New Library Lawn even "greener"

All eyes were on the Library and Scientia lawns during January as FM Grounds initiated a project to returf and upgrade the irrigation on both lawns. The project will result in an improved turf surface with a greatly reduced reliance on water use and other UNSW resources.

The turf has been replaced with ‘Conquest’ couch grass, cultivated for its drought tolerance, wear resistance and shorter dormancy period during winter.

The availability of environmentally friendly chemical treatments allows the greenkeepers to eradicate the rye grass in spring, allowing the couch to dominate the lawns in spring and summer.

Consultation with the FM Energy and Engineering departments has ensured the new irrigation system will make more efficient use of the borewater resource UNSW is privileged to manage.

We also recycled approximately 100 tonnes of the old turf and soil layer (spoil) that was stripped and milled from the lawns. This material was spread as top dressing over the David Phillips No. 1 field at the UNSW David Phillips Sports Complex. The recycled spoil was both an environmental and cost saving exercise that provided an excellent surface on our No. 1 football field.