Our Services:

1. Turf and soil conditions

	Performance testing Field measurements are used to evaluate the performance of sporting surfaces, such as infiltration rate, organic fines, hardness, traction, surface smoothness, and turf sward height. We have developed a number of specialized tools for taking these field measurements. Following an extensive two-year project evaluating the condition of soccer fields across Perth, Sports Turf Technology established a number of local industry benchmarks to measure the condition of sporting surfaces.
	Problem solving One-off investigations of turf and soil conditions are used to diagnose problems and make treatment recommendations. A complete range of laboratory testing is available, including soil and leaf analysis, disease and nematode diagnosis, and soil water repellency, along with field measurement of soil moisture content.
	Taking a surface soil moisture reading Collecting a leaf sample for nutrient analysis
	Routine Monitoring We use a range of monitoring tools to conduct regular measurements of turf and soil conditions. The information gathered from the monitoring is used to guide maintenance activities. For example, Sports Turf Technology has monitored the condition of parks for the City of Melville on a quarterly basis since November 2001. The monitoring involves leaf nutrient analysis, turf sward height measurements, and weed assessments. The monitoring has provided the council with valuable data to fine tune the management of fertilisers, mowing and weed control.

2. Irrigation management

	Scheduling We use the latest technology to monitor the soil moisture status of sports turf root zones, to guide irrigation scheduling decisions.
	Performance testing Irrigation system performance is evaluated by measuring the precipitation rate, coefficient of uniformity, distribution uniformity, scheduling coefficient and operating pressure. For example, Sports Turf Technology has assisted the City of Swan with parks irrigation management since June 2002. Irrigation system performance was tested in all parks by measuring the precipitation rates and uniformity. This identified poorly performing systems that were further investigated for upgrading or replacement. We conduct weekly soil moisture monitoring from October to April on major active reserves to provide parks supervisors with data on which to base irrigation scheduling decisions.
	Soil moisture monitoring device Irrigation performance testing
	Routine Monitoring We use a range of monitoring tools to conduct regular measurements of turf and soil conditions. The information gathered from the monitoring is used to guide maintenance activities. For example, Sports Turf Technology has monitored the condition of parks for the City of Melville on a quarterly basis since November 2001. The monitoring involves leaf nutrient analysis, turf sward height measurements, and weed assessments. The monitoring has provided the council with valuable data to fine tune the management of fertilisers, mowing and weed control.

3. Construction and remediation

	Recommendations We formulate recommendations for new construction and remediation of existing sports turf surfaces, based on a range of field measurements and soil physical analysis.
	Specifications Based on the site-specific requirements, we develop specifications for all aspects of construction and remediation works.
	Project management We provide works schedules, supervision and coordination of works activities, and use objective field measurements to assess whether construction and remediation works meet the specifications. For example, The Education Department and City of Stirling engaged Sports Turf Technology to conduct a detailed site investigation into a shared facility at Hamer Park North in October 2002. We used a range of field measurements and soil analyses to evaluate the turf condition and determine the cause of drainage problems. A comprehensive report was prepared with recommendations (plus cost estimates) on their options for upgrading and maintaining the ground, including full reconstruction, remediation, and renovation.
	Supervising soil preparation Inspecting turf laying

4. Research and development

	Product testing Sports Turf Technology conducts trial work on new turf chemicals and wetting agents for manufacturers and distributors such as Bayer, Hunstman, Scotts, Syngenta and Nuturf. We carry out replicated trials on turf weeds, pests and diseases to obtain data for chemical registration. We've also field tested new turf renovation equipment, such as the Koro Recycling Top-dresser.
	Commercial demonstrations Sports Turf Technology provides practical demonstration trials on new products that can be used by product suppliers for marketing purposes. We've demonstrated a range of products, including ryegrass for racetracks, compost for turf establishment, a growth regulator for kikuyu, and a control product for Billbug.
	Evaluating the performance of the recycling top-dresser Sports Turf Technology's Penetrometer
	Developing and sourcing new tools and techniques Sports Turf Technology has developed and adapted a range of new tools and techniques for measuring the performance of sports turf surfaces. For example, we've developed our own Penetrometer device that measures the force required to penetrate various depth of soil, providing more reliable results than the standard penetrometer. To measure the organic mat layer in sand root zones, we developed a unique test for the 'volume of organic fines' to indicate the need for renovation. We developed a studded disc device to measure surface traction on sports fields and supplied one to every AFL ground as part of their research into knee injuries related to turf conditions. For soil moisture monitoring, we adapted the Diviner 2000 probe (a 'state of the art' horticultural device) for use in sports turf situations.

5. Environmental Monitoring

Projects Sports Turf Technology is currently undertaking a turf irrigation benchmarking project for local government, supported by the Department of Environment. This involves monitoring irrigation practices at 21 sites in Perth, to provide an indication of the actual rate of water usage on parks. As part of the project, we have developed a Lysimeter device that is permanently installed in the parks to regularly monitor water and nutrient leaching below the turf root zone.

Nutrient Irrigation Management Plans Sports Turf Technology conducts regular monitoring of environmentally sensitive sites and provides nutrient irrigation management plans (NIMP) that demonstrate compliance with Department of Environment regulations. For example, the City of Bayswater has engaged Sports Turf Technology to monitor the Riverside Gardens parkland to ensure that turf maintenance activities do not impact on the Swan River.

6. Extension services

	Publication Sports Turf Technology has recently produced a reference manual on turf management in Western Australia, called Turf Sustain, supported by the Swan River Trust and Department of Environment. Turf Sustain is aimed at providing turf managers with guidelines on industry best practice for turf management activities and reducing their impact on the environment.
	Training Package Sports Turf Technology was contracted by the federal Department of Agriculture in 2002 to produce a national training and extension package for turf producers.