Tag Archive for: Amenity

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

/in , /by

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries: The search is on to recognise the UK’s most professional sprayer operators in the sports turf, amenity and landscape management industries. The Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year (ASOOTY) awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year open for entries

The finalists and winner will be announced and presented at the prestigious BIGGA Awards ceremony at BTME in January 2024, with prizes worth over £500. All ASOOTY applicants will also be entered into a competition to win one of five Syngenta Sprayer Calibration & Application Kits.  BASIS CPD points for participating in the awards have been applied for.

The skills of sprayer operators to make efficient, effective and above all safe applications is essential for the future sustainability of the amenity and turf care industry. ASOOTY awards are a welcome way to recognise and reward the leading individuals and to learn from their experience.

Along with assessing operators’ skills of spray application and use of products, the ASOOTY awards also now reflect the importance of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to any issues involving turf and landscape maintenance.

Announcing the opening of the ASOOTY 2023 awards at SALTEX (1-2 November), Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, said: “Sprayer operation is a key factor in the success of every application, including elements of nozzle choice, water volume and fine tuning the sprayer to more effectively hit the intended target.

“However, for the best possible results, today’s professional sprayer operators must also fully understand the wider aspects of why an application is being made, and what other integrated options they can also employ for better long-term management of potential problems.

“Knowing when not to spray is in many ways as important as the techniques to actually make an application,” he advised.

ICL Landscape & Industrial Business Manager, Lewis Blois, added: “We are delighted to support such an important cross-sector industry initiative with a continued commitment to raise standards and improve results.

“Importantly it has identified and recognised the range of spray application techniques and the differing skills involved across the amenity sector. It will provide a unique and vitally important resource for all involved in spray application.”

This year the entry process aims to test sprayer operators’ broader knowledge of issues and solutions faced across the amenity sector through an initial on-line question form. Lewis explained entrants are not expected to know the answers to all the questions, however the entry form will help the judging panel to assess an individual’s experience and approach to dealing with challenges.

“The entry process itself will stimulate thought and understanding of the challenging issues around application across the sports turf, amenity and industrial land management industries, including the need to create integrated solutions using a full range of tools and tactics. We’re looking to find operators that can make those important proactive decisions with every application,” he added.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram 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.

Certis Belchim Growing with the Amenity Industry at SALTEX

/in , /by

Certis Belchim Growing with the Amenity Industry at SALTEX: With a legacy of trusted weed and surface management solutions and a focus on sustainable time saving practices, Certis Belchim Amenity and its products play a fundamental role in landscape and grounds management throughout the UK.

’We have the gold standard non-selective residual herbicide in Chikara Weed Control’ says Dom Corbett, Technical Support Advisor ‘as well as it’s efficacy Chikara Weed Control offers versatility of application with pre and early post emergence timing and a wise range of surfaces with amenity vegetation (around), natural surfaces not intended to bear vegetation, permeable surfaces overlying soil, and hard surfaces (railway ballast only)’.

Certis Belchim Growing with the Amenity Industry at SALTEX

Certis Belchim Growing with the Amenity Industry at SALTEX

Fewer applications thanks to the lower application rate and control for up to 5 months mean less resources to get the job done. All in all, Chikara Weed Control is one of the most cost effective tools available for total weed control.

Another of our non-selective products and derived from sustainable plant-based sources is Katoun Gold. This is a contact acting herbicide, again for total weed control on amenity vegetation, natural surfaces not intended to bear vegetation, and permeable surfaces overlying soil. Dom adds ‘Katoun Gold is very fast acting thanks to its mode of action and affects can even be seen within a couple of hours of application. Plus, with its low water rate it is easy to apply and cover large areas quickly.’

Winner of the Saltex innovation award in 2021, Enclean is a novel biocide for the control of green deposits on a wide range of surfaces; Patios, roofs, artificial surfaces like tennis courts, fences and more. Dom says ‘It was great when we introduced Enclean to get the recognition at Saltex for the work that went into developing and launching this product. It has a novel mode of action, fast acting and quick to apply making it more cost effective than conventional QAC products, a real innovation.’

To learn more about our range, come and see our dedicated team of Basis qualified professionals who bring expertise and insight across a wide variety of situations from industrial to fine turf on stand H110. If you can’t make the show you can always find us at www.certisbelchim.co.uk as well as on social media:

X/Twitter: @CB_Amenity_UK, LinkedIn: Certis Belchim Amenity and Instagram: @certis_belchim_amenityuk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram 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.

Amenity Specialist joins Origin Amenity Solutions

/in , /by

Amenity Specialist joins Origin Amenity Solutions: James Wright has joined Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) as their Technical Sales Representative for the South Yorkshire region, following the retirement of widely respected and long-standing predecessor, Mike Brear.

James returns to the company having previously worked for the Rigby Taylor brand (now part of OAS) some 8 years ago. He re-joins following his most recent role at Agrovista Amenity as a BASIS qualified Amenity Specialist

Amenity Specialist joins Origin Amenity Solutions

Amenity Specialist joins Origin Amenity Solutions

With a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to bring to the OAS team, James is currently finishing his BSc (Hons) in Sportsturf Science & Management at the University of Central Lancashire.

Phil Dewhurst, Northern Area Sales Director comments on the appointment, “I am delighted to welcome James to OAS. His practical experience coupled with his wealth of technical knowledge will make him a valuable resource for our customers and the rest of our team.”

Origin Amenity Solutions brings together market leading companies, Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, Symbio and Turfkeeper. Together the business has over 60 Technical Sales Representatives across the UK.  The Amenity Division has grown significantly over recent years and continues to do so; If you feel you have the skillset to add to the group, email a covering letter and your CV to recruitment@originukoperations.co.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram 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.

Agrovista Amenity launches new seed brochure

/in , /by

Agrovista Amenity launches new seed brochure: Agrovista Amenity, a leading supplier of professional products and specialist advice, has launched its new seed brochure for 2023/24.

The new brochure features an extensive list of Agrovista Amenity’s seed offerings, including a comprehensive range of grass and wildflower mixtures.

Agrovista Amenity launches new seed brochure

Agrovista Amenity launches new seed brochure

Many turf professionals have benefitted from using the CleenCut and TechniTurf ranges of grass seed which have been specifically selected to maximise the strengths of different cultivars and species. Readers of the brochure can discover how the CleenCut range offers mixtures at a competitive price, whilst using quality STRI listed cultivars and how every mixture in the TechniTurf range is coated with the innovative GroMax technology to maximise plant development.

The brochure will also be an opportunity to find out more about Agrovista Amenity’s wildflower meadow mixtures, the Pro Flora range, and the Colour Boost portfolio.

The wildflower meadow mixtures are designed to mimic some of the flower rich, semi-natural habitats that exist in the UK and are vital resources for wildlife; the Pro Flora range add colour, biodiversity and interest to many landscaping projects and are particularly suitable on golf courses, whilst the Colour Boost range has been designed for maximum floral impact, incorporating both wildflower and garden flowering species.

The new seed brochure comes complete with advice on how to get the best results from the products, including recommended period of use, directions for use and application rates.

Commenting on the launch of the brochure, John Marland, Agrovista Amenity’s Head of Amenity, said: “The aim of the seed brochure is not just to provide a list of seed mixtures, it should also offer support and guidance to help make clear and informed choices. Our grass seed mixtures have been carefully selected to maximise the combined strength of different cultivars and species. Tolerant of the stresses associated with their intended use whilst maximising turf quality. Agrovista Amenity partners with some of the largest breeders and producers of seed in the UK and Europe, also calling upon the expertise from our colleagues in the Agrovista Seeds business to offer you a professional seed mixture range.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram 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.

Origin Amenity Solutions to distribute Harmonix Turf Defense

/in , /by

Origin Amenity Solutions to distribute Harmonix Turf Defense: Origin Amenity Solutions is delighted to announce that it is the UK partner and distributor of Harmonix Turf Defense, a revolutionary bio-control fungicide, for the natural control of disease in managed amenity turf.

This latest product addition further bolsters Origin Amenity Solutions’ (OAS) extensive range of fungicides and nutritional disease control solutions. The partnership with manufacturer’s Envu, further reinforces OAS’ commitment to the amenity sector, providing its customers with new, innovative products and advice that enhances their integrated disease management programmes.

Origin Amenity Solutions to distribute Harmonix Turf Defense

Origin Amenity Solutions to distribute Harmonix Turf Defense

The first registered biological product of its kind, Harmonix Turf Defense answers the call from greenkeepers for sustainable options following synthetic product withdrawals and a growing desire for integrated fungicide programmes to manage turf in line with environmental aspirations. Perfect for the treatment of Microdochium Patch, Dollar Spot, Anthracnose and more. Harmonix Turf Defense offers a versatile and effective solution against disease as part of a wider integrated hybrid approach.

Phil Logan, National Account Manager, Envu UK & Ireland comments;

“Expectations for turf are shifting alongside environmental concerns, and with the end of synthetic products in sight, we are at the dawn of a new age. Biologicals are the future of turf disease management.  Re-shaping turf management strategy is key and multi-site products like Harmonix Turf Defense offer a more economical and sustainable pathway as, longer-term, pathogens are less likely to become resistant to it. We have already achieved an impressive guaranteed efficacy level for a biological product with Harmonix Turf Defense and as a company we are committed to further R&D in this area,”

Peter Corbett, Technical Manager for Origin Amenity Solutions adds;

“The launch and introduction of Harmonix Turf Defense is one I am delighted to be involved with, introducing biologicals into the fungicide sector is paving the way forward. We all have a lot to learn about the use of these products and how we can integrate them into reliable disease control programmes.  Progress over the last few seasons has been very encouraging, that even with the expected reduction in synthetic fungicides we can create reliable disease management programmes that help our customers. As a team we are proud to be at the forefront of the introduction of bio-fungicides into the fine turf market.”

As a natural Bio-control turf fungicide, Harmonix Turf Defense uses the power of a unique patented strain of bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. This works in direct contact with disease, using three active biological compounds from natural lipopeptides produced during fermentation.

These lipopeptide compounds (Iturins, that inhibit fungal spore germination, Agrastatins that destroy growing mycelia, and Surfactins that synergise with Agrastatins and Iturins for membrane disruption) are produced during the manufacturing process and are present in the finished product for instant activity when ready to spray.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram 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.