Tales about the Turf

L-R: Larry Edwards (Perth Turf), Alan Hardman (R.U.M. distributor), Dave Thompson (Perth Turf) and Peter Irwin (Beaulieu R.U.M.)

Tuning bare earth into a smooth, green turfed surface overnight, rates as one of today's urban 'miracles'. And it's being made easier by Larry Edwards and Dave Thompson at Perth Turf, Bullsbrook, in WA.

The partners have been using R.U.M. Liquid Plant Food on their 18 acre turf-growing establishment and found that they can produce a better product on less time.

"We're able to go from bare ground to 'lifting' turf in about 4 months", Larry said, "because with R.U.M. we get quicker regrowth and no stress on the plant when it shoots. R.U.M. also helps keep the ground moist because it acts like a 'wetter'. That means we use less water and less fertiliser."

Prior to putting regular 10L/ha doses of R.U.M. through their travelling irrigator, the soil pH was around the 5-5.2 mark. Only six weeks later the soil registered neutral... around pH7.

The two partners are keen on R.U.M. for another good reason. Their property is in an important water catchment area and is therefore constantly monitored by local environmental agencies. Larry knows that the use of inputs like 'chook' manure, and other nitrogenous and phosphate fertilisers is likely to be restricted within the next 12 months to avoid the risk of chemicals leaching into the local water table.

R.U.M., the natural by-product of earthworms, is the logical replacement. "It's basically going to keep us in business," Larry said.

Do you want fries with that?

At Bob McKeon's property, 'Maryvale', near Savernake in the NSW Riverina, potatoes are the crop of the moment. To be precise, 'chipping potatoes' destined to end up in your local supermarket and wearing a well-known brand.

"This was our first experience with potatoes and I was keen to find a way to grow them without using too many chemicals," Bob said. "The people at Wormoil Australia devised a plan using R.U.M. Liquid Plant Food as an early-stage nutrient."

Bob got his 90 acre crop off to a flying start in the sandy soils of the area. He irrigates by centre-pivot and this season's yields have been up to the 20 tonne an acre mark and have been pleasingly disease-free.

Bob and son Mark have been despatching 23 tonnes of spuds twice a day to McCains and Campbells, where they are processed into fresh product within hours.

Ah McKeon, you've done it again! Mark McKeon atop 23 tonnes of R.U.M.-grown potatoes destined for a major chippery. Varieties include Atlantic, Sebago and Shepordys