STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute) Bulletin April 2014 | Page 7

poorer performance in 2013 during
a dry year. Perhaps this is indicative
of the poor performance of annual
meadow-grass in dry conditions and
its relatively constant and prolonged
seedhead activity during the 2013
season.
Green Speed
The green speed data is equally
interesting but in a slightly different
way. We can again see the consistency
of speed over the four years, regardless
of varying weather, on fine grass
dominated greens. For annual meadowgrass dominated greens, these surfaces
are more vulnerable to fluctuating
performance in response to weather;
the small decrease in speed during
the wet summer of 2012 being of
particular note. While the fine grasses
tend to provide slightly superior green
speed values compared to annual
meadow-grass, the differences are
relatively marginal. This shows if you
are concentrating on delivering speed
as the sole arbiter of quality then the
sward species composition is less
relevant. However, for those wanting
the real McCoy, which is a surface that
is firm, smooth and true, this is where
surfaces dominated by the finer grasses
really come into their own. Annual
meadow-grass and fine grass dominant
greens can deliver similar speeds but
fine grass greens offer a purer roll.

Green speed & sward species composition

THE REAL McCOY

So the evidence is there for us to
see. Fine grass dominated surfaces
have been shown to offer superior
ball roll qualities. We always knew it
was an important debate for us all in
the profession and here is the proof.
With this information, the debate can
move away from focusing solely on
sustainability and minimising inputs
because we can prove fine grass
dominated surfaces provide better
performance. Those in a parkland

situation are not excluded. Putting
surface performance will be superior
and more consistent with a blend
of browntop and annual meadowgrass. You may need to work harder
initially to set the right environment.
Concentrate on top dressing,
scarification, aeration, reducing shade
and pipe drain if you need to. You will
gain the benefits as the browntop bent
increases. Use the Disturbance Theory
to light your path.

Bulletin April Issue 265

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