Grass Roots

The turf and irrigation research project

Grass Roots was an ACTEW water conservation initiative that transformed a local Canberra primary school oval into a complex turf and irrigation monitoring site. The project formed part of ACTEW's commitment to continue educating the community about permanent water conservation.

Developed in 2006, in the midst of the worst drought on record, Grass Roots divided Rosary Primary School into 25 different combinations of turf and irrigation systems. Operating over four years, the project was exciting for many reasons, not least of all because a research project of this nature and scale was unique in Australia.

Now complete the results, outcomes, observations and learnings made during the project are significant. They will be used to make important irrigation and turf management decisions throughout the Canberra region and beyond. While the focus is on large open spaces, the results are applicable for anywhere turf is used; from Manuka Oval to our suburban yards.

Have you read the Grass Roots Final Report?

To learn more about the project or to read the final project results follow the link on the right of the page. A Grass Roots ‘cheat sheet’ is also available which provides results relating to the different turf and irrigation performance.