Sports Turf Trials Prove Effectiveness of Recycled Compost

Despite a mass of anecdotal evidence which told of the benefits of using compost, no previous scientific trials had been carried out to define exactly what groundsmen and greenkeepers should expect when using the product.

During 2005, WRAP commissioned the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) and Glendale Services to investigate the use of compost in turf maintenance. The project began with a programme of scientifically-controlled trials undertaken at STRI’s research site in Bingley. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of compost with that of commercial fertilizer and topdressing products.

This initial work provided the basis for commercial trials that followed at six sports venues across England. This work complimented the technical trials and allowed the project team to test the practicalities of using the product as part of normal working practices. This incorporated a range of different turf types, including low maintenance football grounds, golf fairways, close mown golf greens/bowling greens, and general amenity lawns and parks. A fine grade of BSI PAS 100 compost was used as a stand-alone fertilizer and was also mixed with sand as a top dressing.

The results show that:

• compost provides a quick source of nitrogen to football pitches and, by keeping the soil healthy, prompts faster green up and increases the wear tolerance;
• over the trial period, controlled application of compost caused no significant change in soil pH on golf courses so it can be used to prevent over-acidification of soil without the negative effects associated with lime application;
• in heavy wear situations, such as a football pitch or public sports ground, compost treatments are effective in protecting turf and promoting grass recovery;
• compost used in a topdressing mix performs in a similar manner to a conventional peat or soil-containing product;
• the costs of using compost for maintenance of golf fairways, football fields and parks & lawn applications were comparable to using a long term controlled release fertilizer product.

STRI managed the project and Glendale Services, a leading provider of green service solutions, were sub-contracted to manage the commercial trials. Compost was provided by Premier Waste Management and Glendale’s compost production company, Ecological Sciences Ltd.

Dr David Lawson, Senior Research Officer at STRI, said:

“We were really encouraged by the results of these trials. On football pitches and golf fairways in particular, compost supported fast growth, great colour and increased wearability – results that all demonstrate how compost can be a valuable tool for any groundsman or greenkeeper.”

Nick Templehead, Managing Director of Glendale Services, said:

“We were really pleased to be involved with the trials because Glendale sees green waste recycling as a major part of responsible green management. During the open days, the local authorities showed a really keen interest in the project and that’s one of the best results we could have hoped for.”

Mike Lawrie, Glendale Contracts Manager for Manchester South, oversaw one of the six trials at Houghend Playing Fields. He said:

“We split the field into three sections and applied a nitrogen based fertiliser to one, left one bare, and laid compost on the third. The area laid with compost produced thicker, cleaner grass and we are now in negotiation with Manchester City Council to use compost on football pitches and bowling greens across the city.”

Louise Hollingworth, Organics Technical Manager at WRAP Organics, said:

“While we had reams of positive comments from groundsmen who had already used compost, we recognised the importance of verification of the benefits through controlled testing. We have been very encouraged by the results and believe that this will give many more sports turf professionals the confidence to use compost.”

To access a full copy of the sport turf trials report, please visit www.wrap.org.uk/organics or call the freephone helpline on 0808 100 2040.

Further information on compost plus a full list of BSI PAS 100 compost producers is also available on the WRAP Organics website.