New England Regional Turfgrass Conference & Show

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Frequently asked

Glossary

1

Turfgrass

Grass species cultivated for managed surfaces such as golf courses, sports fields, lawns and sod production. At the NERTF conference, sessions distinguish cool-season and warm-season species and the management practices that keep them dense and playable.

2

Cool-season grass

Grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue that grow best in spring and autumn. New England golf courses, athletic fields and lawns rely on them; the conference covers cultivar selection, seeding rates and renovation timing.

3

Cultivar

A named, genetically distinct selection within a turfgrass species, bred for traits such as colour, density, disease resistance or wear tolerance. Evaluations help buyers compare seed lots and sod specifications.

4

USGA specification

A performance specification for putting green root-zone mixes covering particle size, infiltration and organic matter. Golf course builders and superintendents use it when specifying greens mixes and testing materials.

5

Topdressing

Applying a thin layer of sand or soil mix to the turf surface to smooth play, dilute thatch and improve root-zone properties. Frequency and material choice are common education topics for golf and sports turf managers.

6

Aerification

Mechanical removal of soil cores or creation of channels to relieve compaction and improve air and water movement in the root zone. Spring and autumn timing depends on grass species and play calendars.

7

Thatch

A layer of dead and living organic matter between the grass canopy and the soil surface. Excessive thatch blocks water and air; management includes topdressing, verticutting and balanced nitrogen.

8

Mowing height

The cutting height set on a mower, which strongly influences turf density, root depth and weed pressure. The conference compares heights of cut for golf greens, fairways, sports fields and lawns.

9

Integrated pest management (IPM)

A decision framework that combines scouting, thresholds, cultural practices and targeted pesticide use. Turf managers use IPM to treat dollar spot, brown patch, grubs and weeds only when economic or playability thresholds are met.

10

Fungicide resistance

The loss of sensitivity in a plant pathogen population to a fungicide active ingredient. Repeated use of the same mode of action can select resistant strains; programmes rotate chemistry and integrate cultural controls.

11

Fertigation

Injecting soluble fertiliser into an irrigation system to deliver nutrients in small, frequent doses. Sports turf and golf managers use it to spoon-feed nitrogen and potassium while reducing leaching risk.

12

Soil pH

A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity that affects nutrient availability. Turf programmes adjust pH with lime or acidifying fertilisers based on soil tests, especially where irrigation water is alkaline.

13

Irrigation audit

A field assessment of sprinkler distribution, pressure and scheduling efficiency. Audits identify dry spots, overspray and runoff, and help managers set run times that match evapotranspiration.

14

Overseeding

Sowing seed into existing turf to improve density, colour or species composition. Sports field managers overseed during renovation windows; golf courses use it on fairways and tees.

15

Compaction

Compression of soil particles that reduces pore space, infiltration and root growth. Aeration, traffic control and sand-based root zones are common remedies discussed at the show.

16

Plant growth regulator (PGR)

A product that slows vertical shoot growth, reducing mowing frequency and clipping yield. Superintendents use PGRs to manage putting green speed and labour during peak events.

17

Sprayer calibration

The process of measuring nozzle output, speed and pressure so a sprayer applies the intended rate uniformly. Calibration protects efficacy, crop safety and compliance with label directions.

18

Best management practices (BMPs)

Documented operating practices that reduce nutrient, sediment and pesticide movement from turf surfaces into waterways. New England golf courses and lawn care firms use BMPs to meet state water-quality expectations.

19

Golf course superintendent

The manager responsible for turf health, irrigation, pest management and playing conditions on a golf course. Superintendents attend NERTF for recertification, peer benchmarking and supplier meetings.

20

Sports turf manager

The professional who maintains athletic fields, parks and stadium surfaces for safe, consistent play. Sessions cover wear tolerance, field renovation, line marking and event turnaround.