TECHNICAL


Fig 9: Drainage effi ciency impacts emissions of CH4


and N2


O gasses


Benefi ts to be gained through astute irrigation management may be an area that is less obvious. Evolving technology is providing land managers with an increasing armoury at their disposal for monitoring soil moisture levels, providing the greater transparency that comes with the collation of data. Utilised fully through precision targeting, energy consumption can be minimised by way of streamlined run times and reduced pumping requirements. Consumption of aggregates, whether this be sand, gravel, or divot mix, come with a C cost. While recognising the use of these are a requirement for many maintenance practices, does the option to resource them more sustainably exist? The recycling of on course materials for the production of top soil and divot mix is a practice employed by a number of golf courses. This often providing a material with a higher nutritional and biological value, along with a saving to your budget. It must be recognised that the extraction, processing, and carriage of aggregates does have an impact, even if this impact


is out of sight. A commitment to minimise this where possible, by thinking outside the conventional, will bring with it long term benefi ts closer to home.


As previously touched upon, natural C


fl uxes constantly occur in land management. The opportunity to impact these exists through the implementation of responsible woodland management, re-wilding and rough grass land management programmes. This can be achieved through the re- establishment of native species, perennial grasses, and increased bio-diversity. Harnessing stakeholder understanding and participation, be this member or public, will be key to ensuring long term success for these types of land reforms. Resource consumption is also relevant in areas directly away from land management. For many businesses this will specifi cally apply to energy, waste and catering. Recent evolution and aff ordability of renewables has made improved effi ciency in the fi rst two areas


increasingly accessible and attractive to many. For the latter, by ensuring catering supply chains are local and maximising ‘in house’ productivity, positive changes are achievable. All bringing with them fi nancial incentives as well as a positive C trade off . The background to writing this article has been that of a global pandemic. It has brought with it changes and challenges that none of us ever expected to experience. The fallout is uncertain, with the long term fi nancial cost to society and sectors of industry unpredictable. However, history has shown that in the face of adversity of such magnitude opportunity can arise. The chance to re-set, re-think, and re-route our direction of travel. To be big, bold, and brave in our decision making, enabling change and regeneration. Lockdown has brought many people closer to nature, awakening a greater appreciation in the importance and value of the natural world. This coming November, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference


Practical decisions taken on a daily basis will ultimately determine how the C footprint of your land is regulated


Fig 10: Cover crops used to replenish soil carbon levels


132 PC April/May 2021


“


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