Gathering more data, then taking the time to understand what it’s telling you about your greens can eliminate the risks of over-watering. Too often the response to a hot, dry day is to fire up the irrigation at night, along with the water budget…
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Preparing Turf for Summer Irrigation
During spring, it’s vital to acclimatise turf to achieve ideal growing conditions and to minimise future problems. The arrival of spring reminds us that we need to make preparations for summer. Once we’ve ensured that the irrigation…
Water Conservation Strategies in Turfgrass Management
Due to water supply shortage and changing precipitation patterns, water for golf course irrigation is becoming increasingly limited. Irrigation restriction measures are likely to be implemented even in areas where supply is ample….
Nutrient Requirements of Warm Season Grasses
An effective programme is tailored to the needs of the turf, and incorporates ongoing assessments and evaluations of its health, vigour and usage. In northern New Zealand, sports fields and golf courses are increasingly converting areas from the traditional cool season turf species…
CNITMA FIELD DAY
CNITMA hosted a field day in conjunction with Wairakei Golf Course, Sinclair Hogan and his staff on Tuesday 29th August , A huge turnout of 110+ delegates from Hawkes Bay, CNITMA, Taranaki. Wellington, Auckland and Manawatu regions. Some highlights from...
Management of School and Club Cricket Pitches
Playing seasons are ever extending. Finding time to produce quality pitches can be tricky and playing catch up throughout the season is a common occurrence. By now, the all-too-short renovation period has passed and many of you will be working on…
Spring Management of Couch
Success with couch requires an understanding of its growing requirements, the removal of additional stresses and flexibility. The arrival of spring will see couch (Cynodon sp.) starting to ‘green-up’ (break dormancy). Contrary to popular belief, couch is…
What About Wetting Agent Chemistry?
What do consumers really know about the chemical composition of the wetting agents they purchase? An acknowledged expert in the field asks, ‘Does it matter?’ At the 2013 Golf Industry Show (GIS) in San Diego, a superintendent asked me which wetting…
Managing Toad Rush
Proactive management practices and good drainage can reduce the impact of this weed on the playing surface. Toad rush (Juncus bufonius) is a common problem on turf surfaces. It is generally more prevalent on bowling greens and, to a lesser extent…
Managing Fairy Ring
Monitoring and targeting of a range of treatments are key to managing this notoriously difficult problem. Fairy rings are a common problem on bowling greens. Although they can be seen throughout the year, they are at their worst during the…
Track Management in a Sub-tropical Environment
Unique practices enable the Hong Kong Jockey Club to achieve world-class racing and training surfaces under extremely challenging conditions. In Hong Kong, we have two international standard racecourses – Sha Tin and Happy Valley…
Check for Black Beetle in Spring
Turf damage caused by black beetle larvae or adults can be minimised by preventative action taken early in the season. Black beetle (Heteronchus arator) can be a challenging problem on turf and was particularly severe during the summers of 2009 – 2012…