Equipping Turf Managers for the Future

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Equipping Turf Managers for the Future: Turf Science Live Ireland, a renowned educational event in turf management, returned in September, hosted at the magnificent Killeen Castle.

This prestigious golf course provided a fitting venue backdrop for turf professionals to gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in turf science, hands-on product demonstrations, and real-world solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today.

Organised jointly by ICL and Syngenta, the free-to-attend event has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality educational content and showcasing innovative products. It also provides an excellent networking opportunity for golf course managers and turf professionals.

This year’s event featured a series of interactive learning stations, each led by industry experts who shared their knowledge on a wide range of critical topics. Dr. Andy Owen, ICL’s International Technical Manager, led discussions at his station focused on organic-based fertilisers and their role in soil sustainability.

Dr. Owen emphasised the importance of understanding what an organic or organic-based fertiliser truly is, highlighting that many products can be over-marketed with exaggerated claims. He encouraged attendees to take a more informed approach when selecting fertilisers, and showed some demo plots illustrating the value of CRF products by comparing turf response from a range of different fertilisers with matched nitrogen inputs.

At another station, Colman Warde, ICL Ireland Country Manager, presented the latest advancements in precision nutrition. As the demand for high-quality sports turf increases, Colman demonstrated how precision spreaders can dramatically improve the results of granular fertilisers. His station was a reminder of the importance of calibration and investing in proven, high-quality technology to ensure turf managers achieve the best possible outcomes for their courses.

Glenn Kirby, Syngenta’s EAME Technical Services Manager for Turf & Landscape, tackled the growing pressures of climate change at his station. With disease threats on the rise, Glenn provided valuable insights into emerging turf diseases and the importance of fungicide rotation to combat these challenges.

He stressed the need for predictive models and responsible management of fungicides to maintain healthy turf in a changing climate, stating, “Climate is changing, and disease pressure is increasing.”

A pressing issue discussed at the event was worm casting, which affects the quality of playing surfaces and increases wear on equipment. Fergal Greenan, ICL Area Sales Manager, and Sean Loakes, Syngenta Technical Manager, led a station focused on mitigating these effects. Attendees learned best practices for using growth regulators like Primo Maxx II, with practical insights from Mark Collins, Killeen Castle’s Course Superintendent, on how the product has helped manage worm casting on his course.

In addition to the educational sessions, Turf Science Live2024 provided attendees with hands-on demonstrations of new products, including ICL’s 360ST spreaders. These spreaders are designed to enhance the precision of fertiliser applications, ensuring that nutrients are delivered evenly across turf surfaces.

Beyond the educational content, Turf Science Live was an invaluable networking event, allowing turf professionals to exchange ideas and learn from one another’s experiences. It was an opportunity for attendees to come together and discuss common challenges and explore potential solutions.

Andy Sheehan, Course Superintendent at Milltown Golf Club and President of the Association of Turfgrass Professionals Ireland, shared his thoughts: “Disease management is our biggest issue. Presenting a good golf course is, in my opinion, easy with quality products, but getting the disease timing right is a challenge—especially in Ireland in autumn and winter. ICL and Syngenta help you get through the worst of it.

The networking and education here allow us to exchange insights and problem-solving strategies .”

David Behan, a Course Manager, echoed these sentiments: “Turf Science Live is a highlight of the Irish greenkeeping calendar. Climate change is a growing concern, and the event provided insights into new biology strategies for disease management. The innovative solutions from ICL and Syngenta to manage healthy turf in Ireland’s challenging conditions.”

Mark Bewley, head greenkeeper at Grange Golf Club, added: “The event is a credit to ICL and Syngenta for their research. We tested the 360ST spreader, and the calibration is spot on. The lessons learned today on using organic products and slow-release fertilisers to reduce disease activity will help us maintain healthy turfgrass.”

Turf Science Live 2024 was once again an essential event combining education with hands-on product demonstrations and networking opportunities. Attendees left with practical knowledge, the latest advancements in fertiliser and fungicide technologies, and strategies for managing emerging challenges like climate change and turf diseases.

With industry-leading sessions, cutting-edge products, and opportunities to exchange ideas with peers, Turf Science Live continues to be a must-attend event for anyone serious about staying at the forefront of turf management.

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

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Indigrow New Appointment

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

Stuart joins Indigrow with a wide range of experiences from the turf management sector. From leading sports turf apprenticeships at a leading higher education establishment, through heading up member learning at one of the world’s largest greenkeeper associations, to offering turf nutrition advice in a role as a technical advisor, Stuart has a great number of skills to offer our customer base as part of our dedication to excellent customer service.

Indigrow New Appointment

Indigrow New Appointment

Stuart will be responsible for Yorkshire and Lancashire and the surrounding areas. 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 Stuart, his new details are as follows:

Stuart Green 07443 320831 sgreen@indigrow.co.uk

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DSV UK Hosts Insightful Netherlands Trip

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DSV UK Hosts Insightful Netherlands Trip: DSV UK recently organised a trip for distributors and end users to the company’s Netherlands division, offering attendees an in-depth look into the world of grass breeding.

Hamish Crichton, from DSV UK, led the trip, which aimed to showcase the scale, history, and expertise of DSV.

The Netherlands trip was designed to provide a comprehensive view of DSV’s operations, including a tour of their state-of-the-art facilities. Hamish explained the purpose behind the visit: “We got everyone together – both distributors and their customers – to show them what DSV is all about. From our long-standing pedigree to the level of investment in new facilities and products, the tour provided valuable insights into our capabilities.”

One of the highlights of the trip was viewing turf trials, where visitors could see the cultivars in their purest form. “It was great for the attendees to see the cultivars, not just in mixtures, but in isolation, which really helps to showcase the quality,” Hamish said. He added that the group were impressed by the breeding process, which can take up to sixteen years for a single variety to be developed and approved.

Holger Lurmann, Product Manager of Turf Grasses, provided an expert perspective on the breeding process during the visit. He explained the various stages involved in producing a single variety of grass and how these varieties are composed into specialised mixtures.

“I gave an introduction into our breeding efforts and what is required to get the final product,” Holger said. “We also discussed what goes into creating a mixture that works for the customer’s specific needs, whether it’s for sports or ornamental purposes. The group visited our trial plots, which are part of the official trial system here in the Netherlands.”

These trials ensure that only the highest-quality turf varieties make it to market, providing end users with confidence in the products they purchase.

Beyond the technical insights, the trip was also an opportunity to strengthen relationships with distributors and customers. As Hamish emphasised, “Days like this help create more awareness of the DSV brand and build stronger connections with those who use and sell our products.”

The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many finding the trip highly beneficial. “The feedback has been great, and everyone has taken something valuable from it,” Hamish said. “It’s been a great opportunity to not only showcase what we do but also to build a deeper understanding of our products among those who use them.”

While DSV has long been recognised as a leader in grass breeding across Europe, the trip also helped to further cement DSV’s reputation in the UK. “DSV is still a relatively new name to the UK market, and we wanted to show people the scale of the business and the quality of the cultivars we produce. Now, the industry is realising that DSV has been around for decades, producing first-class grass seed mixtures,” Hamish said.

Take advantage of these exclusive discounts, contact your local DSV distributor today.

Please visit www.dsv-uk.co.uk for more information.

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Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

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Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX: SALTEX has solidified its status as the ultimate event for the entire grounds management industry, putting high-calibre visitors and cutting-edge innovation at the forefront.

This year’s exhibition at the NEC Birmingham, the 78th edition, drew thousands of industry professionals and volunteers, where in-depth conversations led to strengthened relationships.

Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

Visitors were able to see more than 30 new products making their UK debut, underscoring SALTEX as the premier platform for innovation. With over 20% of exhibitors attending for the first time, SALTEX continues to attract fresh talent and businesses eager to connect with influential industry leaders.

Susanna Anderson-Lewis from TurfSolv said: “SALTEX 2024 has been a very successful show for us. In addition to the number and quality of visitors to our stand, we were able to use this platform to launch and showcase our two new grass care products. Also, before the exhibition, the SALTEX team were more than helpful in cheerfully accommodating our stand requirements. The TurfSolv team look forward to exhibiting next year at SALTEX 2025.”

The high calibre of visitors this year underlines SALTEX’s status as a must-attend event. Almost 80% of attendees were senior decision-makers, with visitors from Premier League football clubs including Liverpool FC, Cheslea FC, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as world-class sports venues including Allianz Arena (FC Bayern Munich), Lord’s Cricket Ground, Red Bull Arena (RB Leipzig), Wembley Stadium, Doncaster Racecourse and Mattioli Woods Welford Road (Leicester Tigers).

Additionally, SALTEX welcomed representatives from leading educational institutions including Harrow School, Myerscough College, Eton College and Magdalen College School, alongside prominent universities such as Oxford University, Cambridge University, University of Leeds and Trinity College Dublin.

Many local authorities were also represented at SALTEX including Bristol City Council, Leeds City Council and Nottingham City Council, as well as notable estates such as Sandringham and The Royal Parks.

A growing representation of County Football Associations showcased the vital role of the volunteer network in grassroots sports. Among those in attendance were the London FA, Birmingham FA, Liverpool FA, and Sheffield and Hallamshire FA.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO said: “We’re really pleased with the success of SALTEX 2024. Each year, we work closely with the industry to ensure that SALTEX remains relevant, impactful and forward-thinking. Listening to our industry’s needs and evolving the event to match those expectations is at the heart of what we do.

“This year’s turnout, the quality of conversations and the level of innovation on display reflect that commitment. We’re already looking ahead to SALTEX 2025 and are excited to bring even more opportunities for engagement and collaboration to our attendees and exhibitors.”

Next year, SALTEX will return to its traditional November slot of 12-13 November 2025, better aligning with industry preferences and the grounds management calendar. SALTEX 2025 will also see a relocation to Halls 17, 18 and 19 at the NEC, introducing a refreshed layout designed to enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors.

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Green-tech Supports Tilhill Forestry

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Green-tech Supports Tilhill Forestry: Green-tech, the UK’s leading landscape supplier to the landscaping and forestry sectors, has recently collaborated with Tilhill Forestry to enhance the natural beauty of a Scottish site.

Olivia Fitzgerald, Forest Manager at Tilhill, shared her insights on the project, emphasising the importance of Green-tech’s products in achieving their goals. “Following harvesting, the landowner was keen to create a new area of riparian broadleaves at the entrance to their site. The tree shelters and guards from Green-tech will be essential for protecting the young trees from the local deer population. In years to come, visitors to this forest will be welcomed with cherry blossom in the spring and brilliant yellow leaves of autumnal aspen. Thank you to Green-tech for providing such a responsive and reliable service.”.

Green-tech Supports Tilhill Forestry

Green-tech Supports Tilhill Forestry

The project saw Green-tech supplying 1300 Tubex tree shelters, each 1.2 meters high, and 1.35-meter softwood stakes. These shelters and stakes are vital for ensuring the young trees can grow safely, free from damage caused by wildlife. The use of these products reflects Green-tech’s commitment to supporting sustainable forestry practices and enhancing the UK’s natural landscapes.

A riparian zone is the area of land along a river or burn.  Planting native broadleaf trees along these zones will help with climate change and biodiversity, creating robust wildlife corridors.

Tom Sollitt, Key Account Manager at Green-tech, added. “We were very pleased to be involved with this project. Olivia and the Tilhill team in South Scotland are always a pleasure to work with; their knowledge, dedication, and professionalism helped to make this a success for the client. We’re proud to have contributed to the enhancement of the natural landscape in a beautiful part of the country.”

Tilhill Forestry is renowned for being the UK’s leading sustainable forest and timber harvesting company. They offer a comprehensive range of services to woodland owners, public bodies, farmers, landowners, and private companies across the UK. Their expertise and commitment to sustainability make them an ideal partner for projects that endeavour to preserve and enhance natural habitats.

The successful relationship between Tilhill Forestry and Green-tech showcases the importance of reliable partnerships and high-quality products in sustainable forestry. As the newly planted riparian broadleaves mature, they provide both a stunning visual experience for visitors and contribute to the ecological health of the area.

Green-tech’s involvement in this project highlights its position as a major supplier to the UK’s landscaping and forestry sectors, dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and natural beauty.

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