ICL Product Guide Available

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ICL Product Guide Available: The new ICL Turf & Landscape Product Guide for 2018/19 is now available.

The updated 2018/19 Product Guide features the complete range of ICL and Syngenta products plus much more, with advice on how to get the best results, including recommended period of use, directions for use and application rates.

ICL Product Guide Available

As a leading innovator in the industry, ICL has a vast range of products and solutions trusted by turf managers across the globe and in-depth information on both the liquid, soluble and granular range is readily available throughout the product guide.

It features leading micro-granular fertilizers such as Sierraform GT and Greenmaster Pro-Lite; mini-granular fertilizers for sports and amenity turf such as Sierrablen, Sierrablen Plus, ProTurf and Sportsmaster; liquid fertilizers in the form of Greenmaster and soluble fertilizers including the Sportsmaster WSF range.

Also featured is the Vitalnova range of biostimulant and turf conditioners which includes the widely praised Stressbuster. This specially formulated liquid treatment contains a unique combination of macro and micro nutrients, wetting agents, biostimulants and amino acids to help condition turf against stress and aid recovery. Greenkeepers and groundsmen alike have relied on Stressbuster to combat heavy usage and in particular have commended its ability to provide excellent sward colour, keep disease at bay and boost the overall health of the turf.

Over the years countless turf managers have reaped the rewards from Syngenta’s leading range of fungicides and the brochure features the complete portfolio including the newly launched Instrata Elite and Banner Maxx II. Instrata Elite, approved for Microdochium control in the UK, gives a powerful combination of curative and contact plus systemic properties, for reliable turf protection outside and in the plant. Banner Maxx II is a new formulation, created to deliver even faster uptake into the plant and tackle disease infection inside the leaf – before it can damage turf plant health.

The product guide is far more than just a product brochure. Created by using feedback gathered from a wide range of end users it also provides a wealth of technical information. Spreader setting guidelines will help readers with the accurate application of fertilizer; a tank-mix table provides guidance notes for compatibility of liquid formulations and a ready reckoner will assist with nutrient application for granular fertilizers.

To request the product guide or for further information, please contact ICL on 01473 237100, email prof.sales@icl-group.com  or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk

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New Rigby Taylor Brochure

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New Rigby Taylor Brochure: Rigby Taylor – the company at the forefront of supplying innovative products for the successful management and maintenance of turf surfaces – have introduced a new two-in-one brochure which focuses on key products for both grounds maintenance and landscaping.

The informative, 60-page publication – which complements the company’s Professional Products range brochure – includes a wide range of grass and flower seed mixtures, fertilisers, herbicides (both for selective and total weed control), wetting agents and biostimulants, tree and ground protection, bark, turf, knapsacks and spreaders, PPE and much more.

New Rigby Taylor Brochure

For a free copy or more information, contact your local Rigby Taylor area manager or Freephone 0800 424 919, email sales@rigbytaylor.com or visit rigbytaylor.com

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The 7 Best Ways To Use Leisure Grass

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The 7 Best Ways To Use Leisure Grass

The 7 Best Ways To Use Leisure Grass

Leisure grass is used widely in domestic, commercial and even educational settings. If you’ve got a leisurely outdoor activity or project planned, then there’s a good chance that leisure grass could help to get the idea off the ground. Whether it’s a full golf course which needs work or a smaller, simple job in your home, leisure grass is a versatile material and one which looks good to. Its ease of application helps to make its use even more widespread.

1. Golf Courses

Golf courses cover an enormous area of land. The maintenance required to keep a golf course useable is extremely expensive and time consuming. The grass always needs to be just right so that golf can be properly played upon it. This is why leisure grass can be ideal for golf courses. It’s a fantastic way to save a lot of time and money on maintenance, while keeping the course sleek and professional.

2. Indoor Play Area for Children

Children love grassy play areas. They’re also quite likely to be excited by the idea of grass being inside (simple pleasures.) When it comes to building indoor play areas for children (for example, in schools, shopping centres or other places where they might need a break) leisure grass can be a nice way to make it extra-appealing for them.

3. Wacky Office Rooms

A good work environment is important for productivity and employee wellbeing. If employers want to make their office a little more interesting, one thing they might like to try is installing a little bit of artificial turf in one of the rooms. Maybe it could be in the leisure room, so that staff have somewhere nice to unwind? Or maybe it could be in the meeting room, to help make it just a little less intimidating?

4. Furniture

Obviously you can’t make furniture out of leisure grass, but a sofa wrapped in synthetic turf might actually be quite nice. Not only will it look very unique (and nicely quirky) but it will be quite comfortable to sit on as well. The perfect idea for somebody who’s a fond appreciator of nature. Laying back on the sofa could feel just like lying back on the ground in an open field.

5. Sports Pitches

This list would not be complete without a mention of the most widespread use of artificial turf – sports pitches! With the UK climate being what it is, it isn’t uncommon for a synthetic pitch to be just what team’s need to play properly throughout the year. They won’t become terribly muddy and unusable following a rain storm! Interestingly, there have been recent developments with “hybrid pitches” which are made of a mixture of organic and synthetic substances.

6. Pool-Side Surfacing

Having a swimming pool in your garden can be delightful and one thing which people are doing to make their pool mesh well with the rest of the garden, is using artificial turf for pool-side surfacing. Having grass right up to the edge of the pool looks very nice, but it just isn’t popular if you’re only using “real” grass, which is why leisure grass is ideal for this situation. The wider selection of applications is what makes leisure grass so popular.

7. Home Decor

Yes, you can use it in your home too. If you’ve got kids, they’d probably be very happy to have a grassy floor in their bedroom. Or maybe, you, as an adult, would love it in yours? It doesn’t have to be the bedroom, of course. Some leisure grass in the living room is something else which would go well in many homes.

Leisure grass can be put to a large number of uses and these are only seven of them. With a material as versatile as synthetic pitches, you’ll find that it’s very useful for quite a lot of projects. Whether it’s being used because of its aesthetic qualities or simply because it is the most practical substance to meet your purpose, it’s going to be appreciated by many people. Do you have any upcoming projects which might involve leisure grass?

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New Instrata Elite Offers Turf Disease Control Outside And In

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New Instrata Elite offers turf disease control Outside and In. The launch of an exciting new fungicide active for turf disease control now gives a powerful combination of curative and contact plus systemic properties, for reliable turf protection outside and in the plant.

New Instrata Elite offers turf disease control Outside and In

Now approved for Microdochium control in the UK, Instrata Elite combines the new active ingredient, difenoconazole, with the outstanding performance of fludioxonil. Together, the complementary actives target different stages of disease life cycles for flexible application timing and reliable results.

Syngenta Technical Manager, Marcela Munoz, highlighted extensive trials hve shown Instrata Elite is highly effective against key turf foliar diseases, to protect plant health and playing surface quality. Importantly, the new approval gives the opportunity for two applications per year.

“The unique properties of Instrata Elite rapidly bind the actives onto the leaf wax layer,” explained Marcela. “The fludioxonil component stays locked into the leaf wax to provide a protective contact coating that stops disease spores germinating and prevents infection of the plant.

“At the same time, the difenoconazole component immediately starts to flow from the leaf wax into the leaf. It targets disease already active in the leaf, providing early curative activity and preventing symptoms breaking out,” she added. The flow of difenoconazole from the leaf wax reservoir provides systemic protection throughout the plant, to protect new growth ad ensure lasting results.

Crucially, with Instrata Elite safely locked onto the leaf wax within 30 minutes of application it is unaffected by rain or irrigation wash-off ensuring reliable results.

Marcela highlighted that two applications of Instrata Elite per year will give greater flexibility to effectively target disease for longer through difficult high risk periods. Importantly, the new approval covers golf and amenity turf, along with sports pitches and stadia, she added.

Instrata Elite targets:

  • disease spores before they can germinate
  • disease hyphae on the surface to stop infection getting into the leaf
  • disease mycelia inside the leaf to stop disease development

The consistently reliable performance of Instrata Elite has been proven by over 60 trials across nine European countries – including STRI, Syngenta and on golf courses across the UK.

STRI has been successfully using Instrata Elite in disease trials over the last two years, reported the independent turf R&D organisation’s Research Manager, Tom Young.

“Instrata Elite has consistently shown excellent control of Microdochium nivale, especially when applied preventatively, or early curatively when used as part of a balanced fungicide programme,” he advised.

When applied as a single application in the STRI trials, either preventatively or early curatively, Instrata Elite has delivered reliable and high levels of Microdochium control, Tom added.

Furthermore, Instrata Elite achieved the outstanding performance from only 480 g/ha of active ingredient per hectare, compared to 5000 g/ha of active loading with iprodione. Instrata Elite had passed all environmental assessment tests through the approval process.

Syngenta UK Business Manager, Daniel Lightfoot, believed Instrata Elite will fit perfectly into a proactive fungicide programme. “It can be used throughout the year,” he said, “but the research and user trials experience indicate its unique properties and strengths typically match the demands for disease control from mid to late autumn and through early spring.”

He advised that for best protection of turf quality, Instrata Elite should be applied before visible symptoms are evident, through to first signs of infection. “Optimum timing will prevent disease infection getting into the leaf,” he said. “But with Instrata Elite there is still the chance for curative activity on mycelium in the leaf to stop disease before visible damage is done and minimise stress on the plant.

“Targeting disease at more points through the life-cycle gives greater flexibility in application timing to hit infection.”

Daniel advocated the use of the GreenCast website information, indicator greens and historic experience to highlight risk periods to devise an appropriate fungicide programme strategy and to tailor specific application timing.

“The advantages of Instrata Elite and the introduction of a new fungicide active for turf means it will have an integral role in every fungicide programme,” he said. “It will have a crucial function in an Integrated Turf Management approach to deliver sustainable long-term improvements in turf quality.”

Vitalnova Blade: A Proven Biostimulant

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Vitalnova Blade: A Proven Biostimulant. Biostimulants are substances and microorganisms applied to plants and rootzones to enhance plant growth, and rootzone microbial activity.

Vitalnova Blade: A Proven BiostimulantHistorically the diversity of biostimulant products available was limited but in recent years a plethora of new products have come to the market in response to an increase in demand and interest.   The value of the global market has grown annually by over 10% each year for the last decade, and more and more products are marketed as biostimulants.  In this increasingly crowded marketplace the Turf Manager needs to carefully consider the products selected to form part of their turf maintenance programme.

Whilst biostimulants can never replace macronutrients there are many reasons why a Turf Manager would include them to support their annual nutritional programme.  In recent years, the Turf Industry has taken a greater interest in soil biology and the benefits a healthy soil can have for the overall health of turf.  The focus of many professionals has changed from ‘turf growth’ to  overall ‘turf health’ with the aim of achieving greater levels of surface consistency, establishing better control of playing qualities and reducing disease occurrence.

With claims of improving rooting, encouraging microbial activity, increasing organic-matter breakdown, improved disease and drought resistance, amongst other things, biostimulants appear to be the ‘silver bullet’ supplement that modern professionals need.  However, whilst it has been generally perceived that biostimulants have beneficial effects on turf health, evidence has often been anecdotal.  There are a few well-researched products available, which have the advantage of having ‘proven’ themselves and have supporting independent evidence of how they work and the benefits they can provide.  These products will provide the most consistent and reliable turf response.

Vitalnova Blade is a carefully formulated biostimulant for turf developed by ICL to boost microbial activity and encourage better rooting, amongst other things.  It is a product that combines seaweed and carbohydrates to provide a readily available source of carbon together with a range of micronutrients, amino acids and bioactive molecules. Consequently, regular applications of Vitalnova Blade through the growing season have been independently proven to stimulate soil biology and plant growth to enhance the benefits of a conventional fertiliser programme.

Independent research for Vitalnova Blade has demonstrated an increase in soil borne microorganisms as well as improved rooting.  Plots treated with Vitalnova Blade showed a doubling of indigenous mycorrhiza levels as well as up to a 50% increase in beneficial bacteria levels when compared with untreated control plots.  Such increases in fungal and bacterial activity increase soil nutrient re-cycling to help release ‘locked-up’ nutrients and enhance growth.

Furthermore, the same trials showed a 40% increase in rootmass compared with the untreated control plots.  With a greater rootmass the turf’s ability to take up nutrients and water is increased to give a stronger, healthier plant and minimise stress which leads to better pest and disease resistance.  The small quantity of macronutrients included within Vitalnova Blade (5-6.5-3.5) also help to enhance the benefits of routine fertiliser inputs by supplying a direct source of readily available nutrients to support overall plant health.

Dr Andy Owen ICL International Technical Manager says:  ‘Vitalnova Blade is a well-researched biostimulant for turf surfaces.  The components have been carefully formulated for the best results.   We have independent trials data that shows it can improve turf rooting and mycorrhizal association.  In my opinion it is a great product for feeding your soil biology and all round turf health’.

Formulated for use on golf course greens, tees, fairways and sports fields, Vitalnova Blade is designed to be used during the growing season (April – September) with the first application being made once consistent growth has been achieved.  It is best applied monthly at between 20-30 l/ha and makes the perfect tank-mix partner for Greenmaster liquid fertilizers and Seamax Seaweed where the aim is to optimise turf health and recovery and maintain a natural colour.  It can also be tank-mixed safely with Primo Maxx where a growth regulator is required although the application rate may need to be altered depending upon the frequency of Primo Maxx application.

When used regularly on sand-based surfaces, whether fine turf or sports field turf, the significant improvement Vitalnova Blade offers in microbial activity and the associated increase in nutrient recycling, coupled with the improvement in rooting most users see really does amplify the benefits which can  be gained.

On sports fields where the time available for renovation is short and the pressure to regain sward cover is high, apply Vitalnova Blade alone or in conjunction with a good wetting agent to increase the rate of establishment and speed up canopy closure.  Apply at 30 l/ha once the seed has popped and germination has started.  Further applications can be made once the 2nd leaf stage has been reached and then it is recommended that these continue on a monthly basis and in conjunction with Greenmaster Liquid and Seamax to optimise turf health.

Designed to boost microbial activity, improve root growth and manage stress Vitalnova Blade is a biostimulant that will enhance your routine fertilizer programme.  It is available now from ICL-Specialty Fertilizers.

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

Why Do Golf Courses Aerate So Much?

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Why Do Golf Courses Aerate So Much? – The word aeration stimulates negative emotions for many golfers. It may come as a surprise, but golf course superintendents also dislike aeration. After all, the last person who wants to disrupt the smoothness of the putting greens they work so hard to maintain is the superintendent.

Why Do Golf Courses Aerate So Much?

Golfers often ask, “Why is aeration needed so often?” Aeration is an essential program to keep playing surfaces healthy and in good condition. Aeration primarily is performed to control organic matter – i.e., decaying roots and grass stems – relieve soil compaction, stimulate root growth and improve drainage. If organic matter becomes too thick, it acts like a sponge and holds water at the surface after rain or irrigation. Excessive organic matter also inhibits root growth, reduces oxygen levels in the soil, encourages disease and eventually can lead to turf failure. Furthermore, excessive organic matter creates soft surfaces prone to ball marks, foot printing and inconsistent playing conditions. Aeration and topdressing are the most effective ways to control organic matter and maintain smooth, firm putting surfaces.

Core aeration involves physically removing small soil cores – e.g., 0.5-inch diameter cores – from the turf and is the most common type of aeration. Aeration holes allow excess moisture to evaporate and promote gas exchange in the soil, resulting in stronger root systems and turf that is better able to tolerate golfer traffic.

Proper timing of aeration will ensure the fastest possible recovery and return to smooth surface conditions. The key to a quick recovery is to perform aeration when the turf is healthy and actively growing. The articles, Core Cultivation: Timing is Everything and Easing the Pain of Core Aeration expand on proper aeration timing. There are many types of aeration that superintendents use throughout the season; some are more labor-intensive and disruptive to playing surfaces than others. Less-disruptive forms of aeration, including venting aeration with small-diameter, solid tines, also are beneficial because they can alleviate turf stress by promoting oxygen levels in the soil. Aeration programs that have a small impact on a playing surface generally can be performed throughout the season with little or no disruption to play.

The type and frequency of aeration needed is course specific. Superintendents adjust aeration programs based on soil conditions, turf requirements, climate/weather, available labor and equipment, course events, etc.

Playing conditions are of the utmost importance for most golfers, and aeration is needed to keep turf healthy and playing well. Aeration can be disruptive, but the long-term benefits of aeration far outweigh the short-lived disruption. The next time you play on greens that were recently aerated, keep in mind that aeration is performed for the long-term health of the course. The greens may not play their best immediately following some aeration treatments, but everyone is playing the same conditions and golfers still can enjoy the game and make plenty of putts. After all, Tom Watson once shot a 58 when playing at Kansas City Country Club just a few days after the greens had been aerified.

Adam Moeller is an agronomist in the Northeast Region.

To read the original article, click here

Luxury Carts Arabia Appointed New Ransomes Jacobsen Distributor for UEA

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Ipswich, Suffolk (04 November 2016) Ransomes Jacobsen, the Ipswich-based manufacturer of turf maintenance equipment, has appointed a new distributor to strengthen its position in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia-based Luxury Carts Arabia has been appointed to market and distribute the company’s turf care products together with E-Z-GO golf cars in Bahrain, UAE, Qatar and Oman.

A new 25,000-square-meter distributor premises has been established in Al Quoz, the industrial area in central Dubai, with 15 employees, including three junior mechanics, three senior mechanics and an experienced after-sales support team headed up by Morne Barnard, Regional Sales RJ & Product Support Manager. Commenting on the new premises, Morne said:

“We are very pleased with our new premises in the centre of Dubai. It is a great location which will allow us to be closer to our customers. We are particularly proud of our parts inventory on-site; we stock over AED 1.5 million in spare parts, and we are able to order and receive additional parts within three working days. It is a great set up, and we cannot wait to provide our trademark service to customers in the region.”

Charlie Simpson, Regional Sales Manager at Luxury Carts Arabia, said:

“We are a new distributor but come with over 17 years’ experience within the region. We have recently retained the Dubai Golf Contract, and we have also won two big residential development projects this year. The owner of Luxury Carts Arabia, Bakr Balubaid, is delighted with the first year’s progress into the market and looks forward to many more successful years ahead.”

Scott Forrest, Ransomes Jacobsen’s International Business Development Manager for the region, said,

“We are pleased to welcome Luxury Carts Arabia to the Ransomes Jacobsen distributor network. I am confident that our new appointment will provide customers in the region with an unprecedented level of customer service and after sales support that has become synonymous with Ransomes Jacobsen. We are delighted that Bakr Balubaid and his team have come on board and wish them every success from this mutually beneficial trading agreement.”

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Bad Boy Off Road, Beechcraft, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.

For more information visit: www.textron.com.

 

Next Generation in Pop-up Irrigation Systems

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The next generation of pop-up irrigation has arrived with the launch of SIS Hydrobox.

SIS Pitches launch their latest development in irrigation technology the SIS Hydrobox at Saltex on November 2nd.

SIS Hydrobox, designed for groundsmen by groundsmen, is the simple way to manage pop-up irrigation systems and has been designed for quick and easy installation in both natural turf and SISGrass reinforced systems.

Unlike with traditional pop-up sprinklers, the SIS Hydrobox allows you to easily access the sprinkler head and pipework, and can be installed and removed without disturbing the surrounding area, thusensuring consistent performance across the field.

Luke Edwards, Sports Systems Development manager at SIS Pitches, commented; “We are very excited about the opportunities for SIS Hydrobox and delighted to launch it at Saltex.

“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at SIS Pitches and SIS Hydrobox is part of our ongoing programme for improvement and simplicity within the industry.

“SISGrass, our hybrid pitch system, has already won a number of awards and we are expecting the same for SIS Hydrobox.

“SIS Pitches is founded on the principles of being designed for groundsmen by groundsmen and with SIS Hydrobox we have managed to solve an age old problem for groundsmen and women across the world.

“It is set to revolutionise pop-up irrigation systems for all natural turf and hybrid surfaces.”

SIS Pitches has many years of experience in delivering natural turf pitches and synthetic turf pitches to some of the greatest names in sport as well as to schools, colleges, universities, sports clubs and local authorities. SIS Pitches has offices in the UK, Ireland, Russia, Turkey, Holland, Middle East and Angola.

SIS Pitches are offering a 15% discount on SIS Hydrobox to anyone ordering at Saltex this week.

For more information go to www.sispitches.com