Grow Lights At The Allianz Arena

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Grow Lights At The Allianz Arena: Although LED technology isn’t new, there haven’t been any sports surfaces grown on a large scale successfully with the help of LED light yet. After extensive research, development and testing, Allianz Arena are convinced they will now be the first, by using the SGL LED grow lighting system.

Allianz Arena have purchased four LED systems from SGL, with integrated and fully automatic Infrared Radiation and irrigation, which together cover the entire width of the pitch. Since 2009 Allianz Arena had successfully been using the conventional HPS* lighting units from SGL. Their ambitious sustainability goals were the reason to look into possibilities for a more sustainable grow lighting system. Jürgen Muth, Managing Director Allianz Arena: “In order to get and keep a perfect pitch with a very good natural grass quality, the use of technical support has already been essential to us for many years. SGL and their light technology have been a very important and helpful partner since 2009. Now we climb a new step and look forward to the new LED Lighting Units coming from SGL. After extensive tests we are confident to get good results with these additional lights on our pitch.“

Grow Lights At The Allianz Arena

SGL founder Nico van Vuuren explains the challenge of creating top quality growth with LED: “LED is a fast developing technology and a lot of research is still being done in regards to its use for plant growth. There are many choices to be made in order to get the same quality at lower costs as the HPS armatures. Apart from looking at the energy efficiency side of the story, it’s crucial to look at the plant physiological side, practical side and investment costs too. LED has many advantages, such as the flexibility in light spectrum and the energy efficiency, but also some challenges such as the high investment costs, the lack of Infrared Radiation and the weight.”

While many know LED for its sustainable character, another unique feature that LED has is the possibility to create a so-called ‘light recipe’. This means you can choose the colours of the light spectrum that are used by the plant for specific purposes. The success of an LED armature greatly depends on the right choice of colours. Van Vuuren: “Grass uses red and blue light for photosynthesis. We’ve extensively tested different red to blue ratios, at our own test centre in the Netherlands and at the Allianz Arena. Based on the test results we’ve created the most efficient light recipe for grass growth, recovery and plant resistance.”

One of the reasons that grass has not yet been grown successfully on a large scale with LED is the lack of additional heat. In Europe grow lights are generally used in winter, in times that there is not enough natural light for optimal plant growth and temperatures are low. This means that, besides additional light, the plant also needs extra heat in order to get quality growth. Van Vuuren: “HPS armatures radiate PAR light and Infrared light to the surface while LED radiates almost no heat to the surface. Therefore we have added Infrared Technology to the LED unit. Naturally, this means you lose some of the energy savings you have obtained by using LED. In order to minimize the extra energy input, our Infrared armatures automatically turn on and off to reach and maintain the ideal temperatures for grass growth. Whether the energy saving is still sufficient for a high ROI, depends on the many growth circumstances that a pitch is subject to. Therefore we always run pitch data through our light source efficiency model to determine which light source is most efficient for the specific playing surface. The Allianz Arena is very dark very early in the year, which means they start their lighting season relatively early when temperatures are still high. Therefore they can save a significant amount of energy, since there’s no infrared required at those times.”

The SGL LED system was tested along with other LED lighting units on the Allianz Arena pitch, to compare efficiency, quality and user friendliness of the system. The SGL LED grow lighting system has been able to tackle the challenges and achieve top quality, with a system that is affordable and easy operable by the grounds teams. The LED lighting units will be used along with the HPS systems, with the goal to phase-wise switch to all LED in the coming years.

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Redditch GC Benefit From MM Seed

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Redditch GC Benefit From MM Seed: The application of Limagrain’s MM grass seed has produced fantastic results on the tees and greens at Redditch Golf Club, reports course manager Karl Williams.

The Worcestershire club is a 72 par course which provides a true test of golf. The part parkland and part woodland golf course is universally acclaimed for both its topography and the quality of its playing surfaces. In particular, the course is perhaps most famous for its last six holes, which are formed and cut out of dense woodland.

Redditch GC Benefit From MM Seed

The greens are particularly outstanding, all 18 having been re-laid during 1995 and 1996 to USGA specification. The work was carried out due to their former foundations consisting of red marl clay which proved to be extremely problematic in wet winters. However, those days are firmly in the past and Karl Williams is the man tasked with ensuring that the greens remain at a consistently high standard.

Karl started his role as course manager at Redditch in 2014 and now oversees a team of eight full-time greenkeepers. The team has doubled in size since Karl arrived and marks just one of a number of ongoing improvements as the club continues to signal its ambitions. Karl, himself, was also keen to play his part and this started with ensuring that he had the correct seed mixtures in place.

“I’ve been using Limagrain’s MM seed mixtures right back to when I started out as an apprentice – so probably for about 18 years now. When I first came here they were using a different brand of seed but I wanted to use Limagrain because in my opinion it is an all-round package – I’ve had big success from the mixtures in terms of quality, results and the support you get from the company,” he said.

When it comes to product performance and appearance, top sports grounds, including many of the UK’s finest golf courses, tend to look no further than Limagrain’s MM range of grass seed. The MM range is one of the most respected brands in the UK turf industry and its wide array of mixtures have a proven track record of producing the best possible swards for the intended end usage.

Redditch GC Benefit From MM Seed

The demand and pressure placed on the modern day greenkeeper and course manager to produce the best possible, consistent playing surfaces continually grows at a pace but Limagrain’s range of grass seed can ensure that you are always that one step ahead. Whether it be a mixture for your greens, tees or fairways – the MM range has it covered.

Karl has seen great results from applying MM22, which is a practical solution for those who are seeking a mixture for their tees that is great for divotting, repairing and overseeding.

“As a rule of thumb we normally do the tees renovation at the end of March and we apply MM22 at a rate of 30g/m2. So we apply that quite heavily and then it is just a case of topping it up by overseeding throughout the year.

“We get a lot of play here at Redditch and we don’t come off the tees all year, so I need a mixture which is going to give me a strong sward. Fortunately, MM22 gives me what I need – you always get a fast establishment and you get a great percentage of seeding from it. I also rarely suffer from disease so I don’t see any reason to come away from it.”

When it comes to his greens, Karl claims that he has never needed to overseed – which is perhaps testament to the quality of them. However, on one occasion there was a problematic green which needed a fast solution – so he turned to Limagrain’s MM7 mixture.

Redditch GC Benefit From MM Seed

“It was a shaded green that had a lot of trees around it so it suffered with a lack of light and air – even in the summer. From 12pm, it would have been completely in the shade. In the first instance we tried to repair it but unfortunately it didn’t really work. So, we removed a couple of trees and MM7 was recommended to me. The difference was unbelievable – I wish I would have taken a before and after photo.”

A modern mixture for quick renovations of worn and damaged areas of fine turf, MM7 is ideal for emergency repair work. Containing Cyrena and Venice (both perennial ryegrasses), Caldris (chewings fescue) and Sefton (browntop bent), these top rated cultivars together produce a hard wearing sward that recovers from scarring.

While members at Redditch Golf Club are enjoying the superb playing conditions they are also treated to a stunning array of flowers, courtesy of Limagrain’s range of Colour Splash mixtures.

“The colour around the course is absolutely fantastic and it is a sight to behold when they are in full bloom. We have them spread out across the course such as around the tees, near the wooded areas and along the drive and they really do make a statement.

“The main reason we decided to apply the Colour Splash mixtures was for aesthetics but we like doing our bit to help the bees as well,” he said.

For further information, please contact Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or visit the company’s website www.lgseeds.co.uk/mm.

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Turf Reward Benefits For West Malling GC

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Turf Reward Benefits For West Malling GC: Since claiming the Team Scout pedestrian sprayer through ICL and Syngenta’s Turf Rewards loyalty scheme, Course Manager Sam Young has seen an improvement in the efficacy of his spraying operations at West Malling Golf Club in Kent.

Turf Rewards provides the opportunity for customers to earn points from purchases that can then be exchanged against a fantastic selection of agronomic or turf related items and learning opportunities. Turf managers across the UK and Ireland have been benefiting from the scheme since its creation five years ago and it continues to grow significantly with more rewards and qualifying products being added year on year. The scheme can provide a great way to improve operations and enhance education.

Turf Reward Benefits For West Malling GC

“It’s a huge bonus when buying quality turf management products,” says Sam. “There is so much on offer as well; items such as health and safety clothing, iPads, Machine Mart vouchers and agronomy tools. We claimed the sprayer this year because it is something that we thought would improve the accessibility of spraying some of our smaller tees.”

The Team Scout is ideal for greenkeepers and groundsmen who require an efficient and reliable pedestrian sprayer. The unit has an adjustable pressure control system ensuring constant, accurate liquid application and three pneumatic wheels, the ‘rear jockey’ wheel increases manoeuvrability – which is something that Sam finds ideal.

“It is incredibly easy to manoeuvre. At my previous club we used to have a four-wheel pedestrian sprayer which was difficult to turn. The rear wheel on the ‘Scout’ allows for effective turning within the headland of the area being treated – this is particularly beneficial when considering some of the tees are only 25m2 with surrounding banks and thus not suited to using a tractor or utility vehicle sprayer. It is now possible to treat these tees as all the others”.

Turf Reward Benefits For West Malling GC

“This sprayer is well balanced, truly a great bit of kit; it now has larger pump, and with an average walking speed of 4km hour 500L/ha is achievable with a 04 nozzle, and with a choice of three different nozzles which come with the sprayer, you simply pick which one suits your application best.”

Other features include:

  • 60 litre capacity tank
  • 3 wheels with pneumatic tyres
  • Height adjustable 2 metre, 4 nozzle, folding boom
  • High output pump (14Lpm)
  • Adjustable pressure control system with gauge
  • 12V quick charge battery and charger

“I’ve used a few pedestrian sprayers in the past and this is easily the best one I have used. It’s also great for storage and transportation because the spray boom folds up”.

Please contact ICL on +44 (0)1473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie.

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Master Green Keeper Helps Oxford GC

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Master Green Keeper Helps Oxford GC: Renowned Agronomist Greg Evans has taken the lead a two-year turf maintenance programme that has transformed the historic Oxford Golf Club.

Oxford Golf Club recruited Mr Evans on a consultancy basis to help create and implement a detailed green keeping improvement and maintenance strategy at the 18-hole course. The programme of focused activity has enhanced the greens, tees and approach areas. Mr Evans help devise the bespoke strategy and worked in partnership with Head Green Keeper Doug MacGregor. The Green Keeping team all welcomed the new philosophy and worked together to transform the course.

Master Green Keeper Helps Oxford GC

Mr Evans said: “Oxford Golf Club is a fantastic course and has always been well regarded. Following the implementation of a targeted agronomy plan it now has perfect greens and the rest of the course is of a very high standard.

“The club was really supportive and allowed us to close the competition greens for a tight maintenance window to enable us to really focus on a big agronomy programme. The greens have a good sand profile and so we carried out deep aeration activity and then followed a strict maintenance plan. This included targeted hard watering and tight cutting to produce faster, smoother greens. Within nine months the greens were performing very well, and they are the jewel in the crown of the course.”

The green-keeping team also focused on tees and approaches as part of the wider agronomy plan. Mr Evans added: “As with a lot of older clubs the Oxford Golf Club was built before irrigation systems were introduced and so the course tends to hold water. We hired in a verti-drainer to fully drain the course and changed the fertility programme to add small amounts of nutrients every ten days.”

Head Green Keeper Doug MacGregor said: “The introduced and continuation of the intense agronomy plan has been fantastic for the course, members and staff. It has been an excellent experience for the green keeping team and we can all take great pride in the enhancements we have made to the course.”

Stephen Nicholson, General Manager at Oxford Golf Club, said: “As a club we are committed to continually improving the course and the agronomy plan has formed a key part of our strategy. The club has really reaped the rewards of this intensive activity and our members and visitors alike have commented on the quality of our greens and tees. The Green Keeping team have all embraced the change in philosophy and done a fantastic job.”

Oxford Golf Club is the oldest course in Oxfordshire and features a Harry Colt designed 18-hole course, putting green, practice area and coaching school. It is located on Hilltop Road, Oxford. The club’s head professional is Joe Pepperell, brother of European Tour player Eddie.

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Invigorator Crucial At Kingsbarns

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Invigorator Crucial At Kingsbarns: ICL’s Greenmaster Pro-Lite Invigorator 4-0-8+2MgO+4Fe is playing a crucial role in the fairway maintenance programme at Kingsbarns Golf Links, reports Course and Facilities Manager Innes Knight.

Golf has been enjoyed over the links land of Kingsbarns dating all the way back to 1793 when the Merchants and Lairds of Kingsbarns drafted articles to form the Kingsbarns Golfing Society. In 1850 the land was ploughed and transformed into farming due to farm land being more valuable than golf throughout that period. However, the society was re-established in 1922 and a nine-hole course was laid out on the links about Kingsbarns Bay. This course served the golfing needs of the locals and holidaymakers until the onset of the Second World War when the Links was mined in the national security defence effort.

Invigorator Crucial At Kingsbarns

Golf was resurrected on Kingsbarns Links at the dawning of the 21st Century and in 2001 it was named as one of the co-hosts of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Innes started in his role at Kingsbarns in the final stages of construction and admitted that it was somewhat of a baptism of fire with the course being selected to host a high-calibre professional tour event so soon after its opening.

“I came here on 17 March 1999 and saw the final stages of the construction. We opened in July 2000 and then was hit with ‘you’ve got a big tournament next year’ so the pressure was absolutely on at that point. The owners realised it was going to be a success and started investing more money. It was an immense effort by the whole team and the Dunhill was a huge success.”

The fact that Kingsbarns was selected to host the Dunhill so soon after its opening is testament to just how magnificent the course is. However, the standard was set and Innes has worked hard to keep the course at a consistently high level. Selecting the correct products is essential and Innes says that ICL’s Greenmaster Pro-Lite Invigorator 4-0-8+2MgO+4Fe helps him to create that essential ‘links feel’ that Kingsbarns demands.

“On the fairways it is all about trying to create the links feel, so you want them firm, fast and able to withstand the wear. However, you do not want them to look too polished otherwise you can get criticised for that – it is all about finding the correct balance. We have two applications a season with Greenmaster Pro-Lite Invigorator – one at the start of the season in the middle of March and one just after Dunhill in October which takes us through the winter period. The product is crucial for our fairways maintenance programme and we’ve seen great results.”

This low nitrogen, high potassium fertilizer contains iron to help harden turf in spring and autumn consists of fine granules for quick dispersal, and Innes believes that good spreading and fortunate weather is the ideal combination to get the best results.

Invigorator Crucial At Kingsbarns

“We are using a local farmer’s spreader now and it is working very well. The problem on a links course with low fertility is that you put something on and it shows up everything. This isn’t really the case on a parkland course when you are maybe using 300kg of nitrogen a year, but when you are only putting a miniscule amount out you have to get it right.

“If you put fertilizer out you really want it to rain the next day or a couple of days after and not be damp because of the iron content. We got such a good hit this year. It was dry when we applied it, there was no wind and then it rained the very next day.

“We saw a great response after just five days and every fairway was consistent. It gave them that hit they needed to pick them up at the start of the season. Greenmaster Pro-Lite Invigorator is such a good product and if you get a bit of good weather at the same time as you apply it then the results are unbeatable.”

Please contact ICL on +44 (0)1473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie

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