New Turfgrass Disturbance Theory Publication

Using bentgrasses or fine fescues complements The R&A's push for sustainable management as these species are the ones that require the least inputs of fertilizer, water and pesticide while offering excellent quality.

STRI, the official agronomists to The R&A, has published a book that brings together 15 articles written about their disturbance theory that has been under development since 2005. The fundamental premise of the theory is that all turfgrasses are adapted to a certain environmental range and turf managers can use this to their advantage to encourage their species of choice.

The main authors, Henry Bechelet and Richard Windows, apply the theory to practical maintenance with a view to promoting the fine fescue and browntop bent grasses at the expense of annual meadow-grass. Most aspects of golf green maintenance are addressed in the articles, including mowing, verticutting, top dressing, irrigation, fertilizer application, aeration and rolling. The informative articles provide a fresh look at a major issue of debate among those in the greenkeeping profession. The text is supported by diagrams and black and white photographs. The 80-page publication is available from the STRI Web site, www.stri.co.uk