Project Brief
For ASTC to provide independent monthly data collection and reporting to compare 7 different Cynodon spp. (green couch and hybrid) grasses (reportedly) suitable for sports turf.
ASTC assisted QSAC Ground Manager Matthew Oliver with turfgrass selection and procurement of the grasses for the trial which was established by QSAC Ground Staff in August 2020. Data collection commenced in November 2020 after some time was allowed for the grasses to settle and establish.
Funding to undertake the trial was provide by QSAC for the first 12 months. The trial extension into its second year has been jointly funded by the Sports Turf Association QLD (STA QLD) and Sports Turf Association NSW (STA NSW).
The trial area is being maintained by QSAC Ground Staff under their normal turf maintenance program.
Trial Results
Below is a summary of the most recent collated monthly data showing the performance of the seven (7) turfgrass varieties being studied within the replicated trial.
Methodology
- Trial location: Kessels Road, Nathan, Mount Gravatt QLD 4111
- Duration: Initially 12 months. However, the trial has been extended for a further 12 months.
- Turf varieties:
- 'AgriDark' hybrid couch
- 'Legend' green couch
- 'Wintergreen' green couch which is their existing turfgrass variety
- 'Wintergreen' green couch reselected by Peter McMaugh
- 'Santa Ana' hybrid couch
- 'Star Express' green couch
- 'TifTuf' hybrid couch
- Treatments: Part of each plot will undergo wear, ryegrass application and removal
- Assessment times: Monthly assessments commencing November 2020.
- Data collection: Using performance testing tools:
- Turf colour (Turf Colour Meter);
- Subjective turf quality;
- Thatch and rhizome depth;
- Turf/green cover using the Canopeo App;
- Turf recovery of 230x230 mm wedges removed from the rootzone to enable a turf recovery assessment from stolons and rhizomes (undertaken quarterly);
- Rotational traction using the Turf-Tec Shear Strength Tester and studded boot apparatus; and
- Turf rootzone shear assessment.
Funding By
This trial has been made possible by:
