TECHNICAL
The destructive nature of weathering plays a key role in regulating the size, shape and uniformity of the material, with the origins of the parent material influencing its chemical composition
turf industry and in particular golf has been seen as one of consumption, often leaving a large environmental footprint. Moving forward, does the continued reliance on a finite material such as sand help to address this image? And does it help to robustly position clubs and facilities to withstand future pressures, be these financial or legislatively, that are inevitably coming their way?
Fig. 10: Soil profile showing high levels of sand in upper layer
This allows for the manipulation of soil microbes and the humification of OM (Fig. 9), with this expediting the conversion of organic nutrients (thatch) into plant available inorganic form. This source of organic nutrients is always available to you, creating the correct environment for it to be utilised is key. Excessive levels of sand in your soil profile may well inhibit the development of the biological community you are dependent on (Fig. 10).
With the government recently committing the UK to achieving a net zero Carbon balance by 2050, all sectors will inevitably come under increased pressure to implement change. Rightly or wrongly, the
The conversation relating to how the turf sector is meeting its environmental responsibilities requires and deserves far greater scope than this article provides. However, it is fairly self-evident that the continued consumption of any material in large volumes, that often requires carriage over large distances, will not aid in reducing an organisation’s Carbon footprint. Regulating inputs of external consumable materials to sustainable levels whilst maintaining playing performance levels must be the long term goal. At times, the balance may not be easy to achieve, but in doing so the industry can position itself and its stakeholders on a path that is more aligned to that of other forward thinking sectors. So to summarize, sand does and will continue to play an important role in turf management. From enabling the utilisation of cutting edge technology to produce high quality pitches (Fig. 11) to refining surface
playing performance attributes, the value of sand is undeniable. In recognising its weaknesses as well as its strengths, you will utilise the material to its maximum. Excessive use over time will only aid in creating a biologically sterile growing environment. The incorporation of biological and organic inputs into your maintenance programme can help maintain equilibrium, one which allows you to harness the benefits of biological processes that have been the foundation of growing mediums throughout the evolution of the planet. At a time when the public’s awareness in the value of our natural world is growing and consequences of its degradation more widely understood, it is in the industry’s own interest to adapt and take a holistic approach to environmental stewardship. By utilising sand at a sustainable level, not only will it assist you in meeting your objectives, you will also be making your contribution to safeguarding the environment. One which will hopefully preserve this precious resource for future generations.
Thank you to Jim Dawson at Scottish Rugby and Scott Corrigan at Cawder Golf Club for their assistance in researching this article.
Derek is currently undertaking Post Graduate study at the University College Dublin in Environmental Sustainability
Fig. 11: BT Murrayfield stadium PC October/November 2019 143
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