Enhancing Turf Management Through Performance Data and Sustainable Agronomy
The drive towards sustainable and efficient practices is crucial in the ever-evolving golf course and sports turf management. For industry professionals seeking to align their operations with data-driven decisions, the strategic partnership between Advance Grass Solutions (AGS) and Propitch offers a robust model worth considering.
A Symbiotic Partnership for Optimal Results:
At the heart of our collaboration lies a shared commitment to revolutionising the turf industry through data-driven decisions and innovative performance testing. By harnessing the power of Propitch’s comprehensive testing parameters, our AGS team can assess the suitability and performance of playing surfaces with unrivalled precision. This synergistic approach empowers us to make informed agronomic decisions, ensuring that our turf management practices are effective and aligned with the latest industry standards.
For AGS, performance testing is not just a tool; it is the cornerstone of our quest to deliver playing surfaces that surpass the expectations of athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. We can measure various aspects of turf performance by employing a range of testing parameters, providing valuable insights instrumental in achieving peak performance. This meticulous approach is a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence in turf management.
Performance Testing Football
In professional football, Propitch provides FIFA standards for performance and quality. There is a plethora of measurements that can be assessed: insect pests %, disease %, moisture %, sward colour, sward height, thatch depth, water infiltration, hardness, mass root depth, and weed species %. Traction analysis is carried out through a rotational resistance test. These parameters are vital for playability and stability of the surface and significantly impact an athlete’s performance and safety. Factors such as turf density, root development, and soil compaction, influenced by agronomic practices such as fertiliser application, aeration, and other cultural practices, play a significant role in determining turf traction. All these parameters are used to minimise risk and maximise output. Propitch’s comprehensive tests for traction exemplify the alignment of AGS’s agronomic practices with high-level playability and safety performance needs.
(Rotational Resistance Testing, Southampton FC, 2023)
Twickenham, Jim Buttar expertly prepares the pitch, balancing traction and surface hardness for elite rugby gameplay, merging maintenance practices with agronomic inputs and leveraging technology by enhancing root mass, moisture levels, minimal thatch, and grass density. Products like Sustane, Essential, Companion, and Micro Grow boost microbial activity, increasing root mass density by over 50%. Timely irrigation and Hydro Smart NG manage moisture to prevent wilting, maintaining 25-30% content during games.
(Jim Buttar,2023)
Propitch system data ensures Jim has the balanced nutritional inputs necessary for world-leading results. This collaboration between AGS and Propitch exemplifies our commitment to excellence in turfgrass management for the sports industry.
Performance Testing Golf
For the golf market, ball roll is a crucial performance parameter. The speed at which a golf ball rolls on the green is pivotal to a player’s success. However, from an agronomic standpoint, measuring the thatch depth and Water infiltration can also be vital to maintaining a turfgrass sward that is disease-free whilst still playable throughout the year. Communication of this is vital for the greenskeeper, the club’s management, and the membership. Using microbial products such as Residuce can aid in the decomposition of thatch and the flocculation of the soil profile. Consequently, improving these agronomic principles significantly affects ball roll. Propitch’s detailed testing for ball roll directly reflects their commitment to aligning agronomic decisions with performance outcomes, ensuring that the turf provides the optimal conditions for a superior golfing experience ProPitch Golf System.
(Water Infiltration, Thatch & Mass Root Depth, 2023)
Hear from the Links Manager at Hillside GC, Chris Ball, the ProPitch Golf team, and Advance Grass Solutions as we discuss the importance of utilising objective testing methods and innovation as we address sustainability issues in golf. Testing was carried out each day at Hillside Golf Club for the DP Cazoo Classic World Tour event held in July 2022.
What was also intriguing here was that through applying Sustane products and targeted wetting agent applications, the grass plant produced firmness and speed at a low moisture content level. Indicating that the rooting of the grass plant was assessing the essential nutrients and water that the turfgrass sward needs to sustain health.
A Step Towards a Greener Tomorrow:
In our pursuit of sustainability, the partnership with Propitch has been a game-changer. The accurate, performance-based data gathered through our testing protocols enable us to make informed decisions that minimise the use of resources such as water and fertilisers. This reduces our environmental footprint and ensures our turf management solutions are economically viable. In doing so, we are proud to contribute to the global movement towards a more sustainable and green future.
For those in the professional turf industry seeking to elevate their practices, the collaboration between AGS and Propitch provides a compelling blueprint. By combining our agronomic expertise with Propitch’s state-of-the-art performance testing, we have created a synergistic partnership at the forefront of sustainable and efficient turf management. As we continue to innovate and strive for excellence, we are confident that our approach will enhance the performance of playing surfaces and contribute to the overarching goal of sustainability that is vital in today’s world.
