview the year. Boab design is a Broome based landscape The project was considered very big for construction business operating for 18 One event in particular is the Staircase to Broome, involving a full landscape and years. Owner operator Steve Pearse, a the Moon event, which also includes a night playground construction that involved many Broome resident of 20 years, has worked market and draws in thousands of visitors months of work for local business. With the on commercial and domestic landscaping tender for Head Contractor being awarded each year. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 the projects throughout the Kimberley region. to local civil construction company Roadline area has not been able to host the annual Civil to complete the work commencing Broome Climate and Soil Conditions festivities and markets coinciding with the November 2019. event, but it is hoped that crowds can return Broome is located in the Kimberley region as a boost to local tourism again in 2021. Head Contractor - with waters on both sides of the town. Roadline Civil Contractors Broome has a tropical climate, with two The precinct recently underwent a significant seasons the wet and the dry. The hot project to enhance the experience and Roadline Civil Contractors are one of the and semi-arid climate makes for difficult appeal of the area for both the local most respected civil and earthmoving conditions for many plants and turf varieties community and visitors. The large turf areas contractors in the region. Roadline provides to thrive. and playground facilities have been renewed contracting services across a range of WA providing an ideal place for families to industries including government projects like The area around Broome and Roebuck Bay gather. New terracing along the foreshore the Town Beach Project. is part of Pindan country, which is the

BROOME TOWN BEACH PROJECT / 15 local name given to the red-soil and to the vegetation associated with the south- western Kimberley region. The soils of this area are usually red, because of the high clay component, sandy and low in nutrient. This makes it susceptible to both waterlogging and drought.

Turf Selection and Supply

Sir Grange Zoysia was requested by the Shire of Broome, as they have had some good success with this species on another project in the area. With buffalo and couch species proving not ideal in similar conditions. The zoysia is seemingly the ideal species for the north west, particularly the location of the site.

Supply of the turf stolons needed to be arranged months in advance and the process was reasonably easy, thanks to the turf supplier for the project Lawn Doctor in Perth.

Turf Supplier - Lawn Doctor

Lawn Doctor is an accredited supplier of turf in Western Australia. Lawn Doctor’s turf farms

16 / BROOME TOWN BEACH PROJECT are located at Carabooda and Gingin, with This rainfall was also an issue as it flooded There was unfortunately one drama during a retail outlet, The Lawn Doctor Turf Shop the only road into Broome. Boab Design this process, with the trucking company in Wangara. had to delay one of the orders, as the fear of delivering one of the 250sqm orders late. The having a truck load of stolons stuck in Port delivery had a delayed Perth departure and Ground Preparation and Turf Headland for a week would have been costly. also an additional stop-off in Port headland. Installation The stolons sat on a truck in 35-degree plus Mr Pearse called Terry Sellick from Lawn weather, arriving on site 5 days after being The head contractor, Roadline Civil, cultivated Doctor a week before the stolons were to be cut. As a result, these stolons only had a 25% the top 300mm of imported topsoil. cut, as they had a small window for delivery strike. Fortunately, Mr Sellick from the Lawn to Broome and where they would not be An organic mulch with cow manure was Doctor was able to help out and send up caught out by bad weather. The stolons used, combined with a fine washed locally some replacement stolons. would be cut on a Monday afternoon and sourced sand. TerraCottem turf fertiliser was Project Completion also incorporated. delivered to the transport yard that day. They were loaded into 1 tonne bags on The Town Beach Project was completed in Boab Design ordered the stolons, with an pallets and trucked up to Broome in around January 2020. The Sir Grange is loving the open door left for the exact date for cutting. 28 hours. Broome climate and was 90% covered by The site was approximately 4000sqm, so the the end of March, in only 4 months. The turf site was split up into reticulated sections and As soon as the delivery was received in areas in the precinct are now being mowed installed 250sqm at a time. Broome, Mr Pearse had 5 staff waiting to quickly install the stolons. Installation of the every week or two with a ride on cylinder It was the wet season at the time and the stolons was done manually by spreading mower and are looking great. heat was on average 37 degrees, with very out onto the site by hand. The Sir Grange high humidity. Mr Pearse and his team at Zoysia stolons were planted in December at Boab Design had to battle with a cyclone a 5:1 ratio. They then quickly followed over that passed the Broome coast and dumped the stolons with a small ‘lawn mower sized’ a few hundred millimetres of rain on them stolon disc machine, to push in the nodes to during works. ensure there was minimal drying out.

BROOME TOWN BEACH PROJECT / 17 Banksia Road PS

Banksia Road Primary School Keeping It Real

GREEN LIFE TURF – TIFTUF HYBRID BERMUDA

18 / BANKSIA ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL TifTuf ready to be installed Banksia Road PS

Banksia Road Primary School were In terms of the first area that was laid in early in winter. The joints of the turf were not as initially contemplating installing 2019, the turf was laid on top of a highly visible, and you could see that vibrant green synthetic turf instead of real turf in clay soil. It went through Sydney’s severe colour of the TifTuf starting to come through. their playgrounds. Celine Thurlow, drought receiving no water at all for an the school’s Business Manager, did extended period and was under constant The Results not want to see synthetic turf installed wear from the older students. After some The school is really impressed by how tough due to the heat that synthetic can much-needed rain the TifTuf started to the TifTuf is. Even though TifTuf was a higher produce as well as student safety repair itself, even in the most compacted investment initially, they know the savings being negatively impacted by dry areas there was still new TifTuf shoots the grass is going to provide for them in the this surface. Mrs Thurlow with the coming through. long term. school principal, Hamish Woudsma The second area was laid in May 2020 by undertook some research into the another Lawn Solutions Australia Member, Mr Woudsma has been super impressed turf solutions available and after J&B Buffalo Turf. This lawn is used by the by how the TifTuf has repaired after going considerations they decided to use younger students of the school, so does through Sydney’s worst drought for many TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. not get as much wear. The colour and years. Mr Woudsma said “TifTuf is actually surface that it is providing is outstanding cheaper because we are spending less Project Overview with no water, or fertiliser being applied. money on water, fertiliser and needing to The school had to complete some drainage replace turf year on year.” Mr Woudsma is so Banksia Road Primary School had some new work in these areas and replacement turf impressed with the TifTuf he is now pulling buildings built and the surrounding areas was required. TifTuf was installed in this out his buffalo lawn at home and replacing needed to be re-turfed. The builders and area in May 2020 and the newly laid turf it with TifTuf. landscape architect that were contracted for received wear from students shortly after. this project specified kikuyu to use for these Considering this, the area has held up really Mrs Thurlow is glad to see the TifTuf is areas, but Mrs Thurlow insisted that TifTuf well and even. holding up so well, with her having rallied to be used. Kikuyu was cheaper, but TifTuf have TifTuf used at the school initially. From provided a life-long saving that offset this The third section of 1000m2 was supplied this success, more areas within the school initial investment, and the school is wrapped by Green Life Turf in early June 2020. Joshua are being considered for TifTuf installation with the results. Muscat from Green Life Turf visited the moving forwards. school on Thursday the 9th of July, about Turf Supply and Installation 5 weeks after the turf was laid in winter. Since meeting on site with the school, Mr The turf was established and could not be Muscat has been providing the school Banksia Road Primary School now have pulled back from the ground. The school’s further recommendations on maintaining approximately 3000m2 of TifTuf in different gardener rolled and mowed one section the the TifTuf to ensure they get the most out of parts of the school’s playgrounds, installed week before Mr Muscat visited the school it, and he is excited to see how it continues over three phases. and you could see the turf growing, even to perform into the future.

BANKSIA ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL / 19 Exciting New Turf Varieties for the Australian Golf Market TRINITY ZOYSIA & PRIMO ZOYSIA

Trinity and Primo Zoysia are two can keep a dense matting at a lower tolerance. Its slow growth traits also means fantastic new turf varieties developed cut height. it requires a lot less mowing, with courses at Bladerunner Farms by David Doguet, in the US only mowing their Trinity twice a for specialty use in golf courses. Mr Trinity is the first zoysia grass that can week in peak season which is a huge saving Doguet is the largest private zoysia achieve PGA ball speeds as a greens grade for a golf course. grass breeder in the world. These new grass and is unique in the fact it can be used zoysia varieties are providing never wall to wall on a golf course. Tee’s, fairway’s, Trinity Zoysia is the grass of choice for before seen solutions in warm season, surrounds, roughs, and greens can all be several famous golf courses around the shade tolerant turfgrasses. turfed with Trinity Zoysia and maintained at world, including Trinity Forest Golf Club different heights. This is a very unique trait which is home to the famous AT&T Byron Trinity Zoysia and limits the chance of contamination on a Nelson Tournament. Trinity is also used on golf course and makes management much greens and surrounds on Michael Jordan’s Trinity Zoysia is a Zoysia Matrella grass easier. While being the same variety, you private championship course Grove XXIII as bred specifically for the golf market but still get excellent contrast using different well as several other new courses in the US. has some other fantastic and exciting uses mowing heights. in the residential market as well. When Primo Zoysia compared to another popular Zoysia Being a zoysia grass, Trinity has good Matrella Sir Grange, Trinity has a finer leaf drought tolerance, uses a lot less fertiliser Primo Zoysia is another Zoysia Matrella grass and a denser growing pattern, meaning it and pesticides and has excellent salt that was bred with the golf market in mind.

20 / NEW TURF VARIETIES IN THE GOLF MARKET “Trinity is the first zoysia grass that can achieve PGA ball speeds as a greens grade grass and is unique in the fact it can be used wall to wall on a golf course.”

Similar to Trinity, Primo can be used wall to wall on golf courses and is a great selection for use on greens as it can achieve PGA ball speeds and be cut down to 3-4mm. When used on greens in particular, Primo Zoysia will require a lot less fertiliser, water, pesticides and mowing, when compared to cool season grass types commonly used on greens such as bent grass and poa annua.

Several golf clubs around the world have already started to transition their greens and other parts of the course from cool season grasses to Primo Zoysia, with the largest renovation being completed in Georgia, USA at the Crooked Creek Golf Club. The goal for Crooked Creek GC is to reduce the significant inputs that come with cool season grasses and also make the course a more desirable course from golfers and to make it stand out from the rest of the pack.

Trinity Zoysia and Primo Zoysia are exclusively available in Australia through the Lawn Solutions Australia network of turf suppliers. For more information contact Lawn Solutions Australia on 1300 883 711 or email [email protected]

NEW TURF VARIETIES IN THE GOLF MARKET / 21 STRI at the Saudi Cup

REALISING SAUDI ARABIA’S RACECOURSE VISION

“I’m very happy, although I’m not surprised. We engaged some of the best people in the world to design and work on the track. They said they would deliver, and they have, so I’m extremely happy. STRI has done an amazing job.” - His Excellency Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal (chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia)

22 / STRI AT THE SAUDI CUP King Abdulaziz Racetrack

STRI Group recently completed one using the finest materials available. The of the most ambitious projects in its entire design required the construction and 90-year history – a turf racetrack in the establishment of the track to be undertaken challenging terrain of Saudi Arabia. in a record-breaking period of just six Head of consultancy, Richard Stuttard, months, requiring a large-scale resource lifts the lid into how this mammoth input to achieve such a fast turnaround. project was delivered. Key challenges Back in spring of 2019, STRI was asked to determine the feasibility of developing The major hurdles to overcome were a turf racetrack in Saudi Arabia – the timescales and climate. Following initial conclusion was, with careful planning engagement in July 2019, STRI’s teams and the development of a bespoke of researchers and consultants quickly construction and maintenance regime, that established the most effective way of yes this could be done. Soon after STRI producing a surface that would meet the principal technical consultant, Dr Richard needs of their client. STRI on-the-ground Gibbs, and Mr Stuttard found themselves mobilisation was immediate, to ensure in the presence of his Excellency Prince they made the most of the time available Bandar Bin Khalid Al Faisal (chairman of the to deliver the track and deal with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia) to outline challenging and variable climate of their strategy for achieving his vision of Saudi Arabia. making Saudi Arabia a destination for world class horse racing on turf. Critical to Design and build achieving this was the delivery of an elite turf track in time for the inaugural running Engineering a track of this standard is a of the world’s richest horse racing event, highly complex process requiring input the Saudi Cup – to be held in just nine from world-leading experts in drainage, months’ time. irrigation, construction, materials analysis and biomechanics. In July 2019, STRI were engaged as principal contractors for the engineering The primary constituents that make up the and construction of the new turf track at track are relatively few, but the type and The King Abdulaziz Racecourse – the home amounts of those constituents are critical to of The Saudi Cup. STRI were to provide making the track a success. First steps are an end-to-end design, build and operate to understand the baseline environment solution to Riyadh Equestrian Club that was of the development site. The STRI team to be ready for racing in February 2020. It conducted a detailed study of the site was clear this was now a major project. including a comprehensive review of climatic conditions. Making racing history From there, an extensive materials To meet Prince Bandar’s vision of the first selection regime was undertaken, taking ever elite turf racetrack in Saudi Arabia, a range of sands and gravels from around the course had to perform to the highest the Kingdom and testing them for their possible standards and be constructed compatibility to create a firm surface ideal

STRI AT THE SAUDI CUP / 23 Saudi Cup Checking the irrigation system for racing. This rootzone, once mixed After several months of careful preparation of 6 major racing tracks and with stabilising fibres, provides the perfect maintenance, STRI were delighted to have ongoing benchmarking of many racing medium within which to install the presented and demonstrated, a track that is surfaces in Australia. grass surface. befitting of this prestigious race event. From Queensland, research manager The construction process itself was rapid Sustainability and future-proof design Carlos Sartoretto was determined to and extensive resources were drafted reassure the grassing strategy and selection from across the Gulf Cooperation Council Sustainability underpins STRI’s approach to of the cool season grass for the Cup. Carlos (GCC) to excavate the existing track all their design projects. STRI R&D teams managed the only outdoor turf design and material and install the new one. Timing are continually innovating technologies research facility in the Middle East and had was critical and the earth movement work to make developments more sustainable, over two years of turf trials in the region had to be completed at breakneck speed through the construction and operational prior to managing STRI’s research as they needed to be ready to sow with phases of their lifecycles. in Australia. the selected grass species as soon as Final thoughts temperatures reached the optimal level. This not only relates to sustainability from a climate perspective, with the key pressures The turf track being water and resource use, but also the HRH Prince Bandar’s project in Riyadh is work with clients to design facilities which a great example of the ability to problem To meet the needs of a winter race in will fit their business model needs in the solve. STRI has made its name developing Saudi Arabia, the track was established short, medium and long-term. elite sports surfaces across the world and with a “cool season” grass species their in-house R&D combined with global For example, water use per capita in – i.e a species usually found in more network means that they are able to adapt the Middle East is amongst the highest temperate climates. This grass thrives in to even the most challenging of situations. in the world. Current forecasts suggest the winter climate of Saudi Arabia and, However, it is exactly these kinds of that local aquifers will run dry in the next when combined with a special blend of projects that STRI relish the opportunity to 20 years. STRI develops technologies get involved in. stabilising fibres incorporated into the and techniques to reduce the water mix, it provides a surface which not only requirement of natural turf. The timescales, climate, resource performs exceptionally well but also looks availability and the need to have a surface visually stunning. Working with STRI of exceptional quality all made this project a challenge. Striving to achieve the wider Once sown, a daily bespoke STRI as a global company came together to National Vision 2030, STRI believe this maintenance regime was developed to assist in the planning of this great project facility will form part of a network of world ensure the correct levels of water and including from Australia. leading venues in the region and create a fertiliser were applied to maximise strong global powerhouse of natural turf racing. sward establishment. Deep rooting was From Victoria, sports turf consultant Peter critical to develop a grass surface that Andersen assisted in the preparation of not only looked fantastic, but also held the technical specifications, profile sand together under the stresses created by a selection and grassing options. Peter has galloping horse. been involved in racing over 15 years with

24 / STRI AT THE SAUDI CUP Grub control in spring – sequences and combinations

African Black Beetle and Larvae

Controlling grubs is a standard issue a turf The inherent differences both chemistries manager gears up for each spring. Not have in solubility and soil persistence because they want to – but because they in conjunction with split applications have to. This is a predictably recurrent group supported by registered labels leave the of pests for which population numbers do door open for various scheduling options change year to year but predicting which to be employed. These can be matched year is coming hasn’t been mastered to crop stage, harvest schedules and / yet so an assumption has to be made an or season. Look to make use of these to ‘average’ year is likely. For most sites an suit your site needs but keep one eye on average year would still be problematic for spring / summer cropping if no counter the tail end of the summer when planning measures were in place. We therefore treat the roll out of these programs as we get a in a proactive and pre-emptive manner to different set of pests (Lepidoptera grubs e.g. protect and preserve the crop. Lawn army worm) that can be devastating when present in good number. Spring When we discuss grubs (larvae) on turf focused programs can sometimes exhaust farms in spring and summer we are annual use limits of products like Acelepryn generally talking about the larvae of leaving coverage options short in Autumn. African black beetle, Argentinean scarab Lepidoptera grubs are an absolute strength and possibly Billbug. For these, the most of Acelepryn so having this still available if proven and reliable options arguably needed can make very good sense. The have been the traditional neonicitinoids other benefit of the various scheduling thiamethoxam and imidacloprid, and the newer generation diamide options is the ability to move between chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn). Sometimes chemistries achieving genuine chemical for cost or programming reasons we look rotation whilst concurrently matching at using one or the other but using both shorter-term needs to shorter duration in sequence or combination may actually products and leaving the longer-term needs be the better way to go to deliver optimal to those with greater persistence. Right For more information visit protection AND extended coverage. product, right place, right time! www.nuturf.com.au

GRUB CONTROL WITH NUTURF / 25 Origin and Role of Grasses

WITH TPI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CASEY REYNOLDS, PHD

Ever wonder what makes turfgrasses so different from other plants we find in the landscape? Just as importantly, ever wonder what makes them so similar? The answers to these questions are rooted in the origin of turfgrasses and where they fit in the plant kingdom. Understanding the origin of turfgrasses, and their relationships to other plants, provide insight into the role that turfgrasses play in our lives and why few other plants can perform a similar function.

There are over 300,00 species of vascular plants that form the dominant vegetation covering the Earth’s surface. Flowering plants, also known as angiosperms, are a diverse group of land plants that are classified into 416 families. Turfgrasses belong to the Poaceae family, which is Figure 1 the 5th largest family based on number of species and the third largest based on number of genera. They are placed here along with important cereal and grain crops such as wheat, oats, and corn as well as rice, sorghum, and sugar cane. In fact, 4 of the 5 top food crops in the world are grasses; sugar cane, corn, wheat, and rice. Worldwide, grasses cover approximately 24% of the world’s surface and account for nearly 50% of human’s caloric intake. While there are over 12,000 species of grasses in the Poaceae family, approximately 25 of them are used as turfgrasses.

Botanically speaking, turfgrasses are just as much flowering plants as roses, tulips, daffodils, and many trees, but they are often not thought of this way. They possess all of the same reproductive features (Figure 1) as other flowering plants including a pistil Figure 1 (stigma, style, ovary) and stamen (anther, filament). So why do so many people not think of them as flowering plants? First and foremost, turfgrasses do not produce showy, colorful flowers, which is what many people associate with the term flowers. Reproductively speaking, they do not need these features to attract pollinators because they are self-pollinated. In grasses, these structures are compacted into miniature flowers called florets that are small and inconspicuous, so they often go un-noticed. These florets are arranged into larger structures called inflorescences, sometimes referred to as seedheads, and there is a wide range of diversity in inflorescences among grasses (Figure 2).

26 / ORIGIN AND ROLE OF GRASSES Buffalo Grass

The many benefits of perennial turfgrasses in which can sequester the annual emissions national scale, mitigating urban heat islands urban centers have been well-documented of up to 3.9 million cars. Recent research could reduce energy cost by up to 20% and with regard to capturing rainfall, reducing indicates that turfgrasses managed in $10B per year. Other research has measured stormflow, reducing erosion, protecting urban settings are a net carbon sink for reductions in power plant emissions watersheds from soil and nutrient runoff, atmospheric CO2 even after accounting resulting from green spaces in Beijing, and filtering pollutants in urban runoff due for maintenance emissions from mowing, China and documented 60% reductions to their fibrous root system, high organic fertilization, etc. They increase labile soil in net energy required for cooling, which matter content, and diverse populations carbon, total soil carbon, and soil organic equates to an annual reduction in CO2 of soil micro-organisms. They are also one matter. Data also suggests that this carbon emissions of 243,000 tons. of the most effective species of plants for sink can last for up to 30 to 40 years after The unique growth habit, flowering, and remediating disturbed topsoil. Home establishment, with approximately 563 fibrous root system of perennial turfgrasses and building construction practices often million tons of carbon sequestered in the make them one of the most appropriate remove, destroy, or significantly impact the top 8 inches of soil over 30 years. plants for use in urban landscapes, and health of these systems and the high carbon few, if any, other plant species can provide sequestration rates and fibrous root systems Another potential benefit of urban turfgrasses with regard to energy is their comparable benefits or functions. However, of perennial grasses are one of the most their uniqueness also places them differently ability to mitigate urban heat islands, effective ways of returning soil structure to a in the minds of citizens and policy makers reduce energy costs, and reduce carbon more natural state. In fact, the United States who may not recognize the relationships emissions from power plants. Research on Environmental Protection Agency along that turfgrasses share with other plant the effects of urban heat islands in 2014 with many state agencies often list turfgrass species, nor their positive environmental sod in its recommendations for planting in indicates that 57 out of 60 cities measured impacts. If we can get decision-makers to areas that require topsoil remediation and/ have seen temperature increases since the start seeing turfgrasses as flowering plants or erosion control. 1940’s. Plants, primarily trees and grasses, that are both similar to, and different from, help mitigate this effect as a result of other plants found in the landscape then Soil remediation is largely a result of carbon radiative shading and evapotranspiration. they may have a better appreciation of what sequestration as plants capture atmospheric These cooling effects are not only this functional, durable, and beautiful plant CO2 and deposit it below ground in roots, capable of reducing temperatures in provides in our daily lives. stems, decomposing leaf tissues, etc. There urban environments, but also significantly are an estimated 40 – 50 million acres of reducing energy use, cooling costs, and For more information, visit: urban grasslands in the United States alone carbon emissions from power plants. On a www.TurfgrassSod.org

ORIGIN AND ROLE OF GRASSES / 27 Australia vs Sri Lanka Test 2019

Maintaining the Magic at Manuka

Brad Van Dam is the Head Curator University where he spent more than 10 prepare the surface and the venue for at Manuka Oval, Canberra’s unique years. After his time at Sydney University, he international cricket matches. In 2012, historic venue for Cricket and AFL was given the opportunity to work at Sydney sports lighting was installed and in 2013 and, in the past, it has also hosted Cricket and Sports Ground Trust under the the ACT Government, the owners of the Rugby Union, Rugby League and guidance of former SCG Head Curator oval, commenced a full surface upgrade Soccer. The Manuka Oval precinct was Tom Parker, spending more than five years including some infrastructure around the designed in the early 1920’s, starting at the Trust while also studying. In 2008, ground. The playing surface was in good as an open field for AFL and Rugby. after completing his Diploma in Business condition but there was an underlying issue The first upgrades to the oval were Management and starting an Advanced with the soil profile being a heavy loam with made in March 1929 which included a Diploma in Management, he gained his slow drainage rates. The entire surface of perimeter fence, grading the surface, current role at Cricket ACT as Head Curator approximately 20,000m3 was removed by sowing seeds, and installing a cricket at Manuka Oval. He continued studying nearly two metres at the southern end and pitch. The first cricket match was while working at Manuka Oval to complete nearly one metre at the northern end due played on the Oval in April 1930. his Master of Agriculture (Turf Management) to a .5m slop in the surface. From there, the from The University of Sydney. Manuka Oval has transformed from a small sub-surface was compacted and graded historic community oval in the 1920’s to now Over the years, the surface at Manuka Oval with a one percent fall from the centre out. A hosting international test cricket matches has had several upgrades starting with the herringbone drainage system was installed with the recent 2019-20 cricket season irrigation from quick coupling valves to an along with an automated Rainbird irrigation being the biggest yet. Van Dam and his automated pop up system and a partial system. A seven-pitch wicket square was team have played a huge role in making drainage system. In 2006, the turf practice constructed with Oberon soil and washed Manuka Oval the quality surface it is today. net facility was upgraded, the pitches were Legend couch turf installed. The outfield re-aligned, and a new net system installed. soil profile was a USGA Spec sand upon With nearly three decades in the turf gravel perched water table design. The top industry, Van Dam started his career as When Van Dam took over in 2008, the 100mm of sand had five percent Coco peat an apprentice greenkeeper at Sydney major upgrades started happening to incorporated as well

28 / MAINTAINING MANUKA OVAL Grand Prix is laid as Stalok fibres to increase stability of the the cricket pitches in the first season on the Increasing the old square from five to seven surface. The outfield was turfed with washed new wicket square. A Turf Committee was pitches theoretically only increased the Grand Prix couch. Van Dam also changed created for Manuka Oval in 2014 to help size by 75m2, increasing the pitch rotation his technique for cricket pitch preparation, Van Dam manage the surface, bounce ideas sequence by more than 25%. which he says is a fantastic thing as the art or trouble shoot issues when they arise. of pitch preparation in Australia and around Van Dam says they manage the surface A typical week for Van Dam and his team the world is different. During the surface at Manuka Oval in a similar way to the differs in summer and winter. The team looks up-grade the actual playing surface was Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) due to the after two venues including the practice pitches at Manuka and Phillip Ovals as well reduced to approximately the same size as soil profile at both grounds being USGA as Premier Cricket pitches. In the height of the Melbourne Cricket Ground to increase spec. sand upon gravel. The grass species summer, the team could be preparing up the capacity of the venue. New dugouts on the outfield is different, Manuka is Santa to eight pitches for play and six practice were installed, and all seats were replaced in Ana couch (prior it was Grand Prix couch) pitches including the outfields at Manuka the upper seating bowl. and the SCG outfield was Legend couch and Phillip. They also do the general at the time he was working there. After the A contingency plan was in place for the maintenance of these facilities including reconstruction in 2013 Van Dam purchased surface to be replaced every five to ten things like rubbish removal, gardens etc. extra machinery to assist with the thatch years depending on thatch levels, drainage Winter is a slower time for the team and is management and maintenance of the rates, scheduled events and budget. In typically when they have a well-deserved surface, these included a Toro ProCore and 2018, the resurfacing was brought forward holiday. The Premier cricket pitches are put a Phantom corer. to prepare for Manuka Oval’s first test to bed, so the team only monitors them match in February 2019 and Van Dam’s first in the off season. AFL is played at Manuka One of the biggest wins Van Dam has test match as Head Curator. Resurfacing and Phillip during winter, so the team is experienced during his time at Manuka Oval for the test match involved removing 50 often mowing, marking and doing the usual was increasing the size of the wicket square to 70mm of the surface to replace like maintenance of these facilities. The team during the 2013 surface re-construction. The for like sand to existing levels and Santa does a lot of moisture management on the old wicket square was five pitches wide and Ana couch installed. Van Dam also made wicket square at both grounds to ensure around 30m long, being 30m long gave the decision to change the turf variety for they are in optimum condition for play. cricket the ability for some real changes. consistency across other major venues in Winter is also the time to go over all the It was mentioned if the wicket square was the ACT. Turf sensors were installed after machines to ensure they are in top shape for the re-construction to monitor temperature, reduced to 25m long and increased it to six the busy summer months. salinity and moisture levels. In 2018, a new pitches wide the actual square meterage media centre was built at the southern end of the wicket square didn’t increase. From Van Dam says his team hasn’t been as of Manuka Oval with various other smaller there, Van Dam and his team looked at the affected by COVID-19 as other cricket upgrades to prepare for the test match. future of international and domestic cricket associations and businesses. Cricket ACT and how the ACT was going to be placed. has had to mitigate a lot of potential financial Van Dam and his team faced some exciting Manuka Oval turns into an AFL field during issues as an organisation, but Van Dam but difficult challenges after the surface was winter, so the wicket square was increased has been lucky to keep his entire full-time re-constructed, finding out the limitations by another pitch to ensure it remains safe turf team but has unfortunately lost the and thresholds of the surface and preparing and good quality during the AFL season. summertime casuals for next cricket season.

MAINTAINING MANUKA OVAL / 29 Trial plots

Taking Turf Global

BLADERUNNER FARMS AND THE TURFGRASS GROUP

Successful turf breeding can result in and through these protocols it is ensured will face legal action for the unauthorised new turf varieties that provide many that the Sir Grange Zoysia you buy here in use of IP and Trademarks by Australian and benefits. Ensuring this new grass Australia, is the exact same grass that you International organisations. variety stays true to type and does not would buy in the US as BRF Zeon Zoysia. become mutated is critical in ensuring For consumers, both domestic and these varietal characteristics remain Here is the story of how BRF Zeon Zoysia (Sir commercial, premium turf varieties are in place. This is particularly important Grange) was first exported to Australia: a considered investment. To protect when it comes to the exporting of consumers when BRF Zeon Zoysia was first these new varieties to new markets The production of BRF Zeon Zoysia introduced to the Australian market, strict across the globe. is exclusively by licensed producers expansion protocols were followed. After throughout the world and in Australia that first spending many months in government Therefore, turf breeders undertake steps to exclusive licensee is Lawn Solutions Australia quarantine, three foundation farms were set ensure their turf variety is supplied to only (LSA) and its fully accredited members up in different climatic conditions across accredited turf suppliers who undertake who supply BRF Zeon Zoysia as Sir Grange Australia. These, to this day, remain the only a strict set of protocols and testing. These Zoysia. Bladerunner Farms and The Turfgrass source of new crops of BRF Zeon Zoysia in protocols are put in place to ensure that Group are the only authorised agents to the country. the grass you might play golf on in Texas, issue licenses globally for BRF Zeon Zoysia. is the exact same grass genetically that you True BRF Zeon Zoysia must be certified could be having a picnic on in Tamworth. Unlicensed growers of Zeon Zoysia or BRF and produced under the strict production For example, BRF Zeon Zoysia in the US is Zeon Zoysia, or those claiming to supply and certification protocols of ITGAP, The licensed as Sir Grange Zoysia in Australia Zeon Zoysia under different names or labels International Turfgrass Genetic

30 / TAKING TURF GLOBAL David Doguet of Bladrunner Farms

Stolons in quarantine

Assurance Program – the only recognised as directed by AusGAP, covering the entire international official certification agency planting, production and harvest process. “...protocols are put for turfgrass. If your turfgrass provider in place to ensure cannot provide the ITGAP certification, For a turf variety to be eligible to enter the it is not authorised BRF Zeon Zoysia. In AusGAP certification program, the following that the grass you Australia, the ITGAP program is operated requirements must be met: by AusGAP, The Australian Genetic might play golf • The origins of the turf cultivar must Assured Purity Turf Certification Program. be proven by the breeder or owner of on in Texas, is the AusGAP is the exclusive agent for ITGAP the variety. in Australia and administers the ITGAP exact same grass standards and protocols. • A genetic resource of the original material must be kept by the breeder genetically that To protect the genetic purity of BRF Zeon or agent of the breeder for the purpose you could be Zoysia in Australia, any shipment labeled as of testing or re-establishment should BRF Zeon Zoysia or Sir Grange Zoysia are the commercial cultivar become having a picnic on authorised exclusively by Bladerunner Farms impure due to inclusions, cross- by license to the Lawn Solutions Australia pollination, or mutation. in Tamworth.” Group as the exclusive licensee. Purchases from LSA with AusGAP certificates assures • All planting stock must be sourced the buyer of true Sir Grange Zoysia (BRF from either a certified foundation farm Zeon Zoysia) developed by Bladerunner or the grower’s own registered stock Farms and David Doguet. following approval from AusGAP.

Under the AusGAP program, the turfgrass Bladerunner Farms, The Turfgrass Group producer (grower) is responsible for the will continue to work with Lawn Solutions genetic purity of the certified grasses sold in Australia, ITGAP and AusGAP to ensure a wholesale, commercial or retail capacity. the integrity of new varieties exported to The grower must meet minimum standards, Australia remain in place.

TAKING TURF GLOBAL / 31 A Passion for Landscape Design BY CHARLIE ALBONE

Images through this story- a garden in Mossman, NSW, designed and completed by Inspired Exteriors

32 / A PASSION FOR DESIGN WITH CHARLIE ALBONE Charlie Albone

I have always been a lover of the to work’ and I started my own landscape The front is a formal design with pleached outdoors and I watched my mum design company - Inspired Exteriors. flat grown snow pear trees framing the in the garden as I was growing up formal lawn with a water feature. Using however, I did not start working in the I also somehow stumbled into working on deciduous trees for this aerial pruning was horticulture industry until I was 18. television, working 13 years on the Lifestyle a great way to give the Sir Grange Zoysia Channels ‘Selling Houses Australia’. This a boost of sun in the winter months. The TV job was incredibly time sapping and I I was saving money to travel on a working surrounding garden beds were planted holiday to Australia and to afford it I was noticed that the jobs I had designed were with flowering plants such as Hydrangeas, working two jobs. I worked during the not being built to the standard I was hoping Magnolias and Gardenias to fit the brief and weekdays as a painter and decorator and in for – DNA certified Sir Walter Buffalo was make the facade of the house one of the the evenings, I worked at the local pub. I specified and basic buffalo was being best in the street. was driving to work at the pub one evening installed, in a way for the landscaper to and I witnessed a drunk driver crash into make an extra buck. As such I made the the gate of a large property and speed off. move to introduce a construction and later At the back of the property the view did I went in to see the owner and offer the car a maintenance arm to the business, so we all the wow factor for us, so we simply brand and model (a black Vauxhall Calibra) can now take the project from conception added some seating areas in the form – he promptly offered me a weekend job through to completion and on into the of sandstone benches that worked for helping with the garden maintenance. future as it matures. I also grow feature larger gatherings, but also had a sculptural trees and specialty plants at my property element to them for when it was just the I was working 3 jobs which was a lot, but on the Central Coast. I truly feel having a family enjoying the space. I can’t take it was on this property I truly fell in love holistic business is the best way to get a top credit for the pool, that was the architect, with working in the garden, tending for result in the landscape, as you can control but I love the curve and infinity edge, to me roses, putting stripes in the lawn with every element that goes into it and have it looks like a jewel sitting above the lower the cylinder mower and witnessing a full control over all the subcontractors and landscape; an amazing spot to sit and take fritillaria bulb spring from the ground with workers on site. in the view in summer. its amazing snake skin like petals – I was hooked! When I travelled Australia on Having been in business for over 17 years, I The owner of this property was a mad sports have experienced a lot of exciting projects. my working holiday I continued my work fan, especially golf, so it was a no brainer outside working for various maintenance I have built 2 gardens at The Chelsea Flower that Sir Grange Zoysia was used throughout. companies, although blowing down the Show, worked for the Shangri La Hotel in I explained that it’s a bit slower to establish car park at the coke factory and putting Singapore and have been awarded The (you can see its still growing in in the stripes on an English lawn were worlds Landscape Associations highest award of pictures) but he is thrilled with the end result apart, I knew Australia is where I wanted to ‘Best Landscape Design and Construction’ as it’s a hard wearing yet highly attractive formally train. in 2018. I’m lucky that I love what I do, and every new project excites me, such as the lawn variety. The planting around this lower I trained in horticulture and landscape recently finished job in Mosman NSW. lawn is all hard-wearing shrubs that can take design at Ryde TAFE and started working the odd ball being kicked into them! for a few different landscape construction This project had an incredible brief – Make firms to broaden my skill set. One of the front as pretty as possible, the back had The images of this garden were taken shortly which was run by a hard task master who to take in the view of the harbour and the after completion, it is a project I am excited banned the radio and did not like small talk lower garden had to have a large open lawn to care for as it grows and matures into an between the staff. I thought ‘this is no way for playing sports with the children. established garden.

A PASSION FOR DESIGN WITH CHARLIE ALBONE / 33 Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) Update

It has been a big 12 months for which highlighted some gaps for us in Australian Sports Turf Managers the approach to members that weren’t Association (ASTMA), following employed at a golf facility. The review the launch of a range of initiatives “To say it’s been a was predicated on the need to ensure we including a change of name in big 12 months continued to deliver meaningful benefit September 2019, rebranding to all members, and ensure that our from the Australian Golf Course is accurate, yet membership offerings were representing Superintendents Association (AGCSA). members in the best way possible.” As the peak industry body for Sports probably doesn’t Turf Management in Australia, the “What the review showed us very early not-for-profit industry Association was come close to the on, was that the largest growth area in formed in 1981 and works to improve range of activities memberships with the Association was the knowledge, education, recognition from turf managers at sportsfields, schools, and professional standards of its we have undertaken racetracks, bowling greens, stadiums members and the turf industry, and – every area of the industry including that has been the one of the primary over that time” continued growth from golf clubs, so we areas of focus for the Association given looked into the numbers a bit further to recent COVID-19 events. - Mark Unwin understand the background. What became Chief Executive Officer at the Australian pretty clear was that over the past 2 or 3 We caught up with the Chief Executive Sports Turf Managers Association years, the Association had grown by a very Officer at the Australian Sports Turf significant amount, members working on Managers Association, Mark Unwin, who non-golf facilities, which in turn made the provided some background to these Board decision to change the name to changes at the Association, and also gave us scale activities across the turf industry, so it’s accurately reflect and encompass the entire his thoughts on the future of the industry in certainly been a busy time for the team.” membership of the Association a relatively the years ahead. straight-forward one” Unwin explains. Conceivably the largest of these initiatives “To say it’s been a big 12 months is accurate, was rebranding from the Australian Golf Following this review, the Association yet probably doesn’t come close to the Course Superintendents Association to introduced a new structure to simplify range of activities we have undertaken over the more accurate Australian Sports Turf its membership, moving to a Full and that time” said Unwin. Managers Association. Standard Membership from the old model of a somewhat complicated role- “Perhaps further, looking back now, it’s “We set about this change in 2 ways, related structure. The change to both the closer to the last 2 years where we’ve set with the first being a review into our Association name and a simpler structure about planning and delivering some large- membership structure and benefit offerings, seems to have paid off, with memberships

34 / ASTMA UPDATE growing by over 10% since these changes managers, and worked with the National I think this is critical to the future of the were implemented. Turf Working Group to revise the Sports Turf industry, and through many other peak Management Qualifications as part of the bodies we have seen just how beneficial “Coming off a pretty strong base of being AHC Training Package. programs like this are to the recognition already so large – the growth in the last 12 of the work, education and skill of trade months has continued to be immense, and We asked Mark Unwin to tell us more about professionals. It’s a long-term program, but again being driven by members joining the initiatives delivered, and those that team one that we are very confident will assist from a broad cross section of all areas of the was most proud of delivering in a busy year. greatly in evolving the industry to the place sports turf management industry, though in where we believe it needs to sit.” particular from councils and sportsfields and “Among all of them, perhaps two stand grounds since the rebranding” continues out. Those being the signing of the first “In a similar way to other industry Unwin. “We think we have the balance just National affiliation Agreement between the Associations both here and overseas, about right in terms of member benefits, but Australian Sports Turf Managers Association the program is designed to support the and all State Golf Course Superintendents we’re always looking to improve the value existing education structures in place, Associations, and launching the professional and support we deliver” and advance professional competence Sports Turf Manager Certification Program through providing platforms for continual for the industry” In a demanding 12months, the Association learning and development post education. has continued to put emphasis on delivering “The State Associations and committees Industry certification signifies reliability in benefits to members, as evidenced by continue to do some incredibly good work the quality of turf manager performance, a long list of programs delivered by the for their members, and it’s our desire to skill and knowledge and helps to elevate the Association this year alone. Among these, support this and assist them in any way we profession of Sports Turf Management, and the Association lists initiatives including possibly can. The Agreement is something the early uptake in the Program has been partnering with the R&A to launch a that has been discussed for a number of phenomenal” says Unwin. Scholarship program to Sports Turf years, and to work with State committees Management students in Australia, securing and Presidents, and for it to come together Though it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for 6 turf managers a position as part of the to support a unified National approach to the Association, with a substantial amount (now postponed) 2020 Olympic Games delivering programs designed to benefit of new challenges being faced by the Course Management crew, delivering the the industry and all members is a great team in the first half of 2020. As an industry immensely popular Future Turf Managers achievement, aligning together to deliver association responsible for supporting Initiative, acquired members exclusive programs and keep the industry improving. industry education, facilitating the access to be part of course preparations National Turf Industry Awards, government for The Players Championship at TPC The second would be the recent advocacy and research & development Sawgrass, hosting a series of Environmental announcement launching the Sports Turf into environmentally sustainable turf & Vegetation Management workshops and Manager Certification Program which the management, COVID-19 changed the focus professional development seminars for turf team has spent months working through. of the Association almost overnight.

ASTMA UPDATE / 35 “They were some long days. Long weeks” says Unwin pausing. “We saw more requests for assistance and help from members and non-members over March and April than we did for the entire 2 years prior. It was mostly advise, support and cutting through that confusion that people were after. A lot of complex messages about what was allowed and what wasn’t, timings, restrictions… these things have a way of being at times high-level statements that may not impact individuals directly – however that all changes when workplaces were forced to close, schools, courses, facilities completely shut down. All sport and recreation activities cancelled, people being limited in their movements and very rapidly responding to changing workplace health and safety requirements”.

In addition to assisting members work through variations, employment legislation and job keeper programs through COVID-19 changes, the Association embarked on important advocacy work to federal, state and local governments relating to the value and importance of Sports Turf Managers to facilities, ahead of potential government announcements on restrictions due to COVID-19.

As Unwin recalls “We needed to ensure we were on the front foot with our messaging to governments around this. A number of our peers and colleagues overseas were heavily restricted in their ability to maintain playing surfaces throughout lockdowns, which impacted quality of the fine turf. The result meant disease was left unchecked for periods, quality concerns posed a threat to player safety when you consider stadiums and grounds, and across the board both a time and cost factor to bring surfaces back up to a standard after restrictions were eased – not to mention this is people livelihoods.”

“With time and planning, it’s likely that almost every turf manager would be able to

36 / ASTMA UPDATE take proactive steps to prepare their facility annual Asia Pacific Sports Turf Management and recognition of the industry and for something like this, however given Conference held. Scheduled to be held at conditions, to ensure that players and the virtually overnight amendments being the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition coaches, staff, governments and general received at that time from government, it Centre in June 2020, the team were forced public understand that the business is about resulted in us working with various State and to make the tough decision to cancel this more than simply ‘cutting grass’. There’s National Sporting Organisations, groups years event with restrictions placed on the both and art and a science to the trade, such as Sport Australia, the AIS, what felt size of large events and gatherings. and that’s the story that desperately needs like every department at a government to be told. Right there is the opportunity, level – highlighting the risks associated to “That was a hard decision to make. Not and this aligns to certification program, the facilities if restrictions were imposed only due to the importance of the event to the future for us presents an opportunity to that meant an inability for turf managers to the industry, members and partners, but bring the recognition and understanding continue their trade. Not to mention the also because of the amount of work already of the people who create and maintain passion that turf managers have for their put into developing the 2020 event. To these world-class playing surfaces to facilities; fears were that years of work by be really close, around 8 weeks I think, those that use them, and to broaden the these dedicated teams could be impacted out from delivering an event the size of understanding of the level of dedication, if they were unable to at least maintain to a our Turf Conference, most of the planning responsibility and passion that these basic level for weeks or months as was seen and preliminary work had already been professionals have for their turf.” overseas, and it was being reported that this completed and so to a degree, while it was the right decision to make, it was still level of restriction could be implemented “One of the other challenges to work a tough one for Simone and the team who here. Thankfully, we didn’t progress into through is to improve the awareness of had all invested months of hard work into it. that level of restrictions, not yet at least, our industry. In my opinion, the fragmented But you look forward, and we can pick up and we’ve seen many return to work albeit nature of the support and industry some areas such as some areas of content, in a changed environment with its own representative bodies is holding us back. speakers and those sorts of things and plan challenges and there are some issues that Our approach is that turf managers and for the future, toward the 2021 Conference are still being worked through.” the industry would be better served by in the Gold Coast next June.” working together, with all parties aligning “I suppose the added benefit that It’s there, the future, that Mark seems to activities to develop a stronger voice came out of this was the considerable spend a large amount of time thinking and for advocacy and representation. We strengthening of existing relationships and planning about. undertook a lot of work to try to work with the development of new relationships within or align associations last year which have government departments leading to an As he explains “As someone who had no not progressed too far to date. But that increased awareness of the work that our turf background prior to taking on the cohesion is critical to ensuring we members undertake for Sport & Recreation. position, much of my learning early on was have an organised and consistent voice We’ve gotten busier as a result, now sitting related to the people, where the industry that is heard at the right levels, regularly across a number of working parties and was, and the work that sports turf managers and putting our members interests in front advisory panels at state and national level do. I admit my level of knowledge about of those people that need to hear the which itself is a positive as it presents a turf management before joining the story and can help bring about the change tremendous opportunity for the industry” Association was limited. Embarrassingly we need.” limited. But at the same time, that also told While there was some good news through me a great deal about the awareness and “It hasn’t progressed, but that doesn’t mean this period for the Australian Sports appreciation of the industry.” we stop working at it. If it’s worthwhile, you Turf Managers Association in terms of keep trying. And as I suppose it’s my belief supporting members and their agronomy “Being involved in or interested in sport that this alignment is perhaps the biggest division, AGCSATech, continuing to for many years, I was unaware of the work impediment to the future development of provide analytical and turf consulting work that these professionally trade-qualified our profession and the change that could to courses, councils and sporting bodies, turf managers actually did. From that point bring about the largest leap forward for a big downside resulting from COVID-19 of view, it was something I thought we recognition of our industry, to me that makes restrictions was the need to cancel the need to work on, to increase the profile it very worthwhile”

ASTMA UPDATE / 37 With over 90 years of research experience, STRI continues to find ways of innovating and delivering outstanding services and solutions to every client. We make great sport happen.

Innovative Research New features

Under the leadership of new research manager, Carlos Sartoretto, we have created two new areas for cool season trials, introduced robotic mowing, drone imagery and NDVI. Our product development department is now bigger than ever. Our services also include: • New root development comparative tests imaging • New green roof trials • Warm season grass cultivars and species trials for chemical registration. • Diverse rootzone trials • Cultivar screening trials • Water saving and management trials • Cultivar salinity tolerance trials • Training and education • Professional and impartial turfgrass assessments

Only at STRI Australia will you find local knowledge, experience and data driven advice allied with global research

For more information or to learn about our services call+61 3 9558 6514, 38 /email [email protected], visit strigroup.com or follow us on social media Images throughout this story - Douglas Day Tourist Park

Turf Success in the Top End DOUGLAS DALY TOURIST PARK

Douglas Daly Tourist Park in the Dan Thomson and Sarah Measey from Top “We had tried Northern Territory is alive with wildlife. End Turf were consulted by the owners of the Local bandicoots, wallabies, quolls, park to find a solution to this troublesome several varieties plus over 100 different bird species area. Soft leaf buffalo and couch varieties are regulars at the park, along with the were initially trialled in the area and neither in that spot, and guests and tourists. was able to survive in the difficult conditions. all had failed due While this wildlife brings the park to life, “We had tried several varieties in that to either shade, it also presents its own set of challenges. spot, and all had failed due to either One in particular relates to grassed areas of shade, wear, drainage or wallabies.” Mr wear, drainage the park. In front of the office and around Thomson said. the outdoor barbeque area have been or wallabies.” Enter Sir Grange Zoysia (Zoysia Matrella) difficult areas to maintain consistent ground - Dan Thomson, Top End Turf cover for many years. The wallabies and “We put Sir Grange Zoysia there as a trial kangaroos regularly frequent the area and when we first got the grass. Its stated would continually eat the grass down to attributes made it a very strong candidate the dirt. Combine this with a considerable for an impossible location.” He continued. amount of shade in the area and the grass did not have much of a chance to establish “It turned out that it was everything we were and thrive. hoping it would be, plus we found that it

DOUGLAS DALY TOURIST PARK / 39 was unpalatable to wallabies. Foot traffic had to be reduced in the full shade areas to get a more consistent coverage. But overall, it performs above and beyond everything else that has been tried in this area in the past.” Mr Thomson said.

Wildlife such as Wallabies, Kangaroo’s and Heirs tend to stay away from Sir Grange because of some specific structural attributes:

• High silica content in the leaf • Salt gland which accumulates salts and extracts them via the leaf • Low nutrient input requirement – hence only low levels of nutrient are available in the leaf structure.

All these attributes make the grass less desirable to local wildlife.

The Sir Grange has been down for 3 years now and looks fantastic. Local wildlife still like to walk and sit on the grass, but they move on elsewhere when they are grazing.

40 / DOUGLAS DALY TOURIST PARK The Journey of New Chemistry

BRINGING IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY, LOWER COSTS AND IMPROVED SUSTAINABILITY TO OUR TURF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. With Michael De Luca, Technical manager Syngenta Professional Solutions

Research & Development (R&D) that has greater precision. But along with familiar with is Acelepryn Insecticide which companies like Syngenta continue that precision and efficacy there is a range is exempt from poison scheduling and to rise to the challenge of creating of additional benefits that new chemistry provides long residual control. solutions to meet the needs of our brings, such as longevity and product safety customers and modern societal improvements. To continue to meet the changing needs demands. Development is increasingly today, we need to design for the future, focused on improving product safety, We often state today that we don’t find ensuring we have solutions to replace older negating environmental impacts, active ingredients “by chance” like we chemistry as they are retired for a range of and adhering to high stewardship once may have. We design them with reasons. Today Syngenta invests around standards through close collaboration, consideration; to be safe to operators and $1.3 billion per year into researching to ensure solutions can be delivered consumers, to be safe to the environment, new solutions. This is our commitment to for challenges now and in the future. as well as effective and easy to use, while ensure solutions exist into the future. A also being cost effective. The ability to be single product takes around $300 million Recently, we have seen a range of more able to design solutions means that we can dollars of investment to bring to market efficient solutions that reduce the number tailor them to the end target; improving including continued development and of product required to be applied, efficacy, toxicology and environmental product support to move it into other uses. either in frequency or volume, while profiles of products. This development covers optimisation still managing the issue at hand. These to reduce waste, environmental and scientific developments provide a good Over the last 30 years we have lost 30% of toxicology profiling, as well as efficacy. Our economical outcome for turf managers active ingredients globally because they no development programs today are being and agricultural producers as these tools longer work as effectively, or no longer meet designed for the needs anticipated for 5, 10, increase productivity and reduce costs, in a society’s expectations. A recent example in 15 even 20 years into the future. With such sustainable manner. our industry is the removal of chlorpyrifos a long process we take into consideration from use on residential turf areas and areas what expectations and needs will likely be Since the 1960’s we have seen a drastic accessible to the public. This was largely relevant in the future and design our actives reduction in the amount of active ingredient driven by its toxicological profile. But to meet those needs. applied. When once we would have importantly there is a range of less impactful, applied tens of kilograms per hectare, we more targeted insecticides on the market, A great example of this continued now apply tens of grams per hectare for that have a better environmental and investment is Syngenta’s newest SDHI the same or better efficacy outcomes. This operator fit, that can fill the space of this Group 7 fungicide, Posterity, which was change is driven by new R&D chemistry removal. One such product that you will be recently launched in the Australian turf

THE JOURNEY OF NEW CHEMISTRY / 41 Active Ingredient per hectare 1960 vs TODAY

market. It was a long process to develop In the here and now, Syngenta products this high-efficacy, low-use-rate fungicide that continue to deliver due to formulation “To continue to meet delivers a real step change in efficacy on optimisation. R&D not only focuses on the changing needs Dollar Spot control. Posterity brings value to active ingredients, but also on getting the industry; due to the longevity of control them into a formulation that will enhance of society today, we it delivers along with its environmental performance. This is driven by the choices and toxicology profile that has earned it and combinations of inert formulation need to design for an unscheduled status. Products like these elements and specifically designed bring direct benefits to end users of both surfactants. These enhancements do the future. the product and the turf surface. many jobs including protecting the active ingredient from degradation, stabilizing An important step in “greener chemistry” the formulation in storage, maintaining that regularly observe levels of phytotoxicity development (as it is often coined) is formulation suspension, ensuring ease of after application. preventing and avoiding waste, waste use and improving formulation stability elimination, and to aim to reduce in the spray tank. Development of final With new technology also comes the environmental impact while meeting formulation mix and formulation type are need for continued support, and sustainability goals and requirements. chosen to deliver the most effective efficacy stewardship of products and applications. This starts with the R&D process, but also outcome with the lowest volume of active Ongoing engagement helps us relay continues to flow through our entire supply ingredient. An example of this formulation knowledge of our products to customers, chain. For example, Casper herbicide, optimisation is a product like Pennmag while allowing for valuable feedback on which is a relatively new formulation of an pre-emergent herbicide. The selection of what the next generation of solutions may old active ingredient – Dicamba – is applied the active ingredient raw material in the look like. As we move into the next 5-20 at 1kg/ha with the product supplied in 1kg Pennmag formulation was chosen to have years, we will continue to see greener packs. The standard rate for this herbicide more of the active component within the chemistry that is created for solutions with – without Syngenta’s smart formulation active ingredient compared to generic ever improving safety, environmental and technology – is 4L/ha, with the product formulations. The benefit to customers toxicology profiles. Not all products are supplied in 20L drums. Casper’s unique using Pennmag is a higher level of control made equal and Syngenta will continue to formulation allows for a vast reduction in that will last for longer above the critical develop new solutions that perform to the packaging. The product’s reduced product concentration in soil needed to prevent highest levels while meeting society and requirements and lower rate of active weed germination. Another example is customer expectations. ingredient per hectare has a positive impact the carefully chosen surfactants in Primo on the environment by reducing carbon growth regulator. These are selected to in the transport system due to smaller ensure the speed of uptake is at a rate that and lighter packaging, and importantly a gives maximum efficiency, while providing reduction in waste material to be disposed excellent plant safety. This is a clear of at the end of the product’s use. difference to some generic formulations

42 / THE JOURNEY OF NEW CHEMISTRY Getting to Know the Turf Industry

WITH ALEX JENSEN

TIO stadium

Alex Jensen is Head Grounds Curator machinery as well as being able to visit many The major fields here being TIO which at TIO Stadium and others in Darwin - major football stadiums and training venues. hosts major games including NRL, AFL and (Former Suncorp Groundsmen) Best of all getting to talk turf with some of international cricket. the best groundsman and greenkeepers in Some Background the UK and Europe. TIO Stadium was opened in 1991 and holds a capacity of 12,500 people which makes it • 2013 Qld STA graduate of the year On arrival to Australia I started working the largest stadium in the Northern Territory. with Nigel Taylor at Airgronomics, where It holds 2 fields. The main field which is • The Ohio State University Global Turf we did contracting work the Air2g2. Legend couch and the 2nd field being Program (TOP) participant A tough job trying to introduce a new a mix of green and blue couch and also Alex Jensen has been working in the turf piece of equipment into the turf industry carpet grass. Warren Park is a specialty-built industry for about 8 years. Mr Jensen in Australia. I spent a year working there rugby league venue which opened in May started his apprenticeship in sports turf before a full-time job opportunity came up of 2019. It hosts 3 fields. All 3 fields being management in 2012 while working for the at Suncorp stadium which I pursued. green leaf park couch. It has a 1250 seat Brisbane Metropolitan Touch Association In October of 2017 I was awarded the job grandstand and grass hills which boost the (BMTA) at Whites Hill Reserve for 4 years. at Suncorp stadium to be the third full-time capacity to 10,000. Finally, Larrakia park or During this time, Mr Jensen spent 2 years as groundsman. Working at Suncorp I was Darwin football stadium. Opened in 2007 an apprentice before being promoted to able to be a part of a team that obviously it provides Darwin with an international Head Grounds Manager. While at BMTA, Mr maintained a sports field to the highest of standard soccer facility. It has 2 fields Jensen was also awarded the 2013 Qld STA standards. I spent about 2 and a half which are both Empire Zoysia. It has a max graduate of the year. years working there before a job capacity of 6,000. opportunity came up in Darwin to be a From Alex Jensen head grounds curator. Coming from Suncorp stadium and now being in a leading role looking after about From there as a part of the famous Ohio In March of 2020 I moved to Darwin to be 10 hectares of sports fields my job looks a lot program I was sent to the UK to work with the grounds curator for a company called different. Going from 1 field to 8 fields while Campey Turf Care systems. A sports turf SterlingNT. Sterling have recently taken being the only greenkeeper on site my work machinery dealer for many top sporting over the contract for several stadiums in is spread out a lot more. However, when it clubs in the world. I spent 5 months there Darwin including TIO Stadium, Warren Park comes to the maintenance of TIO it is very working with all types of tractors and and Larrakia Park (Darwin football stadium). similar to Suncorp being a sand-

THE TURF INDUSTRY WITH ALEX JENSEN / 43 based field and have the same variety of turf. Being that sterling are new to these fields Alex Jensen I have been free to maintain them my own way rather than having to change or keep certain practices from taking over another greenkeeper. I have only been working here for about 3 months, so I have just been trying to keep my head above water rather trying to make a name for myself by doing anything drastic.

For this coming year I am hoping for us to just get ourselves settled in and optimise how we are going to manage all of these fields. It is a lot of work for not many people and for myself I just need to work on my time management and planning ahead for everything that we are doing. Making major improvements can be a long and frustrating process however we plan to have all fields at the highest standard when it comes to major games.

The biggest win for me since being here has been just that. Moving myself away from friends and family to pursue my career has been a scary and daunting task. The opportunity however has pushed me to come here and give it everything I have. It is also giving me the opportunity to start my turf podcast. There is always plenty going on here so plenty to talk about. Every single part of the management side of things have been difficult for me. This has been a step up in roles and something that I am having to adjust to. Being a government contract there are a lot of people you have to go through to get things done. still being new TIO stadium this is something we are trying to overcome.

A typical week for me is sitting down and planning out all works I am doing for that week. At the moment its usually mowing, spraying, scarifying, aerating as well as trying to walk over as many fields as possible to assess any issues.

Covid-19 has made this new job very difficult. We were caught in the process of buying equipment for this contract when spending was shut off and left us without some essential gear for renovations. Luckily, we have some very friendly and helpful neighbours, so we have been able to borrow equipment to get our works done. It has also made it more difficult to get extra staff to assist when I am busy getting renovation works done. As I said I am the only one full-time looking after everything, so I have had to learn very quick and do some long hours to get the job done.

Lucky, I do this because I love it.

44 / THE TURF INDUSTRY WITH ALEX JENSEN Understanding Organic Matter Testing

WITH BRAD REVILL - BRT AGRONOMY

The build-up of thatch or organic • More favourable conditions for matter is one of the most important pest activity if not the most important aspects • More favourable conditions for moss, of our roles as turf managers in algae, and other weeds consistently maintaining high quality playing surfaces across many sports • Increased Poa Annua content disciplines, but has our knowledge and • Decreased tolerance to play during understanding of it and its management frosty conditions changed over time? • Reduced playability during wet There are countless research, articles, conditions and opinions available when it comes to • Reduced playability during the organic matter management, yet it still Winter months remains and will continue to remain a dominant issue in our maintenance and • Increase in pitch mark severity renovation programs. Through accurate • Decrease in root length assessment of organic matter, the turf industry’s knowledge of its development It does not matter if you are the turf and maintenance is evolving. manager, club manager, financial controller, or club owner, excessive or increasing Using devices like the Trufirm or the Clegg levels of organic matter is not good for the Hammer, the turf manager can accurately long-term health of the facility. For some measure the firmness of their respective clubs this may be a contributing factor and playing surface and track the progress over for others it could be the root cause of their time. Maintenance programs can then be biggest maintenance challenges and poor modified where necessary to achieve the playing quality experienced by the players. desired results. Knowledge, awareness and understanding Failure to deal with organic matter and of organic matter and its management allowing it to increase, results in a long list has increased in recent years and when of negative consequences to the playing understanding increases, it becomes surface and the turf health, such as: apparent where past shortfalls in dealing with it have been present. • Reduced surface firmness Quantifying Organic Matter • Reduced soil infiltration rates • Higher moisture retention The industry has been quantifying its organic matter levels through various methods for • A more favourable environment for a number of years. For the most part, these disease development methods have been largely unquestioned

UNDERSTANDING ORGANIC MATTER TESTING / 45 and have included low, moderate and high opinion-based observations or, in recent years, reviewing its depth in millimetres.

Such methods were fine in years of low costs and plentiful budgets, but we are in a new era now, and accurate decisions year on year are required by club managers, boards of directors and even committee members. These periodic ‘guestimates’ often fail to provide suitable/accurate information on which serious and costly decisions can be made.

Clubs are spending thousands of dollars every year on sand top dressing and It is difficult to visually measure the organic matter content in a diluted soil profile accurately renovations to deal with organic matter and this does not include the labour hours and This testing method enables course The nature and depth of organic matter bespoke machinery required for organic managers and clubs to determine their exact can vary from course to course, and even matter management. We are now seeing a levels of organic matter at varying depths green to green, and visual assessments are hunger for accurate, objective information in the soil profile year on year. Such testing, not always able to pick up such variations, on which to base the decisions turf combined with onsite experience and unless present in extremes, by which managers are making on behalf of surface performance targets allows the turf point it is often too late and is causing a their clubs. manager to clearly identify the target area or notable difference in the quality of the organic matter level in the soil, then create playing surface. Testing Organic Matter Concentration and tailor a cultural program to achieve the via Loss on Ignition (LOI) at 440 clubs surface performance targets over time By breaking samples into pre-determined Degrees Celsius depths (0-20, 20-40, 40-60mm) exact Organic Matter Accumulation at percentages of organic matter can be Organic matter can now be measured Differing Depths determined at each 20mm depth in the soil using laboratory testing via weight loss profile. On request, we can even measure on ignition. We prefer to use LOI at 440 With an ever-increasing arsenal of machinery depths of 0-10mm or deeper at 60-80mm degrees Celsius as it gives more of a full and tools to manage organic matter content, if required. burn, with no visible signs of organic knowing exactly how much is present at material remaining and feel it is more exact depths is of high importance and This allows us to determine the exact accurate as opposed to LOI at 360 degrees. financial consequence to clubs. percentage content at each depth,

46 / UNDERSTANDING ORGANIC MATTER TESTING establishing clear strategies for management programmes to be determined, optimum selection of machinery used and avoidance of any unnecessary works and labour hours.

The bulk concentration of organic matter accumulation is usually contained within the upper 0-40mm with Poa Annua and ultra-dwarf Bermuda grasses tend to have organic matter production concentrated in the top 0-20mm. Most turfgrasses tend to produce organic matter through 0-40mm of the soil profile.

As clubs move to deal with organic matter quickly and achieve improved playing surfaces, layers of buried organic matter at 20-50mm deep in the profile, are becoming more common. These layers cause a lot of the issues listed earlier in the article including reduced infiltration rate and shorter root length. Where possible, light applications of sand top dressing should be applied regularly with quantities adjusted as per the growth rate of the turf with the aim to dilute the organic matter through the profile and avoid the creation of layers.

The Value of LOI Organic Matter Testing

Our industry is evolving. For many of us, budgets have reduced, and now as never before, has spending it wisely been so important. The need for course managers and clubs to allocate and spend their resources accurately has never been higher.

Through LOI testing at the above- mentioned depths, past topdressing and cultural program effectiveness can be measured and used to calibrate/plan future topdressing and aeration requirements. Decisions can now be formed accurately and annually. Where resources over and above our normal budgets are required, clear and concise communications can be had within our clubs, providing clearer levels of understanding.

Knowledge of long-term results and requirements to get from your existing levels of organic matter to bespoke ideal ranges can now be costed accurately, budgeted years in advance and scheduled in long term plans. With the technology available now, turf managers can now accurately measure every performance characteristic of their surface and diagnose almost all turf health issues and make decisions based on this Turf manager using a Trufirm to measure the firmness of the playing surface objective data; this is a position the industry has not been in before.

UNDERSTANDING ORGANIC MATTER TESTING / 47 Sports Turf Solutions in South East Asia

Brad Burgess, Managing Director/ STS Background by Brad Burgess unfortunately performed miserably. I found Owner at Sports Turf Solutions (STS) a local grass growing throughout the villages leads a dedicated team of highly I went to Irian Jaya (now West Papua), and Cargo Port where we often went fishing trained staff, providing a range of Indonesia in 1995 as a 23 year old to take and decided to put it into trials. This grass turf associated services for the South over a turf farm built by fellow Aussie, Simon outperformed the 419 with flying colours. So, East Asian golf industry. Over many Edmonds (now working for HG Turf), to we proceeded to convert the 419 to the local years, Mr Burgess has grown his plant and grow in a golf course for Freeport grass which turned out to be a Zoysia variety. business with a focus on new and McMoran, the world’s largest gold and I left the course in 1999, with Dr Brett Morris improved zoysia turf varieties. copper mine. The golf course was designed continuing the transformation of Klub Golf These zoysia’s are pioneering the way by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw for a region Rimba Irian. golf courses in the South East Asian that receives annual rainfall exceeding ten Fast forward 12 years and I am sitting in a region operate and maintain their metres per year. There were three pallets conference in Thailand listening to Dr Milt beautiful courses. of Sunrise Zoysia grass seeds specified by Coore and Crenshaw in a warehouse there Engelke talk about all these new varieties of when I arrived, but no one could get the Zoysia that he and the late Jack Murray had Lawn Solutions Australia recently caught Sunrise Zoysia seed to germinate. Because been breeding for 20 years. I took Dr Engelke up with Mr Burgess to hear more about the of this, I threw it out thinking it was spoiled. out for lunch and he was sceptical about history of his involvement within the turf allowing the licensing rights for anyone industry and the successes that STS has Turf variety 419 Bermuda was chosen in Asia due to potential piracy issues. My achieved in the region. as the new variety for the course, but it partner Ning and I jumped on a plane and

48 / STS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA flew over to meet David Doguet, the largest courses. Projects we have grassed or are private Zoysia breeder in the USA. Ning and I “We planted farms under construction are designed by leading evaluated a wide range of Zoysia grasses for with Zeon Zoysia in architects, such as Greg Norman, Jack a few years before deciding to take on the Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones II, Golfplan license for Zeon Zoysia (known in Australia both Thailand and (Dale & Ramsay), Brian Curley, Graham as Sir Grange Zoysia) in South East Asia. Vietnam, and it has Marsh, Kyle Philips, Thompson Perrett and We planted farms with Zeon Zoysia in both Sir Nick Faldo. These projects are situated Thailand and Vietnam, and it has been a been a huge success. in Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, huge success. All of the projects that have Malaysia, Indonesia, and Korea. taken on Zeon Zoysia are more than All of the projects thrilled with the playability of the grass. Some notable projects include the award Not to mention the water savings, as well that have taken on winning Hoiana Shores Golf Club and KN as the fertiliser, chemical and herbicide Golf Links, both situated in Vietnam. These savings. These courses have also saved on Zeon Zoysia are are two spectacular man-made courses mowing frequencies, meaning their mowers situated along the coast of Vietnam. last longer along with the savings on fuel more than thrilled and manpower. with the playability Other courses are exclusive private courses Many of the architects we have come to to high-end public play golf courses, all work with have also given their support of the grass. “ demanding high green fees with low inputs. to the use of our zoysia grasses on their Each and every club now enjoys

STS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA / 49 great playing conditions with low inputs and better bottom lines, things that any successful business would expect from their investment.

We are glad the grasses are performing as everyone said they would.

With all of this success, we feel the penny still has not dropped for many. There are still architects and builders out there offering the wrong choice of grass for the wrong situations and developers are still paying the price. By installing these new and improved zoysia varieties and waiting that extra month for golf courses to establish, you can achieve 30 or more years of low inputs and a better bottom line.

We are very excited to see outstanding new zoysia varieties Trinity and Primo, continuing their successful expansion in the South East Asian golf industry over the coming years.

50 / STS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA International Greenkeepers for Hire WITH BRADLEY TENNANT

The International hub for greenkeepers, forward. Education is our next step; our aim Educational Department ground staff and volunteers. We are is to help countries around the world that a group of dedicated greenkeeping don’t have a strong education system for our Our online educational videos and experts who are on a mission to industry, as well as help our own country, educational cards were established for many share our knowledge and passion especially in regional areas where there reasons, but most prominently because of with the rest of the world. To unite is no option for education unless aspiring the ongoing decline in young and qualified greenkeepers, promote the industry, greenkeepers are prepared to travel in greenkeepers, ground staff and turf and help share the art of greenkeeping which case we are willing to help. managers in the industry. with others. The organisation is made by greenkeepers, for greenkeepers. Our website features all things turf related We believe that to bring in the next from the careers board, gallery and even generation of greenkeepers, we must offer Is Turf Management your new career? our own store to buy merchandise. All the a stimulating, simple method of education. money raised goes towards scholarships Educational videos on broken-down topics Do you love sports and being outdoors? and running these groups. can offer that with only access to YouTube Are you unsure what to do after school or or our site. college? Why not become a greenkeeper As part of International Greenkeepers or a member of ground staff? You commitment to its members, it works Greenkeepers and ground staff can use can prepare sports turf surfaces while closely with many of the professional this all-in-one resource to access learning experiencing front-seat views of sporting associations and governing bodies in the material on all aspects of the trade. The events for your business. Whether it be sports turf industry to ensure that we can program can be either tailored to meet golf, cricket, soccer, rugby, horse racing - strongly recommend the best possible a manager’s needs or give students the any sport played on turf. services or equipment to you. Check out opportunity to learn other sectors of the our associates page! Our social media groups are 100% free to trade, such as cricket wicket maintenance, join and are a place for all our members to which they would otherwise miss out on. post jobs, share ideas and show off their great work. We have recently opened “Our aim is to create Education is the goal, with our online another group on LinkedIn - also free - to educational videos, we will be able to help reach more people in our industry. We an international hub countries around the world that don’t have have pages on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, a strong education system for our industry, Instagram, and we are even on YouTube, for greenkeepers, as well as help our own country, especially to help advertise our industry to the public, in regional areas where there is no option for which we hope will attract some new blood promote our business education unless they travel. into the industry. You join this industry for passion, not money, as I have been told and help share the This training is intended to be useful for many times over the years. all levels of greenkeepers in the industry, art of greenkeeping from apprentices and casual workers, to This group would not exist without our volunteers and part-timers, right up to small team of 10 passionate greenkeepers with others.” individuals in the management tier. who help run all the social media pages and find great content, as well as coming up Bradley Tennant Contact us to see how we can develop the with great new ideas for us to keep moving - International Greenkeepers For Hire training videos to suit your needs or cover

INTERNATIONAL GREENKEEPERS FOR HIRE / 51 a topic that we currently have not, that you would like to see. [email protected]

Established April 2019

Over 3,000 members over LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Offering a wide range of industry specific educational videos and resources.

We created a group for every greenkeeper, groundsman, or turf manager, whether you are a casual, full time or volunteer. No matter which country you work in or the type of sports turf you produce, you are welcome to get involved. Our aim is to create an international hub for greenkeepers, promote our business and help share the art of greenkeeping with others.

Some fantastic work is currently being produced across the globe, and we offer a place for you to share your pictures, moments, or the knowledge you learned along the way. We provide a platform for these great opportunities and help others experience the world of turf management.

We also have our own podcast!

Featuring conversations with professionals in the sports turf industry, major suppliers, fellow international greenkeepers, ground staff and subject experts, the once-monthly podcast aims to bring you all the latest industry news. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the equipment you use, seek inspiration from our shared stories, or simply tune into a good dose of greenkeeping entertainment, give us a listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and all the other major audio streaming services.

Available interviews include our discussion with Mountain View Seeds’ Brett Freeborn and Dr Chass Schmid about the production and development of grass seeds for sports turf, and our conversation with John Deere’s Howard Storey about the company’s future innovations and customer support.

If you are interested in getting involved in our educational sector or you want to learn more about greenkeeping, just drop us an email. We will get back to you with information on how we can help.

Bradley Tennant [email protected] [email protected] www.internationalgreenkeepers.com

52 / INTERNATIONAL GREENKEEPERS FOR HIRE / 3 Always choose certified turf.

Your turfgrass purity assurance.

4 / For further information visit ausgap.com.au or call 1300 287 599