Quick compaction relief at Phoenix GC

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Quick compaction relief at Phoenix GC: Tackling compaction on previous untouched ground, a Redexim Verti-Quake® 2516 has dramatically improved the downward movement of moisture at Rotherham’s Phoenix Golf Club.

The Verti-Quake®, delivered in September 2021, complements the aeration work conducted with their existing Redexim Verti-Drain®, with Multi-Sport Complex Manager Mark Smith citing outstanding results on some of the sites historically waterlogged areas.

Quick compaction relief at Phoenix GC

Quick compaction relief at Phoenix GC

Constructed on clay-based land, the 65 hectares that make up the complex includes cricket facilities, a bowling green and nine football pitches, alongside the 18-hole parkland golf course. Working with Mark on the maintenance is a team of five, meaning that operations such as aeration have been limited by time and resources. “The Verti-Drain® has traditionally been utilised on the greens but not on larger, open areas because of staffing levels” explains Mark.

“We’d seen a contractor utilising a linear aerator on our football pitch and decided something like that could bring benefit to areas, such as the fairways, on the golf course.” After exploring the options, Mark opted for the Redexim Verti-Quake® 2516 – offering a 1.6m working width and effective compaction relief down to 250mm. “As soon as it was delivered by our local dealer Cheshire Turf, we were out on some of the historically challenging areas and the results spoke for themselves. We went into the winter, and emerged the other side, so much drier than we ever have before.”

“Considering a lot of the areas we used it on had never been aerated previously, the Verti-Quake® broke straight through the compaction and helped to move the water down and towards the water courses – providing a much more cost-effective alternative to installing drainage.” After making such a strong first impression, Mark is now looking forward to the further improvements the Verti-Quake® can deliver. “If it’s open land, and it’s likely to get wet, we’re going to get the Verti-Quake® on it!” he says.

That mantra extends to work on other areas of the complex, including the football pitch, reducing the reliance on external contractors. “We’ll get the Verti-Quake® out during the end of season renovations, giving us important compaction relief and getting the ground repaired and recovered in time for the busy playing season.”

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ICL products key to new pitch construction

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ICL products key to new pitch construction: A range of ICL products have helped Lincoln City FC’s new Fibresand pitch get off to the best possible start.

At the start of the 2021/22 season, Lincoln City had its pitch at the LNER stadium completely rebuilt. The huge project included a new gravel carpet, drainage system, multiple sand layers and the amelioration of Fibresand for added stability.

ICL products key to new pitch construction

ICL products key to new pitch construction

To do the new construction justice it was vital that the pitch received the correct products, and it was at this point that Head Groundsman Craig Housley liaised with Craig Lalley, Technical Area Sales Manager for ICL.

“A new Fibresand construction can take a bit of time to settle,” said Craig Lalley. “Therefore, when putting the programme together with Craig, we wanted to really concentrate on achieving good rooting to aid playability and recovery.”

Within a six-week window before the start of the season, Craig focused on three products in the form of Sierrablen Plus with Pearl Turf Starter, H2Pro TriSmart wetting agent, and Vitalnova Links biostimulant.

The first product applied was Sierrablen Plus with Pearl Turf Starter and was incorporated into the growing medium. “The organic acids that are produced by the rooting utilises the phosphorus and the magnesium from the Pearl technology which really aids early establishment and good strong rooting,” said Craig Lalley.

Through independent trials, data has revealed significantly increased rooting when Sierrablen Plus with Pearl is used as part of a seedbed preparation and during turf-laying. Furthermore, there was a 2.5 x increase in rooting when compared to another existing high-performing product.

To complement the grass seed and the Sierrablen Plus with Pearl Turf Starter, Craig then turned to TriSmart wetting agent. Containing three water management technologies consisting of surfactant and polymer blends, TriSmart is renowned for providing great water penetration, an even water spread through the rootzone and can improve the water holding capacity of sandy rootzones.

Craig Housley said: “Moisture management was key when the seeding first took place to aid moisture around the leaf which can help with seed germination. We needed that seed to be established as fast as possible.”

Craig confirmed that the two products had an instant impact: “I had never heard of the Pearl technology, but Craig Lalley told me that it would be ideal for a new construction and that it would really help with the germination of new seed. We decided to give it a go and I have never known grass to come through so quickly, uniformed, and strong – the sward health was exceptional.”

Four weeks after seeding, Sierrablen Plus with Turf Starter and H2Pro TriSmart were applied, Craig recommended ICL’s Vitalnova Links biostimulant which is a new unique formulation consisting of the popular Vitalnova Blade and Vitalnova SMX.

ICL products key to new pitch construction

ICL products key to new pitch construction

Vitalnova Links was tank mixed with TriSmart, and Craig Lalley explained why this was applied monthly: “It is a great soil drench spray. Vitalnova Links aids microbial stimulation, reduces biotic stresses and further develops the rooting; while TriSmart continues to manage the moisture and ensures that the pitch doesn’t dry out in warmer temperatures.

“Ultimately, we had quite a small window to utilise these products and ensure that the pitch was at an excellent standard in time for the start of the season. I believe we successfully achieved that.”

Craig Housley, who is continuing to adhere to an ICL integrated turf management programme, believes that the products have massively benefited the newly constructed pitch.

“Everyone knows that it takes a while for a new Fibresand pitch to really grip itself together, but I have been really surprised at just how good the pitch has been in its first year,” he said.

“We’ve also managed to maintain excellent grass coverage. In terms of playability, the pitch has benefitted the players and the style of football the manager wants to play. He has fast players that turn very quickly and to have the pitch underneath them with that kind of stability has really made a difference.”

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

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Sports turf consortium formed

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Sports turf consortium formed: Elite Pitch Alliance, a consortium of industry leaders in the consultancy, design, construction, and management of professional sports fields, launched today with a mission of providing solutions to stadium venues and training facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup. The 2026 renewal will be the first competition hosted by three nations, while also being the first to include 48 teams.

The consortium’s founding members STRI, DA Hogan & Associates, and Sports Fields Inc. will look to assist venues in providing bespoke natural grass fields in conformance with the exacting standards required by FIFA. The group brings together decades of experience in the design, construction, management, maintenance and inspection of sports facilities, turf fields and international tournaments in North America and around the globe.

Sports turf consortium formed

Sports turf consortium formed

“This is an exciting step forward for the development of World Cup venues throughout Canada, USA and Mexico, enabling facilities to provide world class surfaces for this prestigious event” said Andrew Brooker, Commercial Director for STRI Group. “STRI Group is very pleased to have partnered with DA Hogan & Associates, and Sports Fields Inc, companies who share our company’s vision of delivering excellence in sports surfaces across a multitude of sectors”.

D.A. Hogan principal Dave Anderson added “Our Alliance uniquely combines extensive World Cup and NFL playing field experience.  DA Hogan & Associates is very excited to be collaborating with STRI, Dr. Andy McNitt, and Sport Fields Inc. to provide FIFA compliant pitches of the highest quality for the 2026 World Cup as well as ensuring the NFL venues are fully restored with the appropriate surface for the 2026 NFL season”.

“This collaboration opens up a unique opportunity to bring the best in business to the table for a common goal – design, building and maintaining world class surfaces for the 2026 World Cup” said President and CEO of Sports Fields Inc., Mark Stalnaker. “We are tremendously excited to build upon our portfolio of successful projects and use that experience to support the selected venues in preparing for a generational opportunity”.

The overarching goal of the consortium is to provide venue specific permanent and temporary pitch solutions which are cost conscious, environmentally responsible, and minimize the disruption to existing tenants and operations.

As the group begins to work together, STRI, Sports Fields Inc., DA Hogan can look forward to future jointly developed projects and shared resources for years to come.

ABOUT STRI

STRI is the leading global pitch design and consultancy specialist for the development of elite standard sports surfaces in stadia. We were established in 1929 in Yorkshire, England and now operate globally.

We have successfully masterminded the installation of over 180 stadium pitches in 30 countries at the highest-level including FIFA World Cups, UEFA European Championships and Olympic Games. Our expertise is in the delivery of a comprehensive solution where a multi-faceted approach is required to understand the venues environmental, economic, and operational requirements to deliver the optimal code compliant sporting surfaces.

Our vastly experienced teams of consultants, researchers, designers, planners and engineers provide comprehensive science backed turf solutions. Our technical teams are at the cutting edge, incorporating innovation and sustainable thinking in out practice. STRI has seen considerable growth, which has been connected to increased demand and a clear desire from clients to receive sustainable, high-quality end to end solutions.

ABOUT DA HOGAN AND ASSOCIATES

D.A. Hogan & Associates is a consulting engineering and landscape architecture firm based in Seattle, Washington that was formed in 1960. The firm specializes in outdoor athletic,

physical education, recreational, and sports facilities.

Over the last 60 years we have provided design and construction management services for more than 500 sports facilities including natural and artificial. This experience has provided us with an exceptional level of expertise relating to the design concepts and attention to detail that is required to ensure a successful field installation.

ABOUT SPORTS FIELDS INC.

Sports Fields Inc. (SFI) is a leading sports field planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operations organization headquartered in the greater Atlanta area. The company provides end-to-end or single-source solutions to professional sports organizations, municipal governments, non-profits, and higher education clients who are seeking to address unique sports challenges & opportunities.  SFI was launched in 2005 and quickly earned a reputation for quality workmanship and outstanding customer service.  SFI is an industry leader in the construction of synthetic & natural turf construction and has completed dozens of projects for organizations within Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Football League (NFL), Major League Soccer (MLS), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).   SFI is recognised for successful, on-time completion of time-sensitive, high-profile professional sports projects.

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Battery power with no limits

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Battery power with no limits: Outdoor power equipment specialist EGO has launched a new battery size and charging options to give gardening, landscaping and grounds care specialists increased run-time and no limits when it comes to battery power.

Addressing a common concern with battery power, EGO has launched its CHU6000 Professional Multi-Port Charging Case (RRP £519.00) which is able to charge any combination of up to six EGO portable batteries at the same time. Working with the industry’s fastest charger, the new CHV1600E 1600W Multi-Port Charger (RRP £259.00), a typical 60Ah setup will charge in just three hours meaning users can comfortably work continuously throughout the day.

Battery power with no limits

Battery power with no limits

With a wheeled case for easy loading and unloading from the van, EGO’s Multi-Port Charging Case uses an intelligent power management system that replenishes batteries with the lowest level of charge first, then brings all the batteries up to full charge at the same rate.

Also, part of the EGO Professional range, the new 12Ah BA6720T battery (RRP £529.00) is now the largest in its range and increases run time by up to 20 per cent across all EGO products. With EGO’s 12Ah battery, users can mow up to 1900sqm (almost 8 tennis courts) on a single charge, while offering up to 6 hours of run time for selected hedge trimmers and line trimmers.

Joining six smaller sized batteries in the range, the battery is interchangeable with all EGO tools, and uses patented 56V ARC Lithium™ technology to provide the best balance between required performance and usable power. It also makes use of EGO’s KeepCool™ technology to keep the temperature of battery cells lower for longer, preventing overheating. Internal microprocessors and software control every cell for delivery of optimal power, performance, and runtime.

Vince Brauns, European Product Manager at EGO, said: “Our new 12Ah battery and multiport charger combine to resolve one of the biggest barriers to battery-powered tool uptake in the professional market – battery capacity and speed of charging. With the ability to provide optimum power and performance too, our continual innovation in battery technology mean it is becoming virtually impossible for many professionals to justify their use of petrol-powered tools”

For more information, visit www.egopowerplus.co.uk.

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Kubota announces expansion with Lister Wilder

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Kubota announces expansion with Lister Wilder: Kubota (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that Lister Wilder is to further widen its geographical area, reaching into parts of South West of England.

This progressive extension of its sales area and customer base, will see the dealership expand into Somerset to support agricultural and ground care customers across the South West of England from its newest Kubota centre, located at Keynsham, Bristol.

Kubota announces expansion with Lister Wilder

Kubota announces expansion with Lister Wilder

“Lister Wilder’s expansion further strengthens Kubota’s commitment to its customers and the markets in which our business operates,” says Henry Bredin, general manager of Kubota (UK)’s Tractor Business Unit. “This move sees Lister Wilder continue to strengthen its partnership with Kubota, as it actively supports a wider customer base in both agricultural and ground care sectors.”

It may be recalled that Lister Wilder became the first full-line Kubota dealer in Europe, and its business expansion plans have already seen the first of its new Kubota centres established at Meadowlands, Bibury in Gloucestershire, and also at Keynsham, Bristol.

Both these new Kubota centres have led to the creation of new jobs within sales, after-sales and service, plus parts and warranty departments, stimulating the local economies in which Lister Wilder operates.

Lister Wilder’s Bristol-based Kubota centre is scheduled to open on 3rd May 2022 on Burnett Business Park. Its location enables the dealership to support customers in north Somerset and the Mendip Hills, reaching south to Bridgwater and the Quantocks.

“We’re pleased to be a part of this exciting journey with Kubota, but just as importantly, we’re looking forward to welcoming new and existing agricultural and ground care customers through the doors at Keynsham,” says Phill Hughes, sales director for Lister Wilder.

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