Autumn 2018 Issue 283
BulletinMaking great sport happen
Russia 2018 STRI at the World Cup – 12-page special Carnoustie Behind the scenes at the 147th Open
Ecosystem services The hidden benefits of ecology
Research 2018 Highlights of this year’s STRI Research days WORLD CUP Special Edition STRI senior project manager, Gordon Howat, discusses how Hearts solved its pitch issues by going hybrid on page 21
Golf needs to increase its participation levels, STRI consultant, Adam Newton, looks at ways turf managers can support new initiatives on page 26
SportsTurf Consultants general manager, Sam Myott, look back at the career of Ron MacCartney, who retired from the sports turf industry earlier this year on page 37 St Ives Estate Contents Bingley West Yorkshire BD16 1AU UK
T. +44 (0)1274 565131 F. +44 (0)1274 561891 4 Directors’ Forward E. [email protected] www.strigroup.com 5 Pitching at the right level – World Cup 2018, Russia
EDITORIAL Scott Allen & Helen Waite 10 STRI at the World Cup DESIGN Ann Bentley 13 Three World Cups – a comparison of tournaments ADVERTISING Marketing & Communications T. +44 (0)1274 565131 17 The 147th Open Championship – Carnoustie Golf Links ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES UK Corporate £80; Individuals £50. The Bulletin is sent to all STRI Heart of Midlothian Football Club subscribers. Back issues are 21 available, for details contact STRI on +44 (0)1274 565131 26 A firm approach © Copyright STRI Ltd 2018
BULLETIN 29 The hidden benefits of ecology Published four times a year by STRI. All material in the Bulletin is copyright and may not be reproduced in any 32 STRI Research 2018 round up form without written permission from STRI. The publishers do not accept any responsibility for any advertisement appearing in the 37 Asia-Pacific column – Ron MacCartney retirement Bulletin and cannot be held liable for editorial omissions or errors. Opinions expressed in the Bulletin 38 The R&A column – facing up to the challenge are not necessarily those of STRI. Products/services advertised in the Bulletin are represented USGA column – effective wetting agent use independently of STRI and any of 41 STRI’s services.
ISSUE 283 – Autumn 2018
ISSN 2046-7451
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 3 Directors’ forward
Mark Godfrey, CEO Hello and welcome to the autumn issue of the STRI Bulletin, our World Cup special edition.
Russia 2018 was a truly fantastic tournament, arguably one of the best in living memory. The matches, players, fans, cities and venues were in great form, as were the pitches which played and looked superb throughout the tournament. Even an epic thunderstorm during the final presentation ceremony couldn’t put a dampener on the conclusion of what had been a feast of football.
For STRI it marked the end of a successful four year project, which utilised a significant number of our international team. Focus now switches to Qatar, the host nation for the 2022 At STRI Group World Cup. This is a project STRI has been working on for a number of years. By the time the first ball is kicked in late November 2022, we will have been working on this World Cup for more than eight years. Operating alongside our partners Aspire www.AST.com.qu( ) we have a Follow us on team stationed in Doha, researching warm and cool season grasses, working at all the venues Twitter @striturf and training the local groundstaff to be tournament ready. We are making sure that we are prepared for every eventuality. Connect with STRI Group on Linkedin It’s important to note that while we are training groundstaff in different parts of the world for the elite level of sport, we are also focused on developing the next generation of turf Check out STRI Group consultants working at all levels. In addition to the educational programme being rolled out on Instagram in Qatar, closer to home we recently collected two awards from Bradford University for our summer work experience programme. We won the Outstanding Placement Provider and intern Sam Birch claimed the Outstanding Placement Student award. The students we welcome here during the summer months gain knowledge on conducting scientific trials, project management and data analysis. Several former interns have gone on to join us as full-time members of staff.
Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who recently attended our annual Research Days which were held in late September at our head office in Bingley. STRI Research remains the benchmark for educational events in the turf industry. Our partners and nearly 300 guests enjoyed two days of innovative learning, networking and great food. We are already looking forward to Research 2019.
This month’s Bulletin highlights
Russia 2018 Ecosystem Research Carnoustie services 2018 Dr Richard Richard Windows Gibbs leads STRI’s new Highlights of and Adam you through ecologist the annual Newton go our 12-page World Cup Rowan Rumball STRI Research days on behind the scenes at the 147th Open special starting on discusses ecosystem page 32 on page 17 page 5 services on page 29 @striturf_richw @striturf @striturf_rowan @striturf @striturf_adamn
@striturf_richw
4 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Sport
Directors’ forward
STRI AT THE WORLD CUP
There were some incredibly negative media expectations ahead of this year’s World Cup. They wrongly assumed there would be hooliganism, mafia-led crime sprees, long arduous fan travel, below average stadium experiences and terrible playing surfaces. However, all fears melted away as soon as the first whistle was blown. STRI’s tournament delivery consultants discuss why all the talking at this year’s World Cup was done on the pitch.
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 5 Sport
World Cups are monumental feats of event management. Russia 2018 included 11 cities and 12 very imaginative stadia located between Kaliningrad on the coast of the Baltic Sea and Ekaterinburg, at the base of the Ural Mountains. The tournament is estimated to have cost around US$14.2 billion and it finished in Moscow’s revamped Luzhniki Stadium with France beating Croatia 4-2 to claim football’s greatest prize. A fitting end to a 64-match feast of football.
Working directly for the Local Organising Committee (LOC), STRI provided a 13-strong team of consultants for the tournament, delivering technical and match preparation support to each stadium venue as well as the venue specific Performance testing at Luzhniki Stadium training sites and team base camps. Administrative support was provided from STRI’s head office in Bingley. at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, Pitch preparation with six others also having worked at Although STRI was not formally STRI’s team was a truly international tournament level in other competitions. engaged by the LOC until 2015, STRI gathering of consultants assembled Two staff were trained specifically for consultants began design work on from its global business, with the role, which included joining one Russian World Cup pitches in 2013, consultants flying in for the tournament of the regular tours and participating when its consultancy services were from as far afield as Qatar and Australia. in stadium test events at their host employed by SIS Pitches to design the Five of the team had previously worked stadium before the World Cup.
Sparkak Stadium, Moscow Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don
Cosmos Arena, Samara Mordovia Arena, Saransk Kaliningrad Stadium
6 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 GrassMax reinforcement system SISGrass reinforcement system pitch at Spartak Stadium in Moscow1. to SISGrass shortly before the Fibresand reinforced pitch but was This was the first of six stadium pitch Confederations Cup in April 2017, so upgraded to a GrassMax stitched construction projects that STRI was this pitch had two turf reinforcement reinforced pitch for the Confederations directly involved with for the World systems in place for the World Cup. Cup in 2017 before finally being Cup, the other five venues being returfed with a Mixto carpet hybrid Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow (the venue Stitched turf reinforcement systems turf reinforcement system for the for the final), Rostov Arena, Cosmos were also installed in five other World Cup. The third transformation Arena in Samara, Mordovia Arena in stadium pitches, all of which were built took place in the middle of the Russian Saransk and Kaliningrad Stadium. For using a suspended water table design winter, with 8000 m2 of turf being these six stadium pitches, the project of one sort or another. Volgograd, grown under glasshouse conditions deliverables were to: Kazan and Nihzny Novgorod stadium in Denmark and transported in 20 pitches used the Desso GrassMaster refrigerated trucks to St Petersburg in •• validate the designs system, whereas the Fisht Stadium time for a Europa League Round of 32 •• source, analyse and approve pitch in Sochi and the Central games in February 2018. construction materials using the Stadium pitch in Ekaterinburg used STRI Laboratory the Bamard GrassMax stitched turf Eight of the 12 stadium pitches •• monitor the construction process reinforcement system. benefitted from a vacuum and •• sign off the pitches at handover ventilation system, this being a strong In contrast, the fully retractable sliding recommendation by FIFA for World Sourcing construction materials and pitch at the Krestovsky Stadium in Cup pitches. A special case had to be providing specifications for the pitches St Petersburg went through several made for the four pitches that were was not straightforward. The Russian transformations. It started off as a built without such technology. A sports turf industry is in its infancy compared with the UK and there were no proprietary graded sports turf construction materials available. Furthermore, all documentation had to meet stringent Russian ‘norms’ (standards), a process dominated by rigid approval processes. Therefore, much of the initial work involved visiting local quarries for suitable materials and working closely with SIS to get through the design process.
All six SIS pitches for the World Cup were constructed using a similar two- layer, sand-over-gravel (suspended water table) profile construction and all six used the SISGrass turf reinforcing system. In fact, Spartak Stadium was originally constructed with Fibresand turf reinforcement but was upgraded Vacuum and ventilation system profile
1 Otkritie Arena Taking the Long Road – a Spectacular Home for ‘The People’s Team’, FC Spartak Moscow. STRI Bulletin, January 2015, Issue 268: 18-21.
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 7 Sport Sport
mixture of proprietary and custom- was a constant need at all venues to made designs was used. The pitches at monitor and manage the activities of Luzhniki, Spartak and Rostov-on-Don rehearsals and ceremonies to minimise were installed with the SISAir system, damage to pitch presentation. The whereas the SubAir system was used at large number of people involved in Volgograd and Nihzny Novgorod. Kazan these ceremonies (more than 150) used a Slovakian-designed system. and the multiple rehearsals carried Sochi and St Petersburg used Russian- out resulted in significant footprinting designed systems. and marking on the pitches, which was particularly evident from some camera All 12 stadium pitches had glycol-based angles during the matches. In particular, undersoil heating systems. the large country flags affected pitch presentation and striping because the Five of the 12 stadium pitches had concentration of volunteers carrying been completed and were well tested flags would walk along the edge of by the end of the Confederations Cup Typical extent of winter kill on training pitches two mowing stripes, causing a loss in July 2017 (Spartak, St Petersburg, of sharpness. As the tournament Sochi, Kazan and Luzhniki). Six of Once the tournament was underway, progressed, many grounds teams tried the remaining seven stadium pitches much pitch side activity in between to squeeze in an extra roll or brush after were established from seed towards matches was taken up by various flag ceremony rehearsals to try and the end of 2017 using various blends rehearsals and ceremonies. Here, there remove footprinting prior to kick-off. of perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. However, the brutal winter of 2017/18 meant that a comprehensive spring renovation was required in April 2018, leaving barely six weeks of good growing conditions to get the pitches ready for the tournament. The last stadium pitch to be completed was at the Cosmos Arena in Samara, which had to be established from turf brought in from Germany in April 2018.
Challenges leading up to and during the tournament Despite many venues having first class grounds teams and pitches, not surprisingly there were many The large number of people involved in ceremonies and the multiple rehearsals carried out groundstaff working on this tournament resulted in significant footprinting and marking on the pitches with little experience of what was required at World Cup level. Several provincial stadiums went through a change of maintenance contractor and machinery just weeks before the tournament, which had significant implications for planning and carrying out pitch preparation works. At one venue there was even a change of three head groundsmen prior to the tournament. This was where it was particularly important for STRI consultants to work closely with the LOC Pitch Specialists and groundstaff to ensure that every detail required for match preparation was followed, in particular the timings leading up Examples of footprinting damage to kick-off.
8 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Sport
Even the ‘football-approved’ entry carpet placed on the pitch in front of the players’ tunnel, caused turf scorch at some venues. Nothing could be taken for granted.
However, by far the biggest risk to the stadium pitches were the match day minus one (MD-1) training sessions, as well as warm-up sessions on match day (MD), a feature common to all tournaments of this type. Although some teams were better than others, the lack of respect for the playing surface during such training sessions meant that there was a constant battle to try and limit damage. Blocking off goals and using pitch protection maps became standard tools of the trade. Pitch protection maps were introduced Lighting rigs employed at St Petersburg
systems provided consistent and unquestionable strength on the pitches throughout the tournament. It also meant that more attention could be focused on pitch presentation and aesthetics rather than on managing issues of surface instability and loss of grass cover. Moreover, all stadium pitches met the requirements of this tournament without the need for any re-turfing – a result that should become the expectation for any future tournament.
Pitch vacuum and ventilation systems proved their undisputed worth at this tournament. Many venues used their systems in vacuum mode to remove Goal mouth protection during training sessions heavy rainfall that occurred during the by STRI after the group stage which tournament – manoeuvring them into tournament including Sochi, Nizhny helped the FIFA General Co-ordinators place around advertising boards and Novgorod, Luzhniki, Spartak and Kazan. manage team training expectations miles of cable was another matter Other venues regularly used their during MD-1 and MD warm-ups. •• Managing very high temperatures system in ventilation mode to reduce and humidity levels in the southern heat stress and aerate the rootzone, in Physical damage aside, managing turf venues (Volgograd, Sochi and particular Volgograd and Rostov. health and quality was always high on Rostov) that were much higher In conclusion, what could have been the day-to-day agenda at every stadium than is normally tolerated by cool a massive challenge to preparing turf in terms of: season turfgrass facilities for the World Cup because •• Managing the ever-present risk of of the Russian climate, lack of an •• Finding a balance between constant disease during a hot summer period, established turf industry, red tape, and requests from some teams for a time when pitches are normally the sheer size of the country (not to lower cutting height and prolonging undergoing renovation turf quality for the duration of mention adverse media publicity prior the tournament for the benefit of to the tournament), was successfully all teams The end result overcome. The Russians invested •• Addressing poorer turf quality The tournament was an unqualified heavily in pitch infrastructure, sought at the southern (shaded) end of success and not only from a turf advice where needed and it paid most stadiums – lighting rigs were perspective. The use of stitched or off handsomely. in constant use throughout the carpet hybrid turf reinforcement
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 9 Sport Sport
BEHIND THE RED CURTAIN
Head of Sports Surface Design, Dr Richard Gibbs, who project managed the 2018 World Cup in Russia, gives an insight into what goes on behind the scenes.
STRI: There’s a lot of razzmatazz on and off the pitch at the World Cup, yet pitch consultants are often the forgotten workers at these tournaments. What did your role involve?
Richard Gibbs (RG): Ours was a support role and it started many years before the World Cup tournament. Unlike previous World Cups in South Africa and Brazil where we reported to FIFA, our role in Russia was to work directly for the Local Organising Committee (LOC). This role was more intensive and included reviewing and contributing to design specifications for training and stadium pitches, carrying out laboratory analysis of pitch construction materials, carrying out specialist ‘Hemiview’ light/shade analyses of the stadiums, and then monitoring progress as the pitches were upgraded or built from scratch. We have been visiting Russia since October 2015 and since then carried out 17 tours of the various venues as well as delivering two dedicated pitch preparation and management workshops along with associated training manuals. During the tournament itself we had one STRI consultant based at each stadium and their role was to ensure that pitches were prepared to the exacting standards required for a World Cup and to work in close liaison with the groundstaff, FIFA and venue management and the LOC Pitch Specialist.
STRI: How was the tournament from your side of the pitch?
RG: A 5-0 win for the home team at the opening game on a pristine pitch at a truly superb stadium – couldn’t get a better start than that. All the focus was on the games and players, as it should be, and the pitches performed superbly. We’ve had some fantastic feedback and many media pundits commented that the quality of pitches helped make Russia 2018 one of the best World Cups ever. I’m very proud to hear that.
10 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Sport Sport
STRI: Providing consultancy for STRI: Teamwork is very important. The biggest issue by far was that there stadiums and training grounds is a How did the STRI consultants were so many activities apart from the huge operation. What did it take to pull work alongside the stadium’s actual football match itself that had the it together? Russian groundstaff? potential to cause immense damage to the turf, such as multiple rehearsals for RG: It all comes down to having RG: We’ve had a few years now to build flag and opening or closing ceremonies efficient reporting and assessment up a really good working relationship and of course team training. We had systems, good office support, and a with the LOC Pitch Specialists and to constantly evaluate turf conditions lot of flexibility and acceptance that stadium groundstaff. It’s amazing what and proposed activities and make long days and much travelling are can be achieved with a few simple sure that the turf always looked its involved. I have actually lost count of hand signs. It also helps during the best – not so easy when a couple of the number of reports we produced tournament to be wearing the same hundred volunteers had just walked all but it would be in the hundreds, given uniform as the LOC so that we are over a beautifully prepared pitch. Team that there were 12 stadium pitches, seen as part of the delivery team. training on match day minus one (MD- three venue specific training pitches Many groundstaff in Russia of course 1) was one of the biggest challenges per stadium and originally 64 team had never experienced anything like to manage. Some teams were quite base camp pitches. Perhaps the biggest a World Cup before and it was very respectful of the turf, but others challenge was making sure that our satisfying to see the whole grounds seemed quite happy to pulverise areas reporting and advice was consistent team at a stadium rise to the challenge. of the pitch during training. between consultants, so we had a very structured approach involving a peer STRI: Firefighting problems is an Also, security was very tight, so getting review system and a single point of important part of your work. What machinery and consumables into and report distribution. kind of issues do you face at major out of a stadium was extraordinarily tournaments like this? difficult during the tournament period, STRI: Do the players and managers particularly fertilisers. It was not appreciate the work that goes into RG: A lot of the issues were down to unusual for some types of fertiliser pitch maintenance? timing because pitch preparation must to be removed from a stadium by fit tightly around ceremony rehearsals, the security personnel without any RG: We don’t really have time to speak team warm-ups, media requirements consultation. You could turn up one to players or managers during the and so on. The pitches had to be ready morning and it had gone! tournament, but we had no complaints several hours before kick-off and it and several players commented was quite easy to lose presentation. It The weather could also be a major positively about the pitches in their was really important to liaise closely challenge. Russia is a very big country press conferences. So, the answer must with the General Coordinator at each and the range of weather conditions be yes! stadium so that any turf issues could be experienced around the various venues resolved quickly. was huge. We had intense deluges STRI: What were you performance of rain, hailstorms and very high testing for? temperatures well into the 30s. We had bug infestations, equipment being RG: We carried out performance testing confiscated and missed or delayed to assess consistency within a pitch as flights. All these things had to be well as between pitches. Fortunately, anticipated and planned for. However, in Russia we were dealing only with we have delivered major tournaments cool season turfgrass species and all across the globe, so we are very the stadium pitches were sand-based. experienced when the odd curveball is They also all had either a stitched or a thrown at us. carpet hybrid turf reinforcement system so consistency between venues was STRI: What are the pressures involved extremely good. in working outside of the UK? A feature of this World Cup was that the LOC purchased 12 sets of RG: With modern communication performance testing equipment, technology, it was surprisingly easy assembled by STRI, one for each to operate remotely. The 4G network venue. These kits have been left as is very good in Russia and all hotels a legacy item for Russian turfgrass had good Wi-Fi. We had a very well- management development. Performance testing kits established communication protocol
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 11 Sport
with our staff on site and with our STRI: Were you pleasantly surprised we hope is a lasting legacy for turf project support team in Bingley. The by anything you experienced at the management in Russia. group stages were incredibly busy, with World Cup? 48 matches at 12 venues over 15 days. STRI: What are you looking forward to So, there was no rest during this period RG: It was amazing how quickly now the World Cup is over? at all – everyone had to contribute. everything comes together. Russia had There’s no 9-5 in the world of football. a particularly hard winter which we got RG: The World Cup cycle never stops, the tail end of in the UK in March (‘the so I’m already looking forward to the STRI: Did you enjoy the matches or beast from the east’). Temperatures next challenge – Qatar 2022. are you too busy keeping an eye on were still below freezing in many the surface? venues throughout April and there was a lot of snow mould damage on RG: I only went to a few matches. One many training pitches. Media reports of my roles was to visit and support our in March/April suggested that some consultants on site, particularly those venues would not be ready in time. that hadn’t been travelling regularly But it was a different story in May to Russia. We made sure that all those – this was one of the best growing consultants who either hadn’t been months experienced for a long time, to Russia before or hadn’t previously so we were very fortunate with been involved with a FIFA tournament turfgrass recovery. got the opportunity to attend a test event prior to the World Cup. But you The LOC and stadium groundstaff can’t beat standing around the pitch in Russia were genuinely welcoming perimeter on match days – it’s the best of our involvement and we were position to study the turf in action. privileged to be leaving behind what
AQUATROLS, THE MAKER OF QUALITY BRANDS YOU TRUST, IS EXCITED TO INTRODUCE THE NEXT GENERATION OF LIQUID BIO-NUTRITIONALS
Promotes optimal plant and Maximise the benefit of Supports consistent and soil health for all turf types existing nutritional elements sustainable root growth
For more information, talk to your local Aquatrols Europe representative about Attain today and visit eu.aquatrols.com/attain
INNOVATE. IMPROVE. INSPIRE. 12 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 aquatrols.com | THREE WORLD CUPS A comparison of tournaments
Since 2010, STRI has been involved in each of the three Football World Cup tournaments – South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014 and Russia in 2018. Few would disagree that 2018 was by far the best as far as pitches were concerned – the level of surface damage (divots getting kicked out, loss of grass cover etc) was minimal and pitches across the 12 venues were presented to a very uniform standard.
We look at some of the similarities and differences between the three tournaments.
To begin with, there are three important differences between South Africa, Brazil and Russia:
•• In Russia, the pitches were exclusively cool season turfgrass species. In both South Africa and Brazil, there was a mixture of warm and cool season turf, which is more complicated to manage for uniformity and consistency. Moreover, Russia was a summer tournament with optimum growing conditions whereas the South African tournament was held during the southern hemisphere winter. In Brazil, the tournament was held under a very wide range of growing conditions from tropical and sub-tropical in the north to temperate in the south •• All the Russian stadium pitches and several Venue Specific Training Sites [VSTS] and Team Base Camp [TBC] pitches were new constructions and all stadium pitches had a turf reinforcement system in place. In fact, 11 of the 12 stadium pitches used a stitched turf reinforcement system, a feature that provided a great deal of uniformity across venues. The twelfth stadium had a carpet turf reinforcement system, which, being an ‘above-ground’ turf reinforcing system, provided a similar level of performance and consistency as the stitched systems •• STRI consultants worked directly for and very closely with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for two and a half years prior to the Russian World Cup. This relationship allowed a much more hands-on role to be achieved in terms of pitch construction and preparation compared with the previous tournaments
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 13 Sport Sport
Mbombela Stadium, South Africa
South Africa quality. Renovation prior to the •• Many training pitches were drained tournament was left largely to the and re-seeded very late in the day In South Africa, STRI was engaged local venues to determine under the and quality was very variable. The only 100 days before the start of the guidance of local agronomists and training pitches in Russia were of tournament, so our influence on pitch there did not appear to be an overall better quality than most training sites quality was limited compared with strategy as to what the requirements in South Africa Russia in 2018, but the following is were for the pitches in terms worth noting: of performance Brazil •• Stadiums were a mixture of some new •• Some stadium pitches were of a In Brazil, STRI consultants were also constructions built from scratch (Cape very good quality such as Cape engaged on FIFA’s behalf a couple Town Stadium, Nelson Mandela Bay Town Stadium – comparable to, for of years before the beginning of the Stadium in Port Elizabeth, Durban example, the Russian stadium pitches tournament and much effort was Stadium, Mbombela Stadium in at Saransk, Rostov, Kaliningrad and made trying to influence the LOC and Nelspruit and Peter Mokaba Stadium Samara. However, other stadium their agronomists. However, there in Polokwane) and a significant pitches in South Africa had to be was a reluctance to embrace overseas number of existing upgraded/existing nursed through the tournament consultants. In Brazil, completion of stadiums (Royal Bafokeng Stadium because of problems caused by late pitch construction appeared to be in Rustenburg, Free State Stadium in seeding or localised damage to the left very much to the last minute. Bloemfontein, Loftus Versfeld Stadium pitch prior to the tournament. At Other differences between Brazil and in Pretoria, and Soccer City and Ellis the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Russia include: Park in Johannesburg) Port Elizabeth, the pitch struggled desperately and was a real challenge •• Many new stadium pitches were •• Stadium pitches in South Africa to manage, primarily because the built but only one had stitched were either cool season turf reinforcing system was buried. A turf reinforcement (Arena de Sao (perennial ryegrass) or warm season couple of thousand turf plugs had to Paulo); some pitches had fibre turf Bermudagrass or kikuyu overseeded be added to hold the pitch together reinforcement (like Spartak Stadium with ryegrass – some pitches did not due to a lack of surface stability. in Moscow when it was first built in transition very well and there was There was nothing comparable to the 2013/14). However, not all stadiums considerable variation in turfgrass problems of Port Elizabeth in Russia in Brazil needed turf reinforcement
14 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Sport Sport
because of higher temperatures that •• Some of the TBC and VSTS sites equipped. For example, lighting rigs allowed warm season grass growth, for were unusable because of poor from Brasilia were shipped to Rio example those in the north of Brazil drainage as they were constructed for the final match. The Porto Alegre out of poor quality materials and had Arena pitch had fibre reinforcement •• In general, warm season grasses with minimal renovation in readiness for as well as a vacuum and ventilation ryegrass transition were used on the tournament. Some of the TBCs system. The stadium ordered the pitches for the tournament were upgraded because the teams lighting rigs, but they did not arrive •• Two stadium pitches in Brazil were paid for further pitch improvement in time for the tournament. In turfed – Brasilia and Curitiba – this with their own money (eg Germany contrast, lighting rigs were available compared with the two turfed pitches and England). Pitch covers were at every stadium in Russia in Russia (St Petersburg and Samara). also used at some TBCs to keep the •• The pitch at Arena da Amazonia At Curitiba, a very heavily shaded surfaces dry and usable under the in Manaus had a vacuum and stadium (like St Petersburg), the turf heavy rainfall conditions experienced ventilation system, but the was largely worn out after only four in Brazil. There was no comparable system did not work effectively. games – lighting rigs arrived too late situation in Russia Moreover, in the absence of a turf and the stadium design made their •• Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro reinforcement system, the pitch deployment extremely difficult had neither turf reinforcement nor had to be heavily watered for •• STRI consultants had difficulty vacuum and ventilation or lighting stability, which in turn contributed convincing authorities to procure rigs. There was heavy rainfall in the to severe algal problems on the lighting rigs and therefore growth period leading up to the final and surface. Control of algae was was poor when trying to establish there were fears of potential match managed with fungicides plus the ryegrass, let alone warm season grass cancellation. At the final match, grass use of sand top dressing, which in the shaded stadium environments. cover was as low as 40% in areas of was dyed green to give better Many lighting rigs did not arrive until highest wear. Artificial fibres had to be visual appearance just before the tournament or in some installed by hand in areas such as the •• STRI consultants carried out a lot cases even after the tournament penalty box and centre circle of work on some training sites in •• There was a general lack of investment •• Although several stadiums in Brazil Brazil and whilst the majority were in equipment – some of it was simply possessed lighting rigs (eg Brasilia, acceptable, the quality of some sites not fit for purpose, particularly at the Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Recife was so poor that they were not TBC and VSTS sites and Curitiba), not all stadiums were available for use in heavy rain
Estádio Mineirão, Brazil
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 15 Sport Sport
Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
Russia the period from 2015 to 2018, were reported in the media with 13 staff being based in Russia (notwithstanding the pitch invasion So why did Russia work so well from during the actual tournament during the final match!). a pitch perspective? The simple answer has to be that: •• All parties (STRI, the LOC and In our experience, Russia 2018 FIFA) worked extremely well as a provided the most consistent and •• In Russia, all the stadiums were team and the LOC were willing to highest quality surfaces of any major brand new or had undergone major engage, take on board and support natural turf football event that we upgrading. The Russians invested the advice offered from STRI. It have been involved with. It was a real significantly in pitch infrastructure, has to be appreciated how difficult privilege to have been involved. resources (staff, staff training, this can be on occasions as the consumables and machinery) and LOC have to deal with the local or technology across TBCs, VSTS and regional authorities who have the in all the stadium pitches final say as to what can and cannot •• There was an early recognition be done that help and advice was needed from an experienced sports turf STRI’s World Cup special consultancy to support the LOC. In Conclusions was compiled by Dr Richard this respect, STRI was (and still is) Without doubt, the World Cup in Gibbs, Dr Stephen Baker, the only consultancy organisation Russia 2018 was by far the best Dr Ian McClements, Carlos with sufficient resources to service organised tournament in relation the pitch needs of the entire to pitch management that has been Sartoretto, Ewen Hodge, Ian tournament – a total of 14 STRI experienced by STRI. No returfing Craig and Gordon Howat. consultants and six office support was needed during the tournament staff worked on the project during and no major pitch related incidents
16 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Sport Sport
THE 147th OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Carnoustie Golf Links
STRI consultants Richard Windows & Adam Newton lift the lid on what went on at the 147th Open at Carnoustie before the crowds descended on the famous course.
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 17 Sport
The Open is undoubtedly the highlight of the year as an a dynamic process with changes made in relation to altering agronomist and it is always a privilege to be working for The weather conditions or in the light of subsequent information R&A in the delivery of such a major global sporting event. gathered following play that evening. Turf often has the habit of delivering the unexpected! As part of our role for The R&A, during The Open, The Amateur Championship and now The Women’s British Open Data digest we have the privilege to be part of expert and enthusiastic The data collection process itself is ongoing at all Open greenkeeping teams who are true masters of their craft. Championship venues with two visits per year to all courses None more so than Sandy Reid (Links Superintendent) and on the rota. As a venue is announced, often four or five years Craig Boath (Head Greenkeeper) who we had the honour before the Championship, the number of visits increases of working with for the 147th Open at Carnoustie. Sandy to at least four per year. This information helps tailor the and Craig, alongside their superb team, deserve absolute agronomy and greenkeeping programme to achieve the credit for the way in which the course was presented but desired targets for the Championship in the most sustainable also the way they delivered such excellent conditions given manner possible. the challenging weather in the lead up to and throughout the Championship.
Decisions, decisions The role of the STRI Agronomy team at The Open is two-fold and involves the collection of objective performance data from the greens, approaches and fairways, combined with assistance and input in the decision-making process regarding the daily set up of the course. The performance data is collected twice daily and discussed in daily briefing meetings with Martin Slumbers (Chief Executive of The R&A), Clive Brown (Chairman of The R&A Championship Committee) and Grant Moir (Director of Rules at The R&A) alongside the venue greenkeeping team of Sandy and Craig, with weather forecasting input from the onsite Met Office team. A plan for evening maintenance and morning set up is discussed and formulated, and then subsequently executed by the greenkeeping team. Although plans are formulated, it is often Performance testing with the Trueness Meter
18 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Sport
In the months approaching the Championship, regular visits are made to inform the final operations. The STRI team then commences the Championship testing on the Tuesday of Advance Week, which is 10 days before the start of the Championship.
To ensure accuracy of information, a large amount of data is collected in a standardised way to ensure any variabilities are due to changes in surface performance rather than how the data was collected. For example, with green speed, spots are marked on the greens from which Stimpmeter readings are taken from the same direction each time. A In our recent survey of UK Golf Courses, technique has also been developed using a simple plastic 89% of respondents viewed Thatch-Aways tunnel to ensure the wind does not affect the accuracy of as “Important” or “Essential” equipment. the reading taken. This is used even when there is very Time is precious! Use the Thatch-Away little wind to ensure the process is always standardised. Supa-System to create superior putting surfaces in While this can be more time consuming, it is very minimum time. Now you can verticut, scarify, important as light winds of even 5-10mph have a significant groom, topdress, brush, slit, spike and roll with the impact on the green speed values obtained. Surprisingly, ease and speed of your greens triple mower. the effect of wind on ball roll during putting is something even professional golfers seldom factor in! If you don’t have the full Supa-System yet, make sure it is on your 2019 budget list! Measuring up WATCH THE During morning set up, green speed measurements are VIDEO taken to inform the intensity of mowing required to achieve the target speed. Some greens require a single cut, some a double and occasionally some greens may need a triple cut. Green speed measurements are taken after each operation to ensure targets are achieved but this of course OR BOOK may mean multiple measurements to each green during A DEMO! morning set up. In addition to green speed, measurements of firmness, smoothness, trueness and soil moisture are taken each morning during set up and again after play.
+44 (0) 113 267 7000 GreenTek® Green speed measuring with the Stimpmeter
| www.greentek.uk.com Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 19 Sport
As the Carnoustie course was so firm due to the very •• 171 measurements of soil moisture each day and 684 dry weather, it was important to extend firmness during the Championship measurements more widely to the course, with six fairways being measured in addition to the greens and The volume of data collected is necessary to provide green approaches. When the data collected is added accurate information to inform the decision-making process, up it becomes rather considerable, as shown with the with the key objective being to deliver turf that makes for statistics below which illustrate the amount of data an authentic, challenging and controllable golf course for collected during morning set up over the four days of the Championship. the Championship: So, the science of data collection and agronomy is blended •• Between 38-72 Stimpmeter readings are taken during with the art and skill of greenkeeping, and the strategy of each morning set up equating to 228-432 ball rolls each course set up by The R&A is to deliver a links course which morning. Over the course of the four Championship will challenge the best golfers in the world and place a real days 912-1,728 ball rolls were completed demand on their extraordinary talent. •• At least 351 Clegg drops were taken each morning and over 4,200 for the four days of the Championship These are the hard skills if you like. But, of equal importance, •• 840m of the greens are measured each morning for are the softer and more human skills of teamwork, trust, smoothness and trueness and 3.4km during the four communication and of course plenty of banter! All of which days of the Championship are necessary to deliver a successful Championship.
20 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Sport
HYBRID HEARTS ON THE MARCH
Pitch quality and playing surface management have been a hot topic in Scottish football for many years. The debate mainly rages over the inclusion of synthetic surfaces on SPL stadium pitches. STRI’s senior project manager, Gordon Howat, discusses how Heart of Midlothian solved its pitch issues by ignoring synthetic and going hybrid.
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 21 Sport
The problem compliance and Carrick were fully Precise planning was required to make committed to delivering the project this possible. Aggregate Industries Hearts had been working with an within the four-week construction supplied the drainage stone, sand and old natural grass pitch with dated programme. The target was to rootzone on schedule working with technology that significantly impacted commence works on Thursday 10th a restrictive traffic management plan on groundsman Colin Davie’s ability May and have the pitch playable for as there were residential, commercial to produce a surface that both he and the opening League Cup fixture on and school buildings surrounding the the team would be happy with. This 24th July to allow Colin maximum site. The irrigation was installed by came to a head when pitch conditions opportunity to grow in the pitch. Carrick’s in-house irrigation team and were such that an emergency returf There would be no room for delays to Pitch Heating Ltd installed the new was instructed in February 2017. It the works. heating pipework as soon as the pitch was acknowledged by the club that was ready to receive it. The schedule this was merely a short-term solution The work for hybrid stitching was always going to and would not solve the fundamental be difficult within such timescales and, pitch infrastructure issues at Carrick Sports commenced work after dialogue with SISGrass, the pitch Tynecastle Stadium. immediately after the conclusion of the club’s final home match of the was stitched in less than three weeks Next steps 2017/18 season. after sowing. After a period of consultation with the The remit was to remove the old pitch Sports Surface Design team at STRI, and re-engineer the pitch levels to the club commenced the process of create a single graded south-north replacing the Tynecastle Park pitch. playing surface that tied in with the Exploration digs, preparatory design existing infrastructure. The pitch would work and due diligence were completed have a comprehensive piped drainage by STRI with the assistance of Colin system, stone layer, base sand and Davie and the clear conclusion was that rootzone layer, along with an entirely a full reconstruction was required. new irrigation system and upgraded undersoil heating system (the existing Such an investment is significant for boiler and pump was retained). Irrigation and heating pipework installation any club in the UK but is particularly significant in Scotland where TV revenue is a fraction of what clubs receive in the UK. With this in mind, STRI provided the club with various What is a hybrid pitch? cost modelling options, including It’s a playing surface consisting of 95% grass and 5% synthetic materials. It’s the installation of a 3G synthetic very much a natural turf surface, typically constructed on a sand dominated pitch (although this was quickly profile, such as at Tynecastle Stadium. It includes a free draining profile dismissed at Board level) to give that is supplemented by synthetic fibres inserted vertically to a depth of the club an understanding of the 180mm below ground, with 20mm protruding above ground. The SISGrass financial commitment required to fund installation at Tynecastle Park involved a laser-guided machine that inserted the works. the yarn at 20mm x 20mm centres.
It was apparent from the outset that A hybrid pitch provides the benefits of both a natural grass surface and a the board of directors at Hearts, whilst synthetic surface and allows: conscious of costs, did not want to compromise on the project and be left •• Stability within a sand dominated profile that would otherwise naturally be feeling that an opportunity was missed. very loose and unstable The Hearts board put the project out •• Improved stability for the players and retention of a level playing surface to tender with a number of contractors •• Provision of additional anchorage for the grass to grow and take hold and concluded that the contract should •• Increased wear tolerance throughout the season, particularly during winter be awarded to Carrick Sports. months when pitch quality typically reduces • The STRI team worked on behalf • Improved appearance when grass loss does occur of Hearts to ensure quality and
22 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Sport
STRI agronomist Richard Windows, There is, however, far more to the pitch Industries made the project happen. As in conjunction with ICL, provided an than meets the eye. Tynecastle now I write, in late September, Hearts are establishment programme that Colin boasts the first full-scale deployment sitting pretty at the top of the SPL with was able to implement. Establishing of a state-of-the-art environmental a five-point cushion over nearest rivals grass cover was difficult with the monitoring system, developed by Rangers and Hibs, and with a fantastic unusual heat experienced this summer, STRI. This means that the pitch at home win over Celtic under their belts. however the pitch played well and Tynecastle Park will be one of the stability was never questioned for its most precision managed in the world, What a way to introduce a new surface first match on 24th July – a 5-0 victory allowing the club and STRI to ensure to the good folk at Tynecastle Park. over Cowdenbeath. the surface is maintained to the highest possible standard. Since this point, Colin has been able to continue establishment and the pitch This will provide Colin Davie and Grant The new Tynecastle soon after had full grass cover – and McDermid with detailed insights into Park pitch in numbers: is handling an intense schedule of the condition of the pitch whilst also use very well. In the six weeks from allowing the groundstaff to tweak the •• 17,000,000 hybrid insertions 1st September, the pitch will have surface to optimise player performance •• 40,000km of yarn hosted six matches and eight training and maintain prime physical condition. •• 2km of undersoil heating pipes sessions. By anyone’s standards this is a challenge and the current pitch The future? •• 1500 tonnes of gravel condition is testimony to Colin and his The collaborative working between •• 26 irrigation sprinklers assistant Grant McDermid’s dedication Hearts staff, STRI, Carrick Sports, Pitch and the high-quality construction and Heating and SISGRASS, in conjunction •• 4600 tonnes of sand reinforcement system. with supply partners ICL and Aggregate
Irrigation and heating pipework installation
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 23 Sport MLR Advertorial
MLR, the international sports supplementary lighting business, has launched a new lighting rig specifically designed for golf courses – the first of its kind in the sports turf industry.
The ‘Orn’ rig has been developed to provide mobile lighting solutions for problematic greens and fairways. It joins MLR’s range of five different supplementary lighting rigs that service a multitude of sports stadiums.
Why do you need an Orn?
Lack of sufficient light in shaded areas
High traffic areas suffer from wear damage which cannot be repaired during winter months
Poor light in the winter
Restrictions on removing trees that cause shade
Ordinary ‘football-style’ light rigs are too cumbersome and power hungry to be used safely on golf courses
24 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 MLR Advertorial ORN – THE GOLF LIGHTING RIG
The benefits for golf
Small, compact, easy to move
Adapted to uneven surfaces
Closer to ground to prevent light spillage
Ideal for spot treating small problem areas
Lower tyre pressure on greens
Low height reduces risk of wind damage
Low maintenance
Easy storage, can be packed down when not in use
Assembled in less than 30 minutes
For further information contact [email protected] Sport
A FIRM APPROACH
With golf looking to increase participation levels, it is essential that we look to keep the sport interesting and exciting for both existing players and new additions to the game. STRI consultant, Adam Newton, looks at ways turf managers can support new initiatives.
26 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Sport
Innovation Golf club and ball technology has moved the green or alternatively look to feed There are some wonderful innovative on considerably over recent years, off the contours around the green drives taking place across the allowing the golfer to hit the ball further complex. If it is conceded that the green country to help introduce new than ever before and control spin better cannot be successfully held from the members and visitors to clubs. The with approach shots and when chipping lie or angle being played from, then the Junior Golf Passport, nine-hole around the green. Therefore, it is even golfer may then look for the best place medals and shorter forms of the more essential that our playing surfaces to miss the green to leave the easiest game are all being considered and are firm enough to present a true chip shot/putt. proposed. These initiatives are for challenge to the golfer and place a real Contoured greens are often the most the governing bodies and clubs to emphasis on accurate ball striking and interesting and famous holes like The consider but turf managers and creativity when playing into and around Redan at North Berwick or The Road agronomists also have their part the greens. The thrill of shot making can Hole on the Old Course, St Andrews to play. They can help produce make all the difference to a round, with are often most revered by golfers due playing qualities on our courses that well-executed punch shot that runs to the challenge required to negotiate that are authentic, challenging and up to two feet, staying etched in the playing into the green. If these surfaces allow the course to be played as memory of the golfer for eternity. were too soft, then a big part of their originally intended. Creating the challenge character and challenge would be lost. It is therefore essential to deliver the In years past, many courses have lost Our aim should be to create a level of correct level of firmness for the true their way with the playing surfaces firmness that rewards the well-struck impact of contouring to be realised. becoming too soft and forgiving, shot from the fairway (with the ball which has resulted in a shift towards impacting, checking and rolling out) Our focus should also widen to ‘target golf’ and the majority of but with a poorly struck shot or one improving the quality of the green the game being played through coming from the rough offering far less complex as a whole so that it can be the air. This is one dimensional and control and releasing out. This can bring fully utilised by the golfer during shot uninteresting and removes much of about mixed emotions for the golfer as making. The green approaches are the skill, challenge and perhaps joy their poorly struck 6-iron into the 1st of particular importance and should from the game. As a golfer you may green pitches near the flag and releases offer a similar level of firmness to that feel cheated and a little disappointed into the waiting greenside bunker. This of the green to allow for the running that the perfectly struck long iron may set the fire in the belly for the approach shot to be successfully played. you’ve just played pitches on the round ahead with an initial thought of This is of paramount importance on front of the green and stops dead ‘challenge accepted!’ all courses and is something that we instead of releasing up the green as These conditions capture the are closely monitoring and working it should. Creativity in shot making imagination of the player and if on for Open Championships through is enjoyable and exciting but the turf approaching from the rough, he or increased maintenance to these areas surfaces need to be set in a way that she may have to land the ball on the (eg rolling, top dressing, refinement) and allows this to be achieved. approach to allow it to release onto firmness monitoring.
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 27 Sport
Contouring at the famous Redan hole at North Berwick Green collar with good sward texture
The green approach and collars should and therefore the time taken to play appropriate greens drainage, good also offer good sward texture and be the hole will be increased. For this organic matter management and a solid dominated by the finer grass species. reason, understanding the importance aeration and top dressing programme, it This will encourage the golfer to opt for of sensible hole locations in relation to is perfectly achievable. more traditional shots like bump and the weather and ground conditions is runs or putting from off the green, which essential for the category of golf playing In summary, the firmness of our greens are far more exciting than reaching for on that day. Setting tournament hole plays a pivotal role in the challenge and the 60 degree wedge each time. locations for a midweek medal doesn’t enjoyment of the game. With modern make for an enjoyable golf experience technology continually improving, Incorporating tightly mown run-off for anyone. it is vitally important that our turf areas around the green should also be is appropriately firm to spark the encouraged, where appropriate, to make Ensuring that the surfaces do not imagination of the golfer. Creativity better use of interesting contours and become too firm is of equal importance when shot making is fun. again widen shot selection around the and should be closely monitored. If greens. These may serve as bail-out the greens become excessively firm, areas in some cases or alternatively they will become unresponsive and act as a natural hazard where the ball even a perfectly struck shot may gathers to. Either way the player is not disappear over the back. This can turn hacking out of thick rough with their lob the approach shot into a lottery and wedge but instead will have numerous become extremely frustrating and options to choose from – such as unenjoyable for the golfer, along with bumping the ball into the bank with a slowing down the pace of play. 7-iron or hybrid, or putting. This creates an enjoyable challenge for golfers of The research all skill levels and offers something Through extensive research using the for everyone. Clegg Hammer we have developed target ranges for optimal greens When delivering firm greens, there firmness depending on the style is certainly a responsibility for the (parkland, heathland and links) and greenstaff to judge the conditions and be design of course. The aim is to keep the sensible with hole changing and course greens within target range throughout set up. Placement of a pin immediately the year in order to deliver the desired over a bunker under firm conditions will level of performance. This can often make holding a ball on the green almost present a real challenge, particularly impossible for the majority of players, on parkland courses, however with Clegg Impact Hammer
28 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 28 Environments
THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF ECOLOGY
Do you ever consider how much of your day is governed by the environment? An environment you probably take for granted. STRI ecologist, Rowan Rumball, discusses all the hidden benefits that ecosystem services give us.
Clegg Impact Hammer
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 29 Environments
“Ecosystem services” is the current buzzword flying around ecology circles. In non-business speaking terms it means the benefits gained from natural processes that site owners and managers do not control. The tricky part is that these benefits are often always hidden. It’s easy to forget that the apple you picked up from the supermarket needed an insect first to pollinate the blossom, or how the bat flying overhead just ate the midge that was going to bite you the next day.
It is even trickier to try and value these services in a way that we can comprehend. There are some estimates that when you count up every hidden service that nature provides for under 80 trillion dollars per year. The These ecosystem services come us – pollination, food, cleaning our value that we receive from ecosystem directly from the habitats that you air, keeping the pests away, natural services is nearly 50 trillion more than all help encourage on your sites, the beauty, tourism and more – the value the value of the whole world’s output. woodland, scrub, grasslands and even is over 125 trillion dollars per year. For These numbers are unimaginably huge, just bare sand and soil can provide comparison the GDP (Gross domestic but I hope they put into perspective the environments needed to support product) of the world’s economy is just how valuable our natural resources are. animals and plants that help us in turn.
30 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Environments
Each species requires a different we have left, keeping features of amenity aspects of nature are environment to occupy and ecological importance is the first going to become more and more will provide you in turn with a step for preservation. This can valuable to the football, golf different benefit, whether this is be done by keeping the species and other sports as more of our pest control, pollination or helping and habitat we find in sports sites countryside gets developed by keep the air free from pollution. diverse, planting wild flowers large housing projects and HS2. By diversifying and preserving and making sure any hedges that the habitats present you can are planted are done so with It can be hard to imagine how the increase the number of ways native species that are found little robin in the nest box you the environment can help you within the local area. Placing bird put up can be helping to save you in return. boxes in the correct positions will money in pesticides, but this is encourage small birds that eat exactly how the environment can With all this said it is estimated pests out of our turf. benefit you. It is in all these small that we have lost at most ways that we can help keep our 20.2 trillion dollars per year It is worth mentioning that these environment alive and benefitting of ecosystem service value to statistics do not even touch upon us all for the future. So, the next development and environmental the value of a peaceful walk time you see a bee feeding from a loss since 1997. It is vital that we through the woods or a field of flower, make sure you thank it for hold onto the environment that wild flowers in blossom. These the apple you enjoyed at lunch.
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 31 Research
STRI RESEARCH 2018
Our 2018 annual research days could have gone very differently, with Storm Ali threatening up to 65mph winds in Yorkshire, and up to 100mph elsewhere in the UK. Fortunately, however, the sports turf community is a hardy bunch and we were delighted to welcome over 300 delegates from around the world for a first look at several innovative products being researched and tested by the team at STRI UK.
Here’s a look back at our two-day event in case you missed out.
32 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Research
ICL & SYNGENTA Station A: Shady growth under the spotlight
The use of mobile light rigs is now an integral part of sports turf management, with many facilities using supplementary light to maintain sward density and surface quality. ICL and Syngenta, along with STRI technology manager, Dr Tom Young, discussed a new trial being conducted this autumn to better understand turf activity in response to product application in shady conditions, and how supplementary lighting influences growth characteristics.
The interactions of soil micro-organisms, especially those in the rhizosphere, with grass plants are vital for both soil and plant health. The Aquatrols team and research officer, Aaisha Ali, discussed current trials being conducted to determine the effects of AquaVita biochemical technology-containing trial formulations from Aquatrols on existing amenity turf managed as two types of golf green construction and in a football pitch situation.
AQUATROLS Station B: Developing advanced technology with conservation and sustainability in mind Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 33 Research
BAYER CROPSCIENCE Station C: Identifying superior disease management programmes
The need to move to preventative disease management strategies to manage microdochium patch has been highlighted by changes in available fungicide chemistries. The Bayer team and STRI research manager, Mark Ferguson, presented the findings from Bayer’s continuing study in which we investigate the benefits of combining preventative disease management strategies with plant health products.
Understanding wastewater, bird box placement and environmental DNA (eDNA) can be the first step in removing some of the confusion surrounding environmental and ecological best practice. STRI ecological consultant, Rowan Rumball, and environmental consultant, Nicole Beckett, discussed how to encourage biodiversity on golf courses, and how to kickstart sustainable and environmentally sound programmes, including reedbeds and energy production from anaerobic digestion.
STRI Station D: Ecological and environmental best practice 34 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Research
MLR & BERNHARDS Station E: Orn, the first bespoke golf lighting rig
The use of supplementary lighting rigs is now common practice in stadia to help mitigate the effects of shady growing environments, however many golf courses also suffer from shade derived turf issues. MLR has developed a bespoke golf lighting unit to help greenkeepers grow healthier turf in problematic, shady environments and, together with distributors, Bernhard and Co Ltd, and STRI agronomy managers, Richard Windows and Paul Woodham, conducted their product launch at this year’s research event.
The objective of the Sherriff Amenity trial is to assess the effect of surface amendment on golf green turf using Enriched Biochar Turf Improver from Carbon Gold. The trial plots also examine the supplementary effects of GoGreen Energy and Goemar Turf seaweed biostimulants when used in combination with Biochar. The Sherriff Amenity team and STRI research officer, Daniel Dean, discussed the effects of these treatments on turf health, quality and disease incidence.
SHERRIFF AMENITY Station F: Enriched Biochar Turf Improver
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 35 Research
HEADLAND AMENITY Station G: Non-pesticidal disease management
The Headland Amenity trial at STRI considers a holistic approach to autumn disease management. The Headland Amenity team, along with STRI research manager, Matt Clark, presented the latest data from current trials using combined fungicide and plant health products on several common turfgrass diseases. They discussed how to best manage turfgrass diseases and in particular microdochium patch.
For more information on our research services or to get involved with 2019’s Research Day, contact STRI UK on +44 (0)1274 565131 or email [email protected]
36 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 Asia-Pacific
FAREWELL TO RON SportsTurf Consultants’ co-founder and director, RON MACCARTNEY, retired from the sports turf industry this summer after nearly 50 years in the business. SportsTurf’s general manager, Sam Myott, looks back on Ron’s illustrious career.
Ron’s lifelong interest in grasses started Ron was instrumental in the healthy Major projects that Ron was involved almost 50 years ago when he joined the transition of the company he co- in included: Victorian Department of Agriculture founded into the global organisation in 1969, where he conducted pasture of STRI. •• Eureka Stadium, North Ballarat trials. In the mid-1970s he helped set up •• State Bowls Centre, City of Darebin the Turf Research & Advisory Institute Over his extensive career Ron has •• Queen Elizabeth Oval, City of Bendigo (TRAI) with his mentor and lifelong provided specialist consultancy •• Sano City cricket development for the friend Max Fielder. Then in 1978 Ron services to many organisations Japanese Cricket Association joined TRAI as a full-time Extension throughout Australia, presented at Officer and subsequently became their industry seminars and conferences Senior Consultant. It was at TRAI that and regularly contributed to national Ron resumed his college friendship with turf publications. Ron has had a Terry Woodcock who was the Officer strong relationship with the Sports in Charge. Turf Association (STA, formerly the Turfgrass Association of Victoria) and In 1992, Ron and Terry set up served on the committee for a number Sportsturf Consultants and over the of years. past 25 years built the company up to become the largest company in Ron’s extensive experience and Eureka Stadium, North Ballarat Australia, providing a broad range of knowledge included the selection, services in the recreational turf and nutrition and maintenance of We wish Ron and his long-suffering horticultural industries. grasses for the turf industry and the wife, Lois, who has had to endure construction and refurbishment of visiting numerous bowling clubs and Sportsturf Consultants worked with all types of turf facilities including golf courses on family holidays over golf clubs, bowls clubs, racetracks, sportsfields, golf courses, bowling the years, all the best for a long and local government, private schools, lawn greens and racetracks. happy retirement. tennis clubs, croquet clubs, cemeteries, soil suppliers and landscapers. Projects ranged from the assessment of open space areas for the City of Melbourne that were to be impacted by the 2006 Commonwealth Games, to the development of the State Croquet Centre at Cairnlea. SportsTurf also consulted with the F1 Committee for the return of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix to Melbourne in 1996. Other projects included assessing bushfire affected football fields in regional Victoria for the Australian Football League (AFL) in 2009.
In June 2015 SportsTurf Consultants became part of the STRI Group. Ron’s last day at SportsTurf Consultants
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 37 The R&A
Steve Isaac Director – Sustainability, The R&A FACING UP TO THE CHALLENGE
These are challenging times for playing conditions with plenty of bounce So, what are these hurdles and what greenkeepers. A hot, dry summer, hose and run. A well-developed greenkeeper can we, as an industry, do about them? pipe bans, loss of pesticides, and no education system has provided the They can be separated into three, often let-up in golfer expectation. Life has sport in Great Britain and Ireland with a interconnected, categories; climate, never been easy for the professional generation of turf managers who have resources and regulations. greenkeeper, but it is that very the underpinning knowledge to marry professionalism that enables them to their skills with available resources Climate adapt their turf management to provide to deliver an excellent end-product. Over the last decade we have all playable conditions even in the most However, no greenkeeper can work witnessed extremes of weather; a challenging of times. We saw this at miracles and we may need to prepare greater frequency of drier, hotter, The Open in July, as the summer’s hot ourselves for potential dips in playing wetter, cooler, windier, stormier and dry weather turned the Carnoustie quality as the hurdles put in front of turf conditions with a record of some sort fairways a golden colour, providing firm managers get higher and higher. seemingly being broken every month. There has always been climate change, but we appear to be going through a period of greater uncertainty than many will have witnessed before.
Climate predictions suggest that there will be ongoing changes to our weather patterns such as:
•• Increase in winter precipitation and increase in river flow, which will result in more flooding and associated turf management problems •• Milder winters, which will result in a longer growing season and changes in disease, pest and weed incidence •• More hotter, drier summers. At some clubs it has been a struggle to maintain grass cover, particularly where water restrictions have been put in place •• More storms and increased risk of coastal flooding, which will impact on Francisco Molinari on his way to winning The Open at sun-drenched Carnoustie in July some coastal golf courses
38 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 on what is important, the issues need to be prioritised and this list may differ as we move from local, through regional to national and international considerations.
The implementation of existing best practice and following basic underpinning principles, including grass selection, may be enough to lessen the impact of many of the challenges we face. However, even this may require behavioural change from those golfers, facility management and greenkeepers who have become used to lush, manicured courses and whose turf is over-reliant on water and pesticides.
Bringing alternative and innovative technologies and management solutions into operations will be Flooding hits revenue and when the flood waters recede a costly clean-up process essential. How existing facilities are managed, and new facilities are built, will have to align with environmental Resources and golf needs to be well prepared to and social values that are founded on The availability of resources considered face up to their consequences. resource efficiency, natural capital, essential for today’s golf course are low carbon solutions, accessibility, likely to become scarcer and cost The first step in meeting the challenge inclusivity and human health and more. This applies to water, pesticides, is to be aware of the issues and their wellbeing. Leadership, expert fertilisers, sand, energy, labour etc. potential impact. We can all imagine guidance, collaboration and significant the consequences of more flooding, financial investment will all be required Regulations more damage to our coastlines, if golf is to meet these challenges. If Often directly related to resource fewer pesticides and more limitations we are not able to achieve all of this issues, water and pesticide regulations on water abstraction and a much then golf may have to be played on are already having an impact on course higher cost for this precious natural inferior surfaces compared to what we management, both in terms of condition resource. To focus golf’s resource enjoy today. (playability) and cost. Regulation on other issues such as fertilisers, energy, waste and biodiversity will also influence the future management of our golf courses.
Meet the challenge This is not a task just for the greenkeeper. The potential impact on course condition and playability from these challenges will affect everyone who works on, plays on, derives their income from or enjoys other benefits from the golf course. This includes greenkeepers, club managers, club professionals, golfers, Boards and Committees, contractors and suppliers, local communities, even government in terms of employment and taxes. All stakeholders will need to play a part if we are to successfully address the challenges, now and in the future – and all will have to accept that for some of The cost of water is going to increase and restrictions on its use are likely to become those challenges there is no solution more common
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 39 The R&A
Collective responsibility launched in Great Britain & Ireland all levels in the golf industry. Why The golf industry needs to work later this year. Twenty-six industry now? The challenges being faced together to identify the key challenges associations and organisations by golf from the changing climate, to golf course condition and playability. will be meeting in Manchester this increasing resource constraints, and Once identified, we need to undertake September to produce a plan for golf the regulations agenda are becoming a gap analysis to fully understand in GB&I. Why 2030? To align with reality and our ability to predict how what is missing from the tool kit of the United Nations 2030 Agenda they are likely to develop in the future solutions – be that targeted research, for Sustainable Development, which has become more certain. Golf is also education, political support or other draws attention to many of the serious more open to change than it was, and pathways. From that an action plan global issues facing golf. This is also a it is time for a more co-ordinated, can be developed which will set golf comprehensible time scale as impacts strategic approach to ensure that on the right road towards overcoming seen in 2030 will affect many currently we have a thriving sport in 50 years’ challenges or, perhaps, preparing involved in golf. That is not to say time that our children, grandchildren golfers for change. that this initiative will stop in 2030, and great-grandchildren can enjoy. as there will always be challenges We anticipate that you will hear a lot What I have described above is the for golf course managers. Who is it more about this industry initiative, and basis of a new industry initiative, for? Golf Course 2030 should be an hopefully get involved with it, over called Golf Course 2030, which will be initiative that engages everyone at coming months and years.
40 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 The R&A USGA
S. Addison Barden USGA Green Section
EFFECTIVE WETTING AGENT USE
Wetting agents have become an integral Claims are often made that a certain help surface water quickly infiltrate aspect of maintaining putting greens, wetting agent or proprietary blend and percolate through soil thereby tees and even fairways. Reduced addresses specific agronomic problems improving turf health and even firming water use, healthier turf and better by influencing water to yield various the surface. Lastly, some products even playing conditions are all direct or favourable results. For example, some claim to both move and hold water. indirect benefits of wetting agent use. wetting agents that claim to retain soil Furthermore, many superintendents moisture are marketed as “holders” The reality is that very few, if any, state that they would struggle to and are advertised as being ideal wetting agents have been shown to produce the desired playing conditions for drought-prone areas. Others are consistently perform solely as a holder and operate efficiently without marketed as “penetrants” and claim to or penetrant (Throssell 2005). It is wetting agents.
Simply put, wetting agents make water wetter by breaking hydrophobic bonds between soil particles and water molecules. Sandy soils are the most likely soils to become hydrophobic. Breaking hydrophobic conditions allows water to flow uniformly through the soil so less water can be used to adequately irrigate an area.
But which wetting agent works best? There are plenty of wetting agents to choose from. So many, in fact, that selecting one to fit specific needs can quickly become overwhelming. The ambiguity surrounding what is in each wetting agent and how each product works makes the selection process even more challenging. Wetting agents alleviate hydrophobic soil conditions, making it easier to uniformly water turf
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 41 USGA
Dew suppression on fairways – Applying wetting agents to fairways to suppress dew formation can improve playing conditions in advance of early morning golf, help limit the clumping of grass clippings and even reduce frost delays. This use of wetting agents may be particularly helpful in advance of an important golf event.
Improved turf health on bunker faces – Over time, bunker faces accumulate considerable amounts of sand which can result in stressed turf. Wetting agents and granular fertilisers with wetting agents blended into them often are used to improve turf performance on steep bunker faces that may not retain sufficient water.
Wetting agents help superintendents utilise water more effectively by alleviating hydrophobic soil conditions Application methods Most wetting agents are applied with more common for wetting agents to Dew suppression on putting greens – standard spray equipment used for perform both actions (Karnok 2013). Light and frequent sand top dressing putting greens and fairways. This allows This is not to say that wetting agents applications are popular but can be superintendents to apply their rate of are not effective, rather that research costly when dew causes the sand choice along with an appropriate water has shown that specific wetting agents to clump and damage reel mowers. carrier volume. Like most products perform differently from site to site and Wetting agents can help maintain a that need to reach the soil, high water sometimes in conflict with marketing dry putting surface for several days carrier volumes or post-application claims (Throssell 2005, Horgan & Bauer after a sand top dressing application. irrigation are important. However, 2013). When multiple wetting agents This prevents clumping and helps sand low water carrier volumes may be have been assessed as a group, they penetrate the turf canopy thereby used when applying wetting agents to performed similarly in improving soil preserving a good quality of cut and prevent dew formation because the moisture uniformity, which results in reducing equipment damage. canopy is the intended target of the less water use, healthier turf and better playing conditions (Throssell 2005).
Additional uses Wetting agents are critical tools that help superintendents use water more effectively, but they also help to address other agronomic challenges. While not all the following uses for wetting agents have been researched, they are commonly practiced in the field:
Improve the efficacy of certain plant protectants – Some research studies indicate tank mixing wetting agents with curative fungicide applications for fairy ring control helps the fungicide penetrate hydrophobic soil conditions created by the fungus. Many fungicide labels recommend tank mixing with wetting agents to improve efficacy. Standard spray equipment is the most common tool for applying wetting agents
42 | Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 USGA
application. Be sure to follow the label Lastly, additional tools are available detailed notes on application conditions rate for the best results. that allow wetting agents to be and performance, so you can make delivered to specific areas with necessary changes over time. Another popular and efficient method hoses. Wetting agent tablets have for applying wetting agents is through been available for some time and are Despite some rather grandiose claims irrigation systems. Delivering low rates commonly used when hand watering about what a wetting agent can do, of wetting agents through an irrigation chronically hydrophobic areas. New they are still beneficial tools that can system helps break the surface tension portable injection systems also are improve playing conditions and help of irrigation water. Rates are low available that allow staff to use hoses golf courses responsibly use water. enough so that overapplication is not to apply a liquid formulation of wetting a concern. High rates are not common agents at a range of rates. due to foaming issues. Injection systems are an affordable investment, An important tool for CITATIONS: Horgan, Brian & Sam Bauer (2013). especially when considering the labor your course “Soil Wetting Agents: Tools for Every savings provided by being able to When determining which wetting Superintendent’s Arsenal. An Objective and deliver wetting agents through the agent will work best for your course, In-Depth Review of Over Five Decades of irrigation system. seek independent research on the Research.” Hole Notes, vol. 46, no. 6, pp. 20-39. product and always test prior to Granular formulations of wetting use because there are numerous Karnok, Keith (2013). “Wetting agent agents commonly are used on bunker factors that influence the success chemistry: Who cares?” Golf Course faces and areas that are difficult of a wetting agent. These factors Management, vol. 81, no. 7, pp. 70, 72, 74, 76. to reach with spray equipment. include application rate, amount Utilising combination products of organic matter, soil moisture Throssell, Clark (2005). “GCSAA-USGA wetting agent evaluation: Update.”USGA Turfgrass and that include fertilisers and wetting before application, amount of post- Environmental Research Online, vol 4, no. 15, pp. agents is another method of reducing application watering and soil structure. 71, 52-89. labour costs. Therefore, it is wise to maintain
As this research plot examining various wetting agent products depicts, the benefits of wetting agents under drought conditions can be impressive
Bulletin Autumn 2018 Issue 283 | 43 Fungicides 2018_Layout 1 29/08/2018 22:08 Page 2
This is one life saver your turf won’t need...
...this is one it will!
And, there are 10 other Rigby Taylor tank- mix packages that have been specially designed to protect your turf against diseases throughout the year. Advance planning is key and the focus should be on prevention, rather than cure. The majority of turf diseases, once they are visible to the naked eye, have already caused damage and therefore the introduction of a preventative programme is critical to success. The Rigby Taylor tank-mix packages contain five different modes of action and activity that can be used in combination to guard against the risk of disease resistance.
ELAND YEAR ROUND PACKAGE EXTERIS YEAR ROUND PACKAGE To help with this objective, FUSION YEAR ROUND PACKAGE an ‘Active Planning’ brochure, ‘Fungicide BANNER MAXX YEAR ROUND PACKAGE Programme Calendar’ FLUDIOXONIL YEAR ROUND PACKAGE wall chart and easy-peel DEFENDER AUTUMN PACKAGE labels have been EXTERIS AUTUMN PACKAGE created to record a visual history of your disease ELAND WINTER PACKAGE management activity. EXTERIS RENOVATION PACKAGE HERITAGE SUMMER PACKAGE The free wall chart and brochure are available from your ELAND FAIRY RING PACKAGE Rigby Taylor area representative or by calling Freephone 0800 424 919
Rigby Taylor Limited Freephone 0800 424919 Website: www.rigbytaylor.com e-mail: [email protected]