Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation Quarterly Update - October 2026
summary by WCTA Staff
The ATRF's October 2026 update wraps up the growing season and shares the latest progress on key research projects, a successful field day, new studies, and practical advice for golf courses heading into winter.Winter.
Tarping Study - Key Results
ATRF is in the second year of testing how well annual bluegrass (Poa annua) survives under different winter covers. Researchers compared permeable (breathable) and impermeable (sealed) tarps across four temperature conditions, from mild (+10°C) to cold (-5°C).
Main findings:
- Covers work best when temperatures stay roughly between 0°C and +5°C.
- At warmer temperatures (+10°C), the grass keeps "breathing" and produces too much gas under a sealed tarp, which can harm it.
- At colder temperatures (-5°C), sealed tarps can trap moisture that freezes and blocks air movement, creating a harmful environment under the cover.
- Breathable (permeable) covers generally performed more safely across the conditions tested.
- Sealed covers carried higher risk outside the ideal temperature window.
Researchers developed a simple "traffic-light" style guide (called the Winter Readiness Index) to help superintendents decide when and what type of cover is safest. The study continues with support from several industry partners.
Other Research Highlights
Drought research with the City of Calgary: The multi-year project has finished. Results show turf needs about half an inch of water per week to stay acceptable quality. Without water, it can start going dormant after roughly 25 days. A full final report is expected next year. Future work will look at simple, low-tech irrigation controllers that save water.
New wear-tolerance study (starting 2027): ATRF will test different grass types (including newer tetraploid varieties) to see which ones handle heavy traffic best while using less water. Partners include the City of Edmonton, Olds College, and DLF.
Snow-mold fungicide trial: A new product trial for Syngenta is underway this fall at the research centre.
New sensors: Six advanced soil/air sensors are being installed this winter to help track conditions under the tarps and improve pest monitoring.
Field Day Success
On September 17, more than 140 people attended a joint ATRF-WCTA research field day at Eagle Lake Sod Farm in Strathmore. The event was well received, and organizers look forward to welcoming everyone to Olds next August.
Practical Advice for Courses This Fall
Fall fertilizer: Don't be afraid of healthy green turf going into winter. Applying the right fertilizer now helps the grass store energy for spring. A roughly 2:1 nitrogen-to-potassium ratio works well.
When to close the course: Once the daily average temperature drops below 10°C, the grass has trouble healing from traffic. Closing at that point reduces damage and helps fall fungicides work better.
Watch for early snow mold: As nights cool into the single digits, keep an eye out for small circular patches on greens. A preventative spray about a month before your final fall treatment is recommended.
Team Update
Darren Reddekopp has joined ATRF as Operations Officer and is also joining the turf program faculty at Olds College. He brings more than 30 years of golf-course superintendent experience and previously served as ATRF president.Overall, the update shows steady progress on practical research that helps courses manage winter risk, conserve water, and maintain better playing surfaces with clearer decision tools.