RTF wears well in trial results

publication date: May 19, 2008

 | 

author/source: Barenburg

Barenbrug’s rhizomatous tall fescue (RTF) mixtures produced encouraging results in the specialist grass seed breeder’s latest independent trials, highlighting the benefits of using RTF in sports applications.

Conducted by the STRI, the trials assessed the wear performance and tensile strength of RTF mixtures in comparison with traditional perennial ryegrass mixtures for heavy wear applications, such as football pitches.

The first trial was carried out at the STRI in Bingley and evaluated the wear tolerance of RTF-based mixtures BAR 10 RTF and RTF Turf Mixture when subjected to artificial footballtype wear in comparison with sports perennial ryegrasses BAR 7 and BAR 8 following varying establishment periods.

Results demonstrated that RTF’s wear tolerance is equal to that of sports perennial ryegrass mixtures after a longer establishment period of nine months and also confirmed its excellent recovery capabilities.

The second trial was conducted at Inturf in North Yorkshire by the STRI. Wellestablished, disease and pest-free samples of RTF and sports perennial ryegrass turf were RTF wears well in trial results tested for traction in 20 positions. RTF was shown to offer significantly better surface stability and traction grip than the perennial ryegrass.

“We’re delighted with the outcome of these latest independent trials,” comments Barenbrug’s managing director, Paul Johnson. “RTF continues to impress and prove its worth in a variety of applications. We hope it’s now proven wear tolerance and traction performance will be of benefit to football and rugby pitches in particular.”