NTF Research Award recipient

NTF Research Award 2003

By Martyn Jones

This year's recipient of the prestigious National Turfgrass Foundation Research Award is to be Professor William A. Adams, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Wales.

Professor Adams is a well-known and highly respected expert in the field of Groundsmanship. Particularly noted for his work on establishing criteria for the playing qualities of cricket wickets, his research over the years has been acclaimed as some of the most influential in the development of playing surfaces.

Many will recall his excellent work on sports field drainage, in conjunction with Dr Vic Stewart, that led to the technical design of sand slit drainage systems and a significant improvement in the playing standards of winter sports pitches. Numerous experts have hailed that work as some of the most significant turf-related research ever conducted in the UK.

Professor 'Bill' Adams is co-author of the classic textbook 'Natural Turf for Sport and Amenity', a standard reference for students and practitioners involved in sports ground management, amenity horticulture, and landscape and recreation provision. Packed full of sound scientific fact, written in a logical and easily understood manner, it is one of the best publications of its type produced in the Country.

The Award will be presented at this year's National Turfgrass Foundation Annual Conference to be held at the Southport Theatre and Floral Hall Complex, Southport, England, from 3rd to 6th November 2003 inclusive.