Tag Archive for: Grass

Grass Health Watch 2021

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Grass Health Watch 2021: Recently, Mike Heisig from FairWay Awards reported that, so far this year, sports turf grass health in the UK was struggling to keep pace with levels seen this time last year. The data was collated from around 50 satellite readings up and down the country.

The results from the satellite tracking using the Kleffmann Digital Biomass Index (KBDI) shows the UK as whole was 5% behind in March 2021 in terms of grass health/vitality levels compared with the same point in 2020.

Grass Health Watch 2021

Grass Health Watch 2021

Mike Heisig from FairWay Awards digs deeper into the numbers. Mike explains:

“The national figure is an average that disguises some significant regional variations. In the table below each region is based on Met Office Climate Regions and as such each has its own potential attainable health level.”

“Up to the end of March 2021 grass health and vitality was running at a deficit in most regions except Scotland. Of most concern was the South East.”

“Because we know the April 2020 KDVI health levels on the same sports grass areas, we can take these as a estimate of the potential KDVI that we could expect 12 months later at the end of April 2021.

Grass Health Watch 2021

Grass Health Watch 2021

“The next diagram gives some indication of the uplift in health and vitality that were required by the end of April 2021 to put each region of the UK back on track. “

“In the next 2021 Grass Health Watch update we will have the April results and will look forward at where we might get to in May and June which is when we normally expect to experience the highest levels of grass health in the year.”

What about the grass at your club?

You can register for free 3-month no commitment trial of satellite biomass data for your club.

Get the benefits of the Precision Sports Turf Revolution:

  • Spot grass health problems before they are visible
  • Save money on inputs where they are not required
  • Apply inputs according the needs of the grass
  • Make better environmental decisions

Regular updates on grass health through 2021 at www.fairwayawards.com or follow @FairWayAwards on twitter

Join the Sports Turf Revolution contact Mike Heisig: Mike-Heisig@btconnect.com

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

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Sports turf grass health struggling to keep pace

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Sports turf grass health struggling to keep pace: FairWay Awards has been monitoring the health of sport turf up and down the country using a satellite-based system that reads the amount and wavelength of light being emitted from vegetation.

The ratio of different light wavelengths from vegetation gives an indication of the vigour or distress of the grass canopy: more red light is emitted when grass is under stress. Below is an example comparing a fairway in spring (left) and winter (right).

Sports turf grass health struggling to keep pace

Sports turf grass health struggling to keep pace

Having analysed satellite data from 50 golf courses across Great Britain from 2018, Mike Heisig from FairWay Awards comments on recent findings: “We have been looking at the health of grass by tracking exactly the same areas of sports turf from 2018 to today. This gives good insight into actual changes on the ground. What we have seen at the end of March 2021 is that grass health is gradually lagging further and further behind the levels that we saw at the end of March in 2020. Historic data shows that normally in March we should expect to see a major up lift in grass health as it comes out of the winter period.”

“This year however, much of that did not happen and UK grass health slipped back around 5% lower in March 2021 compared with March 2020. Much of this downturn can be attributed to the South East, which seems to be struggling more with grass health levels than any other part the country.”

“Looking ahead at this time of year we expect to see increasing grass health through March and April, leading to a peak in May. It remains to be seen how far grass will recover through the year and what the knock on effect will be for autumn grass management”

The good news is that there is plenty of time for greenkeepers to fine-tune the agronomy to help close the gap. Satellite grass health data is easily accessible and simple to use with huge benefits for turf management.

2021 may be the ideal year to join the Precision Sports Turf Revolution.

Regular updates on grass health through 2021 at www.fairwayawards.com or follow @FairwayAwards on twitter

Join the Sports Turf Revolution contact Mike Heisig: Mike-Heisig@btconnect.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.

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Bonding artificial grass, come rain or shine

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Bonding artificial grass, come rain or shine: With the temperamental British weather we have, attempting to bond in damp conditions is the bane of many artificial grass installers lives.  Wasted days, hours and even weeks waiting for the optimum conditions to bond the carpet are costing the industry time, money and even penalty clauses as the job gets delayed and pushed back.

One of the most common adhesive systems used for bonding artificial grass to seam tape is a two-component polyurethane adhesive.  These systems give an excellent bond and there are many products, from well known brands, which are available.

Bonding artificial grass, come rain or shine

Bonding artificial grass, come rain or shine

But there is a universal problem with these commonly available products.  They can’t cope with bonding in damp conditions.

This issue has been apparent for many years but now there is a solution to this problem – Henko R300

Henko R300 is a two-component polyurethane adhesive which has been developed by Dutch company, Henko A&T, which specifically overcomes this issue.

This unique formulation allows the adhesive to be bonded in damp conditions, so when the day is wet you can continue doing what you are best at doing – getting the job done

One new client of Ureka said “My colleague told me that Henko R300 would bond in we conditions unlike your competition.  I didn’t believe him and told him to prove it by bonding some grass which was in a puddle fully submerged.  So he did and it cured – I couldn’t believe it!”

Bonding artificial grass, come rain or shine

Bonding artificial grass, come rain or shine

Packed in either a 6.85kg or 13.7kg kit, R300 is easy to mix, easy to spread and gives an excellent strength when fully cured.

Used widely in high performance applications like football and rugby fields, R300 is rapidly becoming the preferred choice for grass bonding adhesive.  Equally, R300 performs well in domestic, leisure and other sports field applications

Henko products are available in UK through their dedicated stockist and distributor Ureka Global Ltd, who also have the full range of adhesives, tools and maintenance equipment in stock

For further details, please contact Ureka Global Ltd on 0117 971 1364, email sales@thenamethatsticks.com, or visit our website, www.thenamethatsticks.com

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

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It’s all about Grass Seed

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It’s all about Grass Seed: Stronger germination and faster establishment are key.

DLF Seed’s ProNitro Coating Technology has been helping greenkeepers and groundsmen achieve stronger germination, faster establishment and lower input costs.

It’s all about Grass Seed

It’s all about Grass Seed

Four years on from its launch, the next generation of ProNitro is now available, featuring DLF’s new Hydroactive Water Management Technology. ProNitro’s targeted combination of controlled release nitrogen and sustainable water distribution optimises the delivery of essential nutrients and moisture to the developing seedling.

With sustainability an everincreasing priority for turf managers around the world, the ProNitro coating ensures available water is used more efficiently.

“The new ProNitro formulation has been conceived and developed as a direct action for input optimization on grasses, improving water distribution in the field. Making the best of every drop of water gives both the grass seed and the fertiliser the optimum conditions for establishment, strong root development and healthy, vigorous
growth,” explained Giovanny Lopez, Lead Seed Coat Technologist for DLF.

In trials, the coated seed contributed to a 34% increase in establishing plants and a 30% improvement in root growth. In addition, the targeted nitrogen application system reduces the leaching of unutilised fertiliser into the environment by more than 50% when compared to traditional chemical applications.

ProNitro combines sources of both fast-acting and slow release nitrogen with water management technology, encapsulated in a smooth outer coating for improved seed flow and accurate delivery. This ensures the new seed receives the full benefit of the available water and nutrition, encouraging the roots and shoots to grow rapidly – particularly important when overseeding into a competitive sward.

It is suitable for use on all types of playing surfaces and is available on a selection of popular mixtures from across the Johnsons Sports Seed range. On golf greens and football pitches, even those with low-fertility, sandy soils, ProNitro provides faster establishment, bringing surfaces back into play quicker. The improved uniformity and sward density also make it ideal for turf producers by reducing the invasion of Poa annua and broad-leaved weeds. Replacing the need for seedbed fertiliser, ProNitro saves both time and money.

Polyon range grows with Advance Grass

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Polyon range grows with Advance Grass: Advance Grass, the exclusive distributor for POLYON® controlled release fertilisers are pleased to announce the addition of two new analyses for the 2020 season.

POLYON®, a globally recognised brand, has become a very popular product since its UK launch in 2016 and through customer feedback on specific nutritional requirements, the following have been added to the AGS portfolio:

Polyon range grows with Advance Grass

Polyon range grows with Advance Grass

28.0.0 + MgO + CaO

  • 4-5 month longevity
  • High N with added Calcium and Magnesium
  • 60% controlled release nitrogen
  • Excellent spring base feed
  • Fast start nitrogen portion
  • 2-3 mm prill

15.0.10 + MgO + Fe

  • 4-5 month longevity
  • Balanced N:K feed
  • Added Magnesium & Iron for colour
  • 50% controlled release nitrogen
  • 2-3 mm prill

With their trademarked green colour, POLYON® give turf professionals all the things they want from a fertility programme: consistent, predictable feeding that lasts for months with one application—all to help you grow healthy and beautiful turf. Even better is the fact that you’ll save money along the way due to its enhanced performance.

Polyon range grows with Advance Grass

Polyon range grows with Advance Grass

Green Means… Best Technology

POLYON® controlled-release fertilisers encapsulate nutrients within a patented polyurethane membrane, feeding the root zone slowly, constantly, daily, for months at a time. The key is the “Reactive Layers Coating” that releases out nutrients via diffusion. The results are astounding: beautiful turf, fewer applications, and no excessive growth, even after irrigation or rainfall.

Green Means… Efficient

Independent research shows POLYON® fertiliser maximizes nutrient-use efficiency. POLYON® fertilisers are engineered to provide 100% controlled-release nutrients with virtually no nutrient lock-off. Numerous university studies measuring leaching and volatilization verify POLYON® fertiliser minimizes nitrogen loss compared with other fertilisers.

Polyon range grows with Advance Grass

Polyon range grows with Advance Grass

POLYON® fertiliser can be applied in advance of plant demand because cool soil temperatures of early spring will slow nitrogen release. Less nitrogen is released to the soil from which it can be lost. As soils warm, plant growth and nutrient demand increase. Warmer temperatures also increase nitrogen release from POLYON® fertiliser to keep pace with plant needs.

For further information please contact your local AGS Area Manager or e mail sales@advancegrass.com

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

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