Tag Archive for: Helps

GroundWOW® helps celebrate St. George’s Park anniversary

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GroundWOW® helps celebrate St. George’s Park anniversary: When the F.A Group Marketing Department wanted a grand scale commemorative design on the centre of pitch four at St George’s Park, North-West technology innovators GroundWOW® were very happy to take the call.

Using their SFX ULTRA™ model, GroundWOW® printed the tenth anniversary design directly onto the perfect canvas of pitch four at one of the world’s leading training and educational establishments. Created pixel by pixel, the image contained the highly detailed design intricacies of the Three Lions as part of an activation that measured a whopping 21 x 17M in size.

GroundWOW® helps celebrate St. George’s Park anniversary

GroundWOW® helps celebrate St. George’s Park anniversary

The whole activation was a class act completed in time for the Home of England Football to welcome The Prince of Wales, President of the F.A. His Royal Highness observed activities across some of the venue’s 13 outdoor pitches, full-size indoor 3-G pitch, and indoor Futsal arena to celebrate the occasion.

GroundWOW’s Chief Commercial Officer, David Pritchard, said it was “an enormous privilege for us to contribute to this event. Our technology is aimed at all sport and so much of our inbound interest has in fact come from football. It was a real pleasure to be on site and a great opportunity for us to showcase what we do at the home of the nation’s favourite sport. None of this was lost on the whole team at HQ, all of whom were immensely proud to have helped create this grand scale art”.

The Staffordshire facility oversees the development of elite English football in a performance-first environment, a fitting location therefore for GroundWOW® to demonstrate its transformative technology that is taking on the sports sector with a performance-first approach.

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Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

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Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers: A newly installed Hunter irrigation system, supplied by KAR UK, is part of a long-term plan to help futureproof Leicester Tigers’ Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, according to Head Groundsman Ed Mowe.

With a CV boasting positions at Leicester City Football Club, England FA’s St George’s Park and now Leicester City Tigers, it is safe to say that Ed knows how to produce a high-quality sports pitch. He has been with the Tigers for six years and he now believes that the time has come to look to the future.

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

“The old surface was coming towards the end of its life span, and we are going to be hosting more games soon because we’ve got a Leicester Tigers Women’s team, who will be playing their home games here. So, this year, we had a new pitch constructed and we also saw an opportunity to replace all our irrigation sprinkler heads. The previous heads were old, and we were trying to replace them as they were breaking, so it just made sense to start fresh.

“Ultimately, we want to futureproof the stadium and the pitch, so it can be in the best possible shape moving forwards.”

The pitch construction was carried out by Premier Turf who worked with Prime Irrigation. It was decided that the pitch would benefit from a mixture of Hunter TTS-885 and I-80 rotors, which were supplied by KAR UK – the leading wholesaler of irrigation equipment in the UK.

The 885 rotor belongs to the Hunter TTS-800 portfolio and provides maximum uniformity and longevity. The high-torque gear drives are the strongest in the industry, so the challenges of reclaimed water use, or poor water quality are mitigated.

The TTS-885 also benefits from Hunter’s patented TTS (Total-Top-Service) technology which allows for every serviceable element of the rotor to be accessed through the top.

Mechanical and electrical, big and small, you can get to every component without disturbing the playing surface. That means there’s no more digging, no more unsightly scars, and more importantly, one less item on a busy turf manager’s schedule. Other notable features of the TTS-885 include true full-circle and adjustable part-circle (60° to 360°), exclusive PressurePort™ nozzle technology, and a radius of 11.3 to 28.7 m.

Meanwhile the I-80 is built with a robust, dirt-tolerant gear drive that offers the highest torque output of any rotor in the commercial sphere, and extends a radius range from 11.3 to 29.6 m. The I-80 features a wide range of highly efficient, dual-trajectory, wind-fighting nozzles for highly efficient performance in a range of applications. It also provides TTS via its integrated, surface-mounted snap-ring.

To accompany the rotors Ed opted for the mobile-friendly Centralus irrigation management platform and the Roam remote – which eliminates the need to go back and forth to the sprinkler controller. This connectivity allows you to view a controller’s status, change settings, view forecasts, save water, and receive instant notifications of important system alarms — all without costly and time-consuming travel and site visits.

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

Hunter helps to futureproof the Tigers

“This year really has proved just how important a good irrigation system is,” said Ed. “The rotors provide us with excellent coverage, and they are not as prone to drift. Previously we were getting a lot of drift off the old heads. They are incredibly easy to use and maintain – you can simply pull them out and there is no digging involved. You don’t have to take them apart to alter the arcs. I’ve not had any issues with them at all and they perform excellently.

“The Centralus and the Roam remote have also been of huge benefit,” continued Ed. “It is all connected to the internet so I can easily sort out the various irrigation programmes. Having this flexibility has saved us thousands of pounds too because, if for example, I have set a programme and we get a big downpour of rain then I can simply switch it off. Also, in this respect we can target specific areas on the pitch. We just keep the remote in our pockets and if we see a dry patch or the manager wants a certain area watered, we can switch it on with the press of a button.

“Overall, I’m really impressed – and the irrigation system is absolutely helping to futureproof the pitch. It has helped to keep the moisture levels up for the grass to grow and the whole package just works for us.”

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Ventrac helps enhance presentation

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Ventrac helps enhance presentation: Adam Smith, the Head of Grounds and Gardens at Bishop’s Stortford College, has been delighted with the higher level of presentation and the work-hour savings, following the purchase of a Ventrac 4500 all-terrain compact tractor.

Supplied through local groundscare dealer, Upsons Mowers, the package initially included a 72-inch rotary mowing deck. Subsequently the College has added a Power Brush attachment.

Ventrac helps enhance presentation

Ventrac helps enhance presentation

Adam’s career in the industry has included numerous different roles – first as a mechanical technician with a European groundscare contractor, then as a product demonstrator followed by a sales role with a large regional UK dealer, and a further sales role for Toro in Brisbane. On returning to the UK, he gained more sales experience with a John Deere dealer before a career switch to groundsmanship at nearby Haileybury Imperial College, before joining the Bishop’s Stortford team two years ago.

“Without a doubt the Ventrac has enhanced the overall appearance of our large grassed areas and its ability to mow on 40-degree slopes has cut out hundreds of hours of brush-cutting for the team” he said. “There are only four of us, so every hour is vital. Strimming is such a time-consuming job, but we have now freed up hours that can spent on other important tasks around the facility. It has been a gamechanger.”

“We have some serious banks across the 130 acres and I was looking for a machine that would save us from the hours of brush-cutting. Upsons suggested the Ventrac and, at first, I wasn’t too sure; to be honest it looked a bit ‘Mickey Mouse’, but once we’d had it demo-ed we were immediately won over. Andy Richards came over from Haileybury for the demo and he has bought one as well. We have a good working relationship and, on occasions, lend each other attachments. It’s simple with the Ventrac linkage system, there’s no complicated set up, you just drive out of one and drive in to the next.

“Before the Ventrac we were using a 50hp tractor with a rear-mounted roller mower, but it was so cumbersome with limited maneuverability in tight spaces. We have several outdoor teaching spaces, such as the arboretum, and getting around the trees and outdoor furniture was a major problem. The Ventrac alleviated this immediately as it has a centre-pivot steering system and can turn tightly. Again, this saves many workhours and is much more efficient.

“This has become our front-line machine; its low ground pressure means we can go out at any time, even in some of the very wet areas and you feel really safe on the banks, it’s a machine you can trust. We have a natural spring that rises near our Pre-Prep School and we can’t usually get in there before late May, but with the Ventrac we cut it in February.

“The weight transfer system works well and by turning it down, the striping effect when using the roller deck is excellent. I particularly like the rear three-point linkage. We can hitch up our Sisis brush units and use the Ventrac as the tow vehicle on our synthetic surfaces. It has such a light footprint, much better than a utility vehicle and we can also brush in stripes on our natural surfaces, if required. We also have a ball hitch, so we can attach equipment such as our water bowser or trailers. Its versatility is endless.”

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ICL helps to modernise Warrington Wolves

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ICL helps to modernise Warrington Wolves: From seed to nutrition – an ICL integrated turf management programme is helping Warrington Wolves modernise its grounds department.

Before taking the position of Head of Grounds at Warrington Wolves Niall Hazlehurst had always been involved in football grounds management having worked at Bolton Wanderers FC, Rochdale A.F.C. and Fulham FC.

ICL helps to modernise Warrington Wolves

ICL helps to modernise Warrington Wolves

However, the job at Warrington Wolves, a Rugby League club signalled the prospect of a new and exciting chapter which would allow him to put his own stamp on the project.

“I had a chat with the management team, and it became apparent that I would be working with a blank canvas,” said Niall. “There were so many old machines and so we cleared everything out and started fresh. It was time to modernise the department and also the pitch.”

With the full backing of the owners, Niall got to work, and his first action was to investigate new grass seed options at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. After recommendations from fellow groundstaff at Doncaster FC and seeing it perform well at other venues, Niall decided to go with ICL’s ProSelect 1 Premium Pitch.

Combining four top-ranked perennial ryegrasses and with rapid establishment, it provides a fast-recovering, dense, hard-wearing surface.

“My plan was to use ICL’s nutritional products, so I thought it made sense to use the seed as well,” he said. “I liked the fact the cultivars in ProSelect 1 rank very highly in the BSPB ratings. Last season we scarified as much as possible and overseeded with the ProSelect 1, and we had really good results.

“It helped keep Poa at bay, and the germination and establishment are quick. What stands out to me is how well the pitch plays. Now the seed has had a chance to establish we no longer get those big divots when the rugby players all come together.”

After seeing successful results from the seed, Niall and Phil Collinson, North West Key Account Manager for ICL, started to explore the possibility of introducing ProSelect Sport TRT into the seeding programme.

“We took the next step, and we are now using a combination of ProSelect 1 Premium Pitch and ProSelect Sport TRT,” said Niall. “ProSelect Sport TRT is a hard-wearing creeping ryegrass mix and will bring a lot of benefits to a pitch that doesn’t have full surface removal each year.”

Phil offered his thoughts: “By using a combination of both seeds, you get the high ranked cultivars from ProSelect 1 Premium Pitch along with the benefits of Torsion – one of the cultivars in ProSelect Sport TRT. We all crave that dark green colour that we see so much on TV and with Torsion in Sport TRT genetically being a darker variety it gives you an advantage over some of the other cultivars. And when you consider its wear tolerance then it makes sense to introduce it to a situation like Niall is managing.”

With confidence in the seed, Niall’s focus quickly turned to nutrition and specifically a feeding programme.

“I wanted to move away from a scenario where the pitch was getting fed when it looked like it needed to,” he said. “I felt we needed a more pro-active approach which would avoid peaks and troughs. This pitch needs to be always ready and playable because the club can agree to put a game on at any time – it brings in revenue. This is fine now because the pitch is continuously good, and I think ICL’s Sierraform GT Spring & Summer CalMag14.0.7 fertiliser has played a part in this.

“Because of its micro granulation, you can use low rates more frequently, fortnightly for example, to help level out that nutrition and avoid lots of lush growth. With it being predominantly slow release, we can rely on it to give great longevity out of the product and the colour it provides is unbelievable.”

Niall also revealed that a tank-mix consisting of Greenmaster Liquid CalMag at 20 L/ha and Vitalnova Stressbuster at 20 L/ha is playing an integral part in his maintenance programme.

“We like to apply this 48 hours before a game,” he said. “It gives us everything we want, including outstanding presentation and great recovery. Since we have been using this tank mix there has been very little to no damage to the pitch under play. At the end of the day, it’s similar to the way you would prepare a player before a game – the pitch is a living thing too.”

Commenting on the progress Niall has made, Phil said: “It is a unique situation here at Warrington Wolves with very high usage and high pitch demands. A bespoke plan was needed, and Niall is working brilliantly towards taking the pitch in a new direction – it is evolving all the time.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Johnsons J Green helps Wantage BC

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Johnsons J Green helps Wantage BC: Wantage Bowling Club are celebrating their centenary year with a green that is denser and healthier than it has ever been, thanks to the switch to Johnsons Sports Seed.

Volunteer Greenkeeper Dean Gibbons has praised the combination of Johnsons J Green and J Rye Green for delivering exceptional germination and a smooth playing surface that is fit for a series of special events marking the club’s 100-year anniversary.

Johnsons J Green helps Wantage BC

Johnsons J Green helps Wantage BC

Since Dean took charge 10 years ago, he has successfully adapted a number of mechanical and nutritional programmes to achieve a pesticide and fungicide-free approach to his green’s maintenance. To assist with that, specifically to help prevent weed ingress, Dean reviewed his choice of seed three years ago after suffering several seasons of sparse coverage. “I knew we needed to introduce some different high-quality cultivars to improve the density of the green so I referred to the BSPB guide and spoke to some other greenkeepers who all highly recommended the J Green mixture from Johnsons.”

J Green incorporates top-rated fine fescues and bent grass cultivars to deliver fast, sustainable and disease-resistant greens suitable for bowls and golf. Dean has used J Green for the club’s end of season renovations, together with localised seeding of rink ends and other high-wear areas throughout the playing period. For some particularly problematic areas, he’s used Johnsons J Rye Green – combining perennial rye, slender creeping red fescue and browntop bent for fast establishment, exceptional recovery and tolerance of wear.

“The first and main thing I’ve noticed is the quality of germination achieved with J Green and, importantly, the survival rates of the seedlings. While several inputs will of course influence this, the quality and purity of the Johnsons mix, together with the fact the seed is coated with GroMax biostimulant seed treatment, appears to be a massive factor and has resulted in a visibly denser, thicker and healthier sward.” Dean continues, “Since we switched to Johnsons, I have also had regular visits from DLF’s Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett, that always bring insightful and helpful advice to help in the objective of improving the green.”

He adds, “The work to date hasn’t gone unnoticed. The improvements in our bowling surface have been recognised around the county and beyond, with lots of positive feedback and requests to use our green to host prestigious games so we must be doing something right!”

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