Tag Archive for: Grow

SGL expands LED grow lighting range

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SGL expands LED grow lighting range: SGL, global leader in pitch management solutions, announces the expansion of their LED grow lighting systems range: the LED60, LED30, and LED10. Developed and produced entirely in-house, these new products allow SGL to cater even more precisely to the needs of grounds teams—offering compact, user-friendly solutions for every situation.

Tailor-made solutions

As the turfgrass industry continues to evolve, so does the demand for adaptable and complete solutions. SGL aims to meet the full range of grounds teams’ needs with a product for every scenario. The introduction of the LED60, LED30, and LED10 ensures that a suitable lighting solution is available—whether for quick repairs in tight corners or broader turf recovery in high-wear zones.

SGL expands LED grow lighting range

SGL expands LED grow lighting range

Designed for performance and practicality

SGL undertook extensive research and development to optimise its existing LED product range. The result is a new line of lightweight, compact units built for frequent and efficient operation. A slim construction, combined with smart leg design and strategic SmartBox placement, ensures minimal shadowing beneath the unit and superior, uniform light distribution in all climates.

The separation of light and heat, an important function of LED grow lighting technology, is now available even in the smallest units, increasing efficiency while saving energy in the process.

All three models are fully developed and produced at SGL’s headquarters. With the opening of their new office, production processes are further streamlined—reinforcing SGL’s long-term vision for in-house innovation and growth.

Three models, three solutions

Although launched simultaneously, the LED60, LED30, and LED10 are distinct products, each designed for specific pitch conditions.

The new LED60 sets a benchmark in turf lighting performance. Designed to cover 60 m², it is the largest of the three compact models—ideal for high-wear zones such as goalmouths.

Compared to its predecessor, the LED50, the LED60 maintains the same compact dimensions while delivering 10 m² more coverage. This is made possible by a custom-engineered lens that ensures optimal light distribution.

What truly sets the LED60 apart:

  • Higher efficiency: With a state-of-the-art LED efficiency of 3.9 µmol/J, it delivers more light with less energy.
  • Lower weight: Nearly 100 kilograms lighter, making handling and deployment significantly easier.
  • Reduced cost: Despite its enhanced performance, the LED60 is available at a lower price, offering exceptional value.

The LED60 combines innovation and practicality—delivering more light, more coverage, and more efficiency, all while reducing operational costs.

The LED30 covers 30 m², offering the same advanced features in a smaller format. It’s well-suited for targeted recovery across the pitch, providing flexibility for grounds teams who want precise application in a compact, easy-to-handle unit.

The LED10 is the most compact unit model, covering 10 m², and is perfect for fast recovery in specific high-wear zones such as corners. Its two-leg rear design with wheels makes it especially easy to handle and reposition.

Connected to TurfBase

All three units are supported by SGL’s data management dashboard, TurfBase, which enables users to register lighting hours, remotely turn units on and off, or schedule timers to optimise the microclimate 24/7. All with the aim of maximising efficiency to achieve the best agronomical results with the lowest energy consumption.

With this launch, SGL expands its commitment to delivering precise, practical solutions—empowering grounds teams with the tools they need to maintain high-quality playing surfaces, no matter the challenge.

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Aqua Aid continues to grow

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Aqua Aid continues to grow: Aqua Aid Europe, the leading provider of soil water management solutions, is proud to announce that Christiaan Arends will join the Aqua Aid Europe team as Commercial Director as of February 1, 2025. Arends will play an important role in the further growth and development of the company.

Christiaan Arends brings extensive industry experience and a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be of value to Aqua Aid Europe. He has previously held various positions at Barenbrug Holland and the Vanmac Group, both nationally and internationally.

Aqua Aid continues to grow

Aqua Aid continues to grow

“We are very pleased to welcome Christiaan to our team,” says Hans de Kort of Aqua Aid Europe. “His experience and skills fit perfectly with our ambitions for the future. We look forward to his contribution and are confident that he will play an important role in the further growth of our company.”

Aqua Aid Europe BV remains committed to providing sustainable soil water management solutions in Europe and beyond. With the arrival of Christiaan Arends, the company expects to further strengthen this mission and make an even greater impact in the market.

About Aqua Aid Europe

Founded in the Netherlands, Aqua Aid Europe is a leading innovator in sustainable water management, offering advanced solutions tailored to the irrigation and grass industries. With a strong European footprint and a growing global presence, Aqua Aid Europe delivers high-quality products and services that enhance water conservation, soil health, and environmental sustainability.

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Green-tech to distribute Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser

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Green-tech to distribute Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser: Green-tech is proud to announce the latest addition to its extensive product portfolio, Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser. This innovative product, distributed exclusively by Green-tech, offers a groundbreaking approach to natural plant nutrition, harnessing the power of woodland soils.

Woodland Grow is a Natural Fertiliser, borne from years of scientific research into soil biology, and coupled with the benefits of enhancing soil’s natural ecosystem. The fertiliser incorporates British native woodland fungal communities and soil microbes, designed to rejuvenate and enrich intensively managed soils.

Green-tech to distribute Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser

Green-tech to distribute Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser

Green-tech is a leading supplier of products for landscaping, forestry, and horticulture industries. Their dedication to sourcing sustainable and innovative products that support ecological balance and promote biodiversity is well known. This product supports Green-tech’s commitment to sustainability and providing customers with environmentally responsible solutions.

Green-tech’s Purchasing and Product Development Director Chris Swan comments, ” Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser is the latest addition to our extensive product portfolio and supports our ongoing efforts to provide more sustainable solutions for our customers. Over the last five years, sourcing products with strong environmental credentials has been our focus, ensuring we offer the most up-to-date developments in the marketplace.”

Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser is composed of UK-sourced materials that replicate woodland soils, including a blend of 10-15 natural ingredients such as NPK, seaweed, blood fertiliser, lime, hoof, and horn. This 100% natural fertiliser works in harmony with nature to improve soil health and plant growth without relying on synthetic inputs.

Its key benefits include:

  • Contains naturally occurring mycorrhizal species
  • Provides disease suppression
  • Enhances plant quality and vitality
  • Mimics peat properties
  • Improves soil structure and water retention

Daniel Iddon, Founder and Director of Woodland Grow, highlights the importance of this innovation: ” Woodland Grow represents a 21st-century engineered compost that replicates peat, enabling us to innovate beyond the sterile environments we’ve grown accustomed to. It enables the forestry industry to close the carbon loop of timber production by putting microbial life back into forest residues.  I am thrilled to be partnering up with Green-tech. Their extensive sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities make them the perfect distributor for Woodland Grow Natural Fertiliser.”

For more information or to request a sample pack, please contact Green-tech on 01423 332 100 or email sales@green-tech.co.uk

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GMA education programme continues to grow

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GMA education programme continues to grow: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) reaches a significant milestone in its online training with more than 2,000 enrolling for its courses since the pandemic began.

Now, the not-for-profit member organisation adds two new courses to its training offering; Online Level 2 Cricket Surfaces (Applied Turf Culture) and the first face-to-face training course since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Management.

GMA education programme continues to grow

GMA education programme continues to grow

Taking around 6 hours to complete, Online Level 2 Cricket Surfaces (Applied Turf Culture) is ideal for volunteers or new additions to grounds teams seeking to develop their skills and learn about the importance of preparing a playing surface with the implementation of an annual maintenance plan.

Students who successfully complete the end of course assessment gain valuable knowledge and applicable skills for day-to-day maintenance activities and a certificate of achievement, whilst the course’s specialist content will be crucial for all aspiring cricket grounds staff or volunteers.

Whilst expanding its online training suite, the GMA also announces the return of face-to-face training with a 5-day training course at the British Racing School. Taking place from 14 – 19 November 2021, Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Management teaches students how to apply the theory required to understand the science of racecourse grounds maintenance and will be equally relevant for individual grounds staff as well as Clerks of the course.

Developed in conjunction with the Racecourse Association and the British Horseracing Authority, the 5-day course will be delivered by industry experts, Alan Lewis NDT, Adrian Kay, Head Groundsman at York Racecourse and Richard Linley, Senior Inspector of Courses at the British Horseracing Authority, with accommodation and food covered in the package.

Dan Prest, Head of Technical and Learning, said:

“It has been an incredibly challenging 18 months, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the drive from so many in the industry to continue in their professional journey and development working in the turf-care sector. Whilst we’ve all had to adapt to a more online-orientated work and study life, we know how valuable practical face-to-face training courses are.

We’re also pleased to be developing more content than ever to align with our Pitch Advisory Service objectives to help volunteers get the most of their local natural and artificial surfaces.”

You can sign-up to online Level 2 Cricket Surfaces (Applied Turf Culture) by clicking here.

Or to find out more about Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Management, click here.

More details on the Pitch Advisory Service can be found on the GMA’s website.

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Agrovista Amenity Academy continues to grow

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Agrovista Amenity Academy continues to grow: Agrovista Amenity’s online Academy has shown significant growth with over 9,000 CPD points awarded so far, and the company believes that it is just the start of something special.

The Agrovista Amenity Academy is an online learning resource with courses and lessons created on a range of areas of turf management and for all products sold by Agrovista Amenity.

Agrovista Amenity Academy continues to grow

Agrovista Amenity Academy continues to grow

“It has grown bigger than we ever expected it to,” said Karl Parry, the founder of the education platform. “The amount of CPD points we have awarded really is quite phenomenal.”

The portal consists of videos, case studies, MSDS, labels and technical specifications which have been designed so that turf managers can fully understand and get maximum benefits from the products they use. This will, in turn, lead to healthier, better performing turf.

Furthermore, the Academy website boasts a highly sophisticated weather system which helps people make better decisions for the week ahead.

Launched in 2017, the Academy was the result of a need to provide a platform which suited both the learner and the employer – according to Neil Pullen, Agrovista Amenity Business Development Manager.

“The thinking behind the Academy was to provide education that was open to everybody,” he said. “Not just for those at the top, but more a vehicle for people who were new to the industry or part qualified, to further their education with a desire to become a course manager, or a head groundsperson for example.

“It progressed from there and then two years ago we sat down with BIGGA to discuss their education programme. It was apparent that golf clubs were paying for their staff to complete BIGGA courses, but it meant that the staff would need days off to do them. There was also an issue with the employers paying for their staff to be educated only for the staff to leave once they were qualified.

“So, you had a frustrated employee wanting to further their CPD education with BIGGA but struggling to do it because nobody wanted to pay for it, and nobody wanted to give them the time off. This was where the Academy really progressed because individuals can get the CPD points they need without it having an impact on their employers. Each course can be done at home and there is no cost. Now, a lot of BIGGA members come directly through the Academy.”

The Agrovista Amenity Academy, which is free to sign-up to, provides in-depth knowledge on Agrovista Amenity’s market leading products (Product Courses), as well as a wide range of areas in turf management such as turf disease, chemical, product application, seed and turf pests (Knowledge Courses).

The Product Courses have been designed so that the individual can fully understand and get maximum benefits from the products they purchase. With Product Courses and Knowledge courses being added on a regular basis, Academy students are guaranteed to have a wide variety to choose from.

“I think that the Product and Knowledge portfolios that we can build is endless,” said Karl. “Agrovista has an incredible number of resources combined with highly knowledgeable and experienced professionals. Both sections will continue to expand and will push the amenity standard forward.”

BIGGA allocates up to 4 points for all successfully completed Knowledge and Product Courses and can vary depending on content and length. To date, the Academy has awarded 9,499 CPD points to over 3,000 individuals. While it is evident that the wider industry is indeed seeing the benefits from using the Academy, so too is Agrovista Amenity.

“Internally, having that platform to train the team has been invaluable and we have seen improved sales results,” said Neil. “We now insist that all members of staff pass the courses because it teaches them about the products – how it works, why it works, how to apply it, what rates – absolutely everything.

“At the end of the day, we feel that we have a responsibility to make sure that customers understand everything they need to know about the products – so stewardship wise it is important too.”

The Academy has inevitably seen an increase during the pandemic with more people either being furloughed or working from home, but both Karl and Neil are confident that it will continue to grow, especially with the plans that are already in place.

“I would like to see a deeper integration with BASIS and FACTS and we have already spoken about some exciting new content for best practice,” said Karl. “We are also looking forward to continuing to support BIGGA and I feel that is a partnership which will develop even further. We have so many more courses to publish and I would just like to see the Academy continue to grow.”

“Further down the line I would like to see the Academy spilt into different sections to cater for individual sports,” added Neil. “At some point we are planning on having a golf academy, a football academy, a cricket academy, and a rugby academy, for example, to make it even more specific.

“We would also like to have courses for different abilities – so a foundation, intermediate and a professional course. We’ve got so much planned and while we are not quite there yet – we certainly are not far away.”

For more information, please visit www.amenityacademy.co.uk

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