Research & Development Library
Related Pages
Environment / Sustainability
TU06004 – Economic Analysis of the Australian Turfgrass Industry
A comprehensive national study examining the size, structure and economic contribution of the Australian turfgrass industry, including production scale, employment, water use, financial performance and market trends. The report provides benchmark data and insights to support informed decision making across turf production, research and industry planning.
TPI – NFL Incidence of knee injuries on artificial turf versus national grass
A large scale epidemiological study analysing NCAA Injury Surveillance System data over ten seasons to compare knee injury rates on artificial turf and natural grass. The study found significantly higher rates of specific ligament injuries, particularly ACL and PCL injuries, on synthetic turf, identifying playing surface as an important risk factor for knee injuries in collegiate American football.
TU17008 – Conveying the benefits of turf – a bushfire retardant
A combined literature review, scientific testing program and communication project demonstrating the bushfire protection benefits of living turf. Delivered by GHD with CSIRO, the project shows that well‑maintained turf resists ember attack and fire spread, performs effectively within asset protection zones and provides defendable space for firefighting. The report also contrasts living turf with synthetic turf, identifying significant fire and toxicity risks associated with artificial products under bushfire conditions.
TU17008 – The combustibility of turf lawns
A peer‑reviewed CSIRO experimental study quantifying the ignition and fire spread behaviour of buffalo, couch and kikuyu turf under bushfire‑like conditions. Controlled testing in the CSIRO Pyrotron shows that turf lawns must be dead and extremely dry to sustain ignition, with living or well‑maintained turf highly resistant to fire even under wind and ember exposure. The findings provide robust scientific evidence supporting turf lawns as low‑flammability ground cover in residential bushfire protection.
TU17006 – Economic, environmental, social and health impacts and benefits of the turfgrass and lawncare industries in Australia
A national assessment of the economic, social, health and environmental value created by Australia’s turfgrass and lawncare industry. Using benefit‑transfer methods, GIS analysis and input‑output modelling, the report quantifies industry economic activity and major public benefits including urban cooling, carbon sequestration, property value uplift and community wellbeing. It estimates annual non‑market benefits of over $6 billion in Sydney and $5 billion in Melbourne, supporting turf as critical urban green infrastructure.
TU09037 – Artificial turf literature review
A comprehensive peer‑reviewed literature review examining artificial turf in comparison with natural grass across multiple sports. The report synthesises research on injury risk, biomechanics, heat, player perceptions and potential toxicity, concluding that modern artificial turf has improved substantially but still presents unresolved concerns, particularly around heat stress, surface transitions and environmental impacts.
TU07027 – Developing an Environmental Management System (EMS) for the Turf Farming Industry – Stage 1
This report documents the development and quality assurance of an industry wide Environmental Management System tailored for Australian turf farms. It outlines a structured, ISO aligned framework covering risk assessment, legal compliance, operational control, monitoring, and continuous improvement, and demonstrates how an EMS can improve environmental performance, compliance, and professional standing of turf producers.
TU09014 – Roving Sustainability Workshops
A national series of sustainability workshops delivered by the Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association in partnership with The R&A, aimed at improving environmental awareness, resource efficiency and long‑term sustainability in golf course management. The project documented attendance, industry engagement and outcomes, reinforcing best‑practice environmental stewardship across Australian golf facilities.
TU112 – Comparison of natural turf and synthetic bowling greens
A comparative field study evaluating the playing and environmental characteristics of natural turf (couchgrass and bentgrass) and synthetic bowling greens. The report assessed green speed, draw, surface hardness, temperature, glare and humidity, concluding that while synthetic greens offer consistency and speed, natural turf provides cooler, softer surfaces with greater player comfort and environmental buffering.
TU18000 – Conveying the benefits of living turf – mitigation of the urban heat island effect
This report presents Australian based research showing how living turf helps reduce urban heat by delivering cooler surface temperatures than hard and synthetic surfaces. It provides clear, evidence led insights to support planning, design and policy decisions that improve urban liveability, thermal comfort and long term climate resilience.
TU07034 – Literature Review and Environmental, Social, Economic and Health Benefits of the Australian Turf and Golf Industries
A comprehensive literature review examining the environmental, social, health, and economic impacts of turfgrass in Australia. The report synthesises research on water use, nutrient and pesticide management, heat reduction, carbon sequestration, sporting performance, and community wellbeing, concluding that well managed turfgrass provides significant environmental and public health benefits and can be sustainably integrated into urban and sporting landscapes.
TU16000 – An Environmental Assessment of the Australian Turf Industry with a Lifecycle Assessment
An industry‑wide environmental benchmark and lifecycle assessment of Australian turf production and installation, based on data from 30 growing sites and multiple installations across Australia. The report quantifies water, energy, fertiliser and greenhouse gas impacts, demonstrates net carbon sequestration benefits of natural turf, and delivers an industry‑generic Environmental Product Declaration to support sustainability reporting and market transparency.
TU02007 -Best management practices for the sustainable and safe playing surface of Australian Football League sports fields
A four year Sureplay® project led by Queensland DPI&F and AFL Queensland that established best practice methods for managing community AFL sports fields. The study identified surface hardness as the key safety risk and demonstrated how regular auditing, aeration, improved irrigation, and soil amendments can significantly improve turf quality and player safety. It provides benchmarking standards, practical maintenance guidelines, and capacity building outcomes for sustainable sports field management.
TPI – NFL Injury Rate Research, Higher rates of lower extremity injury on synthetic turf compared with natural turf.
An analysis of all NFL regular‑season games from 2012 to 2016 examining lower‑extremity injury risk by playing surface. The study showed higher rates of lower‑body, knee, ankle and foot injuries on synthetic turf, particularly noncontact injuries, and estimated that hundreds of injuries could have been avoided had games been played on natural grass.
Industry Development
Crisis Management Awareness Planning for the Australian Turf Industry
This project developed a proactive, industry‑wide crisis management framework to strengthen the Australian turf industry’s preparedness for biosecurity, environmental, safety, reputational and social license risks. Through extensive industry consultation, risk assessment and the application of Hort Innovation crisis management guidelines, the project delivered a comprehensive risk register, crisis management plan and tailored training for industry leaders and stakeholders. The outcomes enhanced industry capability to identify, mitigate and respond to critical incidents effectively, supporting consumer confidence, workforce safety and the long‑term reputation and viability of natural turf.
TU15002 – NxGen 2016-2018
This project delivered three national NxGen Forums between 2016 and 2018 to build leadership capability, business skills and industry connection among emerging turf growers and employees. The forums combined business management, personal development and technical sessions with on‑farm visits and team‑building activities, and consistently attracted strong repeat attendance and positive feedback. Outcomes demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in strengthening professional networks, improving management capability and supporting succession planning, with clear industry endorsement for ongoing delivery and expansion beyond annual events.
TU17007 – Final Report NZ Study Tour 2018
This project supported a targeted international study tour designed to expand grower knowledge, networks and strategic insight by engaging Australian turf producers with the wider Australasian turf industry. Delegates attended the Australasian Turfgrass Conference in Wellington, visited New Zealand turf farms and inspected Westpac Stadium, gaining exposure to current research, innovation and management practices. Outcomes included strong networking benefits, identification of future R&D priorities and the generation of new concepts for industry collaboration, mentoring and herbicide resistance research.
TU09027 – Turf Australia Conference 2010
This project delivered the TURF10 national conference, a landmark event aimed at unifying turf production, sports turf, golf and racecourse management sectors for the first time. The program combined education sessions, farm and facility tours, machinery demonstrations, a major trade expo and high‑value networking events, attracting over 240 delegates. Evaluation results confirmed strong satisfaction and demonstrated the conference’s effectiveness in strengthening cross‑sector collaboration, improving knowledge exchange and laying the groundwork for an integrated national turf industry approach.
TU10009 – 27th Australian Turfgrass Conference
This report documents the outcomes of the biennial Australian Turfgrass Conference, which attracted more than 340 delegates across golf, sports turf and facilities management sectors, supported by a national trade exhibition. The conference delivered three days of technical education covering planning, construction, renovation, maintenance, environmental management and workforce development, complemented by workshops and industry forums. Evaluation results showed very high satisfaction with speaker quality and program relevance, confirming the conference’s role as a key national platform for professional development, industry coordination and dissemination of innovation.
TU1022 – Australian Racecourse Managers Association Quartley Magazine
This project supported the production of a quarterly technical magazine to address a recognised knowledge‑sharing gap within the Australian racecourse management sector. Distributed nationally to approximately 600 industry participants, the publication communicated contemporary best practice in the design, construction, maintenance and sustainable management of turf race and training surfaces. Reader feedback indicated strong industry value, with high ratings for relevance, technical quality and practical applicability, establishing the magazine as an effective extension and professional development tool complementary to the annual ARMA conference.
TU11702 – Turf Australia Conference 2011 Cultivating Your Business
This report documents the outcomes of the 2011 Turf Producers Australia National Conference, which focused on strengthening business management capability across the turf production sector. The conference delivered targeted education on business strategy, transport logistics, workplace relations, safety and marketing, supported by practical turf industry case studies. Delegate feedback confirmed strong relevance and take‑home value, while the introduction of a Next Gen forum and detailed cost‑of‑delivery analysis highlighted the conference’s role in driving informed decision‑making and longer‑term industry capability.
TU13029 – industry-development Services for the Queensland Turf Industry
This project provided intensive, state‑based industry development services to Queensland turf producers, aligned to the national Strategic Investment Plan objectives. Activities included extensive face‑to‑face farm visits, technical workshops, biosecurity engagement, water and energy efficiency programs, erosion control education and targeted communications for growers and specifiers. The project delivered measurable improvements in grower capability, environmental awareness and industry engagement, confirming the value of locally delivered extension programs tailored to regional farming conditions, regulation and markets.
TU05004 – 22nd Australian Turfgrass Conference, Brisbane July 2006
This report documents the 22nd Australian Turfgrass Conference held in Brisbane in July 2006, themed A Scientific Approach to Turfgrass Management. The four‑day event attracted 585 delegates from across golf, sportsfields, racing and turf maintenance, and included Australia’s largest turf trade exhibition to date, covering 10,000 square metres. Three education streams, international speakers, practical turf tours and a highly popular disease diagnosis workshop combined to deliver strong professional development outcomes. The report concludes that the conference successfully promoted cross‑industry knowledge sharing, strengthened the industry’s scientific capability and reinforced the importance of ongoing professional education in an increasingly water‑restricted environment.
TU09004 – Australians Turfgrass Conference
This report evaluates the 25th Australian Turfgrass Conference held in Hobart in July 2009 under the theme Achieving Par – Finding the Balance. Despite the global financial crisis, the conference attracted 278 delegates and 152 trade representatives, achieving high satisfaction ratings for speaker quality, education relevance and networking opportunities. The program balanced technical turf management topics with emerging wellbeing issues, including a highly impactful Beyond Blue mental health workshop. Survey feedback confirmed strong support for practical workshops, open forums and continued attention to staff wellbeing, reinforcing the conference’s role as a key national platform for professional development and industry connection.
TU05007 -Turf Conference
This report documents the Turf Producers Australia National Conference held in Fremantle in April 2006, themed Turf and Water – A Partnership for the Future. The conference brought together turf producers, researchers, policymakers and suppliers to address water scarcity, irrigation efficiency, recycled water use and nutrient management, with strong emphasis on research transfer and industry resilience under increasing water restrictions.
TU09012 – TGAA ACT 2009 Seminar
This report summarises a Turfgrass Association of Australia ACT Region workshop and seminar held in July 2009, focusing on Diversity in Turf Management. The event combined hands‑on training with technical presentations covering irrigation, disease diagnostics, cricket wicket management, warm‑season turf establishment, arboriculture and sustainable turf practices, providing practical, current knowledge to turf managers across sporting, racing and public land sectors.
TU07007 – Australian Racecourse Managers Conference, Melbourne, August 2007
This report presents the proceedings and outcomes of the 12th Australian Racecourse Managers Conference held at Flemington Racecourse in August 2007. The conference focused on racetrack design, reconstruction, turf profiles, drainage, water security, environmental management and international best practice, enabling racecourse managers to share expertise, improve technical standards and strengthen sustainable management of racing surfaces under increasing operational and environmental pressures.
TU09013 – 26th Australian Turfgrass Conference
This report documents the outcomes of the 26th Australian Turfgrass Conference, which brought together turf professionals from golf, sportsfields, councils and the broader turf industry. It summarises the conference theme From Surface to Surrounds – Aiming for Perfection, covering contemporary research, construction, water management, disease diagnostics, environmental practices and professional development, alongside a major trade exhibition showcasing new products and technologies.
TU07008 – Integrated Vegetation Management Program IVMP Project
This report presents a multi‑year national research project evaluating integrated vegetation management strategies for mown areas such as roadsides and public open spaces. Through extensive field trials, the project demonstrates how targeted use of plant growth regulators and selective herbicides can significantly reduce mowing frequency, suppress problematic grasses like Bahia grass and paspalum, lower maintenance costs, and improve environmental and safety outcomes compared with traditional mowing‑only regimes.
TU09023 – WA Alliance Seminar and Forum 2009
This report summarises a Western Australian turf industry seminar focused on water use, climate pressures and evidence‑based decision‑making. The forum brought together growers, managers, researchers and regulators to discuss turfgrass water efficiency, research outcomes and policy implications, highlighting the value of science‑led dialogue in shaping sustainable water management practices for the turf industry in drying climates.
TU07019 – Turf Producers Australia National Conference, April 2008
This report documents the 2006 and 2008 Turf Producers Australia National Conferences, detailing attendance, finances, program content and delegate feedback, and includes extensive background material on the environmental, social and health benefits of turf. It highlights the role of turf in water efficiency, heat reduction, carbon sequestration and community wellbeing, while also identifying industry challenges, opportunities and priorities for future national coordination and advocacy.
TU08015 – Turf industry-development Needs Assessment
This project delivered the foundational Strategic Plan and Industry Development Needs Assessment for the Australian turf industry, establishing a whole‑of‑supply‑chain framework for R&D, marketing and capacity‑building investment. It identified four priority activity areas covering environmental credentials, market influence, production professionalism and best‑practice installation and maintenance, and clearly articulated the rationale for levy‑funded industry development. The report provides the structural logic that underpin subsequent turf levy programs, including conferences, communications, cost‑of‑production tools, EMS and OH&S adoption, and remains a reference point for strategic alignment.
TU08001 – Publication of Research Articles in Australian Turfgrass Management ATM Magazine cont.
This final report reviews a three‑year project (2009–2011) supporting the publication and dissemination of turfgrass research through the Australian Turfgrass Management Journal and associated digital platforms. The project exceeded publication targets, delivering 18 journal editions with over 160 pages of peer‑reviewed research and technical content, alongside major development of the AGCSA website and conference webcasts. Reader surveys consistently showed ATM as the primary and most trusted research source for the Australian turf industry, with high application of findings in practice. The report concludes that integrated print, web and video communication is highly effective for industry knowledge transfer and recommends continued investment in digital publishing, webcasts and broad industry access.
TU06004 – Economic Analysis of the Australian Turfgrass Industry
This report presents the first comprehensive economic and structural analysis of the Australian turfgrass industry, based on a national producer survey conducted in 2006–2007. It estimates that approximately 4,918 hectares of turfgrass were in production with a field value of $235.7 million and employment of 1,321 people. The study analyses production scale, grass varieties, labour and water use, financial performance, harvesting methods, markets, transport distances and industry risks. Key findings show high gross returns per hectare, strong dependence on irrigation with high economic returns per megalitre of water, and water security and financial pressure as the most significant industry challenges, leading to recommendations for repeat benchmarking, improved data collection and targeted industry education.
TU08029 – Turf Producers Conference
This report documents the planning, delivery and outcomes of the 2009 Turf Producers Australia Annual Conference and Field Day held in Melbourne. It evaluates attendance, conference format changes, sponsor and exhibitor participation, delegate and exhibitor feedback, financial outcomes and operational lessons. The conference attracted strong national participation despite a reduced program aimed at cost control, with networking, the field day and keynote speakers rated as highlights. Overall satisfaction was high, with clear recommendations provided to improve future events, including earlier exhibitor engagement, better field‑day coordination and clearer governance structures.
TU08028 -Turf Production Handbook 09
This report covers the development, publication and industry evaluation of the Turf Guide 2011, a comprehensive 124‑page reference manual produced for Australian turf producers. Designed as a practical, plain‑language handbook, the publication consolidates best‑practice information on turf production, business management, climate change, irrigation efficiency, plant protection, automation, research outcomes and workplace safety. One thousand copies were distributed free to levy payers and industry stakeholders, with strong positive feedback confirming its value as a long‑term reference tool. The report concludes that a well‑managed editorial committee, clear leadership and early advertiser engagement are critical for future editions and recommends similar handbooks continue as part of an integrated industry communications strategy.
TU08037 – North American Golf Course Superintendents Associations Management Study Tour
This report documents a management and professional development study tour undertaken by the Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association to Canada and the United States in 2008. The tour examined how the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America manage governance, accreditation, education delivery, conferences, member services and policy advocacy. Key findings highlight the benefits of strong data collection, structured accreditation pathways, digital communication tools, proactive government engagement and leadership development. The report recommends continued international engagement, regular study tours and improved professional development and communication strategies to strengthen Australian turf management organisations.
TU05002 – Publication of research articles in Australian Turfgrass Management Magazine
This final report evaluates a three‑year project supporting the publication and extension of turfgrass research through the Australian Turfgrass Management (ATM) magazine and the AGCSA website. The project exceeded all key performance indicators, with over 90 percent of readers using ATM as a research source and research adoption rates exceeding 30 percent in day‑to‑day management decisions. The report confirms ATM as the primary national channel for turfgrass research extension, notes significant growth in online access and search functionality, and concludes that integrated print and digital delivery has been highly effective in transferring research into practice. Continued investment in written, online and emerging digital formats such as webinars is strongly recommended.
TU08047 – Capacity Building 2009
This report outlines the outcomes of a capacity‑building project that funded an interim Industry Development Manager for the Australian turf industry during 2009. The project focused on improving industry communications, completing outstanding levy‑funded projects, supporting the Industry Development Needs Assessment and developing future strategic initiatives. Key achievements included improved financial accountability for projects, establishment of regular industry newsletters, development of a comprehensive industry contact database, enhanced grower engagement and preparation of major follow‑on projects in communications and industry development. The report concludes that the project significantly strengthened industry capability and governance and provides clear recommendations for future structural separation of industry representation and levy‑funded project delivery.
TU11706 – Turf International Networking
This project supported structured international engagement between the Australian turf industry and overseas counterparts, particularly Turf Producers International (TPI) in the United States, to accelerate the adoption of best practice, technology, leadership development and profitability tools. Through international conferences, study tours and Future Leader participation, the project delivered tangible benefits including improved on‑farm management awareness, exposure to advanced turf research and machinery, strengthened leadership capability among emerging industry leaders, and the identification of intellectual property exchange opportunities such as the Australian Turf Cost of Production Calculator and accreditation frameworks, all of which were broadly disseminated to the wider industry through forums, publications and events.
TU120014 – Turf Industry Communications 2012 – 2017
This final project report outlines the delivery and impact of a five‑year national communications program for the Australian turf industry, including e‑newsletters, a quarterly magazine, website upgrades, fact sheets and social media. It concludes that consistent, professionally produced communication significantly improved awareness of R&D, industry engagement and grower adoption of best practices, and recommends ongoing investment in coordinated national industry communication.
TU11024 – Review of Industry Communications and Developing a Communications Plan for the Turf Industry
This report presents an independent audit of Turf Australia’s communication activities and develops a structured communications plan for 2012–2017. It draws on grower and stakeholder surveys to assess newsletters, magazines, websites, events and emerging digital channels, and recommends strengthening content quality, refocusing the website toward growers, expanding social media use and better leveraging research outputs to improve engagement and value for levy payers.
TU15700 – National Turf R&D Conference 2016 and 2017
This report documents the delivery and outcomes of Turf Australia’s 2016 state‑based forums and the 2017 national conference and field day, showing strong industry engagement and clear value for turf growers through practical learning, networking, and exposure to innovation. Key themes included precision turf farming, business profitability, soil and plant nutrition, communications and leadership, and emerging technologies such as robotics, with consistently positive participant feedback and extensive industry media coverage reinforcing learning across the wider turf sector.
TU11700 – 28th Australian Turfgrass Conference
This report evaluates the 2012 Australian Turfgrass Conference in Melbourne, highlighting its success in delivering balanced agronomic, management and personal development content to a large and diverse audience. With 568 delegates and a major trade exhibition, the conference effectively combined technical turf science, sustainable practices, leadership, mental health and business skills, demonstrating strong delegate satisfaction, robust international engagement, and positive adaptation to economic conditions following the global financial downturn.
TU11015 – Turf industry-development Project
This report outlines a long‑running WA turf industry development program that significantly improved grower professionalism, profitability and collaboration through targeted extension, seminars, stakeholder engagement, industry communications, and researcher liaison. The dedicated Industry Development Officer model enabled effective responses to WA‑specific challenges such as water scarcity, biosecurity and climate pressures, strengthened relationships with government and allied industries, and delivered lasting benefits recognised by growers, researchers and policy makers.
TU11018 – Turf R+D Strategic Investment Plan 2012 – 2017
This Strategic Investment Plan sets the five‑year direction for investment of turf R&D levy funds, focusing on lifting grower profitability, strengthening industry capability and improving the uptake of research outcomes. It identifies six core objectives covering grower business capability, communications and extension, environmental sustainability, market knowledge and development, industry capacity and data, and biosecurity, with strong emphasis on extension, industry development resources and better use of data as key drivers of long‑term industry growth and credibility.
TU13004 – Business & industry-development for the Turf Industry 2013-2017
This report documents the outcomes of the levy‑funded national Business and Industry Development Manager role, showing substantial gains in industry coordination, levy compliance, communications, training delivery and R&D adoption across Australia’s turf farms. Through extensive engagement, conferences, state forums, NxGen programs and targeted business training, the project measurably improved industry unity, grower profitability and strategic capability, and was independently reviewed as delivering strong value and warranting continued investment.
TU12703 – Turf Industry Conference Program 2013 -15
This report evaluates the Turf Australia national conferences and field days delivered between 2013 and 2015, with particular focus on the 2015 “Fun in the Sun” conference at Twin Waters and Beerburum. It demonstrates that well‑designed conferences combining keynote speakers, practical workshops, field demonstrations and networking significantly improved grower confidence, business decision‑making and professionalism, with strong delegate feedback supporting a shift to biannual national conferences complemented by state‑based forums in alternate years.
TU18001 – The value of turf, real estate agent research
This media release reports the findings of a national, levy‑funded survey conducted by Hort Innovation for Turf Australia in partnership with Raine & Horne, showing that quality lawn presentation has a strong influence on buyer preferences and property values. The survey found 93 per cent of real estate agents recommended improving lawns before sale, with many indicating that a well‑maintained lawn could increase property value by more than 20 per cent, equating to over $100,000 at median house prices, reinforcing turf’s role in lifestyle appeal, urban greening and market confidence during a property downturn.
TU12020 – Next Generation Leadership Workshops for the Turf Industry 2012-2015
This report evaluates the NxGen leadership forum program designed to build leadership, business capability and industry engagement among the next generation of turf growers aged approximately 18 to 40. Delivered through three highly successful national forums between 2013 and 2015, the program significantly strengthened professional networks, leadership skills, business knowledge and awareness of levy‑funded R&D and marketing, with consistently positive feedback confirming the value of ongoing, industry‑led leadership development tailored specifically to the turf sector.
TU16003 – Crisis management awareness program
This project delivered a comprehensive, industry‑specific crisis management framework to enable the Australian turf industry to proactively identify, manage and respond to potential crises, including biosecurity, environmental, safety, reputational and social licence risks. Through extensive national consultation, risk assessment and targeted training, the project produced a formal risk register, crisis management plan and supporting communication resources, strengthening industry preparedness, leadership capability and capacity to protect public confidence in natural turf during critical incidents.
Irrigation / Water
AgEnviro Turf Farm Drought Project Findings
A state‑wide, data‑driven assessment of drought impacts on turf farm production in New South Wales following the 2019 drought. Based on field assessments of 24 turf farm businesses and spatial analysis across 1,053 hectares, the report evaluates soil constraints, grass species distribution, irrigation system performance and water supply risks. Using 20 years of climate data and farm‑level cost–benefit modelling, it identifies the most cost‑effective drought mitigation measures, demonstrating that improved irrigation scheduling, access to supplementary water and targeted system upgrades can deliver strong economic returns and maintain production resilience even under severe drought conditions.
TU08013 – Water Management Initiative -Developing efficiencies in irrigation practices for Turf Management
Provides practical tools, templates, and case studies to help golf courses assess and improve irrigation efficiency, demonstrating achievable water savings of 10–20% through best practice water management planning.
TU09033 – Status Assessment of Water Use research in turf growth and maintenance
A comprehensive review of turfgrass water use research that identifies knowledge gaps, compares measurement methods, and proposes a national framework to guide future research, irrigation practices, and policy advocacy.
TU01003 – Quantitative analysis of the effects of the use of effluent water on turf
A multi‑year field and nursery trial assessing the agronomic, soil and environmental impacts of using treated effluent water for turf irrigation at Barwon Heads Golf Club. The study monitored water quality, soil chemistry, groundwater and turf performance under saline effluent irrigation. Results show that, with appropriate management including leaching fractions and gypsum application, high‑quality turf can be sustained without long‑term soil degradation or nutrient accumulation. The findings provide robust evidence supporting recycled water use as a viable alternative to potable supplies for golf courses and large turf areas in water‑constrained regions.
TU02006 – Evaluation of a soil moisture sensor to reduce water use and nutrient leaching in turf
A controlled field study evaluating soil moisture sensor‑controlled irrigation as a water‑saving and environmental management tool for turf. Conducted at the University of Western Australia and a metropolitan public park, the project found that sensor‑controlled irrigation reduced water use by approximately 25% during summer while maintaining acceptable turf quality. Lysimeter measurements showed a five‑fold reduction in leachate volumes and significantly lower nutrient losses compared with conventional irrigation scheduling, demonstrating the potential for automated soil moisture sensing to improve water efficiency and reduce groundwater impacts in urban and recreational turf systems.
TU96002 – Reducing water use by turfgrasses in a Mediterranean environment
Compares turf species water use and drought recovery in Perth, showing that warm season grasses require far less water and recover much better than cool season grasses under summer water stress.
TU130026 – State of the art hydro-sprigging technology to expand the Australian Turfgrass industry
Develops a best practice hydrosprigging system for bermudagrass, combining stolon physiology, plant growth regulators and site preparation to enable successful, low cost vegetation of large and hostile landscapes.
TU11012 – Effectively utilising water allocations for managing turfgrass in open spaces
A field based study showing how warm season turfgrass can be maintained under capped irrigation, demonstrating that 7500 kL/ha/year is achievable with smart scheduling and soil wetting agents, while lower allocations progressively reduce turf quality.
TU07006 – Identifying and managing water repellency in turfgrass grown in sandy soils
Examines soil water repellency in sandy turf systems and shows how effective wetting agents, correct application timing, and organic matter management can improve water use efficiency and maintain turf quality under restricted irrigation.
Soil
TU08034 – Quantifying Surfactant Interaction Effects on soil Moisture and Turf Quality
This study examines how different soil surfactants, alone and in combination, affect water repellency, soil moisture distribution, and turf quality on highly hydrophobic turf soils, finding that some surfactants can improve near‑surface wetting under dry conditions but that high rainfall and leaching limit measurable benefits, leading to the conclusion that longer‑term and drier‑season data are needed before changing current management recommendations.
TU099010 – Use of organic stimulants and biological control agents in turf management
This interim report presents the results of a two‑year, multi‑site trial (1999–2001) comparing conventional fertiliser programs with organic stimulants and biological control agents on sand‑based golf greens in Melbourne and Sydney, assessing turf quality, density, colour, disease incidence, thatch, root growth, nematode activity, application frequency, and cost, and concludes that organic and biological products did not deliver consistent or statistically significant performance benefits over conventional management, while generally costing more and requiring more applications, making cost and operational effort the main points of difference rather than turf performance.
TU203 – Sand amendments for turf construction
A field and laboratory evaluation of organic and inorganic sand amendments for turf rootzones, analysing their effects on drainage, compaction, moisture retention, nutrient behaviour, and overall turf performance in sports turf construction.
TU209 – Investigation randomly orientated interlocking mesh elements-sand rootzone system for bowling greens
A comparative study of a mesh‑reinforced, medium‑coarse sand bowling green versus traditional fine‑sand greens, assessing drainage, compaction, root growth, maintenance requirements, and year‑round play performance.
TU00010 – Cost-effective strategies for the control of iron deficiency in turf
A research report examining practical and economical methods to manage iron deficiency and chlorosis in turf, focusing on nutrient management, foliar iron applications, and cultural practices to improve turf colour and quality.
TU13000 – Application of soil amendments to maintain turf quality on sandy soil
Application of Soil Amendments to Maintain Turf Quality on Sandy Soils Under Reduced Irrigation
A field and laboratory study evaluating clay, compost, and mineral soil amendments to improve water use efficiency and turf quality on sandy soils, concluding that deeper placement of fine amendments is more effective than surface incorporation under limited irrigation.
TU99010 – Use of organic stimulants and biological control agents in turf managements
Use of Organic Stimulants and Biological Control Agents in Turf Management – Interim Report Year 2
A multi-site, multi-year evaluation of organic fertilisers, bio‑stimulants, and biological control products on golf course turf, finding no consistent performance advantages over conventional programs while highlighting higher costs and application demands.
TU13034 – Developing a National Standard for Turf as an Erosion Control Measure
A final project report detailing the development and approval of Australian Standard AS 5181:2017, establishing national requirements for the use and installation of turf as an erosion, nutrient, and sediment control measure in construction and infrastructure works.
TU12022 – Erosion control – turf research and development facility
This project documents the development and outcomes of a large‑scale turf erosion control demonstration facility, showing through workshops, economic analysis, and industry engagement that turf can be a technically effective and often cost‑competitive option for erosion and sediment control, while highlighting the importance of education, cultivar selection, standards development, and targeted promotion to increase adoption by councils, construction, landscaping, and mining sectors.
TU08033 – Optimising Turf Use to Minimise soil Erosion on Construction Sites
This report investigates how different turfgrass species can be used strategically on construction sites to reduce soil erosion, slow runoff, and trap sediment, using laboratory flume experiments, field measurements, and erosion modelling, and provides practical best‑practice guidelines covering turf selection, placement, strip width, timing, and integration with other erosion and sediment control measures for Australian conditions.
Statistics / Industry Benchmarking
AgEnviro Report On North Shore Sporting Fields
This report evaluates the condition and capacity of around 95% of council‑owned sporting fields on Sydney’s North Shore and finds that current natural turf capacity falls short of existing demand, largely due to traditional turf cultivars, drainage constraints and soil limitations. It shows that replacing traditional grasses with new‑generation, wear‑tolerant couch cultivars, combined with soil amendment, improved drainage, better wear distribution and expanded lighting, could increase collective carrying capacity by up to 290%. The study demonstrates that high‑performing natural turf fields can sustainably support heavy use while delivering cost savings, flood resilience, reduced cancellations and long‑term value for councils.
TU12017 – Review of the Environmental Benefits of Turf
This comprehensive literature review assesses the environmental functions of natural turfgrass in Australian and international contexts, focusing on atmosphere quality, water quality, land quality and broader ecosystem benefits. It finds strong evidence that well‑managed turf can deliver benefits such as carbon sequestration, urban cooling, erosion control, water filtration and runoff reduction, while also contributing to biodiversity, noise reduction and fire mitigation. The report highlights gaps in Australian‑specific data, recommends independent and standardised research, and positions turf as a credible environmental solution when appropriately designed and maintained.
TU12018 – A review of current and past R&D projects to identify extension needs for the Australian Turf industry
This report reviews more than 270 turf industry research projects funded since 1990 to identify where further extension and communication could increase return on investment for levy payers. Using objective criteria aligned with the Australian Turf Industry Strategic Investment Plan, it identifies a shortlist of priority projects with strong unrealised value, many requiring only modest effort to translate research outcomes into practical guidance. The report concludes that underinvestment in extension has limited uptake of high‑quality research and recommends structured fact sheets, renewed publication efforts and ongoing prioritisation of extension activities to maximise industry benefits.
TU09039 – Developing new innovative technology for benchmarking turf grass performance
This report builds on Australia’s national Performance Assessment of Sports Surfaces (PASS) framework and investigates new and emerging technologies to improve the objective assessment of sports field performance. It identifies surface traction and stability, rather than hardness, as the primary safety concern for elite and community sport, and evaluates tools such as electromagnetic induction mapping, NDVI sensing, digital image analysis and the TurfTrax GoingStick. The project also delivered a mobile sports field auditing platform that reduced assessment time by around 30%, and recommended standardised testing protocols and future development of more accurate traction and stability measurements.
TU16001 – Turf Industry Statistics and Research Project
This report delivers the first statistically robust, national dataset on Australian turf production volume, value and industry structure, based on a comprehensive survey of 104 turf levy‑paying producers. It estimates national turf production at 38.5 million square metres with a farm‑gate value of $228.6 million, identifies Buffalo, Couch and Kikuyu as the dominant species, and provides insight into employment, sales channels, delivery practices and business confidence. The project establishes a credible baseline for tracking industry performance, informing levy investment decisions and strengthening evidence‑based engagement with government, regulators and the broader construction and landscape sectors.
TU13005 – National Turf Industry Cost of Production Calculator Development and Extension Program
This national program developed and rolled out practical cost‑of‑production calculator tools to help Australian turf growers understand the real costs of growing, delivering and installing turf. Through workshops, one‑to‑one support and online resources, growers improved skills and confidence in calculating costs, with many revising turf prices upward as a result. The project demonstrated that simplified benchmarking tools can strengthen business decision‑making, profitability and long‑term resilience across the turf industry.
MT13042 – Closing the Green City Loop Green Organics for Urban Green Environments
This report evaluates how biochar and compost made from city green waste and farm residues can improve horticultural productivity in turf, nursery and perennial fruit systems. Field trials showed that industry‑optimised biochar increased plant establishment and growth by about 12–34% in turf, tomato and capsicum, while a biochar–compost combination delivered the strongest long‑term benefits for blueberry yield and soil health. The study concludes that recycled organics can be economically viable replacements for peat and other media additives, provided products are tailored to industry needs and made from clean, inhibitor‑free feedstocks.
Turf Grasses
TU06001 – Evaluation of selected bentgrass ecotypes for salinity tolerance and sod production
This project evaluated Australian bentgrass ecotypes for salinity tolerance and their suitability for vegetative sod production, identifying superior locally adapted selections, particularly ecotype B22, that performed as well as or better than commercial cultivars under high salinity while proving viable for clonal turf establishment.
TU08018 – Traffic Tolerance of Warm-Season Turfgrasses under Community Sportsfield Conditions
This study evaluates the wear tolerance, recovery, compaction response and mowing requirements of common warm season turfgrasses under simulated and real sportsfield use, demonstrating that correct species and cultivar selection can greatly reduce field closures, maintenance costs and surface failure.
TU06006 – Establishment and Management of Salt-Tolerant Amenity Grasses to Reduce Urban Salinity Effect
This project investigates salt tolerant turfgrass species and best management practices for establishing and maintaining amenity turf in saline urban and coastal environments, providing evidence based guidance on grass selection, soil management, fertiliser use and long term sustainability.
TU09002 – Improvement and maintenance of turf demonstration plots for national research and extension
This report documents the establishment, upgrading and long term maintenance of Australia’s largest warm season turfgrass “living library” at Redlands Research Facility, outlining its value as a national reference collection for research, plant breeder’s rights testing, industry education and public extension.
TU09006 – Screening Kikuyu selections and hybrids for resistance to Kikuyu yellows
This study screened more than 1,000 kikuyu ecotypes and hybrids for resistance to kikuyu yellows, finding that resistance is rare and highly strain‑specific, with only one hybrid showing resistance to all five pathogen strains tested, highlighting the complexity of breeding durable disease‑resistant kikuyu turf.
TU09005 – Evaluation of soft leaf buffalo cultivars: renovation, mowing heights, and water use
This project assessed renovation methods, mowing heights and irrigation regimes for soft‑leaf buffalograss and other warm‑season turf species, demonstrating that buffalo is highly resilient to severe renovation, that higher mowing heights increase water use, and that one‑day‑per‑week watering leads to summer dormancy and turf browning.
TU10015 – Ryegrass transitioning in couch turf
This report examines ryegrass over‑seeding and spring transition management in couch and kikuyu sports turf across multiple Australian and New Zealand sites, concluding that delayed ryegrass removal can severely weaken warm‑season turf, and that timely, climate‑informed chemical transitioning provides the most reliable recovery outcomes.
TU08002 – Evaluation of new bentgrass Agrostis spp.
This multi‑site Australian trial compared newly released creeping bentgrass cultivars with established industry standards and a locally selected vegetative strain, showing that while many new cultivars deliver higher turf density and smoother putting surfaces, performance varies strongly by location, reinforcing the need for local trials before cultivar selection.
TU202 – Bentgrass maintenance for putting greens
This report investigates how mowing height, rolling, wear, renovation and nutrition influence putting‑green speed and turf performance across several bentgrass varieties, concluding that lower mowing heights and rolling significantly increase green speed but often compromise turf quality, with colonial bentgrasses offering better density and surface stability at higher mowing heights than stoloniferous types.
TU00006 – Perennial Rye, Seeded Couch and Tall Fescue evaluation Trials
Conducted in Canberra over two years, this trial evaluated establishment, colour, density and seasonal performance of ryegrass, tall fescue and seeded couch varieties, demonstrating that no single variety excels year‑round and that turf managers should select grasses based on seasonal performance, budget and intended use rather than overall rankings.
TU96007 – Low input fairway grass trials
This three‑year Victorian field study evaluated turfgrass species and varieties for golf fairways under very low inputs of water, fertiliser, pesticides, and labour. All cool‑season grasses failed under drought conditions, while couchgrasses proved highly resilient, with Legend, Santa Ana, and Wintergreen delivering the best overall fairway quality. Of these, Legend emerged as the most balanced option due to reduced thatch, strong drought tolerance, and compatibility with low‑input management systems.
TU00011 – Chemical Phytotoxity Testing Facility for Warm-Season Turfgrasses
This report documents the establishment and operation of a dedicated phytotoxicity testing facility in Queensland designed to screen new turf pesticides across a wide range of warm‑season turfgrass species and cultivars. Over three years, the facility enabled faster, more consistent assessment of chemical safety, directly supporting registration of several herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides for Australian turf use while identifying species‑specific sensitivities that informed label restrictions.
TU002 – Evaluation of new and existing Turfgrass growth management products
This report evaluates a range of turfgrass growth management products under Australian conditions, focusing on their effects on growth suppression, turf quality, and species or cultivar sensitivity. The trials provide practical guidance for turf managers by identifying products and application rates that effectively regulate growth while minimising phytotoxicity and turf stress, supporting safer and more predictable use in managed turf systems.
TU211 – Establishment and seed production requirements for the Australian native grass Microlaena stipoides for turf and amenity purposes
This comprehensive research project defines best‑practice methods for establishing, managing, and producing seed of Microlaena stipoides for turf and low‑maintenance applications. It addresses sowing techniques, seed handling limitations, mowing and herbicide responses, environmental tolerances, and commercial seed production, providing the technical foundation for the successful adoption of this native grass in Australian turf systems.
TU010 – Formation and classification of national ref collection of cultivars and ecotypes of couchgrass
This project established a permanent national living reference collection of couchgrass cultivars and ecotypes to resolve widespread confusion in couch identification, support varietal authenticity, enable accurate genetic comparison, and provide a foundation for future breeding, dispute resolution, and premium marketing of verified turf varieties in Australia.
TU110 – National Turfgrass evaluation trial
This project delivered Australia’s first independent, multi‑site national trials of bentgrass and couchgrass varieties, generating robust performance data across major turf regions and directly informing industry adoption of superior varieties while establishing a benchmark framework for ongoing national turf evaluation.
TU01001 – The collection and evaluation of bentgrass and couchgrass ecotypes in old, established putting greens
This project collected and assessed bentgrass and couchgrass ecotypes from long‑established Australian golf greens to identify locally adapted strains with superior performance, leading to the identification of elite selections for future Australian cultivar development under local climatic, water, and management conditions.
TU02005 – Amenity grasses for salt-affected parkland in coastal Australia
This project identified and validated highly salt‑tolerant turfgrass species for rehabilitating saline coastal parklands, demonstrating that seashore paspalum and other halophytic grasses, combined with appropriate soil remediation and maintenance practices, can successfully establish durable, attractive turf on severely salt‑affected urban sites.
TU08007 – Warm season grass evaluations for turf in cold climates
This project assessed the performance of warm‑season grasses, particularly couch, under cold‑climate conditions in Canberra and found that despite potential water‑use benefits, couch grasses performed poorly in cool, wet summers and long winter dormancy, limiting their reliability as year‑round turf compared with traditional cool‑season species.
TU13027 – Identifying and quantifying turfgrass ground cover in urban areas using online satellite imagery
This study demonstrates how satellite imagery and analytical software can be used to accurately measure turfgrass coverage in urban landscapes across Sydney and Melbourne. It establishes baseline data on the extent, distribution, and types of turfgrass in metropolitan areas, highlighting turf’s significant environmental, social, and planning value while providing a scalable methodology for future urban turf and green‑space assessments.
TU09001 – Adaptation of warm-season turfgrasses for tropical Australia
This two‑year trial evaluated 19 warm‑season turfgrass varieties across Darwin and Mackay to identify grasses best suited to tropical climates. Results showed strong performance differences based on species, establishment method, and site conditions. Several Zoysia, Digitaria (blue couch), Stenotaphrum (buffalo), and selected Paspalum varieties delivered acceptable to high turf quality under tropical stress, with notable trade‑offs between maintenance needs, thatch production, and mowing frequency. The study provides councils and turf managers with practical guidance on selecting turf varieties that balance durability, appearance, and lower input requirements, and highlights the importance of matching grass choice to available maintenance resources.
Turf Levy Marketing Program
Turf Marketing Presentation – 08.2020
This presentation sets out the FY21 marketing strategy aligned to the Turf Strategic Investment and Advisory Panel (SIAP) growth target of 5 percent, positioning turf as the preferred solution for home improvement. It responds directly to COVID‑driven consumer behaviour, emphasising digital channels, inspirational content and practical guidance to reduce perceived barriers such as maintenance and water use. The plan targets suburban homeowners aged 28–50 with families, focusing on demonstrating value, making turf easy to adopt and using consistent digital and PR activity to drive household demand.
Turf Industry Marketing Update – 20.05.2020
This update highlights continued strong marketing momentum during the early stages of COVID‑19, driven by mainstream print coverage and highly engaged social audiences. Feature articles in The Courier‑Mail reached nearly 600,000 readers and positioned turf as an accessible, health‑positive home improvement, supported by expert commentary on the wellbeing benefits of green space. Social engagement on the Lawnspiration platform remained strong, while the national Facebook competition reached nearly 1,000 entrants and reinforced positive sentiment and immediate call‑to‑action behaviour to purchase turf from local suppliers.
Turf Industry Marketing Update – 08.05.2020
This update outlines the immediate marketing response to COVID‑19, highlighting strong digital engagement as Australians spent more time at home and invested in their outdoor spaces. Lawnspiration eDM campaigns significantly exceeded industry benchmarks for open and click‑through rates, while social media activity generated high levels of organic engagement and user‑generated content. A national Facebook competition reached more than 150,000 people and reinforced turf as an accessible, positive home‑improvement choice during lockdown conditions.
Turf Industry Marketing Update – 17.06.2020
This update reports on the expansion of earned media and social performance as turf marketing leveraged lifestyle, property and mainstream news outlets during the COVID recovery period. Coverage across major platforms such as News.com.au, Realestate.com.au and the Herald Sun delivered more than six million viewing opportunities, supported by strong Facebook engagement exceeding two million impressions. Content focused on family wellbeing, green time versus screen time and property improvement, reinforcing turf’s relevance to contemporary homeowner priorities.
Weeds / Pest / Disease
TU97002 – Optimising African black beetle control in turf
This study demonstrates that early‑season insecticide applications targeting adult African black beetles in late winter to early spring can dramatically reduce damaging larval populations later in summer. Field trials on golf fairways showed that imidacloprid applied as early as August achieved around 95–100% population suppression, even before egg‑laying began, by preventing reproduction. Cyfluthrin showed inconsistent results. The work challenges the traditional practice of treating larvae after damage becomes visible and strongly supports an integrated pest management approach based on beetle biology, delivering more effective control with better timing and potentially lower long‑term chemical inputs.
TU99009 – All grass and weed management in public open space
This large, multi‑year project examined cost‑effective ways to reduce tall, fast‑growing grasses and environmental weeds in public parks and roadsides across South East Queensland. Trials showed that wick‑wiper application of glyphosate, combined with appropriate turf species selection, significantly reduced invasive grasses like Bahia grass and Rhodes grass while improving coverage of desirable low‑growing turf such as couch grasses. The study also documented widespread environmental weed infestation along roadsides and highlighted mowing regimes, species choice, operator skill, and site conditions as critical success factors. Overall, the project provides councils with evidence‑based strategies to improve turf quality, reduce mowing costs, and manage roadside weeds more sustainably.
TU13021 – Full Identification of Phytophagous Turfgrass Mite Species
This project clarifies which mite species are responsible for damage in Australia’s major warm-season turfgrasses, correcting long-standing misidentifications. It confirms multiple damaging mite species on couchgrass and kikuyugrass and highlights that effective control and chemical registration must be based on accurate species identification rather than visual symptoms alone.
TU604 – Improving the efficiency of African black beetle control in turf.
This report presents the first detailed study of African black beetle biology in turf and demonstrates that targeting adult beetles in late winter or early spring, before egg laying begins, is far more effective than conventional larval control. Early insecticide applications, particularly using imidacloprid, significantly reduced summer larval populations and turf damage, providing a more efficient and biologically sound pest management approach.
TU13032 – Herbicide screening trial
This trial evaluates the efficacy and crop safety of a range of herbicides across buffalo, couch, and kikuyu turf under summer and winter conditions, with a focus on winter grass control. The results show that alternative modes of action such as s‑metolachlor, simazine, and terbuthylozine can improve weed control and support integrated herbicide resistance management in turf production.
TU007 – Standardisation of lab techniques to aid field diagnosis of Turfgrass problems
This report develops and validates standard laboratory methods to objectively assess and compare golf bunker sands used in Australia. By analysing particle size distribution, particle shape, stability, drainage, crusting, and ball‑plugging behaviour across a wide range of sands, it demonstrates that bunker performance is driven primarily by sand grading and grain angularity rather than colour, and provides a scientific foundation for future Australian bunker sand specifications linked to on‑course playability.
TU10004 – Screening chemicals for control of eriophyid mites in four warm-season turfgrasses
This study evaluates eleven miticides and related products across four Queensland field trials targeting eriophyid and tenuipalpid mites in couch and kikuyu turf. It identifies seven promising chemicals suitable for rotational programs, confirms diazinon as an effective benchmark, and establishes a robust mite extraction method, while highlighting the need for integrated, resistance‑aware mite control strategies and further refinement before turf registrations can be expanded.
TU012 – Development of ecologically based management procedures for controlling the invasion of bent grass by couches
This three‑year ATRI project investigates why couch grass persistently invades bent grass putting greens and shows that rhizome biology and greenkeeping practices, rather than simple chemical failure, drive the problem. It demonstrates that hygiene, early detection, and physical management are critical, while chemical control alone is unreliable; although combinations such as Starane® and Primo® can nearly eliminate couch, unacceptable bent damage means integrated, preventative management remains the most practical and sustainable solution.
TU9009 – Screening warm-Season turfgrass for Group A herbicide Tolerance
This two‑year glasshouse study evaluated the tolerance of nine warm‑season turf species to ACCase‑inhibiting Group A herbicides in anticipation of MSMA/DSMA withdrawal, identifying major differences between species and cultivars. Fluazifop, haloxyfop and clethodim were effective at controlling green couch and kikuyu but caused varying levels of phytotoxicity, while zoysias and some buffalo grasses showed improved safety when Group A herbicides were combined with triclopyr. Metamifop showed good crop safety but weaker control of perennial weeds, and flazasulfuron emerged as a promising non‑arsenical alternative. The report recommends cultivar‑specific registrations and continued work on selective, sustainable grass‑weed control options for turf production and maintenance.
TU304 – Endophytes in turfgrass
This report shows that fungal endophytes such as Acremonium/Epichloë provide major benefits in ryegrass and fescues including insect resistance, drought tolerance, improved nitrogen efficiency and reduced chemical inputs, but that Australian bentgrasses (Agrostis spp.) were found to be largely endophyte‑free. Extensive surveys across cultivars, commercial seed and naturalised golf course populations detected no viable endophytes, and attempts to artificially inoculate bentgrass failed, although overseas tissue‑culture methods later showed promise. The work concludes that introducing stable, non‑choke endophytes into bentgrass could deliver large maintenance and environmental benefits, but would require further research into host specificity, inoculation techniques and long‑term persistence.
TU10002 – Mite Damage – A Survey of four warm-season turfgrasses
This national survey identified that turfgrass mite damage in Australia is caused by a complex of mite groups, not just eriophyid “couch mites” as commonly assumed, with Dolichotetranychus (false spider mites) shown to be as important as, or more important than, Aceria species. Across 119 samples from turf farms, sports fields and parks, mites were most frequently associated with green couch, kikuyu and zoysia, while buffalo grass showed little evidence of phytophagous mite damage. The study highlights that distorted growth, poor turf recovery and commercial losses are strongly linked to these mites, criticises inaccuracies in industry advice, and emphasises that effective control strategies will require correct mite identification, life‑cycle research and improved management rather than reliance on overseas assumptions.
TU96006 – Nematode management in turf using chemical alternatives
This study investigated whether organic and biological alternatives could manage turfgrass nematodes in situations where reliance on fenamiphos (Nemacur) has led to enhanced biodegradation and declining efficacy, particularly in NSW bowling greens. A 16‑month field trial, an industry survey, and long‑term nematode database analysis showed that treatments such as molasses, seaweed extracts, mustard meal and biological stimulants had little consistent effect on nematode populations or root recovery compared with untreated controls. Survey results revealed widespread preventative nematicide use, heavy reliance on biological products despite limited evidence, and strong links between severe nematode damage, older greens, Hunter‑sourced soils and poor root systems. The report concludes that alternative products are not quick fixes, that nematode testing and root monitoring are essential, and that reducing turf stress through cultural management is often more impactful than attempting chemical substitution alone.
TU06008 – Extension of Chemical Phytotoxicity Testing Facility for Warm-Season Turfgrasses
This project documents the operation and outcomes of Australia’s dedicated warm‑season turfgrass phytotoxicity testing facility at Redlands, Queensland, which was established to accelerate the safe registration of new and existing pesticides for turf use. Over the project period, 35 chemical products were screened across 28 warm‑season turfgrass varieties from 17 taxa, enabling rapid identification of crop safety issues that would otherwise slow APVMA registration. Detailed results showed that fluroxypyr and metsulfuron were generally safe at recommended rates but caused significant damage to specific Cynodon, Digitaria, Paspalum and buffalo cultivars at higher rates or during active growth periods. The report highlights how multi‑species screening streamlined chemical development, delivered safer products to industry, and underscores the need for ongoing investment in phytotoxicity facilities to support cultivar‑specific labelling and environmentally responsible turf management.
TU06003 – A Life-cycle approach to the control of Poa annua in bentgrass putting greens
This report demonstrates that effective Poa annua control on bentgrass greens requires a strategic, life‑cycle‑based program rather than reliance on single herbicide applications, due to the species’ extreme variability, large soil seed bank and rapid shift toward herbicide‑tolerant ecotypes. Seven distinct Poa annua types were identified, with dense, fine‑leafed perennial forms proving the most tolerant to chemical control. Field trials across three Australian golf clubs showed that the most effective long‑term suppression was achieved by combining a seed head suppressant (ethephon), pre‑emergent herbicides (such as bensulide), and post‑emergent products (notably paclobutrazol and endothal), although this also drove population shifts toward more resistant forms. The study concludes that expectations must be managed, ecotypes identified before intervention, and chemical programs integrated with strong cultural practices to weaken Poa annua’s competitive advantage.
TU0011 – Chemical phytotoxicity testing facility for warm-season turfgrass
This report documents the establishment and operation of Australia’s first dedicated phytotoxicity screening facility for warm‑season turfgrasses at the Redlands Research Station in Queensland, designed to streamline chemical registration for the turf industry. Over three years, 39 pesticide products were screened across 28 cultivars from 15 turfgrass species, allowing chemical safety profiles to be assessed simultaneously rather than through fragmented, single‑species trials. The facility significantly reduced the time, cost and uncertainty associated with APVMA registration, directly contributing to the approval and labelling of several major herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. Results also identified previously unknown species‑ and cultivar‑specific sensitivities, enabling more accurate label exclusions and reducing the risk of turf damage in the field. The project demonstrates that centralised, multi‑species phytotoxicity testing is critical for timely access to new chemistry while protecting turf quality and environmental standards.
Southern sting nematode (Ibipora lolii): its occurrence and population dynamics in Western Australia and an assessment of resistance and tolerance to the nematode in turf-grasses
This paper investigates the distribution, seasonal behaviour and turfgrass impacts of the southern sting nematode (Ibipora lolii), a serious but under‑researched pest on Australian sports turf. Surveys of 90 municipal sports fields in the Perth region found the nematode present at over half the sites, with highest populations associated with sparse turf and shallow root systems. A two‑year field study showed year‑round reproduction with strong seasonal cycling, peaking in cool, wet conditions and declining during hot, irrigated periods, while soil sampling revealed the nematode’s ability to move deeply through the profile. Field trials comparing multiple couch and kikuyu cultivars demonstrated that none exhibited resistance or tolerance, with nematode infestation reducing total biomass and root mass by more than half. The study concludes that I. lolii represents a widespread, persistent threat to turf performance in sandy soils, and that management should focus on early detection and cultural strategies rather than cultivar selection.
TU00007 – Development of nutrient management systems for the West Australian turf industry
This comprehensive field and lysimeter study examined how irrigation and fertiliser management influence turfgrass growth, nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen leaching on the sandy soils typical of Western Australia’s Swan Coastal Plain. Using couch grass production as a model, the research showed that over‑irrigation was the dominant driver of nitrogen loss, increasing leaching by up to fourfold compared with optimised irrigation set at 70% replacement of daily evaporation. Inorganic fertilisers produced superior turf quality and nitrogen uptake compared with organic fertilisers at equivalent nitrogen rates, while nitrogen losses remained low across all fertiliser types when irrigation and application timing matched turf demand. A key finding was that a substantial proportion of nitrogen leached in organic form, meaning studies measuring inorganic nitrogen alone underestimate total losses. The report concludes that sustainable turfgrass production on sandy soils is achievable through precise irrigation scheduling, disciplined nitrogen application rates and whole‑system nutrient accounting rather than reliance on fertiliser choice alone.
Southern sting nematode (Ibipora lolii), a serious pest of turf-grasses in Australia
This review synthesises current knowledge on the southern sting nematode (Ibipora lolii), a destructive and increasingly significant pest of turfgrasses in Australia, by drawing heavily on decades of research conducted on the closely related sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) in the United States. The paper outlines what is known about the distribution, host range, biology and damage symptoms of I. lolii, highlighting its preference for sandy soils, its capacity to severely reduce root systems and turf density, and the limited effectiveness of currently available control options. By comparing Australian experience with well‑documented overseas research, the authors identify major knowledge gaps and present a practical action framework focused on biosecurity, early detection, integrated nematode management and cultural practices to limit spread and impact. The review concludes that improved surveillance, better diagnostic awareness and coordinated management strategies are essential to protect high‑value turf surfaces from long‑term decline caused by this nematode.
TU00005 – Ectotrophic root-infecting Funghi on golf turf in Queensland
This report investigates the role of ectotrophic root‑infecting (ERI) fungi in poor root health and patch diseases affecting hybrid couch grass golf greens in coastal Queensland. Through multi‑season surveys of 24 golf courses, laboratory isolation and characterisation of fungi, and controlled pathogenicity tests, the study found that ERI fungi—particularly members of the Gaeumannomyces‑Phialophora group—were widespread and commonly associated with root rotting, while nematodes played a minor role. Although several isolates caused significant root damage under glasshouse conditions, above‑ground symptoms were generally absent, suggesting that disease expression is strongly influenced by management and environmental stress factors such as low mowing height, renovation practices, and weather. The study also identified two likely new fungal species that appeared weakly pathogenic, concluding that ERI fungi contribute to a complex root disease syndrome and highlighting the need for further molecular identification and stress‑interaction research to better understand and manage turf decline.
TU17003 – Integrated pest management of phytophagous mites in turfgrass
This project investigated whether an integrated pest management (IPM) approach could be effectively applied to manage phytophagous mites in Australian turfgrass production systems. Commencing in 2018, the research assessed the prevalence, biology and practical significance of key mite groups known to damage warm‑season turf, alongside the potential role of monitoring, cultural practices and biological options. During the course of the work, industry consultation and field observations showed that damaging mite outbreaks were relatively sporadic and were most effectively managed using existing miticides rather than complex IPM programs. As a result, the project was concluded early in 2019, with findings indicating that current chemical controls remain the most practical management option, and that further investment in IPM strategies for turfgrass mites was not justified at that time. [horticulture.com.au]
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