![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greenkeepersbelgium.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSource: GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf<\/p>\n
Written by: Olivier Descampe, Christophe Descampe and Lucas Mercelis<\/p>\n
Since 2018, regulations in Wallonia (Belgium) have imposed limitations on the use of fungicides and herbicides for turf management. Despite adapting to these restrictions, the impact has been significant, requiring a 20% increase in maintenance efforts. Turf disease outbreaks further impact the club’s reputation and economic standing.<\/p>\n
In response, we have developed a strategy grounded in a deeper understanding of nature, emphasising four key pillars: course layout optimisation, data monitoring, prevention analytics, and additional maintenance.<\/p>\n
To reduce disease susceptibility, we strategically modified the course, including cutting and replanting over 100 trees around greens to improve air circulation (Pic #1). Through collaboration with a Software As A Service (SAAS) entrepreneur, specifically MAYA, we monitor crucial ground and turf indicators, correlating them with weather data and disease occurrences specific to our location (Pic #2).<\/p>\n
Leveraging analytics, we crafted a decision algorithm to proactively initiate prevention activities (Pic #3). This has led to a significant increase (+20%) in course maintenance workload, necessitating appropriate adjustments in recruitment (Pic #4).<\/p>\n
While addressing this unique challenge, we have capitalised on the opportunity to introduce more sustainable turf management initiatives. For example, leveraging data monitoring enables us to enhance water management efficiency.<\/p>\n