Kennisplatform greenkeeping

Description of the greenkeeping knowledge platform

Mission and Goals

In November 2020, the NGA and DGB decided to set up a knowledge platform. The knowledge platform aims to develop and structure knowledge about the turf and soil that are so important to our greenkeeping profession. The knowledge platform will be the point of contact for all aspects of knowledge and will be in charge of organising research, discussions, analyses and the management of the collected knowledge. In 2025, the NGF and the NVG will also be connected. They also form the assessment committee for research applications.

Using smaller groups for discussions, topics will be dealt with to enlarge knowledge and understanding. Trials can be organised simultaneously The board will offer support if required..

DGBeheer has a longstanding experience with data collection and the interpretation of data. Much knowledge has been collected for members and a reliable and easy to work with database has been developed. The protocol in use for DGB members is available for the knowledge platform as the standard for measuring and monitoring.

In order to join, active commitment of the individual participants is required, because that sets the success of our common mission. Data collection is an essential part of that.

Data in the library obtained from trials or tests remain the property of participants and are shared only permission.

Organisation

The knowledge platform is chaired by a steering group

Four subject matter experts have been found willing to support the development and functioning of the knowledge platform.

Division of tasks of steering group members

Koert Donkers: repr NGA
Flip Wirth: repr DGB
Erik Jan Beenackers: repr NVG
Alexander de Vries en Jannes Landkroon: repr NGF

Knowledge portal

A knowledge portal will be established and a library will be supported

• This will be part of the NGA website
• Management tasks will be added when the situation demands

Contact with the knowledge platform

• The email address of the steering committee is hp.wirth@dgbeheer.nl

Communication

• It is the intention of the group to launch a newsletter soonest

Execution

1. Discussion groups
   1. Use of wetting agents
   2. Data controlled management
   3. Developing the dataset and standards required for measuring
2. Data analysis
   1. Dollarspot
   2. Quality sheet
   3. Monitoring & interpretation multi annual data
   4. Feedback to practitioners
3. Trials
   1. Desk study setup and goal
   2. Formaliseren proef / protocol
   3. Project priorities
      1. Weeds in fairways (GB Batouwe)
      2. Bio-stimulants trials (GB Princenbosch)
      3. Grass species driving range ('t Zelle)
      4. Chafers etc 
4. Workshops and master classes
   1. Discuss articles and publications
   2. Benchmarking sessions

In the UK, research has been done at Rothamstead Research for a very long time: hierbij de website

Het is de bedoeling om de onderzoeken die worden uitgevoerd, af te stemmen op Europees niveau binnen de kaders van de R&A en het door hen gestarte programma Golf Course 2030

For more information see NGA website: DGB/NGA-kennisplatform | NGAgolf