Revolutionising Sports Turf Irrigation

Revolutionising Sports Turf Irrigation: Keeping UK sports fields in pristine condition is no easy feat, but Landscape Watering Systems Limited is making it simpler and more efficient than ever. As one of the UK’s leading distributors of Rain Bird irrigation products, the company is bringing the latest in smart irrigation technology to the nation’s sporting arenas — delivering next-level performance, precision, and sustainability.

At the heart of this offering is a suite of cutting-edge Rain Bird products: the IVM (Integrated Valve Module) control system, the powerful 11000 Series Rotors, and the intuitive IQ4 Central Control platform. Together, these technologies are setting a new benchmark for irrigation management on sports turf.

Revolutionising Sports Turf Irrigation

Revolutionising Sports Turf Irrigation

A Smarter Approach to Irrigation

Simon Edginton, Director at Landscape Watering Systems Limited, believes these innovations come at the perfect time for the UK’s sports turf sector.

“We are committed to providing UK sports facilities with the most advanced tools to ensure optimal playing conditions,” Edginton explains. “Rain Bird’s IVM, 11000 Series, and IQ4 represent a significant leap forward, offering the precision, efficiency, and ease of management that turf professionals need to keep fields at their best.”

The Technology Making It Happen

Rain Bird IVM – Integrated Valve Module
At the core of this modernisation is the IVM system, which replaces traditional decoders in 2-wire systems with a “smart solenoid” that communicates directly with the controller. This streamlined design simplifies installation, lowers material and labour costs, and delivers real-time diagnostics — a major asset when fast troubleshooting is essential. With its increased reliability and responsiveness, the IVM helps groundskeepers maintain consistent, high-quality pitch conditions.

Rain Bird 11000 Series Rotors – Built for Performance
Designed specifically for sports fields and large turf areas, the 11000 Series rotors deliver powerful, even coverage with a throw radius of up to 32 metres. Their robust build ensures long-term durability, while the minimal exposed surface reduces interference during play. Fewer heads are required thanks to their wide coverage, translating into cost savings on installation and maintenance.

Rain Bird IQ4 Central Control – Control at Your Fingertips
The IQ4 platform offers grounds teams a comprehensive control centre for their irrigation operations. With weather-based scheduling, evapotranspiration (ET) adjustments, remote access, and detailed reporting, IQ4 enables precise and proactive water management. Its user-friendly interface puts full system visibility in the hands of groundskeepers, helping them make informed decisions quickly — whether managing a single pitch or an entire complex.

Why It Matters for Sports Facilities

These new technologies aren’t just about saving time and water — they’re about raising the standard of sports field care. Facilities can expect a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Superior Turf Health: Precision irrigation ensures even watering, promoting vigorous, resilient grass that can withstand intense play.
  • Water Conservation: Smart controls and efficient hardware reduce waste and align with sustainability targets.
  • Lower Maintenance: Fewer components, streamlined troubleshooting, and robust design all help minimise downtime.
  • Remote Oversight: With IQ4, irrigation schedules can be monitored and adjusted from anywhere — a game-changer for complex sites.
  • Cost Effectiveness: Reduced water usage, lower installation costs, and fewer maintenance demands result in long-term savings.

A Trusted Partner for Irrigation Excellence

With decades of industry expertise, Landscape Watering Systems Limited continues to support turf professionals with innovative products and hands-on support. As UK sports venues face increasing pressure to improve efficiency and environmental performance, the company’s latest offerings provide a powerful edge.

About Landscape Watering Systems Limited
Landscape Watering Systems Limited is a leading UK distributor of professional irrigation products. Serving the sports turf, landscape, and amenity sectors, the company is known for its technical expertise and commitment to delivering tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of grounds professionals.

About Rain Bird Corporation
Founded in 1933, Rain Bird Corporation is a global leader in irrigation systems. With a strong focus on The Intelligent Use of Water™, Rain Bird designs products that conserve water while promoting healthier environments in landscapes, agriculture, and public spaces around the world.

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Enhancing Fairway Resilience at Burnham & Berrow

Enhancing Fairway Resilience at Burnham & Berrow: Burnham & Berrow Golf Club has successfully enhanced fairway resilience and improved turf quality following the integration of ICL’s H2Pro TriSmart into its water management programme. The initiative was driven by the club’s preparations to host Final Open Qualifying for The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon in 2024.

Like many links courses, Burnham & Berrow faced significant challenges during the severe drought of 2022. Despite an extensive irrigation system, maintaining uniform turf coverage proved difficult, highlighting the need for a long-term solution. Course Manager Rich Whyman, working alongside the R&A’s agronomy team, adopted a strategic approach to water management, incorporating H2Pro TriSmart as a key component.

Enhancing Fairway Resilience at Burnham & Berrow

Enhancing Fairway Resilience at Burnham & Berrow

Applied at 10L per hectare throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, TriSmart was used in conjunction with reseeding, targeted nutrition, and irrigation refinements. The surfactant’s proven ability to enhance soil moisture retention and improve drought tolerance played a critical role in restoring and strengthening fairway surfaces.

“We’d seen how TriSmart helped improve moisture control in other areas of the course, so we had confidence it could play a key role in strengthening the fairways,” said Rich Whyman, Course Manager at Burnham & Berrow Golf Club.

Since implementing TriSmart, the club has reported measurable improvements, including stronger, more uniform turf coverage, better moisture retention during dry periods, and greater consistency across playing surfaces. Volumetric Moisture Content (VMC) testing has further confirmed more stable moisture levels across the course.

“We’ve seen a real difference in how the fairways respond to dry spells. Areas that struggled in the past have held up far better, and the consistency across the course is much improved,” added Rich.

Burnham & Berrow’s enhanced course conditions have been instrumental in meeting the standards required for Final Open Qualifying, providing firm and consistent playing surfaces for elite golfers. TriSmart has now become an integral part of the club’s ongoing agronomic strategy, supporting long-term turf health and resilience.

“H2Pro TriSmart has played a vital role in improving the resilience of our fairways. Over the past two years, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in turf density and consistency, even during prolonged dry spells. It’s become an essential part of our water management strategy, helping us maintain the high standards required for hosting a Final Open Qualifying event,” said Rich.

Burnham & Berrow’s efforts have been recognised with a nomination for the BIGGA Awards 2024 Championship Performance of the Year, highlighting the club’s commitment to excellence and innovation in golf course management.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie  if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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