Sports Turf Agronomy Advice - January 2026
Happy New Year to all, I hope that everyone has had a great Christmas and New Year celebrating with family and friends, and we can look forward to 2026 and new opportunities.
If fortunate enough to have had a good Christmas break, this can be excellent time for switching off from the day to day and re-charging the batteries, ready to go again. There’s also time to reflect on the past year and start the planning process. Hopefully the festive period has given everyone, in some form or another, that much needed reset and now the new year can be approached with fresh energy and enthusiasm.
Before we look ahead to the forecasted weather for January, let’s look back at December’s figures. It was a continuation of the wet weather we have seen for much of the winter period, making much of the ground saturated and not suitable for taking machinery over. The recent increase in popularity of robotic mowers really come into their own through this period, where their light footprint allows for mowing to continue where with traditional ride-on equipment it would not be possible. This is becoming increasingly important where the milder conditions, which can be seen in the table below, mean that there is continued growth through these wet conditions. When left, these areas become difficult to manage once you are able to get equipment back onto the areas for mowing.
GP started the month at around 40% but rose to 55% by week two, where growth is still categorised as good. Clearly, we would expect this trend to be decreasing, not increasing. Average temperature highs are still around 10°C, with lows of around 5°C. Meaning there is still some soil activity, albeit relatively minimal. Rainfall continues to be significant, adding to already saturated ground. With only 0.78kg of nitrogen required per week, nutritional inputs, if any, will need to be minimal. For those than can manipulate growing conditions through lighting and heating, the mild conditions will allow for greater recovery on winter sports surfaces. Disease pressure remains active due to these persistent environmental conditions.
Click here to review weather data in your region for December. To keep up to date with the general weather throughout January visit https://academy.agrovista.co.uk/category/weather December Week 48
The forecast for early January is for colder temperatures which should benefit those battling against disease pressure. Though for those in winter sports, with a busy games schedule over Christmas and into January, it will make recovery and preparation for games challenging.
Some key tasks that can be planned out at the start of the year to help with preparation:
- As part of the planning process, soil samples may be taken to inform decision making. They give insight into what nutrient levels are within the growing media and how the soil is performing. A basic soil test will provide the minimum level of information required and there are a host of additional tests that can be utilised to build up a detailed view of the site. Plans can then be put in place to support the right environment for producing the best performing surfaces possible.
- Although an ongoing continual process, this month is an ideal time to review and set targets and goals for both surface standards and performance as well as the team. Having these written down and visual makes them a focal point and serves as a constant reminder of the direction of travel you are striving to achieve. Performance reviews with staff ensures continual development and can allow for any issues to be address and help motivate team members.
- Planning and booking in any major maintenance events and contractors will ensure that key dates are not missed and allows all other details can be planned around the dates.
- Staff training can take place. It can be a good time in the calendar for staff training courses and CPD events that require time away from the course/club.
- Finishing winter projects
Nutrition
The base nitrogen requirement towards the end of December was 0.78kg of N per week and forecasted low temperatures suggests January will be a lower requirement still. Therefore, input requirements this month will be minimal, and consideration should be given to not trying to encourage growth too early, before conditions are conducive for growth. Otherwise, applications can be wasted. If there is sufficient rainfall to leach nutrition from the profile, subsequent small applications may be required to replace what has been lost. Using a suitable nitrogen source that is available for plant uptake will ensure that when conditions are suitable, growth will be supported. This will support recovery and repair from wear through play.
Events
BTME and Continue to Learn, are well worth attending and caters for a range of interests. Discover the latest products and innovations, benefit from educational workshop and seminars and networking opportunities. BTME 20th – 22nd and Continue to Learn 18th – 21st.
Tom Wood
B.Sc (Hons) | MBPR | FQA