Turfgrass Maintenance Reduction Handbook – Sports, Lawns and Golf

 

Turf managers are forever looking at ways of maximising resources and minimising time, labour and costs. Reduction of turf maintenance translates directly into money savings, not to mention less reliance on valuable natural resources. This book, by US turf researcher Doug Brede, claims to provide “encyclopaedic coverage of sure-fire strategies for maintaining turf in perfect condition while using less water, fertiliser, mowing, pesticides and labour”.

The book contains a vast amount of information on management strategies, complete with instructions on soil preparation, seed rates and planting, turf establishment and renovation. Brede presents labour-saving and cost-saving techniques for effective mowing, thatch control, pest management, water conservation, water management, fertiliser use, and stress management that is presented in an easy-reading manner complete with checklists.

According to Brede, maintenance reduction involves an amalgamation of tools and practices. It may require changes in grass species or variety, soil, fertiliser, mowing, or pest control practices. It involves preparation and design. It takes a concerted effort with all of the changes working together to produce a tough, healthy turf capable of withstanding less care.

Brede professes that the single biggest ingredient in cutting maintenance is not bioinsecticides, natural fertilisers or high-tech irrigation systems. The most important ingredient is the turf manager. Lower maintenance calls for a new way of thinking. It involves questioning present practices and developing new ones.

Brede’s rather laid back yet informative approach will win over a lot of readers and although it is from an American perspective and is also aimed for a general audience, is a useful reference tool for the turf manager looking to trim maintenance costs.