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AFH Groundcare Becomes a Distributor for DSV Seeds

June 17, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

AFH Groundcare Becomes a Distributor for DSV Seeds: AFH Groundcare has been announced as an official distributor for DSV Seeds, offering the EuroGrass Pro range and DSV’s amenity mixtures to customers across Gloucestershire. Founded by Tom Hughes, AFH Groundcare has grown steadily over recent years, starting from owning just a single line marker to providing […]

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

June 17, 2025/in Turf Spotlight/by Admin

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health: By ICL’s Henry Bechelet. A Greenkeeper’s Reality: The Battle Against Stress You’ve been here before. A long, dry spell stretches on, and the greens start showing signs of stress – wilting, thinning, roots struggling to reach deeper for moisture. Then, just as relief comes in […]

AFH Groundcare Becomes a Distributor for DSV Seeds

June 17, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

June 17, 2025/in Turf Spotlight/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

AFH Groundcare Becomes a Distributor for DSV Seeds

June 17, 2025/in News, Press Release/by Admin

AFH Groundcare Becomes a Distributor for DSV Seeds: AFH Groundcare has been announced as an official distributor for DSV Seeds, offering the EuroGrass Pro range and DSV’s amenity mixtures to customers across Gloucestershire.

Founded by Tom Hughes, AFH Groundcare has grown steadily over recent years, starting from owning just a single line marker to providing a comprehensive range of services, including sports turf maintenance, lawn care, renovations, and vegetation management. Tom’s passion for delivering the best possible results for his clients led him to explore the seed market, which ultimately led to his partnership with DSV.

AFH Groundcare Becomes a Distributor for DSV Seeds

“I provide a lot of fertilisers and was very keen on moving into offering seed,” said Tom. “Someone mentioned to me that DSV offers a fantastic range of grass seed. The same person introduced me to Samuel Horner (Business Manager) from DSV, so we met up, had a chat, and it’s been going well ever since.”

AFH Groundcare has already seen positive feedback from customers using DSV’s EuroGrass Pro mixtures. “A sports club I work with has been using it on their football pitch, and they are very happy with the results. Even in November, it was germinating incredibly well,” Tom shared.

One of the key strengths of AFH Groundcare’s approach is its commitment to providing tailored solutions for clients of all sizes and budgets. “With grassroots clubs, everyone knows they don’t have a lot of money. I always recommend EuroGrass Pro mixtures because I know their strengths and the high-quality varieties in them. Every club is different, and I’ll always provide whatever suits their needs.”

DSV’s EuroGrass Pro range is developed for professional use and offers high-performance mixtures tailored to different requirements, including Classic, Ornamental, Shade, Sport, and Renovation blends. These carefully composed mixtures take into account factors such as soil conditions, climate, and maintenance plans, ensuring the best results for turf professionals.

Tom values the support he receives from DSV, stating, “It’s great working with DSV. If there’s ever anything I’m unsure about or need, I just make one phone call, and they’re always readily available to help. I’ve never had any issues with deliveries – everything arrives on time, and I can’t fault them at all.”

As the relationship between AFH Groundcare and DSV continues to grow, more customers will have access to top-tier seed products designed to enhance playing surfaces across the region.

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Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

June 17, 2025/in Turf Spotlight/by Admin

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health: By ICL’s Henry Bechelet. A Greenkeeper’s Reality: The Battle Against Stress

You’ve been here before.

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

A long, dry spell stretches on, and the greens start showing signs of stress – wilting, thinning, roots struggling to reach deeper for moisture. Then,
just as relief comes in the form of rain, it brings a new challenge: soft, unpredictable surfaces, weakened turf, and patchy recovery.

In these moments, turf resilience isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. Stronger roots mean faster recovery, better stress tolerance, and consistently high-quality playing surfaces. And for years, greenkeepers have turned to seaweed extracts to support plant health.

But here’s the thing: not all seaweed based biostimulants are the same. The difference isn’t just in the seaweed itself – it’s in how its powerful compounds are extracted.

Why SMX is Different: Science, Innovation, and Sustainability

ICL, in partnership with Acadian Seaplants – the world leader in seaweed technology – has developed SMX, a scientifically engineered seaweed biostimulant designed to
enhance turf performance from the roots up. With cutting-edge extraction methods, a commitment to sustainability, and proven results, SMX isn’t just another seaweed extract. It’s a smarter approach to turf management.

The Science Behind SMX: Why Extraction Matters

Not all seaweed extracts deliver the same results. For decades, seaweed has been used in turf management. But how it’s processed determines whether its most beneficial compounds reach the plant in a usable form.

There’s a common belief that cold-pressed seaweed is always superior. It’s a nice idea, but the reality is more complex. Research shows that different extraction
methods yield different benefits – some unlock higher levels of bioactive compounds than others.

Alkaline Extraction: A Proven Advantage

Independent trials, including those led by Dr. Andy Owen and the ICL team, have demonstrated that alkaline extracted seaweed can significantly enhance root length and volume – key factors in improving turf resilience.

Here’s why it matters:

Better root initiation – SMX helps roots establish faster and deeper, providing stronger anchorage and access to moisture.
Enhanced stress tolerance – Turf treated with SMX recovers more effectively from drought, wear, and disease.
Improved nutrient uptake – Healthier roots mean better absorption of essential nutrients, supporting long-term turf quality. It’s not about saying one method is always better than another – it’s about understanding what actually works in turf management. And SMX is backed by real-world trials.

What Sets SMX Apart?

Specialist expertise from Acadian Seaplants. Acadian Seaplants is a global leader in sustainable seaweed harvesting and extraction technology.

By partnering with Acadian, ICL combines world-class seaweed innovation with its own expertise in turf agronomy, ensuring SMX delivers real, measurable benefits.

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

Extraction that works for turf, not just for labels:

SMX’s alkaline extraction process enhances the availability of plant growth regulators and stress response compounds.
Trials confirm that SMX-treated turf recovers faster from drought, wear, and disease, helping greenkeepers maintain high performance playing surfaces.

Real-World Results, Proven by Science

Independent research shows that SMX:

Increases root initiation
Strengthens turf against environmental stress
Improves long-term resilience on golf courses, stadiums, and sports pitches.

Sustainable Innovation: The SMX Commitment

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a responsibility. Acadian Seaplants ensures every harvest is carried out responsibly, using satellite imaging and drone technology to monitor seaweed bed regrowth. This protects marine ecosystems while ensuring a continuous, high-quality supply of seaweed.

For greenkeepers, choosing SMX means choosing a product that supports turf health and respects the environment.

SMX: The Next Step in Turf Management

Greenkeeping isn’t just about managing grass – it’s about understanding how to give turf the best possible foundation to thrive.

With increasing environmental challenges, greenkeepers need proven, research-backed solutions – not just marketing claims. SMX is more than just another seaweed extract.

It’s the next step in root health, stress resilience, and sustainable turf management.

Are you ready for the SMX difference? Contact us to learn how ICL and Acadian Seaplants are setting new standards in turf management.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

AFH Groundcare Becomes a Distributor for DSV Seeds

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

AFH Groundcare Becomes a Distributor for DSV Seeds

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

AFH Groundcare Becomes a Distributor for DSV Seeds

AFH Groundcare Becomes a Distributor for DSV Seeds: AFH Groundcare has been announced as an official distributor for DSV Seeds, offering the EuroGrass Pro range and DSV’s amenity mixtures to customers across Gloucestershire.

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health

Unlocking the power of seaweed: SMX difference for turf health: By ICL’s Henry Bechelet. A Greenkeeper’s Reality: The Battle Against Stress

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