|
|||
|
|||
|
 |
|
|||||||
 |
 |
|||
During establishment the couch is being irrigated using pop-up sprinklers
twice per evening for 4 minutes depending on weather conditions, rainfall
etc. The amount of evapo-transpiration (ET-combined water lost from the
plant and evaporation) replaced by the irrigation system during establishment
is 90%. It is expected that a visually acceptable couch surface can be
achieved with only 35% of ET. The replacement ET levels will be gradually
reduced as the turf establishes.
The turf trials are currently being mown as needed (approx 2-3 times per
week) at a height of 2 inches using rotary mowers. This mowing height
will soon be reduced to 1 inch to encourage lateral growth and a more
uniform surface.
The area was prepared and before the couch was unrolled a starter fertilizer
was applied at a rate of 10g/m². A slow release fertilizer was applied
late in January at a rate of 27g/m².
The colour and texture of the couches is being assessed. Conquest (sourced
from Sydney) appears to have a lush green colour comparable to some cool
season turf species. Grand Prix (sourced from Melbourne) possesses a very
fine texture and more of a light green colour. Santa Ana (sourced from
Sydney) and Legend (sourced from Canowindra) are more of a blue/green
colour.
The trial is still in establishment phase but regular monthly observations
will be posted as the trial continues.
Trial Extension:
In December 2008, the Senate playing field was line planted with Grand Prix and the viewing strip north of the playing field was planted with Conquest. Grand Prix and Conquest have been performing very well in the original trial plots and it was decided to extend the areas of these two couches so further evaluation could occur, with these varieties growing under different conditions.
