Laurence Gale takes a look at the implications of the current dry spell

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Laurence Gale takes a look at the implications of the current dry spell.

Laurence Gale takes a look at the implications of the current dry spell

As a practising gardener/groundsman, I cannot remember having experienced such a dry winter and spring as we have experienced this year. It is likely that 2017 will go down as one of the driest springs on record, indeed, a recent report in The Telegraph states that Water companies have warned that parts of UK could see a drought this summer after the driest winter in more than 20 years.

Having spoken to many of our leading industry groundsmen, they themselves have, also not experienced such a dry winter/spring period. In some parts of the country many cricket grounds are witnessing many new batting records being set in April, resulting from the exceptional dry weather

Lack of rain over the autumn, winter and early spring has left some rivers and reservoirs, particularly in the south and west, with dwindling levels. With weather experts warning that there is little sign of rain to come, many farmers and gardeners are desperately watering their crops as the ground dries out. Until now water companies have played down talk of hosepipe bans, but as the dry weather continues the public has now been warned that restrictions could be on the way in some areas unless reservoir levels are replenished by prolonged rainfall.

Kent and Sussex are almost entirely dependent on groundwater from rain. A spokesman for Southern Water said: “The winter of 2016-2017 was drier than average, particularly in the months leading up to Christmas. This means there are lower water levels across our regional water sources.”

Water companies say work has started with farmers to reduce the impact of the continuing dry weather as summer approaches. Environment Agency officials have admitted that the dry weather could lead to drought management measures’ for some regions.

Britain has experienced parched weather in the six-month period between October and March – the driest since 1995 and 1996, according to the Met Office. According to long-term forecasts, the next three months will also be dry, making water restrictions likely.

Nowadays, irrigation is an important and integral part of the turf grass management industry, especially as the demand for better quality playing surfaces has increased. This demand has been largely due to extensive televised coverage of major sporting events. Seeing immaculate aesthetically presented golf courses, football, rugby pitches and horse racing courses has increased the expectations of the players and viewers.

Laurence Gale takes a look at the implications of the current dry spell

Most, if not all, professional sporting facilities have irrigation systems of one sort or another. Without them they would not be able to prepare and maintain their playing surfaces.

Water is influential in all chemical, physiological and biological processes of plant growth. The soil/plant water relationships is critical to the sustainability of any grass plant. Having an understanding of these relationships is critical. All grass plants are a continuum of water movement. Over 90% of the plant’s water requirements are transported through the plant from the soil profile, via the roots and stem tissues into the leaves and out into the atmosphere. Knowledge of these relationships is important when designing and operating irrigation systems. The main aim is to achieve a water balance within the soil profile ensuring that the grass plant is able to access available water from the soil.

Technology has moved on, and we now see a wide range of irrigation systems from stand alone, self-travelling or boom sprinklers to computer controlled high tech pop up gear driven or jet sprinkler systems able to deliver precise amounts of water. Today many of the top golf courses have what is called wall to wall irrigation systems designed to irrigate greens, tees, approaches and fairways, enabling the course manager to have full control of his watering requirements.

These systems do use a lot of water, albeit more effectively, so consideration needs to be given to the resource available. Is it mains, borehole, well, river or lake water? In most instances an abstraction licence will be required to obtain this water even though the source may be on club owned land. Irrigation constitutes a major user of water resources at times, and in places, when resources are often at their lowest, such as the summer. Incorrect use of irrigation can lead to a waste of water and, in turn, can cause other problems such as increased drainage water, often resulting in the leaching of nitrates into watercourses with the possibility of pollution.

 

In recent years the Government has brought out a number of laws and regulations regarding the use of water resources. Irrigation can impact upon the environment in two main ways; by depleting the surface and ground water resources and, secondly, by encouraging the leaching of nitrates from the soil to the ground water. Water used to irrigate crops and turf will often not return to the water course but will be taken up by the plant and returned into the atmosphere. Thus, during dry periods, water ground supplies can be severely reduced. Leaching occurs when the soil is wetted beyond field capacity and water drains from the root zone. This drainage water contains nitrate in solution which will eventually be carried to the drainage ditches or ground water. The main risk periods for leaching are in the spring when nitrogen has been applied to the crop, and in winter when nitrate remains in the soil after harvest, and drainage is at its maximum.

So, what can you do to save water and ensure we are using water more efficiently?

  • Only water essential crops and plants Laurence Gale takes a look at the implications of the current dry spell
  • Water at night to reduce evapotranspiration.
  • Ensure your hoses and sprinklers are not leaking and wasting water when in use.
  • Choose an appropriate sprinkler / watering system to suit your needs.
  • You can use timers to control water usage
  • Use recycled water where possible
  • You can mulch shrub beds to retain moisture
  • Only water newly laid lawns, established lawns are quite resilient and can cope with dry periods.

Mulching helps conserve water. On bare ground about sixty percent of the water can be lost through evaporation. A 75-mm layer of mulch will help hold onto the water so the plants can use it.

When watering, a thorough soaking to wet the soil to a depth of 150-200mm is much better for plants than light frequent watering. Between 20-30 litres of water applied to one spot under the canopy of trees or shrubs should thoroughly saturate the root zone in that location.

Again, when watering lawns and sports pitches, apply enough water to thoroughly soak the soil to a depth of 50mm, an efficient irrigation program on turf should not begin until the lawn grass shows signs of moisture stress. Symptoms include a dull and bluish-green colour and leaf blades folding. The most efficient time to irrigate is between sunset and sunrise because of less evaporation, less wind and lower temperatures. Early morning is the next most effective time to irrigate while midday is the least efficient.

Also avoid fertilising drought-stressed plants. Fertilisers are chemical salts and will actually dehydrate roots when water is in short supply. If you need to apply a pesticide, make certain the plant is not wilted at the time and spray during early morning or late afternoon. You should also avoid unnecessary pruning of plants during drought. Pruning encourages new growth which has a high demand for water.

Understanding The Role Of Bedknives

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Understanding The Role Of Bedknives. True or false – the fine finish from a cylinder mower is down to luck?

Understanding The Role Of Bedknives

It’s the time of year when advice on checking bedknives is regularly dispensed, and rightly so with high season fast approaching. However, it’s good to stop for a moment and understand how and why operating, adjustment and maintenance procedures are so important, especially when it comes to the critical end of the grass cutting process.

Michael Hampton at Reesink Turfcare, the UK distributor of all genuine Toro parts, explains here the important role bedknives play in the fine finish expected from a cylinder mower: “Along with the cylinder and the frame, the bedknife is one of the three main structural members in a cylinder cutting unit. The bedknife is attached to the bedbar and the assembly is mounted to the main frame in a manner that allows for paralleling and adjustment to the cylinder.

“A cylinder mower cuts grass with a scissor-like shearing action as the moving helix shaped blades pass over the stationary bedknife. The cutting action requires the bedknife and cylinder blades to be sharp, matched and in close relationship with each other and the bedknife sharpened to be flat and square so the sharp edge touches the cylinder blades across their entire length.

“If the bedknife is not perfectly flat it is impossible to get the bedknife to touch the entire length of the cylinder. This is an essential part of the construction, making cylinder mowers precision cutting tools. Adjust any part of the construction process with, for example, ‘will-fit’ parts and the fit, form and function are affected leaving a less attractive and less consistent after-cut appearance.

“To understand the cylinder cutting theory fully though, you need to understand the concept of the clip and shear point. A shear point is any single point of contact made between the cylinder blade and bedknife. The clip is the forward distance travelled between successive blade contacts at one shear point. As the cylinder moves forward it pushes the grass in front of it, while the cylinder blade gathers the grass as it moves toward the bedknife. The bedknife then pushes the grass toward the shear point, while the cylinder blade gathers it in front, creating a triangle.”

Michael concludes: “The fine finish expected from a cylinder mower is not down to luck, far from it. Understanding and appreciating that cylinder mowers are precision machines, requiring precision-engineered parts in order to achieve the best possible finish should help make the decision that ‘will-fit’ parts aren’t worth the negative impact on the turf.”

The quote: the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten, rings true here. So our recommendation is: don’t fall foul to the temptation. Toro bedknifes are precision-engineered for a superior quality of cut. Every bedknife Toro manufactures is designed to meet strict Toro engineering specifications to ensure the best quality of cut and after-cut appearance, and to last as long as possible until replacement.

A true flatness of the knife extends their life and maximises the quality of cut. They’re made of high carbon steel for ultimate durability and longevity and retain their edge for longer meaning greenkeepers and groundsmen can mow longer without the need to adjust or replace frequently.

To avoid downtime and ensure a premium after-cut appearance for longer, contact distributor Reesink Turfcare’s Toro parts department on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

‘Sacked’ Hull Groundsmen Want Your Help To Get Their Jobs Back

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‘Sacked’ Hull Groundsmen Want Your Help To Get Their Jobs Back – Two KCOM groundsmen who claimed they were sacked over the state of the pitch have set up a crowdfunding page to take their bosses to an employment tribunal.

'Sacked' KCOM Groundsmen Want Your Help To Get Their Jobs Back

Darrell Cook and Mark Harrison say they were dismissed a month ago by the Stadium Management Company (SMC) for gross misconduct after claims the pitch, used by Hull City and Hull FC, had been deteriorating.

Darell, 55, says he was also told he was being sacked for working as a kit man for Hull FC while Mark claims he was told another reason for his dismissal was down to ordering too much grass treatment product. The third allegation Mark has made relates to allowing casual workers to turn up and repair divots in return for a match ticket. They were also told not to return.

Both men insist they did nothing to warrant their dismissal and were not given any warnings beforehand. They say they are not looking for compensation, they just want their jobs back.

Speaking to Hull Daily Mail, the two men said: “We don’t want the inevitable attention this may bring but we had no other option if we were to fight for the jobs we love and to clear our names.

“This is not just for us but for our wives, parents and children. We’re proud men who have always taken immense pride in our work.

“We wouldn’t normally be able to afford a legal challenge like this against such formidable opposition. There is no access to legal aid and we didn’t earn big salaries so we hope the people at SMC understand why we had no choice but to take this route.

“We look forward to the day we can hold our heads high again and get back to work providing both Hull City and Hull FC with a playing surface both clubs and their fans can be proud of.”

Darrell added: “This is a job I have done for 27 years and there was no indication anything like this was coming.

“Both myself and Mark have worked for the SMC for 16 years. We have never been in any trouble or had any reprimand so this came out of the blue.”

“The idea of crowdfunding has alleviated that worry a little. We are both well-known and I hope well-liked so we would like to think we’ll get some support.”

The two men say they are only seeking justice at the tribunal and have not issued proceedings.

“We want to clear our names. We actually want to get our jobs back and a tribunal can order that. We were proud to be involved with Hull City and Hull FC – we just want to get back to work and continue that association for many years to come.”

To visit the crowd justice page, please click here

Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines

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Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines. Bolton Old Links GC’s championship course is poised for some significant grooming after taking delivery of four Wiedenmann UK machines.  Delivered in March were a Whisper Twister blower, a Terra Spike GXi8 HD aerator, a 1.7m Terra Rake and a Super 500 three-in-one sweeper collector.Bolton Old Links GC Chooses Four Wiedenmann UK Machines

“The board is very supportive of our work,” said Head Greenkeeper, Steve Hemsley. “Since 2013, a particular focus has been regular aeration. Four years down the line all our fine turf is considerably firmer and consistent so we’ve achieved what we planned. Now, as a few key kit pieces have become tired, the board has opted not just to replace them but found scope to invest with additional machines. Aeration to tees and greens is still crucial but there’s a wider programme of rough management and improving our fairways to pursue.”

With the help of dealers, Balmers GM and groundscare specialist, Andrew Meeks in particular, Steve Hemsley and his team of four thoroughly reviewed all options before deciding upon the right machines for task.

“Easily the Super 500 will make the biggest impact,” continued Steve Hemsley. “Already you can see an instant difference to several vast areas of unplayable rough. Rough can be good for definition but at the moment ours is just too thick and harsh. We need it thinner – and in time wispier – to bring it back into play. It doesn’t matter that we have undulations, the Super 500 follows the ground so we’ll cut and collect at every opportunity, dragging the Terra Rake through to clean it, removing hidden debris.”

The Terra Rake, known industry-wide as an ace scarifier, is also earmarked to target thatchy areas on the fairways and roughs.

“The fairways need to be far more free-draining. Extra scarification will help but that’s also where the new aerator comes in… The GXi8 is not just for the tees and greens, it’s pretty much able to access all areas. In the few short weeks we’ve had it, we’ve found it unbelievably quick, so it’s just the matter of picking the right time and getting out there.”

Bolton Old Links’ final machine, the Whisper Twister blower is another purchase with lots to do.

“Our course is on quite an exposed site,” continued Steve Hemsley. “We’re not troubled so much by leaves as we have mostly pines, but collecting windfall is constant.  The blower will be able to round up debris and blow into the path of either the Terra Rake or the Super 500. What a difference that will make. Then it will be back on rough management duties or tidying up after we’ve scarified the fairways.”

“All our new Wiedenmanns are versatile and particularly efficient when working together. That’s in keeping with the spirit of our greenkeepers here. Job variety and rotation is important to us all. Everyone is being trained on all machines giving total flexibility for the work ahead.”

Andrew Meeks, Groundcare specialist at Balmers’ Burnley depot, Wiedenmann UK dealer for the area, who has a long standing relationship with the club said:

“We work with Steve and his team to maximise the productivity and lifespan of their machines. These new deliveries have come at the right time and their particular choices mean the course will instantly reap the benefit. Not only did they select Wiedenmann kit they signed preferred supplier agreement committing to a long term relationship between Balmers GM and Bolton Old Links GC. The addition of a new ProGator and HD200Select sprayer, John Deere 7700A Fairway Mower, John Deere 4049R Compact tractor and Lastec rough mower are testament to the club’s commitment to invest in the course both in the short and long term.”