You get the picture? - Issue 114
Although I hate to admit that anything Greta Thunberg says is correct, I think we would all agree that climate change is a contributing factor in the excessive rainfall over the past few months.
We all want to stop talking about how bad the weather is, but there are very few industries that the wet stuff affects quite like turfcare and we must consider how course and pitch closures affect working conditions - both financially and mentally. The last 18 months have been the wettest since records began in 1836, so is it even possible to prepare and adjust for winters in the future?
Industry expert Mark Hunt takes a look at the effects of climate change and suggests that, in some cases, facilities are unable to cope with current climate fluctuations - they simply weren’t designed to! Read the indepth article on page 44.
Our next magazine will focus on the inclement weather and the challenges you have all faced. How has the extreme rainfall affected cultural practices and fertiliser programmes? If you would like to share your story, please get in touch.
Sticking with the environment, we have an insightful article (page 52) on the enormous potential of beneficial nematodes to support the transition to integrated turf management. Fundamentally, the use of nematodes in an IPM programme will ensure that the amenity and sportsturf sector is managing turf in a sustainable manner and with the utmost level of consideration for the environment.
Another way to stay ahead of the game is to move with trends and technology advancements and we delve into the benefits of drone technology in our cover article (page 8). As demand for precision, efficiency and sustainability continues to rise, as does the need for innovative solutions, drones are changing the turfcare industry landscape.
Also in this issue we have our regular features including Top Tips - leadership and management (page 30), Wellbeing - no reward without risk (page 56) and Talking Turf - pest management (page 68).
When I say pest management, I mean birds... not Greta!
Kerry
t: 07973 394037
e: kerry.haywood@pitchcare.com