Turf grass, just add (less) water

UQ researchers are about to embark on an ambitious research project to develop more water-efficient turf grass varieties.

The project aims to help Australians maintain great, green lawns while reducing water consumption in their gardens.

The $3m project will be funded through a four-year Australian Research Council grant. Contributors and collaborators include one of Australia’s largest turf producers, the Jimboomba Turf Group, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and the Council of Mayors.

This project is not funded by the new turf levy introduced to turf producers around Australia in early October 2006. It is the brainchild of Dr Chris Lambrides, who will lead the project with Dr Don Loch from the DPI&F.

According to project supervisor, Associate Professor Ian Godwin, approximately one third of domestic water is applied to the garden, including turf grass lawns.

“This project will develop tools to select turf grasses that maintain quality with reduced inputs of water and nutrients, leading to an overall reduction in resource use,” Dr Godwin said.

The project will involve developing an innovative turf breeding program using Australia’s native germplasm; that has evolved in the driest inhabited continent on earth.

“We will use the unique diversity of Australian couch grasses to identify new turfs for domestic, sportsground and amenity lawns.”

Other investigators will also include eminent UQ plant physiologist Professor Shu Fukai, DPI&Fs genomics expert Dr Tim Holton and distinguished USDA Cynodon breeder Professor Wayne Hanna.

Growing demand for Australian turf and turf-related goods both nationally and internationally has led to a multi-billion dollar Australian turf industry.

According to Dr Godwin, increased urbanised development and current lifestyle factors have led to this success.

“Increasing urbanisation and outdoor lifestyle choices have led to the tremendous growth that we are currently seeing in the industry,” he said.

Turf in Australia is a major “new” horticultural industry, and one that affects many Australians

The Managing Director of Jimboomba Turf Group, Mr Lynn Davidson, said that this project was "the most significant development undertaken for the Australian Turfgrass Industry."

"With the aid of the latest science and the inclusion of some of the country`s top researchers, the nation can look forward to having a range of efficient high performance grasses to choose from for domestic, sporting and commercial applications,” Mr Davidson said.

Media inquiries: Susanne Schick - UQ Gatton Campus (5460 1229, 0409 265 587).

Further information/comment: Contact Dr Chris Lambrides (3365 1103, chris.lambrides@uq.edu.au).