Sports Turf Agronomy Advice - December 2025
The festive season seems to have crept up on us again, with Christmas markets in full flow and shops now full of Christmas items. It has been a good transition into autumn this year and from autumn into winter.
More recently there has been increased rainfall, and some snow in some parts, which has saturated the ground in areas. However, the water deficit from summer was so severe, that the ground has taken it very well in most places. This November has again been typically mild and has provided some growth conditions allowing for recovery from the extremely high disease pressure that has been apparent.
The favourable weather has allowed renovation works to take place with good recovery and projects to be started or completed before the Christmas period. For those in winter sports it has shortened the stretch going into Christmas of low growth conditions which has meant that surface conditions are going into the festive period in a strong position to get through December and January, if the weather and fixture list is kind! Timing and frequency of games through this period plays a major role in the overall performance and success of the pitch for the season.
Many will spend time with family and friends, old and new over the coming weeks, however please spare a thought for those who are not so fortunate, especially over the festive period. There are many fantastic organisations who offer support to those in need and there are many ways in which we can all contribute, either big or small, and if you are able to do so, that is fantastic! And will be truly appreciated by many.
Looking back on 2025, as I always do for this month’s notes, again it has been another tough year navigating the weather. They are not always the same challenges, but each month there is some pressure that the weather is placing on the turf/ grounds manager. There rarely is a month where the weather is making managing turf easier! Which highlights the changes in the overall climate we are seeing and the challenges that is bringing.
Looking at the figures from November, GP started the month at around 55% but rose to 63% by week two, where growth was still good. This dropped significantly following the frosts and ended up around 37% going into December. Therefore, growth conditions are no longer classed as ‘good’.
Temperatures are hovering around 10°C, which is still mild in relation to the time of year although base Nitrogen requirements have decreased to minimal amounts, with only 0.4kg of nitrogen required per week at the end of November. This is significant and when considering applications of nutrient at this time of year is a very useful metric to consider.
For those who can manipulate growing conditions through lighting and heating these requirements will be different. Rainfall was heavy at times this month and has led to ‘slippery’ surfaces in some circumstances, therefore selecting the right equipment to carry out maintenance works is key. The cooler temperatures from the frost have reduced the disease pressure in many cases.
Click here to review weather data in your region for November. To keep up to date with the weather throughout December visit https://academy.agrovista.co.uk/category/weather
Nitrogen applied should only be to encourage recovery from wear and should contain the correct nitrogen source, which will be plant available. Applications that require microbial activity for the breakdown and release of nutrition are going to provide a minimal response in low soil temperatures. Using the data above, providing around 0.4kg of Nitrogen per hectare per week would be sufficient for the requirement of the plant.
These minimal applications can be particularly useful in maintaining plant health and sward strength, without over applying, which would encourage new, soft growth, that is more susceptible to disease and over applying becomes inefficient. If you are able to get the sprayer across the turf, biostimulants in the form of seaweed, fulvic acid, amino acids and elicitors may still be useful to trigger a beneficial defence and stress response from the grass plant.
Worm casts show no sign of stopping, causing major issues for managing turf surfaces. The mild and moist climatic conditions continue to favour their presence and activity. Still, there are no legal controls for earthworms and until there are new solutions available the recommendations will remain as highlighted in previous months.
Enjoy the Christmas period, and a well-deserved break where possible. Take time to reflect on both the positives and negatives from the last year and what exciting prospects may be ahead in 2026.
Have a great Christmas and New Year!
Tom Wood
B.Sc (Hons) | MBPR | FQA