Implementing
moisture level monitoring, updating controllers with the latest software and
frequently applying evolving course setup conditions to your irrigation
programmes, all contribute to responsible and sustainable management of your
golf course.
Ed Stant,
course manager at Trentham Golf Club near Stoke-on-Trent, explains about how
recent changes to his irrigation management are paying dividends.
“Two years
ago we had a completely new irrigation system installed,” Ed says. “We opted
for the intuitive Toro Lynx control system with 170 Infinity series greens,
approaches and surrounds sprinklers.
"Having
the right technology greatly aids professional irrigation management, but
getting the most out of it is a skill in itself, and for me it all starts with
monitoring soil moisture levels. I use a HH2 Moisture Meter probe and its
readings depends on what irrigation I apply.”
Knowing
the exact conditions your turf’s health faces will lead to more informed and
ecological decisions, as you will only use the water needed to sustain it.
Couple this with an intuitive control system which can be accurately tailored
to precise conditions and requirements, means you have even more control over
water consumption and sward health. This is integral to good irrigation
practice as every area of turf can be different.
“Having an
intuitive control system is fantastic for precise irrigation and, of course,
specific requirements around the course. We had a reasonably wet summer in 2017
but as we all know no course is uniform and for whatever reasons certain areas
will need more moisture than others. Being able to apply additional water where
it is needed over the last couple of years since we got the new system has
resulted in us having great grass coverage across the entire course, even in
the walked areas.
“We’ve
also put a lot of time and effort into killing the coarse rye grass around the
greens surrounds and that meant a lot of specific watering of the affected
areas. Being able to water-in just the top-dressing or apply water where
overseeding and spreading herbicide, has greatly aided the process, allowing us
to also be far more water efficient than we could have previously been.”
Another
factor contributing to improved efficiency and one of Ed’s highlights with the
new system and sprinkler set-up are separate surrounds sprinklers: “Having
separate surrounds sprinklers means we can irrigate in opposite directions and,
therefore, avoid overwatering the greens when irrigating the surrounds. We
couldn’t achieve this level of precision with our last system and I have to say
it is one of the best things the new system and sprinkler set-up we opted for
offers. It also allows us to dampen down the bunkers when they get dry, which
is another big advantage.”
Adding to
this efficient irrigation at Trentham Golf Club is the fact that the club is
also sustainable. At the same time as the irrigation system installation a 42m
borehole was put in and seeing as the club does not exceed its limit, it means
free water for irrigation purposes.
This
carefully managed control over water usage is great; it is more environmentally
friendly, plants are healthier, surfaces are more aesthetically pleasing,
playability is improved, and it’s saving money too. Applying just the right
amount of water is a no-brainer. Every drop counts, and every drop saved
benefits the club, the players, visitors and the environment, as confirmed by
Trentham Golf Club.
