Author: Sarah

The world is opening its doors again and the best in turf from the USA are coming back to our shores. In collaboration with the Australian Turf Certification Program (AusGAP), the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP) and Lawn Solutions Australia, two of the international turf industries pre-eminent turf experts recently headed our way.

Billy Skaggs from Georgia Crop Improvement Association

Mr Billy Skaggs, seasoned Production Field Inspector for the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP) toured Australia visiting AusGAP clients ensuring ITGAP policies and practices are up to standard.

Mr Skaggs was in Australia from the 20^th of May to the 3rd of June and as AusGAP is governed by ITGAP, he undertook an audit on all clients, documenting submissions and correspondence to ensure compliance to their policies and procedures. His visit also included turf variety inspections of the AusGAP programs production facilities in SE QLD, SA & VIC during this period.

AusGAP is the only independently endorsed turf certification program from ITGAP internationally. Mr Skaggs monitors turf production sites worldwide to ensure that turfgrasses are grown, inspected and sold under a rigorous set of rules and guidelines. ITGAP inspectors such as Mr Skaggs undertake third-party inspections to verify a member’s compliance with ITGAP standards, provide reports of compliance (or non-compliance) to the owner of the turfgrass variety and to the member/grower and maintain all records of annual and quarterly certificates and inspections. ITGAP is the international iteration of AusGAP and is an internationally accepted and recognised verification and certification program for turfgrass production.

Dr Brian Schwartz, University of Georgia (UGA) Turfgrass Breeding Program

Dr Brian Schwartz is a superstar of the turf world and is the man behind the release of what is proven to be the world’s best couch grass, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. Dr Schwartz continues the work of legendary turf breeder Dr Wayne Hanna, who planted over 27,700 couch grasses he had cross bred in 1993.

In 2009 Dr Schwartz arrived at UGA, expanded evaluation plots and developed real world test sites. After more than a decade of extensive trials with collaboration between a five-university collective known as the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) the SCRI determined to release a single couch grass cultivar. This cultivar was the University of Georgia and Dr Schwartz’s grass DT-1 which would officially be named TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda.

Dr Schwartz continues his extensive research and breeding program at UGA and we were excited to have had him in Australia this year to share his knowledge. Dr Schwartz was in Australia from the 9th to the 27th of May, he visited some of the industry’s best turf growers, suppliers of TifTuf and presented at the Lawn Solutions Australia National Conference on the 24th of May.

AUSGAP TURF CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Turf field inspections are at the heart of the AusGAP turf certification program. Attaining AusGAP certification for a turf variety takes a lot of hard work, with ongoing field inspections being conducted to maintain certification and to ensure continued genetic purity.

AusGAP is The Australian Genetic Assurance Program for Turfgrass. Specialist turfgrasses have been derived from years of research and development by the world’s leading turfgrass breeders. AusGAP uses a quality control framework including turf field inspections which ensures these turfgrasses maintain genetic purity, allowing them to perform and live up to what is expected of them within their application.

AusGAP field inspections occur biannually and turf producers supplement these inspections with compulsory quarterly self- inspections that are reported to AusGAP.

All turf farms with AusGAP Certified turfgrasses need to always have at least one AusGAP Certified Representative (ACR) on their staff. ACR’s are a crucial part of the field inspection procedure through communication with the National AusGAP Program Manager.

The ACR ensures all farm staff adhere to AusGAP’s requirements before the Program Manager or inspector can begin their thorough and comprehensive field inspections:

Fields need to be left unmown for at least 5 days prior to the inspection and have been mowed no more than 2 weeks prior.

Selective herbicides can be used to identify the colour difference between plant types.

All required paperwork: pre-planting assessments, planting form and quarterly self-inspections are up to date.

There may also be a third party involved in the process such as ITGAP (The International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program) or ASTC (Australian Sports Turf Consultants) who are able to provide their services as a third- party inspection when required to further consolidate the validity of the program.

Pre-Inspection Requirements

There are multiple checks included in the farm visit that must be made before the inspector can step foot on any paddock. At every entry point of the farm there is expected to be a bio security notice. Some visitors or their vehicles can put the bio security of the farm at risk and ultimately mean the genetic purity of AusGAP’s certified varieties are at risk if not followed.

Paddock maps are to be up to date and provided prior to a farm inspection visit. This allows AusGAP to keep track of stock and evaluate the genetic purity of the registered and certified stock in production.

Every aspect of business compliance is audited as this backs up and provides context to what is happening in the paddock.

AusGAP Field Inspection Process

Field inspections are used to evaluate compliance with the required checks undertaken to ensure the minimum standard is met.

Field isolation requirements are part of the high standards AusGAP enforces. Field isolation involves an artificial barrier and/ or strip of bare land between varieties to prevent cross contamination. AusGAP require a minimum of 1.5 metres between grass varieties –perennial grasses in particular have a strong chance of cross contamination if not monitored.

Walking every paddock containing AusGAP certified varieties is at the core of the inspection process. This is undertaken to ensure all turf is free of pests, weeds and disease. During grow in is the most important time to ensure weed pressure is minimised.

AusGAP use an inspection flagging system to monitor contaminants or sections of paddock that need to be monitored. A yellow flag is used to mark a contamination and/or eradication area. A blue flag is used to mark an area to be monitored or a weed treatment area.

Quality assessment items also assessed during AusGAP Field Inspection:

Are field borders maintained between certified varieties and non-production areas?

Does irrigation equipment move from low non-producing areas into the production field or from one variety to another?

Is a wash down bay available to clean equipment between varieties and is there an established procedure for cleaning equipment?

Is any part of a field subject to flooding?

Conducting field inspections is AusGAP’s way of monitoring and auditing turf and business standards to ensure the highest quality turfgrass is produced. These high industry standards provide the assurance to customers and end users that the turf they are receiving will be true to type and genetically pure.

For more information on the AusGAP program and how to ensure the turfgrass for your next project is AusGAP Certified, visit www.ausgap.com.au

Pinnaroo is a rural town in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia over 200km east of Adelaide. It has a hot and dry climate with a majority farming community and is home to turf production business The Turf Farm.

Project Overview

The Pinnaroo Village Green Project is an exciting, 3 stage, 2-million-dollar rejuvenation project of the Pinnaroo central green area. This project, once completed, will be a huge boost to the local community, transforming an almost 92,000m2 unused, desert-like central area into a green haven of gorgeous landscapes, useful amenities and interactive areas.

The Daniel’s family-owned business, The Turf Farm have been involved in stage 1 with the supply of around 1,500m2 of Eureka Kikuyu, which has already made a huge difference to the look and feel of the town.

“The Pinnaroo Village Green Project aims to help revitalise the central green area adjacent the main street of Pinnaroo. The redevelopment aims to create places for fun, culture, recreation, tourism, social connection and economic growth. This will be achieved by adding or improving the amenities within the site as well as the functionality and layout of the area.”

There is a huge focus in this project to re- green the previously dry and dusty area with the abundant use of instant lawn, trees and plants. Stage 1 has almost been completed and has already stunningly altered the look and feel of Pinnaroo’s main street.

People and Businesses Involved

This project has been a huge accomplishment and milestone for the Southern Mallee District Council. They were granted funding for the project but have also contributed a significant amount of time and money also. Jason Taylor, CEO, has been a huge part in securing the funding and has been a credit to the Mallee community since he took the position.

WAX Design have been involved in consultation sessions with steering committee and the community, including an engagement workshop at the local Primary School. They have created detailed designs and documentation for the stages and the final Masterplan.

Undertaking the landscaping for stage1 is the South Australian commercial landscaping business LCS Landscapes. Southern Mallee District Council have formed a great relationship that they hope will continue in future projects.

Step by Step Process

As part of the local community, The Turf Farm were excited to hear of a project so close to home and to be involved in the initial community consultation back in November 2019. The Turf Farm contributed their ideas and recommendations for the project, including a suggestion of a giant roll of turf for the ‘Pinnaroo Big Thing.’ With part of the plan to revitalise Pinnaroo being the addition of an animated ‘big thing’ tourist attraction.

“An animated structure that can capture not just what we produce in the Mallee, but what is the spirit of the Mallee,” Deputy Mayor Paul Ireland said.

The Turf Farm provided recommendations, information and quotes to commercial landscapers throughout the tendering stages before supplying the turf to the successful LCS Landscapes during stage 1 of the project.

Turf Variety

The project has used Lawn Solutions Australia’s Eureka Kikuyu throughout and started with 180m2 supplied from The Turf Farm on the 20th of October 2021. With an additional 310m2 supplied on the 26th of October.

On the 3rd of December, The Turf Farm owner and part-time truck driver Paul Daniel pulled their semi up on Pinnaroo main street with a further 680m2 of turf, followed by 370m2 on the 7th of December. Bringing the total turf supplied for stage 1 to 1,540m2 so far.

Stages 2 and 3 will start sometime this year with an estimated completion date of December 2022.

The Turf Farm

It’s not often you get to be involved in a project of this size, let alone in your own community. The central area that divides Railway Terrace North and South in Pinnaroo has always been a dry and unloved piece of land, seemingly abandoned once the railway tracks were de-commissioned in 2015.

“We’re proud that the council and LCS Landscapes have been supporting local businesses throughout the project and that our lawn has been used in the main street. We also get the additional benefit of seeing our lawn almost every day and have already noticed the huge impact it has had on the community.” – The Turf Farm

The Turf Farm have had the pleasure of watching as travellers and locals alike enjoy the space and utilise the lawn areas for relaxation and fun.

“We’re looking forward to the next couple of stages and can’t wait to see the project completed at the end of the year.”

THE LAWN SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE IS BACK!

Lismore suffered the most serious floods ever experienced in the region earlier this year with thousands of people being displaced from their homes and lives sadly lost in the devastation. Lawn Solutions Australia have been so excited to hold what was planned to be the 2022 LSA Conference in Ballina, that is until these recent tragic events.

With both the 2020 and 2021 conferences having to be cancelled due to the Covid Pandemic, nothing was going to stop the national network of turf members from finally getting together, networking and sharing a laugh in 2022.

The Largest Turf Industry Conference in the Southern Hemisphere Finally Returns

The Lawn Solutions Australia Conference was finally able to return and what an event it was! This year’s LSA Conference and Awards Night were held at Panthers Penrith in NSW. It was so great to catch up with LSA Members and industry partners and to see the successes we are all achieving throughout what has been a difficult period for many.

We heard from some exceptional speakers who provided insights into turf science and research, product developments, economic insights and stories of endurance, inspiration, and motivation.

Lawn Solutions Australia are proud to have hosted some of Australia’s best talents in their fields and international guest speakers for presentations throughout the conference.

Conference Speakers

Dr. Brian Schwartz

Dr. Brian Schwartz is an Associate Professor of Turfgrass Breeding in the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia in Tifton. Dr. Schwartz provided insight into his turf breeding program and the rigorous research and investment that goes into producing an industry-changing new turfgrass. Dr. Schwartz is the man behind the release of what is proven to be the world’s best couch grass, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. While in Australia, Dr. Schwartz also visited some of the industry’s best turf growers and suppliers of TifTuf.

Bernard Salt

Bernard Salt is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading social commentators by business, the media and the broader community. Bernard spoke of the march of millennials towards middle age, the expected growth of suburbia, a shift from the city to the urban fringe and what this means for lawns and turf. While we have experienced many challenges recently, Bernard believes Australia and the turf industry are in a strong position for the coming years.

Jacqui Cooper

Jacqui Cooper is an entrepreneur, an author and a former five-time World Champion and Olympian Aerial Skier. Jacqui told her story, one of triumph, tragedy, defeat and success. Conference attendees were in awe of the courage and strength that Jacqui possessed and how she was able to keep on moving forwards toward her goal of competing at five Winter Olympic Games. Jacqui had many setbacks and numerous injuries resulting in surgeries throughout her career. But Jacqui was able to overcome all obstacles (that many believed to be impossible) because she refused to give up.

Billy Skaggs

Billy Skaggs is a seasoned Production Field Inspector for the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP) and

is Georgia Crop Improvement Association (GCIA) Certification Program Manager. ITGAP operates in coordination with AusGAP – Australia’s Genetic Assurance Program for Turfgrass. Billy explained how ITGAP works and why the work they do in conjunction with AusGAP in Australia is so important when it comes to the quality and purity of turfgrass. While here in Australia, Billy also toured and undertook field assessments at turf farms to ensure policies and procedures were being followed. These assessments help to ensure the genetic purity of certified grasses like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda and Sir Grange Zoysia.

Peter Switzer

Peter Switzer is one of Australia’s leading business and financial commentators, launching his own business 20 years ago. The Switzer Group has since grown into multiple successful companies spanning media and publishing, financial services and business coaching. Peter provided commentary on the current economic climate and how the budget and a new government will impact our industry. Peter also provided his forecast on what we should be expecting in the coming years with his information pointing to a positive outlook pending expected improvements in global supply chains and a declining impact of the war in Ukraine and Covid-19.

Tom Potter

As the founder of Eagle Boys, Tom Potter pioneered the pizza industry by implementing pizza delivery and a radical approach to marketing. Tom told his incredible story of success and perseverance, through the highs and the lows. Tom was a baker by trade and took his expertise in food and customer service into the building and running of his own business which developed into a very successful national franchise. Tom had what some considered a difficult time slot, presenting as part of the awards dinner but captured the audience’s attention with his matter-of-fact delivery and dry-witted humour.

Charlie Albone

Lawn Solutions Australia Brand Ambassador Charlie Albone welcomed conference attendees at the Cocktail Welcome Function. Charlie made his TV debut on the hit series ‘Selling Houses Australia’ before joining Better Homes and Gardens as a host. Charlie addressed the audience with his story of becoming a landscaper, his passion for the green life industry and his journey into television. Charlie explained how proud he is to represent and partner with LSA and how he looks forward to promoting LSA’s premium turf brands in the coming years.

Jason Hodges

Lawn Solutions Australia Brand Ambassador Jason Hodges has been an important part of the LSA family for many years.

Jason had the important role of MC throughout the conference and kept the audience entertained while encouraging strong involvement with speakers during post-presentation Q & A. Jason’s love of gardening and landscaping led to his media career where he worked on Auction Squad and Better Homes and Gardens. It is always a pleasure having Jason with us and we thank him for his continued involvement with LSA.

Lawn Solutions Australia would like to thank the many sponsors involved with this year’s conference. Without them, the quality of presenters and the knowledge accessible to the LSA network through such an event would not have been possible.

Thanks to all the LSA Members. We hope you had an amazing time at this year’s Lawn Solutions Australia Conference, it was great seeing you all. Congratulations to the award winners, there were some truly outstanding individuals who are a massive credit to their respective turf businesses. We couldn’t be prouder of the resilience, hard work and dedication we see right across Australia from LSA Members – you are the best of the best.

Lawn Solutions Australia is looking forward to the 2023 conference with plans already beginning to take place to ensure it is one of the best conferences yet.

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Trimax Mowing Systems, Husqvarna, Firefly Automatix, Greenway Turf Solutions, ICL Group, NuTurf, Syngenta, STRI, Bayer, Adama, Tama, Finlease, Equipment Solutions, AusGAP.

COUCH GRASSES UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

One could be forgiven for getting excited about the release of any new turfgrass. It’s in our DNA as turf lovers and industry experts who are always looking to play with the new shiny toys and newly developed turf products that are rolled out (pun intended) and released to market.

Like all products that are designed to turn a profit, the hype and marketing can often overlook the discernible traits that render a new product worthy of such praise and anticipation.

Fortunately, as turf experts, we understand that the true test of a new turf varieties mettle is in the data. Extensive, independent, and Australian based turfgrass testing and trials, this is where we find our diamonds. Without these trials and this conclusive data, all we are left with is hot air.

New breeds of grasses like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, have given rise to a wave of aspiring grasses wanting to be just like TifTuf. It’s a remarkable grass, with a level of hype that has been rarely seen in the Australian turf industry, except for the likes of Sir Walter DNA Certified. What TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda has that those other grasses do not, is data and lots of it.

While US data can provide an excellent guide and help turf researchers decide which grasses to import and trial, it’s not until there is Australian data from trials conducted in all parts of the country that claims of performance can be substantiated.

STRI (The Sports Turf Research Institute) conducts world leading testing and research, developing innovative techniques to assess and improve turfgrass surfaces.

STRI conducted the most recent Australian based independent trial evaluating the ‘Performance of bermuda (couch) grass cultivars under different shade, irrigation, and wear treatments.’ These trials included all the commonly grown couch grass varieties available across Australia.

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda was a clear stand out performer in this trial outperforming all other couch grasses in every one of the treatments assessed.

TifTuf had superior turf cover (thickness and growth) over the duration of the trial compared to all other grasses trialled. TifTuf also scored the highest NDVI (normalised difference vegetation index) which is a measure of appearance using a specialised scanning device.

This was not a surprise to those who have been studying this grass for the best part of three decades. TifTuf has been trialled in the NTEP (National Turf Evaluation Program) in the US, where TifTuf was in the top 25% performing couch grasses for overall quality 84.6% of the time.

Another newly introduced couch grass that has been recently receiving some attention in Australia managed to reach just short of 70%, that grass was Tahoma 31. TifTuf outperformed Tahoma 31 significantly, showing its superiority as a better quality turf grass. Tahoma 31 has experienced limited expansion since it was introduced to the North American market, even though it was released around the same time as TifTuf. TifTuf has over 6,000 hectares currently in production across the US, with Tahoma 31 much less.

TifTuf has shown the same growth in Australia, where it has been awarded the Smart Approved WaterMark for water efficiency. The only grass, or plant for that matter to receive the approval. To receive this approval data is required, trials need to be conducted and ultimately it’s the tangible results that dictates whether a product is successful. Marketing and hype cannot manifest such an accolade.

A study into water absorption of turfgrasses was conducted at the University of Oklahoma in 2019. This study found that when unlimited water was provided TifTuf absorbed more water than any of the other grasses in the trial. While this sounds like a negative, these results served to substantiate that TifTuf is indeed different when it comes to its relationship with water. When water is available, it absorbs and utilises the resource available. When water is minimal or during deprivation, TifTuf has the capacity to withstand the strain before stress sets in, because when the water does come, it’s ready to make the best use of it.

An analogy used by leading turf breeding experts is this: TifTuf is the top dog, give it water and it will lap it up like crazy, but it will be able to run for days. While the other dog laps up the water with less exuberance, once released into the paddock, it’s the first one to falter.

There is currently over 250 hectares of TifTuf currently in production in Australia with production doubling year on year. All TifTuf is certified by AusGAP, the Australian Turf Certification Program, to maintain purity and integrity. There are no other new or existing hybrid couch grass varieties protected with this certification. With the superior traits of these new varieties being paramount, maintaining genetic purity is of the utmost importance. When you choose TifTuf, you can be assured you are receiving the genetically pure turf variety that possesses the superior traits that resulted in its selection above all others.

WEST WYALONG SERVICES AND CITIZENS SPORTS CLUB COMPLETED BY RIVTURF

West Wyalong Services and Citizens’ Sports Club includes an 18-hole grass greens course. The 100 plus year-old course is just a few minutes’ drive from West Wyalong in NSW, just off the Newell Highway.

It is a fully licensed Sports Club with bowling greens, tennis courts and a swimming pool that complement the pleasant par 72 golf course.

This phase of course reconstruction saw 18 new greens and tees as well as the practice green installed by turf supplier Rivturf using TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda in two stages. Since installation the greens and tees have been maintained by the clubs greenkeeping staff.

Turf Variety Selection

As a mature club all the greens were originally installed as Bent grass and the tees were a couch variety.

Following damage to some of the greens and tees, the small western New South Wales golf club was looking for an upgrade which would be easy to maintain and considered the region’s lack of water to irrigate thanks to Australia’s recent drought. The new grass also needed to incur lower costs for fertilisers and chemicals that had been required to keep the Bent grass at required playability.

The staff at Rivturf were contacted and they introduced the managers and greenkeeping staff to TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, which having recently received certification as the first and only turfgrass to ever receive the Smart Approved WaterMark in Australia and across the world – was a perfect fit.

The plan was split into 3 construction stages to minimise the interruption to play on the course. The greens on the 10th through to the 18th were completed first and then 12 months later the front nine greens and all tees were completed.

Rivturf’s father and son team of Andrew and Cameron Longmore from Rivturf Pty Ltd project managed the supply of turf. Rivturf is a turf grower and turf installation specialist based in North Wagga Wagga.

Jamie McIntyre from Outdoor Inspirations Irrigation and Landscaping assisted with the preparation of the first stage of greens and the laying of TifTuf. Josh Cunningham and his crew at All Outside Landscaping & Land Management attended to the second and third stages of replacing the remaining greens and tees and have attended to the maintenance of the course since then.

Preparation

Each green was slightly different, depending on certain pre-existing issues like drainage, but the following general process for the Bent grass greens and couch grass tees was followed.

• Glyphosate 600 applied and allowed a 4-week kill. Some of the couch tees required a second application.
• 100mm of the thatch and turf was removed with a tracked loader and bobcat.
• Due to budget constraints loam was saved and reused on the greens.
• The areas were tilled with a tractor and roto tiller, then rolled and hand worked to get some of the playing shape or contours back into the greens.
• An 80/20 sand and compost underlay were mixed specifically for the job and was laid at 100mm depth, before levelling using drag mats and levelling bars.
• Prior to laying the TifTuf a starter fertiliser with water saving crystals was applied to the greens.

Installation

TifTuf was freshly cut each day during the installation process and trucked to West Wyalong from Wagga Wagga where RivTurf is based. The first stage was completed in March 2020 with the balance of the greens and tees being completed in April 2021.

Once laid, the TifTuf was rolled and watered 3 times a day for 4 days before being tapered off. The greens were top dressed 2 to 3 times over the grow in period, depending on the individual green’s requirements and at 3 months after being laid were dethatched.

All Outside Landscaping commented that “It was incredible how quickly it stitched together, laid down strong roots and how evenly it grew. Within months it was a playable surface.”

Mowing commenced 2 and a half weeks after laying at 15mm and then gradually the mower was lowered during the month to 5mm. The tees are maintained at 15mm.

Maintenance

All Outside Landscaping conduct the ongoing maintenance at the course and have a roster of 2 to 3 mows a week on the greens in summer and 2 mows a week in winter. An application with Primo PGR is also applied monthly during the growing season.

A Toro Greensmaster 3150Q reel mower is used and it is currently cutting at 3.5mm on the greens. In winter that will be raised to 4.5mm. Josh indicates that the 3.5mm height has provided the best response from the green as at lower cuts the greens health starts to deteriorate slightly, but the TifTuf can certainly handle being cut a little lower.

All Outside Landscaping work in conjunction with Living Turf who assist with Matchplay products. Josh indicates they are using Bio stimulants, fertilisers like MP Roots, MP Enhance, MP Foundation, KelPlus, Liquid Nitrogen and a granular Spectrum 20-2-5 after renovation. They have also used Tricure as a wetting agent and Terrafirm as a penetrant.

The water supply is mixed, catchment and treated sewerage. Because of this samples are regularly taken to ensure the products used are appropriate. Any fungal issues have been addressed proactively with Dedicate, Instrata or Bumper.

As the fairways are kikuyu, the Club uses Spearhead Herbicide and Monument to control kikuyu encroachment on the greens.

Greens are lightly sanded regularly and then broomed. Any major renovation work is conducted in the September/ October period when the greens are cored and sand used to top dress. All Outside anticipate doing another renovation during the summer months in future to combat compaction due to traffic.

Josh indicates that the main difference between the care and maintenance required on the TifTuf greens and tees compared with the kikuyu fairways is water use. West Wyalong is a drought prone area and the Club has had irrigation issues in the past

as well as some other construction works which has meant areas of the course have gone without water. Josh says “The ability of the TifTuf to hold colour and density without water is far superior to the kikuyu fairways. Obviously it also tolerates being regularly cut lower than kikuyu as well.”