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Successful Use of 3G in Non-League Stadia

February 21, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

The success of Sutton Utd in reaching the fifth round of this year’s FA Cup has once again brought attention to the use of 3G in Football Stadia. Since Sutton Utd installed a FieldTurf Vertex pitch in 2015 they have achieved great success both on and off the pitch. On top of their unprecedented FA […]

Winter Weather Disease Warning

February 21, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

With this year’s wet and warm winter weather creating the perfect conditions for turf diseases such as fusarium, snow mould and anthracnose to thrive, maintaining healthy rhizosphere conditions is the first step in preventing infections from detracting from turf performance and appearance. That is the advice from Richard Brown of Germinal who recommends that an […]

Successful Use of 3G in Non-League Stadia

February 21, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

Winter Weather Disease Warning

February 21, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

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Successful Use of 3G in Non-League Stadia

February 21, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

On top of their unprecedented FA Cup run, Sutton Utd have also achieved promotion to the National League and seen the Gander Green Lane pitch used as the venue for the England C U21 International Trophy match. Paul Fairclough, the England Manager, commented after the match, “Having played Slovakia U21’s and trained at Sutton United’s new 3rd generation pitch, it was the best surface I have seen, and this includes all those pitches I have ever come across in Europe as well”.

The financial benefits of installing a 3G pitch are well known but what has been most refreshing has been the positive reaction from media, players and managers to the way the pitch has played. The unique design of the Vertex surface improves both the aesthetics and playability of the pitch and coupled with the shockpad underneath ensures optimum levels of player comfort and safety.

Following the success of the Sutton pitch, the Vertex system has also been installed in the Stadia of Maidstone Utd, Slough Town FC, Harrogate Town FC, Tamworth Utd, Eastbourne Borough FC and Haringey Borough FC. The feedback from all these facilities is equally as positive and more and more clubs are now looking at installing a 3G pitch at their ground.

It is critical that clubs who are thinking of installing an artificial pitch are fully informed in all aspects of synthetic turf. With this in mind, FieldTurf is supporting construction partner S&C Slatter in running an education workshop with industry experts covering everything from testing requirements, maintenance, business models, funding options and pitch technology.

Winter Weather Disease Warning

February 21, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

That is the advice from Richard Brown of Germinal who recommends that an early season application of a rhizobacteria enhanced fertiliser will not only provide plants with vital nutrients, but will also promote healthy root development and protect against soil borne seedling diseases.

“Apart from the occasional, brief period of colder weather, many parts of the UK have experienced unseasonably wet and warm weather throughout much of the winter,” says Richard Brown, Amenity Sales Manager for Germinal. “Whether this is simply a short-term weather pattern or a sign of things to come only time will tell, but turf professionals need to be wary of the dangers that these conditions can have on turf quality and performance.”

Mr Brown therefore emphasises the need for turf professionals to give extra consideration to soil health and to pay particular attention to the vitality of the rhizosphere.

“Plant growth and health is influenced by many abiotic and biotic factors, with the rhizosphere – the thin layer of soil immediately surrounding plant roots – especially important for root activity and metabolism,” Mr Brown explains. “This zone is populated by an abundance of microorganisms including beneficial pathogens – rhizobacteria – and harmful pathogens including nematodes and the soil borne fungi which cause diseases such as fusarium, snow mould and anthracnose.”

Of the beneficial bacteria found in the rhizosphere, the Bacillus genus is the most abundant.

“The plant growth promoting activity of some members of the Bacillus genus has been known for many years,” Mr Brown adds, “with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens the most commonly used commercially available soil enhancing bacteria.

“All Bacillus strains provide some protection from harmful pathogens by colonating and growing on roots, but only specific strains cover the entire root surface from top to tip to create a truly impenetrable barrier.”

Two strains of rhizobacteria which provide protection across the entire root surface are B.subtilis E4-CDX and B.amyloliquefaciens R6-CDX. “Both of these strains provide full root protection and prevent soil borne diseases from infecting grass plants and detracting from the appearance and vigour of sports pitches and fine turf areas. When applied in a timely, proactive manner they can even mitigate the need for expensive fungicide programmes by preventing the diseases from taking hold.”

B.subtilis E4-CDX and B.amyloliquefaciens R6-CDX are found exclusively within Compo’s Fertilis compound and Vitanica liquid fertiliser ranges.

“When combined with liquid and granular fertilisers, B.subtilis and B.amyloliquefaciens provide a readily-available source of nutrients in combination with a proven disease inhibition effect,” Mr Brown continues. “By applying products such as Fertilis Swing, Fertilis Speed and Vitanica RZ to well-aerated soils with a base temperature of 10oC or higher, these specialist fertilisers provide grass swards with three distinct benefits: improved wear-tolerance and visual appearance along with improved disease resistance for up to 42 days.”

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Successful Use of 3G in Non-League Stadia

Winter Weather Disease Warning

Successful Use of 3G in Non-League Stadia

Winter Weather Disease Warning

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Successful Use of 3G in Non-League Stadia

Winter Weather Disease Warning

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