Uncovering the Potential

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Uncovering the Potential: Sports research laboratories, consultants and other sports specialists look at data to improve the surface, environment or player performance. Let’s look at how GrasPro can help with it.

Experience with GrasPro users shows that targeted data collection and processing make it possible to assess and improve pitch quality, better manage conditions, increase utilisation and reduce investment, operating costs and environmental impact. Using the system provides a clear overview of the pitches’ care, quality and characteristics.

Uncovering the Potential

Uncovering the Potential

Based on the data, a variety of studies and analyses can be carried out to influence the above factors and build an understanding of the pitch.

To take an example of data use:

  • Do factors such as a low grass mowing height influence the pitch resistance?
  • The interaction between weather, water use and fertiliser sources. That is, how much the fertiliser application must be changed to offset precipitation and irrigation. An aspect that can be an environmental problem.
  • How different maintenance measures affect the outcome of measuring the grass condition.
  • How can data support environmentally friendly pitch maintenance?
  • The impact of accidents on players.

Player Injuries and the Pitch Condition

For information on the importance of this data collection, many studies have been conducted on the correlation between player accidents and pitch conditions. Some of these studies have shown a connection between these two factors. For example, the grip and compression of the surface can influence the accident rate.

There is clear evidence of inadequate stability and definitions of quantitative deficiencies. This GA review (1) [Lauren A. Petrass et. AL, 2013] is also presented in a scientific study by David Rennie and others published in 2015 (2) [David J. Rennie et. al, 2016]. The performance and capability of players are primarily determined by the type of surface they play on. Simple tests show whether if a surface is wet, hard, uneven, etc., can matter. These factors can affect ball flow, speed of play, player injuries and the game itself, among other things. With improved data collection and data reliability, it is possible to investigate, for example, whether a fast surface is better suited for quick players to perform to their full potential.

 

It is of great interest to top-tier competition teams to pay close attention to on-pitch situations where large sums of money can be directly related to the performance of individual players in competing teams. Modern competition depends on whether a key player is injured or cannot play at full capacity due to pitch conditions. This can have far-reaching effects on a team’s earning potential and its long-term performance.

Achieving Sustainability Goals for Stadium Construction and Maintenance

In FIFA Stadium Guidelines 2022 (3) FIFA stress that sustainable maintenance and operation of the stadiums are essential for the future. According to the UN, the energy intensity of buildings must be reduced 30% by 2030 compared to 2015 levels to meet the Paris Agreement. In addition to it, significant climate change mitigation measures include reducing CO2 emissions from materials used in stadium construction, maintenance and using clean energy to power stadiums.  

The reduction of waste generated during stadium construction, operation and maintenance is another point to consider. For example, excavated soil generated on the construction site should be used for buildings where possible so that only material that cannot be reused is removed. This helps reduce the volume of waste generated during development, reducing the carbon footprint, air pollution and lorry traffic.

Simple measures like composting grass clippings and re-using materials produced during pitch renovations and maintenance can also contribute. In fact, measuring your grass clipping yield can help manage nitrogen and PGR inputs more precisely, improving pitch consistency and performance whilst reducing waste. Keeping a simple record of grass clippings volume can be important information.

Keeping a comprehensive record of moisture levels in the pitch using probes or underground sensors can also make a substantial difference. The desired station can be set by benchmarking moisture levels against pitch performance, and only the exact amount of water needed is used to achieve it.

The same method can be used for fertilisers and grass seeds. With optimum time for use pinpointed, it avoids product waste, budget waste and unnecessary deliveries.

Data collection with GrasPro creates opportunities for gathering knowledge from data and research. The processing and use of this data and expertise will likely lead to significant improvements in the quality and operation, as well as improved player safety and performance.

Sources:

  1. Lauren A. Petrass and Dara M. Twomey (2013), The relationship between ground conditions and injury: What level of evidence do we have? Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 16 (2),. Doi: 0.1016/j.jsams.2012.07.005
  2. David J Rennie,Jos Vanrenterghem, Martin Littlewood, Barry Drust (2016), Can the natural turf pitch be viewed as a risk factor for injury within Association Football?? Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 19 (7), 547-552. Doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2015.07.009
  3. FIFA Football Stadiums Guidelines 2022. Available here: https://publications.fifa.com/en/football-stadiums-guidelines/

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New Indigrow appointment

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New Indigrow appointment: Indigrow are delighted to announce the appointment of Tom White as an area sales manager, helping us expand and enhance our areas of operation within the UK.

Tom has worked in the sports turf industry throughout his career working his way up from an Assistant to Head Greenkeeper. His most recent role was as a Deputy Head Greenkeeper at a course where Indigrow products formed a key element of the turf management programme giving Tom a head start with knowledge of our exciting product range.

New Indigrow appointment

New Indigrow appointment

Tom will be responsible for the East Midlands and Yorkshire. His knowledge and expertise from the world of sports turf and agronomy are priceless to us and invaluable to our customers. If you wish to contact Tom, his new details are as follows: Tom White 07749 583 483 twhite@indigrow.co.uk

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DLF delivers carnival of colour

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DLF delivers carnival of colour: The green, green grass of Chipping Sodbury Golf Club in Bristol is now complimented with a carnival of colours including reds, pinks and purples thanks to the introduction of wildflower seed from DLF.

The project is now into its third year and was the brainchild of Deputy Head Greenkeeper Craig Swindells who, together with support from the membership, has successfully introduced 800sq.M of outstanding visual impact together with all-important food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

DLF delivers carnival of colour

DLF delivers carnival of colour

Craig has been at the 18-hole parkland course, situated on the outskirts of the Cotswolds, for the last 12 years and works as part of a greens team of seven including one trainee and two member volunteers. He explains, “While the trees add great definition to the course, it means we’re very ‘green’ so I presented the idea of planting two new wildflower areas to the committee and they gave us their full support. One member in particular, Geoff McFarland, who shares my passion for ecology was generous enough to fund the project.”

The first seed went into the ground in May 2021 – a combination of Pro Flora 8, comprising of 80% grasses and 20% robust wild flowering species, and Colour Boost 1 (Carnival) for hight-impact annuals. “The weather hadn’t been kind up to that point, but we went from seed to full bloom in under two months and what a bloom we had! Bold bright colours and an abundance of bees and butterflies enjoying the rich food source it provided. We had a wealth of lovely messages and members of the public coming in to have a look.”

“At the end of the first season, we cut back and hand-picked unwanted growth as and when we saw it. Year two we left the areas alone and found we achieved great uptake with the perennials and, as you’d expect, fewer annuals though some did self-seed. It still looked good but like most plants, struggled with the ground being so dry through the summer of 2022. Now, we’re going into year three and we’re overseeding again, this time with Colour Boost’s Biodiversity mix to introduce a wide range of flowering varieties.”

Biodiversity from DLF’s Colour Boost collection blends seasonal annuals, biennials and perennials to appeal to a host of varied fauna, including pollinating insects. The composition of species is wide and ensures suitability to different growing conditions and strong colour, which changes depending on bloom, throughout the season.

“This project has brought so many benefits to the players, the wildlife and even the general public and we really couldn’t have wished for more. The support and guidance from DLF along the way has also been brilliant.” Craig adds, “Having tried other brands of wildflower, we can certainly say that Pro Flora and Colour Boost have given us the very best results, and there’s now great anticipation and excitement to see the outcome of this year’s work.”

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Dennis & SISIS conclude bowls seminar programme

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Dennis & SISIS conclude bowls seminar programme: Dennis and SISIS recently concluded their annual bowling green maintenance seminar programme, and by all accounts it was another huge success.

Committed to educating greenkeepers and raising the standards of bowling greens, Dennis and SISIS have long supported the sport of bowls. Their bowling green maintenance seminars continue to go from strength to strength with delegates praising them for helping make an improvement to their greens.

Dennis & SISIS conclude bowls seminar programme

Dennis & SISIS conclude bowls seminar programme

The 2023 programme saw renowned Turf Consultant Alan Lewis kick-start each seminar. In his presentation, which focussed on renovations and maintenance, Alan discussed best practice including tips on brushing, scarifying, spraying, verticutting, aerating and watering.

The experienced Stuart Yarwood, North West Technical Manager for DLF and Johnsons Seeds, then advised attendees on how to choose the correct grass seed and top dressing before the focus turned to mowers.

Delegates stepped on to the green to hear from Andy Walker, Field Support Manager for Dennis and SISIS, on how to get the best performance from a mower. In this popular ‘Mower School’ feature, Andy drew upon his 40 plus years of experience to provide tips on everything from operation to the maintenance of mowers.

Dennis & SISIS conclude bowls seminar programme

Dennis & SISIS conclude bowls seminar programme

After a complimentary lunch, an on-green demonstration was carried out and all delegates got to see many of the maintenance tips both Alan and Andy mentioned in their presentations performed by a range of Dennis and SISIS turf maintenance equipment.

The seminars were rounded off with the popular ‘Turf Clinic’ question and answer session, where delegates got the chance to ask some of their own questions to the experts.

It was the first ever seminar for Peter Jones from Ponciau Park Bowling Club in Wrexham, after recently taking over the maintenance from the local authority.

“We found as a club, probably due to budget constraints, that the green had been neglected so we have started to have more member involvement,” he said. “Today has been very informative, I picked up lots of tips, and I wish more of our members could have attended.”

Brian Sullivan, from Hargrave and Huxley Bowling Club in Cheshire, said: “The seminar was very detailed and there was so much information to take in. It was informative, enlightening and I learnt a lot.”

Dennis & SISIS conclude bowls seminar programme

Dennis & SISIS conclude bowls seminar programme

Echoing Brian’s thoughts was Jonathan Brown from Broughton Holdings in Stafford. “It was great from start to finish and there were so many excellent speakers. I particularly found the machinery set-up session to be beneficial and it was brilliant to see some equipment in action.”

Further information about the range of bowls maintenance products available from both manufacturers 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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More gardening power with Makita

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More gardening power with Makita: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita has expanded its impressive gardening and landscaping portfolio, with the launch of two new cordless pruning saws – the DUC101 and UC100D.

DUC101 18V Pruning Saw Brushless LXT

Designed with a 100mm bar and chain and equipped with a powerful brushless 320W motor, the new DUC101 pruning saw offers chain speeds of up to 8m/s to make garden and orchard pruning tasks a breeze. With a lightweight and compact construction, users can easily manoeuvre the tool to make quick work of pruning tree branches and thick bushes.

More gardening power with Makita

More gardening power with Makita

One of the standout features is its tool-less chain change and tension adjustment mechanism which negates the need for any additional tools. Plus, with the automatic chain lubrication and chain oil view window, users can easily keep track of the saw’s oil levels and ensure smooth and precise cutting performance.

The DUC101 features a lock-off lever accessible from both sides, a rear hand guard, and a moveable guard that gradually opens wider as the saw chain cuts deeper into the branch.

UC100D 12Vmax Pruning Saw Brushless CXT

Makita has also added the 12Vmax UC100D CXT pruning saw with 100mm chainsaw bar and chain to its outdoor line-up. With a lightweight, compact design and a soft-grip handle this tool is ideal for smaller cutting jobs. Like the DUC101, it features automatic chain lubrication and a chain oil view window, so users can ensure that the chain is always properly oiled for maximum performance.

The UC100D includes a number of safety features such as a lock-off lever accessible from both sides, a rear hand guard, a moveable guard, and an electric brake to help prevent accidents.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “Our cordless gardening products help our customers handle their projects with more ease, control and freedom on site. The latest pruning saws are a great addition to any tool collection thanks to their excellent design and powerful brushless motor.”

The pruning saws are part of Makita’s wider spring collection of product launches which also includes the 350mm 18V LXT DUC357 Brushless Chainsaw, which joins the 300mm DUC307 Chainsaw that was launched earlier this year.

To find out more about Makita’s latest products, visit www.makitauk.com.

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Heathland course on top form with ISEKI

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Heathland course on top form with ISEKI: Working hard to restore this beautiful heathland course back to its former glory, Ipswich Golf Club with its 9-hole and 18-hole courses just keeps getting better every year.

The driving force behind all this is Graham Brumpton, Course Manager who has dedicated his last 33 years to developing the course, gradually introducing heathland elements back and managing the woodland areas to allow the natural habitats to thrive.  With numerous industry awards for best environmental golf course and conservation greenkeeper, wildlife and environmental concerns are a high priority for the club.

Heathland course on top form with ISEKI

Heathland course on top form with ISEKI

With all these projects and constant renovation, Graham has a team of 9 staff to carefully nurture the golf course, and with that workload they require numerous pieces of machinery.  Their previous ISEKI tractor was in need of replacement after over 25 years of hard graft.  Another compact tractor with a higher horse power was required, so following demonstrations with different manufacturers the ISEKI TH5370 ticked all the boxes!

Graham explained; “What sold it for us was the versatility of the tractor, with the 1,200kg lift capacity, loader and 35hp high torque engine. We use the machine for so many jobs on the course include aerating, brushing the fairways and topdressing.  Another reason we particularly chose the TH5370 was for the width of the tractor itself, we needed a tractor to power the Pro-core and ensure there was no overlap, at 1.3m wide it was perfect for the job!

“Alongside powering the implements it is used for all greens work, towing the trailer to carry bunker sand and divot material around the course, then transporting the greens mowers to each hole. So versatilityand operator friendly with very intuitive controlswas important asthe whole team use the tractor.

“We have a long-standing relationship with our local dealer Ernest Doe Groundcare and ISEKI, however we always ensure we buy the right equipment for the course making sure we look across the marketplace, ISEKI were hands down the best option!”

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Using Attraxor for growth regulation

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Using Attraxor for growth regulation: A Scotland based golf club has explained the key benefits of using Attraxor for growth regulation and the suppression of Poa annua.

Head greenkeeper, John Cunningham, based at the Isle of Skye Golf Club, explains that he has been using Attraxor for the past two years on golf greens and surrounds.

Using Attraxor for growth regulation

Using Attraxor for growth regulation

Officially formed in 1988, the Isle of Skye golf club boasts an 18 hole course across 9 greens, nestled at the foot of the Red Cuillins. The club welcomes golfers of all ages and abilities to visit and enjoy the wonderful scenery it has to offer.

John discussed the reason he began using Attraxor at the Isle of Sky Golf Club: “I began using Attraxor mainly as a growth regulator, and I believe it is the best growth regulator on the market. Its longevity out performs other competitors.”

Attraxor has been shown to effectively regulate growth of managed amenity turf. The active substance, Prohexadione-calcium, inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, which results in a reduction of turf height and turf biomass. Root growth is also promoted through use of Attraxor whilst turf colour and quality are maintained.

John confirmed: “Using Attraxor has led to lower maintenance levels across the course, resulting in a reduced need to cut and roll.”

Attraxor also limits the spread of annual meadow grass, Poa annua, by reducing seed-head production and physiological weakening. John states: “Attraxor has obliterated Poa annua seed heads. It’s absolutely fantastic and very quick acting.”

John has also noticed that there has also been improvement in grass quality: “Since using Attraxor the sward has thickened, providing a smoother, more uniform putting surface”.

John was very impressed with the results from using Attraxor compared to other PGR products: “I have previously used other alternatives, and none work as well as Attraxor. Its longevity also outperforms other competitors.

“Using Attraxor has reduced costs, there’s no doubt about it. The growth regulation results in less cutting and less rolling. It’s a win-win all round.”

To find out more about Attraxor, visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Overview/Growth-Regulator/Attraxor.html#section-benefits

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Convenience is key with Toro MVP kits

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Convenience is key with Toro MVP kits: Now more than ever, any opportunity for businesses to reduce the cost of goods is welcome, so Reesink Turfcare is reminding customers about its Toro MVP kits.

Standing for Multi Value Packs, these kits save 20 percent on the cost of the individual parts for over 100 different maintenance issues such as rebuilding rollers, replacing hydraulic hoses or overhauling cutting units.

Convenience is key with Toro MVP kits

Convenience is key with Toro MVP kits

Michael Hampton, Reesink Turfcare parts manager, comments: “One of the greatest money vacuums on the golf course is machinery downtime, but with an MVP kit ready to go you can both protect your equipment and see it working all season long. The thing about machinery parts is that they’re not really needed until something has already gone wrong. With Toro MVP packs, you’ll never be caught short in a crisis – any genuine Toro part you need is right there conveniently packaged in one handy box.”

Toro’s MVP packs are all about convenience and minimising downtime, enabling customers to respond quickly to problems so that their turfcare machinery can spend less time in the workshop and more time working. Having everything in a single package makes ordering and completing the job easier.

Michael continues: “At this time of year, productivity is key so machines need to be able to perform constantly and consistently. You can’t always prevent hiccups with machines, but having an MVP kit on the shelf means you can get a machine back up and running quickly without wasting time sourcing individual parts as issues arise.”

MVP kits are also ideal for keeping on top of routine maintenance, having parts to hand making the process hassle-free. And it’s not just the maintenance itself that’s made easier with MVP kits, they allow for more accurate forecasting when setting budget aside for parts and servicing too.

“When things get busy at this time of year, there’s always that temptation to run turf machinery harder and longer without proper maintenance. The kits also provide instructions on when to carry out maintenance depending on the model and number of hours of use so that operators can prevent issues before they ever happen,” Michael adds.

Toro MVP kits are a smart investment, ordering is easy and handy presentation boxes make storage easier. For more information contact distributor Reesink Turfcare’s Toro parts department on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Soil Scout announces partnership with Bernhard and Company

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Soil Scout announces partnership with Bernhard and Company: Soil Scout are pleased to announce a new and exclusive distribution partnership with Bernhard and Company to supply our world-leading real-time, wireless soil monitoring solution to golf courses and sports turf facilities in England, Scotland and Wales. 

Bernhard and Company is the industry-leader in fine turf management solutions, and its team has considerable experience in the turf care industry, with expertise across multiple disciplines including; engineering, agronomy and product design. All of this, combined with unrivalled understanding of the development and maintenance of playing surfaces makes the company the perfect partner to take our business forward, with the support of Sales and Sports Turf Specialist, Nick Durkin.

Soil Scout announces partnership with Bernhard and Company

Soil Scout announces partnership with Bernhard and Company

Bernhard and Company are associated with some of the most prestigious golf clubs and courses around the world. Its expert teams support the DP World Tour, PGA Tour and the United States Golf Association by providing specialist tournament support for high profile competitions, such as the US Open, the Ryder Cup, and the Open Championship. The company’s machines are also used by more than 65% of the world’s top 100 golf courses.

Through this exciting new partnership, we will look to make certain that we service all our current clients with even greater efficiency whilst also creating lots of new opportunities with potential customers through this new and exclusive distribution channel.

Bernhard and Company are, of course, already synonymous with the Soil Scout brand, having installed the solution worldwide on numerous occasions on behalf of their partner, leading subsurface and moisture management solution, SubAir Systems. Most recently and successfully installing multiple soil monitoring sensors in all eight of the stadium venues for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Soil Scout CEO, Jalmari Talola commented; “Soil Scout continues strong international growth as a leading supplier of soil monitoring solutions. The UK represents the most significant market potential for professional turfs in Europe, and our goal is to help the industry operate more efficiently by making critical soil information available to all users.

“Bernhard and Company is well known all over the world for its leading turf health products and, above all, for its high-quality expertise in the industry. Bernhard has been our familiar partner for seven years, and last year’s successful collaboration at the 2022 World Cup contributed to strengthening the relationship.”

Jalmari continued; “We are very pleased to have Bernhard onboard as the Soil Scout UK distributor and bring the company’s 100+ years of experience to the Soil Scout family. This is an exciting opportunity and we are very much looking forward to getting to work with them!”

Soil Scout’s UK Sales and Sports Turf Specialist, Nick Durkin said; “I am very pleased to announce Bernhard and Company as our exclusive dealer for the UK. The industry leading experts have been providing the highest level of turf care machinery, support and education for many years.

“It’s extremely important we continue to align ourselves with like-minded partners who also value the importance of soil and plant health. We have been working with Bernhard for some time thanks to our relationship with SubAir Systems, and I am excited to continue growing this relationship and provide world leading turf management solutions together.” Steven Nixon, Managing Director for Bernhard and Company, added: “A partnership with Soil Scout was a very easy decision for us to make. We have been working together through SubAir Systems for many years now, and it feels like a natural evolution for us to add this product to our portfolio of turf health Solutions. We are very excited to be part of the continued business growth in the UK.”

Scott Purdy, Business Development Manager EMEA for Bernhard and Company, said: “Soil Scout has already done a great job developing its brand in England, Scotland and Wales. I am really looking forward to taking these conversations forward, and supporting customers with an additional way to understand their turf needs.”

The agreement starts with immediate effect, and for more information, Bernhard and Company can be contacted on 01788 811 600 and info@bernhard.co.uk, or visit Bernhard.co.uk for more.

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