The key to effective turf stress management
I often find matters get complicated when looking for the “silver bullet” that will ease the complexity of turf stress management.
The truth is, there isn’t one. However at the recent Australian Turfgrass Conference, I was fortunate enough to hear a piece of advice that articulated the best way to approach the issue as well as I’ve heard throughout my time in the industry.
The message was delivered by Dr Jack Fry from Kansas State University, a researcher and American authority on turfgrass environmental stresses, establishment and pest control.
Throughout the four-hour presentation, Dr Fry covered a diverse range of topics, but throughout the underlying message was clear; the best management practices are those based on simple, basic principles of plant health.
Having a clear understanding of the stress factors and how they are impacting on our turf will lead to better informed decisions, and more reliable turf.
Some of the most common turf stress factors that are often overlooked include:
- Inefficient irrigation coverage
- Soil compaction
- Traffic levels
Dr Fry concluded his presentation by highlighting the importance of good communication at all times between staff, members, players, boards and committees – especially during periods of high turf stress when expectations need to be managed carefully.
This was a great message that is consistent with my own observations here in Australia, and is applicable to a whole range of turf-related industries including golf, racing, local government grounds and professional sporting and recreational surfaces.
While it seems like a simple enough piece of advice, it’s always great to hear people as knowledgeable as Dr Fry reaffirming the importance of doing the basics well.
Thanks once again to all the presenters and the Australian Golf Courses Superintendents Association for another great conference.
