Nemaslug harnesses nature

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Nemaslug harnesses nature: Leading pest control solutions manufacturer, BASF, has reduced the plastic packaging of its popular Nemaslug product by one third, thanks to the introduction of a new slug control nematode species. This is in line with company’s sustainability goals and its aims to provide a greener option for slug control.

Nematodes occur naturally in the soil and seek out and kill specific target pests. They attack the pest by entering its body and releasing a bacterium which quickly and effectively kills it. The nematodes then reproduce inside the dying pest and release a new generation of hungry nematodes, which disperse and search for further prey, protecting the area for up to five weeks.

Nemaslug harnesses nature

Nemaslug harnesses nature

By tapping into the benefits of this naturally occurring friend of the gardener, soil can remain healthy, while ensuring slugs are conquered and plants protected.

The company is dedicated to investing in research and development to ensure that it is able to provide the highest quality nematodes to gardeners, and is keen to create a product that will appeal to those looking for a greener option for slug control. It is this dedication to research and development that has enabled the discovery of a new species of nematode to use in its Nemaslug product.

The new species, the Phasmarhabditis californica, will provide the same high efficacy rates as the original species, and will be applied in exactly the same way, but has additional benefits, too.

This species of nematode can be packed at much higher concentrations, which has allowed for the significant reduction of pack sizes. More efficient storage as well as fewer containers being needed to transport the product, further reduces the carbon footprint. On top of this, improvements made to production has led to a reduction of over 20 ton of Co2 emissions in each run, while the UK based facility negates the need for carbon-heavy international shipping.

This small but powerful box of fresh nematodes can be delivered directly to gardeners’ doors throughout the growing season to ensure that slugs can be controlled effectively by harnessing the power of nature.

To find out more about how nematodes work, take a look at this short video – https://youtu.be/JHNG1KSluh0

For further information please visit https://www.nemasysinfo.co.uk/ and follow basf_nemasys_uk on Instagram.

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Imperative MM impresses the Imps

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Imperative MM impresses the Imps: Lincoln City FC, also known as the Imps, boasts a pitch consisting of MM60 grass seed and Head Groundsman Craig Housley could not be more impressed.

MM60 is the UK’s leading winter sports renovation mixture and can be attributed with playing a key role in many of the finest sporting venues you see today. The 100% Ryegrass formula, which is perfect for divot repair, is renowned for its extremely fast germination and its high wear tolerance. It produces fantastic aesthetic qualities, and its high disease resistance provides ultimate protection.

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

Craig, currently in his second season as the Head Groundsman at Lincoln City FC, is no stranger to the market leading grass seed. “I knew just how good the seed was because I had used it in my previous role at Scunthorpe Untied FC. I would highly recommend it and will carry on using it in the future,” he said.

The decision to apply MM60 at Lincoln City FC’s LNER Stadium coincided with the construction of a brand new Fibresand pitch which took place at the end of the 2020/21 season. In fact, the process began the very next day after the Imps’ last game of the season.

A month later and MM60 was ready to be used. Craig applied the seed in four passes at a rate of 35g per square metre. This, in theory, would have provided enough time for the pitch to be completely ready in time for the first game of the season, but based on Craig’s experience of using MM60, he knew that this would never be in doubt.

“I’ve never known grass to come through so quickly which I believe is due to the HEADSTART® GOLD treatment,” he said.

As Craig says, MM60 is treated with HEADSTART® GOLD, which has been developed using the latest scientific findings and field experience. It is a natural revolutionary grass seed treatment that ensures rapid germination and is perfect for enhancing performance on sports fields, golf courses, lawns and amenity turf.

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

Imperative MM impresses the Imps

“There are so many benefits from using MM60,” continued Craig. “The colour you get from it is really good, as is the recovery, and the speed of germination is fantastic. I’ve never had any issues and it keeps the pitch free from disease.

“It’s a hard-wearing seed and we have managed to maintain really good grass coverage. Football is a difficult sport to maintain grass, especially now with the rigorous warm-ups before a game; even the cool-downs are like full training sessions. We don’t struggle for grass coverage anywhere on the pitch, even in the tight areas, and I believe that is down to the MM60.”

For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s new website www.mm-seeds.co.uk. You can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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Ride-on with interchangeable batteries

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Ride-on with interchangeable batteries: STIGA commits to balance product competitiveness and effective resource utilization and introduces STIGA Swift, its newest ride-on mower which meets the high demands of environmentally friendly and resource-conserving work ensuring maximum performance and the greatest possible flexibility.

As one of the leading manufacturers of ride-on mowers, STIGA sets brand new standards in ePower with its Swift.  STIGA’s innovation comes in the form of the world’s first ride-on mower with interchangeable batteries.  STIGA is now the first manufacturer to feature interchangeable batteries and a full range of motorised garden tools, from handhelds to walk-behinds and ride-ons, to suit all user needs, garden architectures and price ranges.

Ride-on with interchangeable batteries

Ride-on with interchangeable batteries

Swift batteries are compatible with STIGA handheld equipment

The STIGA Swift is equipped with a combined 25 Ah battery pack comprising four 48V batteries (2 x 5 Ah + 2 x 7.5 Ah), included in standard delivery.  Innovative interchangeable batteries make for virtually limitless riding time, rendering the Swift ideally suited for use on expansive, demanding lawns.  The batteries work synchronously and constantly balance the available energy: Onboard charging supplies new energy to one battery after the other, so that the first one is ready for use again after just 30 minutes. A further innovative feature is the system compatibility of the high-performance power units:

The interchangeable batteries can be used seamlessly in a wide variety of STIGA range handheld equipment.  Mowing the lawn and cleaning up pavements at the same time with a leaf blower or trimming back hedges with a multitool?  No problem!  The Swift runs reliably and efficiently even on only three batteries.  Users will benefit from the flexibility of these batteries and can always count on full e-Power.

Short turning radius, smart mowing mode

The Swift is the optimal solution for mowing complex gardens.  Why?  Featuring a width of just 735 mm, it has proved to master even the “narrowest” of challenges.  It also has an extremely low minimum outer turning radius of 1,620 mm, offering the greatest possible manoeuvrability, which is why it works cleanly and precisely even in areas with many obstacles.  Cutting edge mowing technology and smart mowing modes optimise Swift operation.  Three mowing options are available in total according to demand and energy consumption:  While the standard mode provides a performance of 3,500 rpm, the boost mode with 3,700 rpm masters even dense, tall lawns with ease.  Eco mode (3,200 rpm) saves users up to 40% energy, covering an area of around 2,800 sqm.

Comfortable and safe handling

Equally convincing is the comfortable handling: Low-vibration, ergonomic features and a reduced noise level guarantee pleasant and quiet operation.  While the steering wheel can be turned easily with just one finger, the one-button start, cruise control and STIGA One Pedal Drive ensure intuitive start-up and driving.  The tractor stops automatically when the drive pedal is released.  The parking brake also activates automatically as soon as the machine comes to a stop, with no need for manual intervention.  Using the extended connectivity with the STIGA.GO app and the virtual dashboard, users can always keep track of the current battery status and also adjust the various settings to suit their personal needs. With a low center of gravity of 351 mm, the Swift brings manageability and safety to every cut.  The new dual-blade mowing deck is designed for more efficient airflow inside the tunnel and at the blades, which also improves the collection of clippings.  The shredded grass is fed reliably, quickly and without clogging into the 170 l catcher bag.  With the special washing attachment, cleaning only takes a few seconds after the work is done.

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Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022

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Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022: Agrigem is pleased to announce that it has been nominated and shortlisted for the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2022 in the category of High Growth Business of the Year.

After many years of continuous but sustainable growth, Agrigem is pleased that the FSB has recognised and finalised the company. The final is due to be held on 6th April 2022. Agrigem’s Managing Director, Kieran Would said “It’s a pleasure to see everyone’s at Agrigem hard working being recognised”.

Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022

Agrigem reaches finals of FSB awards 2022

The FSB has been helping small businesses and the self‐employed achieve their ambitions for over 45 years. As a non‐profit organisation and the UK’s leading business campaigner, they’re making real change happen for their members and the wider small business community. FSB members benefit from market‐leading services and support to help them run their business, including local networking events, legal advice, insurance protection and more.

The Federation of Small Businesses celebrates the achievements and contributions of small businesses and the self‐employed across the UK. As the largest event of its kind in the small business  calendar, the high‐profile FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards are free to enter and open to all.

Winners from each category securing a spot at the prestigious UK final and a chance to be crowned the UK Small Business of the Year. Entrants will be judged by a panel of leading business experts with a wealth of experience in their industry.

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Hunter on target for the Darts

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Hunter on target for the Darts: The heavily used pitch at Dartford FC’s Princes Park Stadium is benefitting from a recently installed Hunter irrigation system, supplied by KAR UK.

From Dartford FC’s first team to the academy teams; from the Dartford ladies’ teams and London City Lionesses to Charlton FC’s Under 23’s, the pitch at Princes Park is in regular demand. To be precise, it averages 76 games per year.

Hunter on target for the Darts

Hunter on target for the Darts

Responsible for ensuring every one of those games takes place is the experienced Head Groundsman Jay Berkhauer who works for Jordans Sports Ground Solutions – who are responsible for the maintenance of Princess Park as well as a host of other clubs all over the South East.

Jay has been in charge at Princes Park Stadium for three seasons and has made a significant improvement to the pitch.

In recognising that such a heavily used pitch requires good irrigation, he was quick to ensure it was one of his first actions when starting the role at Princes Park.

“When I first came in the irrigation system wasn’t in good shape and it had been neglected for a few years,” he said. “Most of the sprinkler heads didn’t work and the control point was located so far away from the pitch. On a matchday I was constantly running back and forth, switching it on and off, whenever the manager wanted water on the pitch. This was a nightmare especially as I am the only groundsperson based here.

“Therefore, the irrigation was something that I wanted fixed as soon as possible.”

Supplied by KAR UK and installed by Prime Irrigation, Jay chose the i-40 rotors, and the Centralus irrigation management platform. This provides a highly secure, comprehensive cloud-based control and monitoring features to the ICC2 controller at the stadium.

The connectivity allows users to view a controller’s status, change settings, view forecasts, save water, and receive instant notification of important system alarms — all without costly and time-consuming travel and site visits.

Hunter on target for the Darts

Hunter on target for the Darts

“It has been a huge game changer since it was installed,” said Jay. “Gone are the days of running back and forth because I can control it all from my phone no matter where I am. For example, there have been times when the pitch is being watered while I’m at home. There has been a downpour and I can simply turn the system off through my phone.

“We’ve also noticed that we have saved a lot of money on water usage too,” continued Jay.

“It allows me to target specific areas on the pitch – one area might need five minutes of water while another area might just need two minutes on a matchday. It’s great to have this flexibility and to be able to only use water when and where the pitch needs it.

“It has never gone wrong, and I’ve never had any problems with it. Compared to what I’ve used in my career, this irrigation system is by far the best and the easiest to use.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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