Agronomy can be broadly defined as the application of science and technology from the fields of biology, chemistry, economics, ecology, soil science, water science, pest management and genetics to the improvement and management of the major food crops of the world.
Source: About Agronomy
Turfgrass agronomy fits well into this definition with the difference being that turf agronomy is about presenting turf surfaces that are fit for the particular sport and safe for play rather than producing a harvestable crop.
Turfgrass agronomy encompasses many facets including turfgrass genetics, turfgrass physiology, irrigation and soil science. Turfgrass agronomy is a science that looks at turf management from an integrated, holistic and practical perspective that influences the practical management techniques employed in maintaining turfgrass systems. Professionals in the field of turfgrass agronomy are called turfgrass agronomists.
Turfgrass Agronomy involves an understanding of how all the elements of a turfgrass system interact to provide a playing surface. This involves an understanding of many factors such as:
The role of the turfgrass agronomist is often to be a problem solver when there is deterioration in turfgrass health and surface performance. The skill of the turfgrass agronomist is to be able to assess all of the above factors to determine the primary cause(s) of the problem and to prescribe practical solutions. Note: Very few turf problems are as the result of a single factor.
Designing, specifying and constructing a sports field that is going to be fit for purpose involves several key agronomic components:
Designing and building sports fields is relatively straight forward agronomically. However, the downfall of many projects is the post-construction maintenance. To get the best out of the capital works and to maintain the quality of the asset, the ongoing agronomy program is critical. The agronomy program needs to be flexible and able to respond to changing circumstances (e.g. increased wear) and will include the following:
Nillumbik Shire Council Sports Ground Condition Audit – The project involved assessing the condition of 21 sports fields including soil conditions, irrigation, turf quality, surface performance and safety.
NQ Cowboys CoE training field – Profile design, sand selection and grass selection
Aspendale Gardens (Kingston Council) soccer fields – Sand slit and sand carpet system to provide a workable option on a difficult site
North East Link Projects – Binnak Park and Ford Park Ovals – Detailed assessment for final sign off. Includes measuring the infiltration rate, traction, surface hardness and soil moisture content.
Baranduda Sports Precinct Wodonga – Pre-planning assessment of profile design, drainage, sand selection/availability, turf selection to meet the objectives of providing a high level soccer surface.
Bass Shire Oval Assessment – Assessment of Cowes Oval and Wonthaggi Ovals including soil profile examination, turf assessment, soil nutrient analysis – purpose was to determine potential for upgrade.
WA State Football Centre - Pre-planning assessment of profile design and turf selection to meet the objectives of providing a high level soccer surface. The project involved a detailed soil survey to assess the site soils for use in the construction of the fields.
Sydney Football Stadium – Detailed review on the impacts of shade on turfgrass physiology and surface management and remedial action (e.g. use of grow lights).
SPORTENG Turfgrass Agronomist is regularly undertaking research trials on turfgrass agronomy issues such as turfgrass selection, sand selection, herbicide trials for weed control and the impact of shade on turf condition.
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