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Futureproofing plant protection at the Amenity Forum

September 5, 2017/in Press Release/by Hannah Wilson

Futureproofing plant protection at the Amenity Forum: Delegates at the Amenity Forum will hear how an integrated approach to weed, pest and disease management is key to the future of the sector, due to the increased regulatory pressure on plant protection products. Speaking at the event on 12 October, Dr Colin Mumford, Bayer technical manager will […]

Toro Improves Turf At Grimsthorpe Castle

September 5, 2017/in Machinery, Press Release/by Rosie Duckworth

Toro Improves Condition And Appearance Of Turf At Grimsthorpe Castle: First time Toro customer, Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire, has purchased a Groundsmaster 4300-D rotary mower to tend the formal gardens. An improvement in the condition and appearance of the turf within the gardens of the 3000-acre estate is already evident. From Easter to September, the 65 acre […]

Futureproofing plant protection at the Amenity Forum

September 5, 2017/in Press Release/by Hannah Wilson

Toro Improves Turf At Grimsthorpe Castle

September 5, 2017/in Machinery, Press Release/by Rosie Duckworth

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Futureproofing plant protection at the Amenity Forum

September 5, 2017/in Press Release/by Hannah Wilson

Futureproofing plant protection at the Amenity Forum: Delegates at the Amenity Forum will hear how an integrated approach to weed, pest and disease management is key to the future of the sector, due to the increased regulatory pressure on plant protection products.

Speaking at the event on 12 October, Dr Colin Mumford, Bayer technical manager will explain the importance of integrated management programmes, that use cultural and biological controls, ahead of pesticide applications, and how these methods are more effective than relying solely on chemicals.

“Using this management style will help reduce the amount of plant protection products used and therefore aims to prolong the availability of pesticides on the market,” he says.

Colin will also explain how Bayer is taking measures to bring new sustainable products to the market, through extensive research and development, which will allow users to continue to apply them for the foreseeable future.

“Our development process is driven by industry demand, and because I’m regularly out talking to end users, I gain a first-hand insight into their issues and concerns, so that Bayer can work to provide a successful solution to real-life problems,” says Colin.

“We then look at existing and forthcoming regulatory requirements and anticipate potential stricter measures, so that any new product not only meets, but surpasses the requirements to achieve an authorisation. One aspect we focus on is ensuring that the impact of the product on the environment is minimised not only now, but well into the future,” he adds.

“It’s also important to make products effective with the smallest amount of active ingredient possible. This not only reduces the amount of exposure to the environment, it also means that products are more likely to remain on the market, without reformulation, if the authorities update the regulations.”

A final essential point to consider in any plant protection product, is that it is safe for the operator to apply, as user safety is paramount for any pesticide.

All these aspects will be discussed in further detail during Colin’s presentation at the Amenity Forum, or you can contact the Turf Solutions Team on 00800 1214 9451, or at turfsolutions@bayer.com for more information.

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Toro Improves Turf At Grimsthorpe Castle

September 5, 2017/in Machinery, Press Release/by Rosie Duckworth

Toro Improves Condition And Appearance Of Turf At Grimsthorpe Castle: First time Toro customer, Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire, has purchased a Groundsmaster 4300-D rotary mower to tend the formal gardens. An improvement in the condition and appearance of the turf within the gardens of the 3000-acre estate is already evident.

From Easter to September, the 65 acre gardens are open to the public and with footfall increasing so too are the horticultural standards.

Jim Handley, head gardener, explains: “One of my main challenges after accepting the position at Grimsthorpe was to raise the horticultural standards of the gardens. Our expansive lawns are a major attraction for our visitors, especially those with young families, and it’s my responsibility to provide them with the best turf possible to enjoy their visit.

“Soon after arriving at Grimsthorpe I realised that with our heavy clay soil, time constraints and natural mix of turf species, our cylinder mower was struggling to keep the turf in good condition. With little to no seasonal lawn maintenance being carried out previously, I have been formulating plans to begin rejuvenating our turf over a number of years. The first step was to replace our cylinder with a rotary mower to help alleviate some of the problems we were having.”

With it established that a rotary mower was needed to help with the regeneration and improvement of the turf, why a Toro? Jim says: “This is our first Toro mower, chosen simply because out of all the machines we looked at, the Groundsmaster 4300-D was the most suited. Its performance and comfort was unsurpassed and the ease of height adjustment and back up service presented was very good and sealed the deal.”

A rotary mower is favoured for its ability to tackle longer, thicker grass and terrain with contours and undulations with ease. Jim says: “By switching to a rotary mower we have eliminated some of the previous issues we were having. It’s comfortable with the conditions of the ground and even if we miss a day cutting, it handles the longer grass easily, cutting it right back down again with no problem. Under those conditions the cylinder mower tended to roll the grass, which wasn’t helping the plant’s health or appearance. The rotary is helping regenerate our turf, ensuring a good quality cut, resulting with lush and green lawns.”

The GM4300-D is, says Reesink Turfcare’s Stewart Jeffs, incredibly productive with a mowing capacity of 5.4 acres an hour, but its lightweight design means less compaction. This is an especially important consideration for clay soil which is prone to compact.

Jim who has been working at the castle for five years and has a team of four gardeners and groundsman, says the job of raising the standard of the gardens has been made easier since the arrival of the Toro GM4300-D. “We have a lengthy programme of rejuvenation and ongoing maintenance to get our lawns to a good standard, the Toro is a fine addition to our armoury to help make this happen.”

And we’re delighted to hear it’s in good time for the castle which for the first time will be opening in October half-term for visitors to enjoy.

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Futureproofing plant protection at the Amenity Forum

Toro Improves Turf At Grimsthorpe Castle

Futureproofing plant protection at the Amenity Forum

Toro Improves Turf At Grimsthorpe Castle

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Futureproofing plant protection at the Amenity Forum

Toro Improves Turf At Grimsthorpe Castle

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