The Keppel Club hosted IGOLF's 2^nd Singapore Golf and Environment forum today. I was there to speak about five simple ways to reduce chemical use on golf course turf. I discussed how chemical use can be reduced on golf courses by:

1. Choosing the grass that will require fewer pesticide inputs. At Singapore this will tend to be a zoysiagrass.
2. Create a healthy growing environment, especially focusing on establishing and maintaining adequate air space in the soil.
3. Applying the optimum amount of fertilizer so that grass will be healthy and have a good color.
4. Mowing at the proper mowing height, with sharp blades, at the proper mowing frequency, and with a well-thought out mowing pattern.
5. When pesticides are used, apply the product according to label instructions, being sure to use the appropriate water volume and spray droplet size, and choose reduced risk products when possible.

Download my handout for this presentation by clicking here.

Daniel Navid (IGOLF President and CEO) and Paul Sochaczewski (IGOLF Chairman) introduced the program and then we had a number of interesting talks. Shawn Lum, President of Nature Society Singapore, gave a detailed talk about species diversity in the urban landscape and how golf courses can take some simple steps to increase biodiversity on their properties. Energy expert Per Dahlen talked about energy use on golf courses and how energy use can be reduced (and substantial costs can be saved) by implementing some new technologies. Dr. Michelle Sim from PUB Singapore gave a talk on water quality of water bodies on golf courses in the catchment areas of Singapore's water reservoirs. The types of fertilizers and pesticides allowed to be applied in catchment areas are closely monitored by PUB, and it was (for me) especially interesting to see the ranges of water chemical properties in samples taken from ponds on golf courses in these catchment areas. Phosphorus was high in the samples, generally. When adequate phosphorus is already held in the soil, phosphorus fertilization will not cause an improvement to turfgrass quality.

Forum delegates also had a chance to tour the Keppel Club's Earth Week exhibits at the Club's Keppel Hall. These exhibits showed how the Club and its employees are involved with nature preservation and recycling and environmental outreach.

With a great venue, expert speakers, and an especially interested and involved group of forum delegates, this environmental forum was an excellent opportunity to share information about golf and the environment and to discuss ways to improve the environmental management of golf courses at Singapore.