weather events over an entire on groundwater for the majority of with this issue, but the industry
growing season has started to affect its water storage. Growers use this – both suppliers and users – must
output of turf. Due to the weather, groundwater during periods of lower ensure lines of communication
root establishment has been poorer, rainfall, together with surface water are open and dialogue established
which means the rolls of turf cannot reserves on site. to enable measures which allow
the expectations of clients to be
be lifted as easily or quickly by
machinery. When root establishment Both resources rely on periods managed. Availability of water
is poor - as has been the case of sustained rainfall to recharge resources and climate change are
recently - the soil falls from the roots and, so far this winter, this has not issues likely to affect many other
of turf lifted, meaning the useable happened. Consequently, in the areas of the industry in the long
amount of turf is significantly lower event of another spring or summer term, and these are challenges we
than normal. of low rainfall, opportunities to must face together.
provide additional irrigation may be
Some growers have reported
severely limited.
losing 1 roll of turf for every 5
lifted - far higher than would be BALI is also aware of concerns
expected normally. regarding the cost of turf, which have
arisen around the same time as this
The turf growing industry is now shortage. A separate working group
heavily reliant on a period of will be established to investigate this.
warm, wet weather during spring
to recharge stocks. Whether this By publishing this statement BALI
occurs depends on the weather over hopes to raise awareness of the
the next few weeks. As many will issues surrounding turf supply.
be aware, the south of the UK relies There can be no blame associated
If you are a BALI member and
would like to be involved in any
future discussions regarding
this topic then contact BALI’s
Technical Officer (Policy &
Research) Owen Baker on
024 7669 0333
or
[email protected].