Avant UK announcement

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Avant UK announcement: Seemingly against all odds, despite the global turmoil generated by COVID19 pandemic Avant UK clients, users, owners & operators in serval industry sectors saw yet again another growth year.

Avant’s are available across the UK in 30 outlets from Somerset to Scotland. Avant boasts a strong dealership network covering all sectors from farming to construction, landscaping to property maintenance. We at Avant offer local UK support from a strong established dealership providing sales, service, technical support and hire.

Avant UK announcement

Avant UK announcement

COMING SOON – TO A DEALERSHIP NEAR YOU

As the Avant UK network goes from strength to strength,  we can now offer the same level of service with the launch and addition of Leguan Lifts, the new generation access platforms, at selected specialist dealerships. Leguan Lifts, manufactured in Finland, is a subsidiary of the Avant Tecno Group,  producing versatile and user-friendly all terrain spider lifts.

John Spencer, Sales and Marketing Director for Avant Tecno UK Ltd has these words to say about the launch “Over the past few years demand has grown not only from our never-ending loyal fan base of Avant® Loader owners but also from those owners and operators of our Leguan® spider Lifts. We are now in a position to offer the same level of expertise and service for the Leguan® lifts through a growing network of specialist dealerships through the UK, bringing the Leguan® spider lifts closer to the customer.

This year, we are unveiling, not only new and updated Spider lift models, our new and refreshed Leguan® branding but it’s also the 30th anniversary of Avant® Loaders being sold worldwide, so lots of exciting things to come from the Avant family.”

Jori Mylläri, VP, Sales & Marketing for Leguan Lifts Oy, talking about the UK Launch added “The introduction of the new generation Leguan spider lifts that come with many unrivalled features and user-friendly control have helped us reach new heights in recent years. It is time to introduce these products for the wider UK audience together with the professionals at Avant UK”.

STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

Leguan Lifts Oy, founded in 1990 specialise in designing and manufacturing reliable and technologically advanced self-propelled access platforms. Leguan has a long tradition in this field; the first self-propelled access platform with outriggers was introduced in 1994. In recent years, Leguan Lifts has completely restructured their product selection introducing many unseen features and the most user-friendly interface to date.

Every spider lift is designed with extraordinary all-terrain capabilities and robust boom structure, which makes Leguan’s versatile and fit for any access job. Leguan’s are built to withstand all climates from the heat of Australia to the freezing cold winters of the Nordics.

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Predicting Infill Migration

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Predicting Infill Migration: The potential ban on rubber crumb infill has meant that owners, manufacturers, and suppliers have taken a keen interest in measures that can mitigate infill migration.

Even if a ban is implemented, there is a requirement for all the current fields containing rubber crumb infill (pitches) to install measures to prevent the infill from leaving the field enclosure. It means, as a minimum for preventing infill loss into the environment, thousands of fields must retrofit panels to the fence line, make space for footwear cleaning areas, and fit drain filters. These upgrades are not an easy undertaking. Fence system designs will need to be assessed for the suitability of panels, placing a financial burden on those charged with responsibility for the fields. There will also be a timeline to tackle the legacy of pitches identified for upgrades.

Predicting Infill Migration

Predicting Infill Migration

But what if there was a way to identify the likelihood of a turf system ejecting rubber crumb from the turf system? What if the risk could be identified using a laboratory method that provides an index for this potential issue? It would mean that designers, consultants, and owners could choose turf systems that can retain infill, thus reducing the investment required to prevent infill from leaving enclosures. It would allow manufacturers to focus on the design of new products for use during turf construction, intended to help reduce infill movement and loss.

Infill is now identified as a source of microplastics in the environment, although the overwhelming evidence suggests that the artificial turf industry is very low on the list of polluters. Due to misinformation, synthetic turf has attracted a disproportionate amount of media attention in recent years. The turf industry is an easy target. However, research shows that compared to the pollution of other industries such as textiles, farming, and chemicals, turf would not even warrant a mention. That said, it should not lead us to complacency. Indeed, it has not. As an industry, we have taken a proactive approach to managing this issue.

In July 2020, a new standard was published; EN 17519:2020 Surfaces for Sports Areas, Synthetic Turf Sports Facilities Guidance on How to Minimize Infill Dispersion into the Environment. This EN standard was adopted by regional and global governing bodies concerned with safety. The objective of the EN is to regulate infill that escapes the pitch. Turf infill can migrate into the surrounding grounds, settle in or around drains, or get stuck to shoes and clothing and be taken off-site.

Lisport XL Tests

Does the Lisport XL tell us anything about infill migration in an artificial turf system? The Lisport XL imparts mechanical wear onto the turf system to attempt to replicate the physical aging of a field. During the wearing process, some infill is displaced, and it can indicate the potential for infill migration that a surface can exhibit in a real-life scenario. It is noted that surfaces with a particularly high-performance infill rate, low free pile above infill, or low stitch density can lead to a higher incidence of infill displacement.

Predicting Infill Migration

Predicting Infill Migration

Splash Test

Does the splash tell us anything about infill migration in an artificial turf system? The splash test replicates the infill displacement from a single ball bounce impact on the surface. It is designed with spectators and high definition TV images to limit the splash characteristics of a surface.

Similarly, to the Lisport XL, surfaces with a high quantity of performance infill, low free pile height, or low stitch density may exhibit a higher splash percentage. Note, however, that splash testing in laboratory conditions provides a worst-case scenario. Recent studies suggest that installed fields can show a lower splash value when compared with the same surface tests in a laboratory. There is a potential to further develop the splash test in a game-like situation or with various impact scenarios.

Data Analysis

We have built an extensive database that holds the results of hundreds of product tests that have run through the Lisport XL. Through an examination of the turf system properties and an analysis of infill migration data, we can identify trends.

What are the key elements in a turf system to prevent infill migration in a field?

  • Turf configuration – higher density products contain the infill better.

  • The free pile is a key factor as more free pile contains the infill, but there is an optimum level required to protect the yarn.

  • Infill type/size/quantity has a direct impact on the mobility of the infill. Higher density infills are less mobile and the added factor of infill voidage/compaction ratio will have a direct impact on non-regulated fields.

  • Footwear, the interaction with or blade/rounded stud flat sole will have a direct impact on disrupting the infill. Any footwear with higher traction may produce more infill movement.

  • Moisture condition – completely dry surfaces show a greater preponderance for infill movement.

  • Grooming/maintenance will de-compact the infill at the surface and certain types of maintenance brushes can cause rubber crumb to be thrown some distance from the brushing action. The speed and pressure applied is also a factor. It should be possible to emulate maintenance activities to the Lisport XL

Conclusions

Very small amounts of infill can leave any field, but the estimates of migration reported in the media are excessively high and unverifiable. Misinformation has been used by ECHA to come to the conclusion that artificial turf fields should be regulated. There are discussions of potentially banning added polymeic materials from performance infill. However, using laboratory tests to identify turf systems which might have a preponderance for allowing infill to be easily displaced could be a better first step to managing the problem.

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Critical time for amenity management

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Critical time for amenity management: For everyone engaged in amenity management, these are really important times. The pandemic and all its consequences are having, and will have, a long lasting impact on everyone, and those engaged in managing amenity spaces are certainly not exempt from this.

What has been demonstrated is the essential nature of much of the work, especially in seeking to keep parks, transports networks, sports surfaces etc. safe and healthy and fit for purpose. However, nobody can predict with certainty the future. With an economy under real stress and unemployment up, there will be less resource available and certainly changes in pattern of use of amenity spaces.

Critical time for amenity management

Critical time for amenity management

Also, to be factored into the mix is the government review of the UK National Action Plan which focusses on all aspects of weed, pest and disease management. The draft plan is now out for consultation and the Amenity Forum will be responding fully. The Forum is also urging other organisations to make response. It is vital that we stress the importance of what is done and why weed, pest and disease management is essential. We cannot take this for granted; we need to make our politicians fully aware of what we do, and the professional standards employed. In that latter context, the sector must embrace the Amenity Standard. It is a totally recognisable way to demonstrate professional standards by showing organisations involved are members of an approved assurance scheme. There is much support from policy makers for the Standard and getting engaged shows commitment by the sector and will very much assist in gaining the right outcomes for the sector. For further information contact admin@amenityforum.net or visit the website www.theamenitystandard.co.uk

The National Action Plan will be the key focus at a series of free Updating Events being held by the Amenity Forum over the coming weeks. They are half day, free and open to all and being run entirely online. It is really important that those engaged in, or with an interest in, amenity management are fully aware of the potential changes and express their views. These free events will provide this. For details of registration, please contact Kate at Admin@amenityforum.net. The dates are February 9th, 11th, 23rd, 25th and March 4th.

Also recently launched at this important time is a government supported survey seeking to ascertain usage of plant protection products in amenity and related information. If you receive a request to provide this data, please do so. It will provide clear evidence not only of what we do but its importance.

Professor John Moverley, independent chairman of the Amenity Forum, says ‘’The important and essential nature of amenity management may be something those engaged in it understand but we must ensure that message is articulated clearly and strongly to all especially the public and policy makers. Everyone involved should be immensely proud of what they do but now is the time to say it loud. Critical times ahead maybe but working together the sector can face such times and be successful, of that I have no doubt’’.

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Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf

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Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf: The first turf biostimulant from Syngenta heralds the potential for a step change in stress management, along with performance enhancement for existing and future turf management programmes.

New Hicure has been developed to deliver the key protein-building amino acids crucial to build and protect plants from stress effects, along with recovery of playing surface quality faster and more effectively.

Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf

Hicure biostimulant to build energy and protect turf

More than six years of science research and investigative trials has developed the unique formulation of 18 amino acids in Hicure, along with an instantly available energy source for turf to make most effective use.

Syngenta Technical Manager, Glenn Kirby, highlighted amino acids are the building blocks for proteins that make up all plant structures – each with a different construction. “New research into the molecular activity of plant cells has sought to identify which amino acids are required for key functions.

“That’s given a valuable insight into which amino acids can be effectively supplemented to better prepare plants for stressful periods.

“Whilst turf plants can produce their own amino acids during good growing conditions, where they need to adapt to stressful periods it can lead to an imbalance in the availability of the necessary amino acids.

“Hicure can provide a readily accessible source of the important amino acids to give greater tolerance to stress and see turf through,” he added.

Furthermore, Glenn pointed out that the repurposing of amino acids within the plant during stress periods requires large amounts of energy – which can be particularly challenging where turf is under stress and with reduced photosynthetic capability. “Hicure has been formulated with an instantly available energy source, in the form of specific amiono acids. Supplementing energy enables the plant to make better use of resources for faster recovery.

“Together, Hicure is a perfect balance of amino acids and energy to help plants strengthen cell walls and protect against stress.”

Trials results in the UK and across Europe have shown improved tolerance to a wide range of stresses. Under summer heat conditions, for example, fortnightly applications of Hicure had halved the incidence of leaf damage, compared to untreated.

Improvements in turf quality, coverage and consistency had also been seen in Hicure trials against a wider range of stresses and even herbicide treatments.

“With the incidence of environmental stresses becoming more frequent and more severe in nature with climate change the role of Hicure is expected to become even greater in future turf management programmes,” Glenn advised.

Optimum results have been seen with fortnightly applications of Hicure at a rate of 10 l/ha, or monthly 20l/ha during spring and summer periods. That can typically be incorporated into foliar nutrition and Primo Maxx PGR timings for ease of application, he advocated.

In late summer and autumn rates can be reduced to 5l/ha every two weeks or 10l/ha per month.  This helps deliver stronger and stress free turf going into the winter period.  Stronger more healthy turf is better able to tolerant disease attack and also recovers more quickly.

Daniel Lightfoot, Syngenta Turf Business Manager, emphasised that R&D had clearly shown that not all biostimulants work as effectively as others, or offer the significant benefits that could be achieved. “We continue to exhaustively test a large number of biostimulant products, and have only selected a small number that have shown the potential to offer effective results.

“Understanding the science of how the product works is essential to advise where it can fit into an agronomic programme,” he advocated. “Turf managers can be confident that any biostimulant from Syngenta has been thoroughly researched and will deliver the benefits they are looking for.”

The focus of Syngenta research is increasingly on enhancing overall plant health, together with the integration of agronomic practices and digital support tools, alongside the intervention of plant protection products where required.

The company’s recent acquisition of Valagro, one of the world’s leading biostimulant and biopesticide businesses, signals a commitment to creating a whole programme approach to plant health.

“As we develop and bring to market innovative fungicides over the coming years, we have the research to understand and recommend how they can be best used in conjunction with Hicure and other inputs to get the best results.”

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COMPO EXPERT Appoints Agrovista Amenity

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COMPO EXPERT Appoints Agrovista Amenity: German fertiliser manufacturer COMPO EXPERT has announced the appointment of leading supplier to the UK’s amenity industry Agrovista Amenity as the ‘exclusive national distributor’ of its turf products in the UK.

As part of this partnership, Agrovista Amenity will be involved in all COMPO EXPERT turf product research and development – working closely with COMPO EXPERT’s Global Head of Turf – Dr Fritz Lord and Dr Mauricio Hunsche the Head of Research and Development.  Head of Regulatory Affairs Dr Thomas Leppin will work with Agrovista Amenity on regulatory issues and Chief Marketing Officer Dr Ingo Mueller will contribute to joint marketing initiatives.

COMPO EXPERT Appoints Agrovista Amenity

COMPO EXPERT Appoints Agrovista Amenity

COMPO EXPERT will supply its full portfolio of turf and landscape products, through Agrovista Amenity’s distribution channels, containing controlled-release fertiliser, slow-release fertiliser and nitrification inhibitor technology. The wide range of granulometry will also be available to turf and landscape clients.

Commenting on the partnership, COMPO EXPERT Managing Director Gerald Bonner says: “COMPO EXPERT is delighted to be the preferred partner for the manufacture and supply of turf and landscape fertilisers to Agrovista Amenity. Our unique and innovative controlled and slow-release chemistry will provide the most environmentally-friendly fertilisers to turf and landscape clients.

“Agrovista Amenity is the perfect turf agronomy partner for a chemistry and agronomy-led company like COMPO EXPERT. We are delighted with the agronomy-led approach from Agrovista Amenity and we believe that this partnership will expand our leading European turf and landscape footprint in the UK.”

John Marland, Head of Amenity, Agrovista UK Ltd says: “We are delighted to announce our association with COMPO EXPERT, a manufacturer that brings a wealth of technical knowledge and superior quality.  COMPO EXPERT supplies the highest-quality nutrition used at some of leading venues across Europe and the world. We feel this partnership further signals Agrovista Amenity’s commitment to bring choice and technical excellence to the UK amenity market.”

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