Technical
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The high spec irrigation system at Leeds Rhinos Rugby Club has had a big impact on how much water the club uses and on its bottom line
Timing is important, and water should be applied in the late evening or overnight to prevent immediate water loss through evaporation in the sun, allowing more to be absorbed deeper into the soil
Timing is important and water should only be applied in the late evening or overnight
only apply the amount needed. Applying the right amount on fewer occasions is far more effective for maintaining moisture levels. This allows the water to get deeper into the soil, encourages deeper root growth and will help reduce the amount lost due to evaporation and transpiration of the grass. Timing is important, too, and water should be applied in the late evening or overnight to prevent immediate water loss through evaporation in the sun, allowing more to be absorbed deeper into the soil. Golf courses and sports venues tend to get
lots of attention when it comes to water- saving efforts, especially during prolonged spells of warm weather. However, in general, many sites in the UK are already great examples of efficient water use and later I provide two examples where a golf course and rugby club are doing this well. Efficient water application involves inside
knowledge and a good level of up to date technology. Knowing how well your current irrigation system is performing is essential; as I’ve said in previous articles, it all starts here. It goes without saying that using the latest irrigation technology and innovation enables turfcare professionals to significantly cut their water use and maintain optimal playing conditions. Having an old system can mean water losses of up to twenty-five percent which, long-term, is simply not financially
Robert Jackson, Reesink Turfcare Irrigation Manager
acceptable or sustainable. A thorough check of your irrigation system is a process that should be carried out every five years or so, to see what’s in place, how it’s performing and if improvements can be made to save money and resources. Having a fully functional control system
will ensure only the required amount of water is applied, whilst the information that can be taken from a soil monitoring system will also cut back on over-watering. Modern sprinklers have become key contributors to water use reduction. As irrigation control systems have advanced over the years, so have the sprinklers they control. Use sprinklers that have nozzle options and adjustment capabilities to apply water precisely where it is needed. By simply upgrading older sprinklers to today’s models, it will significantly reduce water use, without affecting play. Irrigation application is not just about
pressing the button on the automatic system though, no matter how good the system is; for that, nothing beats the knowledge of the man working the turf, whether that’s the greenkeeper, groundsman, grounds manager, gardener, landscaper or estate manager. Turfcare professionals are best placed to know when to employ maintenance practices such as aeration and spiking, vital to ensure the water can penetrate the
PC AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 I 123
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