STRI is responsible for the only independent grass testing programme in the UK. Grasses are evaluated for use in lawns, general landscaping, winter games, golf and bowls. Information from the programme is published annually in the Turfgrass Seed book (the only independent guide for users of amenity grass seed in the UK). All STRI clients receive a free copy.
Specialist trials for grass breeders, sport governing bodies and others The Turfgrass Biology department has staff who are experienced in designing specialist commercial contract R & D trials to suit the requirements of individual clients, sport governing bodies and World class sporting venues. Clients currently using this service include the International turfgrass seed company Barenbrug and the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon.
Acurate assessments of sward species composition can be made using an optical point quadrat. This could be a very useful service if, for example, a greenkeeper was planning to embark on an over seeding programme. An assessment could be made prior to starting the programme and then at regular intervals to monitor progress and to assist in adjustments to the management regime used. Clients using this service include the R & A and the Old Course St Andrews.
Product testing for the sports and amenity markets from seed to machineryThe department has conducted a number of very diverse commercial/contract trials testing products for the sport and amenity industry. Examples of these include the testing of turf protection systems for covering sports pitches during the use of stadia as concert venues, testing rain covers for sports fields and the testing of grinding machines for mower blades.
Evaluation of environmental conditions affecting grass growthThis service is of particular relevance to groundsman and greenkeepers who are trying to produce healthy and durable turf surfaces in less than ideal conditions such as in large sports stadia. Various environmental conditions such as temperature, rainfall, wind speed and direction, humidity and light levels can be monitored on a day to day basis using portable weather stations. In addition to this regular assessments of grass cover, soil moisture and playing quality could be made. This information can then be used to assist groundsmen and greenkeeping staff to maximise turf quality within the environmental constraints they have to deal with.
Prediction of natural light levels and shade mapping for stadia and golf greensThe effects of stands and other fixed structures such as trees on light levels reaching the playing surface can be assessed using hemispherical photography and analysis (Hemiview). A series of photographs are taken to provide a grid of images covering the playing surface. These can be analysed to estimate diffuse, direct and total radiation for each location. This information can be used to produce unique contour maps of light/shade levels within stadia or on golf greens. The effects of fixed structures on the amount of light reaching the playing surface on any given day, or time of day can also be predicted. The images can be amended and then analysed to investigate the effects of redevelopment on light levels reaching the turf surface. This service has been used in the development of a number of major sports venues including Wimbledon, Twickenham and Lansdowne Road.
