Grass Health Watch 2021: Recently, Mike Heisig from FairWay Awards reported that, so far this year, sports turf grass health in the UK was struggling to keep pace with levels seen this time last year. The data was collated from around 50 satellite readings up and down the country.
The results from the satellite tracking using the Kleffmann Digital Biomass Index (KBDI) shows the UK as whole was 5% behind in March 2021 in terms of grass health/vitality levels compared with the same point in 2020.
Mike Heisig from FairWay Awards digs deeper into the numbers. Mike explains:
“The national figure is an average that disguises some significant regional variations. In the table below each region is based on Met Office Climate Regions and as such each has its own potential attainable health level.”
“Up to the end of March 2021 grass health and vitality was running at a deficit in most regions except Scotland. Of most concern was the South East.”
“Because we know the April 2020 KDVI health levels on the same sports grass areas, we can take these as a estimate of the potential KDVI that we could expect 12 months later at the end of April 2021.
“The next diagram gives some indication of the uplift in health and vitality that were required by the end of April 2021 to put each region of the UK back on track. “
“In the next 2021 Grass Health Watch update we will have the April results and will look forward at where we might get to in May and June which is when we normally expect to experience the highest levels of grass health in the year.”
What about the grass at your club?
You can register for free 3-month no commitment trial of satellite biomass data for your club.
Get the benefits of the Precision Sports Turf Revolution:
- Spot grass health problems before they are visible
- Save money on inputs where they are not required
- Apply inputs according the needs of the grass
- Make better environmental decisions
Regular updates on grass health through 2021 at www.fairwayawards.com or follow @FairWayAwards on twitter
Join the Sports Turf Revolution contact Mike Heisig: Mike-Heisig@btconnect.com
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