Competition

The interaction of individuals to acquire resources, in particular those which are of limited availability, from their environment. Individuals that can extract and deplete limited resources at a greater rate than other individuals will typically be able to out-compete and reduce or eliminate other individuals. The prevailing conditions in an environment can significantly influence the competitive ability of individuals. For example, very acidic (e.g. pH 4.5-5.0) soil will provide a condition in which some individuals will typically be much less competitive than where, for example, the soi

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  Compost

The creation of an organic based material which has been produced by the decomposition of organic matter. In its early stages it is often combined with soil, being placed in alternate layers to form a compost heap. Once a good humic soil has been produced this would then be well sieved prior to typical use on a golf green, tee or bowling green.

  Compost Heap

A constructed mound of organic material and soil layers. The use of well-rotted farmyard manure, leaf-mould, grass clippings, seaweed, or similar organic material would be layered in between a sandy soil. The organic layers would typically be 150-225mm in depth, whilst soil layers would be 100-150mm in depth. The mound might be up to 2-metres in height, which would allow for adequate turning over with a tractor and bucket.

  Condition

An abiotic environmental factor which is present but not used or depleted by an organism. Common examples include temperature (soil and air), relative humidity, air flow, soil pH (which affects the resource of nutrients and their availability), soil mineral particles, soil salinity, or chemicals which might be present. Conditions can be altered by other organisms to make these more conducive, improving their competitiveness to the detriment of other organisms. Each species will typically survive over a relatively wide range for a particular condition but will have a reduced range for each c

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  Conditioner

1. A material which improves the growing conditions, health and resilience of a turf surface. It may encourage an increase in micro-biology; it may improve soil structure, and soil organism activity (such as earthworms), produce a more uniform surface – either vegetatively (which may include reducing the competitiveness of disease, weeds, moss and algae), or by colour, or address an imbalance of micro-nutrients. See also Soil Conditioner and Turf Conditioner. 2. A material which is added when mixing some, especially inorganic, fertilisers. The purpose of a conditioner in this situation is t

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  Contaminant

An undesirable substance or material. This could be soil contaminated with, for example, a toxic heavy metal element such as Cadmium; Broken grass within the soil; or an Oil or fuel spillage. For artificial surfaces this can be fine particles, leaf or grass remains, moss or algae on a surface, silt from surrounding area which have washed onto a surface, soil blown onto a surface from an adjacent agricultural field, as well as any human elements such as skin, hair, vomit etc.

  Contamination Pan

The accumulation and consolidation of contaminants that are present below the depth of routine power brushing in a synthetic turf surface. Basically, contaminated material will filter down through the infill. Where it becomes located below the depth at which power brushing occurs then it won’t be removed and starts to create a layer that reduces downwards water movement, increasing the likelihood of waterlogging occurring. The density of a contamination pan can increase the surface hardness experienced by players, negatively impacting on rebound bounce and limbs, reducing the quality of the overall playing experience.

  Cross-Pollination

The transfer of pollen grains from one plant to another plant. In many grasses, especially perennials, the pollen from the anther on one plant will be transferred, primarily by wind, to the stigma on another plant. See also Self-Pollination.

  Cultivar

A plant which has been cultivated by humans and are maintained by them to (artificially) retain their particular characteristics through the process of propagation. It is a plant that has not been bred or developed in the wild. Cultivar is a contraction of the words cultivated variety.

  Cultural Control

Practices which are undertaken that focus on improving or maintaining turf health. Examples include: • Fertiliser applications using correct balanced nutrition, which doesn't create excessive growth. • Amending soil pH to discourage some weeds, surface earthworm activity, and to produce conditions less suitable for disease attack.