Critical time for amenity management

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Critical time for amenity management: For everyone engaged in amenity management, these are really important times. The pandemic and all its consequences are having, and will have, a long lasting impact on everyone, and those engaged in managing amenity spaces are certainly not exempt from this.

What has been demonstrated is the essential nature of much of the work, especially in seeking to keep parks, transports networks, sports surfaces etc. safe and healthy and fit for purpose. However, nobody can predict with certainty the future. With an economy under real stress and unemployment up, there will be less resource available and certainly changes in pattern of use of amenity spaces.

Critical time for amenity management

Critical time for amenity management

Also, to be factored into the mix is the government review of the UK National Action Plan which focusses on all aspects of weed, pest and disease management. The draft plan is now out for consultation and the Amenity Forum will be responding fully. The Forum is also urging other organisations to make response. It is vital that we stress the importance of what is done and why weed, pest and disease management is essential. We cannot take this for granted; we need to make our politicians fully aware of what we do, and the professional standards employed. In that latter context, the sector must embrace the Amenity Standard. It is a totally recognisable way to demonstrate professional standards by showing organisations involved are members of an approved assurance scheme. There is much support from policy makers for the Standard and getting engaged shows commitment by the sector and will very much assist in gaining the right outcomes for the sector. For further information contact admin@amenityforum.net or visit the website www.theamenitystandard.co.uk

The National Action Plan will be the key focus at a series of free Updating Events being held by the Amenity Forum over the coming weeks. They are half day, free and open to all and being run entirely online. It is really important that those engaged in, or with an interest in, amenity management are fully aware of the potential changes and express their views. These free events will provide this. For details of registration, please contact Kate at Admin@amenityforum.net. The dates are February 9th, 11th, 23rd, 25th and March 4th.

Also recently launched at this important time is a government supported survey seeking to ascertain usage of plant protection products in amenity and related information. If you receive a request to provide this data, please do so. It will provide clear evidence not only of what we do but its importance.

Professor John Moverley, independent chairman of the Amenity Forum, says ‘’The important and essential nature of amenity management may be something those engaged in it understand but we must ensure that message is articulated clearly and strongly to all especially the public and policy makers. Everyone involved should be immensely proud of what they do but now is the time to say it loud. Critical times ahead maybe but working together the sector can face such times and be successful, of that I have no doubt’’.

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Sub 750kg ST6P and TT6 wood chippers

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Sub 750kg ST6P and TT6 wood chippers: Forst said they wouldn’t build a sub 750kg wood chipper unless they were so confidant in its strength, performance and longevity they could place their 3-year warranty stamp on it.

They went ahead and did it with when they built the ST6P. It’s a genuine, hardy tool which builds on Forst’s reputation for no holds barred performance and features with robust, tough construction. The ST6P hosts a 37HP petrol engine which is much lighter than the diesel unit, and yet it puts out more horsepower to offer a staggering performance and chipping speed for a sub 750kg machine. It picks up quicker than a diesel when the no-stress cuts in, making it fast and, incredibly, as fuel-efficient as the diesel equivalent.

Sub 750kg ST6P and TT6 wood chippers

Sub 750kg ST6P and TT6 wood chippers

Featuring the Forst Open Flywheel system, chip is thrown, not blown, right to the front of the wagon, making blockages on wet material no longer a problem. Auto intelligence control takes care of the electrics with a completely water and vibration proof system for outstanding reliability. The illuminated touchpad IP 69 rated feed controls remove any possibility of water and vibration issues related to electrics. They are located conveniently either side of the hopper. The ForstGrip Feed Roller System features a twin hydraulic horizontal feed with exceptional grip on timber and the large top feed lifts on an arc, making climbing butt ends exceptional. Twin heavy-duty springs and large bearings either side of the roller ensure strength and durability. The feed roller aperture is 6” x 8” (150 x 200mm) and capacity is 30 litres. Machine width is 1,335mm, length 3,350mm and height with chute 2,280mm.

Having done it once, Forst has done it again by taking the ST6P attitude and producing the TT6 wood chipper, adding a whole new dimension with its 360° turntable making it far more versatile for street work and much safer to use. The punchy 37HP petrol engine offers exceptional performance and amazing fuel economy while complying with Stage 5 emission regulations. The TT6 is extremely compact too, way shorter than the average 6” standard chipper at 2,250mm when turned 90°. In transport position, it is just 2,800mm. For a sub 750kg petrol wood chipper, it still has a chunky chassis and its steel fabrications are manufactured and finished to a high standard to guarantee a strong, robust product.

Sharing the same chipping chamber and features of the STP6, there is a wide hopper right down to the ForstGrip feed system. The machine sits nice and low with a low centre of gravity making it a great tow. The TT6 is perfect for city contractors and arborists looking for outstanding performance, unrivalled manoeuvrability and convenience. And to further prove a point, every new Forst Wood Chipper comes with a guaranteed, no quibble 3-year warranty.

Först provides a service network of its own people and approved service partners across the UK, which means service support for a Först chipper is never far away. For more information visit www.forst-woodchippers.com or call +44 1264 721790.

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Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf

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Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf: The first turf biostimulant from Syngenta heralds the potential for a step change in stress management, along with performance enhancement for existing and future turf management programmes.

New Hicure has been developed to deliver the key protein-building amino acids crucial to build and protect plants from stress effects, along with recovery of playing surface quality faster and more effectively.

Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf

Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf

More than six years of science research and investigative trials has developed the unique formulation of 18 amino acids in Hicure, along with an instantly available energy source for turf to make most effective use.

Syngenta Technical Manager, Glenn Kirby, highlighted amino acids are the building blocks for proteins that make up all plant structures – each with a different construction. “New research into the molecular activity of plant cells has sought to identify which amino acids are required for key functions.

“That’s given a valuable insight into which amino acids can be effectively supplemented to better prepare plants for stressful periods.

“Whilst turf plants can produce their own amino acids during good growing conditions, where they need to adapt to stressful periods it can lead to an imbalance in the availability of the necessary amino acids.

“Hicure can provide a readily accessible source of the important amino acids to give greater tolerance to stress and see turf through,” he added.

Furthermore, Glenn pointed out that the repurposing of amino acids within the plant during stress periods requires large amounts of energy – which can be particularly challenging where turf is under stress and with reduced photosynthetic capability. “Hicure has been formulated with an instantly available energy source, in the form of specific amiono acids. Supplementing energy enables the plant to make better use of resources for faster recovery.

“Together, Hicure is a perfect balance of amino acids and energy to help plants strengthen cell walls and protect against stress.”

Trials results in the UK and across Europe have shown improved tolerance to a wide range of stresses. Under summer heat conditions, for example, fortnightly applications of Hicure had halved the incidence of leaf damage, compared to untreated.

Improvements in turf quality, coverage and consistency had also been seen in Hicure trials against a wider range of stresses and even herbicide treatments.

“With the incidence of environmental stresses becoming more frequent and more severe in nature with climate change the role of Hicure is expected to become even greater in future turf management programmes,” Glenn advised.

Optimum results have been seen with fortnightly applications of Hicure at a rate of 10 l/ha, or monthly 20l/ha during spring and summer periods. That can typically be incorporated into foliar nutrition and Primo Maxx PGR timings for ease of application, he advocated.

In late summer and autumn rates can be reduced to 5l/ha every two weeks or 10l/ha per month.  This helps deliver stronger and stress free turf going into the winter period.  Stronger more healthy turf is better able to tolerant disease attack and also recovers more quickly.

Daniel Lightfoot, Syngenta Turf Business Manager, emphasised that R&D had clearly shown that not all biostimulants work as effectively as others, or offer the significant benefits that could be achieved. “We continue to exhaustively test a large number of biostimulant products, and have only selected a small number that have shown the potential to offer effective results.

“Understanding the science of how the product works is essential to advise where it can fit into an agronomic programme,” he advocated. “Turf managers can be confident that any biostimulant from Syngenta has been thoroughly researched and will deliver the benefits they are looking for.”

The focus of Syngenta research is increasingly on enhancing overall plant health, together with the integration of agronomic practices and digital support tools, alongside the intervention of plant protection products where required.

The company’s recent acquisition of Valagro, one of the world’s leading biostimulant and biopesticide businesses, signals a commitment to creating a whole programme approach to plant health.

“As we develop and bring to market innovative fungicides over the coming years, we have the research to understand and recommend how they can be best used in conjunction with Hicure and other inputs to get the best results.”

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COMPO EXPERT Appoints Agrovista Amenity

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COMPO EXPERT Appoints Agrovista Amenity: German fertiliser manufacturer COMPO EXPERT has announced the appointment of leading supplier to the UK’s amenity industry Agrovista Amenity as the ‘exclusive national distributor’ of its turf products in the UK.

As part of this partnership, Agrovista Amenity will be involved in all COMPO EXPERT turf product research and development – working closely with COMPO EXPERT’s Global Head of Turf – Dr Fritz Lord and Dr Mauricio Hunsche the Head of Research and Development.  Head of Regulatory Affairs Dr Thomas Leppin will work with Agrovista Amenity on regulatory issues and Chief Marketing Officer Dr Ingo Mueller will contribute to joint marketing initiatives.

COMPO EXPERT Appoints Agrovista Amenity

COMPO EXPERT Appoints Agrovista Amenity

COMPO EXPERT will supply its full portfolio of turf and landscape products, through Agrovista Amenity’s distribution channels, containing controlled-release fertiliser, slow-release fertiliser and nitrification inhibitor technology. The wide range of granulometry will also be available to turf and landscape clients.

Commenting on the partnership, COMPO EXPERT Managing Director Gerald Bonner says: “COMPO EXPERT is delighted to be the preferred partner for the manufacture and supply of turf and landscape fertilisers to Agrovista Amenity. Our unique and innovative controlled and slow-release chemistry will provide the most environmentally-friendly fertilisers to turf and landscape clients.

“Agrovista Amenity is the perfect turf agronomy partner for a chemistry and agronomy-led company like COMPO EXPERT. We are delighted with the agronomy-led approach from Agrovista Amenity and we believe that this partnership will expand our leading European turf and landscape footprint in the UK.”

John Marland, Head of Amenity, Agrovista UK Ltd says: “We are delighted to announce our association with COMPO EXPERT, a manufacturer that brings a wealth of technical knowledge and superior quality.  COMPO EXPERT supplies the highest-quality nutrition used at some of leading venues across Europe and the world. We feel this partnership further signals Agrovista Amenity’s commitment to bring choice and technical excellence to the UK amenity market.”

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Sunderland pitch problems

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Sunderland pitch problems: Lee Johnson says Sunderland need to invest in their pitches after the Stadium of Light turf was badly affected by Storm Christoph.

Read the full article from the Sunderland Echo here

Sunderland pitch problems

Sunderland pitch problems

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