Golf and sports turf irrigation

Sprinklers in operation following the job at Wheatley G.C., Doncaster.

The heart of any irrigation system is the pumping plant. As an independent installer we design bespoke systems choosing the most cost-effective pumping plant to suit each site characteristics. The balance of quantity, run-time, speed of flow, total head and friction loss are all computed to enable the right pump choice to be made. The energy requirements of the system are reviewed and on large systems variable pumps with computer control can be installed to provide a more effective full life cycle cost solution.

The irrigation system is one of the most powerful tools in the Ground staff's armoury. The system is available to provide water as little or as much as the ambient conditions require. In the first instance generic rates of precipitation are used for system design. As each site has its own peculiarities the systems are designed to be expandable and adaptable, should additional facilities be needed to cater for hot spots. The ability to provide water to specific locations gives the Greenkeepers the power to ensure that the quality of their sports turf is maintained to the highest possible standard, no matter what amount of wear the turf is being subjected to.

An irrigation system is in effect an insurance policy against the vagaries of Mother Nature since the quantity of rain falling on any particular site in the UK is so unpredictable. The summer/autumn of the year 2000 is a classic example of extraordinary rainfall, and history shows that a drought such as that in 2003, is sure to follow. Be Prepared!