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During establishment the couch is being irrigated using pop-up sprinklers
twice per evening for 4 minutes depending on weather conditions, rainfall
etc. The amount of evapo-transpiration (ET-combined water lost from the
plant and evaporation) replaced by the irrigation system during establishment
is 90%. It is expected that a visually acceptable couch surface can be
achieved with only 35% of ET. The replacement ET levels will be gradually
reduced as the turf establishes.
The turf trials are currently being mown as needed (approx 2-3 times per
week) at a height of 2 inches using rotary mowers. This mowing height
will soon be reduced to 1 inch to encourage lateral growth and a more
uniform surface.
The area was prepared and before the couch was unrolled a starter fertilizer
was applied at a rate of 10g/m². A slow release fertilizer was applied
late in January at a rate of 27g/m².
The colour and texture of the couches is being assessed. Conquest (sourced
from Sydney) appears to have a lush green colour comparable to some cool
season turf species. Grand Prix (sourced from Melbourne) possesses a very
fine texture and more of a light green colour. Santa Ana (sourced from
Sydney) and Legend (sourced from Canowindra) are more of a blue/green
colour.
The trial is still in establishment phase but regular monthly observations
will be posted as the trial continues.
