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Enhance and perfect your turf management strategy with Attraxor
in News, Press Release/by Dani HawkinsEnhance and perfect your turf management strategy with Attraxor: Finding optimal solutions to manage and maintain amenity turf remains a consistent challenge among greenkeepers, with a growing number of professionals recognising the benefits of introducing plant growth regulators (PGRs), like Attraxor®, into their ongoing strategy. Here, we hear from several of the UK’s top greenkeepers about how Attraxor® has helped them manage and maintain their turf.
The leading PGR in the turf management toolkit, Attraxor® works by restricting the production of gibberellic acid – the plant hormone responsible for cell elongation. By reducing the level of hormone in the leaf, Attraxor® then redirects the energy within the sward to enhance the root and lateral growth, while upholding consistent turf quality and colour.
Enhance and perfect your turf management strategy with Attraxor
PGRs, like Attraxor®, are instrumental in enabling groundkeepers to optimise their often-limited resources efficiently.
Darren McLaughlan, golf courses manager at Trump Turnberry, Ayrshire, agrees and confirms he has seen enhanced turf quality, reduced time spent and costs in maintenance – as well as improved playability.
Darren said: “We recorded growth suppression of average 33 per cent as measured by clip rate, so it’s clear that the use of Attraxor® plus natural environmental factors have significantly reduced top growth. The active prohexadione calcium shrinks the Poa seedhead leading to far more consistent ball roll, improved smoothness, and a slight increase in green speed!
“Playability metrics such as green speed and bobble test rating increased dramatically after one application. Our members have also commented on the difference in the greens and the improvement in their play since we began using Attraxor®.”
Attraxor® also limits the spread of Poa annua and reduces seedhead production by up to 38%. By using an innovative formulation for fast leaf absorption, it provides almost instant results as it is activated once diluted in water at low pH.
John Quinn, Golf Course Manager at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, has been using Attraxor® for three seasons and continues to see excellent benefits and Poa annua reduction from the PGR.
John said “I use Attraxor® every 21 days on our greens and it has lowered the mowing maintenance of the greens and complemented our existing efforts of upkeep.
“During periods of high growth, we alternate days mowing and rolling to reduce plant stress. Attraxor® gives me better control of growth rates. Throughout the 21-day period, a more uniform sward is possible each week. I’ve found that the Poa annua seedhead suppression qualities are superior to Trinexapac-ethyl products.”
Attraxor® increases the density of the turf by redirecting growth horizontally. It encourages the thickening of the plant cell walls and epidermis, therefore creating a stronger, more resilient, and consistent sward, while suppressing Poa annua seedhead production.
To find out more about Attraxor®, visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Overview/Growth-Regulator/Attraxor.html#section-benefits or to explore BASF’s wider turf products, visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Product-innovation/Turf/
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Organic matter profile testing now available through Turf Rewards
in News, Press Release/by Lucy NichollsOrganic matter profile testing now available through Turf Rewards: European Turfgrass Laboratories organic matter profile testing has been added to Turf Rewards as a new reward for 2024. This cutting-edge service will provide invaluable insights into soil health and turf performance.
For just 20 points, Turf Rewards members can now claim organic matter profile testing through European Turfgrass Laboratories’ A2LA-Accredited laboratory.
Organic matter profile testing now available through Turf Rewards
This new reward permits the analysis of three greens at four different depths, delivering a detailed overview of the organic matter levels within your soil profile.
Optimise turf performance with detailed testing
This information is crucial for the effective management of organic matter, helping to ensure optimal soil health and turf performance.
Measuring the organic matter at 20mm segments in the greens is the only method through which organic matter can be accurately measured and subsequently managed.
These results can be used to determine how often and the best practice to de-thatch your greens.
Sample at different depths
Testing the organic matter at different depths can also help assess the areas in the profile where improvements are required.
Each core is divided into 4 increments: 0-20mm, 20-40mm, 40-60mm and 60-80mm and each increment is tested by Loss-on-Ignition using the ASTM Standard: F1647 (Method A) “Organic Matter Content of Athletic Field Rootzone Mixes”.
The reward is available to claim on both the UK and Ireland Turf Rewards schemes.
For more information visit www.turfrewards.com or www.turfrewards.ie
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Maldon Bowling Club: An Award-Winning Tale
in News, Press Release/by Lucy NichollsMaldon Bowling Club: An Award-Winning Tale: Mark Piper, the Greenkeeper at Maldon Bowling Club, Essex, has overseen a remarkable transformation in the quality of the club’s green. Thanks to a range of Dennis and SISIS machinery, particularly the SISIS Supaturfman and the Dennis FT510, the once-struggling surface has become a point of pride, earning Mark the prestigious Bowls England Greenkeeper of the Year Award.
Three years ago, Maldon Bowling Club’s green was plagued by bare patches and moss infestations, rendering it barely playable. The situation was disheartening for long-standing club members, prompting Mark to take action.
Maldon Bowling Club: An Award-Winning Tale
“It was very demoralising, especially for the people that had been at Maldon for a long time – this club has been a big part of their lives,” says Mark. “The local authority was managing the maintenance, and we weren’t really getting anywhere with them. I thought that the only way forward was to do it ourselves.”
Recognising the need for comprehensive maintenance solutions, he turned to a range of Dennis and SISIS machinery from the Howardson Group.
Key to the transformation was the SISIS Supaturfman, an independently powered heavy-duty aerator renowned for its effectiveness in sports turf maintenance. Mark credits the Supaturfman with tackling the persistent moss problem by addressing its underlying causes rather than merely treating the symptoms. Through regular aeration, the green became healthier and more resilient, laying the foundation for long-term improvement.
Complementing the Supaturfman, the Dennis FT510 emerged as an integral part of Maldon Bowling Club’s maintenance equipment. Offering a 51cm working width and versatile interchangeable cassettes, the FT510 provided unparalleled flexibility and performance.
Maldon’s members are particularly impressed with the verticutting cassette according to Mark: “The more experienced bowlers like it when I use the verticutter because it gives them the pace that they want.”
Mark also highlights the FT510’s roller clutch drive and variable clip rate, which ensure a smooth finish and precise control, essential for achieving the desired playing surface quality.
Mark’s dedication, coupled with the reliability of the equipment, propelled Maldon Bowling Club to new heights, earning accolades and fostering a thriving community of bowlers.
“Membership has gone up approximately 30% in the three years that we have been doing the green, and I like to think our work has contributed towards that,” says Mark. “The club is certainly getting a much better reputation and it was nice to be able to turn it around – the Dennis and SISIS equipment has massively helped.
“What I would say to clubs who find themselves in a similar position to what we found ourselves in, is to try and go it alone – it is not as difficult as people think. If you have dedication and commitment, then the Howardson Group can help you with the rest, in terms of equipment, advice and training.”
Despite the remarkable progress, Mark remains committed to ongoing enhancement. Challenges such as excessive sand content in certain areas present opportunities for further refinement. Hosting prestigious tournaments like the Essex County 4’s Finals attests to the green’s newfound acclaim.
Through the integration of the SISIS Supaturfman and the Dennis FT510, Mark not only revitalised the green but also the spirit of the club. His story serves as an inspiration to greenkeepers everywhere, demonstrating that with determination and the right tools, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
Further information about the range of maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.
For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter @DennisMowers and SISIS @SISISMachinery. You can like the Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK and www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest Dennis and SISIS videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers and www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery.
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Obituary: Bobby McDougall
in News, Press Release/by Scott MacCallumObituary: Bobby McDougall: The turf industry is mourning the death of Bobby McDougall who died on March 29 after a short illness.
Bobby, 42, was Ground Maintenance Technical Officer at Glasgow Life, a position he had held since May 2023.
Obituary: Bobby McDougall
Despite his relatively young age, Bobby held a variety of posts in Scotland, England and Norway, all related to sports turf.
A third-generation greenkeeper, Bobby followed in the footsteps of his dad, Allan McDougall, a former Course Manager at Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club and his grandfather, Bob McDougall, formerly of Hilton Park Golf Club, Glasgow.
Bobby attended Elmwood College, Fife and his greenkeeping career spanned 11 years, mostly at Surrey courses- Royal Mid Surrey, Queenwood, and Walton Heath, but included two and a half years as Deputy Course Manager at Miklagard Golf in Oslo.
It was a natural step for Bobby to move into technical sales with promoted roles at Aitkens, Indigrow and Souters in Glasgow before heading to Fairways Sportsground, specialists in sports construction. Bobby then moved into the world of maintenance machinery sales, joining Fairways GM as Commercial Sales Manager and then, Infinicut, as Territory Sales Manager.
Outside work, aside from being a dedicated family man, Bobby held a life-long passion for music. His particular focus was heavy metal where he was a well-known figure on the Scottish scene, with spells as a lead singer, playing live gigs and recording. More recently, his knowledge and contacts led him into managing bands.
He leaves two children, his mum, and his sister.
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FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd make their Arb Show debut
in News, Press Release/by Elena CossarFSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd make their Arb Show debut: While 2024 won’t be the first time the renowned FSI range of stump grinders will be showcased at Westonbirt Arboretum, this year’s Arb Show will be the company’s debut under the banner of FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd.
New name, same industry-leading portfolio of engine, hydraulic and PTO-powered stump grinders, an expert team and your chance to win a 3-month free hire of an FSI B21 – all to be found on stand E10/E11 this May.
FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd make their Arb Show debut
Following the formation of the new strategic subsidiary at the end of 2023, it’s been a busy few months for the FSI UK team, establishing a nationwide network of dealer partners to provide expert advice, sales and support across the FSI range. The Arb Show 2024 will bring together a number of these new distribution partners alongside a wide selection of machines.
As the world’s only dedicated stump grinder manufacturer, FSI provides the solution for stumps of all shapes and sizes, in all situations and on all types of terrain. The FSI B31 promises to be one of many stand highlights. At just 74cm, this narrow-access tracked stump grinder is ideal for sites with restricted access, promising powerful performance with enhanced manoeuvrability, stability and a low centre of gravity. The hydraulic drive of the cutting head all-but eliminates daily maintenance, reducing operating costs and resulting in less time in the workshop and more in the field.
Another popular model with professional arborists is the FSI B21. This easy-to-operate pedestrian unit features a 14hp engine and pivoting cutter arm, delivering a 90cm sweep and cutting depth down to 25cm below ground.
Visitors to stand E10/E11 will also have the opportunity to enter an exclusive Arb Show competition for the chance to win a free 3-month hire of an FSI B21 stump grinder! Full details, terms & conditions can be found by speaking to the FSI UK technical team on hand across the two days.
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Sports Turf Grounds Operative
in Jobs/by AdminContract: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Salary: Up to £30k depending on experience
Sports Turf Grounds Operative
Uppingham School is looking for a committed, experienced, and passionate Sports Turf grounds operative with a strong knowledge of machinery and sports pitch maintenance to join us on a full-time basis.
As a Grounds operative, you will play a key role in maintaining our grounds and school pitches, ensuring our sports fields are safe, functional and visually appealing. This will involve a variety of tasks including mowing, fertilising, aerating, irrigating, repairing turf surfaces and maintaining artificial pitches/courts. In addition to this, you will be responsible for managing equipment, completing scheduled maintenance activities, and liaising with other staff or stakeholders to support field usage.
You will need previous experience of sports ground maintenance and associated work, including experience of marking pitches, mowing, aerating, fertilising and weed control. You will also be capable of using a range of machinery and equipment.
Qualifications including PA1, PA2 and PA6 spraying certificates and an NVQ Level 2 Sports Turf qualification or similar is desirable, but not essential.
Benefits
In return Uppingham offers a community that values people. We are warm, compassionate and mutually supportive. This is reflected in our working environment and the benefits we are able to offer:
For further details and to apply please click the apply button.
Closing date: 12th May 2024.
Uppingham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful candidates must be willing to undergo full screening in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE), including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils will be explored at interview.
https://uppingham.careers/job/sports-turf-grounds-operative/