Tag Archive for: At

Hat trick for Toro at Middlesbrough

/in , /by

Hat trick for Toro at Middlesbrough: Four pitches at Middlesbrough Football Club’s training ground at Rockliffe Park are seeing the results from improved accuracy, full coverage and the powerful control from a new Toro irrigation system.

According to Jack Cunningham, senior grounds supervisor, the growing-in process was the best it’s ever been, management and players, including the first team, have nothing but good feedback and the problems caused by having a windy site have become a thing of the past.

Hat trick for Toro at Middlesbrough

Hat trick for Toro at Middlesbrough

The club invested in the Toro Lynx LAC control system, 54 Infinity sprinklers and 74 B Series sprinklers with Turf Cups in phase one of a project which will, in time, see another two pitches follow suit.

Here, Jack discusses the highlights of the new system: “There’s a lot to like about this combination,” he says. “We’ve never had this level of consistency. The LAC system and being able to control the water application with pinpoint accuracy from a desktop or mobile device is a game-changer.”

Then there’s the B Series sprinklers with their trajectory settings, about which Jack says: “We have a windy site and the B Series trajectory settings means that’s now not a problem. They’re easily altered to counteract the wind and achieve consistent coverage.

“We also love how using the back nozzle doesn’t affect the front nozzle and how we can use the same set of parts for the perimeter and in-field sprinklers. It makes life really easy.”

As expected a highlight of the Infinity sprinklers is that they’re top accessible: “Being able to take the top off, which is easy by the way, change the decoders, alter trajectories, all without having to dig the heads out and risk damage to the turf is very very good,” Jack explains. “On top of that, it’s possible to turn the sprinkler by hand and not damage the gearing.”

All in all, it’s a winning combination for the club as Jack confirms: “Getting the surfaces ready for day-to-day training now is easy and we’ve benefitted massively from essentially being able to personalise the irrigation to suit the site and its specific requirements.

“Using the moisture control I put the water where I want it, in the quantity I want it, which means it’s not just the grow-in which has been the best ever but the subsequent maintenance of the quality of the playing surfaces.”

Choosing Toro was an easy decision for Jack, fueled by the relationship, back-up and aftercare service he knew he’d get from distributor Reesink Hydro-Scapes, says Jack: “We trialled the sprinklers and they were the most effective, and that coupled with the technical support and how nothing was too much trouble meant I just had faith in them from the beginning.”

To see how Toro irrigation can benefit your course, call Reesink Hydro-Scapes on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.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.

Talent recognised at inaugural LBEL awards

/in , /by

Talent recognised at inaugural LBEL awards: Aspiring turf specialist, Martin Foster, an apprentice at Askham Bryan College, was rewarded for his learning excellence at this week’s glittering Land-based & Environment Learner Awards Ceremony.

The Land-based & Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards were launched this June by leading land-based training & qualification awarding body Lantra, and the representative body for land-based colleges and universities, Landex.

Talent recognised at inaugural LBEL awards

Talent recognised at inaugural LBEL awards

The Awards were open to apprentices, further education and higher education learners working and studying in land-based and environmental sectors between September 2021 and September 2022.

The aim is to reward top candidates in industries including agriculture and horticulture, forestry, environmental conservation, turf management, landscaping, and equine, amongst others.

These sectors face skills shortages and low levels of diversity, and both Lantra and Landex working hard to attract new blood and equip recruits with the key skills they need to succeed.

With the celebration of new talent at the LBEL Awards, it is hoped more potential entrants will recognise the various land-based industries as rewarding career choices with exciting long-term prospects.

In its inaugural year, organisers received over 120 nominations across 10 categories and a panel of industry professionals picked, where appropriate, an outstanding apprentice and an outstanding learner in each category.

This year, the judges picked just an outstanding apprentice in the Sports Turf & Greenkeeping category, Martin Foster. The oldest candidate to be nominated, the judges praised Martin for his motivation to change careers later in life and his complete passion and enthusiasm for his role.

The Awards ceremony, held at Reaseheath College on 22 November 2023, was attended by Minster of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries, Mark Spencer MP, celebrity farmer Adam Henson, and more than 200 guests.

On receiving the Award, sponsored by GroundsFest, from Adam Henson, Martin commented:

“I’m confident that undertaking my apprenticeship, albeit somewhat later life, has truly set me on my career path for the future. Winning this Award has reinforced that I’m actually really good at what I do, and being celebrated by so many industry professionals has certainly given my confidence a boost”.

Chair of the judging panel, and land-based business consultant, John Moverley of JMM Solutions, said he was honoured to help identify the very best of learners, like Martin, who are now making their mark on the industry.

“To keep pace with the technological and environmental challenges we face in the land-based sector, it is crucial that the skills and knowledge of the current workforce are completed with a generation of forward thinking and enthusiastic new recruits, whatever their age.

“And what better way to establish this new generation than through hands-on apprenticeships,” he added.

Commenting on the Awards and paying tribute to all the winners, host Adam Henson said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have been invited to host the very first Land-based and Environment Learner Awards. In my various roles, I’m lucky enough to encounter some amazing people who are passionate about their jobs and are a complete inspiration. Tonight was no exception. The level of enthusiasm, professionalism and passion, blew me away – a big well done to everyone”.

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.

Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked

/in , /by

Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has run its second successful event looking at the current UK research into Microdochium management on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd November.

The informative trial days were held at the state-of-the-art OAS Turf Science & Technology Centre in Dunmow, Essex.

Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked

Microdochium Trials Days at Origin Amenity Solutions fully booked

OAS Research & Development Director Geoff Fenn comments, “We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to our ‘Microdochium Trial Days’.  We initially marketed this as a one-day event, but the places filled up incredibly quickly, so we extended this to a second day, which again was full in no time. In total, we hosted almost 200 delegates over the 2 days.”

The informative event offered delegates the opportunity to visit several stations around the research centre, discussing products and best practices to manage Microdochium and maintain healthy turf over the Autumn/Winter period.

Geoff Fenn discussed the importance of collecting data to optimise application timings. Discussions included growth ratio, clip volume, nitrogen inputs, and potassium inputs. The new OAS Agronomic Tracker to record this information is now available – use the QR code below. If you need any support on how to use this, please contact OAS on 0800 138 7222.

Agronomy and Technical Manager, Kelly-Marie Clack presented the 2022/23 trial results of adopting the 20-20-30 + Mantle programme using UK Growth Potential to build an IPM plan. Kelly discussed how to integrate the new biocontrol, Harmonix from Envu, into programmes successfully. Elsewhere, Trials & Digital Platform Manager Angus Finlayson demonstrated the positive results of using OAS Dewcure, penetrants, and robotic dew removal, to reduce leaf wetness.

OAS Product and Sales Manager Kevin Scarce gave an overview and demonstration of TurfKeeper, the company’s web-based portal that gives turf industry professionals a fully integrated operations and management solution. The system provides complete control and transparency over staff management, task planning, machinery management, inventory control, chemical applications, and budgeting. He explained how information can be recorded in Turfkeeper.

Dr. Deidre Charleston, Research Manager from the microbial arm of OAS delivered a workshop on building a suppressive soil to support your disease management plan.

Finally, Phil Logan from Envu and Origin Amenity Solutions Technical Manager for Chemicals Peter Corbett spoke in detail about the latest technologies in biocontrols. They discussed managing disease and the benefits of Harmonix Turf Defense, exploring a Preventative versus Curative approach to turf management.

Geoff concludes, “OAS is fully committed to continuous improvement within the industry, exploring new product solutions; testing, and producing data for the market. These trial days are a prime example of this, and the team and I are delighted with how successful they have been and the positive feedback we all received.”

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.

Enjoy free beverages courtesy of Green-tech at Futurescape

/in , /by

Enjoy free beverages courtesy of Green-tech at Futurescape: Green-tech will be exhibiting at Futurescape 2023 on stand E50, and visitors will have the opportunity to meet the team, view the latest products, and enjoy freshly brewed coffee from their new Barista.

Futurescape 2023 is being held at ExCel London and is heralded as the UK’s largest landscape expo & trade event, with seminars and live debates planned across two days – the 21st and 22nd of November.

Enjoy free beverages courtesy of Green-tech at Futurescape

Enjoy free beverages courtesy of Green-tech at Futurescape

The team will be profiling the recently launched TreeParker® Cell System; a structural soil cell system that offers the most ideal circumstances for trees to thrive beneath the pavement in an urban environment.

As the UK’s leading provider of tree planting materials, Green-tech offers a comprehensive choice of urban and rural tree protection products. Over the last few years, the company has been focusing heavily on providing sustainable and environmentally friendly choices.  On their stand, they will showcase their range of biodegradable tree-planting shelters.

A comprehensive seminar and product demonstration program is scheduled across the two days, and Green-tech’s Specification Manager Seraya Sigsworth will be in the Soft Landscaping Demo area at 11 am on Wednesday 22nd to discuss the TreeParker® system. The demonstration will showcase the system where simplicity characterises the system.

Green-tech is also the headline sponsor of The Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation initiative, which searches for the most impressive young people in landscaping and shines a spotlight on the future of landscaping. An award ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday 21st at Futurescape at 12pm to celebrate the 30 winners, including Green-tech’s own George Barton.

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.

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

/in , /by

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC: EFL League Two Club, Morecambe is celebrating the condition of their pitches after adopting the Grow-In Programme from Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS).

Head of Grounds Rob Davidson comments, “I am over the moon with this year’s pitches. I am incredibly proud of the results.”

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Pitch Perfect at Morecambe FC

Rob joined the club in 2021 following the renovation period and during the first year he struggled to keep coverage on the shaded area of the pitch.

During a visit to Origin Turf, Science and Technology Centre, Rob had the opportunity to review the research data comparing tetraploid and diploid grass seed mixes.

For his first renovation Rob selected R140 grass seed mix from the R range because of the tetraploid content. He remarks, “Since using R140 at the stadium we have seen improvements in coverage, density, colour and over all turf health, especially in the shaded areas of the pitch. The germination and establishment could not have been better this year.”

“Visiting the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre has given me additional confidence in the products and the technical support offered by the Origin team has been excellent. With support from Origin, we have tailored the OAS Grow-In plan to suit the pitch requirements. Having a structured Grow-In programme has allowed us to get the best out of the products with a limited budget.”

It’s not just about the products through. Rob adds, “Working with OAS has allowed me to enhance my education and understanding of the products I use and how to get the best from everything I apply. Their events also provide networking opportunities and a chance to meet with peers and form relationships, which I believe is an important part of our industry.”

Rob has used the OAS Grow-In Programme for his second year at the club. The Grow-In programme is borne from extensive R&D at the OAS Turf, Science and Technology Centre. It is a two-step approach which comprises a mix of products to be applied at renovation and at emergence.

The mix for application at renovation stage includes an organic soil amendment – a composted cow manure and Humic Acid soil conditioner, Tricure AD™ Granular – a residual wetting agent, and Mycorrhizal Inoculant – a microbial inoculant.

At emergence, the programme uses an organo-mineral fertiliser and biostimulants that feature nitrate nitrogen and molasses providing early carbohydrates and instantly available nitrogen to promote growth and enhanced plant health.

Rob reports, “The addition of the liquid mix applied at emergence alongside the C-Complex 14.2.5 has given us a quick grow response. Cutting schedules have commenced earlier and cutting frequency has meant third leaf stage has been reached quickly to allow for Primo Maxx applications. The biostimulant applications and organo-mineral fertilisers, supported by Verti-drain aeration has promoted a healthy root system.”

Andy Merry, Key Account Manager from OAS said ‘it has been great working with Rob over the last few years. His professionalism and communication with the club has established a trusting relationship, enabling the renovation work required to produce a surface that performs. Rob is enthusiastic and committed to providing pitches of the highest quality using modern techniques and technology. He has improved the standards across all pitches and produced surfaces that play well and look impeccable. It has been a joy to see the results.”

For further information or to discuss a future Grow-In programme for your club contact the OAS team on 0800 138 7222 or email sales@originamenity.com

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.