TURF FARM’S Environmentally Friendly Role


Growing the natural wildlife at Abbey Farm


Lincolnshire - a flat landscape, big skies and a strong agricultural heritage spring to mind. You’re probably less likely to think of a turf nursery flying a flag for the environment…


Cannons Turf is based at Abbey Farm, just outside Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire and, whilst the contours of the land have an immediate connection to growing turf, it may surprise some to learn that the company have perfected growing high quality turf whilst, at the same time, actively working to conserve and grow the natural wildlife at Abbey Farm.


Abbey Farm is part of a Countryside Stewardship and Woodland Grant Scheme which has led to a plethora of planting. Over 10 kilometres of hedges and 8 acres of trees have been planted since 2001. Together with 8 acres of grassland regeneration and the introduction of over 12 kilometres of field margins the company are steadily restoring the farm to its historical natural glory.


The turf forms part of the overall crop rotation of the farm, which creates a mixed tapestry of crops and eco-systems that benefits a wide variety of bio-systems. Two crops of turf follow a ‘break crop’ of either carrots, parsnips, potatoes or sugar beet. There are great benefits to both the


quality of the turf and to the wildlife by minimising the effects of monoculture on the diversification of plants and insects around field margins and improving habitats for different animals.


Making use of ‘break crops’ means the use of herbicides from different chemical groups help to control the unwanted grass species in turf.


Break crops also break the lifecycles of certain turf pests and diseases. This is of particular importance with Chafers, Leatherjackets and Frit fly.


Rotation allows a reduction in the use of pesticides within the production of all crops, including turf, and the fallow periods for the land, reduces fertiliser inputs and improves soil structure while minimising the risk of soil erosion.


Rotations create a longer sowing window for turf seeding and soil preparation, with earlier sowing dates chosen to minimise the requirement for early irrigation during establishment - a huge plus point for turf quality and water efficiency.


A substantial increase in the bio-diversity


Barn Owl (Tyto alba) Left: Corn Marigold (Chrysanthemum segetum)


introduced. Key species that are increasing in numbers include Barn Owls, Little Owls, Grey Partridges, Lapwings, Skylarks, Water Voles, Bats, Butterflies and Moths. There has also been a noticeable increase in the number of wild flowers especially Purple Loosestrife, Corn Marigolds and Vetch


The environmentally friendly steps are far reaching with all office paper waste shredded for dog bedding, pallets recycled and 99% of all irrigation coming from winter fill reservoirs.


Cannons are proving that growing turf commercially and caring for the environment can go hand in hand. If you would like to visit Abbey Farm and see the turf and the wildlife for yourself please call 01526 354411.


Earthworms Old and New! 1mm


EARTHWORMS have long been considered a pest in amenity turfgrass situations, but it is only a small number, producing surface casts, which cause problems with the playing and visual quality of the sward. For the most part, earthworms are beneficial and have an important part to play in maintaining a healthy turfgrass rootzone. They breakdown thatch and feed on organic plant materials, relieve compaction in heavier rootzones and increase aeration to depth. However, the surface casts not only bring unwanted weed seeds to the surface where they can germinate and affect turf quality but they can also become smeared and impede surface drainage. In the past, earthworms were managed in amenity situations by toxic


chemicals that kept the casting worms away from the treated areas. However, following the loss of their approvals for use, there has been a steady increase in the occurrence of problems associated with casting worms. Since the pesticide regulatory authorities decided that all new pesticides entering the amenity market must show that they have no detrimental effect against casting worms, management of this problem must be centred on cultural methods. Long-term management must rely on manipulation of the rootzone conditions (as much as is reasonably possible given playing quality requirements) to ensure that they do not favour increasing earthworm activity. Since the earthworm populations will be greatest where there is an abundance of food, it seems logical that by reducing the organic matter in the profile and keeping down thatch levels, we will be able to ‘encourage’ the worms to move to more favourable feeding locations away from the main areas of play. In addition, irritants have been tried to encourage the worms to relocate and an increase


in the use of angular sand, where appropriate, should also discourage them. Lowering of rootzone pH has also shown an effective decrease in earthworm casting but care should be taken regarding the means by which pH is adjusted and by how much. Over recent weeks, I have


received notice, and samples, of small earthworms from across the UK which produce small casts on turf in affected areas which have, apparently, shown little response to applications of approved pesticides.


approximately 25 to 30mm in length and 1.5mm in diameter. Although they were obviously mature earthworms, possessing a recognisable clitellum or saddle, their overall size was too small to be any of the ‘commonly seen’ types. These earthworms have now been confirmed as Microscolex phosphoreus, a native of South America that has, very occasionally, been seen across the UK since the late 1800’s. As its Latin name implies, this worm can phosphoresce or glow, a characteristic that can readily be


These small earthworms are


seen at night if the worm is disturbed. Although I am aware of several cases of these earthworms colonising amenity turfgrass areas across the UK, I would be interested in hearing of any other sightings of the ‘new’ earthworm.


Dr Kate Entwistle, The Turf Disease Centre, Email: kate@theturfdiseasecentre.co.uk Tel: 01256 880 246


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