Reduce inputs, not quality, with Microclover

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Reduce inputs, not quality, with Microclover: It’s fair to say that in many aspects of modern life we are encouraged to be mindful of the impact we have on the environment.

That’s certainly the case for most Turf Managers across the sporting spectrum, together with landscapers and those looking after green community spaces, some of whom face increasing pressure to operate more sustainably. Whether it’s for environmental reasons or a result of budget constraints, reducing fertiliser applications could be considered. With Microclover® from DLF, this can be achieved without a compromise on turf quality.

Reduce inputs, not quality, with Microclover

Reduce inputs, not quality, with Microclover

Microclover® is a legume with the natural ability to fix nitrogen from the air. To capitalise on this benefit, DLF developed a unique small leaved variety, specifically for use in professional grade lawns and surfaces. When sown alongside more traditional varieties, Microclover® will contribute to a dense, uniform appearance and a harder-wearing, more drought-tolerant sward that stays greener for longer.

Its own natural fertiliser reserves feed the Microclover® and the surrounding companion plants via root nodules that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a natural fertiliser, improving nutrient availability and reducing the risk of leeching. This process continues throughout the growing season until the first frost.

The competitiveness of Microclover® is another benefit for less intensively managed areas, quickly filling gaps to lock out weeds and reduce the need for herbicides.

Microclover® is incorporated into the PM26 and PM27 mixtures from DLF’s Masterline collection, these two formulations specifically developed to reduce input costs and be kinder to the environment by eliminating the need for excessive fertiliser, water and herbicides. Incorporating 5% Microclover®, both PM26 Ecosward and PM27 Ecosward Plus offer low-maintenance yet tolerant and visually attractive swards, ideal for landscape applications.

Self-sustaining Microclover® is just one of a number of sustainable seed developments borne from DLF’s global research and breeding programmes, seeking to meet the needs of today and those of the future. More information can be found by visiting www.dlf.co.uk

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Pioneering fish fertiliser provides biological boost

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Pioneering fish fertiliser provides biological boost: British organic fertiliser manufacturer Biocore Agri has developed a new fish-based fertiliser that has significantly increased microbial life, including bacteria and fungi, in a variety of growing systems.

In a series of trials with its Biocore Land product, a fertiliser made by fermenting fish, the Fleetwood-based manufacturer has used Eurofins’ Soil Life Monitor tests to prove the soil-enhancing effect of the product. The liquid fish hydrolysate contains a broad range of macro and micro nutrients, amino acids, trace elements and organic matter, as Managing Director Stephen Welsh explains:

Pioneering fish fertiliser provides biological boost

Pioneering fish fertiliser provides biological boost

“We shred and mulch fish that is not suitable for human consumption in a process known as cold hydrolysis. The resulting liquid organic fertiliser that can be applied to soil as a conditioner or to plants as a foliar spray. It can also be mixed with other biological or chemical products to reduce spraying frequency.”

In a trial, seven litres per hectare of Biocore Land was used to improve lettuce growth. It reduced the growth cycle by three days, equivalent to a 10% reduction.

“We are working with Harlequins F.C. to enhance the training pitches at the club. We are also running a series of trials with VCS Agronomy, and recently completed a successful trial with the British Carrot Growers Association which saw carrot yields increase by 9.65%,” he says.

Tests with Eurofins Agro UK have identified that, when compared to a control sample, the organic fertiliser can increase microbial biomass by 85% and organic matter by 27%. In addition, the tests showed increases in total bacteria of 66.6% and total fungi of 85.71%.

“In a 15-hectare split field trial we applied Biocore Land to grass, which showed an 8.47% increase in grass protein and an organic matter increase of 27%. This demonstrated a benefit to both soil life and grass quality,” adds Mr Welsh.

The product, being made of natural material, is certified by the Soil Association and is expected to appeal to farmers and growers looking to enhance soil health by improving soil life. As an agricultural product for grassland or arable, it has the potential to help soils manage stresses such as drought, floods, extreme temperatures, pests and disease.

“Eurofins was the only laboratory that could identify the build-up of microbial biomass in the soil samples from our trials. The results show that Biocore Land is capable of making significant improvements to microbial life quickly, which we hope will appeal to farmers and growers looking to use natural fertilisers rather than chemicals,” he concludes.

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Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team

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Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team: The Bernhard Academy has today announced the expansion of its leadership team, with the appointment of Phil Helmn as full-time Programme Leader – Agronomy, Leadership, and Management.

Helmn’s new position will see him take control of delivery of all Bernhard Academy courses and workshops relating to Agronomy, Leadership, and Management subjects. He will work closely with the recently appointed Education Director for the Bernhard Academy, Sami Strutt, other programme leaders, and internal and external teams to ensure a coordinated and positive experience at the Bernhard Academy.

Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team

Bernhard Academy announces expansion of leadership team

Helmn has more than 35 years of experience in the turf and agronomy industry, having worked for some of the biggest names in the business, managed full golf course construction projects, and also supported the Bernhard Academy previously as a speaker and workshop guest. Helmn is a GCSAA Class E – Educator member, and also a Master Greenkeeper – one of only a few worldwide – so is extremely well placed to work with Strutt to take the Bernhard Academy forward.

Speaking on his new role, Helmn said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Bernhard Academy and helping Sami to expand its operations. Since its inception, the Bernhard Academy has been making real progress and providing greenkeepers and turf professionals in the UK with superb tools to enhance their careers.

“Throughout the last year, the cutting unit setup workshops and management programmes that the Academy has delivered have been very successful. So, I’m excited to work with Sami and the wider team to continue developing and evolving the full programme of classes and workshops over the next few months.”

Strutt added: “Phil is a fantastic addition to the Bernhard Academy team. He is a Master Greenkeeper and highly regarded internationally within the turf industry, so his expertise will be a tremendous asset to the Bernhard Academy as we continue to evolve its offering.

“Since I started my role in the spring, it’s been great to see the commitment from everyone involved in the Bernhard Academy to enhance the careers of greenkeepers and sports turf professionals. We’re trying to provide something really positive for the turf industry, and Phil is sure to be a crucial part of that as we move forward.”

Strutt joined the Bernhard Academy as Education Director earlier this year having previously performed numerous roles in a 30-year tenure at BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association), most recently as the organisation’s chief operating officer.

During Helmn’s first few months, he will be in charge of identifying and developing a range of workshops relating to Agronomy, Leadership and Management subjects for the forthcoming Autumn/Winter season.

In addition to the appointment of Helmn, the Bernhard Academy is also recruiting for a second senior management position, as Programme Leader – Technical and Equipment Management. The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing, adapting, and introducing programmes to deliver world-class learning and development opportunities to the industry in all subjects related to Technical training and Equipment Management.

To find out more about this additional recruitment opportunity, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/careers/. Applications will close on June 7th, 2024.

To learn more about the Bernhard Academy and the courses, programmes, and workshops it offers across its locations at Haverhill (Suffolk), Moortown (Leeds), Norwich (Norfolk), and Gleneagles (Scotland), visit: https://bernhardacademy.co.uk/

You can also find the Bernhard Academy on Twitter at @BernhardAcademy or on Instagram at @bernhard_academy

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