Green golf course maintenance is an increasingly important practice in the golf industry. It is an approach that seeks to preserve the environment and improve the quality of golf courses at the same time. With increased awareness of the importance of sustainability, many companies and organisations are adopting sustainable practices to ensure that golf courses do not harm the environment while providing a pleasant and healthy environment for players.
We achieve the maintenance of golf courses by means of ecological strategies that allow great economic and water consumption savings.
Green golf course maintenance involves the adoption of practices that reduce environmental impact, optimise the use of natural resources and improve the health of golf courses. These practices include the use of environmentally friendly fertilisers and pesticides, efficient irrigation to minimise water waste, implementation of water recycling and reuse systems, use of water and climate monitoring technologies to optimise resource use, promotion of biodiversity through diversification of plant species and natural areas, and training for staff and awareness among players on the importance of sustainable maintenance.
We share with you 6 keys to execute a correct maintenance of ecological golf courses:
- Use of ecological fertilisers and pesticides: The aim is to reduce the use of chemical products in turf maintenance and promote the use of organic and low environmental impact products. This helps to protect the environment and the health of the players and golf course staff, as well as great economic savings, due to the cost difference between chemical and organic products.
- Efficient irrigation: Efficient irrigation is essential to reduce water waste and ensure responsible use of natural resources. This may include implementing drip irrigation systems, monitoring soil moisture and optimising irrigation schedules.
Modern irrigation systems, such as smart controllers and soil moisture probes, can automatically adjust the amount and frequency of irrigation to optimise water uptake by turf and prevent water loss through evaporation or runoff.In addition, efficient irrigation can improve turfgrass health and quality, which in turn can improve yields.
Adequate irrigation can help prevent diseases and growth problems, such as soil compaction, lack of oxygen to the roots, and soil sell build-up. This can result in a denser, more uniform and resilient turf, which in turn can improve the playing experience for golfers.
The use of advanced irrigation technologies and regular monitoring of soil moisture can minimise the need for labour and equipment to care for the lawn. In addition, a healthy and resilient lawn may require fewer chemicals and fertilisers to keep it in good condition.
- Water recycling and reuse systems: Implementing water recycling and reuse systems can help reduce fresh water use and minimise environmental impact. This can include rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment and reuse of water for non-potable purposes.
Here are some important aspects to consider in the effective use of water recycling in golf course maintenance:
a. Use of water recycling systems: Water recycling systems can help save water and reduce the impact on local water supplies. Water recycling systems include technologies such as filtration and disinfection to treat wastewater and return it to the irrigation system.
b. Water quality monitoring: It is important to monitor the quality of recycled water to ensure that it meets appropriate standards and is safe for use in irrigation.
c. Optimising water use in irrigation: Water recycling can be complemented by optimising water use in irrigation. For example, soil moisture monitoring technology and drip irrigation systems can be used to reduce water use.
d. Collaboration with local authorities: It is important to work with local authorities to ensure that water recycling is done responsibly and complies with all applicable regulations.
e. Water recycling is an important part of a sustainable approach to golf course management. By implementing effective water recycling practices, golf courses can contribute to the conservation of water resources and reduce their environmental impact.
- Water and climate monitoring technologies: The use of water and climate monitoring technologies can help optimise resource use and reduce environmental impact. This can include monitoring soil moisture, measuring evapotranspiration and optimising irrigation schedules according to climatic conditions.
Climate control technology is being used more and more. Climate control systems can monitor and adjust the temperature, humidity and wind speed on the course, helping to maintain a consistent and predictable playing experience for golfers. Frost protection systems can also be used to protect turf in extreme weather conditions.
- Promoting biodiversity: Promoting biodiversity through the diversification of plant species and the creation of natural areas can help to increase biodiversity and improve the environmental health of the golf course.
Here are some examples of how biodiversity can be promoted in green golf course maintenance:
a. Creation of habitats for wildlife species: Habitats for wildlife species can be created on the golf course, such as nesting sites for birds, refuges for reptiles and habitats for small mammals.
b. Planting of biodiversity conservation areas: Biodiversity conservation areas such as wetlands, woodlands and grasslands can be created on the golf course to promote biodiversity and protect endemic species.
c. Use of native plant species: Using native plant species instead of introduced species can promote biodiversity and help protect the environment.
d. Establishment of biological corridors: Biological corridors can be established to connect different habitats and allow for wildlife mobility.
e. Biodiversity monitoring programmes: Biodiversity monitoring programmes can be implemented to document and protect species on the golf course.
If you want to know more about biodiversity and its implementation on golf courses, please read our latest blog post on Golf Course Naturalisation.
- Training and awareness raising: Training for staff and raising awareness among players about the importance of sustainable maintenance can help encourage the adoption of sustainable practices and ensure a sustainable future for the golf industry.
It is important that workers are properly trained in the handling of chemicals and in complying with safety regulations. Proper training can help ensure that golf course workers are aware of the hazards and know how to handle and store chemicals safely.
Training and awareness-raising are important for players. They should be aware of field rules and policies, including cart handling, turf maintenance and proper waste disposal.In addition, players should be aware of the importance of water conservation and environmental protection.In terms of water conservation, training and awareness are crucial to ensure that water is used responsibly and sustainably.
Workers should be trained in the use of efficient irrigation technologies and in identifying leaks and problems in the irrigation system.
These practices are just a few of the many ways in which sustainable golf course maintenance can be improved. By adopting these practices, you can ensure a sustainable future. New times have made us aware of the responsible use of raw materials as well as the reuse of raw materials. It is essential to carry out golf course maintenance that allows the reuse of raw materials and above all that these do not affect the environment and society.
We have to bear in mind that ecological golf course maintenance is not a passing fad but a line that must be taken up as soon as possible. It must be taken into account that chemical products will no longer be allowed to be used after this year according to the European regulation 2030, therefore the maintenance of ecological golf courses is a strategy that is here to stay.
In conclusion, the aim of sustainable golf course management is to protect and conserve the environment and promote a sustainable future for the golf industry. By adopting sustainable practices in golf course management, it is possible to improve energy efficiency, reduce the use of natural resources, promote biodiversity and minimise environmental impact.
In addition, sustainable management and maintenance of golf courses can enhance the players’ experience by providing a green and well-maintained environment, and can contribute to the local economy by attracting tourists and generating employment.
Ultimately, golf course maintenance is a shared responsibility that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders, including golf course managers, players, local authorities and the industry as a whole. By embracing sustainable practices, we can ensure a sustainable future for the golf industry and protect the environment for future generations.
Thanks to the use of modern and efficient techniques we will help your club to grow in the care of biodiversity and environmental efficiency so that your club can have a sustainable golf course.
If you want to know more about the maintenance of ecological golf courses, in NGM Golf & Sports Consulting we will be happy to help you.