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Bernhard and Company announces exclusive Norwegian distributor

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Bernhard and Company announces exclusive Norwegian distributor: Bernhard and Company has announced a renewed partnership with Norwegian distributor, Tveit Park. The brand-new deal will see Tveit Park become Bernhard’s exclusive distribution partner in Norway.

Bernhard and Company and Tveit Park have enjoyed a long partnership, having worked together for more than nine years. Under new ownership in 2024, Tveit Park will be the exclusive distribution partner for Bernhard and Company in Norway, and the only place to buy the company’s industry leading products and solutions.

Bernhard and Company announces exclusive Norwegian distributor

Bernhard and Company announces exclusive Norwegian distributor

“At Bernhard and Company, we continue to reinvest in relationships that we know work,” said Steven Nixon, Managing Director for Bernhard and Company. “We are delighted to be extending our agreement with Tveit Park as our exclusive distributor in Norway, and are confident that Frode Tjelta and his growing team are the perfect people to help take our business forward in the region.”

Managing Director for Tveit Park, Frode Tjelta, added: “We are proud to be the sole distributor for Bernhard and Company products and solutions in Norway. Having worked with Bernhard and Company for many years, we understand their products and know that their production quality and attention makes them stand out as an industry leader. It’s important for us to align ourselves with brands that drive the turf industry forward, so we’re excited to be working as their exclusive distributor.”

To kick off the new agreement, the Tveit Park team visited the UK for product and service training at Bernhard and Company’s Haverhill factory facility. In addition, the team has been busy visiting customers all over Norway with Bernhard and Company’s European Territory Manager, Paul Wilcox.

Bernhard and Company products available through Tveit Park in Norway include the renowned Express Dual and Anglemaster ranges of grinding machines, in addition to small machines and accessories.

Bernhard and Company grinding machines are used by more than 65 per cent of the world’s top 100 golf courses to ensure perfect, tournament-ready playing conditions year-round, while the company’s turf management solutions and educational support are utilised at major sporting events around the globe.

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Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions

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Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions: Syngenta has published the findings of the Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey 2024. Key findings of the report highlight the role for Integrated Turf Management actions to reduce disease outbreaks, including nutrition, rolling, moisture management and fungicide timings.

Assessing responses from over 100 golf course managers, Syngenta Technical Managers, Glenn Kirby and Sean Loakes, reported the scale of issues with dollar spot have become far more widespread – affecting all areas of the course and for a far extended part of the season.

Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions

Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions

“Dollar spot had typically been attributed as a summer disease, but the reports have shown it can occur throughout the year, with significant numbers of outbreaks reported from March right through to October,” commented Sean Loakes.

“Furthermore, while it has frequently been associated with less intensively managed tees, fairways and approaches, the report highlighted that greens were actually the most frequently affected surfaces.”

He added that all grass species would appear to be affected, with the management actions on turf a more influential factor of disease outbreak, over the species composition of the sward. Dollar spot outbreaks were reported on 81% of instances of fescue dominant greens, compared to 58% of bent blends and 57% poa dominant surfaces.

Linking the postcode of survey responses to local records of Smith-Kerns pressure, of weather conditions that would be associated with dollar spot outbreaks, revealed that high pressure would indicate more disease.

“However, it is not a clear-cut correlation,” said Sean. “Some courses under prolonged high pressure reported no dollar spot incidences, which indicates that the disease can be effectively managed by other turf management actions.

“Equally, some courses with relatively low weather related pressure did report dollar spot infections. This has highlighted that the Smith-Kerns model is a useful guide for risk, but that the numbers must be interpreted along with all other actions in making decisions.”

For effective ITM strategies, frequent rolling, maintaining higher soil moisture content and providing higher levels of nutrition were all associated with lower levels of dollar spot being reported, Sean added.

“The survey responses showed a clear trend of a higher incidence of disease reported where turf was being managed at lower rates of nutrition.

“However, it was not exclusively so, indicating that dollar spot could still be contained on lower nutrient management strategies, providing other ITM actions were taken to avoid outbreaks,” he advised.

“Furthermore, while fewer outbreaks were reported on turf managed with higher nutrient inputs, it could still occur if turf management practices and conditions were conducive to disease.”

Responses to the Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey also showed the link between management to target lower levels of soil volumetric moisture content (VMC) and the reported incidence of dollar spot.

Surfaces targeted to manage VMC below 15% reported the highest levels of infection outbreaks, at over 70% of instances. When responses for surfaces managed at a higher target VMC of 21 to 25% were assessed, over 60% of courses reported no outbreaks dollar spot.

“The survey responses showed a clear pattern that the greater use of turf iron for rolling surfaces resulted in a reduced incidence of dollar spot reports,” Sean pointed out.

“On courses where greens were never rolled dollar spot was reported in 75% of cases, with a trend declining to 50% of courses rolling surface five times a week. Most courses (61%) were reported to be rolling surfaces two or three times a week.”

For courses that were rolling almost daily, there was no incidence of dollar spot reported. However, this was a very small proportion of the survey responses (3%).

The survey identified no link between organic matter levels and dollar spot outbreaks, however there was some indication that lower cutting height could be associated with reduced levels of infection. “This is an element of the ITM strategy requires further investigation,” he suggested.

Analysis of the Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey indicate that where greenkeepers are managing to promote fescue dominant surfaces, they are lowering the target moisture levels, reducing the nitrogen applied and raising the height of cut, compared to predominantly poa and bent greens.

Greens containing fescue receive, on average, 40% less nitrogen compered to poa or bent greens. Fescue greens are also managed at a target VMC 4-5% lower and with a height of cut at an average 3.9mm, which is 0.4-0.5mm higher than poa or bent greens.

“From the findings of the report these management practices may also be playing into the hands of dollar spot.

“Whilst the feeling is that fescue species are slightly more tolerant to dollar spot, the management practices needed to maintain them can lead to fescue dominant surfaces being more vulnerable to the disease,” he warned.

The report identified that most greenkeepers – nearly 70% – have used fungicides as part of their strategy to manage dollar spot.

“While in some situations managers may consider that dollar spot doesn’t warrant fungicidal control on all areas of the course, as the climate changes we need to consider how we keep damage at an acceptable level,” added Sean.

“New fungicide technology, good disease modelling to help improve timings and good application techniques will help turf managers get the best out of them as part of their Integrated Turf Management strategy.”

Responses to the survey have provided guidance on a number of actions that turf managers could consider to reduce risks and minimise impact of this increasingly challenging disease.

Sean’s Top Tips to reduce dollar spot pressure and better manage disease:

  • Adequate nutrition
  • Maintain moisture levels
  • Regular rolling
  • Lower cutting heights
  • Monitor weather conditions conducive to disease
  • Timely and accurate fungicide application
  • Year-round management

“A better understanding of the implications of certain management practices on the risk of dollar spot, could help to instigate counter measures to reduce pressure in the future,” he concluded.

Following on from the dollar spot survey, a new Microdochium Patch State of the Nation Survey will seek to identify and share experiences of management practices to help all turf managers effectively tackle the most widespread turf disease. Complete the survey here.

The full Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey 2024 report is available to download from the Syngenta Turf & Landscape website.

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New grass trimmer and brush cutter from EGO

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New grass trimmer and brush cutter from EGO: Leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist EGO Power Plus; is expanding its Pro X range with a new heavy-duty grass trimmer and brush cutter which are ideal for all-day use.

Both the STX4500 Pro X loop-handled grass trimmer and the BCX4500 Pro X bike-handled brush cutter boast a powerful 1.6KW motor and are an integral part of EGO’s new Pro X series. They are well-balanced for more comfortable all-day working and feature a 45cm cutting diameter with a 2.7mm line and rapid reload head.

New grass trimmer and brush cutter from EGO

New grass trimmer and brush cutter from EGO

Chris Buck, Product Manager at EGO, said: “Garden and groundscare professionals need heavier-duty electric tools that have the power to work all day and the durability to last for years. Our new Pro X range brings the benefits of battery power to a market segment that until now has had to rely on petrol tools – that is no longer the case.”

Both models come with a rear-geared motor and are compatible with all portable EGO ARC Lithium batteries. They feature a carbon fibre drive shaft that reduces weight while maintaining stability and strength. They are compatible with EGO’s metal brush cutter blades and its Rotocut attachment for the toughest of tasks.

Ease of operation and user comfort are assured through features such as the three working speed modes with a variable speed trigger allowing for maximum control for any task, adjustable harness points and tool-free handle adjustment.

The new STX4500 grass trimmer with loop handle is the ideal choice for landscapers, facilities managers and municipal users. EGO’s Rapid Reload head and 2.7mm twist line is simple to load with line when empty, reducing downtime in the field.

Alternatively, the BCX4500 brush cutter with ergonomic bike handles is perfectly balanced for extended use and enables the user to cover a wide area with ease. The controls are conveniently positioned on the handle and include both battery life and speed indicators.

Both tools are part of the new PRO X series of hard-wearing and powerful tools for professionals, which also includes a lawn mower, chainsaw, hedge trimmers and our next-generation PGX battery charging solution.

For more information on the new PRO X series from EGO, visit; www.egopowerplus.co.uk.

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Top class cricket and irrigation

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Top class cricket and irrigation: The historic Rainham Cricket Club in Kent is all set for the 2024 season and once again the club’s reputation for providing some of the best prepared pitches in the Kent cricket leagues will be demonstrated. This is all thanks to hard working and dedicated volunteer grounds staff as well as the continued support of Holts Irrigation who in 2021 installed a Rain Bird irrigation system.

Glen Cook is the Club’s Groundsman and Secretary. Since retiring after a long playing career, he has dedicated much of his time to the club’s Berengrave Lane home. There are four Saturday teams which compete in the Kent Cricket League and a Sunday team in the Kent Village Cricket League. An extremely popular Colts section provides opportunities for the 9-17 age group of this family orientated club which has a very active social calendar and will celebrate its 170th anniversary in 2026.

Top class cricket and irrigation

Top class cricket and irrigation

Preparing pitches to the highest standard follows a procedure that can take anything from 10-14 days. There are 17 pitches on the Rainham square with at least two in use at any time. In 2021 it became clear that a new approach to pitch preparation was required with irrigation a key issue. This was reliant on connecting a hosepipe to the mains water supply and running across a 50+ metre square. Irrigation could take as long as two days to complete and could include overnight watering.

Not only was the water quantity that reached the square insufficient, but the pressure was too low. There was no prospect of irrigating the square uniformly and, with its slope, water would also run away. A series of long dry spells during that summer also meant that any surface water quickly evaporated.

The club was put in touch with Holts Irrigation, a company with extensive experience in sports turf irrigation. Andre Holt recommended a completely new approach based around the installation of a Rain Bird ESP-RZXe irrigation controller to manage six 950 Series pop up rotor sprinklers, as well as a 10000 litre water tank complete with a Grundfos submersible pump and controller. With close cooperation between grounds staff and Holts Irrigation, the full installation was completed within a week.

Four of the 950 Series rotors with double nozzles and 90º arcs are positioned at the corners of the square and the other two at the side which have 180º arcs. They can throw to a distance of up to 28.0 metres providing head to head 100% uniform coverage across the square. The  ESP-RZXe controller has a large LCD screen and a simple user interface. With its rapid programming feature it was simple for Andre to set up and is ideal for grounds staff to carry out additional manual functions.

The controller offers many irrigation scheduling options and in practice, during the playing season, it runs a minimum of two heads. The rotors are set up to irrigate the pitches that are to be used at the weekend and they are also turned on after play on a Sunday evening.

Glen also has the flexibility to apply additional manual irrigation throughout the season when required during dry spells or when carrying out pitch maintenance including reseeding and repairing used pitches. “ We can put down fertilisers and soil conditioners at any time we feel necessary as we now don’t need to rely on the weather to water it in if we have a dry early spring. We are also no longer reliant on waiting for the right weather before we carry out any renovation work and can simply turn on the irrigation system. This is flexible and convenient as well as helping with conservation, as water is applied only when and where it is needed,” says Glen.

Since the installation, Rainham Cricket Club has received praise for the quality of its playing surfaces. This is down to both the professional care afforded by the volunteer grounds staff and the irrigation regime which prevents the surface breaking up on the strips and helps to provide the right amount of water to repair and prepare wickets for second use during the busy playing season. This has resulted in predictable pace and bounce for bowlers and a consistent safe surface for batsmen. The irrigation system makes it much easier for the grounds staff to build on the great cricket surface already established over recent years by the previous groundsman.

Andre Holt carried out the pre-season checks of the irrigation system in late February 2024 at the same time as Glen and his team started pre-season pitch preparations for the new season. Electrical testing of  the irrigation controller and the pump start were carried out along with water pressure and leakage checks. The rotors and nozzles were checked for correct rotation and arc orientation as well as for  debris that could result in clogging.

The start-up checks and the reliability of the installation means that there will be no need for a return visit from Holts Irrigation until after the end of the season when the system is shut down. “Andre’s knowledge of sports turf irrigation has helped to transform the management and upkeep of our pitches. As the 2024 season progresses and the drier spells become more prolonged and frequent, the irrigation system will really come into its own. It’s been a very worthwhile investment and will virtually guarantee the quality of our playing surfaces throughout the summer,” says Glen.

For more information contact: Holts Irrigation, Heathfield, East Sussex, X: @AndreHotech  and www.rainhamcricketclub.com

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Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial

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Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial: Bernhard and Company, exclusive distribution partner for Soil Scout in England, Scotland, and Wales, has unveiled an opportunity for two UK football clubs to take part in a free trial of a state-of-the-art Soil Scout sensor system.

In early summer, Bernhard and Company will also roll out this opportunity for golf facilities around the distribution region.

Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial

Bernhard and Company announces free Soil Scout sensor trial

To take part, grounds managers have to submit a case study as to how their stadium or training facility would benefit from the addition of Soil Scout sensors within their maintenance routine. The most interesting applicants will be selected to trial a Soil Scout system and learn how they can increase efficiency by using a data-driven maintenance approach.

Managing Director for Bernhard and Company, Steven Nixon, said: “We want to hear from grounds managers and football training facility maintenance professionals in England, Scotland, and Wales, to find out why they believe they’d benefit from data-led decision processes using Soil Scout.

“The end of the football season marks the perfect time to begin turf renovations ahead of the following campaign. So, there’s no better moment to look for new ways to become more efficient in maintaining your turf. This is a great opportunity to be one of the first to trial this cutting-edge technology.”

Soil Scout provides the most advanced, underground wireless soil sensor and monitoring solution for agriculture, golf, and sports turf maintenance professionals. Golf courses and sports stadiums worldwide, including iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia Phillies, use Soil Scout to ensure the prevention of unnecessary watering while retaining nutrients in the turf and reducing maintenance costs.

To be in with a chance to trial a Soil Scout sensor system for free, football club representatives are required to submit a case detailing the reasons why their club would benefit from the enhanced data collection that comes with the Soil Scout sensor system. The deadline for submissions is 31st May 2024, and to submit an entry, visit: https://form.jotform.com/241203450845348

There will be two further sensor kits allocated to golf course managers as the summer season gets into full swing, enabling sporting venues to enhance their data collection and irrigation processes.

To find out more about Soil Scout sensors and how they can be applied across the turf management industry, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/soilscout/

Bernhard and Company can be contacted on 01788 811 600 and info@bernhard.co.uk, or visit https://bernhard.co.uk for more.

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