Accounting for every drop; effective water management

Pete Newton from ReesinkUK Ltd discusses water management and what his experience has taught him about effective management techniques every turf manager should be considering during the stressful (for both operator and turf) summer season.

Pete is in a unique position to explain the best practices as he started out as a greenkeeper, reaching his Master Greenkeeper status in April 2015, before changing career direction and specialising in the science of all things water and irrigation.

“Regular checks on a sports turf irrigation system going into and during the summer offer significant benefits, particularly in refining water management,” Pete stated. “We all appreciate efficient water usage is crucial for supporting both the health of the turf and sustainable agronomical practices and this is especially important during the warmer months when water demand is at its peak”.

Pete acknowledged, “Constantly monitoring, daily or even hourly, agronomic performance is paramount, and will give early warning signs to plant stress, which will instigate an investigation into the cause, or causes, of possible irrigation shortcomings.”

The benefits of ensuring an efficiently operated system are:

• Minimises water waste
  Routine inspections identify and address issues like leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or misaligned nozzles and arc settings. Such problems can lead to overwatering in some areas and under-watering in others, wasting valuable resources.
• Promoting turf health
  Factors like weather patterns, soil moisture levels and turfgrass type influence water requirements. By tailoring irrigation to these conditions, you can ensure the grass receives just the right amount of water.
• Enhancing uniform coverage
  Irrigation systems are designed to provide even water distribution but wear and tear or mechanical faults can disrupt this balance. Consistent coverage not only supports the aesthetic appeal of the course or ground, but also prevents stress on specific sections of the turf.
• Improving system efficiency
  Modern irrigation systems often include advanced features like soil moisture sensors and weather-based controls. Leveraging data from these tools, managers can make informed decisions, reducing water usage while meeting the turf’s needs.
• Environmental sustainability
  Sustainable practices are increasingly important in sports turf management. By reducing water consumption and preventing runoff or flooding, clubs can minimise their environmental footprint. Regular maintenance also helps prevent contamination of nearby water sources caused by excessive irrigation or chemical leaching.
• Preventing long-term damage
  Neglecting irrigation system issues can lead to compounding problems over time, such as root damage or soil erosion. Regular inspections enable proactive maintenance, ensuring that small issues don’t escalate into larger, more expensive challenges.

“Conducting regular checks on an irrigation system during the summer is integral to water management. By embracing this proactive approach, turf managers can achieve a balance between maintaining a pristine surface and practising responsible water stewardship,” explained Pete.

Here are Pete’s top tips for conducting your own investigation if you discover your system isn’t performing as it should:

Nozzle choice

• Head to head coverage
• Correct nozzle configuration
• Correct stator in the bottom of the riser to replicate nozzle choice

Blockages

• Check stator for blockages / debris i.e. rubber crumb or topdressing overspill
• Check nozzles for blockages or damage
• Check for blockages at the bottom of the sprinkler (where triple swing joint is screwed in)

Sprinkler body

• Check for cracks or damaged heads regularly
• Correct pressure setting for nozzle coverage
• Clean out selector switch for ease of use and to prevent rounding off when using the flag key
• Check all selector switches are in auto position for automated use of the system.  If in ‘off position’, then the sprinkler won’t water electrically from the controller
• Are all perimeter sprinklers level to achieve correct curtain?

Sprinkler riser

• Check and reset arc of the sprinkler
• Check for damage and leaks when running

Solenoid valves

• Have they pressure regulators fitted and if so, are the pressures correct for your system?
• Is the flow stem set up correctly so the in-pitch sprinklers retract quickly from ‘turn off’?
• Are the in pitch sprinklers leaking? Debris could be preventing the solenoid valve from shutting off fully, therefore weeping at the sprinkler head

Turf cups or astro turf tops

• Make sure they are secure
• Check mesh in the top of turf cup and replace if removed to help roots bind and hold when popping up whilst watering

Controller (PC or wall mount)

• Check all information in the controller is correct for efficient watering
• When the system is running, one of the best methods to check coverage patterns is to use a drone

In the next issue, I ask Pete’s advice on conducting your own Autumn/Winter system audit, which could save you a great deal of heartache, not to mention the cost savings you will reap as a reward for your efforts!

As we all know, it’s always a pleasure to catch up with friends and I thank Pete for sharing with us his knowledge and experience in what can be such a vital, but often overlooked element to turf management.