Services - Turf Grass Systems

Services

TurfGrass Systems directs site specific management systems in developing a foundation to support predetermined results, the development of people, and an environmentally sustainable environment. Measured actions support the accountability of what we do.

There is nothing more Practical than a good Theory. Our Improvement Model is managed to best suit each location. The model helps us move from establishing targets and methods, to reach those targets, measuring the results, and implementing changes. Working with existing staff, each time we go through the cycle we improve. Without a model to work through, we often create grand ideas that stagnate, or never start.

In this way, the consulting project develops a program with the staff, utilising a model they can continue to reference. This allows the client to gain the advantages of consulting help to set targets, train and reach targets, and for the personnel to implement and continue. It is the task of the club to get the job done.

Turfgrass Systems maintains working relationships with independent consultants from a range of disciplines. These specialists can be called into a team as necessary.

TurfGrass Performance Management

Our TurfGrass Performance Model is represented by four levels of the pyramid and a circle adjoining.

Self defined model.

The Pyramid is adopted from the Balanced Scorecard, a reputed and well documented measurement model that takes a broad look at Performance than finance alone, and includes perspectives of Knowledge & Skills, Business Processes, People (SPICE), and Yield.

Knowledge is the foundation and considered a lead measure. We consider the learning as a lead measure by which we measure the influences on our own business such as political, environmental or economic and cultural.

From these we can build Business Processes, changing where necessary to meet the new demands.

SPICE is about the people. From our broader society partners through to our investors, customers and employees. All the work we do is influenced by people.

The top of the pyramid is Yield. Yield is a lag measure. It�s a measure when all we have done is completed. Yield is measured in a variety of ways, and always by results directed by the strategy. Measures will include staff performance and skill, financial management and control and environmental performance to name a few.

The circle surrounding the pyramid represents performance. We consider this the continuous improvement part, where the circle never ends.

The whole model is self directed and continuously improving. It is a model adapted to individual needs, individual efforts and your unique golf course environment.

Consulting Package Guide

While our Packages cover a broad range, they represent a general reflection of needs and fit concisely with our philosophy of management and agronomy processes.

It is very easy to visit a venue and list many pages of items that need attention. What underlies TurfGrass Systems is the need to develop systems and processes to ensure a foundation is constructed to ensure all that is required to be done, is done.

In considering the unique requirements of each Client, a site specific action plan is developed. A balance across issues must be considered that include - play demands, financial situation, growth and improvement strategies, cash-flow management, facility culture.

Questionnaire: - US$400
Target - establish vital information enabling a management program to be developed.

This is a profile analysis designed to identify gaps in management, infrastructure and information that may have significant impacts on organisational performance and decision making.
The questionnaire is completed by the Client and Staff.
Once completed and returned, recommendations are made to develop priorities to begin to undertake improvements in an agreed time frame.
This can be conducted by TurfGrass Systems on site.
Education: Diploma of Horticulture (TurfGrass Management)
Target - provide World Class education in Turf Management

International Qualification

As Training Consultant for Northern Melbourne Institute of T.A.F.E., Turfgrass Systems is very proud to support and promote this outstanding Diploma to the international Turfgrass Industry.

The Diploma of Horticulture � Turf Management provides training in the skills for establishment maintenance, design and management of recreational turf surfaces. Underpinning these skills will be a sound knowledge in pest and disease management; design of irrigation and drainage systems and management of sport turf facilities. There is an emphasis on the development of management skills in technical and other areas. There is a strong emphasis on the application of practical skills.

RTE5304 - A Implement a machinery management system
RTE5807A - Manage staff
RTF5005A - Manage plant health
RTF5008A - Plan the establishment of sports turf playing surfaces
RTC5914A - Prepare reports
RTE5601A - Audit irrigation systems
RTE5603A - Design irrigation systems, drainage and water treatment systems
RTF5521A - Monitor and manage soils/growing media
RTD4406A - Implement pest management action plans
RTF4004A - Develop a plant nutrition program

While the program has a general Turf Management framework, it is readily adapted for specific sports.

Pricing and Fees for the following Packages are openly discussed with the Client to obtain the most appropriate program for the Client. The packages are guides and are best integrated to meet specific needs for your organisation.

Nutrient Management Planning and Soil Analysis:
Target - quality lab testing and recommendations for efficient soil and plant health management

Designed specifically for your site needs to determine most specific soil analysis and independent recommendations to meet your specific goals.
Typically this will include annual soil analysis, ( paste extraction method on Sand profiles), irrigation water analysis, tissue testing and Soil Microbiology Analysis.
Agronomy and Culture:
Target - Support Clients in implementing change

Typically will include Soil Analysis Package, soil core extraction and physical analysis, two site visits annually, staff seminars, onsite recommendations and written report recommendations and Turfgrass Management Planning programs developed with staff.
IPM:
Target - reduce human and environmental exposure to hazardous materials, and lower overall costs.

A pest control strategy using an array of complementary methods, designed around six basic components.

Acceptable pest levels: The emphasis is on control, not eradication

Preventive cultural practices: Selecting varieties best for local growing conditions, and maintaining healthy crops, is the first line of defence.

Monitoring: Regular observation is the cornerstone of IPM.

Mechanical controls: Should a pest reach an unacceptable level, mechanical methods are the first options to consider.

Biological controls: Natural biological processes and materials.

Chemical controls: Considered as an IPM last resort.
Biological / Soil Food Web:
Target - soil management encompassing Soil Microbiology, Soil Health strategies, Composting, and Compost Teas

The Soil FoodWeb is a complex, interdependent, mutually beneficial group of organisms. A healthy Soil FoodWeb occurs when:

- All the organisms the plant requires are present and functioning.
- Nutrients in the soil are in the proper forms for the plant to take-up. It is one of the functions of a healthy FoodWeb to hold nutrients in non-leachable forms so they remain in soil, until the plant requires the nutrients, and the plant �turns-on� the right biology to convert the nutrients into forms the plant can take-up.

- The correct ratio of fungi to bacteria is present, and ratio of predator to prey is present, so soil pH, soil structure, and nutrient cycling occur at the rates and the right forms for the plant.
Systems Auditing:
Target - a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve an organisation's operating systems.
The greatest gains in efficiency in turfgrass, horticultural and agricultural operations is through improving the functional efficiency and reorganising the processes. By gathering objective evidence through observation, interviews and samplings of records, management can make better decisions.

Turfgrass Operations Auditing - Irrigation, Drainage, Equipment, Inventory, Staffing, Budgeting, Education and Training programs, Training and Manager Coaching.
Tournament Agronomy and Course Preparation:
Target - tournament preparation program to ensure specifications for presentation and play are met while staff are trained to conduct the work
6 Months Pre Tournament
Tournament Specification (Audit, Gaps, Targets)
Tournament Preparation Process
Cultural Practices Program
Equipment Needs and Maintenance
Staffing
3 Months Pre Tournament
Cultural Practices Program plan and review

1 Month Pre Tournament
Course Tournament Condition and preparation program
Cultural Program � Detailed and Specific

Tournament Week
Measure course consistency
Monitor Staff performance and review preparation
Scheduling

Written Notes are provided at each step to provide an improvement plan (Audit, Gaps, Targets)
Construction:
Target - the most practical and efficient means to provide a life-long operational foundation

The most appropriate and important time to implement lifelong improvements - once and correctly - is during the initial development of a facility.

Pre-construction / Construction - Site Assessment, Agronomy, Grassing, Environmental Management Program and Monitoring, Water, Irrigation, Drainage, Staffing, Equipment

Grow-in - Nutrition management, Maintenance procedures, Staff Training

Maturation - Staff Development, Inventory Planning, IPM Programs
Audubon / Environmental:
Target - analysis and planning to meet operational and legislative requirements

The strict testing protocols and schedule typical of the Audubon Program.
Pollution analysis and remedial planning
Business Development:
Target - provide sound business and market research and recommendations

Research, Selection, Management

All analysis is conducted through the quality assured laboratories of Brookside Laboratories Inc. and Soil FoodWeb.