m AUSTRALIAN ISSN 1442-2697 RRP$4.50 £su? CONFERENCE EDITION Conference Program Trade Show Floor Plan Exhibitor Quiz RESEARCH Ł Sloping Green L* Solid Tine Aeration June - July 200 WHEN YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET ON THE COURSE, K You NEED A PARTNER YOU CAN COUNT ON. < /i: r\ -For every job on your course, ^ »i there's a John Deere made Mu.'- -«fok mw especially for it. A full-line of quality equipment, born out of the suggestions and critiques of thousands of superintendents and technicians. From quality mowers and tractors to aerators and utility ' / vehicles. But it doesn't end there. We supply you with the industry's best operator manuals and tech literature and we offer the JDCŽ Masterlease*, the most cost-effective way to acquire golf and turf equipment. To see how John Deere can make a difference on your course, call your local John Deere Golf & Turf dealer, or freecall 1800 800 981. iiGs&wm Jf , Coming Soon John Deere Team Championship WWW.JOHNDEERE.COM *» \ . f- ». 7.. ŁŁ NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE' CP-GOLF&TURF-AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT-4-01 ABN 21 008 671 725. * JDC Masterlease and John Deere Team Championship not yet available in New Zealand. JOHN DEERE The Final Word in Turfgrass Seed and Nutrition Distributors: Primae Elders 3 Wright Place, Labrador, Queensland 4216 Ph (07) 5537 3688 Fx (07) 5537 7407 Total T\irf Perth, Western Australia 2 Jessel Place, Duncraig, Western Australia 6023 Ph (08) 9448 5263 Fx (08) 9448 5263 Tdrfcare Supplies Sydney, New South Wales Unit 8, 24 Clyde Street, Rydalmere, New South Wales 2116 Ph (02) 9684 6611 Fx (02) 9684 6633 T\irfcare Supplies Melbourne, Victoria 20 Dehavilland Road, Braeside, Victoria 3195 Ph (03) 9587 4993 Fx (03) 9580 9944 Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course floating green in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho w/fh Jacklin Seed and BEST® Fertilizer 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 There's only one reason to design innovatively and manufacture with a focus on quality before cost. It works! 1 im r? ö? 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 INTERNATIONAL "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 96(H). Ken Robinson - Mobile 0417 511 580 SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Phone: (08) 8322 1883. John Cox - Mobile 0417 979 339 1st Hole, The Lakes Golf Course in Sydney. (Photo by Nick Wilson, courtesy FSX Sports NSW) special features m TOOL TEST- Irrigation Controllers 10 Rapid developments in the elentronics industry have led to dramatic changes in irrigation controllers. This special feature written by Jeremy Cape from the CSIRO will prove valuable for those installing new or upgrading existing systems. Pumping Systems Intelligence 16 Respected Irrigation Designer Paul Jones, discusses the various types of pumping stations to help you decide which one is likely to best suit the requirements of your facility. 17th Annual Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show Directory 35 This section contains all the information you require including; Trade Show floor plan, exhibitor listings and the conference program. Also, to go into the running to win a trip for two for three nights at the Laguna Quays Resort, get to work on the 'Exhibitor Quiz' on page 41. Golf Cart Paths - Driving Change 66 Superintendents have been battling the damaging effects of golf carts since the 1950's but most now see them as an essential tool in promoting the game to certain sectors of the market. It is therefore important to know how to best cater for them. Toro Australia - New Products Guide (insert) IBC ( research The Effects of a Variable Depth Rootzone on 56 Moisture Retention in a Sloped USGA Putting Green If there has been one shadow that consistently looms over the USGA Greens Specification it is the effect that surface undulations will have on a greens hydrology. Kevin Frank from the Michigan State University has some answers. Effects of Solid Tine Aeration treatments on Soil 60 Physical Properties and Turf Playing Surface Quality In conjunction with other well know Australian researchers, Davis Aldous from the University of Melbourne investigates the benefits of solid tine aeration. ( in every edition ) Presidents Pen 6 AGCSA Membership Application Form 7 TECH TALK - 24 Plant Growth Regulators: Mode of Action Mathew By water lifts the veil on how Plant Growth Regulators actually work! REVIEW - 28 Let the Games Begin: Recruitment and Retention Many turf managers report having tremendous difficulty finding and keeping high quality staff. They are not alone and so has spawned a large, highly specialized industry. We get some pointers from the experts. AGCSATech Update 32 Take 5 with the Pro's(Aaron Badley) 54 NEWS 70 NEW PRODUCTS 72 AGCSA Bookshop 74 STATE REPORTS 76 ADVERTISERS INDEX 79 centre in uarnng HarDOur is tne v for the 17th Annual Australian Tu Conference and Trade Show and < again, the stage is set for a marve week. It has been ten years since the ha city has played host to a turfgrass conference of this magnitude but comprehensive program of semin, workshops and over 7000m2 of tl industries finest products and serv on show to quench the thirst of k interstate turfies. Australian Turfgrass Management magazine is the official guide for 1 conference but in this 80-page 'bi there is the usual compliment of s features and the latest in turf rese Jeremy Cape profiles irrigation coi in TOOL TEST, Paul Jones provide comprehensive summary of pump stations and in REVIEW, Angela S helps you with one of the toughe of all, staff recruitment. Matthew Bywater gets technical v plant growth regulators and this r in RESEARCH, David Aldous exan the impact of solid tine aeration c surface quality and Kevin Frank fr Michigan State University looks a slope can affect soil moisture in a USGA putting green. This is a gre piece of work and I am sure there more to come. President J Pen It is hard to believe that, as I sit to write what will be my last report as President of this association, I have been doing this for four years! As with anything, you know when it is time to leave and that is the case with being AGCSA President. Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited to speak at the NSWGCSA day at Royal Canberra, and apart from the traditional welcome to any Victorian in NSW (they forgot to pick me up at the airport), the day was a great success. The speakers on the day included Major Grant Gleeson and Roy Masters. Grant Gleeson spoke on personnel management - the army way, and was very interesting. If you have the opportunity to hear him speak in the future, make the effort to attend as it was extremely interesting. The association is about to commence the 17th Turfgrass Conference in the city in which I attended my first conference, Sydney. The support and response that the association has received from both delegates and trade has been excellent and I am sure that this event will be viewed as one of the best ever. At the Sydney Conference a "face to face" meeting will be conducted to follow up on a recent conference call. The subject under discussion is the research of the History of the AGCSA and turf management in Australia. The sub-committee is led by Doug Robinson, with guidance from other "Elder Statesmen" of the industry, both active and retired. The discussions that have taken place have been very fruitful and it is hoped that anyone with relevant information on the subject will contact Doug or the AGCSA office. The ability to accurately record the history of our association and profession is vital. As stated, this is my last report, so if you do not like sentimentality then you should stop reading now as I have many people to thank over the past four years. Firstly, I must thank the Barwon Heads Golf Club, members, committee and staff. In particular general managers - past Andrew Davis and present Philip Nunn for their support over the past years and also assistant superintendents, past and present Gavin Reid, Steven Hewitt and Anthony Toogood. It is always comforting to know that when I am not at the course, work carries on normally thanks to the club's skilled and dedicated staff. The staff at the AGCSA for their commitment to serving the members in the best possible way, in particular, Euan Laird, who has the often difficult task of implementing the decisions that the board make. Thank you also to the members who have supported myself and the other board members (past and present) over the past few years. Thank you also to the great individuals I have served with on the board: David Scaife, Craig New, Jeff Gambin, Peter Schumacher and the incoming president Mark Couchman for your commitment and untiring passion to make decisions that were right for all members and the future of the association. And finally to my Family, Katrina, Mitchel and Bridie who never questioned when I had to be away from home and for always welcoming me back with a smile. In closing the greatest joy of being president of this association was people I have been able to meet and the new friends I have made. It has been a great honor to be president of the AGCSA and I look forward to catching up when our paths next cross. Peter Frewin CCS Barwon Heads Coif Club AGCSA President Jl mm TV I mmm i \ , * r-pj) rTWKjTN pJNri*! ÍYVH1TT IJlhSC merit inS&nstralia. ATM AG CSA membership application form Secure your career in the Turf Industry..... 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 A Course Superintendent/Course Manager $295 C5 Company Members - 1-3 Individuals $262 B Assistant Superintendent/Allied Turf Manager $262 4-6 Individuals $218 C Trade Members/Individuals $262 >6 Individuals $196 C2 Retired Member $119 Al International Class A Members $345 C3 Certificate 1-3 Student $119 C4 Foreman/Leading Hands/Ground Staff $229 Membership Application Form Surname: Preferred Mailing Address: City/Suburb: Position: First Name: Club Postal Address: City/Suburb: Phone: Work: Email Postcode: Club/Organisation: Postcode: Home: Mobile: Fax: Member Class: To join the associations your application must be signed by two current Golf Course Superintendent members of the association. Signed: Date: Signed: Date: Name: Name: 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 Ł MasterCard DVisa Card Number: Cardholder Name: Expiry Date: Address: Signature: Send completed application form and payment to: AGCSA Level 1, 19 Railway Parade North Glen Waverleyr 3150 Phone: 03 9886 6200 Fax: 03 9886 6400 email: info@agcsa.com.au Retrofit or New Construction: Hunter Rotors are Ready for the Challenge Ensure efficient irrigation and reliable performance by installing Hunter Golf rotors from tee to green. They can handle any irrigation challenge on the course and offer an outstanding range of features, including advanced filtration, pressure regulation, through-the-top adjustment and servicing, plus much more. Hunter has lead the irrigation industry in gear-drive technology for nearly two decades- and continues to manufacture the world's best-selling rotors. See your Hunter Golf distributor for an update on a complete Hunter irrigation system with reliable rotors, valves and controllers. Who Says You Need a Million Dollar Budget To Upgrade Your Irrigation System? Televised tournaments have created high expectations. Players, club managers, greens committees - everyone wants a course that looks like Pebble Beach, but without the big expense. That's where Hunter Golf comes in. Hunter specializes in helping you upgrade your course with top-of-the-line retrofit equipment. And we're ready to work within your time frame - whether it's five months or five years. Switch out a few inefficient heads and replace them with reliable Hunter rotors. Add Hunter field controllers with a field maintenance radio...when your budget allows. Or install an easy-to-use Hunter central control system...in affordable stages. At Hunter Golf we offer an extensive, not expensive, range of options and the service to back it up. Call today for an on-course evaluation - we'll work out a realistic renovation plan that suits your site to a tee. Authorized Hunter Golf Distributors Hunter GOLF CONTROLLED SPRINKLER SUPPLIES National Free Call: 1800 806 323 Toll free fax: 1800 444 448 Adelaide: 08 8349 7533 Gold Coast: 07 5591 5255 Melbourne: 03 9457 7500 Perth: 08 9345 4166 Sydney: 02 9630 3234 IN IwV PRODUCTS HR PRODUCTS National Free Call: 1800 998 037 WST Toll free fax: 1800 651 680 Adelaide: 08 8341 0008 Brisbane: 07 3290 1200 Melbourne: 03 9532 2224 Newcastle: 0418 292 769 Perth: 08 9455 1677 Sydney: 02 9725 5733 Townsville: 0418 742 144 8 The Parade West, Kent Town, SA 5067 Ł Toll free: 1800 811370 Ł Toll free fax: 1800 801737 Ł www.HunterIndustries.com TOOL TEST - Irrigation controllers The rapid developments in the electronics industry have led to some dramatic changes in irrigation controllers. Control options that were only dreamed about ten years ago are now a reality and while they are not yet commonplace, more and more supers are taking advantage of what they offer. Unlike some other editions of "TOOL TEST" this one does not try to evaluate the range of options available but attempts to highlight the key issues to be looked at when selecting an irrigation controller. Readers should also note that this is a personal view of irrigation controllers and so reveals some of my prejudices. As you will read, all of the major systems have strong supporters and it is clear that the final choice for each golf course will be totally dependent on the local conditions. It is also important to stress that this article has been written as an introduction to the topic of central controllers, in large part because it is a very big and complex subject. Accordingly I have concentrated on the main issues and tried to present an overview. Finally I would like to emphasise the importance of having a well maintained and correctly set irrigation system. No control system, no matter how flexible, powerful and automatic should be invested in until the irrigation system is functioning correctly. This means a high rate of Heritage Golf and Country Club uniformity and the ability to apply water at application rates, at times and in quantities required to grow healthy turf. When that is in place then supers can think about installing automatic control. Some definitions Figure 1 is a representation to demonstrate some of the individual components of a central controlled irrigation system. The top drawing represents a hybrid system while the lower drawing represents a two wire-system. The major components of the system are: The central controller that is a dedicated IBM type personal computer or an IBM PC especially designed to act as the central controller. The controller contains the software that operates the irrigation system. The central controller is 'connected' to devices in the field, usually through an interface of some kind that is designed to generate a signal appropriate to the devices it is controlling. Thus the signal might be an electronic pulse or a radio signal or a current. The system may involve satellites, which are field units located around the course that control groups of sprinklers. Some systems use two-wire pathways with decoders located along them. The decoders control valves. Some satellites still use conventional common wire systems to control the opening and closing of valves and finally, in most systems there will be some form of radio link between elements in the field and the central controller. The major manufacturers provide systems with very similar functionality but all use different technologies to achieve the same result. WHO SELLS WHAT? Table 1 is a simple listing of which manufacturer sells which product. There are other brands, in particular the Rainman system so there are other options for golf course superintendents. Not withstanding the quality of other products the three companies listed dominate the market. As indicated earlier, central control is a large subject and just to list the specifications of the products in the table would fill a book. As an example Table 2 (page 12)shows the software modules available in the Rain Bird range. These features are also available in different formats in some of the software offerings from other manufacturers. WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK Your choice of control system will be influenced by many factors, particularly the local aspects of your course. However, there are still a few generic questions it is worth while asking to help you in your decision making. As with any significant investment you should ask the usual commercial questions about back up service, warranty, availability of parts and also questions about the contractors and staff who are installing your system. Will they be there to help you at 6 a.m. on a Sunday morning to ATM Figure 1: Components of a central controlled irrigation system trouble shoot and correct problems? What is the reliability of the offered system? The reliability of all the components of the system should be assessed. This includes the central controller, the software, the communications and any devices that are located in the field such as satellites and decoders. Ask about the track record of any technology and about the experiences of other users. Some items such as power surge and lightning protection are critical. However, the quality varies between manufacturers and what is standard in one brand may be an optional extra in another, in other words not all surge and lightening protection is the same. Some people prefer field resident memory because they can still retain some functionality even if the main controller is inoperable because of, say, a power black out. In this instance field resident memory acts as a back up to the central controller. What is the functionality of the software? Table 2 is a long list of different software functionality. It is important that you decide what minimum functionality you require. Don't buy capability you don't need! Find out what happens if your supplier develops new software. Do you automatically get an upgrade to the new system? Will you have to discard your current version if you buy the new version? Is there an upgrade path for the technology? Will the product be made redundant by advances in technology? The upgrade path from electro mechanical controllers to radio pagers to true two way communication has been rapid and provided many benefits for superintendents. Some people have found that systems they invested in have become redundant and they need to throw them away when they invest in new technology. It is a good idea to ensure that any technology you invest in will fulfil the investment life span you require. A similar issue to be addressed relates to the upgrade path of technology. Ask your Two Wire Irrigation Network RAINMAN TWIN provides flexible installation procedures for New Golf Courses and the easy upgrade of Existing Courses. RAINMAN TWIN Decoder System comprises of RAINMAN Signalling units that connect via a plug-in lighting protection system to the two-core cable. A single two-core cable sends power to all solenoid valves in the system. Extensions and alterations to a site are simple, just splice in a new decoder at any point on the cable, attach it to a valve and the job is done. For more information call WA(08) 9242 7899 or VIC (03) 9874 6655 or view www.rainman.com.au Extremely Rugged Waterproof Highly Resistant to Lightning 5 Year Warranty RAINMAN ATM « I Table 1 PRODUCTS FROM AAANU FACTURE RS Manufacturer Hunter Industries Rain Bird Toro Software Genesis III Cirrus SitePro Surveyor Nimbusll Genesis Vista Sratus II SDC-1 Satellites Genesis Field MSC+ OSAAAC E Series VSX Field PAR+ Network LTC Plus COM Network 8000 COM LINK Network DR2 Communications Conventional wire Conventional wire Conventional wire methods supported 2 wire path with decoders 2 wire path with decoders 2 wire path with decoders Radio control Radio control Radio control Table 2 RAIN BIRD GOLF CENTRAL CONTROL SOFTWARE FEATURES Feature Cirrus Nimbus II Stratus II SDC-1 Et Reference Weather Std Std Std N/A Automatic Weather Station Download Std Optional N/A N/A Virtual Weather Software Std Std N/A N/A Smart Weather Alarms Software Std Optional N/A N/A Smart Paging Software Std Optional Optional N/A Rain Sensor Std Std Std Std Smart Sensors Std Optional Optional N/A Flow Watch Std Optional Optional N/A Flo-Manager® Std Std Std Reduced Flow Guard Std Std Std Std FREEDOM Compatible Std Optional Optional Optional Pump Monitor Program Std Optional Optional N/A Touch-Screen Compatible Optional Optional Optional N/A FREEDOM-Pad Compatible Std Optional Optional N/A suppliers whether a product that you might buy now will be compatible with other product that has greater functionality. For example if you improve your software does that mean you have to alter the other components of your system? Can you gradually upgrade your system? Is it modular? It is common for golf clubs to want to upgrade their system on a gradual basis. This might take place over a three or four year period. Make sure that the control system you choose can be upgraded in a modular fashion. What is the flexibility of the system? Since the main aim of the control system is to provide greater control over watering it is important to ensure that whatever system is chosen can provide sufficient flexibility to provide the full range of watering schedules that you need. Jacklin Seed added the top bentgrass to our game so you can be on top of yours. Simplot Phone: 1-208-773-7581 Ł Fax: 208-773-4846 Ł www.jacklin.com ©2000 Jacklin Seed, A Division of Simplot, all rights reserved Contact: John Matheson Ł phone/fax: (07) 5593 1553 Ł mobile: 0418 708 559 Ł email: jmatheson@simplot.com Ł web: www.jacklin.com AjM WHAT THE USERS SAY Terry Ford is the super at Kingswood Golf Club who has a Hunter Genesis System, with satellites, controlling his irrigation. Q. What are the best features of your system? A. I like the windows based software, the field resident memory and the data retrieval capabilities of the package. This enables me to know exactly what is happening on the course with my irrigation at any time. Q Are there any weaknesses from your point of view? A. There are no major weaknesses as far as I am concerned. If I had to make the choice and decision again I would make the same one. I am very happy with my system. Peter Jans from the Sanctuary Lakes is equally happy with his Rain Bird Cirrus system. The system is a two wire system with decoders. Q. What are the best features of your system? A. Feed back from the field that tells me when any sprinkler is on and in particular the flexibility the system gives me to manage irrigations as I want. Q Are there any weaknesses from your point of view? A. There were some small gliches with the software early on but they were fixed very quickly and I am very satisfied with the system. When the decision was made to buy a controller about 4-5 years ago the Rain Bird system was the only one that enabled us to control the irrigation on the golf course and the estate. The available Toro system at the time was not able to do that. Mark O'Sullivan is the superintendent at the Roseville Golf Club in Sydney. He is very satisfied with the Toro Network 8000 system he has installed. Q. What are the best features of your system? A. It has all the requirements needed for me to set a full range of watering programs. Q. Are there any weaknesses from your point of view? A. At this stage we do not have radio control. The facility is there for us to upgrade to radio control but it was not available when we installed the system. We reviewed a number of other systems including Platypus, Rain Bird, and EDMI. Perhaps because we had received very good service from our previous Toro Vari Time controller we were very happy to continue with Toro. James Telford, Course Superintendent at the Hamersley Golf Course is Perth had this to say. Q. What are the best features of your system? A.The system is easy to operate and program, radio communication between the computer and field controllers works exceptionally well and has alarms if there are problems. The system is flexible enough to allow me to add to it and the support I get from the supplier is outstanding. Q. Are there any weaknesses from your point of view? A. The flow chart is a little hard to read until you get use to it so you have to zoom in to see if there are any spaces in the programming. PATON FERTILIZERS Coming This Spring! Ł Patons Quick Test - 24hr turn around (extremely price competitive) Ł Patons Mini Range Ł Patons Mini Multiagri Range Ł Patons Multiagri Range Ł Patons Liquid Silica Ł Greens and Fine Turf Ł Fairways and Sports fields FOR A PRODUCT LIST AND DISTRIBUTOR DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT US ON FREECALL: 1800 644 753 Available from your Paton Turf Distributor WHAT SHOULD YOU BE ASKING FOR? The following functionality is the minimum that a golf course superintendent should be looking for today. Real time flow monitoring is critical to correct operation of an irrigation system. Monitoring in real time not only ensures that the system is hydraulically balanced but also enables early detection of leaks. Two way communication between the central controller and the devices in the field is also important. Older systems directed a signal to the satellites in the field and then in turn from the satellite to the sprinkler. A good system today should enable communication in both directions so that information on sprinkler operation can be received and logged at the central controller just as easily as a central controller sends information to the satellite. Software capability should allow the storage and retrieval of as many different irrigation programs as you might require. If there is a newly sown green or a patch of ground under repair it is important that you can schedule your sprinklers to take account of this changed situation. The software should also be able to monitor and control pump starts and stops as part of the management of the irrigation system, a Acknowledgements I would like to thank Mike Steele and Kate de Heus from Hunter, Wayne Brown and Brad Fawcett from Rain Bird, Tim Emery and Pat O'Shanessy from Toro, Sandy Cattly from Rainman Control Systems and Tony Addis and Steve Peck for their help in compiling this article. Any errors are mine. Jeremy Cape works with CSIRO Land & Water FOR THE BEST KEPT TURF ON EARTH mam Silvan provides a wide range of turf care products for the maintenance of your turf 1000 LITRE TURF SPRAYER Silvan's new 1000 litre Turf Sprayer is purpose built for turf spraying applications. Galvanised chassis and boom frames ensure low maintenance and longer life. Booms range from 6 and 8 metre field booms, 6 and 8 metre electric fold, and 10 and 12 metre Fieldmaster booms. Standard Features Include: Ł 1000 litre POLYTUFFtank Ł 125/20 pump (121 L/min) direct coupled to 9HP Honda motor Ł Bypass & Venturi agitation in tank Ł 15 inch turf tyres Ł Pitarm reel complete with 30 metres of 3/d inch hose and fishmouth nozzle CLCCTR AgriWWER ^ Farm Machinery Quality Agricultural & Industrial Accessories SILVAN PUMPS & SPRAYERS (AUST.) PTY LTD acn oos ióo 074 abn ss oòi 9oa 258 Head Office: 89 Lewis Rd. Wantirna Sth. Victoria 3152 Telephone (03) 9887 2788 Facsimile (03) 9887 1035 Queensland Office: 44 Lysaght St, Acacia Ridge OLD 4110 Telephone (07) 3345 9500 Facsimile (07) 3345 9511 Western Australian Office: 9 Aitken Way, Kewdale WA 6105 Telephone (08) 9353 2422 Facsimile (08) 9353 2622 For further information or your nearest dealer visit our website at www.silvanpumps.com.au I 14 ATM Install Confidence. Install Rain Bird®. W: Rain Bird products and services offer the unique ability to combine innovation with versatility. We know that your irrigation requirements change with time, so we ensure that our latest innovations will always be compatible with your existing Rain Bird system. After the installation is complete, we'll be there to help you maintain the quality of your entire systemŠfrom central controls to sprinkler heads. Rain Bird knows that a successful renovation includes quality products, excellent service, and a complete commitment to our customers. So choose Rain Bird, relax, and renovate with confidence. Rain^BIRD Call Rain Bird Golf QLD, Wayne Brown on (07) 54671076 or 0419 669 679 VIC, WA, SA, and TAS Brad Fawcett on (03) 9390 7690 or 0407 361 612 NSW, Greg Smith on 0500 50 3070 or 0438 50 3070 Call Rain One (Rain Bird Golf Distributor) Greg Powick on (03) 9764 1 779 or 0407 088 006 or contact us on our website - http://www.rainbird.com Rain Bird understands that renovation is a major commitment, and we want to be your complete renovation partner. Whether your goals include modernization, improved payability or the need to meet strict watering regulations, we can help you justify and implement a cost-efficient renovation package that's right for you. Pumping Systems Intelligence ^ Thankfully, today's golf course irrigation systems are a far cry from those installed 10-20 years ago. Greater demands on irrigation systems have been created by a greater appreciation of the need for a high uniformity of application, more point specific control, multi-function programming capability of modern day control systems and the wide range of specialist programs that are required to enable superintendents to meet the demands placed on them for a better playing surface. The irrigation equipment manufacturers have reacted to these demands with the current computer based control systems, which have been a giant step in that direction. However, greater demands for more sophisticated irrigation equipment has resulted in greater demands on pump stations. For years there has been the catch cry that the pump station is the "heart" of the irrigation system and this is still the case. Irrigation design and control systems have become increasingly sophisticated, to maximise the efficiency of water use, increase yields, and lower operating costs. To fully achieve the advantages gained by these techniques, the demands placed on the pumping station have also increased significantly. The intention of this article is not to delve in detail into all the various types of pumps available and the advantages or disadvantages of each. Comparison of the types of pumps, configuration options, control and drive options are all extremely complex subjects and are often very subjective. Industry opinion varies greatly and will often produce quite different solutions to a particular application. This is not to say that any or all are right or wrong. Suffice to say there are, like in many other industries more than one way to produce a suitable result. Broadly speaking there are three major categories of pump types that are used for golf course irrigation in today's market. They are: 1. CENTRIFUGAL a. End suction type Typically these pumps have a close-coupled motor and have either a flooded suction or suction pipe to lift the water from the storage facility. b. Vertical multi-stage type Typically these pumps have a series of stages according to the required output and either flooded suction or suction pipe as above. 2. VERTICAL TURBINE Vertical turbines have their motors sitting above water level and a suspended column in a wet well with the pump near the bottom of the well. This type of pump also has a number of stages according to the required output. 3. SUBMERSIBLE Submersible pumps are normally placed directly in the water storage facility or in a wet well similar to the vertical turbine set up. Some of the factors that help determine the type of pumps that should be selected are as outlined below:-(i) Water quality. (ii) Site limitations such as height of pumps to lowest water level, civil engineering constraints (in)Type of storage facility. (iv)Aesthetics - is a pump house structure acceptable or feasible? (v) Security. (vi)Power supply. In the last decade the most significant change in the industry has been the use of microprocessor controls in conjunction with Variable Frequency Drives. In the past, with the constant speed pumps there were many pump station designs that required the irrigation system operator to match the irrigation program very closely with the capacity of the pumps in the system. The lack of flexibility of the pump station and the irrigation control system has made this either extremely difficult or impossible. BY PAUL JONES Generally, this resulted in frequent cycling of pumps which lead to serious surge or water hammer shocks to both the irrigation system and the pumping equipment. Not only did this significantly reduce the life of both, but excessive power bills, motor burn outs and high maintenance costs too often became the accepted thing. In many cases, modern day irrigation control systems have eased some of the pressures created on pump stations by these older style control systems. However, more than ever there is the need for "Demand Driven" pump stations that can react to the control system and can bring on any number of sprinklers or flow demands from one sprinkler to the maximum number to meet the overall peak season watering demand. Pumping systems using microprocessor control of multiple pumps have developed to meet these demands. FLEXIBILITY OF OPERATION Flexibility of operation is the single most important criteria for a pump station. Irrigation controllers are able to manage the delivery of water depending on climatic Ł . . ÉÉMÉ. - flÉÂ Lastec 421D 82" Articulated Floating Mower Ł 38h.p. Kubota diesel engine Ł Low centre of gravity Ł Extremely maneuverable Ł Offers supurb productivity Committed suppliers of high quality turf renovation and mowing equipment Multi Functional Ty-Crop MH400 Ł Four high flotation tyres on walking beam Ł Low ground pressure Ł Options available: twin spinner; cross conveyor; swivel Ł Time saver, eliminates double handling TURF LINK AUSTRALIA , DEALER LOCATIONS Phone: 02 4571 1198 Fax: 02 4571 1138 Email: mpauna@turflink.com.au Northern NSW & Qld. Chesterfield Australia P/L ph: (07) 3277 1000 ATM conditions, soil properties, turf or crop variety, and topography. However, the pump station must be able to deliver water at the flow rate and pressure required by the irrigation system. Pressure fluctuations, particularly the water hammer shocks often associated with turning pumps on or off at full speed, cause fatigue in underground pipes and fittings. Fatigue invariably leads to premature failure, breakages, down time that are in addition to high repair and maintenance costs. To avoid the problems of high capacity pumps cycling on and off at low flow rates, a common solution has been to by-pass or "dump" water back to the source. This is inefficient and the power costs associated with pumping water to waste make this an undesirable practice. MULTIPLE PUMP SYSTEMS One method of increasing the flexibility of a pump system to deliver varying flow rates is to use a number of smaller pumps operating in parallel, rather than one large pump. This allows additional pumps to be started as irrigation demand increases, and turned off again during periods of reducing demand. The arrangement shown in Figure 1 would operate 1 pump out to a flow rate of 30 l/s, 2 x pumps in parallel out to 60 l/s, 3 x pumps up to 90 l/s and so on as demand increases. As valves are closed, and the flow rate drawn by the irrigation system reduces and pumps will be sequentially turned off. The problems associated with one large pump Figure 1 operating inefficiently for long periods of time, or cycling on and off are eliminated. Relatively constant pressure is maintained across a wide variation of flow rates, and a degree of redundancy is built into the pump station. If a single pump has to be removed for service, the pump station can continue to deliver water up to the combined capacity of the remaining pumps. 90 80 70 60 — 50 £ 40 I 30 20 10 0 A1 x pump Ł 2 x pump A3xpump ' X4xpump " A1 x pump Ł 2 x pump A3xpump ' X4xpump " A1 x pump Ł 2 x pump A3xpump ' X4xpump " N AO* pump > Ł 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 Q[i/s] ATM VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL Figure 2 By varying the frequency of the power supply to an electric motor, it is possible to regulate the speed at which it rotates. As the speed of a centrifugal pump changes, the flow rate delivered at a set pressure will also change. By fitting a pressure transducer to the discharge line of a pump, and providing feedback to a controller which in turn ramps the variable frequency drive (VFD) up and down, it is possible to modulate pump speed to maintain a constant discharge pressure. This may be likened to setting cruise control in a car. The feedback from the speedometer provides input as to whether the throttle setting should be increased or decreased to maintain a constant speed. In just the same way as the car will modulate the throttle as the car moves over undulating country, the pump will speed up and down to maintain constant pressure across fluctuating flow rates. As an irrigation valve opens and flow rate increases, the pump will accelerate to the speed required to maintain the set point pressure. As a valve closes and flow rate decreases, the speed will reduce to again maintain discharge pressure at the set point. Figure 2 shows the performance curve of a pump operating at full speed (2900 rpm), and the same pump operating at a reduced speed of 2130 rpm. The pressure generated by a centrifugal pump varies with the square of the speed. A 10% speed reduction will result in nearly 20% reduction in pressure. In this example, you will see that if a discharge pressure of 70 metres(687kPa) is required, once pump speed reduces to less than 2130 rpm, the pump will not be rotating fast enough to generate the 70m, even at zero flow. The total effective speed control is achieved between 2130 rpm (zero flow) and 2900 rpm (100% capacity of the pump). So although variable speed control can provide a great deal of flexibility of operation and significant power savings, like a lot of technology, it is only beneficial when correctly applied. If the total pressure change across the flow rate produced by a pump is relatively small, as in the case of an end suction pump with a very flat performance curve, even a slight change in speed will drop flow back very significantly at /mmPAciFic PARTS & EQUIPMENT IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE SUPPLIES TURF SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIES We supply golf & turf maintenance products to distributors in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Pacific Rim, and we've recently expanded into Central and South America. We're handling shipments as small as one box of parts to complete allied irrigation packages, with many finance options available. Agri Pacific, Inc. 9960 Indiana Avenue, Suite 12 Riverside, California 92503 USA Phone (909) 343-2100 Fax (909) 343-2110 Visit us at www.agripacific.com Come and see this safety COMMUNICATIONS system in operation at stand 36 Latest research indicates that golf courses are the fifth-most likely place to have a heart attack "Dont wait for an emergency to happen J.F.B. Agencies 45 llluta Ave, Ferny Hills Brisbane, Qld. 4055 Ph/Fax: 07 3351 6196 Mobile: 0418 750 668 jfbcustomgolf® powerup.com.au john Broderick ATM 19 I IHU | 120 100 ^ ftn i Ł Steep curve pump 8 IHU | 120 100 ^ ftn i Ł Fla it cur ve pi jmp 8 IHU | 120 100 ^ ftn i iŠ I | 8 C OU " I 60 40 -20 -0 -C Ši iŠ Ši i m 8 C OU " I 60 40 - 20 -0 -C 8 C OU " I 60 40 - 20 -0 -C 8 C OU " I 60 40 - 20 -0 -C 8 C OU " I 60 40 - 20 -0 -C ) ; 2 < \ i ) £ ! 1 0 1 2 1 4 1 6 1 Q[i/ 8 2 Is] 0 2 !2 2 4 2 6 2 8 3 0 3 12 3 CO 6 3 8 Figure3 a constant pressure. Once speed drops even further, the pump will not be rotating fast enough to generate the required set point pressure. Flow rate may then reduce from 100%, to zero by reducing speed by just a few rpm. Just as there would be little benefit in fitting cruise control to a car which can only operate between 100 - 110 kph, there is little benefit in applying variable speed control to a pump which can only operate within very narrow pressure parameters. However, some pump station controller manufacturers can exaggerate the "pump head curve " to address this issue. The two pumps shown in figure 3 are both able to deliver 32 l/s at 70m head. However the steep curve pump will make effective use of speed control, while the change of just a few rpm will reduce the output of the flat curve pump to zero. By using a pump with a steep performance curve, the set point pressure may change during operation. For example if a large proportion of the total pressure required is used to overcome dynamic friction losses, then the pump controller may be programmed to increase the set point pressure as the flow rate increases. In doing so, the additional friction loss is compensated for by increasing the discharge pressure at the pump. Other examples are irrigation shifts operating at different elevations across the site. If the irrigation shifts can be grouped so that valves operating at any given time are all at a similar elevation, then the pump controller may be set to deliver a higher pressure while high elevation blocks are being irrigated, and a lower pressure during irrigation of the lower elevations. Significant power savings may be achieved by dropping the pressure produced by the pump, rather than using energy to pump water up to a high pressure, and then throttling the pressure back through hydraulic pressure control valves. The same principles apply if there are varying types of sprinkler operating pressures being used in different areas. High pressures may be generated to run large turf irrigation heads, and the pressure may be substantially dropped to operate micro-sprays in garden areas. Therefore variable speed control is best suited to pumps that have a steep performance curve. Although some single stage pumps do have sufficient depth in the performance curve, typically, variable speed control is best applied to multistage construction pumps such as line shaft turbines, electro-submersibles or vertical multistage centrifugal units. POWER SAVING The power absorbed by a pump varies with the cube of the speed. The same 10% reduction in speed that reduced the pressure by nearly 20%, would have reduced the power absorbed by the pump down by nearly 30%. If a pump operates for long periods of time at a reduced speed, it can be seen that there will be a significant reduction in power costs. Traditionally, the pump would just be run at full speed, and any excess pressure would have been reduced by use of a pressure-reducing valve in the field. This would be like reducing the speed of a car simply by applying the brakes while maintaining full throttle. SMOOTH HYDRAULIC OPERATION Water hammer is strictly the conversion of kinetic energy (the energy contained in a body of moving water) into pressure energy when it stops. The crash of a check valve thumping closed can often be heard in a pump shed at the time of a pump being turned off. These pressure shocks cause fatigue of pipes and fittings which inevitably lead to premature failure, down time, and increased system maintenance costs. The use of electronic soft starters and variable frequency drives allows pumps to be started and stopped by smoothly ramping up to full speed, and ramping back down to a stop. This eliminates the water hammer associated with starting and stopping pumps at full speed. SUMMARY We must point out that variable speed technology is not the only recommended approach. If slight pressure fluctuations can be tolerated, the required discharge pressure is accurately known, and the pressure requirement is constant across all irrigation shifts, then the use of multiple pumps started and stopped using electronic soft starters is often a much more economical solution. However, variable speed control is ideal when: 1. Absolutely constant pressure discharge is required across the entire flow range. 2. There are varying pressure requirements throughout the irrigation area. 3. The exact pressure requirements are not accurately known (as is often the case during up-grades of old poorly designed and documented irrigation systems). 4. The pumps selected for the installation have a steep performance curve. Finally, I should point out that there are a number of companies that provide pre-packaged pump stations that are extremely experienced in the design, installation and servicing of them. I recommend that you do not go with any company that has not had a long history of producing a quality product for such an important component of your irrigation system, * Paul Jones is the Principal of Paul F. Jones 4 Associates Pty. Ltd. ATM THE NEW LEVEL IN PUMP CONTROL TECHNOLOGY PumpMaster ^fiffllllBISI!) i^ilAiiitim Ł Latest Pump Control Processor for Superior Reliability and Flexibility. Ł Truly Diagnostic and Operator Friendly Ł Stable Hydraulic Performance. Ł Large System Capacity. Ł Wide range of Pump Options. Ł Robust Engineering Solutions . Ł Big Savings on ... ENERGY; WATER & MAINTENANCE. For further details and full technical assistance... Ph 131786 Email: sjohnstone@typac.com.au tUCO Flow Pumping / Control i Systems Companion, a unique microbial innoculate, is unlike any organic product you might have heard of in the past. Companion combats modern cultural practices chemical fertilisers and pesticides which destroy benefical microbes leaving the soil open to attack by pathogens. Companion contains an exclusive strain of Bacillus Subtilis that quickly colonizes in the soil and becomes dominant in the rhizosphere. Our customers know that they are investing in a proven product, that will give them the results they expect. t/i ewrj a TM NEW BlO-CONTROL MICROBIAL INNOCULATE 2f Reduces thatch [Zf Does not harm beneficial mycorrhizae [^Increase root branching + length [?f Features pure + specific strains of micro organisms [Zf Encourages stronger, denser turf Distributed by Oasis Turf, 2 Downard Street, Braeside 3195. Ph: 03 9580 2488 Fax: 03 9580 2499 oasis_turf@optusnet.com.au Distributed in NSW by Maxwell and Kemp Unit 2, 66 Ashford Ave, Milperra 2214 Ph: 02 9792 3341 Fax: 02 9792 1051 Distributed in SA by Adelaide Seed PL 40 Bedford St Gilman. 5013 Ph: 08 8240 1577 Fax: 08 8240 1844 Tw^qasis L- 1URF , 4I«I||«I of O Ł n Ł Pacific r/L A.CN. 077 Ml 938 ESSENTIAL "An essential part of every turf care program" Essential's role in plant health care is uniquely important since it benefits both the plant and the soil. Essential is a rich organic liquid solution containing plant extracts, humic acid, a natural wetting agent and kelp meal. It takes a holistic approach because it addresses the needs of the plant above and below the soil. It provides a broad spectrum of organic materials including amino acids, complex sugars, and vitamins to benefit the plant and improve the soil structure. It was designed to provide an agronomically correct ratio of humic acid to kelp (60:1) that consistently improves plant physiology. Biostimulant Water/C02 Oxygen Essential contains North Atlantic kelp extract recognised as excellent source of cytokinins, a natural biostimulant. Along with vitamins and enzymes, cytokinins aid in metabolism and plant respiration, photosynthesis, and colour improvement. Root development and cell division are enhanced, and the plant's resistance to stress is improved. Essential's humic acid acts as a hormone to encourage plant growth. Nitrogei Phosphorou: PotashD CalciumD Other Elements Water Essential's organic solution is a liquid compost that replenishes the soil with important carbon rich nutrients to improve soil quality and provide a food source for soil microbes. A natural wetting agent assures these ingredients can penetrate compact soil. The active humic acid alters soil structure, solubilizing materials like iron and phosphorous, and improving cation exchange capacity to improve water absorption and retention. Soil Conditioner DISTRIBUTED BY OASIS TURF 2 Downard St. Braeside 3195 Ph: 03 9580 2488 Fax: 03 9580 2499 oasis_turf@optusnet.com.au fb OASIS L- lURF A.CN 077 Ml ** Distributed in NSW by Maxwell + Kemp Unit 2,66 Ashford Ave, Milperra, 2214 Ph: 02 9792 3341 Fax: 02 9792 1051 Distributeed in S.A by Adelaide Seed D.L. 40 Bedford St, Gilman, 5013 Ph: 08 8240 1577 Fax: 08 8240 1844 TECH fûmes Plant Growth Regulators - Mode of Action Plant growth regulators (PGR) have been used for many years in agriculture for such purposes as fruit ripening, defoliation of fruit trees and cotton plants and pre-harvest boll opening of cotton plants. In turf over the last decade, growth regulators have been used to reduce clipping yields, hence mowing frequency. However, recent research has revealed physiological benefits in addition to growth regulation. These include; increases in carbohydrates and chlorophyll, reduced water requirements, reduction in Poa annua sp, infestations and greater stress tolerance. A PGR is a compound that has the ability to alter the amount of dry matter production and development of the plant. A PGR can be either growth promoting or growth reducing. Gibberellic Acids (GA) and cytokinins are examples of growth promoters, the former via cell elongation, the later via cell division (refer to table 1). These compounds are naturally produced by the plant and can also be applied as supplements. The purpose of this paper is to focus on PGR's that reduce the growth of plants. Figure.1 Gibberellin Biosynthesis CLASSIFICATION AND MODE OF ACTION An understanding of the mode of action is important to not only ascertain the application, but also a products limitations. Plant growth regulators are classified into groups according to their biological mode of action, that is, the activity inside the plant that causes the regulation of growth. Traditionally, there were two groups of classification; Cell Division Inhibitors (Type I), Herbicides, Gibberellin Biosynthesis Blockers (Type II) (Murphy, Whitwell, McCarty, Yelverton, 2000). Watschke and DiPaola (1998) refer to a new classification system that allows for the different modes of actions between gibberellic synthesis blockers along with an additional grouping for the ethylene production enhancement type products. These are discussed below. Class A: Late Gibberellic Acid Synthesis Blockers Example - Trinexapac-ethyl (Primo) Class A PGR's interfere with the biosynthesis of gibberellic acid (GA) thus suppressing growth but not inhibiting it. The interference takes place late in the biosynthetic pathway preventing the conversion of GA2o to GA<| (refer figure 1). It is CA^ that is the final biologically active form of GA in the plant and the primary form that effects cell elongation (Shephard, DiPaola, 2000). Class A PGRs are not known to stop production of any of the hundred other gibberellic acids. Trinexapac-ethyl is the only compound in this class. It is foliar absorbed, delivers a reduction in foliage growth but only partial suppression of seed heads. Class B: Early Gibberellic Acid Synthesis Blocker's Examples - Paclobutrazol (TGR), Flurprimidol Class B PGRs also interfere with the biosynthesis of gibberellic acid but the interference occurs early in the biosynthetic pathway. Interference takes place before the production of the first gibberellic acid compound, GA12. GA12 is not only the first GA produced but is also a precursor for all other GAs. This in effect means that total GA production is stopped. Both compounds in this class are root absorbed, which indicates that post application irrigation/rainfall is important to maximise Photosynthate MVA Š GGPP Ent-kaurene Ent-kaurenol GAn-aldehyde i ' i GA,, Š> G A 1 " 53 GA— hydroxy acid i GAj4 I ga9 1 GA— I GA(1 hydroxy acid i GA I GA20 1 ga29 19 I Early GA Synthesis Inhibition Ent-kaurenoic <4-acid Primo-Late GA Synthesis Inhibition Ent-kaurenal GA, Cell Elongation ATM » the effectiveness of the product. Both compounds deliver a reduction in foliage growth, but only Paclobutrazol offers partial seedhead suppression. Class C: Mitotic Inhibitors Examples - Maleic Hyrdazide, Mefluidide These compounds inhibit the division of cells and differentiation in meristematic regions of the plant. The metabolism of cytokinins in the plant is slowed by PGRs in this class. They inhibit both vegetative growth and seedhead development (Murphy, Whitwell, McCarty, Yelverton, 2000). The compounds in this group are foliar absorbed and offer suppression of foliage and seedheads. However, seedhead suppression is dependent upon application before seedhead formation and emergence. Class D: Herbicidal Mode Examples - Sulfometuron-methyl, Chlorsulfuron, Glyphosate, Ethofumesate (Prograss) Herbicide growth regulators are compounds possessing post-emergence herbicidal activity that have also been shown to inhibit the growth and development of turfgrasses at sub-lethal rates (Watschke, Prinster, Breuninger, 1992). It is the interruption of amino acid synthesis or fatty acid biosynthesis that causes the regulation. These compounds are characterised as having an extremely narrow margin of safety and misapplications resulting in overdose can cause severe injury or death to grass stands (Kaufmann, 1986). Class E: Ethylene Production Enhancement Example - Ethephon Class E PGR's promote the production of ethylene, which is a regulatory hormone that restricts plant growth by inhibiting the elongation of stems, roots and leaves (Salisbury, Ross, 1978). PLANT GROWTH SUPPRESSION By inhibiting the formation of gibberellic acid, products from Classes A and B reduce the growth rate in a much different manner to the other classes. They actually govern the rate of plant growth and thus are considered to be true growth regulators and not growth inhibitors (Batten, 1983). Class C PGR's typically offer suppression of growth after approximately 5-7 days. However, the residual length of suppression (maximum 3-4 weeks) is generally shorter than Classes A and B (4-8 weeks). Suppression of growth for Class B PGR's begins around the 10-14 day mark while Class A PGR's take effect after just 7 days. Ethephon (Class E) is best suited to cool season grasses and will provide suppression for a period of 4-6 weeks. Class C PGR's inhibit seedhead suppression through the inhibition of the production of cytokinins and mitosis. Class A and B PGR's inhibit the seedhead stalk length but only partially suppress the formation of seedheads. Class D PGR's suppress seedhead formation Looking for this years la PREMIER V / m h s Wr ^^ PERENNIAL RYEGRASS x .IZ^SS^^ -Top rated for overall turf quality ^ - + in the recent USA NTEP trials > (IlCMTIiD -Aggressive tillering restricts poa invasion KfimLI and gives excellent wear tolerance Tif " w