Sports Turf Agronomy Advice - January 2025

Happy new year to all, I hope that everyone has had a great Christmas and new year celebrating with family and friends. The break is a great time to switch off, slow down and re-charge whilst enjoying the festivities.

When our minds are not heavily focused on the day-to-day workload it allows space and time for some reflection and forward-thinking planning for the year ahead and potential opportunities can be approached with energy and impetus.

Looking back at December’s weather figures there are similarities with the end of 2023. Overall GP around 37% showing that as expected for the month growth has slowed down but not completely stopped. High temperatures of 7 degrees with lows of 3 degrees is consistent with last December, although a key difference this year was we have had notably more rainfall this month. Assisted by some of the storms that have been experienced. Although the end of 2024 overall has been considerably drier than the extremely wet autumn/winter we had in 2023. The requirement of nitrogen from the plant, linked to the low GP was down to less than 0.5kgN a week, meaning any inputs would be minimal.

Click here to review weather data in your region for December. To keep up to date with the weather throughout January visit https://academy.agrovista.co.uk/category/weather

There were some blustery and wild days in December, the forecast for early January continues to look unsettled as expected at this point in the calendar. Night-time temperatures are forecast low throughout the month, which will keep growth minimal. Towards the end of the month the predication is for a drier period which may allow for some maintenance works to be carried out in February is conditions are favourable.

Once back at work from the festive break, for obvious reasons, it is a good time for planning and preparation for the season ahead, for those in winter sports it’s more of a continuation of the playing season. However, focus may start to shift towards end of season renovation plans.

Planning and Preparation:

• As part of the planning process, soil samples may be taken to inform decision making. They give insight into what nutrient levels are within the growing media and how the soil is performing. A basic soil test will provide the minimum level of information required and there are a host of additional tests that can be utilised to build up a detailed view of the site. Plans can then be put in place to support the right environment for producing the best performing surfaces possible.
• Although an ongoing continual process, this month is an ideal time to review and set targets and goals for both surface standards and performance as well as the team. Having these written down and visual makes them a focal point and serves as a constant reminder of the direction of travel you are striving to Performance reviews with staff ensures continual development and can allow for any issues to be address and help motivate team members.
• Planning and booking in any major maintenance events and contractors will ensure that key dates are not missed and allows all other details can be planned around the dates.
• Staff training can take place. It can be a good time in the calendar for staff training courses and CPD events.
• Finishing winter

Nutrition

The base nitrogen requirement towards the end of December was 0.45kg of N per week and forecast suggests January will be similar. Therefore, input requirements this month will be minimal, however consistent rainfall can contribute to surfaces being washed out and nutrients lost through leaching. Therefore, you may decide that there is a requirement for an application to replace any nutrient loss. Using a suitable nitrogen source that is available for plant uptake will ensure that when conditions are suitable, growth will be supported. This will support recovery and repair from wear through play. Applications that are too high in nitrogen will encourage growth which is weak and more susceptible to disease in the right conditions.

Events

BTME and Continue to Learn, are well worth attending for a variety of reasons. Discover the latest products and innovations, benefit from educational workshop and seminars and networking opportunities. BTME 19th – 23rd and Continue to Learn 19th – 22nd.

Tom Wood
B.Sc (Hons) | BASIS | FACTs