TGT Issue 47 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Turf Grass Times Sports Turf Association (WA) MagazineMowMaster Cricket Pitch Seminar 2018 A fantastic educational and informative day for the sports turf industry. WA Turf Industries Awards 2018 WA Turf Industry returns to Hartfield GC to celebrate turf graduates. Glyphosate - the FACTS! Science based evidence vs emotional speculation

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 Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 1 SPORTS TURF ASSOCIATION (WA) Incorporated PO Box 8492 | Perth B.C. | WA 6849 Contents Colleagues,4. MowMaster Cricket Pitch Seminar Welcome to our newest edition of the Turf Grass9. DWER Metering Regulations Times magazine. As I have mentioned before, this column is10. WA Turf Industries Awards 2018 the last piece I write at the completion of the magazine. When I12. Village Green keeps cool start putting it all together, it sometimes feels a daunting task to16. Glyphosate - the facts fill the pages but in the end it is often a debate on what to leave20. Croplife response to ABC out before opening up another four pages. There is such a lot22. Managing Mites in turf of information contained in these pages because there has been30. WA Lawn Expo such a lot going on in our amazing industry.38. Lawn Doctor 43 years42. Turf Grower profile Inside you will see that we had three fantastic events in the44. Damage Control from media WA Turf Industry calendar in the latter half of last year, the45. Calendar of events MowMaster Cricket Pitch Seminar, the Lawn Expo and the WA46. Turf WA response to UWA paper Turf Industries Awards 2018.50. STA(WA) Member Profile52. Presidents Report - AGM 2018 However it seems that a repeated theme in this edition has been the need to respond to damaging media coverage. In a time TGT Production when our Media outlets appear to be irresponsibly addicted Senior Editor /Design & Production: Tony Guy - STA (WA) to constantly providing rolling bursts of new news, the true Mob: 0417 977 734 Email: [email protected] message and the mature wisdom in the telling of that truth Communications & Photography: Eva Ricci - TurfWA without causing undue harm is horribly distorted and lost. The Mob: 0422 120 990 Email: [email protected] same message we teach our children about bullying - ‘Words have meaning and the telling has consequences’. Flashy headlines Disclaimer and out of context excerpts are fodder for ill informed opinions. This newsletter is provided for information Newspapers these days are chock full of opinions because the purposes only. The reader assumes entire risk as facts don’t sell and facts take time to validate before printing. to the accuracy and for the use of any information Opinion and the truth rarely ride well together and although contained within. Readers are advised that the Turf everyone is entitled to their opinion, our grandparents were Grass Times takes no responsibility whatsoever for right when they often titted and tattered that we should keep our the accuracy, or otherwise of any advertisements, opinions to ourselves. Like gossip, opinion is highly dangerous, descriptions, photographs, appearing in this issue most especially in our new age of internet anonymity. or any time in the future. So keep doing what you are doing, managing and maintaining quality turf surfaces and cultured environments so that our children’s children can lead healthy and vibrant lifestyles. The world needs you much more than it needs journalists. regards Tony Guy The “Turf Grass Times” is produced wholly inhouse by volunteer contributors for members of the Sports Turf Association (WA) Inc. The STA(WA) is a not-for-profit organisation representing any person with an interest in turf grass and the Sports Turf Industry in Western Australia. Turf WA T A Turf Growers Association of Western Australia Inc. The “Turf Grass Times” is also distributed amongst members of the Turf Growers Association of WA as the major supporter of the Executive Officer of Turf WA . Front cover image: MowMaster Cricket Pitch Seminar 2018 at Richardson Park, South Perth, WA - 29 Aug 2018. photo courtesy Tony Guy. Back cover image: Westpac Stadium, Wellington NZ - 29 June 2018. photo courtesy Tony Guy. Turf Grass Times

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Page 4Following the success of the Cricket Pitch Wicket Seminar MowMaster Cricket Pitch Seminar held in 2016, planning for the next seminar began in 29 August 2018 earnest in May of 2018. Members of the STA(WA)committee met with Dave and Luke Harrison from MowMasterwith Cameron Sutherland and Mike Maartensz from TurfcareWA and a newly re branded ‘MowMaster Cricket Pitch Seminar’was organised to be held on Wednesday 29th August 2018.At that meeting it was quickly evident that we needn’t look anyfurther than our own home grown expertise and we were veryfortunate indeed to have the volunteered professional attentionfrom Cameron Sutherland to help build the seminar.MowMaster Turf Equipment Established 1947Original owner and founder, Joseph Dwyer worked the companyfrom 1947 to 1993. The company, then named Dwyer and Felton,was founded in 1947. Its original conception was a generalengineering company that manufactured elevators, componentparts for agricultural machinery, outdoor steel furniture, generalengineering and between 1947 to 1980 produced just two typesof reel mowers.Dave Harrison, who is the grandson of founder Joseph Dwyerstarted in the company in 1978. In 1993 Dave proudly took 100%ownership of the business and changed its name to MowMaster.This year marks Dave’s 40th anniversary with the company.Since Dave’s time with the company, the product line hasprogressed significantly to specialise in 16 product typeswith many variations designed for the professional sports turfmaintenance industry.“Our proudest achievement to date is having won the respect ofturf professionals all around Australia. Winning and earningthis respect drives us as a company to continually designand manufacture products that are far superior to any other.The combination of realising curator ideas with MowMasterengineering is the key to our success and strength.” said Dave.“We are currently involved in some international projects that has 222 Star Street Welshpool WA 6106the potential to expose our company to the global market. We are Tel: (08) 9362 2755 Fax: (08) 9362 2415looking forward to playing our part in that fiercely competitive Dave: 0417 790 981 Luke: 0415 232 334market.” www.mowmaster.com.auOur Motto:- Issue No. 47 January 2019“Operation performance is the true value of any product” [email protected] MowMaster try it! Turf Grass Times

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 5Cameron has been in the turf industry for 29 years, While organising the event, the date was chosen to fit just managing a range of major sporting surfaces throughout before the busy September spring cricket season dominated Perth. the curators time. The venue, Richardson Park in South PerthDuring this time, he has also consulted was suggested and ticked all the boxes as an ideal location. Theto the turf, agriculture and Horticulture weather however couldn’t be guaranteed and unfortunately itfields around soil science and the did prove to be an influence on the day and denied the delegatesrole of biology, chemistry and an opportunity to participate in the practical demonstrationsphysics in the soil to create fully on wicket block. Regardless the day ran well and the almost 80functioning systems. participants all enjoyed an informative day.From 2005-2013 Cameron Cameron began his presentation by simply stating the mostwas Head Curator at the WACA important lesson learnt from all his years in the business.Ground being responsible for the “Everyone is an expert on pitches.” Any number of people believepreparation of the world-famous that the cricket curator would benefit from their voiced opinionsvenue for all cricket matches. on;During this time the venue alsohosted concerts, AFL and WAFL a) How they should playfootball and international soccer b) What’s wrong with them if it doesn’t play as they thought.clubs, many of these with an c) How to fix them.immediate surface turn around d) What the curator should have done.to host other sports. But, do they really know what gives a pitch (wicket) isCameron also oversaw the Cameron Sutherland characteristics? Do they know all the elements that constitutesredevelopment of the centre a turf cricket pitch, how they are constructed and how thosewicket block during this time to reinstate elements need to be managed to produce a consistent playingits pace and bounce characteristics as well as refurbishing the surface? Any of these elements of soil(clay), grass type and health,outfield to reduce the organic matter in the profile and ensure water quality and availability, weather conditions, managementthe drainage specifications were met. From 2010-2012 the venue support (budget & labour), player and coach perceptions andwas ranked as equal number 1 in the Cricket Australia rankings, expectations, and the curator’s knowledge and experience playup from a ranking of 6 in 2006. significant roles either combined or separately in the production of any playable pitch on any given day.Utilising knowledge gained through previous studies including Cameron presented a number of lectures that day that toucheda diploma in turf management, Cameron has had an active role on all of these elements. He discussed with the room the differentin turf consultancy and construction in WA with over 15 cricket clays, grasses and construction methods that he has encounteredpitch and several ovals installations throughout the state. He has and used over the years and how they havebeen heavily involved in the new Perth Stadium project having performed. With help from Danny Hambletonwritten the playing surface tender specifications, reviewed and John Forrest he stressed the importancethe consortium bids and acted as pitch advisor for the State of nutrition, conducting soil and water testingGovernment during the build process. He also sat on several to evaluate the calcium / magnesium ratio.committees during the design and stakeholder requirements Look at the playing schedule where doesphase of the stadium planning. the timing of fertilizer applications fit in to the calendar, should you useCameron was GM Racecourse and Facilities for Perth Racing foliar or granular?between 2014-2017 where he not only managed the Ascotand Belmont tracks, but also moved into facility management. What nutrients are required andDuring this time, a $6m Ascot Members floor and venue upgrade how often? The need to utiliseand project management of the $80m Belmont Park grandstand low salt index fertilisers and usereplacement including design and building approvals, Ascot calcium to disperse the build up of sodium.track drainage installation and surface removal were completed Look at your deficiencies in the pitches. Lightunder his management. applications regularly. Use the product that suits your situation. Look at using completeHe has presented his research work on turf grasses and clay soils blend fertilisers.at both the Australian and New Zealand Turf Conferences andin 2013 was selected to represent Cricket Australia in meetings Throughout his talks the main message to allwith the England Cricket Board around International Venue delegates, regardless of age or experience wasStandards. During this visit, Cameron also inspected 12 of that the critical element in any pitch or outfieldthe leading stadiums in the UK for their design and operation management is the ability of the curator to Danny Hambletonspecifications as part of his role with the Perth Stadium. employ critical thinking and analysis on not only how they are doing what they are doing but more importantly why? Each pitchCameron is currently the General Manager of Turfcare WA and and oval are different and each deserve to be carefully evaluatedresponsible for the structure and operation of the business with to work out their needs for optimal health and performance.Michael Maartensz.SALT INDEX 5 Magnesium Sulphate 44 Ammonium Sulphate 69 Ammonium Nitrate 105Calcium Carbonate 29 Potassium Sulfate 74 Muriate of potash 114MAP- 11%N 23%P 34 Calcium Nitrate 46 Potassium Nitrate 75 Sodium Chloride (common salt) 154DAP- 18%N 23%P 53 Urea Turf Grass Times

Page 6 MowMaster Cricket Pitch Seminar cont’d Luke and Dave Harrison - Mow Master As mentioned earlier MowMaster were very Fig.1 A new blade keen to have their name attached to this educational event. Their business is closely identified with the sports turf maintenance industry and cricket pitch curators in particular. Delivering a power point presentation Dave Harrison spoke earnestly with the delegates about the practicalities about the cutting action of the cylinder reel pulling the turf leaf in a scissor action across the base plate edge and how this knowledge was vitally important in understanding how blades wore, the effect that wear has on turf health and blade sharpening. Presenting some home drawn sketches Dave enlightened the delegates on the optimal length of the bed knife blade’s cutting profile and how as this profile is worn in a concave shape and lengthened, it looses the ability to cut and begins to tear the grass leaf. Dave with his son Luke continued outside where they discussed with the delegates a short mechanical workshop on machine maintenance that touched on adjusting the cutting action and blade height on a reel mower. This included an interesting piece regarding the practice of backlapping, which according to Dave is somewhat overrated and should not be seen as an alternative to grind sharpening. On hand for demonstration at the seminar were a small selection of MowMaster mowers, Scarifiers, Wicket rollers, and their new turntable Sight Screen.Fig.2. The blade begins to show signs of wearFig.3. A badly worn blade that would not cut and needs replacing Issue No. 47 January 2019 Turf Grass Times

DRSABCDIssue No. 47 January 2019 Page 7IN AN EMERGENCY CALL TRIPLE ZERO (000) FOR AN AMBULANCED Dangers? Ensure the area is safe for yourself, others and the patient.R Responsive?S Check for a response: ask name, squeeze shoulders. No response? Send for help. Response? Make comfortable and monitor response. Send for help Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or ask another person to make the call.A Open AirwayB Open the mouth and check the airway for foreign material.C Foreign material? Place in the recovery position and clear the airway.D No foreign material? Leave in position. Open the airway by tilting the head back with a chin lift. Normal Breathing? Check for breathing: look, listen, feel for 10 seconds. Not normal breathing? Ensure an ambulance has been called; start CPR. Normal breathing? Place in the recovery position and monitor breathing. Start CPR 30 chest compressions : 2 breaths. Continue CPR until help arrives or the patient starts breathing. Attach defibrillator (AED) and follow the voice prompts.Learn first aid•1300 ST JOHN•www.stjohn.org.auTHIS INFORMATION IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR FIRST AID TRAINING. FORMAL INSTRUCTION IS ESSENTIAL. © St John Ambulance Australia Inc. 2018 Turf Grass Times

Page 8 MowMaster Cricket Pitch Seminar cont’dWe were very fortunate to have Matthew Lane present Also on hand that day with Danny Hambleton from Living on some of the work that he and Lewis Deinelt Turf was Jeff Lane who presented on how curators can adopt have done on the cricket pitches and playing ‘Minimum Levels for Sustainable Nutrition’ (MLSN)fields at Scotch College in Swanbourne. Seeing Matt’s photos as a prescribed program to manage the nutrition indemonstrating the brilliant quality of the turf and pitches, it their playing fields.was no surprise to know that both Matt and Lewis were trainedunder Cameron and the grounds team during his tenure at Jeff explained that knowing the minimum levelsthe WACA. Matt’s presentation was very well received as he for K, Ca, Mg, P and S (measured in ppm) in ashowcased how over the years they reconstructed the two wicket soil test that we should not go below, means theblocks on McKay Oval and some of the establishment challenges turf manager can accurately plan their fertiliserencountered along the way following the decision to utilise either programs based around how much nitrogenwashed turf sods or disced stolons in the replanting. they wish to apply. The MLSN Guidelines define a safe, minimum level of key nutrients in the soil. For healthy turf, you want your soil test results to be consistently maintained above the numbers in the table below. MLSN Soil Guideline Jeff Lane pH >5.5 Potassium (K ppm) 37 McKay oval - east wicket block Phosphorous (P ppm) 21 planted with stolons. (Winter Green)McKay oval - west wicket block planted Calcium (Ca ppm) 331with washed turf sod. (Winter Green) Magnesium (Mg ppm) 47 Sulphur as sulphate (S ppm) 7 Turf takes up its required nutrients from the soil in a set ratio relative to nitrogen. The amount it takes up is directly correlated to the amount of nitrogen applied. Using the MLSN principles allows you to accurately calculate how much, if any K, Ca, Mg, P and S needs to be applied over a specified time period to not let nutrient levels fall below these minimum levels. Despite the inclement weather it was a very good day and we are already looking forward to organising the next cricket pitch maintenance workshop to be held in the first half of 2019.McKay oval - west pitch McKay oval - east pitch Our thanks go to the sponsors and Ms Eva Ricci for her help with coordinating the day and to Greg Jackson for organising the sumptuous BBQ catering for lunch. by Tony Guy MowMaster Cricket Pitch Seminar 2018 Sponsors The People You Can Trust Proudly Western Australian. JBH Horticulture Services ia a labour hire company providing staffing solutions for the WA horticulture Industry. With over 30 years experience and expertise we aim to supply the Western Australian Horticulture and Turf industry with a reliable workforce. Providing committed quality personnel to Golf Courses, Contractors and Landscapers, Local Government, Nurseries, Schools and Turf Farms.For More Information contact: Jack Ma - 0411 072 819 [email protected] John Forrest - 0457 766 552 16/24 Baile Road | Canning Vale WA | 6155 Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 9BORE WATER IRRIGATIONMETERING REGULATIONSThe Rights in Water and Irrigation Amendment Regulations 2018,enacted on 18 February 2018, relate primarily to the Rights in The regulations do not apply ifWater and Irrigation Regulations 2000 Part 4A – Meters. • the licence is issued for less than 12 months • the licence relates to a single user damThe regulations • the department has approved an alternative method forUnder the new regulations, certain licensees must: measuring the take of water, or• Install a meter on each water draw-point. • the licence is exempt from all forms of measurement.• Ensure the meter and installation complies with the Rights Alternative measurement in Water and Irrigation (Approved meters) Order 2009.• Provide the following details of the installation (within 30 The department may approve alternative forms of measurement, for example, for in-stream dams (where metering may not be days): practical) and in situations where the licensed water take requires • Coordinate references relating to the location of the more comprehensive monitoring (most likely in addition to metering). This will be assessed on a case by case basis. meter or another approved description of its location Alternative forms of measurement approved for surface water • Date of installation may include but not be limited to dam surveys, installation of • Meter reading at the time of installation staff gauges, or monitoring of water levels. • Make, size, type and serial number of the meter.After the meter is installed drawings or annotated photographs Exemptionsof the meter should be taken and must show: In some cases, where measurement will provide minimal benefit• the length of pipe connecting the draw-point to the upstream to water resource management, licensees may be exempt from flange of the meter measuring their water take. A licensee may be exempt from the requirement to measure the quantity of water taken under a• the length of pipe between the downstream flange of the licence if the department is satisfied on reasonable grounds that meter and the first-bend or take-off it is impracticable to fit a meter and it is also inappropriate to use an alternative measurement method for measuring the quantity• The direction of the water flow through the meter. of water taken.A copy of the manufacturer’s specifications for installation ofthe meter or written advice from the person who installed the Penaltiesmeter that it complies with the manufacturer’s specifications forinstallation must also be provided.Licensees are to ensure the meter is maintained, in good working Failure to comply with these requirements is an offence andorder and operating within a range of plus or minus five per cent attracts a penalty of $2000 and daily penalty of $200 underof the quantity of water that actually passes through it, when prosecution. The department may elect to deal with the offencetested in field conditions. by way of a modified penalty (i.e. issue an infringement) of $400.Under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Regulations 2000 it is If a licensee fails to comply with the regulations, the departmentan offence to damage a meter; or install, or alter, a meter or any also may formally direct a licensee to comply. The licenseeassociated fittings so that the meter does not accurately measure commits an offence if they do not comply with the directionthe quantity of water being taken from a well. within the specified time-frame and the department may do allLicensees are required to: or part of whatever the direction requires to be done (such as• Record the meter reading at the end of each month fitting a meter), and recover the costs from the licensee.• Report meter readings to the department within 30 days More information after the end of the relevant water year (unless approved to provide an annual abstraction volume) For more information about your responsibilities see our• Notify the department within seven days of detecting a brochure ‘Metering your water use’ and answers to Frequently malfunction of the meter. Asked Questions on our website at www.dwer.wa.gov.au. Go toMeter readings must be submitted via the department’s Water Water > Licensing > Metering and measurement.Online metering portal, unless otherwise approved by the You can see a full transcript of the regulations and the Rightsdepartment. in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 at the State Law Publisher’sTo enable the online submission of meter readings, meters must website at www.slp.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.first be registered in the metering portal against the relevant You can use our online services to manage all of your licensingwater licence by entering some key meter installation details. and metering needs. Register for water online at www.dwer.wa.gov.au>Water> Home >Water Online.When do the requirements apply?The new metering regulations will affect licences issued underSection 5C of the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914, withan annual water entitlement of –500,000 kL or more from 31 March 201850,000 kL to 499,000 kL from 31 December 201810,000 kL to 49,999 kL in the Gnangara from 31 December 2019groundwater plan area from 31 December 202010,000 kL to 49,999 kL In all other areas Turf Grass Times

Page 10 WA Turf Awards 2018On Tuesday October 30th 2018, the WA Turf Industry came together to celebrate our annual WA Turf Industry Awards night.Supported by the Golf Course Superintendents Association ofWestern Australia and the Turf Growers Association of WesternAustralia we all enjoyed a fantastic night at the Hartfield CountryClub.We were honoured to have our guest speaker for the night as the2018 Golf Course Superintendent of the year, Mr Phil Moylan who isCourse Superintendent at Gosnells Golf Club. Phil’s personal storyof career development and travel was inspirational to the graduatesand guests. It was great to see the whole class of 2018 in attendancewith their partners, family members and course supervisors. At theevent Rob Gough from Hunter Industries disclosed to the audiencethe exciting news about Hunter’s inaugural ‘Emerging Leaders inIrrigation Award’. (See next page) More than 80 people were there,and I must say it is a pleasure to be connected with such a brilliantindustry.Congratulations to all of the award winners for 2018 who are: Best Student in Certificate of Best Apprentice 2018 Awards Trade Studies in Turf Management The Best Sports Turf Apprentice The “Bayer Award” was presented 2018 Award was awarded Daniel to Jax Battye from Meadow Springs Baker from the WACA. This Golf Course and is sponsored by award was sponsored by T-Quip Bayer Crop Science on behalf of and presented by Nick Clayton. Bayer the shield was presented by Tony Guy STA (WA). Best Golf Apprentice 2018 Award was also won by Jax Lecturer’s Choice Award Battye from Meadow Springs Golf This year there were dual Course and was sponsored by AFGRI Equipment. The award recipients for the award, Cameron was presented by Dollin Knight. McDonald and Jarod Fry both A big thank you to Eva Ricci our WA Turf Exec who did another from Wanneroo Golf Course. superlative job organising everyone and everything. Together The award is sponsored by Lawn with Jeff and Wayne Doctor Turf Solutions and was at South Metropolitan presented by Terry Sellick from TAFE and the team at Lawn Doctor. Hartfield Golf Course it was a fantastic night of Best Student Technical & good food and company. Further Education Most importantly a The “CH Bailey & Sons Perpetual big thank you to the Shield” was presented to Haydn sponsors for the night, Hamilton from Programmed whose very generous contributions made the whole possible, Property Services. This shield AFGRI Equipment, Baileys Fertilisers, Bayer, C-Wise, Globe has been sponsored by Baileys Growing Solutions, Greenacres Turf Group, Hunter Industries, Fertilisers with honour since Lawn Doctor, Living Turf, Nuturf, State Wide Turf Services, 1982. Turfcare WA, T-Quip and Western Irrigation. The award was presented by Clint Betts of Baileys Fertilisers. by Tony Guy Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 11 Nominations Are Open for the Hunter Industries Emerging Leader in Irrigation AwardThe EMERGING LEADER IN IRRIGATION AWARD from Hunter Industries recognisesindustry leaders who are positively contributing to water conservation efforts and advancinggrowth and professionalism within the industry.ELIGIBILITY The award is open to individuals in Western Australia who actively operate, maintain, and manage irrigation systems on a daily basis. Eligible irrigation system types include landscapes, parks and gardens, turf, sports fields, and nurseries.PRIZE The winner will receive a commemorative plaque and an all-expenses-paid trip to Hunter Industries in San Marcos, California.NOMINATION PROCESS All candidates must be nominated by a third party such as a manager or supervisor. Nominations must be received by the end of business hours on 15 February 2019. To submit a nomination and view award selection criteria, visit hunterindustries.com/elia.National Free Call: 1 800 HUNTER Tel: 1 300 856 368 Suite 7, 202 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill,Toll Free Fax: 1 800 651 680 Fax: 1 300 856 369 Melbourne, Victoria, 3168, Australiawww.hrproducts.com.au www.nelsonirrigation.com.au Tel: 61 3 9562 [email protected] [email protected] Fax: 61 3 9558 6983RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL IRRIGATION | Built on Innovation®Learn more. Visit hunterindustries.com Turf Grass Times

Page 12Village Green keeps its cool when the heat is on James Miller, South Perth April 2016Managing sporting fields and keeping them in peak This is a photo of a sports oval in Sydney. Only half the oval condition regardless of weather is a relatively simple was planted with Village Green (left), while the remainder task with Village Green turf. is common Kikuyu (right). Note the difference in colour andVillage Green kikuyu offers the perfect solution to a range of weed infestation.turf requirements, with dense, hard-wearing qualities renownedfor delivering excellent sports surfaces and public open spacesaround Australia.A dense, vigorous grass like Village Green has many advantagesover common kikuyu and other warm-season grasses. The twomain advantages are density and vigour. Density helps resistswear on sports fields and presents a tight cover that smothersweeds under a low maintenance (water and fertilisers) regimen.Superior vigour ensures better recovery from turf damage andwear, especially during winter.The photos below show the importance in having a tight knittedturf like Village Green, compared to the more open habit ofcommon Kikuyu. Village Green smothers weeds and presents averdant, more consistent surface that will last much longer thancommon Kikuyu.Murdoch University, Perth – high-use, high-performance field To reinforce the inherent advantages of Village Green, effectivesample used by the WACA and nearby schools. Photo taken management should be practiced over the summer months,in goal square during football season: Village Green on right, especially following rainfall or over-fertilising. To overcomecommon Kikuyu left. Note the increased density of Village Green excess vigour and potential thatch build-up, and to enjoy thesample. Site measurements show Village Green is 26 per cent benefits of Village Green turf, managers need to:more dense than common Kikuyu. • Low use sites - minimise the application of fertiliser during summer or eliminate altogether. Mow weekly, but frequency can be reduced during warmer months if growth is not excessive. • High profile/high use sports fields - mow weekly, fertilise based on leaf test results in November, apply Primo Maxx growth regulator 2-3 times during late spring to early autumn. Growth inhibitors such as Primo Maxx reduce the vertical growth of the turf and encourage lateral growth of the turf plant instead. Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 13A trial was conducted in Perth to determine the optimum rate of In Western Australia, Baldivis Oval and Ernest Johnson Reserveapplication of Primo Maxx for the control of “surge growth” after in South Perth were recently revamped as Village Green ovals.the planting of Village Green and for ongoing growth control Prior to laying, the turf was treated with Primo Maxx, followingduring summer. laying, they established very quickly and growth was wellThe trial was initiated in November 2015 using large pots and managed. This meant that a firm, well presented surface wasfresh cut turf rolls. The turf was sprayed with Primo Maxx at 3L ready for action within a few months of being laid.and 6L per hectare. The pots were clipped on a weekly basis andthe clippings collected and weighed. Pot trial – left: no primo, middle: 3L/ha, right: 6L/ha Ernest Johnston field in South Perth - in play two months after laying.This trial suggests that a rate of around 4-6 litres/Ha applied By using a combination of tools to manage the turf, such as theevery 5-6 weeks following the onset of summer will give a 40- application of a growth inhibitor, low intensity mowing regime45% reduction in growth rate and virtually eliminate thatch. and appropriate fertiliser application, turf managers are assuredPrimo MAXX improves turf thickness, uniformity and health, of an excellent Village Green playing surface throughout the yearproviding a smooth, tightly knit cover that better withstands and reduced build-up of thatch in the turf.stress.Primo MAXX achieves this by increasing lateral spread and turf Further information about maintaining a Villagedensity, in addition to slowing the vertical growth of the grass Green kikuyu surface can be found in the Village Greenand improving colour. This enhances the playability of village Maintenance Guide, available at www.villagegreen.com.augreen sports fields and the durability and amenity of publicspaces. Sydney Grammar – March 2017, mown at 13 mm for cricket.Primo prevents thatch build, reduces mowing costs and presentsa high-wearing attractive turf surface throughout the summer.This is especially beneficial when the cost of additional mowingis prohibitive.Sydney Grammar uses Primo Maxx and weekly mowing ontheir Village Green throughout the summer to control growthand presented a first-class surface for cricket.Turf Grass Times

Page 14 Turf Aeration Services Foundations of performance. Technology and process are the foundations of the sector-leading outcomes we deliver to elite sporting facilities. Our aeration machines provide options of solid or hollow tyne coring to accelerate your surface’s renovation time and playability to create the best sporting environment for athletes.Contact our turf professionals today08 9302 6795 | [email protected] | turfcarewa.com.auTurf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 15 Turf Grass Times

Page 16 Glyphosate — the factsIn recent weeks concerns over the use of the herbicide glyphosate have hit the media leading to alarmist and significantly misinformed commentary regarding its safety.User and consumer safety is CropLife Australia’s top priority when considering agricultural chemicals and IARC on glyphosate we welcome the public interest in glyphosate. However,it is critical that debate is informed and based on independent The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC),scientific evidence. a branch of the WHO, found glyphosate to be a probable carcinogen in 2015. While that sounds alarming, it simply means glyphosate is as much a probable carcinogen as shift work or Facts and science must prevail consuming red meat or beverages above 65 degrees.The science confirms glyphosate-based products are safe. More Aloe vera, pickled vegetables, coconut oil and several key agentsthan 800 scientific studies and independent regulatory safety used in chemotherapy treatment are all on the IARC lists ofassessments support the fact that glyphosate does not cause possible or probable carcinogens. From over 1,000 scientificcancer or environmental harm. assessments, the IARC has only ever found one substance to beAustralia’s own independent regulator, the Australian Pesticides ‘probably not carcinogenic’.and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), examined The IARC is not a scientific agency. It plays a role in advisingglyphosate as recently as 2016 and found no grounds for its regulatory bodies on potential hazards, allowing the relevantapproved uses to be reconsidered. regulatory agencies to consider if there are any associated risks and manage them appropriately.What is glyphosate? Glyphosate regulationGlyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide which works byinhibiting an enzyme found in plants. Glyphosate is the most Australia’s science-based, evidence-based, independentwidely used herbicide in the world, with around 500 products regulatory system is world-class and our agriculturalcontaining glyphosate registered for use in Australia from home chemical industry is regulated to the same extent as humangardens through to commercial farming operations. pharmaceuticals.Source: APVMA, https://apvma.gov.au/node/13891 Before any agricultural chemical product can be sold or manufactured in Australia, it goes through rigorous scientificGlyphosate toxicity assessment by the APVMA. They assess the safety and expected use of the product. In 2016 the APVMA examined glyphosate,In 2016 the ‘Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues’ (JMPR) met following the release of IARC’s report, and found there were noto discuss glyphosate. The JMPR brings together the Food and grounds for its approved uses to be reconsidered.Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations Panel of Experts In fact, every independent, science based regulatory agencyon Pesticide Residues in Food and the Environment and the globally (including; Germany, New Zealand, Canada, the UnitedWorld Health Organisation (WHO) Core Assessment Group States and the European Union) has comprehensively evaluatedon Pesticides. They conduct scientific evaluations of pesticide glyphosate and found it safe to use in accordance with labelresidues in food and determine whether they pose any health directions.risks to humans.The JMPR’s scientific evaluation concluded • The European Food Safety Authority in 2015that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk to humans. • The European Chemicals Agency in 2017 • The New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority in 2016Further, the JMPR found it was not necessary to establish anacute reference dose because of glyphosate’s low acute toxicity. • Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency in 2015Source: Join FAO/WHO Meeting of Pesticide Residues, • The United States Environmental Protection Authority in 2017summary: http://www.who.int/foodsafety/jmprsummary2016.pdf, Full report: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5693e.pdf Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 17What do independent science regulators say? Korean Rural Development Administration (RDA) “Moreover, it was concluded that animal testing found noUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carcinogenic association and health risk of glyphosate on“The draft human health risk assessment concludes that farmers was low. … A large-scale of epidemiological studies onglyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” December glyphosate similarly found no cancer link.” March 20172017“Glyphosate is classified as “not likely to be carcinogenic to Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authorityhumans” October 2016 (APVMA)European Chemical Agency (ECHA) Committee for Risk “Glyphosate does not pose a cancer to humans when used inAssessment (RAC) accordance with the label instructions” October 2016“RAC concluded that the available scientific evidence did notmeet the criteria to classify glyphosate as a carcinogen, as a Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PRMA)mutagen or as toxic for reproduction.” March 2017 “Glyphosate is not genotoxic and is unlikely to pose a human cancer risk.” September 2016 “The overall weight of evidence indicates that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a human cancer risk” April 2015 New Zealand Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Glyphosate is unlikely to be genotoxic or carcinogenic” August 2016 Japan Food Safety Commission (FSC) “Glyphosate had no neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, teratogenicity or genotoxicity.” July 2016 German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) “No hazard classification for carcinogenicity is warranted for glyphosate according to the CLP criteria” May 2016 Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) “Glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk to humans from exposure through the diet” May 2016 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) “Glyphosate is not classified or proposed to be classified as carcinogenic or toxic for Reproduction class 2” November 2015Turf Grass Times

Page 18Glyphosate — the facts cont’dWhat do the experts say? Environmental sustainabilityPaul Pharoah, Professor of Cancer Epidemiology, University Glyphosate, like all crop protection products, plays a criticalof Cambridge wrote, “The epidemiological evidence that role in environmentally sustainable farming practices aroundglycophosphates are associated with an increased risk of lymphoma the world.is very weak … From a purely scientific point of view I do not The application of glyphosate eradicates pests without havingthink that the judgement makes sense.” to disturb the soil and disrupt the weed’s roots via tillage. It is scientifically proven that conservative tillage, enabled by“These medico-legal cases are always difficult to make because the glyphosate, can reduce soil erosion by up to 90%, significantlyconcepts of risk and cause in a scientific sense are different to those improve water retention and increase/maintain carbon storage.concepts in a legal sense.” The Guardian Source: Wheat Production Handbook,https://www.bookstore.Bernard Stewart, Cojoint Professor School of Women’s and ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/c529.pdfChildren’s Health, UNSW; Scientific Advisor, Cancer CouncilAustralia reported “Residues in food are so low for all chemicals Food securityand glyphosate too, that there is no cancer risk.” ABC The responsible use of herbicide products, such as glyphosate, is“And then there’s the even lesser risk of cancer from residual crucial to global food security. Glyphosate is an essential tool forglyphosate, which has never been documented. Just forget it.” The our Australian farmers to be productive in an environment thatConversation is under constant threat of weeds.Dr Ian Musgrave, Molecular Pharmacologist/Toxicologist, The fact is over two thirds of the food on your plate and the beerUniversity of Adelaide stated, “Science is not besotted by court or wine in your glass exists because our farmers have access tocases and the actual scientific evidence we have shows that that safe, modern crop protection products.link is not apparent at the concentrations humans use, under the Without crop protection, up to 80% of the globe’s crops could beconditions human use it.” ABC lost to weeds, pests and diseases. With the global population set to approach 10 billion by 2050, this is a result that would plunge“My view and the view of most biological scientists and the world into a hunger crisis.toxicologists is [when] used properly, it’s not dangerous” Source: Deloitte Access Economics, https://www2.deloitte.com/ content/dam/Deloitte/au/Documents/Economics/deloitte-au-“In fact, the largest study of agricultural workers who use economics-activity-attributable-crop-protection-010218.pdfglyphosate showed no association between glyphosate and cancer.” Source: OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2012 – 2021,https://Channel Ten: The Project read.oecd-ilibrar y.org/agriculture-and-food/oecd-fao-Andrew Bartholomaeus, Consultant toxicologist; Adjunct agricultural-outlook-2012_agr_outlook-2012-en#page2Professor, School of Medicine University of Queensland; Adjunct Source: CropLife International,https://croplife-r9qnrxt3qxgjra4.Professor Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Canberra has netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf_files/Feeding-Nine-said, “Glyphosate has been tested in a very comprehensive package Billion-The-Issues-Facing-Global-Agriculture.pdfof toxicology studies, on multiple occasions … and consistently Source: CropLife International:https://croplife-r9qnrxt3qxgjra4.glyphosate is not a carcinogen in animal studies.” ABC netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf_files/Fact-Sheet-Emeritus Professor Jim Pratley, Charles Sturt University also Feeding-the-World-Sustainably.pdfsaid “If there were to be carcinogenic we would expect that suchcancers would be in epidemic proportions these days, given itswidespread use,”“The world is moving towards nine billion people in a fewdecades. We depend on biotechnology and glyphosate to be ableto feed them,”“Fake news serves us poorly. As Academy of Science Fellow Dr TJHiggins once said ‘red herrings are in plentiful supply but they willnot feed nine or 10 billion people’. GM (genetic modification) andglyphosate, however, just might.” The Daily Liberal Using glyphosate All chemical products, including home cleaning products used daily, have instructions for safety and correct use on the label. To ensure the safe use of all chemical products, including glyphosate-based herbicides, always read the label and use as directed. Turf Grass Times Article by CropLife Australia 2018 Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 19Your one stop Spray Equipment shop RepresentingAgricultural, Commercial, Turf & Garden Spraying Equipment Specialists Ph: 9353 1177Unit 7 / 10-18 Dowd StreetWelshpool WA 6106 Phone 9353 1177 Turf Grass Times

Page 20 CROPLIFE AUSTRALIA’S RESPONSE TO FOUR CORNERS PROGRAM8 October 2018 (Canberra) – Following tonight’s Four Corners program, CropLife Australia encourages all observersand commentators to refer and give primacy to the independent scientific experts regarding glyphosate, instead ofcontinuing to inadvertently perpetrate misinformation and unnecessarily escalate community concern.CropLife Australia and our members support a rigorous, robust, independent and scientific evidence-based regulatorysystem to ensure the safety of Australian users, consumers and the environment.Australia’s independent regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), undertook acomprehensive reconsideration nomination assessment of glyphosate as recently as 2016 following the IARC’s monographreport and found no grounds for it to be reconsidered. Health Canada, the United States Environmental ProtectionAgency, and New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority have also all concluded glyphosate is safe to use.Recent evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority, Germany’s Federal Institute for risk assessment (BfR), andthe European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) found unequivocally that glyphosate poses no unacceptable risks either tohuman health or to the environment.Independent regulatory safety assessments support the fact that glyphosate does not cause harm to humans or theenvironment.The US Agricultural Health Study investigated the risk between glyphosate exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Thestudy analysed data from over 89,000 farmers and their spouses and found no association between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin lymphoma – regardless of the exposure level.The Four Corners program also reported on CropLife Australia’s advocacy activities. CropLife Australia’s only objective inour engagement with parliamentarians and political parties is to ensure they have a clear, evidence-based understandingof the plant science industry and its regulation. We also advocate the importance of the innovations of our industry forAustralia’s farming sector.CropLife Australia is an apolitical organisation that operates to the highest ethical standards and with the utmost integrity,transparency and professionalism in all we do. CropLife Australia is disappointed Four Corners has suggested otherwiseand did so entirely unfairly and without foundation.CropLife Australia participates in a wide range of agricultural political events. These forums are not paid for to achievea specific policy change, we simply participate to provide factual, scientific information to political and policy decision-makers – the same way many other peak national organisations do.CropLife acts with openness, integrity and honesty in our professional undertakings. It was entirely unreasonable forFour Corners to impugn CropLife’s reputation simply because we participate along with hundreds of other industryorganisations and companies in completely lawful and legitimate advocacy activities.Four Corners’ opportunistic harnessing of emotional speculation over validated scientific evidence only reinforces theneed for an organisation like CropLife Australia to ensure the plant science sector’s interests are represented factually.Statement by Mr Matthew Cossey, Chief Executive Officer of CropLife AustraliaContact: Katherine Delbridge (Director – Corporate Affairs) Ph: 02 6273 2733 Mob: 0410 491 261 Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 21 Can you spot A rip at the beach? A great wave? A skin cancer? Two in three Australians will develop If you have fair skin, blue or skin cancer before the age of 70. green eyes, fair or red hair or The good news is that 95 per cent lots of moles or freckles you are of skin cancers can be successfully at high risk of developing skin treated if detected early. cancer. Do you know what skin cancer Cumulative UV exposure also looks like? contributes to your risk of A simple check could save your developing skin cancer. So if you life. We should all check our skin grew up in Australia, work outdoors regularly. Get to know your skin and or spend lots of time in the sun you take immediate action if you notice should take care to protect and any changes. check your skin.Use the ABCD of Asymmetry Border Colour Diametermelanoma detection to If the spot or lesion A spot with A spot with A spot that ischeck for the following: is divided in half, a spreading a number of growing and the two halves are or irregular different colours changing in not a mirror image. edge. through it. diameter or size.Melanoma Skin cancers Warning signs Check your skin regularly Be SunSmart. There are three main types of skin The following spots are not skin cancer • Most skin cancers are detected by people Protect yourself in five ways from• Accounts for 1–2% cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous but may predispose you to skin cancer skin cancer. of skin cancers. cell carcinoma and melanoma. or be a warning sign that skin damage themselves or by a family member. UV levels are highest during the has occurred. middle of the day. Take care to be• Is the most dangerous Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) • To check your skin, undress completely SunSmart when the UV Index is 3 or and aggressive form • Accounts for about 66% of skin cancers. Dysplastic naevi (‘atypical moles’) and stand in good light. above. You can find the UV Index at of skin cancer. • Grows slowly over months or years. • Are odd-shaped moles that may indicate www.myUV.com.au • Look for small, round or flattened spots • Use a full-length or hand-held mirror to• If left untreated can a greater risk of developing melanoma. check your back, legs and scalp. If there Slip on protective spread to other parts that are red, pale or pearly in colour. • Usually 5-10mm wide with uneven are areas you can’t see properly ask clothing of the body and can be Some are scaly like a patch of eczema. a family member or your GP for a skin • Use clothing to fatal. • May become ulcerated, bleed and fail to colouring. check – don’t ignore them. heal. • If you have lots of odd-shaped moles cover as much• Grows quickly over • Usually found on the upper body, head • Make sure you check your entire body skin as possible. weeks to months. or neck. get your skin checked regularly by your as skin cancers can sometimes occur doctor. on parts of the body not exposed to the Slop on SPF 30• Can appear as a new Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) sun, for example the soles of the feet. or higher or existing spot, freckle • Accounts for about 33% of skin cancers. Solar keratoses (‘sunspots’) Go through the same checking sequence sunscreen or mole that changes in • Grows over months and may spread if • Generally hard, red, scaly spots each time to get into a routine. • Make sure it’s colour, size or shape. not treated. on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Check your: broad spectrum• Can grow anywhere on • Look for scaly red areas that may bleed • Most commonly found on the head, • Head, scalp, neck and ears and water- the body, not just areas resistant. exposed to the sun. easily, ulcers or non-healing sores neck and on the back of the hands. Take an extra close look around the nose, that are often painful, especially when • Is a warning sign that the skin has lips, ears and scalp. Slap on a hat• Occurs most frequently touched. • Wear a hat that on the upper back in • Often found on lips, ears, scalp, backs been damaged by the sun and that skin • Torso males and on the lower of the hands and lower legs. cancers may develop. Check the front, back and sides of the covers your face, leg in females. • If you have solar keratoses, protect torso. head, neck and yourself from further sun damage and ears. have your skin checked regularly by a • Arms, hands, fingers and nails doctor. Remember to look at the spaces Seek shade between the fingers and the beds of your • Make use ofMfaocerclo1a0un%notms a Harmless spots fingernails.ocaf nacllers Seborrhoeic keratoses (‘senile warts’) trees or built • Buttocks, legs and feet shade or bring • Common non-cancerous spots sometimes confused with melanomas. Remember to check between toes, under your own. • Raised warty-looking brown or black lesions with well-defined borders. toenails and on the soles of feet. • Mostly found on the trunk but can occur anywhere on the body. Slide on some See a doctor straight away if you notice: sunglasses Eye damage • A skin spot that is different from other • Close-fitting The sun can also damage your eyes. spots around it. wrap-around In the short term, sun exposure can cause styles offer the burns to the eye similar to sunburn of • A mole or freckle that has changed in best protection. the skin. Long-term exposure can lead to size, shape or colour. cataracts (clouding of the lens), pterygium (tissue covering the cornea) and cancer • A new spot that has changed over weeks of the conjunctiva or cornea. It is or months in size, shape or colour. important to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and a broad- • An inflamed sore that has not healed brimmed or bucket hat. within three weeks. 1 1. Pterygium (tur-ridg-i-um) 2 3 2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the conjunctiva 3. Cataract For more information call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or visit www.cancerwa.asn.au Developed with assistance from Dr Jamie Von Nida, Dr Peter Randell and Dr Judy Cole. Turf Grass Times

Page 22 Managing Turfgrass Mites For Best ResultsMites that feed on plants, “Phytophagous Mites”, are becoming increasing prevalent in turfgrass across a range of host species. Damage has most often beenobserved on Cynodon dactylon cultivars and hybrids, butobservations and reports have identified damage to Kikuyuand Zoysia. This is not surprising as our knowledge of thepests continues to grow and with it, a better understandingof symptoms and species. Phytophagous mites are a highlydiverse group that have evolved with great diversity inthe environment, with more than 6000 species of plant-feeding mites known worldwide. As our understanding ofhow they affect turfgrass grows, it is inevitable that we willidentify new symptoms of mite damage and new mite speciesthat may have even been misdiagnosed as other biotic andabiotic stress factors. Mites have some core traits that make them such successful Figure 2: M ite affected Kikuyu on left with stunting and discolouring and healthy Kikuyupests. These traits have evolved and are a part of their on right. Syngenta 2017.biology, including: Mite life cycle influences treatment approach • high breeding potential with short generation times • ability to respond to favorable conditions Most common curative treatments are undertaken once • small size and positioning tight in sheath creating difficulty damage has occurred and mite populations are established. Some turfgrass mites such as Aceria cynodoniensis can lay as many in contact control. as 50 eggs every 2-5 days and complete a full life cycle within It is important to note that mites are not insects and are more 10-14 days. This rapid life cycle leads to explosive populations.closely related to arachnids such as spiders, scorpions and ticks.With this comes a range of morphological differences, such Eggs hatchas fusion of body parts and number of legs. Because of this in 2-3 daysdifference, it is important to note that management strategieswill require approaches different to other commonly treatedturf pests like beetles and caterpillars. However, with the correcttiming and strategies, such as placement of product targeted atmite zones, we can ensure effective control of mites, and reduceand manage their damage affects. Entire lifecycle in 10-14 days Multiple generations per season Adults mate Nymphs feed and lay eggs and mature within a 3-5 day in 5-6 days lifespanFigure 1: Porpoising - compressed leaf sheathes with short fattened leaves under heavy Figure 3: Rapid life cycle of Aceria cynodoniensis that regularly damages couch grass. mite infestation. Syngenta 2016.Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 23 Best application practices Once established, there can be a lag phase in controlling thepopulation and in the recovery of the affected turfgrass. The An integrated approach comprised of cultural, mechanicalrapid generational times mean incomplete control of any given and chemical components is required for mite managementgeneration leaves the door open for exponential growth of new programs. Culture aspects like adequate water and nutrientpopulations. Hence we often see mite problems become very big, support improve recovery and resilience of turfgrass to mitevery quickly, with treatments not delivering the desired effect. damage. Mechanical treatments like raising mowing heightsThis occurs when treatment timing and placement does not get and disposing of infected clippings reduce the spread of mitesto the location of the tiny mites, due to protection from areas and increase resistance to damage. The chemical componentlike the leaf sheath which create a physical barrier to control. is critical to keep populations in check when pest pressure isTiming and early treatment – before damage – is critical in good high to ensure damage and stress does not occur, yet it can bemanagement of turfgrass mites, and it starts with identifying a the most difficult to achieve for effective control if applicationsmite problem as guided by previous years. are not spot on. It requires critical thinking around application timing and placement, product selection, tank additives, andLooking for mites long term resistance management through rotation to ensure the best outcome. Early mite identification and monitoring is critical to thesuccess of any mite management program. Treatment timingClimate warm and dry (20–40ºC), turf under stress, The seasonal and year-on-year variation seen in mite dry warm spring/summer populations is largely a function of the widely differentEye stunted turf growth, yellowing, “witches broom/ environmental conditions that occur through spring and porpoising” tufty uneven growth patches summer, not to mention the microclimatic differences that occurLens small, circular or elongated mites (0.2–0.5 mm) between and within turfed areas. But a long, dry winter often under leaf sheaths of affected plants triggers increased mite pressure coming into spring and summer.Management increased mowing height, adequate nutrient It is suggested that regularly occurring day temperatures and water over 20° in late-spring/early-summer are optimal for many turfgrass mites. Product selection A fast acting knockdown miticide should be selected to reduce mite populations followed by a long lasting product that can break the life cycle of the remaining population. To demonstrate this, we will use the Syngenta mite program which rotates AGADOR and HIGRAN. This strategy rotates different modes of actions to ensure good resistance management practices. Both these products deliver control through feeding on product stored in a reservoir in the plant, as most control does not occur though contact as often perceived. Knockdown application – abamectin Abamectin (AGADOR) – the knockdown specialist – has been the registered active ingredient that has shouldered much of mite management in Australia. This specialty formulation is a chelated formulation that delivers a beneficial greening of damaged turf. It has excellent turf safety qualities and miticide behaviors in terms of its ability to translaminar through the leaf tissue (movement from one side of the leaf to the other). All the while maintaining a sub-laminar reservoir of active ingredient in the leaf surface, waiting for the mite to feed and draw a treatment dose. This ability to move off the leaf surface and sit below also means it has an excellent profile against most non-targets. This is because much of the mite kill is not from contact but uptake of abamectin from the sub-laminar reservoir. Turf Grass Times

Page 24 Tank additivesLife cycle breaking longevity application – diafenthiuron Many miticide labels call out specific recommendations for Diafenthiuron (HIGRAN) – the life cycle breaker – is an the inclusion of adjuvants/surfactants. Such recommendations are based on results that demonstrate inclusion improves resultsexcellent example of a product that provides longevity in a and efficacy. More information can be found in the directions ofdifferent mode of action group from abamectin. This very strong use section for specific products labels. For example AGADORmiticide moves in a translaminar manner post application to and HIGRAN miticides have a clear direction; “The addition ofsit below the leaf surface, reducing risk to non-targets as with a quality non-ionic surfactant at a rate of 0.25% v/v (1000 g ai/Labamectin, whilst also possessing other special properties that products) or 0.42% v/v (600 g ai/L products) such as Agral Spraymake it an effective miticide with excellent longevity. Firstly, it Adjuvant is essential.” For 25% v/v (1000 g/ai adjuvant) this wouldcreates a vapour film around the treated leaf ensuring control of be would be 250 mL/100 L of adjuvant in spray solutions andmites in tight areas that are generally difficult for liquid products for 42%% v/v (600 g/ai product), 420 mL/100 L of adjuvants into reach. Secondly, the product gradually transforms post spray solution. The inclusion of the adjuvant/surfactant reducesapplication into the chemically active form (i.e. the miticidal water droplet tension when it comes into contact with foliage,compound) giving it greater overall longevity over knockdown resulting in better spread over the leaf surface, treating more areaproducts and opening the door for extension of control in and entering tighter spots while providing better adherence toterms of time. It has also been reported to have ovicidal action the foliage. Some products may also reduce drying times andon mites that targets life cycle right back to the egg stage. improve absorption into the leaf. As part of a program, diafenthiuron ensures a reduced number Managing the risk of resistance developmentof applications when compared to a traditional program of repeatapplication of abamectin, often with reapplication timings as low The sheer number of offspring produced by an adult miteas 7 days. Other benefits are a reduced overall program cost and and short generation times increases the risk of resistancereductions in resources required to apply product. development to chemical controls – it’s a numbers game. More mites means greater opportunity for a naturally occurring To achieve higher levels of control, faster, it is important to change leading to resistance of a particular selection pressure,target as much of the mite life cycle as possible. When used in a in this case the repeat use of a single mode of action chemistry.program together, AGADOR and HIGRAN target the adult and How far advanced this situation currently is will vary betweennymph stages which make up 90% of the mite’s life cycle. sites, however it would be inconceivable to think it has not commenced. To ensure resistance risk is reduced, rotation of Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 product mode of action is critical for long-term success. AGADOR HIGRAN Turf Miticide Mites can be managed Turf Miticide Application 2 Even though mites are not obvious to the naked eye, theApplication 1 damage can be profoundly evident from these tiny pests. Damage leads to poor playing conditions and weak turf that Figure 4: E xample Syngenta base mite program to deliver population knockdown and life costs more to maintain and repair. Mites are very successful cycle breaking longevity, giving an effective control period of up to 6 weeks. pests due to their tiny size, short life cycles, and ability to rapidly increase in numbers. By putting into practice strong culturalProduct Placement and mechanical management supported by chemical based management programs, mites won’t be your turf ’s undoing this Placement is critical to the success of any chemical application. summer. We have the tools and the knowledge to ensure targetWith all applications, we are aiming for even coverage, minimal treatments that place control measures where they are requireddrift, and placement within the correct plant zones. Directions and provide long-term success. If you require support in yourof use on product labels clearly define the best water rate that mite programs, contact the Syngenta team.will give the most reliable level of control for individual products.For mites, we are targeting the foliage of the turf. This is best Michael De Lucaachieved with 300–500 L/ha of water delivered though medium Technical Manager, BAppScdroplet size nozzles such as Syngenta XC025 and XC04. Higher Syngenta Lawn & Gardenwater volumes are more appropriate for higher cut turf areas suchas sports fields and golf course roughs. The added benefit of theSyngenta XC nozzles is the back facing angle which ensures moredroplets per m2 compared with over traditional air inductionnozzles and improved front and back leaf coverage. Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 25 Coming Soon in 2019WA TURF SEMINAR 2019 (Save The Date)Wednesday 1st May 2019 8:00am - 3:30pm Lark Hill Sports Complex Warnbro Sound Avenue, Port Kennedy IInntteerrssttaattee aanndd llooccaall ssppeeaakkeerrss,, pprroodduucctt ddiissppllaayyss,, eeqquuiippmmeenntt aanndd mmaacchhiinneerryyddeemmoonnssttrraattiioonnss.. NNeeww tteecchhnnoollooggiieess,, nneemmaattooddee rreesseeaarrcchh uuppddaatteess,, rreennoovvaattiioonn wwoorrkksshhooppss.. Educational, Instructive, Inspirational. The classroom moves outside for practical interactive lectures, Choosing the right machinery for the preferred ouitcome. • Practical sportsfield renovation demonstrations - [how deep, blade /tine spacing, coring versus scarifying] • Selecting New machinery and equipment [specific or versatile, cylinder versus rotary]Proudly hosted once again by the Sports Turf Association (WA) & Turf Growers Association of Western Australia For more information closer to the date please visit www.sportsturfwa.asn.au and or www.tgawa.com.au Turf WA Turf Grass Times

Page 26 Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 27 Turf Grass Times

Page 28 New growth regulator TRIMMIT improves hedge management “ TRIMMIT, Syngenta’s new growth regulator, improves the appearance of hedges while cutting down labour costs – helping you keep your plants in shape for less. Recent trials demonstrated a single application of TRIMMIT reduces hedge regrowth by up to 90% leaving you with hedges that require less maintenance. This is due to the regulator’s innovative mode of action: an early gibberellic acid inhibitor which supresses the growth of terminal shoots for up to 12 months, while encouraging the plant’s axillary buds to grow. The result is not only denser, greener hedges that remain beautifully uniform for longer, but also healthier plants that can better withstand drought and other high-stress conditions. Dr Sheldon Navie, Vegetation Manager at IVM Group, tested TRIMMIT and says the difference is clear.“ I have taken a vast number of measurements on plants treated with TRIMMIT, so I have an intimate knowledge of just how effective this product can be at reducing the growth of hedging species,” says Dr Navie. “The difference was so obvious at one of the trial sites that the head gardener asked where he could get some.” Using TRIMMIT as part of your vegetation management strategy has another crucial benefit: by reducing the need to prune, it delivers significant savings in labour, clipping disposal, noise invasion and risk management issues. “Many of our clients trim large numbers of hedges along busy roads. Working in these areas comes with an inherent level of risk and usually also requires lane closures, traffic control and/or night works – all of which add to the cost of undertaking these activities,” says Dr Navie. “TRIMMIT has the potential to significantly reduce the frequency of required hedging in these areas, reducing the cost of managing the vegetation, the time spent by workers in these higher risk environments, and the impact on road users.” “An application of TRIMMIT for the hedges and BARRICADE herbicide for the weeds – at the same time – should mean that vegetation management workers do not need to return to these areas for extended periods.To find out more about how TRIMMIT can help with your hedging needs, contact your Syngenta Agent or call 1800 022 035. Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 29S rvicing very o nerf u rea S ate Renovation & Grass Collection Artificial Turf Sweepers &Flail Equipment Mowers Equipment Scrubbers08 9478 7000 Bill Kilmurray 0418 488 434 www.tquip.com.au Richard Gainsford 0487 880 001 Turf Grass Times 0437 012 955 Nick Clayton 0418 919 230 Jean-Paul Groosman

Page 30 WA Lawn Expo On Saturday the 27th October 2018, WA held its first ever Lawn Expo for community at the beautiful South Metropolitan TAFE in Murdoch. This free event was sponsored by the Turf Growers Association WA and coordinated by WA Turf Industry executive officer Eva Ricci. The inspiration for the event came after a meeting with the administrator of the growing Facebook group, the WA Lawn Addicts. The WA Lawn Addicts are a group of Perth/WA lawn enthusiasts The most important thing in the promotion of lawns as a viable who have grown to a membership of 3500 members, many of and necessary product is ensuring that the advice being given whom offer advice to those wanting help with their lawns whilst on the Lawn Addicts page is credible and correct. The WA Lawn showcasing their members efforts to have the best lawn in the Expo was designed to do just this. street. The Lawn Expo was hugely successful for an inaugural event, abuzz with families enjoying the sunshine and a day on the “green”, all wanting to learn how to have a fantastic lawn all year long. Children were included with lawn games, beach balls, colouring tables, bubble blowing and an ice cream van on site. A coffee van and the TGAWA run BBQ kept everyone happy and fed. The grounds at South Metropolitan TAFE never looking better. This was an educational day, to encourage best practice behaviours. The focus was not on selling turf on the day but rather to educate homeowners on the essentials to ensuring success with their lawns. 1. Quality Soil amendments 2. Reticulation Audits and best practice irrigation 3. Correct use of wetting agents and soil moisture retainers 4. Fertilising best practice 5. Weed control 6. Mowing best practice 7. Turf renovations The page has been a great source of confidence for WA turf Adam Strachan (Rainbird Australia) growers. Turf in WA has had a terrible rap over the last 10 yearsprize give-aways galore and is really struggling from the negative government and media messages that portray turf as a water guzzler and space waster. Increased urbanisation for the Perth metropolitan area has been the governmental goal and saving water has been the main driver of this policy. The result has been media campaigns to promote smaller blocks with less lawn areas, or worse hardscaping’s. Having WA metropolitan residents show that there is still pride in having the greenest lawn in the street has given the Turf Growers Association WA members the confidence to fight back and the WA Lawn Addicts are right on board helping us to send out our message that lawn is worth having and fighting for. leif and Braden from Reece Irrigation Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 31Turf Growers Association WA members had a display stand Every exhibitor supplied a quality give-away for the event.where they showcased many different brands and types of turf, Prizes included five smart irrigation controllers, a petrol blower,however individual farms were not the focus. The Growers Mower service voucher, a fertiliser spreader, bags of fertiliser,manning the display were kept extremely busy educating soil amendments, bottles of liquid wetting agents, including thehouseholders on the different varieties of turf available in WA TGAWA supported Biagra and Aquaforce products.and their suitability for conditions. There was great camaraderieand support from the metropolitan based turf growers at this TGA WA stand was a favouriteevent. It was great to witness the focus on the entire productionsector, rather than individuals vying against each other forbusiness. It really was a great team effort for which the growersmust be applauded.Left to right: Bec Selleck (Lawn Doctor and Vice-Chairperson of Turf There were formal information sessions with horticulturalAustralia, Darren Kirkwood (West Coast Turf and Chairperson of Turf media personality Colin Barlow, and Tim Richards fromGrowers Association WA and Adrian Pitsikas (Greenacres Turf Group) Richgro as well as the irrigation specialists. Growers were tasked with demonstrating fertiliser application, weed spraying, verti Educational exhibitors included; mowing etc. All in attendance expressed the fact that it was a • Irrigation Australia LTD (WA Region) fantastic day that they would be involved again next year. • Reece Irrigation Grateful thanks must go to the team at South Metropolitan • HR Products Irrigation TAFE for their support and generosity, we could not have done • Rainbird Irrigation it without them. • Hunter Industries Irrigation The day was some definite success thanks to the commitment • Total Eden Irrigation and dedication of the Turf Growers Association in giving WA • Baileys Fertilisers Executive Officer, Eva Ricci, free rein to organise the event so • Richgro Garden Supplies well. • Scotts Fertilisers • Ezflo Fertigation Units • MowMaster • T-Quip and MTD Products (Mowing equipment) • Water Corporation • SERCUL (Fertilisewise)Call Kerion on 0433 871 192 Turf Grass Times

Page 32WA Lawn Expo cont’dEqually, thanks must go to the WA Lawn Addicts for giving the Tim Richards (Richgro andTurf Growers the confidence and platform to promote why we Amazon Soils) “Without a doubtlove and need lawn. Water Corp was there to talk. the best industry expo that we have been involved with ever. We had people queuing twelve deep juts to learn about soil amendments, fertilisers and wetting agents for lawns! It was better that the Perth Garden Festival from an exhibitor and educator perspective. We simply couldn’t keep up with the flow of people! Excellent Expo, we definitely want to be involved again next year.” JP Groosman (T-Quip) MowMaster was popular “Fantastic expo! To be able to educate people and showcase our equipmentAaron Compton (Department of Water) “Congratulations Turf at the same time, was excellent. The fact that expo attendeesGrowers Association Western Australia on a fantastic event. Forthe public to have access to the best and most knowledgeable could actually trial our equipmentturf growers in the state was fantastic. The new weather-basedirrigation controllers were an eye opener and cheap as chips was brilliant. We want the soletoo! Great to see Irrigation Australia at this showcase event andit shows how well we do things here in the West when you have rights to next year’s expo!”people flying in from Sydney specifically to attend!” article by Eva RicciNick Clayton (T-Quip) “In over 30 years in this industry this is Turf WA Executive Officerwithout a doubt THE best expo, the best industry event, that Ihave had the pleasure of being involved with.”Quality products developedfor WA turf conditionsNo one knows WA better than Baileys• Energy® range of organic based compounds• Biologically enhanced liquid fertilisers• Grosorb® granulated & liquid wetting agents• Full laboratory testing & customised nutrient programs• Fertcare Accu-Spread spreading [email protected] (08) 9439 1688 www.baileysfertiliser.com.au Issue No. 47 January 2019 Turf Grass Times

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 33THE PERFECT CUT EVERY TIMETHE LM2700 FIVE-UNIT FAIRWAY MOWER. LM2700CUSTOMISE YOUR CUTTING PERFORMANCE. FAIRWAY MOWER• Featuring Baroness Aggression Cutting Technology• Selectable 2WD or 4WD on demand as standard• Powerful and reliable Kubota diesel engine• Nickel-chrome-molybdenum cutting reels• 26 inch unit for optimum productivity• Tungsten tipped bedknives keeps an edge up to 4 times longer than most other blades• Excellent wet weather performance Find out more about B-ACT at kubota.com.auLM315 Proudly used at L4240 RTV-X900 COTTESLOE GOLF CLUB GM2800-B FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE KUBOTA BARONESS RANGE PLEASE CONTACT: E & MJ Rosher Pty Ltd Ben Russell 1748 Albany Hwy Business Development Manager Kenwick WA 6107 Turf and Government Business P: (08) 9459 4166 M: 0409 900 813 W: rosher.com.au [email protected] Turf Grass Times

Page 34 Certificate II & III in SPORTS TURF MANAGEMENT Certificate II in Sports Turf Management AHC20916 Certificate II covers the underpinning knowledge and basic skills used in Sports Turf Management. This pathway allows progressive learning and strong foundations for Certificate III Sports Turf Management. Certificate II is delivered as a traineeship one day per week over a 12 month period. Training hours are approximately 300 (course will run subject to sufficient student numbers).Certificate III in Sports Turf Management AHC31316 Certificate III in Sports Turf Management is delivered as an apprenticeship over three years at TAFE. Otheroptions, provided you are already employed in the Sports Turf industry, include part time night school study, aswell as attending individual units to suit your specific needs allowing you to work towards a qualification at yourown pace. Certificate III level Nominal hours are approximately 600. In 2018 training will be offered as ‘Block’ training over two weeks per term for existing second and third year apprentices. First year Apprentices will have the option for either attending one day per week training or by attending ‘block’ training,designed to cater for country and regional apprentice needs. (subject to sufficient student numbers to run both options). The Certificate II in Sports Turf Management Traineeship in conjunction with the Certificate III Sports TurfManagement Apprenticeship provides trainees with nationally recognised comprehensive skills and knowledgerequired to work in all sports turf based businesses such as golf courses, sporting grounds, local government, turffarms and maintenance contractors. Direct entry into the Certificate III level apprenticeship reduces the TAFEtraining component by approximately 40% compared to completion of both the Certificate II and Certificate IIIpathways. Over the course of the apprenticeship students will learn skills in the establishment and maintenance ofrecreational turf, the preparation of sports playing surfaces and the management of recreational and sports turffacilities. Students will also learn about pest and disease control, plant identification, irrigation, drainage andother factors necessary to the job in sports turf and grounds management. Classes are held at the South Metropolitan TAFE Campus, 130 Murdoch Drive, Murdoch, between 7.30 am — 4:00 pm. RTO Code: 52787 For more information please contact SM TAFE Turf Department: 1800 001 001 http://www.southmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/futurestudents/keydatesTurf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 35Certificate II in Sports Turf Management AHC2091615 units (10 core and 5 electives)AHCCHM201 Core APPLY CHEMICALS UNDER SUPERVISIONAHCIRG217 Core ASSIST WITH PRESSURISED IRRIGATION OPERATIONSAHCMOM203 Core OPERATE BASIC MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENTGD201 Core PLANT TREES AND SHRUBSAHCPMG201 Core TREAT WEEDSAHCPMG202 Core TREAT PLANT PESTS, DISEASES AND DISORDERSAHCSOL202 Core ASSIST WITH SOIL OR GROWING MEDIA SAMPLING AND TESTINGAHCTRF202 Core PREPARE TURF SURFACES FOR PLAYAHCTRF204 Core SUPPORT TURF ESTABLISHMENTAHCWHS201 Core PARTICIPATE IN WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCESSESAHCMOM304 Elective OPERATE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENTAHCTRF302 Elective ESTABLISH TURFAHCTRF303 Elective IMPLEMENT A GRASSED AREA MAINTENANCE PROGRAMAHCTRF305 Elective RENOVATE SPORTS TURFAHCPCM201 Elective RECOGNISE PLANTSCertificate III in Sports Turf Management AHC3131616 units (11 core and 5 electives)AHCIRG331 Core INSTALL PRESSURISED IRRIGATION SYSTEMSAHCMOM304 Core OPERATE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENTAHCPCM301 Core IMPLEMENT A PLANT NUTRITION PROGRAMAHCPCM302 Core PROVIDE INFORMATION ON PLANTS AND THEIR CULTUREAHCPMG301 Core CONTROL WEEDSAHCPMG302 Core CONTROL PLANT PESTS, DISEASES AND DISORDERSAHCTRF301 Core CONSTRUCT TURF PLAYING SURFACESAHCTRF302 Core ESTABLISH TURFAHCTRF303 Core IMPLEMENT A GRASSED AREA MAINTENANCE PROGRAMAHCTRF305 Core RENOVATE SPORTS TURFAHCWHS301 Core CONTRIBUTE TO WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCESSESAHCCHM303 Elective PREPARE AND APPLY CHEMICALSAHCIRG306 Elective TROUBLESHOOT IRRIGATION SYSTEMSAHCSOL303 Elective IMPLEMENT SOIL IMPROVEMENTS FOR GARDEN AND TURF AREASCompleted in Certificate II in Sports Turf Management:AHCPCM201 Elective RECOGNISE PLANTSAHCPGD201 Elective PLANT TREES AND SHRUBS Turf Grass Times

Page 36 Globe Growing Solutions are excited to welcome Trevor Strachan and Brent McPherson as Western Australia’s new team ofTerritory Managers. Joining them at the Malaga branch is Rob Cendron as Sales and Office Coordinator with Globe Turf. Together, Trevor and Brent bring a great dynamic to the Globe team with their incredible scope and depth of experience in all facetsof the turf industry. Trevor’s turf experience and technical agronomic expertise in Western Australia is of the highest calibre and regard. His additionto the Globe Team will set a new standard for turf representation in the west. Trevor’s decision to join the Globe Growing Solutionsbusiness will proudly strengthen Globe’s agronomic, service and product offerings and his wealth of knowledge and experience willbe a great resource for our turf customers in the West Australian market. “We are truly glad to have him on board the Globe GrowingSolutions Team” says Jeff Bowtell, National Operations & Sales Manager. Brent has 15 years experience in the sports turf management and horticulture industry working in turf maintenance, renovationand construction environments. Brent has a broad background in construction techniques carried out on multiple sports surfaces,golf courses, council parks and race tracks. Brent, working with Trevor are a great fit for Globe. With this introduction comes also a great new range of FERTECH Liquid Fertilisers, 2SPEC Granular Fertilisers and the HYDROLINKWetting Agents, already making a big impression on the turf industry in WA.For more information please contact:Brent McPherson - 0408 238 287 Trevor Strachan - 0438 702 [email protected] [email protected] Globe Australia Pty Ltd 448 Victoria Road | Malaga |WA 6090 ABN: 75 001 429 714 Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 37 CALL US FERTECH products containing Brandt Nurture N Liquid SRN 1800 244 300 are technologically superior liquid blends based on a specific type of methylene urea. Nurture N products provide both controlled Globe was proud to officially launch the HYDROLINK range release and upfront nitrogen properties directly into the plantof wetting agents to the Australian turf market during the 2016 through the foliage. Nurture N fertilisers are foliar applied andAGCSA Trade Show and are especially pleased to now bring are ideal for application to supplement a granular fertiliserthese products to WA. The Hydrolink portfolio comprises of five program to enhance the nutrient levels in your turf withoutspecific products that have been designed and manufactured in encouraging growth surges. The application rates are extremelyAustralia for Australian conditions. flexible and can be tailored to suit any nutritional program. “Our Hydrolink range of products have undergone extensive Machinery and Equipmentindependent testing and field trial work over the last 12 monthsto ensure that we can be 100% confident in the range of products Globe also now stock and distribute a fleet of machinerywe are bringing to the marketplace. We are now excited to present encompassing world leading technologies and designs, includingthe Hydrolink products to our valued customers knowing that we such brand names as SumiSoaker, Fountainline Paints andwill not only meet their expectations, but exceed them. Globe has Marking machines, Dakota, Lastec, Amazone, Turf Engineering,invested heavily in the development of the Hydrolink range and Tru-Turf, Agrimetal, Blec, First Products, Groundsmanwe look forward to sitting down with customers to discuss our new Industries & Wiedenmann. To view the range of machinerywetting agent portfolio and where they best fit each situation” distributed by Globe Growing Solutions & Equipment Solutions please contact either Brent or Trevor and or visit the website 2SPEC Fertiliser range has been formulated to provide colourand growth response from both the low and high proportion of Globe Analytical Services Website has also launched and is theplant available nitrogen, with inclusions of iron and manganese most up to date and interactive website:for colour. Ranging from 20% to 80% of nitrogen as polymersulphur coated urea (PSCU), 2SPEC range is ideal for use www.globeanalytical.com.authroughout all the seasons, in particular when both growthand colour is desired at different rates. The improved 2SPECformulation is the ideal product for enhancing existing turfcover. In particular, 2SPEC Elevate provides excellent colour anda high level of turf growth due to its 40% stabilized nitrogen withiron and manganese. This product applied at routine intervalswill provide an exceptional deep colour with excellent growth. Turf Grass Times

Page 38 Lawn Doctor – Still leading the way in WA after 43 years.Lawn Doctor Turf Solutions has a new name and a new logo, but drought tolerance and fantastic winter colour. It was used (under the it is still the same company, with the same family owners. name Zeon) on the golf course for the Rio Olympics and is the turf of choice on golf courses designed by Tiger Woods and Greg Norman. Michael Jordan even chose it for his own private golf course. Sir Grange has proved itself to be more than just a golf course grass with its low maintenance, great winter colour and fantastic shade tolerance. Lawn Doctor’s other new variety, TifTuf, is the product of almost 25 years of R&D from one of the world’s leading Turf Breeders, the University of Georgia. Over the last 25 years it has proven its superiority over 30,000 other varieties bred at the University. TifTuf shows superior qualities in drought (up to 38% less water than other varieties) and wear tolerance with better winter colour. TifTuf is a major player on sporting grounds in the USA and has been used in Australia at Marcellin Park and Campbelltown Sports Stadium in NSW as well as by the Redcliffe Dolphins in QLD. So far, the feedback has been very good and more projects for these new turf varieties are in the pipeline. Lawn Doctor was established in 1975 and has grown from Through LSA, Lawn Doctor has also ben able to introduce the producta one-man domestic contractor, a Lawnie, into the turf company it is Colour Guard to the WA market. Colour Guard is a plant dye madetoday. from actual plant pigment. It is used to create natural colour when older varieties of turf lose their colour during the winter months, perfect for It is from the simple beginnings of a small lawn mowing contractor colouring up the home lawn or the winter sports field.that Dave Parker developed his business to include domesticrenovations, followed by large scale contract mowing, then contract Lawn Doctor’s innovation and leadership in the industry continuescommercial renovations and finally the building of sports grounds and today, being one of two turf companies in Perth to be Certified withthe establishment of turf farms in Perth and the UAE. AusGap. AusGap is an Australian turf accreditation program created to provide clients with assurance that the certified company’s turf grass Over the past 43 years, Lawn Doctor has invested in the latest production and practices adhere to a stringent set of quality standards.equipment and innovative turf practices to remain a leader in this To achieve this accreditation Lawn Doctor had to demonstrate that allcompetitive market place. Lawn Doctor was the first contractor in WA their Quality Management practises, Environmental, Training and OSHto purchase a Redexim Verti-Drain aerator, which is now common place procedures are equal or surpass standard. AusGAP incorporates thein many West Australian turf maintenance and renovation programmes. International Turfgrass Program (ITGAP), a quality assurance programLawn Doctor was also the first contractor to introduce the Field Top for turf used throughout the world.Maker and Recycling Dresser into Western Australia. Lawn Doctor Turf Solutions are the only turf company in WA to farm, In 1999, Lawn Doctor worked with Sports Turf Technology in maintain, construct, renovate and sell turf and lawn products out ofdeveloping the application rates of Iron and Manganese fertilisers to their own metro Turf Shop. Our clients range across the whole spectrumsports fields. As a result of these trials STT wrote specifications which of turf users, from domestic householders to commercial organisations,form a vital role in the nutritional management of iron and manganese giving us a wealth of experience in providing you with the solutions todeficiency in WA. Continuing to work closely with Lin Hambleton, your turf problems.the original director of Sports Turf Technology and seniormost Perth based turf consultant and educator, Lawn It has been a wonderful journey from domestic “Lawnie” to commercialDoctor pursued the development of written renovation “Turfie” for the Lawn Doctor family and one that will continue into thespecifications for turf. These specifications are still widely fourth generation.used today and considered by many to be the “Turf Bible”for WA turf managers. Terry Sellick remembers this time Warm regardswith pride and fondness as turf educators like Lin, Sam Bec SellickFranco, Garry Hollaway and John Forrest helped to shapehim into the turfie he is today. GM – Lawn Doctor Turf Solutions Lawn Doctor then moved into the production of turf and was the firstfarm in WA to get their Sir Walter Buffalo turf DNA Certified. Duringthis time, they became part of the Lawn Solutions Australia Group(LSA). LSA is a group of the country’s best turf suppliers. LSA growershave extensive R&D programs that include partnerships with some ofthe world’s leading turf grass research facilities and access to a variety ofthe most innovative grass varieties in the world. These “new generation”grasses have been cultivated and trialled over many years, ensuringsuperior drought, salt, fungus and shade tolerance attributes. Lawn Doctor currently farm two of these new turf varieties, a newZoysia variety named “Sir Grange”, and an outstanding couch varietycalled “TifTuf”. Sir Grange has proven to need 75% less nitrogen thenother turf varieties and up to 50% less mowing with high wear and Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 39 OUR SERVICES• Kikuyu Suppliers • Wicket and oval profiling • Broadacre planting• Sir Walter, Soft Leaf Buffalo • Overplanting • Consulting• Vertimowing • Aerating • Oval reconstruction• Verti - draining • Fertilising granular & liquid • Levelling• Sweeping • Planting • Parramatta removal• Top dressing • Flail mowing • Turf farming and laying• Stolen sprigging • Herbicide spraying • Mat removal• Recycle top dressing • Broadacre mowing • Training• Scarifying • Deep Slicing (Earthquake) • Coring Statewide 9306 1788www.lawndoctor.com.au Turf Grass Times

Page 40 25 SHIELDS CRESCENT | BOORAGOON WA 6154 www.tgawa.com.au AG Buffalo Turf Supplies Betta Turf Bullsbrook Turf Graeme Ferguson Brian, Bev and Kelly Vidovich John and Jenny Maas Tel: 9524 2364 Tel: 9410 1426 Tel: 9306 1065 Graeme: 0418 952 706 Brian: 0418 916 734 John: 0429 905 617Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.bettaturf.com www.greenbull.com.au www.agbuffaloturf.com.au 177 Moylan Road 900 Eighty Road WATTLEUP WA 6166 Cooper Road Supply and Installation WEST BULLSBROOK WA 6065 BALDIVIS WA 6171 Wintergreen Couch Supply of Turf Sir Walter Buffalo Supply of Turf Wintergreen Couch, Sir Walter Buffalo Kikuyu Palmetto Buffalo Empire Zoysia Kikuyu Village Green Kikuyu Down South Turf Farms Greenacres Turf Farm Greenfields Turf Farm John and Vicky Clayton Adrian and Peter Pitsikas John and Jenny Maas Tel: 9751 2228 Ph: 9525 8800 Tel: 9306 1065 John: 0419 933 927 Adrian: 0427 003 540 John: 0429 905 617Email: [email protected] Peter: 0427 003 541 Email: [email protected] www.downsouthturf.com.au Email: [email protected] www.greenbull.com.au 207 Wonnerup Road South www.greenacresturfgroup.com.au BUSSELTON WA 6280 Lot 503 Henderson Rd 108 Franklin Rd SERPENTINE WA 6125 WANNEROO WA 6065 Supply of Turf Sir Walter Buffalo Supply of Turf Supply of Turf Village Green Kikuyu Wintergreen Couch Wintergreen Couch, Santa Ana Couch Greenhills Turf Farm Palmetto Buffalo Derrin and Cher Greenhill Palmetto Buffalo Kikuyu Sir Walter Buffalo Tel: 9192 3756 Village Green Kikuyu Empire Zoysia Derrin: 0409 689 960 Village Green KikuyuEmail: [email protected] Turf WA 171 Yamashita Rd, 12 Mile Lawn Doctor Turf Farms BROOME WA 6725 Turf WA Dave and Liz Parker Supply & Installation of Turf Eva Ricci Tel: 9306 1788 Wintergreen Couch, Tel: (08) 9437 2180 Dave: 0419 761 788 Fax: (08) 9437 2180 Sir Walter Buffalo Mob: 0422 120 990 Email: [email protected] Zoysia [email protected] www.lawndoctor.com.au 22 Roussett Road T A Turf Growers Association JANDABUP WA 6065 of Western Australia Inc. Supply of Turf Wintergreen Couch Turf Grass Times Sir Walter Buffalo Zoysia Turf Maintenance Issue No. 47 January 2019

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 41 The TGA WA was established in 1992 as an association of Western Australian turf growers and allied businessesgoverned by Rules, a Code of Ethics and a Code of Best Practice. The association is active in funding and assisting withresearch into turf growing and maintenance and members are committed to providing quality products and reliableservice. Please support your local turf growers supporting the WA Turf Industry. Ord Valley Turf Permanent Brook Turf Perth Turf Supplies Peter, Con and Sam Paino Sophie and Rusty Cook Tony Demasi Tel: 9169 2887 Tel: 9377 6755 Tel: 9330 2711 Tony: 0417 178 667 Peter: 0407 386 255 Sophie: 0407 344 399 Email: [email protected] Con: 0407 386 256Email: [email protected] 313 Arthur Rd Sam: 0407 386 257 WEST SWAN WA 6055 Email: [email protected] Lot 250 Jabiru Road Supply & Installation of Turf www.perthturfsupplies.com,au KUNUNURRA WA 6743 Wintergreen Couch 873 Cooper Road Santa Ana Couch BULLSBROOK WA 6084 Supply of Turf Greenlees Park Supply and Installation of Turf Empire Zoysia Wintergreen Couch Palmetto Buffalo Palmetto Buffalo Queensland Blue Turf Farm Superior Lawns Australia Sapphire Buffalo Karl Rzemek Jerome Flugge Empire Zoysia Tel: 9302 2260 Tel: 9409 9211 Empress Zoysia Or 1800 695 296 Karl: 0418 922 099 Turf Developments (WA) Pty Ltd Brad: 0408 922 888 Jerome: 0417 177 030 Steve LindsayEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.queenslandblueturffarm.com.au Steve: 0418 912 257 48 Jakattah Road www.superiorlawns.com.au Email: [email protected] WEST GIN GIN WA 6503 775 Gnangara Road www.turfdevelopments.com.au Supply and Installation LEXIA WA 6079 Supply of Turf 217 Gibbs Road Queensland Blue Wintergreen Couch NOWERGUP WA 6032 TifTuf Bermuda Supply and Installation of Turf True Blue Turf Sir Walter Buffalo Leonard and Jim Deale Kikuyu Kikuyu Installations available Turf Maintenance and Renovation Tel: 9754 8873 Leonard: 0438 833 999 West Coast Turf Westland Turf Email: [email protected] Darren Kirkwood Peter, Con and Sam Paino www.trueblueturf.com.au Tel: 9575 7520 Tel: 9330 2711 PO Box 271 Darren: 0428 928 309 Peter: 0407 386 255 BUSSELTON WA 6280 Jason: 0407 440 334 Con: 0407 386 256 Supply and Installation Email: [email protected] Sam: 0407 386 257 www.wcturf.com.au Email: [email protected] Wintergreen Couch www.westlandturf.com.au Nara - Native Turf 494 Chitna Road 209 Moylan Road NEERGABBY WA 6503 WATTLEUP WA 6166 Kikuyu Supply and Installation Kenda Kikuyu Supply and Installation Wintergreen Couch Sapphire Buffalo Wintergreen Couch Empire Zoysia Plateau Couch Palmetto Buffalo Santa Ana Couch Sapphire Buffalo Empire Zoysia Neergabby Buffalo (ST15) Empress Zoysia Village Green Kikuyu Jump-Up Fescue Turf Grass Times

Page 42Leonard Deale - True Blue Turf Grower Profile What varieties of turf does True Blue Turf supply and why these varieties?Nara Native Turf, Empire Zoysia, Saffire Soft Leaf Buffalo, Wintergreen Couch, Kenda Kikuyu, and local Kikuyu. Allvarieties have been specifically trialled and selected for our local region and environment to offer an option to mostsituations of application of turf. We have turf options varying from the fastest establishing and quickest recovering turf tothe most shade tolerant and even the slowest growing of varieties. Your history in the turf industry – how did you become involved and why, how long you have been in the business and what exactly your role is at Bullsbrook Turf?True Blue Turf Farm was a vision inspired through a school project on small business and my past family history in farming.True Blue Turf has been operating for 14 years since 2004I am the owner and director of the farm, involved in all aspects from farm operation and maintenance to sales and marketing.What does a day in your work life look like?Every day is new and exciting with different challenges and exciting opportunities always requiring a fresh approach to anever-changing world and expectations from clients.Most days generally include machinery operation from bobcat to tractor work and truck driving and forklift operation.Then there is the time spent with the staff that keep the farm operating on the field and in the office and assisting with newand existing clients.What are the positives of your role? Tell us about a great day at work.I truly enjoy the team that I work with as this is a family business and even our non-family members working on the farmhave been here for many years as well. We are a close team and are always looking for new ways to improve how we dothings. We also have the opportunity to assist the community in ways that you could not do when working for someoneelse. We get to make those decisions as a family and a business rather than just wishing we could so something to help.It’s a family business, what are the pros and cons of working in a family business?As always families come with their similarities and their differences and we have learnt over the years to use each other’sstrengths as an asset to the business and support each other in the decisions made based on each members experience andknowledge that they bring. The closeness of a family business goes a lot deeper than just a standard employer and employeerelationship.Do you think that the image of turf has been degraded over the years and do you have concerns for the wider turfindustry?I think Australians continue to love their lawn and see and know the benefits. There is even a bigger push that just asAustralians love organic food produce this decision also extends to their landscaping and selection of natural living groundcovers.My biggest concern for the future of the turf industry is some of the “old boys” that have been in it for 2-3 times the yearsthat I have, are still selling their turf for the same price it was 30 years ago although fertiliser, fuels, labour and power haveall increased running costs considerably.What would you say to decision makers if you had the chance to?I sometimes wonder if it wouldn’t be better for the West Australian turf industry to reconsider its value based on thefact that we do not have to compete with any other shopping mediums as turf cannot be ordered online, interstate orinternational, e.g from international markets such as Chinese made products as turf can’t even be brought interstate yetalone from overseas. I really feel that we are our own worst enemy when it comes to the value of our industry.Regrets or celebratory times, work or personal, do you have any?After a 2 ½ year wait for the new Brouwer Robomax turf harvester May 2018 was definitely a time to celebrate for True BlueTurf Farm. As we said goodbye to manual stacking.Who has been inspirational to you in your work and/or personal life and why?My Dad, he is the oldest team member but still proves to work the hardest every day.Without his continued support True Blue Turf would not be the farm that it is today. Turf Grass Times

Page 43 Leonard and Jim DealeTel: 9754 8873 | Mob: : 0438 833 999 Email: [email protected] www.trueblueturf.com.au Turf Grass Times

Page 44 Damage control of an irresponsible Media’s Issue No. 47 January 2019 habit in filtering catchy headlinesLazy journalism is no excuse and ‘Shock Jock’ reporters should be held accountable because the repercussions can be very serious. We all know that when USA President Donald Trump hears some news thathe disagrees with, he quickly labels it as Fake News or a Witch Hunt. However, whenour own local news agencies resort to publishing grandstanding headlines and thebroadcasting of short select media grabs out of a much larger broad focus study inan effort to attract reader attention even if is contentiously biased and shamelesslyunbalanced it becomes a sad day when you have to agree with him.You could also say that considering the WA Turf Industry has for the past 18 yearsbeen obliged to wage this ongoing campaign rebuffing a continuous misinformedattitude that perceives living turf lawns as an “environmental hazard and waterguzzler”, you would expect that we would become immune to these brainfarts fromarmchair environmentalists.Yet enough is surely enough. Recently ABC reporter Dariya Salmin and WA Todayreporter Hamish Hastie felt it was their professional duty to declare the scaremongermessage that Australians’ pursuit of healthy turf surfaces is being environmentallyirresponsible. Their headlines screamed out “Australia’s love of lawns harmingthe environment, researchers warn.” and “New Perth study urges gardenersto pass on the grass”. Their source was a freshly published paper by Dr. MariaIgnatieva, from UWA’s School of Design. Dr Ignatieva was the lead researcher inthe study that was conducted in collaboration between the University of WesternAustralia and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences which looked at theglobal footprint of turf surfaces and the environmental impact of maintaining thatfootprint. The study was made from the questioning viewpoint that in a world ofdeclining resources, should the cultural needs for turf ie aesthetics, sport and recreationoutweigh the needs of an expanding urban landscape? However, throughout the studythere appeared to be a considerable amount of wishful thinking and wouldn’t-it-be-nice idealism thrown in as substitutes for fact. Possibly due to minimal data beingavailable that supported their ideal list of the way resource are prioritised. In the endit was eminently obvious that the researchers had little horticultural knowledge andeven less understanding of the differences between managing cool season grasses inthe northern hemisphere and that of warm season turf in Australia.As a result, our industry has been required to defensively crisis manage thesecircumstances. Media comments and interviews have been addressed and a formalresponse to a particularly judgemental, yet naively researched paper had to be quicklydeveloped and circulated to government and other relevant parties. It’s felt like it hasbeen a bit of a revolving door of similar content, (frustratingly time consuming) toaddress once again misinformation that is often driven by media horticulturists withspecific agendas and who, I add, are regularly contracted to the Water Corporation.Similar autocratic statements and thought bubbles emerge from the marketing teamsof the Water Corporation and certain “Waterwise” councils with lapdog support fromsupplicant landscape architects that continue to preach that lawns are dispensable andof little value to society. Yet unfortunately, their bias in this matter is expected thesedays and we counter it as best we can. In some ways this need to protect viable qualitygreen space for Perth was the driving motive towards the establishment of the GreenSpace Alliance.But as said, enough was enough, so please find on the following pages a copy of Eva’sresponse to Dr Ignatieva’s media release. She has done an outstanding job. Tony Guy STA(WA) President Turf Grass Times

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 45Please Note! this is a Draft copy only Turf Grass Times

Page 46 Turf WA 100 Lorimer Road Beeliar WA 6164 Mrs Eva Ricci | Executive O cer Ph: (08) 9437 2180 | Mob: 0422 120 990 | Email: [email protected] statemeins its farpoarmt-timthe peosWitioAn, 3TduayrsfpIernwdeeuk.sEtmraieilsswrilel bgeachredckiend gMotnhdeay,rWeesdenaesrdacyhanpdapuersrd;ay“An alternative urban green carpet”1School of Design, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6001, Australia. 2Department of Urban andRural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Post Office Box 7012, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden. 3Department ofEcology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Post Office Box 7044, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden. 4Department of Forest ResourceManagement, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå SE-90183, Sweden. Email [email protected]; [email protected]: How can we move to sustainable lawns in a time of climate change?The Turf Growers Association WA is always interested in communities, as are bushfires. The risk of these concerninghearing different perspectives from other parts of the world. factors has not been considered at all in this paper. ChildrenWe acknowledge that the key author of the above mentioned cannot recreate in the same manner on mulched or pebbledand attached paper is only recently based in WA, and that surfaces as they can on irrigated turf. Families in WA would nother research paper was conducted elsewhere and is heavily encourage children to play in “meadows” due to perceived safetydependent on literature from Northern Hemisphere research and hazards.in our opinion, does not accurately reflect Western Australiancontext to acknowledge our own special soils and climate before It must be noted that in northern Europe, the lifestyle is in notranslating the findings of others, and is not relevant to Perth. way comparable to that of Western Australia, where community only spends short periods of time in the outdoors due to weather conditions. The CEO of IKEA when visiting Perth, noted that inNo consideration for warm season turf grasses. Sweden and other Nordic countries, they do not stock a decentWhilst the research papers concede that irrigated natural turf in outdoor range as IKEA does here in Australia since people inarid zones enhances urban livability, there are several concerning these countries do not conduct outdoor activities in the same wayrecommendations that are not cognizant of the above- as we do here. The paper lacks credibility from this perspective, asmentioned conditions, regarding the use of native grasses to it has not considered the different lifestyle behaviours, the vastlyreplace irrigated turf. There is no mention in the paper of Kikuyu different climates, and it doesn’t show an understanding of theand couch grasses, (warm season grasses), used extensively in attraction for irrigated green space for health and wellbeing inWA for public open space. Notably, kikuyu turf grass is a mat- our state. If the author has only been in Western Australia for theforming perennial grass which spreads by underground stems past six months, she has not witnessed an Australian summer.(rhizomes) and profusely branched, creeping surface stems thatroot down at the nodes (stolons), (down to 3 meters) that forms Benefits of Turf.a dense drought tolerant turf cover. It can withstand long periodswithout water but recover quickly when rewatered. Under regular The Department of Education and Training WA and Beyondgrazing or cutting it forms a dense turf, but otherwise can grow Blue recognise validly the importance of irrigated turf andto about 30 or 40 cm deep with a deep root system (to >3 m). To greenspaces for mental and physical health and wellbeing inignore these warm season varieties that thrive with best practice Western Australia. There are numerous independent researchturf management, even under reduced water allocation, is in our findings that support the importance of irrigated green spacesopinion extremely naïve. and turf for the many, many benefits to community including; social, environmental, health and economic benefits of turf that have not been appropriately acknowledged in this researchMeadows for recreation. paper. The evidence of the importance of irrigated green spacesThe viability of Western Australians playing sports such as and turf to livability has been acknowledged by local, state andcricket, football and soccer on “meadows” of mixed native the federal governments.grasses is quite unreal. Western Australian native grasses donot transpire in the manner that irrigated turf does to provide Obesity in Australian children has been a focus in recent years.urban cooling, and they are not suitable surfaces for recreational With less private, quality green spaces and diminishing irrigatedactivities due the inability to handle heavy traffic, the contour of public open spaces, children, and their parents are spending morethe plant vs soil and the height that they should be maintained at screen time than green time, with activity levels notably downand the endurance of these plants with lack of water under traffic and type 2 diabetes increasing alarmingly. Schools concentrateremains untested. Please refer here to view the varieties of native on educating children on outdoor activities to combat thegrasses and their suitability in situ for WA conditions: https:// amount of screen time that occurs in home. Health issues are arising because of “blue light” that comes as the compulsion ofwww.sgaonline.org.au/lawn-alternatives/ screen time increases. Children are not able to play, to recreate outdoors due to already limited quality areas of irrigated greenNor has the author considered the environmental concerns that spaces, turf.our society has with children playing in long grasses. Venomous Issue No. 47 January 2019 Grass Timessnakes and spiders are highly prevalent in WA, even in our uTrubarnf

Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 47Water Consumption. Carbon Footprint.The references within the paper to water consumption are Regarding comments on the carbon footprint of turf, thenot profound, and without consideration for our free draining researcher has not noted the WA Department of Sport andsands and aquifer recharge potential, for Western Australian Recreation document “Natural grass vs synthetic turf ”. Thiscircumstance and reality. The paper cites that “in arid regions of respected, comprehensive and fair document notes Natural grassthe United States, lawn irrigation accounts for 75% of the total helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere throughannual household water consumption” this is not comparable photosynthesis and stores it as organic carbon in soil, makingto Perth, where outdated Water Corporation data specifies that them important “carbon sinks.” A typical lawn (2,500 sq. ft./23240% of water usage is outdoors, and not all of that is for irrigated m2) converts enough carbon dioxide from the atmosphere toturf. This includes, gardens, pools and other outdoor activities. provide adequate oxygen for a family of four. [9] There is someTo use Northern hemisphere data without legitimising the recent research from the United States that suggests greenhousecorrelation to WA conditions and environmental circumstance gas emissions from fertiliser production (mowing, leaf blowingshows ignorance, by not to referencing WA data and information and other lawn management practices) are greater than, thedirectly doesn’t reflect well on the researcher. amount of carbon that can be stored in them, suggesting that natural grass may contribute to global warming rather thanThere is no mention of solutions for water use other than reduce it. This study also found that athletic sports fields do notto decrease or remove a living plant system that is proven to store as much carbon as ornamental grass due to soil disruptioncombat urban heat island effect. The matter of provision of by tilling and resodding.[10] However, it was later discoveredwater to service community for betterment and quality of that there were several computation errors in this research andlife is not considered in this paper. The privatisation of water, when the computations were corrected, it was found that naturalbetter water reuse and recycling, storm water harvesting for grass actually is a net sequesterer of carbon dioxide, reversingPOS, and many other alternatives, must be a priority focus for the conclusions of the original report.[11] This is backed up bygovernment and industry groups. A positive for the people of another recent US study that concludes “After reviewing the directPerth would be the development of a working group to long term carbon sequestration of grasses and their root systems, we found thatplan for Perth’s future; how we want it to be/look. This would managed lawns sequester, or store, significant amounts of carbon,require commitment from unified government departments and capturing four times more carbon from the air than is produced byagencies, community and industry groups, as a matter or priority the engine of today’s typical lawn mower. The study also finds thatand would be welcomed. well-managed turf grasses (natural) that are cut regularly and at theWater Contamination. appropriate height, fed with nutrients left by grass clippings, wateredReferences to water contamination and run off are also based on in a responsible way, and not disturbed at the root zone actively pullNorthern hemisphere literature. University of Western Australia pollutants from the air, creating a greater carbon benefit.”[12]research and independent research undertaken in WA, has It must also be noted that whilst synthetic turf does not requiredemonstrated on numerous occasions that nutrient leaching in mowing, it still does require ongoing maintenance, often usingWA is very low under current watering and fertilising regimes fuel powered machinery to help keep it clean and performing well.and is not comparable to studies undertaken elsewhere in the Ride on mowers with brushes rather than mowing blades are usedworld despite our free draining sandy soils. to brush the surface and leaf blowers are also used to remove leaves from fields. This maintenance equipment produces greenhouseThe paper specifically cites pesticides as being of concern for gas emissions but unlike natural grass there is no carbon sink towater contamination. “Another concern is the contamination counter balance it.of groundwater or runoff water due to overuse of fertilizers,herbicides, and pesticides. In 2012, the U.S. home and garden sector Often artificial turf replaces a natural grass surface, so anotherused 27 million kg of pesticides”. This in no way reflects the habits contribution synthetic turf makes to global warming is theand usage of said chemicals here in WA. Pesticide usage in WA removal of a natural grass surface that reduces carbon dioxide, byhas been greatly restricted over recent years due to community converting it into oxygen. [13]concerns across most of local government authorities. Pesticidesusage in WA is extremely well legislated and regulated, with h t t p s : / / w w w. d s r. w a . g o v. a u / s u p p o r t - a n d - a d v i c e / f a c i l i t y -several chemicals previously used for pest management now management/developing-facilities/natural-grass-vs-synthetic-turf-restricted or banned. Fertilisewise legislation regulates the usage study-report/broader-environmental-considerationsof phosphorous in WA with bagged fertilisers not being allowed Unfortunately, no formal greenhouse gas life cycle analysis formore than 1% phosphorous. Newer turf related fertilisers turf grasses has been completed here in WA. This is somethingincorporate carbon and humic and are far more environmentally that the WA Turf Industry would welcome and will endeavour tofriendly. The turf industry urges best practice fertilising and discuss at a UWA Turf Industries Research Steering Committeeis very responsible with recommendations regarding this. meeting soon. Overseas studies of this nature are limited and notHerbicides in WA are also well regulated by the state government generally applicable to WA. Turf has a huge potential as a carbonand overall responsibly managed by LGA’s and experienced turf sink, and as such, WA will develop a project proposal for this as amanagers. It is our opinion that the comments pertaining to matter of priority.pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers, are not entirely valid norpertinent to WA. CSIRO conducted a study many years ago with The matter of carbon footprint domestically did not consider thea finding that dog faeces was potentially more of an issue than footprint of the current trend of a far bigger house being built on abest practice fertilising. much smaller lot, as is the norm in newer Perth suburbs. Nor did it consider the urban infill program, whereby air conditioners and clothes dryers are over utilised with less private greenspace to cool homes and the environment. Turf Grass Times

Page 48Hydro-zoning. Water Allocations.On the matter of hydro-zoning, this is already happening across Turf managers and producers in WA already take extremelymany local government authorities in Perth, where areas on the seriously the environmental responsibilities of not onlyedges of parklands, golf courses and ovals, have been replanted adhering to current water extraction allocation legislation butwith trees and shrubs as unirrigated spaces. Community safety also to minimising any incidences of nutrient leaching into ourhas been factored in to this, and it is hoped that landscape waterways. The challenge across industry remains to producearchitects and designers are using Western Australia native and maintain quality resilient turf surfaces for a community withspecies, that encourage habitat for our endangered native increasing expectations. Many communities that are dependentfauna, such as the Carnaby and red-tailed cockatoos. Eastern upon using the Gnangara groundwater reserve are now understates natives, and olive groves have a place, however genuine the added pressure of having their ground water extractionconsideration for our native fauna species should be a priority. allocation actually reduced. However the elephant in the room is the reliance of government policy makers on old and out-ofSynthetic Turf. date research to justify these limits on groundwater extractionWe do however congratulate the author for highlighting from the superficial aquifers. The fact that the WA Turf Industryconcerns and her comments on synthetic turf. Synthetic turf strives to employ advanced technologies and managementin sporting turf uses more water than natural turf. Synthetic strategies such as the installation of smart irrigation controllers,turf creates a heat island effect comparative to concrete and soil moisture sensors, and the appropriate application of sandasphalt. In contrast, irrigated natural turf that has been found amendments must be part of the whole water conservationto be cooler for the environment than a shallow lake. Sporting strategy. A commitment to using quality wetting agents and soilinjuries, and health risks from synthetic turf, in recent times moisture retainers, careful applications of organic and controlledhave become concerning, across the globe. For practical reasons release inorganic fertilisers with humic acid additives that arein domestic circumstance, synthetic also creates issues, being too eco-friendly and well within the minimum phosphorous usagehot to for pets and children to live and play on in warmer months legislation is continually being driven pro actively by industryin Australia, with heat burns from the surface becoming more and not by government. We firmly believe that WA can have ourprevalent as usage increases. home lawns and public greenspaces such as irrigated parks andA full life cycle analysis of synthetic turf comparative to sporting fields and walk, play, exercise and lie about on themnatural turf is a project that we need to undertake, taking too without feeling guilt. The many, many benefits of lawns orinto consideration heat island and cooling effect, dust and turf, environmentally, for health and wellbeing, socially andcontaminates, health risks and storm water harvesting aspects. economically that do not appear to have been addressed by thisHeat island effect in Australia climactic conditions, is potentially research.more profound than in the Northern Hemisphere. Heat stress, Pro actively the turf industry in WA will endeavour to encourageheat island and the temperatures of synthetic turf and hardscapes the national peak body for turf production to conduct a full costin our environment, must surely be more significant. benefit analysis on the environmental and economic value of turfHot, dead earth isn’t good for any living creature this is an obvious in Australia, broken down to state levels.fact, nor for urban canopies, for without the, ‘carpet under thecanopy’, urban trees cannot survive with rising temperatures. CONCLUSION:Local government authorities are already battling the issue ofpotential tree loss and how to replace aged canopy trees with a Overall, the paper appears to be very simplistic, drawing onfast-growing substitute that will sustain with rising temperatures. northern hemisphere data, without appropriate considerationNotably, tourist destination and seaside, port town, the City of or evaluation of Western Australian circumstance. It does notFremantle, are facing the loss of long-established native street seem to fit with current urban greening trends in Australiatrees (Agonis) due to rising temperatures and the tree’s inability and is seriously lacking in content pertinent to Perth, Westernto survive in the concrete environment. Concernedly, established Australia. The WA Turf Industry sees this research as being atrees are being removed for infill development and new suburbs knee jerk reaction that does not afford this paper credibility.excessively. Tree canopies in WA are not comparable to that ofNorthern Europe, nor do our native trees transpire in the same Turf WA CONTACT:manner. Eva Ricci Executive Officer WA Turf Industry [email protected] M: 0422 120 990 Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019