2016-12-06 Services and Organisation Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   6 DECEMBER 2016




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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                              6 DECEMBER 2016

              AUSTRALIAN SPORTS TURF CONSULTANTS                                   [www.ASTCs.com.au
                     tynes that have a maximum diameter between 18-20 mm. The tynes shall penetrate the
                     turf playing surface to a depth between 150-200 mm (unless otherwise specified),
                     producing an even pattern of holes that are at 100 mm spacings.

              Dethatching
              Thatch is the amount of dead organic material present within the turf canopy or rootzone.
              Thatch is a normal component of actively growing turfgrass and beneficial levels of thatch can
              actually increase the resilience of the turf to heavy traffic (e.g. sports field usage). However,
              high levels of thatch becomes a problem by becoming too soft, prevent movement of water and
              air into the rootzone, causing drainage complications, displaying hydrophobic resistance.
              Increased thatch also increases pest/disease susceptibility and requires greater inputs to
              maintain c.g. mowing, fertility and pesticides.
              If thatch is an issue across your sports field two techniques may be utilised (i) scarifying using
              an Amazone machine                                                          or similar to
              remove small to moderate amounts of thatch. Such a machine can be set so that no disruption
              is provided to your playing schedule; or (ii) a relatively newer technique called fraze mowing
              (or       top       making)         using        a       top       making         machine
              (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha rUVIhx WE). Such a machine can remove significant
              amount of thatch and have your surface playable within approximately 6 weeks. Such a
              procedure is carried out every 3 to 5 years if grass clippings are not caught and thatch levels
              are not routinely controlled.

              Fertiliser
              Annual soil testing will determine what your nutritional requirements are for your turfgrass.
              Smaller quantities of fertiliser being applied more frequently will provide you with best results.
              At least four applications per year should be targeted compared to a single application in spring
              or summer when the turf is already growing at its fastest.
              Asa  general rule, a granular fertiliser of which to be applied should be a high quality controlled
              release sports turf grade fertiliser suitable for fine/sports turf playing surfaces. The product
              should have a nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium (NPK) ratio of between 18 — 23 Nitrogen,
               1 — 10 Phosphorous and 8 — 12 Potassium. The product can also contain between 2 — 5 % Iron
              (if levels are not already high). Agricultural grade fertilisers are not recommended because they
              are fast release and will not provide you with optimum results.
              Some elements essential for turf growth and performance are shown in Table 6 (source: Sydney
              Water, 2011, Best practice guidelines for holistic open space turf management in Sydney, pp.
               108). Deficiencies in any of these major elements will lead to reduced growth and vigour.

              Reference #14R160614                                                      13 of 17| Page

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