Dr Marke Jennings – Temple, STRI
Water is a scare resource and fundamental to the success of the turf industry. Despite political pressure on water use and restrictions during times of water scarcity, even the most drought tolerant turfgrasses require an adequate supply of water for establishment, recovery and growth. The domestic turf market is also a large user of water, with Australian research revealing that of total household water consumption, 40% was used outdoors.
International water awareness groups have generally focussed their message on water management as the primary method of optimising our supply of water, including rainwater. Improved water management, more effective water conveyancing systems and the effective capture and re-use of water, preferably at source, are considered to have the greatest impacts on total water sustainability.
For the last three years, STRI has collaborated with international partners to develop the Blue2Green system; an innovative total pitch design solution that incorporates water sustaining technology. The use of a unique drainage cell in place of a conventional gravel layer presents a new option for the turf industry. The Blue2Green system can be used to temporarily store stormwater, can be used to store water long-term for irrigating nearby areas, or, by using a wicking system, to sub-irrigate the pitch. Research at the STRI research facility in Queensland showed an average water saving of 39% compared to conventional above-ground irrigation, with a peak saving of 61% in January 2016.
