The Benefits of Turfgrass

An upcoming episode of The Nature of Things, a CBC program hosted by environmentalist David Suzuki, appears to be taking a "swing" at golf. The episode titled "Dad and the Dandelions" focuses on the 'deceptively deadly nature of golf courses and the role of pesticides in maintaining its lethal beauty.' Not only is this premise false, it is sensationalized and focuses on anecdotal evidence that is not based in science. This one sided account of the chemicals that go into maintaining a golf course serve only as a from of drama and entertainment, they are not based in reality or actual scientific studies.

Dad and the Dandelions is airing on March 2nd, to check out a preview, follow this link: http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episodes/dad-and-the-dandelions

It is true that highly maintained turf such as those on golf courses will require some use of chemicals. Fertilizer and some pesticides are needed to environmentally and financially manage the turf in a responsible way. The chemicals we apply are studied and approved to be safe by Health Canada and yet we continue to look for new ways to reduce use of pesticides.

As the Superintendent at Kamloops Golf and Country Club I can tell you that pesticide use on our course is extremely low. In fact, we have never sprayed for dandelions in my 7 years as a manager on this property, so the title of this documentary seem very strange to me, we are certainly not at war with dandelions. We applied a granular insecticide once in 2015 for control of a turfgrass ataenius beetle infestation on our greens .We have applied a few few fungicide applications on greens over the last few years to combat a disease called Take All Patch. The only chemical we regularly apply is a winter Fungicide which is applied once the course closes. Pesticide exposure is extremely low, and if you play golf you have a much higher chance of getting cancer from the sun than from any pesticide residue beneath your feet.

But rather than explain how superintendents are responsible pesticide users who care about safety of the community and the health of the environment, I'd like to focus on the benefits that turfgrass and golf courses provide to the environment and the community, and look at how these urban greenspaces and naturalized animal habitats play an important role in our modern landscape.

So what are these benefits? Let's take a look at the informational poster based on scientific research from the Canadian Turfgrass Research Center. I've had this posted up in our Clubhouse for the last few years, maybe you've noticed it! ---------------->



Reducing Runoff

Turfgrass actually acts as a filter for the environment. Contaminates such as sediment and chemicals are trapped by the leaf blades and fibrous root system, preventing them from reaching water ways and aquifers. Golf courses and other large green spaces are great natural filter for the environment.



Preventing Erosion

Erosion can affect the environment by blowing dust into the air and creating sediment run off. The fibrous and deep root system of turfgrass act as a support system to stabilize soil and prevent it from eroding and creating unstable slopes and foundations.

Replenishing the Air

Plants make their own food through photosynthesis and turf, which is a plant, is no different. A key part of the photosynthesis equation is that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, two things very imporatant to our environment. Turf also traps pollen and dust that pollute the air reducing allergies and other respiratory problems for people in the community.




 
  



Safety

Injury risk is mitigated by the soft and resilient surface turf provides. While artificial turf can still be effective, natural turf is far superior. Turf provides many sports and recreation opportunities, from golf, to soccer, to football, to lawn bowling, the list goes on. Turf is a very versatile sports surface that provides safety from impact and sports injuries.

Temperature Regulation

Even in the heat of summer, turf provides a natural cooling effect. Moisture is retained in the turf canopy where the turf transpiration releases vapor to cool the air around it. Large areas of well maintained turf can significantly lower temperatures of surrounding areas. When you are out on the golf course you can notice the difference in temperature from a concrete surface like a parking lot which reflects heat instead of absorbing it. Golf courses are large enough to provide some heat relief for the surrounding communitie.

Bio-remediation

What does that mean?  Turfgrass filters and traps chemicals and substances harmful to our environment, while natural microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi in the turf canopy and fibrous root system break down the pollutants before they can reach our waterways or elsewhere in our communities.

Sequestering Carbon

Heard of the Carbon Tax? Golf courses could actually be awarded a Carbon Credit! Turf removes carbon pollution from the air and uses it to build food through photosynthesis. Golf courses provide one of the largest carbon sinks in the urban environment.


Golf courses, sports fields, parks and many other turf surfaces provide endless benefits to the environment and the community. These urban green spaces provide a habitat for many animals and micro organisms that are vital to the environment and ecosystem. Turf provides an excellent and versatile playing surface for a large number of sports and recreation activities for the community.

If you watch the upcoming Nature of Things episode, or hear people talking about the dangers of playing golf, take things with a grain of salt, knowing that turf and golf courses provide many benefits to the environment and the community.