Adapting To New Challenges In Turf Management
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From the impact of climate change to reducing chemical reliance, those working in the sector are adopting fresh approaches to keep pitches, greens, and fields in top condition.
SALTEX 2024 will once again bring together industry experts to share their knowledge and insights through the Learning LIVE programme, equipping grounds people with the tools they need to tackle these emerging trends.
Dr. John Dempsey, a plant pathologist, will be delivering two sessions on the Spotlight Stage during day two of SALTEX. His topics, ‘Soil Health Clinic’ and ‘Turfgrass Defences to Reduce Abiotic and Biotic Damage’, will explore the practical ways to strengthen turfgrass without relying on chemical protectants.
“This subject can be quite complex,” said Dr. Dempsey, “but I will communicate in a way that people can understand it. This subject really has come about over the past few years with the loss of various chemical protectants, and we’ve had to start looking at ways of preserving our turfgrass surfaces without resorting to chemicals.”
Dr. Dempsey will explore how turfgrass can be enhanced to withstand both physical stresses and infections, providing a more resilient playing surface. His sessions will equip groundskeepers with strategies to maintain the highest turf quality for football, rugby, and golf while reducing reliance on traditional chemical treatments.
“It’s all about getting our turfgrass surfaces into the healthiest position without compromising their playing quality,” he adds, emphasising the need to be proactive in ensuring robust turf that can handle the pressures of the modern sports environment.
Vic Demain, Head Groundsman at Durham Cricket, will take to the Main Stage on day one to discuss ‘Managing Up with Effective Communication’. Vic's session will focus on an often-overlooked aspect of the job: leadership and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
“When I came into the Head Groundsman role, I never had any training whatsoever in managing my grounds staff,” Vic said. “It’s about how you deal with everyone else coming into the ground, and managing up is crucially important.”
In an era where the role of a groundsman is more public than ever, thanks to advancements in technology and live streaming, Vic stresses the importance of transparency and honesty.
“For every game we play, I go and sit with the broadcasters and tell them about my role and how we are trying to achieve our goals. To me, it’s about educating people about what we do and showing them what we do.”
With climate unpredictability at an all-time high, understanding how to manage turfgrass in the face of changing weather patterns is crucial. David Roxburgh, Head Groundsman at Rangers Football Club, will be delivering a session on the Spotlight Stage during day two titled ‘Understanding Climate Effects on Turfgrass Management’.
“Climate change is a great subject to discuss - especially this year,” says David. “It’s the unpredictability of the whole thing which makes it difficult for us to manage our pitches.”
Managing the turf at Ibrox Stadium, one of the darkest stadiums in Northern Europe, presents a unique set of challenges. From frequent rain to disease, the environment is a constant test for grounds managers like David. His presentation will focus on how to anticipate and adapt to these conditions to keep the pitch in prime condition.
“It’s a difficult environment to manage turfgrass, so it’s really important that we understand what’s coming over the hill,” he says.
For the full Learning LIVE agenda, please visit: https://www.saltex.org.uk/learning-live.