AUSTRALIAN MANAGEMENT December - January 2000 REMUNERATION RESULTS RANDWICK-ONE OUT ONE BACK PASSION POWER OPEN SEASON A ix)bo Solution for large scale ( "The turf conditions on PincltM courses have been enh for many years. We re con fit Toro's innovation and team rship wiff provide the best turf solutions for the 1QQQ U.S. Open and beya -Brad G. Kocher Director of Golf Course Maintenance for Pinekurst Resort and Country Cluk When it comes to large scale cutting coverage, no one offers solutions like Toro. With 8Reelmaster® fairway mowers from which to 
choose, you'll he assured the right machine for your climate and grass 
type. Backed hv more than 80 years or experience, To ro offers the perfect combi-nation of precision per-formance in an easy-to-use machine. Our proven reliability will keep pro-ductivity at its peak and ensure quality of cut wi tk tke results you need. And on lv To ro can bring 
you Total Sol utions, our customized program offering a complete range of products, ser-vices and irrigation, individually designed to meet tke specific needs of your course. To ro. When you demand quality, precision and reliability. To find your nearest Toro Dealer, please telephone 131 588. Torn Commercial Equipment, 59 Woodlands Drive, Hraeside Vic 3195. Phone (03) 9580 7355 Fax ((XI) 9580 7399. Offices in Sydney, Melbourne. Perth, Brisbane. Head Office, Toro Australia Ply Limited, 53 Howards Road. Beterley SA 5009. Phone (08) 8300 36.13 Fax (08) 824.12940. IJP p . Ł. Ł w/fh Jacklin® Seed and BEST® Fertiliser For over 60 years Jacklin Seed and BEST fertilisers have built strong reputations in the turf-grass industry. Emerging as a world leader, Jacklin is involved in breeding, production and distribution of turf and forage seeds. BEST, widely recognized for 
their technologically advanced fertilisers, have 
proven themselves as a market leader with superior quality, selection and competitive prices. Our success is attributed to our distributors and you. The business units of Jacklin Seed and BEST fertilisers recently combined to form Simplot Tlirf & Horticulture Group. Together with our strong product lines and distribution networks, we provide unparalleled customer service. We remain dedicated 
to be the major international supplier of seed, fertiliser and technical support to the turfgrass and horticultural industries, including golf, landscape, sod farms, commercial nurseries, sports fields and general turf. Together, Simplot TUrf and Horticulture Group is the only name you'll need to Seed It and Feed It. Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course floating green in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho The Final Word in Turfgrass Seed and Nutrition TAGfcLIN ^ S E E D n c ft TURF & HORTICULTURE GROUP For more information regarding products, technical support and distribution, please contact our corporate offices: 5300 WEST RIVERBEND AVENUE Ł POST FALLS, ID, U.S.A. 83854-9499 Ł PHONE: 208-773-7581 Ł FAX: 208-773-4846 www.jacklin.com or www.bestfertilizer.com AUSTRALIAN \ A £ J MANAGEMENT Australian Turfgrass Management Published by: Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association ACN 053 205 888 Level 1,19 Railway Parade North Glen Waverley, 3150 Ph: (03)9886-6200 Fax: (03)9886-6400 Email: info@agcsa.com.au Website: www.agcsa.com.au President: Mr. Peter Frewin Directors: Mr. Mark Couchman Mr. Peter Schumacher 
Mr. Jeff Gambin Chief Executive Officer: Euan Laird Editorial / Advertising: Phil George Administration Manager: Virginia Thompson Design & Production: Publicity Press 
Production 
Manager: Kristin Johnson Art Direction: David Fry Design: Duncan Grant Accounts/Subscriptions AGCSA Level 1, 19 Railway Parade North Glen Waverley, 3150 (03) 9886-6200 (03) 9886-6400 Copyright © 1999 AGCSA believes that material sourced and produced for Australian Turfgrass Management is 
accurate, but give no warranty in relation thereto, 
and disclaim liability for all claims against the AGCSA, Publicity Press, their subsidiary companies, their employees, agents or any other person which may arise from any person acting on the materials 
contained within. No portion, in whole or part, may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers. There's only one reason to design innovatively and manufacture with a focus on quality before cost. It works! Enviromist - Australia World's best practice CDA technology. Capable of dramati-cally reducing chemical and water application rates, improving weed control and environmental safety even when spraying in windy conditions. Light-weight tractor mount or 4-wheel bike tow behind. Manufactured in 
Australia. Exported world-wide. ProTurf-USA The thickest, biggest, softest, strongest golf mat on the market and the choice of many of the world's best golf 
facilities including 70% of America's top 100 golf ranges. The octagonal design provides years of wear - even wearing spikes. Mats can be centrally security dynabolted 
making them ideal for practice bays. Netting - Australia Made to Country Club International's demanding specifica-tions to suit Australian conditions. Impact netting for practice bays is 4mm 512 denier flat weave - the thickest you can get. Safety barrier netting is custom made to any size up to 50 metres high! All netting carries a 10-year UV 
Warranty. Triangle Hitch - Norway This is the world ISO Standard for 3-point tractor inter-locking systems. It makes changing any implements made for 3-point linkage systems a simple and safe 1 -person operation in as little as 30 seconds. Hydraulic top link systems and weld or bolt on receivers available for almost any application. Flexitec - Australia The ultimate paving system for golf course and other club applications. Manufactured in 1-metre square sections under extreme compression to produce a dense, attractive hard-wearing rubber compound paving in a range of colors. Can be laid loose internally for spike bars, pro shops and 
changerooms or adhered on external pathways. COUNTRY CLUB RNATIONAL "Supplying the best. Nothing less. VICTORIA: Head Office. 466 Warrigal Road, MOORABBIN, 3189 Phone: (03) 9570 2202. Greg Walker - Mobile 015 546 565 NEW SOUTH WALES: Phone: (02) 9681 6926. Phil Costa - Mobile 015 899 605 QUEENSLAND: Phone: (07) 5528 9600. Ken Robinson - Mobile 0417 511 580 SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Phone: (08) 8322 1883. John Cox - Mobile 0417 979 339 con tents volume Norman Robinson Stakes, Caulfield Photo courtesy of AllSport Australia Turfgrass I r^^ J RLVIMITLLLA RIMIIN R\MM>M K-OM OVI OM PWSIOV PLLKL I OR»> S»AM>N THE PITCH, THE FOCAL POINT Although plagued by delay, Melbourne's Colonial Stadium is scheduled for completion early next year. With 'in-door' one-day cricket already scheduled, it is set to become the countries premier multi-purpose stadium. Paul Simpson from RA Young Consulting Engineers outlines the flexibility of this marvellous facility and discusses the management challenges that lie ahead. THE POWER OF PASSION AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award finalist Michael Nicholls from the Echunga Golf Club in South Australia, shows us what can be achieved with resourcefulness and passion. RANDWICK - ONE OUT ONE BACK Having bore the brunt of some terrible Sydney weather resulting in numerous race cancellations, The AJC is midway through the installation of a new 'all-weather1 surface on the 'inner* track at Royal Randwick. This is the pre-curser to a massive course redevelopment and will be watched closely. BOOK REVIEW Turf Consultant, Terry Woodcock puts International Turfgrass Management - Handbook, (edited by David Aldous) under the 'microscope'. CLUB PITCH PREPARATION In the first of what I hope will become a more regular feature in ATM called 'Curators Diary' Les Burdett, curator at the Adelaide Oval gives us his guide to preparing a consistent and fair cricket pitch suitable for club level cricket. REMUNERATION STUDY - RESULTS Are you getting paid enough? Go straight to page 38 to find out. 9 ATM in every edition REVIEW - KICK-BACKS, ARE THEY WORTH IT? ^ 12 Realising the importance of understanding basic scientific principals of turf management, Dr.Tim Colmer has been commissioned to write a series of articles addressing relevant aspects of plant and soil science. AGCSA BOOKSHOP 30 NEWS 36 Featuring notes on preparation for the Australian Open by John O'Dell COMPANY PROFILE (Heritage Seeds) 39 TURF MARKET PLACE 40 NEW PRODUCTS 42 AGCSA MEMBERSHIP FORM 44 STATE REPORTS 45 ADVERTISERS INDEX 48 Q A Set of Six Welcome to the sixth and final edition of Australian Turfgrass Management (ATM) for 1999. In this edition, Paul Simpson gives us a look at a venue set to become Australia's premier multi-purpose stadium and we visit the Royal Rand wick Racecourse to check on the progress of their new 'all weather' racing surface. Lorna Gelbert, lays down the law on 'kick backs' and Michael Nicholls from the Echunga Golf Club demonstrates the 'Power of Passion'. Les Burdett, Curator at the Adelaide Oval gives us his recipe for preparing consistent and fair cricket pitches and in the first of a series called 'Tech Talk', Dr Tim Colmer from the Uni-versity of Western Australia discusses the science of plant water use. In addition to this, John Odell gives us some idea of what it takes to prepare for an Australian Open, Terry Woodcock reviews a new turf management book edited by David Aldous and if you want to know whether or not you are being paid enough, turn to page 38 for a look at the results of our remuneration study. Due primarily to the support of our readers, now numbering over 6000, and the incredible support and faith 
shown by our advertisers, ATM has 
flourished since this time last year when the AGCSA decided to 'take 
the plunge' and produce their own, 'industry owned' publication. It has been a successful and incredibly rewarding venture and on behalf of the AGCSA I would like to thank you all. On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board and staff of the AGCSA for their strength in allowing the magazine to be different and to evolve. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of my editorial committee and the many contributors to the magazine who have ensured that it covered all aspects of our industry. Finally, thanks to the team at Publicity Press who have helped create a product set to promote and encourage this industry into the next century. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Phil George Editor By Paul Simpson, Young Consulting Engineers, Australia wm il I WILLL \ The PITCH The FOCAL PO i , - - : ^ ^ Ł K, Ł> t Ł . w% The Colonial Stadium, located at the Docklands in Melbourne, Australia, is one of the new generation of stadia designed to be truly multipurpose. Whilst the architectural and structural features of the stadium are breathtaking, it is the Arena which is the focal point. The development of an international standard natural turf sports 
surface has involved extensive research and development in 
order to address the balance of architectural, engineering and agronomic design considerations. The arena will be a natural turf sports surface capable of sustaining the requirements for international standard events under an intensive usage regime. The arena is capable of hosting: Ł Australian Rules Football Ł Soccer Ł Rugby League Ł Rugby Union Ł Cricket Ł Concerts Ł Special Events The stadium structure rises 35m above the 20,000m2 arena to what will be one of the worlds largest opening roofs. The arena and playing surface is supported on a high strength reinforced concrete slab with a 2500 space carpark below. The stadium also accommodates a high level of spectator amenity for oval and rectangular sports by use of a moving tier which will extend forward some 18m on all sides to provide side line viewing for Soccer, Rugby League, Rugby Union, concerts & special events. The stadium form, proposed uses, and event schedule provide a challenging set of conditions to be addressed in the design construction and maintenance of an international 
standard natural turf sports surface. The project is being constructed by Baulderstone Hornibrook for Stadium Operations Limited. Architects for the project are Daryl Jackson Bligh Lobb Sports Architecture Pty Ltd. The specification for Pitch Construction has been designed and documented by Young Consulting Engineers 
as part of the Daryl Jackson Bligh Lobb 
team of Engineering Consultants. Young Consulting Engineers has significant experience in the area of sports field construction. The Company has developed a niche market over the last 15 years which has culminated in appointments for design, documentation and construction management for high profile projects which include Olympic and international standard facilities for; 1 Athletics 1 Soccer 
» Softball 1 Horse Racing Hockey 1 Rugby 
Ł Baseball 1 Tennis THE STADIUM ENVIRONMENT As with many modern stadia the commercial reality of providing a "paying venue" compromises ideal growing conditions for a natural turf surface. The requirements for maximised seating configurations, under cover seating, closing roofs and cost effective construction provide a number of challenges to be overcome. The extent of shade on the Docklands Stadium arena is one of these challenges. Up to 30% of the arena will be in constant shade for the mid winter months, a period 
which is likely to correspond with a high 
frequency of usage. The result will be that the turf will exist in areas of reduced light condition and will have little opportunity for recovery through 
natural processes during the cooler months. This aspect combined with use of the moving tiers and an intensive event schedule have been addressed through investigation, design and documentation. PITCH PROFILE The pitch profile will be 500m in depth, and will be placed over a concrete slab which is the roof of the 2500 vehicle carpark. The profile above the concrete slab includes slab waterproofing, drainage and irrigation zone, reinforced, sand rootzone and grass. Documentation prepared by Young Consulting Engineers uses a reinforced USGA (United States Golf Course Association) 
based profile as a benchmark. This profile has been installed at a number of venues in Australia, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Parramatta Stadium Sydney and Moonee Valley Racecourse, Melbourne. The profile has a proven history in Australia providing what is considered an "all weather" natural turf sports surface capable 
of sustaining an intensive event schedule. Whilst this system was provided as a benchmark, overriding performance criteria allowed companies bidding for the arena 
construction to submit a number of alternatives and variations. The use of a "reinforcing agent" is seen as necessary to achieve maximum 
performance from the playing surface. Performance requirements include: Ł Maintenance of the payability characteristics of natural turf. Ł Improved stability of turf surface. Ł Reduced wear by protection of turf canopy / turf rootzone. Ł Increased turf recovery. Ł Capacity for turf replacement. Ł Increased load bearing capacity of the surface. TURF REPLACEMENT Notwithstanding the advantages of providing a reinforced profile, the Stadium environment and event schedule will mean that the grass surface will wear out, affecting surface appearance and payability. The solution to this challenge is the development of an advanced method of 
turf replacement which can be undertaken in affected areas of the pitch within a short changeover period. Performance requirements for the system include: Ł Stringent placement tolerances Ł Surface stability Ł Rapid changeover times MOVING TIER SODPANS The support system for the moving tiers includes eight (8) trenches up to 18m in 
length and 120 spigot supports to be covered by natural turf contained in "sodpans". Approximately 200m2 of sodpans will form part of the playing surface for Australian Rules Football, Cricket and other events 
using an oval configuration. Performance 
requirements for the sodpans include: Ł Stringent placement tolerances. Ł Surface stability Ł Rapid changeover time Ł Consistent performance with the adjacent profile The moving tiers for such events will be in the retracted position. For rectangular events such as Soccer and Rugby the sodpans can be removed, allowing for the support mechanism of the moving tier in its extended position. IRRIGATION SYSTEM The effects of the moving tiers and differential surface conditions caused by shade requires an irrigation system capable of high degree of flexibility. The system will include abilities for zoning control to cater for moving tiers, capabilities 
for running multiple schedules and individual sprinkler control. Additionally 24 soil moisture sensors will be placed within the profile to provide constant feed back as to the level of moisture and nutrients held within the profile. Both the irrigation controller and soil moisture sensors have the ability to be connected to the Stadium's Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition System (SCADA system). CLOSING ROOF In the Australian experience one of the greatest causes of turf damage relates to match play and training on wet grass. Whilst the profile will have a high ability for drainage (greater than 100mm/hour), play on the wet grass will still cause damage. Whilst decisions on whether match play will occur with the roof closed have not been finalised, the ability to close the roof in the period leading up to match provides the 
potential to reduce the turf damage. CONSTRUCTION Construction of the Stadium is nearing 
completion with works on the competition 
arena programmed for October and November 1999. Tenders for the arena works were received from a number of experienced pitch 
construction firms with a mix of Australian and international experience. The successful 
tenderer was StrathAyr Pty Ltd who will also be responsible for the maintenance following the Stadium's completion. THE FUTURE The commercial reality of Stadium design for the new millennium is that sports surfaces will be pushed to the limit by stadium managers to maximise event 
scheduling and returns. The challenge for designers and constructors of Natural Turf Arenas is to provide sports surfaces which exhibit: Ł Flexibility in use and configuration Ł Consistent all weather characteristics Ł High level amenity for spectators, media and advertisers. Ł Compliance with the requirements of respective sports and athletes. Ł High level of maintainability and sustainability. Design and documentation for the Colonial Stadium Docklands has recognized these issues. Young Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd Page 1 of 6 Advertisement - Australian Turfgrass Management November 1999 Colonial Stadium Currently under construction to the StrathAyr System incorporating SlV^ the WJ^e Further information, please refer www.strathayr.com.au Telephone 1800 622 455 i iwn.u.nwv i iWiiiikk/lAii JXliW MULiWtkJUiii StrathAyr %J IM 9 ATM The PITCH, The FOCAL POINT COLONIAL STADIUM WILL BE USED HEAVILY BY THE AFL. RULES GOVERNING THE RETRACTABLE ROOF HAVE NOT VET BEEN FINALISED ARTISTS IMPRESSIONS DEMONSTRATING THE MULTI USE CAPACITY OF THE STADIUM vflV \0< o*^ \J\C Mr Sand, Soil & Stone Building, HHR^KTWrarciFir Supplies Major Australian producer of high quality _ sands, and aggregates, available for^^^^ maintenance, renovation and construction to building sports and recreation industries for the past 25 years. ŁP^NIFF-- T rrr Bk^K -tr^ r ^ MAJOR SPECIALISED USES ^ F COURSES, OVALS, TENNIS COURTS, BOWLING GREENS, LANDSCAPING USE ONLY THE BEST FOR YOUR MAJOR PROJECT Proudly owned and run Australian company MCCLELLAND DRIVE FRANKSTON VIC 3199 PH: 9789 8266 5 lines FAX: 9789 8810 EMAIL: www.burdetts.com.au AN The PITCH, VT^ The FOCAL POINT ABOVE: COLONIAL STAOIUM MIDWAY THROUGH CONSTRUCTION ABOVE RIGHT: THE RETRACTABLE ROOF TAKES WEATHER OUT OF THE EQUATION BELOW: COLONIAL STADIUM VIEWED AT NIGHT FROM PORT MELBOURNE M COLUNS & SONS (CONTRACTORS) PTY LTD c5ycfney's ,en CRICKET WICKET SOIL Collins Cricket Wicket Soil has established the industry standard synonymous with quality wickets in NSW. Construction of Cricket Wickets also 
undertaken. BOWLING GREEN SOILS Bowling Green soil mixes are delivered throughout NSW to meet your individual green's requirements. GOLF GREEN CONSTRUCTION SAND Laboratory approved USGA greens mixes, topdressing and bunker sands. SPORTSFIELD TOPDRESSING Contract topdressing equipment for sportsfields, racetracks and ovals. RETURFING SPECIALISTS Suppliers of Quality Turfgrass varieties installed at 
Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Randwick 
and Canterbury Park Racecourses, Sydney Cricket 
and Football Stadium. I Ł* - - - Š Ł' ' , For Competitive Prices and Old Fashioned Service M. COLLINS & SONS (CONTRACTORS) PTY LTD 25 Martin Crescent, Milperra 2214 Telephone: (02) 9774 1544 Facsimile: (02) 9792 1532 ACN 000 521 871 view. a guide to the world of opinion & ideas 14 43 17 'KICK-BACKS' By Lorna Gelbert In today's competitive market, suppliers and retailers are looking for that certain something that will give them a marketing edge. What will convince the buyer to purchase their product over their competitors? One way is to offer trips interstate or overseas, electrical appliances, cash or other benefits - sometimes called 'kick-backs' in return for a certain level of business. Terrific you might think - if you would have bought the product anyway, why not get a free trip for doing so? However, if the buyer is an employee, he or she may run foul of the law unless those 'kick-backs' are fully disclosed to the employer and the employer's consent is obtained. An employee who has discretion to spend the employer's money on supplies for the 
employer's business, is considered to be in a position of trust and to have a fiduciary duty to their employer and would be 
considered as the trustee of the employer's 
funds for that purpose. If an employee decides to buy products from a supplier because he or she will receive a benefit of some kind and without the employer's knowledge or consent, the 
employee may, in fact, be receiving a 'secret 
commission'. In Victoria, for example, that 
would be an offence under the Crimes Act 1958 for which the penalties can be very severe - heavy fines or up to ten years imprisonment. Anyone aiding or abeting the offence may face similar penalties. It makes no difference whether the employer also 
benefits from the acquisition of the goods. Under that legislation, any employee who owes a fiduciary duty to the employer and ® then diverts, obstructs or interferes with the proper course of the employer's business or who fails to negotiate in good faith with the intent to obtain a gift, benefit or advantage, will be deemed to have solicited valuable consideration from the person doing business 
with the employer. 'Valuable consideration' includes money, a benefit, an advantage, discount, commission or valuable thing. If a significant possibility of conflict exists, therefore, between the employee's personal interest and the interest of the employer, an employee may well fall foul of the law. So too, will the person offering the secret commission. For an offence to be substantiated against the employee under the Crimes Act (Vic), it would be necessary to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the employee was an agent of the employer; that the offeror of the valuable consideration was a person having business relations with the employer; and that the employer had not given its consent. The offeror of the secret commission could also face the same severe penalties if the following were proven; Ł That he or she gave or offered valuable consideration to the employee Ł The offeror had business relations with the employee's employer; Ł The consideration was given as an inducement or reward for the employee to do or refrain from doing something without 
the employer's consent in connection with 
the employer's business; Ł That the offer of the inducement influenced the employee to act or refrain from acting in that way and the employee 
was, in fact, influenced in that way. If the elements of the crime have been proven, it would then be up to the ATM employee, in his or her defence, to show, on the balance of probabilities, that the 
valuable consideration was not received 'corruptly'. Once the valuable consideration has been given and received, without the employer's consent and with the intention of influencing the employee, there will be a presumption that it was done corruptly. To displace that, the accused employee would have to show that the valuable consideration was not given with the intention of inducing or rewarding the employees for acting in a particular way in relation to the employer's 
business affairs; and the employee was not 
influenced by the promise of the valuable consideration. This is a very high hurdle for an 
accused person to get over. What are the consequences? If proven, apart from the risk of a severe fine or imprisonment, the employee may be required to account to the employer for the 
benefit or advantage received or may be deemed to be holding the benefit or 
advantage on trust for the employer. So, while many people would consider receiving a trip, a new microwave or other gift from a supplier as a 'perk' of simply doing 
their job, they need to think very carefully before accepting it. Does the employer know? Does the employer give consent? Does the promise or the chance of obtaining the gift 
influence, in any way, the decision whether or not to buy that product instead of another product? These are the questions to ask. If there was no influence and the employer knew, then enjoy! If not, it would be wise to think twice before accepting any of these sorts of incentives offered by suppliers. LORNA GELBERT IS A PARTNER AT MADGWICKS, LAWYERS, MELBOURNE. IT'S HERE! IT'S DEADLY! Poa annua. You know the problem. You may also know about Scotts Fertiliser with TGR (Turf Growth Regulator). It is the ultimate Poa constrictor. Now, thanks to Scotts expertise, TGR technology is available in Australia through the release of two TGR products, HIGH K 15-0-24 with TGR and FERTILISER 31-1-7 with TGR. Both products promote the growth of desirable cool season turf whilst simultaneously suppressing growth of Poa annua. So now you can control Poa without compromising the quality of the playing surface. Scotts. HIGH K 15-0-24 with TGR FERTILISER 31-1-7 with TGR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR SCOTTS DISTRIBUTOR OR SCOTTS AUSTRALIA ON (02) 9899 2555 TECHTALK How do plants use wate r? By Dr. T Colmer Water is essential for biological life. Water in cells provides the medium for the numerous chemical reactions, which when coordinated by a series of enzymes is the basis of biology. INTRODUCTION Despite the apparent abundance of water on earth, fresh water is relatively scarce. In addition to this, the atmosphere is often "dry" so the gradient (ie. driving force) for water loss from plants is enormous. To cope with these challenges, plants have 
evolved efficient root systems, and mechanisms for the strict regulation of water loss from the leaves. These features 
are essential in order to prevent desiccation and death of the leaves. Thus, the supply 
of plant-available water in the soil often limits plant productivity although species differ in their ability to cope with limited 
water supply. WATER IN THE SOIL-SYSTEM Water applied to soil moves downwards due to gravity, but some water is retained in pore space and as a thin film around the soil particles. The volume of water held in a well-watered, fully drained soil is termed 
the field capacity. Fine textured soils, such 
as clays, contain many small pores and 
these hold water effectively. In contrast, 
course sands have fewer small pores and many large channels so that water drains quickly and much less water is stored. Sandy soils are therefore better aerated than clays, but the sands also store much less plant available water. The 'energy' holding water in a soil is usually discussed using the term 'water potential' (symbol: vj/; units, MPa). By definition, the \\i of pure water at 25°C and atmospheric pressure equals zero. The soil 
water potential (ij/SOIL) is a function of the matric forces (\|/MATRIX) holding water in the soil pores and the osmotic potential (ySOLUTE) resulting from solutes dissolved in the soil water (see Equation 1). The 
vj/MATRIX is determined by the texture and 
structure of a soil and ij/SOLUTE is largely influenced by salinity. EQUATION 1. \j/SOIL = yMATRIX + ySOLUTE The energy by which water is held in a soil by matric forces can be measured by applying a suction force to a soil column and quantifying the release of water from 
the soil. We are interested in the force required to extract water from any 
particular soil since this provides an estimate of the amount of plant available 
water; plant roots can only work to extract 
water up to a matric potential of -1.5 MPa. Water held in very small pores at matric SCANNING ELECTRON MICROPHOTOGRAPH OF A LEAF SURFACE potentials below this value is not available to plants. Once soil moisture declines to this level the plants wilt. Typical values of plant available water in soils of different texture are given in table 1. WATER UPTAKE AND TRANSPORT IN PLANTS Water status in plant cells and tissues is also described by the theory of water potential (\j/), and plant i\i can be measured. However, the components of \\i in plant tissues are not exactly the same as 
in the soil. Water potential in the plant (\|/PLANT) is a function of the turgor 
pressure potential (yTURGOR) generated by the forces of water against the cell walls and the osmotic potential (v|/SOLUTE) resulting from solutes dissolved in the cellular water, for example sugars and nutrient ions (see Equation 2). The v|/TURGOR is evident in well-watered plants with upright leaves and stems, whereas poorly-watered plants wilt due to 
the loss of ^TURGOR. EQUATION 2. \|/PLANT \|/TURGOR + v|/SOLUTE Water potential in the soil-plant-atmosphere system is of interest since water will move according to v|/gradients in 
adjacent locations. In fact, water will only Soil Texture mm of water per m soil depth TABLE 1. TYPICAL VALUES OF Field capacity Plant-available Unavailable WATER AT FIELD CAPACITY AND PLANT-AVAILABLE Sand 90 70 20 WATER IN SAND, LOAM, AND CLAY. Loam 340 220 120 Clay 500 200 300 ® ATM enter a plant root if the \|/ROOT is lower than vj/SOIL. The rate of flow of water will be directly proportional to the magnitude of the ^gradient and inversely proportional 
to the resistance to water movement between the soil and root. This 
phenomenon describes why water uptake 
by plant roots declines as a soil dries. Water is first extracted from the larger pores, eventually leaving only water in the very small pores for which the \|/MATRIX is 
too large to be overcome by the plant roots. Water will only continue to enter the plant if a favourable v|/ gradient towards the roots exists. Gradients in \\i also drive the processes of 
water delivery to the leaves and water loss 
from the leaves to the atmosphere, termed 'transpiration'. The concentration of water vapour, relative to that of the other major gases in the atmosphere, is extremely small (ie. low humidity). In contrast, the 
humidity inside a leaf is very high so that an extremely large \\t gradient exists for water loss from the leaves to the atmosphere. Water loss from the leaves 
establishes a y gradient within the plant so 
that more water is 'pulled' up from the soil, across the roots, and via the transport 
vessels in the roots and stems, eventually arriving in the leaves to replace the lost water. Transpirational pull occurs because: 1. ^ATMOSPHERE < \|/LEAF < ySTEM < \|/ROOT < ij/SOIL, and 2. The strong cohesive forces between water molecules prevents the water column in the stem transport vessels from breaking. This 'transpiration stream' of water is important for the delivery of nutrients to the leaf tissues. The evaporation of water from the leaves also has a cooling effect which is essential to prevent heat damage 
on hot summer days. Water loss from the leaf is controlled. Firstly, the leaf surface is lined with a thin waxy (water-impermeable) layer termed the cuticle which prevents leaf desiccation. However, plant leaves must not be totally isolated from the atmosphere since they must absorb carbon-dioxide from the How to make the perfect core 900,000 times an hour. IConsistency is the key to aeration. That is why all John Deere Aerators feature the unique] "Flexi-Link®" design. Flexi-Link is attached to the rear of the tine leg and I absorbs the forward motion' of the aerator, allowing the tines to stay perpendicular while they are in the ground. As the tines come out of the ground, the Flexi-Link pushes the tine leg forward into position for the next downward stroke. The end result is a consistent, I round hole with minimum (tearing. Whether its the tractor-I mounted 1500 and 1000, or the I walk behind 800, a John Deere Aercore Aerator-will have you coring like > never before. For more 
information call us toll-free on 1800 800 981 JOHN DEERE CREDIT CP-Aerator-Aust Turfgrass Man -6-99-A.C.N. 008-671-725. NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE® ATM ® TECHTALK atmosphere for photosynthesis. The leaf surface contains thousands of small openings, called stomates. Each stomata consists of two "guard cells", one on either side of the stomata which control the size 
of the opening. In times of high light under well-watered conditions the stomates are fully open. During the night they close. As the soil dries the guard cells respond by decreasing the size of the opening to conserve water. Once water becomes limited the stomates will close. Under dry conditions the stomates may open partially for only a few hours during 
the early morning. MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS Water management in turf may be aided by the selection of appropriate genotypes to match the environmental conditions (eg. cool- vs warm-season grasses) and by cultural practices to ensure your turf has a healthy root system (eg. avoid soil compaction; control root nematodes and 
fungal diseases). Less frequent, but SCALE BAR = 0.1MM SCANNING ELECTRON MICROPHOTOGRAPH OF THE SURFACE OF A LEAF. LEAF HAIRS ARE VISIBLE AS ARE THE NUMEROUS STOMATES. EACH STOMATA APPEARS AS A SMALL OPENING OF 'GUARD CELLS'. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF J. KUO AND A. NEUHAUS, THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA. SCALE BAR = 10>JM PERFORMANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE If you care about your turf and OUR backyard, there is a choice. Ask your local distributor: VIC: Turfcare Supplies (03) 9587 4933 NSW: Turfcare Supplies (02) 9684 6611 WA: David Gray & Co. (08) 9337 4933 QLD: Primac-Elders (07) 5537 3688 
SA: Keyeturf (08) 8381 4124 EcoWetŽ is manufactured and marketed by: Henkel (Australia) Pty. Ltd. PH: (03) 9301 9900 We've brought a welcome change to the Australian irrigation landscape. Introducing RainOne, your new Rain Bird distributor for golf, agricultural, commercial and residential irrigation products. Prompt service and delivery Australia wide. Call for our price list. Queensland Western Australia South Australia/VIC NSW and 6 Parkview Drive, 6/173 Planet Street 260 Grange Road Northern Territory Archerfield, Qld 4108 Carlisle WA 6101 Flinders Park SA 5025 Ph/Fax (02) 4972 2197 Ph: (07) 3276 7033 Ph: (08) 9472 5444 Ph: (08) 8352 5522 Mobile: 0417 405 930 Fax:(07) 3277 1066 Fax:(08) 9472 5777 Fax:(08) 8354 2999 RAIN ONE Australia Pty Ltd RAIN^B/RD distributors ITECHTALKl deeper irrigations have also been promoted as a method to enhance soil exploration by roots and to conserve water. Also, mild drought between irrigations may lead to "physiological hardening" of the turf and improvements in water use efficiency. The suitability of these methods for maintenance of high 
quality turf, particularly in traffic areas, needs careful examination. A challenge for managers is to match irrigation scheduling with turf water demands. Turf management decisions may be aided by; (i) soil moisture monitoring equipment, and/or (ii) crop factors for irrigation. Several different systems are available for measurements of soil moisture content and even vj/SOIL. These systems differ in the ease of use and degree of 
automation. The objective when using these systems is to schedule irrigation in order to maintain soil water content 
within desirable limits. A crop factor is an experimentally derived parameter which defines the plant water requirement as a percentage of the daily evaporative demand for water. Crop factors depend on the genotype, irrigation system, season, and 
climate of the region. This management 
technique depends on the availability of 
data for daily evaporation rates, and these can be measured using an evaporation pan or a weather station, or 
can be requested from your regional bureau of meteorology. Experience is a valuable thing but tools such as these can be very useful. DR. TIM COLMER IS A LECTURER IN PLANT SCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA. DR. COLMER CO-ORDINATES THE TURFGRASS RESEARCH AT UWA, A PROGRAM IN COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY. Thousands worldwide have used the Verti-Drain® deep-tine aerator to relieve compaction. You must see it in action to believe it! Compacted and poor draining soils can be improved dramatically opening them up so air and water can move freely. Roots can then grow deep, creating strong healthy plants resistant to pests, weeds, disease, drought and hard play. Verti-Drain's unique parallelogram design forces each tine backwards instantly as it penetrates the soil making new path-ways. This underground shattering effect is a Verti-Drain exclusive! To really see the dynamic action of the Verti-Drain phone now for our information packet including our new, free video. Verti-Drain Greens Model 7316. just one of nearly a dozen models available to fit virtually every budget VERTI-DRAIN NSW VIC QLD SA WA TAS Verti-Drain NSW, West. Ph: 02-98074377 Glenmac Sales and Service, Knoxfield. Ph: 03-97638255 J.B. Scott, Geelong. Ph: 03-52779366 G.L. Palm Equipment, Acacia Ridge. Ph: 07-32777599 Ireland Farm & Lawn, Cairns. Ph: 07-40523622 Squiers Sales & Service, Summertown. Ph: 08-83903017 Mcintosh & Son, Perth. Ph: 08-94782400 Westco, Cambridge. Ph: 03-62485304 Verti-Drain 5 patented parallellogram design shatters the soil. Coring tines are also available on all models Redexim + Cluuterliouse HUGALL & HOILE - "FIRST IN IRRIGATION" Irrigation Design, Supply and Installation for Residential, Commercial and Golf applications. S.A & Vic Inquiries... Telephone: (08) 8268 2388 Facsimile: (08) 8445 7991 906 Port Road, WOODVILLE, SA 5011 ORB Irrigation PTY LTD ACN 059 967 010 Trading as Hugall & Hoile Reticulation South Australia & Victoria Verti-Drain's shatter effect gives you 
dynamic results. 11 HP, 351 cc Engine Operator Selected Differential Lock 4 Wheel Hydraulic Brakes 29cm Ground Clearance 545kg Total Payload 2 Year Warranty FREECALL 1800 680 088 www.clubcar.com Club Car The Echunga Golf Club is a low budget country course located in the Mount Lofty Ranges, 45 km from the city of Adelaide. The course is open to the public but also has approximately 400 members, 95% of whom actually travel from the city to enjoy the serenity of the Adelaide hills. In 1993 the club decided to extend the course from nine to eighteen holes and it was at about this time that my two staff and I decided to add an environmental focus to all work done on the course. This began with the design of the 'new' nine where as much as possible of the existing native vegetation on the wooded grazing land was retained. This was important from a design point of view as the large number of well established trees are a real feature of the 'old' nine and the club wanted the two nines to blend By Michael Nicholls, Echunga Golf Club in with each other as well as possible. During this construction phase we were careful to 
protect and enhance the numerous stands of native grasses and shrubs that 
dot the site. Ranging in area from a few hundred 
square meters up to an acre, these areas are not ECHUNGA GOLF CLUB large but have proven to be a haven for native wildlife. In addition to preserving as much existing vegetation as we could, the club embarked on a revegetation program to develop 'out of play' areas that had previously been 
cleared for grazing. Essentially, this involved growing and planting large numbers of tube stock and after consultation with the then President Peter Vivian, I thought this 
may be an opportunity to involve the local primary school. The school was approached and they were only too willing to help. As fate would have it, one of the teachers at the school, Noelene Sharrod, happened to be a member of Trees for Life' and was very enthusiastic about getting her class involved 
and was able to assist with advice on seed collection and propagation. Noelene and her class of budding environmentalists ventured onto the course to collect seed from the existing vegetation which, mainly included wattles, eucalyptus WATER HAZARD MICHAEL NICHOLLS WITH LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN and melaleuca species. This seed was then propagated at the school and once they were ready for planting out, the students from the Echunga Primary School were given some simple instructions then let loose with the hand trowels they had brought from home. Within an hour over 400 trees had been planted. Whilst the planting technique of some were a little unorthodox it was extremely successful and a survival rate of 95% was achieved. The next stage of the revegetation program was to do the 'fill in' trees in areas further back from the fairway. Noelene mentioned a planting technique known as 'direct drill seeding' where the seed is put straight into the soil and is then left to germinate and grow 
on its own accord. A local Greening Australia 
group had a machine suited to this task and in return for access to the course to promote their methods and $350 to cover the running cost of the machine, the job was done. Once again, the school children were involved with the seed collection and then all had an opportunity to get on the machine and place the seed in the hopper as it moved along. It was a very successful process and within six months 
the seeded plants were larger than the 
tube planted stock. A small water hazard was built on the 'new' nine and we decided to stock it with native fish. Not knowing much at all about the fish indigenous to the area, I did some research and discovered that there were several types of small fish that would be suitable. These included Hardyheads, Line Eyes, Gudgeons and Murray River Rainbow fish. I also learnt of the Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon that was almost extinct 
in the wild so was especially keen to I began to acquire a real interest in these fish. I bought some from a specialist fish shop and after a couple of tries I was able to breed them quite successfully at home in an aquarium. Once I had sufficient numbers I transferred them into the newly constructed water hazard and once they had established I introduced some larger Silver Perch. The size of the hazard does limit the amount of fish that can live in there but it will be able to hold more once the reeds and other aquatic vegetation develops, creating more habitat. Some of the slower breeding species have diminished slightly in numbers but the 'micro' ecosystem of the pond does seem to have found its own equilibrium with most species still present. Response from members to the flourishing pond community has been fantastic and they actually seek me out and ask me what's happened if they are unable to catch a glimpse of them as they walk past. As the trees on the 'new' nine are so young, nesting hollows for birds and possums are few and far between. I made some enquiries with some local environmental groups who were able to help me get hold of approximately 50 boxes of all shapes and sizes, which we 
have placed around the course. One type of box was for small bats, which are 
common in the Adelaide hills but was a species that we hadn't even considered 
attracting to the course. For this reason, we 
were interested to see how the boxes 
would perform. They have been great and just recently we observed up to 10 bats roosting in just one box. systems MF': " ~M fc 1Š HFsSVIn Ł DOOSTS beneficial microbes Ł improves wettinq and spread,ng or water Ł breaks down thatch and waste # reduces sodium salt in the rootzone '^evpuvi&z&le'' I have no hesitation in recommending - Kim O'Connor Corinda Bowls Club BARMAC INDUSTRIES PTY LTD 14 Annie Street ROCKLEA QLD 4106 Ph: 07 3255 6000 Fax: 07 3255 6600 In 1996, a member who had a keen interest in frogs approached me, concerned that our management practices might be affecting the local frog population. Rather than view this enquirey negatively, I invited her frog and tadpole study group to do a 'census' on the course to assess the frog population. At least then we would know for sure how they were going and if needed, we could take steps to minimise any negative impacts. Results of the census were encouraging, in fact, one location on the course was reported to be the most highly concentrated congregation of frogs ever heard by the Herpetologist from the Department of Natural Resources. Needless to say, he was very impressed with the site. Earlier in the year I was nominated for the AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award. Whilst I didn't win the award, it has been very successful in promoting what we are doing through articles in the local paper The Courier'. Also, since returning from the AGCSA's 4th National Turfgrass Conference in Perth, we have been approached by local land care groups offering free manpower to eradicate introduced species from the course. These people have not been associated with the course in any way but just wanted to help. I have also received a congratulatory letter from the South Australian Environmental Minister, Dorothy Kotz, as well as being interviewed on an ABC radio talk show. I have no idea how these people have found out about the work we are doing but it seems as though the grape vine is growing 
with increasing numbers of people continuing to contact us. I welcome the ideas and advice of others and I am always willing to put them into practice provided 
that it does not affect the golfers. After all 
we are a golf course. All these projects have been done at no cost to the club and I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to work with such incredibly supportive local groups that have proven to be a wonderful source of 
information and ideas. It has generated tremendous community support for the club and while we a not currently working 
on any new projects, the school still visits 
the course to monitor water quality and run other environment programs. NESTING BOX DIRECT DRILL SEEDED AREA BROWN TREE FROG (LITORIA EWINGII) auo up ip joft aa, no\ ^ nB lU03 J|08piABp-AVAVM -nB uioD j|o8piABp(g)38p qiBuig 636 £13 6IH) MSN 03Z. IZ.0 ZlfO (XlC) £689 89£6 •0 ££33 89£6 •0 ^uoqj 991 £ 'qSppfBO 'J33J1S ^PSpjQ 03 ^MgJE^^B S^uo^wme HONYH DNIAIHCr^~ laSHflCO TIOO JO aiiuBJ jslij^i s^ijEJisnv X3VXNOD Green team goes for sold N.S.W. 02 9604 7200 QLD. 1800 631 008 VIC. 03 9584 3444 SJL 08 8277 9494 V/JL 0418 955 127 CHEMTURF IE SCO HK9 Bayer 4-1AQUATROLS BECKER UNDERWOOD Mcou#(ifi\smm\ C> N OVARTIS Crop Care We partnered Turfgrass Technology and introduced Australia's most switched on soil and leaf analysis service. As turf specialists, we're totally committed to the people responsible for making Australia's greens greener. CHEMTURF's success is simply the result of our specialist people doing what they love most. Want to talk turf? Talk to one of the CHEMTURF team today. We've blazed new turf trails with advanced products and new technology and there's more in store for 499. For more than 35 years, right around Australia, the CHEMTURF team has earned a big reputation for excellence in the business of making and keeping our greens greener... We were the first to introduce CHEMTURF Stores-on-Wheels, bringing the latest in turf technology right to your door. LEADERS IN TURF INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICE ating and managing kealtky turf. How Ckipco® kelps you run an integrated system. Turf Joes not live in insolation from its environment. Soil and climate create the circumstances for healthy grasses. In turning these grasses into special surfaces for special activities - turf - the natural processes can no longer be left to their own devices. Now some plants become weeds. Some insects become pests. Some fungi and moulds become disease. Professional turf management is simply the controlled process of intervention to alter what would otherwise be the natural cycle. Intervention becomes complex because the age-old rule remains inviolate - for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Temperature. Sunlight. Cloud. Rain. Wind. CLIMATE / Cv ŁLORA \ | AUNA ^ ŠJP^ N Skfy^ *4N IA©^ INPUTS Water. Fertilizer. Pest, Weed & Disease Control. Animals. Insects FLORA Birds. --& INTERVENTION Weeds FAUNA J Fungi. N. Drain. Topdress. SOIL Jff MECHANICAL Aerate. Mow. Type. Structure. Depth. Compaction. One thing leaJs to another. Professional turf management describes the 
techniques of intervention that maximise turf health and minimise pest, weed and disease attack. Turf playing surfaces are busy all year and must be strong and healthy all year, which is not necessarily natural. It is immediately obvious that management intervention has the greatest potential for success if it is integrated - it recognises that intervention in one area may need a compensating effect in another. An outbreak of disease may be directly 
attributable to earlier - even months earlier -interventions of fertiliser or irrigation. ©Registered trademark of Rhone-Poulenc #Registered trademark of Bayer, Germany * Registered trademark of Rohm Haas Company How Joes Chipco integrate itself into the intervention process ? In two distinct and vital ways. First Chipco chemical technology has a deserved reputation for superior control of weeds, pests and diseases in turf. Many of our products, MERIT TURF, CHOICE®, ROVRAL* GREEN, and DIMENSION* among them are unsurpassed and are household names in the professional turf management industry. Perhaps just as important, we recognise that our chemical controls are not separate from the 
entire process. This is why our field technical people - and we have more of them than any other - involve them-
selves with all the issues of turf management. This is why we seek to work so closely with our customers to learn from them and impart knowledge to them. Professional turf management continues to evolve its' techniques and we pride ourselves on being in the forefront of this evolution. This is why we sponsor the AGCSA Claude Crochford Awards and champion the issues of stewardship and safety. THE SILVER PARTNERSHIP RPR A 0479 ONE OUT ONE BACK By Phil George Preparing a safe and fair horseracing surface week in week out that meets the expectations of an increasingly demanding viewing public is a racecourse managers job. Do it on a track that has received little more than remedial work in the best part of 150 years and you have the same job as Norm James. Norm began his career at the Bendigo Jockey Club almost 20 years ago and has had the top job at the Royal Randwick Racecourse for just over 15 months. To say that Sydney has been a little wet over the last 18 months would be an understatement. The truth is that since January 1998, Sydney has received 3181mm of rainfall, which is about 60% more than the yearly average. Sydney's inner eastern suburbs have been worst hit and apart from sustaining $3 million worth of damage to 
the roofs of stables, grandstands and staff accommodation in the April hail storms, the 
club has had to cancel six race meetings due 
to excessively wet tracks. -py iii ummi i. J RACECOURSE MANAGER, Ross BRAOFIELO These lost race meetings cost the club additional revenue from TAB turnover. Something had to be done. After much deliberation and consultation, the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) decided to reconstruct the 'inner' track, which is used primarily as a galloping surface for the 600 horses stabled on the property, but is also 
used for trials and is raced on up to eight times per year. The club wanted to have the capacity to shift races to the inner track if the course proper was unsuitable so they decided on building a sand based reinforced 'all-weather' track. Once this decision was made, the AJC 
decided that it was in the best interests of themselves and the racing industry in general to undertake a thorough investigation of all available construction options. The obvious place to start was with the 'StrathAyr' track at the Moonee Valley Racing Club but in addition, Norm travelled to the United States to evaluate the performance of 'Turfgrids'. Norm visited Santa Anita in California, Churchill Downs in Kentucky, the Lone Star Race Club in Texas and Golden Gate Fields in San Francisco. BENTGRASSES AVAILABLE: Pennmix (Pennlinks-Penncross mix) Dominant (SR1019-SR1020 mix) Pennlinks Contract growing of other varieties available. Setting a new standard for golf green turf. www.strathayr.com.au A Telephone StrathAyr Wtf Root Turf 1800 622 455 itWvii^W Al\A4 k kM ktiiiV i ttii i . AVAiii AU AVV. A.kVJJ JJiii/l itkiIkliM MA/LkWAJJAlAt f f ' r f » StrathAyr o ATM Turf & Irrigation ciT"6; ' - -Even Wetta Wetting Agent will improve water penetration. New granular product just released! Turf areas often develop dry patch during Summer. It is not possible to apply water at the same rate as it is being evaporated. The soil dries out and water repellant soils become evident. This problem often occurs on sandy soils such as golf greens, 
bowling greens and sports ovals, resulting in a poor playing surface. To prevent and control dry patch, use Even Wetta liquid or granular. It promotes water penetration through hydrophobic soils. Available only through Turf & Irrigation. Sand/Peat and Mesh Elements Free Sand Layer Gravel Layer 132009 ALL BRANCHES VIC*NSW*QLD*SA«ACT Victoria - Thomastown, Notting Hill, Cheltenham, Wodonga Queensland - Coopers Plains, Aspley, Labrador, Maryborough New South Wales - Nth Parramatta, Castle Hill, Coffs I larbour South Australia - Mile End ACT - Belconnen Internet: www.t-i.com.au Email: info@t-i.com.au m. v Ł .« ' i mil 11 ti ABOVE: RANDWICK PUMPING ROOM BELOW/: INSTALLATION OF THE NEW IRRIGATION SYSTEM MEANT EXCAVATING ALL THE OLD PIPE WORK. In order to cope with the demands and challenges inherent with sand profiles, the irrigation system will be completely upgraded. The upgrade includes a new multi-stage, variable speed pumping station capable of delivering 63 litres of water per second through a new continuously welded 225mm poly-pipe mainline. The sprinkler heads will be Hunter 656-25-P8 and the system will be controlled by a Rain Bird "Nimbus 11" complete with weather station. Previously it took 16 hours to water 
the main track. The new system will be capable of applying up to 25mm of water, in ten hours, to any two of the three grass tracks simultaneously. Norm expects that starting at the 2000m mark and working anticlockwise, turfing of the track should be completed in late December. As the club is under no real 
pressure to begin racing on the new surface, Norm said that "it won't be used until it is ready". Having said that, the club do intend to rebuild the course proper after their Autumn carnival in 2000 and if those plans go ahead, the new inner track will certainly be tested through its first winter. Norm believes that the main challenge in managing the new sand based profile will be the management of moisture, nutrient and thatch levels and finding out how to best cope with the anticipated divoting, through winter in particular. A close working relationship with Martin Breen at the Moonee Valley Racing Club who has as much experience as anyone 
with reinforced sand profiles and who has access to a whole room full of relevant facts and figures that bare legacy to Ian Trevethan, (Martins predecessor), should ensure that lessons from Moonee Valley need not be re-learnt at Randwick. £ff| Whether retrofitting your existing golf irrigation system or planning a new course with state of the art components, take a look at Legacy by 
Hunter. Our rotors offer technically-
advanced features and water-saving benefits, while our Genesis control systems are easy to program and offer the management tools you need to keep your course in great playing condition. For technical assistance and after-sale support, your local Legacy distributor is ready to help. AUTHORIZED HUNTER DISTRIBUTORS CONTROLLED SPRINKLER SUPPLIES National Free Call 1800 806 323 HR PRODUCTS National Free Call 1800 998 037 WST Tollfree Fax 1800 651 680 m Introducing the New Top-Serviceable Rock Screen EAGLEŽ Rotor. Don't let sand, silt and harsh chemicals get the best of your rotors. Get the rugged durability and low maintenance of Rain Bird's most advanced line of rotors. Ł The newly redesigned EAGLEŽ gear drive rotors feature the Top-Serviceable Rock Screen/Integrated Valve Seat (patent pending) that allows you to remove debris and flush pipes without digging. Ł A reinforced polypropylene case increases durability and offers resistance 
to 265 chemicals. ' Š3Ł Ł ' i Ł The new performance nozzles improve water distribution. Give yourself a fighting chance. Get the new EAGLE rotors and leave the dirty work to us. RAIN^BIRD Call Rain Bird Golf at Qld. 041 966 9679, NSW. 041 845 3189, Vic. 041 8171230, WA. 041 377 7919. Pebble Beach is a trademark of Pebble Beach Co. . . . _ . _ Pebble Beach Co. trademarks and images used under license by Rain Bird Golf. OV COHtaCt US at OUT Web Site nttpW/WWW. TainblTaXOm Turf Industry Bookshou A Field Guide to Australian Frogs $45.00 Masters of the Links $55.00 A Key to Australian Grasses $35.00 Manual of Grasses $90.00 A Manual of Australian Turf Pesticides $95.00 Modern Arboriculture $129.00 A Ne w Tree biology & Dictionary (Two book set) $155.00 Native Australian Plants: Horticulture & Uses $70.00 Arboriculture $105.00 Native Plants of the Sydney District $80.00 Australian Weed Control Handbook: Tenth Edition $70.00 Natural Turf for Sport & Amenity $110.00 Biological Control of Weeds $40.00 Nursery & Landscape Weed Control Manual $80.00 Birdwatcher's Guide to the Sydney Region $22.00 Organic Control of weeds $16.00 Bowling Greens - a Practical Guide $30.00 Practical Greenkeeping $165.00 Color Atlas of Turf grass Diseases $170.00 Principles of Turfgrass Culture $79.00 Compendium of Turf grass Diseases $95.00 Rough Meditations (HB) $55.00 Confidential Guide to Golf Courses $100.00 Salt-Affected Turfgrass Sites: Assessment & Management $139.00 Controlling Turf grass Pests $200.00 Sands for Sports turf Construction & Maintenance $50.00 Cricket Grounds $120.00 Simplified Irrigation Design $90.00 Crop Weeds $65.00 Sports Grounds & Turf Wickets $30.00 CSIRO Handbook of Australian Weeds $50.00 Sports Turf: Science, Construction & Maintenance $145.00 Destructive Turfgrass Insect: Biology, Diagnosis & Pests $149.00 The Complete Handbook of Pruning $27.00 Disease, Insect & Weed Control in Turf $59.50 The Mathematics of Turfgrass Maintenance $80.00 Diseases of Turf grasses $240.00 The Sand Putting Green: Construction & Management (leaflet) $18.00 Drainage for Sportsturf and Horticulture $35.00 Tree Anatomy $180.00 Effluent Water for Turfgrass irrigation (leaflet) $5.00 Tree Basics $15.00 Encyclopaedia of Australian plants Vol 1 $90.00 Tree Disease Concepts 2nd Ed $199.00 Encyclopaedia of Australian plants Vol 2 $130.00 Tree Maintenance Sixth Edition $105.00 Encyclopaedia of Australian plants Vol 4 $130.00 Tree, Turf Ornamental Pesticide Guide $60.00 Encyclopaedia of Australian plants Vol 5 $130.00 Trees-Contributions to Modern Tree Physiology $250.00 Encyclopaedia of Australian plants Vol 6 $130.00 Turf Irrigation Manual $125.00 Encyclopaedia of Australian plants Vol 7 $130.00 Turf Spraying - A Practical Guide $25.00 Fertilisers for Turf $45.00 Turf Weeds and their Control (HB) $169.00 Field Guide to Eucalyptus Vol2-S. W. & S. Australia $95.00 Turfgrass Biotechnology: Cell & Molecular Genetics $115.00 Field guide to Eucalyptus Vol3 N. Australia $155.00 Turfgrass Diseases and Associated Disorders $65.00 Field Guide to weeds in Australia $75.00 Turfgrass Management $175.00 Flora of NSW Volume 3 $99.00 Turfgrass Patch Diseases $95.00 Flora of NSW Volume 4 $130.00 Turfgrass Pests $42.00 Fundamentals of Turfgrass Management $110.00 Turfgrass Pests and Diseases $45.00 Fundamentals of Weed Science $135.00 Turfgrass: Agronomy Monograph 32 $120.00 Golf Architecture $80.00 Turfgrass: Science & Culture $160.00 Golf Course Architecture: Design, Construction & R $155.00 Waterplants in Australia $45.00 Golf Course Management & Construction $210.00 Water plants in New South Wales $35.00 Golf Facility Planning $155.00 Weeds an Illustrated Guide to Weeds of Australia $105.00 Grasses $22.00 Grasses of New South Wales $36.00 Please note: Prices are subject to change without notice. Growing Australian Native Plants from Seed $22.00 Please note: Prices are subject to change without notice. Guide to Golf Course Irrigation Systems Design & Drainage $155.00 Handbook of IPM for Turf & Ornamentals $210.00 IPM Handbook for Golf Courses $135.00 International Turf Management Handbook $190.00 Management of Turfgrass Diseases $190.00 Managing Turfgrass Pests $190.00 Order Form Name: Postal Address: City/Suburb: Postcode: Daytime Phone number: Please supply the following books: QTY BOOK TITLE Please add postage ($8.00 for the first book, Each additional book $1.00 per book) Ł I enclose my cheque/money order made payable to the AGCSA, or Ł Please charge this purchase to my credit card account Bankcard/MasterCard/Visa Card Number: Expiry Date: / Cardholder Name: Address: Signature: AUTHOR PRICE TOTAL NOW DUE: $_ Send completed order form and payments to: AGCSA Level 1,19 Railway Parade North Glen Waverley, 3150 Phone: (03)9886-6200 Fax: (03)9886-6400 Email: info@agcsa.com.au International Turf Management book review Terry Woodcock Sportsturf Consultants Australia David Aldous has drawn together a range of contributing authors from both Australia and overseas. Major areas covered are turfgrass growth, development and establishment, nutrition, irrigation and renovation, soil structure, drainage and machinery operation. In addition, there is an overview of pests and diseases, and an interesting section on 
turfgrass performance measurement. Practical areas of construction and maintenance are covered in a number of separate and specific chapters for a range of sports including golf, bowls, racing and sportsfields with a separate section 
especially for cricket wickets. Other chapters 
cover environmental issues and there is a good section on administration and contract 
development and management. The scope of the book is quite wide but all of the topics are reasonably well covered. International Turf Management Handbook, Edited by Dr David Aldous, University of Melbourne, Burnley College Victoria. Inkata Press 1999 ^SPECIAL* $185.00 only $175.00 for AGCSA members Different authors write each chapter so there is some minor overlap in material presented. However, this overlap provides some continuity and reinforces the main aspects of turf management. The topics in the book are treated at different levels and range from detailed information of a highly technical nature in turfgrass identification and physiology and soil drainage theory to more mid range applied technical areas such as that found in the chapters on turfgrass 
establishment, irrigation and nutrition. The very nature of the technical material in the book makes some chapters especially hard to read but others flow easily. Having said that it 
is definitely worth the effort to read the whole book at least once to know where to find the valuable tables and the one line tips that are buried like pearls in a sometimes heavy sea of 
information. This book is packed with valuable 
information; you just have to find it. It was disappointing to find that in a book with such good quality information there are only black and white photographs. Pictures of grasses, weeds, diseases and insects have no impact and are of little use for identification. Although space is always at a premium, larger figures and tables with a bolder text are needed to make them more readable. The total lack of colour, except for the cover, 
detracts from an otherwise good book. In structure the book has the most intense topics in the first few chapters and it gets lighter but no less valuable as you proceed. I recommend you start at chapter 14 to get the 
real flavour of 'International Turf Management' and then work your way back through the text. This is a good sound technical book that despite its lack of colour will provide you with background science in turfgrass, soils 
and irrigation as well as guide you through 
the construction and maintenance of sports facilities. Some contract management is also present for professional administration development. TURBO-FAN -ensures a clean pick up and increases your hopper-capacity to a 4,5 cubic meters^ { as the material^! L is compress^H 
\ in the ^H 
I^K hoppecfl CluuteHioibi' SOLID PROTECTION BAR ALL AROUND-toprotect the machine and its hydraulics. BIG WHEELS - to minimize the possibility of imprints in the turf. E-mail Verti-drain@redexim.com http://www.Redexim.com To check out the Turf Tidy phone today for our informationpacket including our free video. Redexim+ Cfcarterfwuse THE NEW TURF TIDY THE WORLD S ONLY DETHATCHER THAT'S A SWEEPER AND A FLAILMOWER ALL IN ONE EFFICIENT UNIT. The Turf Tidy's unique suck and throw developed by the Verti-Drain manufacturers ensures that the maximum amount of material is taken in every load to the dump due to the unique blow system compressing the material and completely filling the hopper. This saves its operators time, trouble and money. HYDRAULIC-LIFTING - of the machine off the ground, ' sothat only a 32 HP tractor is needed. DRAW BAR PULLED-sothat maximum turning manoevrability around trees etc. is guaranteed. FULLY FLOATING HEAD - in all directions prevents you from scalping turf in indulated areas. Therefor ideal to climb and scarify steep tees. VERTI-DRAIN® NSW : Verti-Drain NSW. West Ryde 02-98074377 VIC : Glenmac Sales and Service, Knoxfield 03-97638255 J.B. Scon, Geelong 03-52779366 QLD : G.L Palm Equipment, Acacia Ridge 07-32777599 Ireland Farm & Lawn, Cairns 07-40523624 SA : Squiers Sales & Service, Summertown 08-83903017 WA : Mcintosh & Son, Perth 08-94782400 TAS : Southern Turf Specialists, Cambridge 03-62485304 Hopper filled to its maximum HIGHLIFT - to 2,2 m. enables the operator to discharge into trailers. Curators Dinn> Ct.ttb Pttch Preparation BY LES BURDETT It is every turf pitch curators aim to produce pitches that have a flat, hard surface with an even cover of fine turf. A pitch with these 
characteristics produces a surface that provides true playing conditions and an even chance for both bowlers and batsmen. These seem like relatively simple and achievable criteria yet inconsistency of pitches at club level continues to be an issue with most cricket associations. What follows are some detailed notes that if followed correctly and given suitable weather conditions should help curators with the difficult task of preparing suitable pitches for club matches. Ideally, cricket clubs should have a table of at least 5 pitches. To obtain full utilisation of these 5 pitches, the following sequence should be followed: PITCH USE SEQUENCE 1 2 3 4 5 PITCH NUMBER 1 This sequence allows time for each pitch to rejuvenate between matches and enables the growth of the couch grass to be controlled, ensuring that it remains fine and manageable. If the same pitch is used for several weeks, it will overstress the grass and the rest of the table will become thatchy. Too much grass induces excessive cutting and seaming of the ball. Pitches void of grass play very low and inconsistent. Share the wear and work all pitches. MAINTENANCE IS 
PARAMOUNT After the completion of each match, wait two week for the couch grass to shoot back, plant couch runners as close as 
possible (75 to 100 mm) and re-level the pitch with soil as required. This will bring the used pitch back to the original unprepared level state. If time and labour is a problem and the 
planting program seems too intense to handle, seek the support of the Club as a full grass cover is the ultimate and the Club may see the benefit in providing additional resources. TIMING OF CLUB PITCH PREPARATION Every cricket ground has its own problems relating to weather and winter sport WICKET ROLLER LINE MARKING WICKET ROLLER PACIFIC TURF EQUIPMENT PTY LTD Specialists In Used Turf Care Equipment Sales Ł Rental Ł Parts 2 Alua Close North Manly NSW 2100 PO Box 169 Brook vale NSW 2100 Call Garry Clarke Phone: (02) 9905 7759 Fax: (02) 9905 7776 Mobile: 0418 404 423 Email: pacturf@intercoast.com.au mEnuAy programs, which will dictate preparation schedules but a successful Club pitch requires at least 10 days preparation. When levelling and topdressing has been completed successfully and the pitch table is well grassed, preparation of the pitch can commence. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED Ł Tape measure Ł Whiting mix and 2" (5cm) brush Ł Four string lines 
Ł 24" (60cm) cylinder mower (or smaller) Ł One light hand roller (25kg to 100 Kg) Ł Heavy roller (1.5 to 2 tonne) 
Ł Scraper to keep mower rollers and rollers dean Ł Hard broom 
Ł Marking frame and straight edge 8'8" or 2.6 m Given suitable weather conditions, follow these guidelines: Using the following daily preparation schedules commence preparation of the first pitch of the season 10 days prior to the first match. Day 10 - Wednesday: (a) Afternoon - Select pitch using pitch no. 1 (see chart pitch sequence). (b) Measure out (3m or 10 feet) 
(c) Double cut at 6 to 8 mm using string lines (d) Slowly soak, deep through the profile. Day 9 - Thursday (a) 7-9am - Make sure the pitch is sufficiently moist. If not, re-water as required and wait till it is ready or use supper sopper to remove surface water (b) Apply a light covering of grass cuttings (as required). 
(c) Cross roll with light hand roller (2 rolls 
30-40 mins). If time allows, apply more light cross rolling. (d) Normally before 12 noon - As soon as moisture content allows, apply heavy roller in low gear (20-30 mins). 
(e) Afternoon, two or three more such heavy rolls (last roll in top gear). Day 8 - Friday (a) Provided all roller creases have flattened out. Cut pitch at the final height of 4mm and roll once over. (b) Water prepared pitch and pitch square. (c) Rope off area. Day 7 - Saturday (a) No preparation work required Day 6 - Sunday (a) No preparation work required as Saturday Day 5 - Monday (a) If required plant couch runners on pitch numbers 2, 4 and 5 and level accordingly. 
Mindful that No 3 Pitch will be used next. (b) Plantings must remain damp until 
Saturdays match. 
(c) Consider covering plantings with Agril or Cropguard heat sheets for a better 
couch strike Day 4 - Tuesday (a) Repeat or carry out Mondays duties as required. Day 3 - Wednesday (a) Afternoon, cut out No. 1 pitch again at 6 to 8 mm, although the pitch was cut last Friday at 4 mm the grass was rolled into (the damp clay) and by now will have stood up again. (b) For this example No. 1 pitch is for a 1 day game the next Saturday, therefor No. 3 pitch will be 10 days away and preparation must begin. So cut out No. 3 as No. 1 and water thoroughly. Day 2 - Thursday (a) 7-9 am - Make sure both pitches are sufficiently moist. If not, re-water as required and wait till they are ready or remove surface water with supper sopper. (b) Apply a light covering of grass cuttings 
(as required). (c) Cross roll with light hand roller (2 rolls 30-40 mins). If time allows, apply more light cross rolling. 
(d) Normally, before 12 noon - As soon as moisture content allows, apply heavy roller 
in low gear (20-30 mins) to both pitches, No. 1 and No. 3. (e) Afternoon, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm - Three more such heavy rolls (last roll in top gear). 
(f) 6-7pm - Late roll is desirable (if possible). (g) Obviously No. 1 will require more attention than No. 3 pitch. Day 1 - Friday (a) 7-9 - Double cut both pitches at 4mm. (b) Heavy roll (20-30 mins) and hand water No. 3 to recover pitch from the preparation stress. (c) Before 12 noon - Apply second heavy "LOVE CRICKET' "YES WE DO" "ORDER TODAY" Tow-a-tarp Take the hard work out of protecting centre squares. With drum mounted on sealed roller bearings. These provide easy; quick and reliable operation. Designed with occupational health and safety issues in mind. Mentay2000 The new "ride on" Mentay 2000 Wicket Roller has been designed specifically to meet the demands for a middle of the range roller to assist you in the preparation 
and management of 1st class turf wickets I Mentay custom build machines and supply sportsfields, racecourses, tennis courts and golf courses nationally and overseas. Contact lilEllLiW today on freecall 1800037075 fax (03) 53381006 Email: mentay@bigpond.com Website: www.mentay.com.au roll (20-30 mins) to No. 1 Pitch Only. (d) 1-2pm - Final double cut 4mm. (e) Final heavy roll (20-30 mins). 
(f) 2-3pm - Measure out pitch and mark with frame and straight edge. Saturday - MATCH DAY (a) A Saturday pitch should be playable by Friday afternoon, given good weather conditions. (b) If labour allows, give the pitch a final cut and roll before the start of play, especially if covers were used on Friday night. (c) Double cut at 4mm. 
(d) Roll between popping creases. 
(e) Stumps in position, ready for play. (f) As soon as possible after the match, broom & level foot marks so pitch square can be watered. Sunday (a) If it is a Saturday/Sunday game sweep 
loose debris from pitch, cut, roll & remark as Saturday's procedure. (b) Do not water pitch during a 2, 3 or 4 day game. The laws of cricket do not allow for 
the watering of the pitch during the course of the match. Water added at this stage will 
change the performance of the pitch. Monday (a) Morning - Rope off pitch square, broom level and water (if not done after 
completion of play, Saturday or Sunday). (b) If watered Saturday or Sunday, follow day 5 Monday program. Consider pitch rotation). Tuesday As Day 5 Monday program, consider pitch rotation. Wednesday Start back at day 10 Wednesday and repeat procedures. When Monday to Friday matches (special carnivals etc.) are programmed, these guidelines should be considered and 
worked around accordingly. A 3 or 4 day cricket pitch requires much more intensive preparation, but for Club games, these guidelines are adequate. N.B. 1. The Christmas break is an ideal time to carry out an intensive planting and leveling program with assistance of the Club for the following reasons: a. The entire pitch square is free of traffic b. Time to keep water up to newly planted couch runners 
c. The ground temperature is warm and couch grass is active 2. To alleviate the problem of poorly grassed square at the start of a cricket season, all planting must be conducted during the growing season, to establish a good sward of couch grass. Planting runners early or late in the season is not 
recommended (ground temperatures are too low for growth to commence unless heat sheets are used). The ideal situation is to finish the season with a good healthy grass cover. This will be the foundation for next season. N.B. The pitch square must be at least 75mm above Oval surrounds to allow ample 
surface drainage during winter months to 
avoid the pitch from becoming a dam. 3. Monday or immediately after matches is an ideal time to apply light applications of 
fertilisers as required (to dry grass). Like all other turf surfaces, cricket pitches are 'living' and by definition they will have 
some measure of individuality and unpredictability. As such it is not possible to prescribe a preparation program that will suit every pitch but with common sense 
and a degree of flexibility the above information should serve as a suitable guide to the 'art' of cricket pitch preparation. LES BURDETT IS THE CURATOR AT THE ADELAIDE OVAL. PICTURES SUPPLIED BY ROBERT SAVEDRA, WESLEY COLLEGE (VIC) RAINMAN REENKEEPER Golf Course Irrigation Control & Monitoring RAINMAN GREENKEEPER is a flexible irrigation control system that can be customised to suit your needs. GREENKEEPER can operate as stand-alone field satellite controllers and from the central control computer. An optional hand-held unit with digital display for testing and monitoring is also available. GREENKEEPER offers both an irrigation control and monitoring solution and an effective management tool that can be as simple or advanced in its functions as you require. Ł Accepts data direct from weather stations and other monitoring devices 
and can be programmed to irrigate accordingly. Ł Incorporates CAD drawings of the course and each hole's irrigation layout. Ł Communications can be either radio, telephone or hard wire with dial out or dial in access via modem. Ł Satellites continue to operate and collect data during comms failure. Ł Inbuilt lightning protection of inputs and outputs at each controller. Ł Standard satellites can have up to 64 stations, with customised units having the option of many more. For your free copy of a RAINMAN demonstration disc contact: ŁMM RAINMAN Irrigation Control Systems I m 7 Hector St, Osborne Park, 6017, Western Australia ŁŁHM Tel: (08) 9242 7899 Fax: (08) 9242 7890 email: scada@mce.com.au BREAKING NEW GROUND,.,AGAIN! For two years Scotts have beeen evaluating and carefully selecting our most suitable turf grass varieties for local production. The result is two new perennial ryegrass 
products that complement our traditional favourite, Caravelle. DIVINE is Scotts premium single variety. With its dwarf habit and fine dark green leaf, Divine produces a superior dense turf surface BLEND 101 is suited for the most challenging environments. Its genetic diversity (including Divine) ensures an attractive turf under the widest range of environmental conditions. CARAVELLE is valued for its spring transitional qualities and is excellent for autumn overseeding of warm season grasses. Scotts will continue to develop a whole new generation of seed technology including transgenic turfgrass plants for the new millennium. Scottsi DIVINE BLEND 101 CARAVELLE FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR SCOTTS DISTRIBUTOR OR SCOTTS AUSTRALIA ON (02) 9899 2555 1 Open Season for Royal Sydney THe r999 Holden Australian Open returned to The Royal Sydney Golf Club in November. Remembered for the final round stumbles of tournament leaders Brett Ogle and eventual winner Robert Allenby, the course last played host to the tournament in 1994-It was the 11th time that the Club has held the nations premier golf tournament and for course superintendent John Odell and his staff, it was 3rd time perfect. Since the clubs first Open in 1906 the course has undergone some major changes. During the 80's course architects, Peter Thomson and Michael Wolveridge, rebuilt all greens and tees on the Championship Course. Major drainage and re-grassing works followed and in 1992 the automatic irrigation system was replaced with a computerised electric 'valve in head' Rainbird system supplied by a Grundfos pumping station which pumped 
water from a new groundwater fed 7 megalitre lake at the end of a remodelled driving range. Back to back par 4's, holes 4 and 5, were then remodelled to avoid a busy road that runs adjacent to the property. The 9 hole Short Course, so popular at the Club with new players learning the game and older players, was totally reconstructed over a 9 
month period from September 1996. This work involved the importation of some 
75,000 tonnes of sand to lift the course off 
the impervious peat and mould it into the new Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett 'links 
like' design. The greens were sown to a three way blend of Providence, 1020 and Pennlinks bent and the rest of the course was grassed with Wintergreen couch stolons taken from the Championship Course. To complete the facelift, the Club has rebuilt 4 of its lawn tennis courts, all 7 hardcourts, both croquet lawns and one of 
its 2 bowling greens. Another 9 lawn tennis courts are scheduled for reconstruction 2 
weeks following the Open. During all of 
this work, major improvements have also been carried out in the Clubhouse Gardens and a new 265 car, 5 level car park was 
constructed in 1997. When questioned further on his hectic schedule, Odell said, "my staff and I are constantly challenged to maintain and IIGW3> improve the members' facilities. In some ways we are always in a state of flux in one area or another but in a place as big as this it is impossible to keep still for any length of time". When the Club agreed to host this years championship back in 1998 the Australian Golf Union asked their Australian Open 
supervisory architects, Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge, to inspect the course. 
Given the incredible improvements in golf 
equipment and the longer distances that players are hitting the ball these days they 
recommended some minor architectural changes to tighten a few areas. However, 
the Club did not decide to implement these 
changes until May this year which made for some hasty redevelopment involving the importation of 2000m3 of filling for new 
mounding and swales on holes 2, 5, 10 and 15, new fairway bunkers on holes 5 and 16 and a new championship tee on the 11th 
which lengthens the hole by 20 metres. Due to the unpredictability of spring in Sydney, major renovations to fairways started one 
month earlier than our 1994 Open preparation. Extra grass was left on the fairways during winter for added protection from traffic but 
the mild wet winter experienced this year saw that mat carry over into spring. A major renovation was required to remove the sponge and give a firm tight surface conducive to 
good shotmaking in the tournament. On September 6 the fairways were heavily scarified, Odell shaving them down to soil level. This operation saw 500m3 of 'chaff' removed. This was followed with coring at a square 75mm spacing with tynes to a depth of 150mm. Winter soil tests showed pH levels to be below optimum in many areas of the property so CaC03 was spread For Sale Ł For Sale Ł For Sale Ł For Sale Ł For Sale Ł For Sale SyncroFlo Golf Course Irrigation Pumping System "36 Hole Capability" This pumping station has been left on the docks and must be liquidated. For further details on this once in a lifetime opportunity. Please call Mick Toomey 07 3268 5244 The tees were vertidrained in mid August to assist warmer daytime temperatures and encourage early spring root growth. Despite the intensive cultural practices that were employed on tees and fairways to stimulate the couch through October spring 
soil temperatures were unusually low and 'greenup' has been painfully slow. This has resulted in sodding and oversowing of 
many tees and some areas of greens surrounds right up to mid November. always going to be a big ask. This is 
especially so when one has to grow the rough the previous summer to the height and thickness to have it stand up to winter 
dormancy and traffic then sit up and catch 
the errant shot in late spring. Hence, the rough at Royal Sydney was not as tigerish as one would desire but many winter growing native grasses such as Rats Tail Fescue and Veldt Grass have been left to flower and seed. This gave the rough some 
teeth and provided an aesthetically pleasing contrast with the intensively manicured playing areas. Thomson & Wolveridge expressed a desire for the greens surrounds to be much shorter than usual so that the ball that rolled off the green would keep going. This 
philosophy is very similar to the way Paul Jett prepared Pinehurst for this years US Open. The shaving and scarification of these usually thick areas at Royal Sydney 
was as intense as the fairway program and left many areas quite threadbare only days before the big event. The presentation of a golf course for a major tournament is a challenging and exacting process that is influenced by a plethora of agronomic, edaphic, seasonal, turfgrass management and administrative factors. The tireless efforts of John and his dedicated staff have been rewarded by 
another successfuil Open held on a course beautfully prepared for the game of golf. Congratulations to all involved. at up to 2 tonne/ha in split applications over a 2 week period. The greens are not normally renovated prior to a major tournament but the abnormally wet winter and heavy traffic had left the greens compacted and a bit 'skinny' in areas so John 
decided to wheel out the new vertidrain. In late August the weeker greens were lightly aerated with the 8mm solid tynes leaving a barely discernable mark. This was followed in late September with an intense renovation 
including double scarifying, vertidraining with 12mm solid tynes and topdressing. The greens responded quickly to this work and were in quite good condition for the 
qualifying rounds of the Members Club Championships in October. In the ensuing 8 
weeks, greens were treated for a number of specific problems and programs such as Dry Patch, Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, Argentine Stem Weevil, Mole Crickets and Poa annua sp. During this time the walk-behind mowers were used virtually exclusively except on 
weekends. The height of cut was gradually reduced from 4.5mm in winter to 3mm for the tournament. Selective use of the 'sidewinder' type rollers gained the extra speed required and regular verticutting and brooming with a stiff nylon box broom 1 week prior to the tournament helped to reduce grain and excessive spiking. Finally, the AGU has decreed that those golf courses selected to host our nations major golf tournament should prepare rough to be quite penal off the fairways. Royal Sydney is very much a members golf course set up for regular membership play 
so the goal of presenting rough as treacherous as Shinnicok Hills, Olympic or Pinehurst or even our own Royal Adelaide, so beautifully presented last year was rz Š' -jjj Tnnr ^liift J.F.B. AGENCIES GOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT I ACCESSORIES manufacturers of Custom Golf Course Products Australia "AUSTRALIAN MADE PRODUCTS" Family Owned and Operated PHONE/FAX (07) 3351 6196 Id led iff Pty. Ltd. A.C.N. 010 710 424 45 llluta Ave. Ferny Hills, 4055 Brisbane, Australia Agents throughout Australia and New Zealand distance Ł flag poles Ł dragmats Ł Ł tee markers Ł blades Ł signage * reels Ł Ł flags Ł shovels Ł tools Ł rubbish bins * Ł 
Ł Ł Ł Ł cups reel sharpening compound lawn levels bunker rakes ball washers measuring wheels safety protective wear driving range equipment John Broderick, Director Mobile: 0418 750 668 PHONE FOR A FREE CATALOGUE R&R PRODUCTS, INC, R QUALITY GOLF & TURF PARTS MANUFACTURER Distributed by ' Roy Gripske & Sons Pty Ltd 44 Beach Street Kippa-Rong Qld 4021 Over 10,000 Quality I Replacement Parts ^^^ all major brands <k W/MIWtd ŁMf.V*^. ALL ORDERS OVER $200 AND UNDER 20KG ARE DELIVERED FRIEGHT FREE I jT M Phone: 1300 363 004 w:sa an(j Free Fax: 1800 636 973 email: pgripske@rgs.com.au Master Cards Web: www.rgs.com.au Accepted ATM © TURFGRASS MANAGERS REMUNERATION /^f REMUNERATK ourvey 1999 esults In the August edition of ATM, we asked you to complete a survey providing information on details such as education, staff numbers, maintenance budgets and salaries. We received almost 100 responses from the golf course sector and what follows is a summary of these results. When respondents were asked to quote their highest completed level of formal education, 'Secondary' and 'Tertiary certificate' was by far the most common response. Victorians and those from New 
South Wales were the highest qualified with 44% and 23% of respondents from those states holding a Tertiary Diploma or better. None of the respondents were degree qualified. Excluding courses overseas, staff numbers were greatest in Qld with 25% of respondents having a staff greater than 16. Just behind them with very similar numbers were NSW and Vic. Tasmania and South 
Australia had the lowest staff numbers. As shown in table 1, the average gross salary of those surveyed was $60,993. As expected, gross salary varied between states. Course superintendents in WA were the highest paid, followed by those in NSW and Vic. Although results are not shown, 
the average gross salary of the two superintendents surveyed from overseas 
was $120,000. As expected, table 2 shows that there is a positive correlation between average gross salary and the size of the annual maintenance budget. This correlation was strongest in NSW and Vic which were the two states accounting for the bulk of respondents and indicates that level of responsibility is a factor critical in determining remuneration. TABLE 1 80.000 70.000 60.000 50.000 
40.000 
30.000 
20.000 AVERAGE GROSS SALARY AVERAGE GROSS SALARY VS MAINTENANCE BUDGET $/ANNUM Ave racje^SGOj)^ 1 QLD TABLE 2 AVERAGE OROSS SALARY VS MAINTENANCE S 100,000 I r Š 1 80000 Šrc \\ j n g 60.000 I 1 -HLlEEIKEEE Ł $100,000 -$300,000 Ł $300,000 - $500,000 I $500,000 - $700,000 
I $700,000 - $1 Million I Greater than $1 Million FOR DETAILED RESULTS CONTACT THE AGCSA ON (03) 9886-6200 The Soil Reliever, Model 54 Deep Ventional Aerifier for greens. Fast, efficient, smooth, and will operate on a Cushman Truckster, a Torn Workman or a small tractor. There are deep tine aerifiers and conventional aeri-fiers, now you have both with the Soil Reliever 54. Use the 5/16"x9"solid tines to aerify your greens anytime, without disruption in play. Other solid tines available are 
3/8x10", 1/2x10", coring tines available are 5/8x7" 
3/4x10". Aerify any depth to 10" with the Soil Reliever 54 "deepventional" aerator. Operates on any mini tractor from 16 h.p up to 30h.p. For a demonstration call BHM Machinery at (07) 3287 3877. For more information contact BHM MACHINERY 26 OLD PACIFIC HWY, YATALA 4207 PH:(07) 3287 3877, FAX: (07) 3287 3977 "Breathin'aWhole Lot Easier!" AMSTERDAM ARENA HERITAGE QUALITY TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP With a product portfolio as broad as the Australian landscape, Heritage Seeds stands alone combining national distribution with exports to over 50 countries. Heritage Seeds has the largest private seed and plant research facility in Australia and R&D programs that extend around the globe. New varietal discovery and quality seed production, together with excellence in customer and supplier relationships, 
combines with the 'can do' ethos of our people to give Heritage Seeds the leading edge in seed technology. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Our focus for the new millennium is on 
emerging seed technologies and R & D will combine to yield plant cultivars that 
demonstrate seed solutions for the turf manager. Heritage Seeds are industry leaders in revegetation and environmental repair solutions maintaining a 'state of the art' 
seed enhancement plant at Toowoomba, Qld. Capitalising on 10 years of R & D the company now license globally, seed coating 
technology for a range of applications. SEEDS COMPANY PRODUCTS Through strategic marketing and supply alliances throughout Australia and internationally, Heritage Seeds is well entrenched in the Australian turf seed industry. The company distributes and markets the leading turf varieties and represents the global turf seed company - Barenbrug. Through Barenbrug, Heritage Seeds have brought varieties such as Premier II and Barlennium (new) ryegrass, Barlexas and Tracer (new) tall fescue; Bridgeport and Bargena fine fescues; Baronie and Barzan Kentucky Bluegrass. These varieties have come from the USA, but it is Europe where 
we have gone to find our latest development - shade and wear tolerant ryegrasses. A lot of work has been done with the 
Amsterdam Arena in Holland which is a 'new generation' multi purpose stadium with a roof that can be closed, to develop 
cultivars that possess greater wear and shade 
tolerance. Heritage Seeds has at its disposal 
the best performing cultivars from this work and they will be available early next year. As the industry leader take advantage of our technology, knowledge and experience. S PREMIER I I P'ERENNIAL/RYEGRASS -Top rated for overall turf quality in the recent USA NTEP trials " Aggressive tillering restricts poa invasion and gives excellent wear tolerance - Excellent winter vigour -Very dark green Melbourne: (03) 9561 9222 Fax: (03) 9561 9333 Mobile: 0418 399 5I8 email: michael@heritageseeds.com.au T7 RY iTPLACE jj./i.,^-m|Ww Quality Turf Management Services Ł All aspects of turf maintenance, renovation, restoration and construction Ł specialists in sports ground maintenance and presentation Simon Gardini Phone: (03) 9720 8406 Mobile: 0409 500 502 email: f1turf@yahoo.com.au Part of the V.P.C.Group [Ł1 !ŁŁ[Ł] [iiiiimtij if\ you have skills and experience in greenkeeping, you may be eligible for a national Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture Already many greenkeepers from across Australia have had their industry skills recognised in this way Š without enrolling in a course! For further information call Hortus Australia on 1800 233 366 or email hortus@dnrgroup.com Hortus Australia - Settinq Standards Planting turf or converting strain? CONSIDER THE ROW PLANTING SYSTEM Designed to plant and over-plug turf areas Fresh A grade, uncontaminated sod is used 
No pre-made scarifyings - increasing growth potential I A trailing roller settles the newly created surface 
A proven and highly successful method Contact Rosemary Hicks 08 8258 2488 0414 557714 NSTANT TURF uM^ilMiMMjiii^lMaMj AGRIPOWER SPORTS FIELD DRAINAGE SPECIALISTS "for cost effective sports field drainage" call Richard Jacobs mob: 0412 323 947 A/H: (03) 95929699 fax: (03) 9592 9846 Commercial Residential Golf Courses Authorised Toro Dealer with over 25 years experience in Supply & Installation. We have designed and installed over 60 Golf course Systems and more than 2000 commercial projects For your next project contact: GSB Watertechnique Pty Ltd 68-70 Magill Rd Norwood, SA 5067 Ph (08)8132 0794 Fax (08)8132 0795 Email: gsbwater@microtronics.com.au S£irtsgrass Pty. Ltd. ŁCoring ŁScarifying ŁSweeping 'Construction New South Wales TURFCARE NSW FOR SAME DAY DELIVERY & UNBEATABLE PRICES ON DUALITY TURF PRODUCTS Ł Best Simplot Fertiliser Ł Chipco Bayer Ł Nufarm Ł Trichoprotection Range 
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Ł Laser controlled trenching * ft <!* TURF DRAIN AUSTRALIA Bob Paddison Ł Phone: (02) 9652 2208 Fax: (02) 9652 2209 Mobile: 0418 261089 BECAUSE NOT ALL AERATORS ARE CREATED EQUAL Land Prides AERA-vator is ideal for use on a broad range of turf sur-faces, including sporting arenas, parks and reserves, golf courses (fairways, roughs, tees and sur-rounds) racetracks, schools and general turf surfaces. LAND PRIDE Call now for a demonstration on your turf - Telephone 1800 640 305 Or visit our web page www.golfandturf.com.au A - ONE TURFCARE ri nr Specialists in golf course renovations !U| till Ł CORING ill rK Ł DEEP SLICING ill i Ł SHAVING Ł LASER LEVELLING i *** Contact Peter Thompson on 0419 205 661 or Paul Tangye on 0419 206 542 ATM N0RTHSH0RE MOWERS AND IRRIGATION For Expert Products and Service CALL BOB COOK ON: 0416115 272 To reach over 6500 professional turf managers in this space can Phil George on 03 9886 6200 or 0413 620 252 @ CLUBCAR Carryall 272 Club Car today announced the arrival of their latest all terrain vehicle, the Carryall 272 which represents the pinnacle of their Utility Vehicle range. Unsurpassed Load Pulling and Hill Climbing Power With a 351 cc, 11 horsepower engine, there is power to spare to pull loads or climb hills. This engine is mated to a unitised transaxle with CVT clutch for effortless automatic shifting. Extra Traction on Demand The newly designed transaxle incorporates operator selected differential lock which can be selected on the move. Pull the lever and double your traction. Serious Stopping Power & Suspension The 272 is fitted with 4 wheel hydraulic brakes to maintain absolute control in any situation. Combining the best of two worlds, the Carryall 272 has independent A-arms 
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ground and gives at superior ride Club Car Rock-Hopping Ground Clearance Industry leading 29cm ground clearance under the floor ensures 'hang-ups' never happen to you. The Carryall 272 is designed for the roughest, toughest terrain. Standard features include: Ł 540kg Payload Capacity Ł Choice of All terrain or Turf Tyres Ł High Back Bucket Seats Ł Headlights, Fuel Gauge/Hour Meter, Differential Guard and Rear Tow Hitch Ł 2 Year Vehicle Warranty For demonstration, specifications or pricing, call Club Car on 1800 680 088 WettaSoil gTk Granular CHEMTURF The proven performance of Australia's No1 Soil Wetting agent is now available in a 
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expected by one of Australia's leading 
wetting agents. Granular WettaSoil is especially useful for 
applications at Renovation time and for treating small local dry spots without the need to get out spray gear. For more information or to place your order contact your local Chemturf Territory Manager or call Chemturf Technical Services Dept on 02 96047200. WETTA Qlobe continues to lead the way with the very best fertiliser technology: SCOTTS COMBINATION WITH DICOT III 3-Way broadleaf herbicide action with controlled release fertiliser 21+1+16 ONCE 100% coated complete controlled release fertiliser range NOCULATE Controlled release fertiliser, microbial stimulator and soil wetting agent CoRoN Controlled released liquid fertilisers for either foliar or root uptake POLY-S 31+1+3+Fe Long term (12-14 week) controlled release nutri-ent for fairways, parks and lawns Globe Australia Ply Ltd SYDNEY Ph (02) 9522 0000 NEWCASTLE Ph (02) 4942 3833 BRISBANE Ph (07) 3277 3999 MELBOURNE Ph (03) 9380 8888 PERTH Ph (08) 9452 7777 © ATM New Liquid Soil [t—i 1 Conditioners for T&I 1Ž] Turf & Irrigation has released two new products which have been formulated specifically for the turf market. pH Plus is new technology liquid alternative to bulk lime and is a concentrated suspension of superfine calcium carbonate which improves soil pH levels. Gypflo 2000, an alternative to bulk gypsum, is a new technology liquid suspension of superfine calcium carbonate and sulphur and importantly, contains no chlorides. Because the particles in both pH Plus and Gypflo 2000 are superfine (5 microns), they react very quickly within the soil and can be easily applied 
through fine filter systems for use on greens, 
fairways, sportsfields and general turf areas. 
They are available in 20 litre or 110 litre drums. Further information is available from any T&I branch or phone 132 009. DonuTTrimmer The DonuTTrimmer is a rotary edging blade that is available in a range of sizes and fits most line trimmers, makes short work of trimming around sprinkler heads and bunkers. For further details contact MowSharp on 02 9476 4222 oT Trito fty ED& Torn Australia TORO To provide turf managers with the means to achieve deep, clean penetration of the soil profile, Toro Australia P/L has announced the availability of two tractor-mounted aerators from the respected SISIS range. The Maxislit is a deep slitting machine, designed for outfield turf and provides penetration to depths of either 17.8 or 22.8cm. With a 1.6m working width, the Maxislit enables quick coverage of football and rugby pitches, cricket outfields and hockey pitches. The Multislit is the smallest of the SISIS aerators and has working width of 122cm. Each slitter plate is fitted with five tines giving penetration depths from 15 to 20cm. The frame of the Multislit has a weight bar for additional weight if required and like the Multislit it incorporates floating pressure rollers, which follow the ground contours. Further information can be obtained from TORO Australia P/L on (02) 9687 2366 or by Fax (02) 9687 2313 F mwun THU iCHIDNA SOIL (AiRATOi US ijHRilHI What Does The Echinda Do? It is a spiked drum that puts thousands of cavity shaped holes into the ground. These holes allow water to enter and be stored in the soil. It helps prevent fertilized enriched water from running off and polluting our waterways. The enourmous benefits obtained by this simple and inexpensive procedure are quite profound. The moisture 
increase at a critical depth ensures major improvement in grass growth, soil conditioning and texture plus huge worm activity. Available in: 700, 1000, 1500 and 2400mm width. Drum diameter 406mm. Water fill ballast optional Spike diam: 12mm, 16mm or 20mm. Length 115mm Manufactured and Marketed by Elkco Engineering - Lismore NSW Web Page: www.elkco.com.au/echidna E-Mail: info@elkco.com.au Phone (02)6624 1428 Fax (02) 6624 2471 Patent Peocfcng PQ6926 ATM ® O AGCSA lviemDersniD "Belong" Ł enhance your job security Ł promote your professionalism Ł recieve peer support and free legal advice Ł gain access to a range of educational opportunities and AGCSA publications AGCSA Membership Classes Class A Class B Class C 
Class C2 
Class C3 Class C4 
Class C5 Class Al Class E Course Superintendent/Course Manager $250.00 Assistant Superintendents/Allied Turf Manager $220.00 Trade Members/Individuals $220.00 Retired Member $90.00 Certificate 1 -3 Student $90.00 Foreman/Leading Hands/Ground Staff $190.00 Company Members - 1-3 Individuals $220.00 4-6 Individuals 1 $180.00 >6 Individuals $160.00 International Class A Member£ U| ^ $295.00 Life Members/Honorary Members Nil State Associations Ł NSWGCSA Membership Fee: Ł GCSAQ Membership Fee: Ł SAGCSA Membership Fee: 
Ł VGCSA Membership Fee: 
Ł TGCSA Membership Fee: Ł GCSAWA Membership Fee: $60.00 $80.00 (Plus $15 joining fee) $50.00 $90.00 $60.00 $80.00 Membership Application Form Surname: First Name: Preferred Mailing Address: 
City/Suburb: Postcode: Position: Club/Organisation; Club Postal Address: City/Suburb: Postcode: 
Phone: (w) (h) Mobile: lax: Email Member Class: Tick Which Association(s)you wish to join SJasi Ł AGCSA Ł VGCSA Ł NSWGCSA Ł TGCSA Ł GCSAWA Ł GCSAQ To join the associations your application must be signed by two current Golf Course Superintendent members of the association. Signed: Signed: Date: Date: Membership Payment Membership payments for any of the above associations are to be sent to the AGCSA. Ł Please charge this purchase to my credit card account Ł Bankcard G MasterCard Ł Visa Card Number: Expiry Date: / Cardnolder Name: Address: Signature: Send completed application form and payment to: Level AGCSA 1r 19 Railway Parade North Glen Waverley, 3150 Phone: 03 9886 6200 Fax: 03 9886 6400 email: info@agcsa.com.au TT1 REPORT ^ President d Pen Firstly, I would like to wish all our members, readers and advertisers, a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Australian Turfgrass Management is now almost one year old and has achieved a great deal of success in a very short time frame and now has a solid base from which grow further in the Year 2000. January 1st is the starting point for the new AGCSA Skills Recognition Program. This voluntary program will enable AGCSA members to have their existing skills and knowledge recognised against the National Turf Industry Competency Standards. This can provide AGCSA members with formal educational qualifications and immediate recognition on the AGCSA Accreditation Program (more details available early in 2000). The Year 2000 AGCSA Awards Program will be launched this month and is set to 
recognize individuals who have made a special contribution to our industry. Nomination forms will be mailed shortly with nominations closing April 7th, 2000. This year will see several minor modifications to the AGCSA Awards Program with the AGCSA Distinguished Service Award being bestowed by the AGCSA Board, rather than nominated as in previous years. The AGCSA will also be sponsoring the Graduate of the Year Award, other awards will be presented in partnership with our existing sponsors -Chipco, John Deere and Scotts and I thank them for their continued support. The Holden Australian Open was recently held at The Royal Sydney Golf Club and we 
must congratulate John Odell and his staff for the excellent condition of the course. Course Quality Officials were again provided by the AGCSA in partnership with the Toro Company. All that participated had a great time and all were unanimous in two things; 1. the superb condition of the course, and 2. that being a CQO was one of the best ways to see the golf. Thank you to all who participated and also our members who released staff to participate in the event. The AGCSA Board met early in December and has re-set controls in terms of the AGCSA's strategic plan. This is an annual part of AGCSA operations and ensures the organization stays 
on line with the needs of the membership. The largest item on the AGCSA's agenda in Construction of 3 new holes and improvement 2000 is undoubtedly the Millennium Turfgrass Conference. As this event is being administered by the AGCSA, the first six months of 2000 will be a hectic time for the AGCSA, but the end result will be a conference befitting the occasion. I look forward to seeing members in 2000. Peter F re win President, AGCSA FNQGCSA Above average rainfall, low humidity and plenty of fine sunny days over the past few months, has resulted in excellent reports from all courses involved with course grooming and greens renovations. One golf club hoping for milder conditions is Half Moon Bay Golf Club who have been given some adjacent land to extend their course to 18 holes. This land (an ex-council tipping site), has been capped with a clay layer (400mm in depth), and has been given the OK by the environmental departments. WINDSOR TURF SUPPLIES "COMPLETE RENOVATION SERVICE" - Conveyer attachment specially designed for use on bunkers as well as back filling trenches - Only 12 to 20 psi when fully loaded - Used on Olympic venues and the Sydney Football Stadium Terry J. Allen PH: (02)4577 2550, FAX: (02)4577 4331 22 Greenway Cres. Windsor, NSW 2756. PO Box 59 Email: windsor.turf@bigpond.com www.windsorturf.com.au Wkb&Z* - Fractures the surface without damaging turf, allowing for penetration of water and nutrients - Patented Swivel Hitch for tight areas - Used on international sporting facilities throughout the world FOR FURTHER INFORMATION & QUOTES PLEASE PHONE : 0415 291 071 ATM © to 2 others will be an interesting project for Superintendent Mark Davis and his crew. Many water features including dams and lakes are in construction with the excavated sand being used in construction with an average depth of 500mm from Tee to Green. Our annual general meeting is set for Wednesday 27th October at Paradise Palms Golf Course. This is an important meeting 
with a full committee to be elected for FNQ 
for the first time. The outcome of the meeting and committee will be named in the first edition for 2000. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all AGCSA Presidents, Committees, fellow Superintendents, staff and families a great Christmas and a prosperous New Year in 2000. Regards, Paul Earnshaw President, FNQGCSA GCSAQ ) As the weather heats up, courses here have started growing grass like it was going out of fashion. All the wet weather earlier seems to have provided a base for some good growth and it is a difficult task just to keep it all cut. Our annual Christmas Party at the lovely Wet 
and Wild Water World was a raging success 
with members and their families coming from far and wide to enjoy this very relaxed get together. Highlights once again the brilliant 
culinary skills of those maestros of the barbecue 
tongs, Pat Pauli and Vem Jepson. With the help of able committee men they fed the multitude breakfast, lunch and tea in between some frantic watersliding action that saw many a superintendent achieving remarkable speeds with a bit of winter puppy fat remaining from 
the cooler months still to be burnt off. Our latest field day was at Nudgee in November a fine layout in good condition. Wishing everyone a happy festive season, best wishes to all from the GCSAQ. Jon Penberthy President, GCSAQ (GCSAWA ) With summer fast approaching, some late autumn rain has been well received in the 
west, boosting dam capacity levels to 40% prompting the Water Authority to announce 
no further water restriction for this summer. 1998-1999 has certainly been a big year for local Sun City Golf Course Superintendent Grant Chettleburgh. Grant topped the state in 1998 Greenkeeping Trade Course winning: Ł TAFE award Cockburn Rotary Club Apprentice of the Year Ł Rossmoyne Rotary Club and South Metro Tafe Apprentice of the Year Ł Bankwest Student of the Year Ł Westrak Equipment Apprentice of the Year Well done Grant, I'm sure that's a name we will hear a lot more in the future. Speaking of winners, thanks to everyone who attended the Toro Cup and machinery demonstration at Margaret River. The event was well attended with Golf Course Superintendent's from both metro and country courses enjoying some great southern hospitality and the magnificent 
course and weather. Thanks to the hard work of Geoff Kirk and major sponsorship from Baileys Fertilisers this year's Harvey Bash continues to be a 
terrific fundraiser for our association with good support from our country courses. Niall Laird, Golf Course Superintendent at Melville Glades recently announced his resignation. After 14 years in the industry 5 of which he held a position on the state association committee. Niall has now joined the Total Eden Irrigation Company. Niall's commitment and dedication to the industry has been very commendable and on behalf of all member's we would like to wish Niall and his family all the best for the future. Rob McDonald 
President, GCSAWA THE GREEN HORTICULTURAL GROUP 'Complete Sportsturf Solutions' Ph: (02) 9894 7448 We now have the new Verti-Drain 75^1 which has a working width of 2.1 metres and will shatter hard pan layers up to a depth of 400mm. This will: Ł Improve aeration and drainage Ł Build stronger root systems and improve the effectiveness of fertilisers. Bookings are being taken now for the upcoming season. We will not be beaten on price, quality or service. THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY 2000 ENTRY, GRADUATE TURF MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME Ł Graduate Diploma Ł Master's Degree Now available full time (1 year), part time (2 years) and by external study (2 years), this unique programme 
at Australia's oldest and best known University 
provides the opportunity for persons already working in turf to upgrade their scientific and management skills to professional level and to improve their prospects of becoming leaders in the industry. Entry requirements for non-graduates are possession of a TAFE certificate in a relevant area of study, a minimum of five years' work experience in the turf industry including at least one year in a position of responsibility, and a pass in the admission examination. FURTHER INFORMATION Professor Peter Martin Dept. of Crop Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Ph: (02) 9351 2946. Fax: (02) 9351 4172 NSWGCSA Mild conditions have persisted in Sydney over the last two months, with the hottest news being the continuing scandals and bungling over ticket sales for the Olympics. Nematodes appear to be increasingly a common problem on greens in NSW, with very few answers available as to why. Speculation has been rife, with many attributing the 
problem to increased use of sand profiles, 
increased awareness (hence more sampling), or even whether previous control was being obtained through non-target control from now banned pesticides. If anyone has control suggestions, be sure to send them our way! The annual Club Management golf day was held recently at Bonnie Doon Golf Club, with the Sec/Man., Golf Professional and the Superintendent from different clubs playing a three ball aggregate. The event has increased in popularity, with 140 players participating. Gary Smith (host Superintendent) had the course in immaculate condition, and a good day was had by all. The tournament season is once again with us, placing host Superintendent's under the 
microscope, and giving the rest of us a chance to observe some of the leading Clubs in their prime condition. The major 
events for NSW in this season are the Australian Open at Royal Sydney (host Superintendent John Odell), The Greg Norman Classic at the Lakes Golf Club (host Superintendent Peter Brown) and the Cannon Classic at Castle Hill Country Club (host Superintendent Martyn Black). Our best wishes are extended to these gentlemen, may the weather be with you! Mark Parker President, NSWGCSA (VGCSA The change of venue for our October meeting did not deter one of the best attendances at a VGCSA meeting for some time. In excess of 90 
VGCSA members and guests made the journey to Amstel Golf Club to an educational day with a new construction theme. Peter McMaugh made the trip south to provide two keynote sessions on Green construction. Peter is very knowledgeable and extremely passionate about this subject. His two presentations were 
very informative, entertaining and provided an excellent question time. Host Superintendent Neil Craig outlined the 
new 18-hole development at Amstel, scheduled to commence in January 2000. Michael Clayton from Clayton Golf Design 
addressed the meeting discussing the design philosophy for the new course. A brief inspection of the site was conducted. Following lunch Mark Burchell Golf Course Superintendent, Heidleberg Golf Club, Shane Jacobsen Golf Course 
Superintendent Torquay Golf Club and Neil 
Craig host Superintendent gave short presentations on their recent experiences with new construction at their courses. Globe Australia were our breakfast sponsor for 
the day providing an excellent start to the day. Certainly an improvement on Chris' last effort with burnt bacon on the BBQ. Thankyou to Globe, Peter McMaugh, Michael Clayton, Neil 
Craig and Amstel Golf Club. The combined Project on organic Iternatives for putting green management with the 
VGA Turf Advisory Board has been given the green light and funding has been approved by HRDC. Turfgrass Technology will be coordinating this project which has already 
commenced and will run for two years. We look forward to the results from this trial. Richard Forsyth President, VGCSA SAGCSA ) Our meeting on September 8th at North Lakes Community Golf Course was well attended and sponsored by Murt Fam Pty Ltd who have 
taken over the running of the course. Howard Murton gave us a short talk on their operations and expectations. John Deere gave a demonstration of the 2500 greens mower and 
the front loader quick release. ^ limit www.nmit.vic.edu.au turf management courses for 2000 Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE is offering the following courses: Ł Advanced Certificate (Cert. IV) and Diploma by on or off campus (correspondence) study. This qualification is now accessible for country and interstate students by the off-campus mode. Ł Apprenticeship Level 3 Training by Day or Block Release. The students receive practical training on our excellent turf facilities which includes the 9 hole public golf course we maintain. Ł Recreational Turf Management Certificate a one year part-time program for those with several years practical experience. For further information contact: NMIT- Horticultural Campus 99A Oak Street, Parkville Vic 3052 Phone (03) 9269 8800 Quality Endorsed Company Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE MOW High Quality Bottom Blades and Cutting Cylinders To Suit most popular makes and models Ł Scott Bonnar Parts ŁRenus Hose Fittings Ł Ł Bearings *Turf Blades ŁDonutTrimmers Ł Ł Scarifier Blades ŁTurf Drills Ł Ł Grooming Blades ŁGrooming Heads Ł Ł Back Lapping Machine ŁCompounds Ł (02) 9476 4222 MOWi TURF MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS Unit 3 - 31 Salisbury Road, Hornsby NSW 2077 (02) 9476 4222 Fax: (02) 9476 5985 Mobile: 0418 675 345 ATM © irtisers lnde> Advertiser Page No. Barmac Industries 21 Burdetts 9 Chemturf 23 Chipco 24,25 Club Car 19 Collins & Sons 11 Country Club 3 DGE 22 Eco-Wet 16 
Elcko Engineering 43 Globe Australia 42 Green Horticultural Group 46 Grove Constructions 48 
Gullf Ag IBC Heritage Seeds 39 Hugal & Hoille 18 Hunter Industries 27 Interport Cargo 36 JFB 37 John Deere 15 Mentay 33 Mowsharp 47 NMIT 47 Pacific Turf Equipment 32 R & R Products 37 Rain Bird 29 Rain One 17 
Rainman 34 Redexim 18,31 Scotts Australia 13, 35 
Simplot 2 
StrathAyr 8,26 Textron Turf care OBC Toro Commercial IBC, 1 Turf & Irrigation 28 University of Sydney 46 Windsor Turf 45 Young Consulting Engineers 7 GR£>VE Turf Construction PTY. LTD. A.C.N. 054 765 347 FOR YOUR NEXT TURF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT Golf Courses I Tee to Green Construction I All shaping Requirements > Lakes and Dams Built and Cleaned I Laser Leveling I Drainage Sports Fields (Bowling Greens, Sports Ovals, etc.) I Construction or Resurfacing Ł Laser Leveling I Drainage (03) 9705 2988 John: 0418 543 106 Fax: (03) 9705 2958 Simon Foord, the Course Superintendent, who also runs the hiring side of Belair Turf Management, gave a rundown of equipment for hire, verti drain, corer, sander etc. We then went on a course inspection where Simon talked about problems they have found with high salinity water and sand greens with no organic amendment and how they intended rectifying the problem. The AGCSA Roving Seminar was very informative day for those who attended. A pity a few more club committee members did not come. Thanks to the AGCSA for organising 
and to Yates Commercial for being sponsors. Bob Dellow 
President, SACCSA TGCSA The TGCSA Committee has met to discuss 
Trade and Machinery Days and also Field Days and Seminars for the Millennium year. It was agreed that in February we would hold a Seminar on irrigation. All of our irrigation problems will be fresh in our minds to discuss at a professional level. Andrew Price from Controlled Sprinkler Supplies will address this particular seminar. Andrew will touch on a variety of problems including uniformity. Our second seminar will be held in May and 
will be associated on a more agronomic technical side of turf management. This day will also incorporate Secretary/ Managers. I hope everyone has had great results from spring renovation. Looking forward to 
summer - "bring it on". Phil Hill President, TGCSA TGAA (Vic)) As usual the start of the summer sports season was touch and go, following typical 
spring showers effecting wickets, grounds and most other activities. As Turf Managers 
we must make every post a winner and use 
these conditions to our advantage. The TGAA Committee is steadfastly reconstructing the business plan in an attempt to set the TGAA up to ensure a prosperous future into the next century. Our priority areas are education and member services. We 
feel the Millennium Conference will be the starting point of our new initiative and trust you will support us in our endeavors by getting your registration in early. Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support and interest in our future development. Please refer to our website for forthcoming activities and updates on our awards program; www.tgaa.asn.au Robert Savedra 
President, TGAA(Vic) TGAA ! (ACT and Surrounding Region) Turf managers throughout the district only had to read the latest newsletter to realise the expansion of the association over the last 
twelve months. The association hopes to increase diversity by setting up a TGAA on the 
South Coast. Activities for the next few months include organising transport and accommodation for people in the region interested in attending the Millennium conference. Suggestions for next year's mid-
year seminar include topics covering integrated pest management (IPM), identification and control of weeds, pests and diseases. In an effort to increase development within the industry and provide practical learning resources for students at the Canberra Institute of Technology, with the support from the TGAA is looking into setting up an AUSTEP seed evaluation trial in the area. 'Til next time, Agrostologists. Justin AK Haslam Committee, TGAA (ACT & Surrounding Region) (VGA With the bowls season well under way, it was time for the VGA to hold their Opening and Presentation Day at 
Maribynong Park Bowls Club. A good number of Creenkeepers turned up to see Ian Latham, Len McKenzie and Ray Thorne be presented with their life member badges. These three people have done 
many years with the Association and we are all very grateful for their work. After a good feed, we all had the opportunity to listen to Steve Byrne from Chipco who was talking to us about new Aliette Signature. The VGA this season will be presenting two new awards; the VGA Greenkeeper of the year and the VGA Distinguished Service Award. These awards can only be won by current financial VGA members, so it is important that you pay your subs this year. These awards will be presented at the Millennium Turfgrass Conference in June next year. All members should be aware of this conference. Make sure that you all fill 
out your registration form to get your ticket. Toby Lumsden President, VGA Break-Thru Makes The Best Courses Even Better Scott Williams - Course Superintendent, Coolongotto Tweed Heads Golf Club, Queensland "Break-Thru helps us to minimise the effects of dry spotting and also disperse morning dew quicker; providing better quality turf and playing conditions. In addition, the effectiveness of Break-Thru over other wetting agents has enabled us to make substantial savings Cuts irrigation costs Reduces run off Prevents dry spots Reduces wetting agent costs Break-Thru® is a leading edge soil wetting agent capable of spreading water up to 25 times more than conventional wetting agents. With its unique non-ionic silicone chemistry, Break-Thru® enables the water to penetrate even hydrophobic soil and spreads for more efficient use of irrigation, preventing localised dry spots. GULLF^ s CO Distributed exclusively by Gullf Ag Pty Ltd Phone: 03 9558 711 8 tecim Cushman. Jacobsen. Ransomes. Ryan. The best foursome in golf. Our goal is simple: Best quality. Best performance. Best support. fa cus We do turf equipment. And we do it better than anyone else around. promise Tell us your expectations. We will listen and do everything in our power to exceed them. o source Quality, value and serviceŠjust a phone call away. Contact your Textron Turf Care And Specialty Products dealer today. mm ! m v-tmb. -AS TEXTRON TURF CARE AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 1-888-922-TURF www.ttcsp.textron.com ACORP-0499 © 1999 Textron Turf Care And Specialty Products. ITCCmON MrUU CUSHMAN JACOBSEN RANSOMES RYAN Ł HEAD OFFICE 122 Hume Highway, Lansvale, NSW 2166 Phone: (02) 9724 0344 Fax: (02) 9724 5405 Ł VICTORIA 2/10 Turbo Drive, Bayswater, Vic. 3153 Phone (03) 9720 7622 Fax: (03) 9720 6801 Ł QUEENSLAND 11-13 Gibbs Street, Labrador, Qld. 4215 Phone (07) 5537 7477 
Fax (07) 5537 9296 Ł S.A. DISTRIBUTOR Piber Nicholls Phone: (08) 8445 7777 Ł W.A. DISTRIBUTOR Mcintosh & Son Phone: (08) 9478 2400 Ł TASMANIA DISTRIBUTOR Tasmania Farm Equipment Pty Ltd Ł NORTHERN TERRITORY DISTRIBUTOR Territory Earth Power