Dangers in flood-affected recreation fields
- شروع کننده موضوع ♘امیرحسین♞
- تاریخ شروع
reza eslahi
Member
Dangers in flood-affected recreation fields
February 19, 2011
» More on the floods
Health risks face those attempting to restore turfgrass after Queensland's devastating floods, authorities have warned.
Queensland community sports groups have been urged to exercise caution while cleaning up their recreational areas after the floods.
Agri-Science Queensland senior scientist Matt Roche said as the cleanup continued throughout the state, sports facilities would now be facing tough times with the recovery of their natural turfgrass.
"Receding flood water has left sports fields awash with unsanitary water, debris and unsuitable soil material," he said.
"When turfgrass surfaces are inundated, especially with silt, this can result in physical and toxic damage to the turfgrass.
"This sort of contamination not only poses immediate heath risks, but also short and potentially long term field closures.
"Some sports fields or recreational areas may require complete returfing and soil remediation work because of flood damage from silt, toxic liquids and loss of photosynthesis."
Roche said some simple management techniques could help restore turfgrass.
"Silt deposits exceeding five centimetres should be removed from the turf surface as soon as possible and disposed of safely and appropriately," he said.
"The remaining or small deposits should be washed off the leaves, and mowing heights raised to limit additional stress on the plant.
"An undesirable soil layer may exist, which can deteriorate soil structure and reduce infiltration.
"To improve aeration and reduce algal build up of flood affected soil, mechanical treatments such as verti-cutting, slicing or spiking and/or coring can be useful.
"It is recommended that calcium (for example, hydrated lime or builders lime) be applied to the turf surface to neutralise any build-up of toxic substances and restore soil pH (optimum levels for turf are between 6.5 and 7.0).
"However, before applying any products, professional advice or soil testing should be sought by a turf consultant to ensure correct use and quantity of products."
Roche said flood debris and water could be hazardous to humans and could cause serious health issues.
"It is essential that personal protective equipment be worn at all times when cleaning up flood affected turfgrass," he said.
Roche said recent flooding and continuous rainfall had placed significant strain on the Queensland turfgrass industry.
"After such devastation from the floods, understandably the demand for turf at this time will be high," he said.
Biosecurity Queensland Control Centre director Neil O'Brien said it was also timely that, as people continue to clean up after the floods, they should keep a look out for fire ants.
Fire ants are a small ant, ranging in size from 2mm-6mm, coppery brown in colour with a darker abdomen.
"While we don't expect fire ants to have moved much in Southeast Queensland during the floods, people will come into contact with ants as they clean up and remove debris.
"If they see anything that could be fire ants, they should report to us immediately by contacting 13 25 23," O'Brien said.
People should also ensure they comply with restrictions when moving turf, plants or soil if they are in a fire ant restricted area.
"Under Queensland legislation, it is illegal to disturb or move soil or other high risk materials without an inspection first," Mr O'Brien said.
February 19, 2011
» More on the floods
Health risks face those attempting to restore turfgrass after Queensland's devastating floods, authorities have warned.
Queensland community sports groups have been urged to exercise caution while cleaning up their recreational areas after the floods.
Agri-Science Queensland senior scientist Matt Roche said as the cleanup continued throughout the state, sports facilities would now be facing tough times with the recovery of their natural turfgrass.
"Receding flood water has left sports fields awash with unsanitary water, debris and unsuitable soil material," he said.
"When turfgrass surfaces are inundated, especially with silt, this can result in physical and toxic damage to the turfgrass.
"This sort of contamination not only poses immediate heath risks, but also short and potentially long term field closures.
"Some sports fields or recreational areas may require complete returfing and soil remediation work because of flood damage from silt, toxic liquids and loss of photosynthesis."
Roche said some simple management techniques could help restore turfgrass.
"Silt deposits exceeding five centimetres should be removed from the turf surface as soon as possible and disposed of safely and appropriately," he said.
"The remaining or small deposits should be washed off the leaves, and mowing heights raised to limit additional stress on the plant.
"An undesirable soil layer may exist, which can deteriorate soil structure and reduce infiltration.
"To improve aeration and reduce algal build up of flood affected soil, mechanical treatments such as verti-cutting, slicing or spiking and/or coring can be useful.
"It is recommended that calcium (for example, hydrated lime or builders lime) be applied to the turf surface to neutralise any build-up of toxic substances and restore soil pH (optimum levels for turf are between 6.5 and 7.0).
"However, before applying any products, professional advice or soil testing should be sought by a turf consultant to ensure correct use and quantity of products."
Roche said flood debris and water could be hazardous to humans and could cause serious health issues.
"It is essential that personal protective equipment be worn at all times when cleaning up flood affected turfgrass," he said.
Roche said recent flooding and continuous rainfall had placed significant strain on the Queensland turfgrass industry.
"After such devastation from the floods, understandably the demand for turf at this time will be high," he said.
Biosecurity Queensland Control Centre director Neil O'Brien said it was also timely that, as people continue to clean up after the floods, they should keep a look out for fire ants.
Fire ants are a small ant, ranging in size from 2mm-6mm, coppery brown in colour with a darker abdomen.
"While we don't expect fire ants to have moved much in Southeast Queensland during the floods, people will come into contact with ants as they clean up and remove debris.
"If they see anything that could be fire ants, they should report to us immediately by contacting 13 25 23," O'Brien said.
People should also ensure they comply with restrictions when moving turf, plants or soil if they are in a fire ant restricted area.
"Under Queensland legislation, it is illegal to disturb or move soil or other high risk materials without an inspection first," Mr O'Brien said.