Resources [2]

In the science of ecology resources which are consumed and depleted, so resources in this context will be nutrients (food resources), especially N, P and K (which will typically be supplied to turfgrass swards by the application of a fertiliser), but also other macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients, many of which will be steadily released into a soil solution through weathering of the soil mineral material.

Light is an essential energy resource for green plants, being consumed to build carbohydrates for growth. This resource can be enhanced and extended over the winter period by supplementary lighting from lighting rigs.

Water is also an essential resource, being linked with nutrients and light consumption. Carbon dioxide is also a resource, which can be artificially enhanced through the use of grow tents, albeit at the elite end of turfgrass management.

Space is a resource in that species compete for and colonise areas. A turf manager aims to provide conditions and resources that allow desirable turfgrass species to be as competitive as possible so as to reduce the space available for undesirable grass species and weeds to become established in a sward.