The use of controlled and slow release products can be beneficial as they are extremely safe while ensuring a continuous delivery of nutrients to the seedlings
encourage better rooting to help deal with the potential stresses of summer drought. Controlled release fertilisers increase the efficiency of nutrient application. They don’t just promote better turf quality, but can also help reduce cost by reducing the number of applications required each season. One of the most cost effective fertilisers to apply nowadays is one that releases over 8-9 months. In terms of price per kg, this can appear to be expensive, also in terms of cost per application since it is applied at up to 60kg/Ha but, as only one application is required per season, it can be the most economical along with additional savings on labour time and costs. If this single application option is chosen (it is only suitable for winter sportsfield turf) then ignore the rest of this article!
Early summer
As temperatures increase through the summer, the pitch should receive sufficient nitrogen and potassium to maintain growth where possible and to help the plant store carbohydrates in its roots ready for upcoming stresses. The application of potassium during the summer, such as a 19:5:18 with three month longevity, enables the turf plant to better regulate water losses and so will help it cope with heat and drought stress. If you maintain winter games pitches, this is the time of the year when end of season renovations take place. At this point, an over-seeding/renovation growth phase programme should be used as discussed later.
Late summer
As turf comes out of summer stress, it is important to provide adequate nitrogen to match the second (smaller) natural growth peak of the season. A balanced NPK fertiliser is ideal during this time to help aid recovery and replace nutrients lost in clippings whilst, at the same time, hardening turf ready for the autumn. If you use a controlled release fertiliser with a three month longevity in early summer as described above, sufficient nutrients will be delivered for this time of year as well.
Autumn
As grass growth slows down coming into autumn, nitrogen inputs should be reduced while potassium inputs should increase. Potassium plays many important roles within the turf plant. One of the most crucial for sports pitches is that it can harden the plant for the cooler season as well as making it more resilient to wear from play. Remember, the aim at all times throughout the year is to only apply what is need by the plant and no more but, as grass growth slows down, it is even more crucial to get the balance right. Too much nutrient (primarily nitrogen) can create soft growth that is susceptible
to wear and disease attack. Too little nitrogen will result in unhealthy, yellow turf that is unable to utilize low light levels efficiently coming into one of the most stressful times of the year for the grass. This also has a big impact on how the turf performs the following spring.
Overseeding and renovation
Any grass seed sown must have enough food or nutrients to germinate and send out a root. Seed sends out a root in search of food, so it's important to maintain an adequate supply of nutrients. The challenge turf professionals face is getting the balance right. Grass seed can be vulnerable to high levels of nutritional input with salt damage inhibiting germination and slowing establishment, so your choice of fertiliser during renovation is critical. The use of controlled and slow release
products can be beneficial as they are extremely safe while ensuring a continuous delivery of nutrients to the seedlings. Traditionally, pre-seeder fertilisers used to have very low nitrogen contents for plant safety reasons but, through the latest slow and controlled release technologies, it is now possible to have fertilisers with high nitrogen levels because they are delivered gradually over a period of 2-3 months. Phosphorus is an important component in a pre-seeder as it encourages good rooting and helps speed up establishment. If a soil analysis indicates that the level of phosphorus levels is sufficient, it may not be necessary for a high P fertiliser. Alternatively, if you prefer to use conventional fertilisers, ensure it contains nutrients with a very low salt index.
Who can give me more advice?
For more detailed nutrient advice specific to your individual situation, consult with your agronomist, ideally someone who is FACTS (Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme) qualified. The FACTS Fertiliser Certificate of Competence is the recognised standard of competence for those advising on the use of fertiliser products on sports and amenity surfaces. It is certificated by BASIS and advisers holding the certificate become members of the BASIS Professional Register and the FACTS Annual Scheme. Through ongoing training, they are best placed to offer advice on fertiliser types, plant nutrition, environmental issues and relevant legislation. Around 2,000 UK advisers are members of FACTS. You can obtain more information from
www.factsinfo.org.uk.
In Part 3, Stuart tackles common problems with fertiliser application and advises on selecting and calibrating your spreader.
TOOLS of the trade
A thermo anemometer is a device for measuring wind speed and temperature and is an important tool for turfcare professionals. The term is derived from the Greek word anemos, meaning wind.
Anemometers can be divided into two classes: those that measure the velocity of the wind, and those that measure the pressure of the wind; but as there is a close connection between the pressure and the velocity, a suitable anemometer of either class will give information about both these quantities.
Digitised technology has allowed the development of portable hand held anemometers that are affordable and accessible to the masses.
These portable devices are very useful for recording and monitoring wind speeds out on your site. Some models record both wind speed and air temperatures.
Having this information to hand can be very useful when making decisions about what work to undertake in respect of watering, spraying and seeding. Wind speeds will change depending on the geographical aspect of the site. Surface temperatures will differ from one green/pitch to another.
Being able to accurately measure wind and temperatures at specific locations will allow you to tailor works programmes, particularly when spraying liquid chemicals and fertilisers.
This mini hand held thermo anemometer is a great device for anyone outdoors. Windspeed in mph, Km/h, m/s or knots, and temperature reading.
• Windspeed in mph, Km/h, m/s or knots. • Graphic beaufort scale • Temperature and wind chill • LCD back light • Auto power off • Neck Lanyard • Water resistant
Wind speed measuring range: 0.2 m/s to 30 m/s
Wind speed accuracy: +/-5% or +/- least significant digit
Recommended operating temperatures: - 29.9 to 59O
C with 0.1O C resolution.
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