Sports Turf Agronomy Advice - December 2024
The festive season is now upon us, which seems to have come around very quickly following on from Autumn. This is a stark contrast to last year, when we experienced endless rain, with many places at full saturation from October onwards.
This November however has been uncharacteristically mild and still provided good growing conditions for the time of year. Perhaps another indication of how unpredictable the weather has become. Nevertheless, a much welcomed extension of the playing season for many sports and has allowed renovation works to take place with some good recovery. For those in winter sports, it has shortened the stretch going into Christmas of low growth conditions which has meant that surface conditions are going into the festive period in a strong position to get through December and January, if the weather and fixture list is kind!
Many will get to spend time with family and friends, old and new, over the coming weeks, however this is not an experience everyone is fortunate enough to have. Fortunately, there are many fantastic organisations and volunteers who work tirelessly to make it as an enjoyable time as possible for those not lucky enough to have family and friends around them. Looking back on 2024, it has been another tough year navigating the weather. Each month, when writing these notes, there seems to be some challenge the weather has provided, making producing excellent playing surfaces more difficult. At the same time, expectation levels still rise.
Click here if you want to review weather data in your region for November. To keep up to date with the weather throughout October visit https://academy.agrovista.co.uk/category/weather
After a very cold snap and a thaw that was led by what felt like a monsoon at the end of November, the forecast for early December continues to look unsettled, although the temperatures which have risen again recently will remain mild. What will be welcomed, if we get what is forecast, is the predicted dry weather from around the 13th up until after the Christmas period. This would be invaluable for those on heavy soils with project works to complete.
With the accompanying mild temperatures, there may be the opportunity for some growth and repair of any previous disease scarring or wear from play. Any nitrogen applied at this time should only be to create enough growth for any recovery that is required, or slightly more if you have the ability to use growing lights to promote a favourable growth environment. Using the data above, nitrogen requirements have dropped significantly now, and with the forecasted temperatures, an amount of around 0.5-1kg a week would be an expected requirement. Over application would be unnecessary and may promotes outbreaks of disease. Biostimulants such as seaweed, fulvic and amino acids and phosphites may still be used to elicit a beneficial defence response and stress relief for the grass plant.
There will undoubtedly be new challenges to face in 2025, both within your teams and individually. This is an excellent industry and community of grounds professionals, and therefore I am sure any challenges will be met head on and with the support of those around us. There will also most certainly be new opportunities as well and I encourage everyone to make the most of any that come along.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable Christmas period and can take some time to themselves and reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead.
Tom Wood
B.Sc (Hons) | BASIS | FACTs