Tag Archive for: ICL

ICL Cure Greens At Blackwell GC

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ICL Cure Greens At Blackwell GC: After some shading issues were resolved at the exclusive Blackwell Golf Club located in Worcestershire, Head Greenkeeper Rhys Thomas has since restored the greens back to their full health thanks to a range of fertilizers from ICL.

Blackwell Golf Club may well be the most exclusive club in the Midlands. With approximately 170 members, but despite the club always having a small membership, it has never stopped the club from achieving. In fact, Blackwell has been ranked in the top 100 UK courses for a number of years, boasts three English Amateur Champions, has hosted the Open Championship Regional Qualifying Event six times and was home to the Midland Boys Championship, won one year by a 14 year old Sandy Lyle.

ICL Cure Greens At Blackwell GC

Blackwell Golf Club will be celebrating its 125th centenary and throughout that time the course hasn’t changed much from the original 18 hole design. The truth is – it hasn’t really needed to, which is perhaps testament to the vision of Herbert Fowler and Tom Simpson who designed the course in 1923.

“Following a ecology report from the STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute), we decided to remove the trees around the greens and tees that had been planted 50 years ago,” says Rhys. “The trees had had little maintenance and the greens were in the shade and we’d struggle to get growth through the winter. Obviously, they would have a lot of wear during the summer and they never had an opportunity to recover.”

After the trees were removed, it was apparent that the greens would need a lot of attention after being in the shade for such a long time. Disease had crept in, which had resulted in a few scars and damage, and in Rhys’ own words – “If someone has a cold or is ill and they don’t take any medicine, then they don’t get any better. It’s the same with the greens – they need good products to keep them healthy.”

“ICL’s Greenmaster Pro-Lite Cold Start is great for the spring,” Rhys continues. “We know that the greens will kick-off immediately once we get it applied in March. Previously, members used to say the greens were not playing well until June. The right products are being used now and the members have certainly noticed the difference.”

Rhys was also quick to highlight Sierraform GT K-STEP 6-0-27+2MgO+TE, which has a high potassium content to harden the turf in particularly stressful winter conditions.

ICL Cure Greens At Blackwell GC

“In January or February, we turn to Sierraform GT K-STEP which trickles along nicely and we normally get a good amount of growth following application. We may also re-apply it in March if we are doing some renovation work just to give us a bit of recovery.

“Because of the microclimate we have here at Blackwell, it does make it hard to have a strict programme in place – we just have to judge it as and when. But I’ve been using ICL products for a long time and I use them because I know how they work and I can judge the timing of the fertilizers.

“The ICL fertilizers have significantly improved the greens because they are a lot healthier now.

On hand to offer Rhys all-year-round assistance is ICL’s Emma Kilby and he revealed that she has been instrumental in helping him bring the greens back to the standard expected by Blackwell members.

“I have a great relationship with Emma and she is always available if I need her.

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

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New Ultimate Offers From ICL

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New Ultimate Offers From ICL: ICL & Syngenta have updated and strengthened their popular Ultimate Offers by announcing the addition of two new packages for 2018. Ultimate Offers are a range of tank-mixes that contain various combinations of nutrition in combination with the plant growth regulator Primo Maxx II. They offer turf managers great products through a selection of vastly cost-effective packages, helping make significant savings with the added bonus of earning up to 15 Turf Rewards points depending on which Ultimate Offer you choose.

The launch of the two new Ultimate Offers underlines both ICL and Syngenta’s position of offering the best plant nutrition and plant growth regulator. The new “Ultimate Offer Iron” provides excellent growth regulation, turf density and turf colour for use on both fine turf and outfield applications whilst “Ultimate Offer SeaMax” provides growth regulation, stress tolerance and improved rooting for golf greens and football pitch applications. In addition, both packages also include Syngenta XC nozzles to ensure the optimum product application is achieved.

New Ultimate Offers From ICL

These new combinations add more choice and versatility to the range whilst delivering big savings compared to purchasing the individual products separately.

Ultimate Offer NK – earns 5 Turf Rewards points

  • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
  • 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid NK
  • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • ICL Application Booklet

Ultimate Offer High N – earns 5 Turf Rewards points

  • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
  • 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid High N
  • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • ICL Application Booklet

Ultimate Offer S & S – earns 5 Turf Rewards points

  • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
  • 1 x 200L Greenmaster Liquid Spring & Summer
  • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • ICL Application Booklet

 Ultimate Offer WSF/18 – earns 10 Turf Rewards points

  • 2 x 10L Primo Maxx II
  • 18 x 15kg Sportsmaster WSF High N
  • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • ICL Application Booklet

Ultimate Offer WSF/36 – earns 15 Turf Rewards points

  • 4 x 10L Primo Maxx II
  • 36 x 15kg Sportsmaster WSF High N
  • 1 x Syngenta Art of Application Kit
  • ICL Application Booklet

NEW Ultimate Offer Iron – earns 5 Turf Rewards points

  • 1 x 10L Primo Maxx II
  • 1 x 200L Sportsmaster Liquid Fe
  • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • ICL Application Booklet

NEW Ultimate Offer SeaMax – earns 5 Turf Rewards points

  • 1 x 5L Primo Maxx II
  • 8 x 1kg Sportsmaster WSF SeaMax
  • 13 x Syngenta XC 04 nozzles
  • ICL Application Booklet

The offers are available exclusively through ICL distributors.

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

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ICL Product Guide Available

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ICL Product Guide Available: The new ICL Turf & Landscape Product Guide for 2018/19 is now available.

The updated 2018/19 Product Guide features the complete range of ICL and Syngenta products plus much more, with advice on how to get the best results, including recommended period of use, directions for use and application rates.

ICL Product Guide Available

As a leading innovator in the industry, ICL has a vast range of products and solutions trusted by turf managers across the globe and in-depth information on both the liquid, soluble and granular range is readily available throughout the product guide.

It features leading micro-granular fertilizers such as Sierraform GT and Greenmaster Pro-Lite; mini-granular fertilizers for sports and amenity turf such as Sierrablen, Sierrablen Plus, ProTurf and Sportsmaster; liquid fertilizers in the form of Greenmaster and soluble fertilizers including the Sportsmaster WSF range.

Also featured is the Vitalnova range of biostimulant and turf conditioners which includes the widely praised Stressbuster. This specially formulated liquid treatment contains a unique combination of macro and micro nutrients, wetting agents, biostimulants and amino acids to help condition turf against stress and aid recovery. Greenkeepers and groundsmen alike have relied on Stressbuster to combat heavy usage and in particular have commended its ability to provide excellent sward colour, keep disease at bay and boost the overall health of the turf.

Over the years countless turf managers have reaped the rewards from Syngenta’s leading range of fungicides and the brochure features the complete portfolio including the newly launched Instrata Elite and Banner Maxx II. Instrata Elite, approved for Microdochium control in the UK, gives a powerful combination of curative and contact plus systemic properties, for reliable turf protection outside and in the plant. Banner Maxx II is a new formulation, created to deliver even faster uptake into the plant and tackle disease infection inside the leaf – before it can damage turf plant health.

The product guide is far more than just a product brochure. Created by using feedback gathered from a wide range of end users it also provides a wealth of technical information. Spreader setting guidelines will help readers with the accurate application of fertilizer; a tank-mix table provides guidance notes for compatibility of liquid formulations and a ready reckoner will assist with nutrient application for granular fertilizers.

To request the product guide or for further information, please contact ICL on 01473 237100, email prof.sales@icl-group.com  or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk

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College Reports Excellent Results From ICL

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College Reports Excellent Results From ICL: Radley College in Abingdon, Oxfordshire has reported excellent results from ICL, with Grounds Manager Adam King saying the ProTurf and Vitalnova Stressbuster have helped him improve the health and presentation of the school’s range of sports pitches.

Adam has been at Radley for 17 years, and is responsible for the maintenance of the huge 800 acre site which includes a tenanted farm and a 9-hole golf course as well as the numerous natural and synthetic pitches. Sports played at the College include rugby in the Michaelmas Term, hockey, rowing and football in the Lent Term and cricket, rowing, lawn tennis and athletics in the Summer Term.

College Reports Excellent Results From ICL

“We have 694 boys at Radley and sport is a major part of their life,” says Adam. “The campus is incredibly busy and the pitches are in use all-year round. We host 26 rugby teams, 16 football teams, 22 hockey teams and 24 cricket teams each year.”

Adam has a large team to help him with the mammoth work required to keep the facilities to the impeccable standards expected by Radley College. There is a total of 18 grounds staff including Adam, which consists of eight groundsmen, two greenkeepers and seven gardeners.

The team has strict maintenance procedures in place and, according to Adam, ICL products play an integral role.

“I have a long history with ICL and I have always found the products to provide consistent results.

“What I like about ICL is that, as a company, they are always looking ahead, always developing new products and adding to the stable of quality products. For what we need to do and what we need to achieve at Radley, no matter what the time of year – whether it is relieving turf stress or making grass grow, whatever you need ICL has, and you know that the products perform as you would expect.”

Adam applies ProTurf 15-5-15+2CaO+2MgO in readiness for a busy period of winter sports in which the potassium element can help pre-condition the turf for intensive play and the inevitable harsh weather.

“ProTurf is applied in early August so the grass surfaces are actively growing for the start of the season. The one thing we work on really hard here is recovery – for as long as we can. As long as the soil temperatures are there and the moisture levels are there, we want the grass to keep growing because we have 14 weeks of rugby followed by 12 weeks of football. We all know that by the time we get to January or February the recovery rates are minimal so if we can keep it growing up until Christmas then we will and this is where ProTurf really helps.”

College Reports Excellent Results From ICL

ProTurf contains a combination of Poly-S controlled-release fertilizer technology, readily available urea Nitrogen, and Polyhalite, a naturally occurring mineral sourced from ICL’s Cleveland Potash mine.

The Poly-S technology gives consistent, regular growth over a 2-3 month period without growth peaks while the uncoated Nitrogen portion provides an immediate turf response, even in cooler conditions. Polyhalite contains four macro-nutrients – Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and Sulphur. Potassium is required for the process of energy transfer, especially photosynthesis and the breakdown of carbohydrates.

“We base feed with ProTurf,” Adam continues, “and then top up with liquid irons and Sportsmaster WSF SeaMax (a soluble seaweed concentrate) along with Vitalnova Stressbuster – which is a product I would use absolutely everywhere if I could.”

Vitalnova Stressbuster is a unique liquid formulation which pre-conditions turf against stress and helps generate a quick recovery. Featuring iron which provides an instant colour, Stressbuster also contains a unique combination of macro and micro nutrients, wetting agents, bio-stimulants and amino acids.

“Stressbuster is a lovely cocktail of everything you require which gives you a superb result. It contains iron, bio-stimulants, a little bit of sugar, some nitrogen – all of which encourage recovery. Colour-wise I would say we get about 21 days out of it and you get an instant colour-up overnight which is perfect when we apply before a game. It can also be complimented with some Primo Maxx II growth regulator.

“Ultimately Stressbuster is helping us to produce a tightly knit sward that keeps its colour and sends as many roots down as possible. That’s what it is all about in winter sports – with rugby and football it is all about traction so it is important that you have the right products in place.”

It’s not just the products that Adam and his team get great results from: “Emma Kilby (ICLTechnical Area Sales Manager), who I’ve known for many years, is an invaluable person to talk to ensuring that we have the best possible nutritional programme in place,” says Adam.

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

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ICL The Place To Be At BTME

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ICL The Place To Be At BTME: Visitors can expect to learn about innovative new products and find out about exciting new Turf Rewards developments – and of course enjoy a much needed coffee from the ICL barista team on stand B54 at BTME 2018.

The ICL stand will feature the Vitalnova range of biostimulants with a specific focus on Stressbuster. Visitors can find out more about the product and just how it has taken the industry by storm since its launch last year.

ICL The Place To Be At BTME

In further exploring methods to improve the health of a course then visitors to the stand may also benefit by learning more about Banner Maxx II, full information can be found on the Syngenta stand.

BTME attendees will also be able to pick up the new ICL 2018/19 Product Guide which features an up-to-date portfolio including some new and unique products and services. The comprehensive brochure, designed using feedback gathered from a wide range of end users detailing what they wanted to be included, will provide a detailed look into the company’s market leading products as well as offering valuable technical information.

A visit to stand B54 will also be an ideal opportunity to find out about some exciting new developments in Turf Rewards including a new look website and the launch of a brand new app. The scheme, from ICL and Syngenta, provides the chance to earn points from purchases and convert them into a range of valuable agronomic or educational items.

Henry Bechelet, ICL Technical Sales Manager UK & Ireland and Dr Andy Owen, ICL International Technical Manager, will be passing on their invaluable knowledge in a Continue to Learn seminar entitled Granular vs. Liquid Nutrition which will take place on 24 January. In this session Andy and Henry will discuss the relative merits of granular and liquid applied approaches to turf nutrition.

Using up to date trial data, they will show the relative efficiencies of delivering nutrition in different ways as well as the cost benefits from each. The aim of this session is to provide attendees with robust trial data that helps them formulate fully effective and integrated fertiliser programmes.

Henry will also be presenting What’s in a Soil Analysis on 23 January. Henry will be focusing on the various types of soils fine turf grow in and how the soil type impacts on nutrient availability. The session will present a great opportunity for greenkeepers to discover the correct way to take a soil sample and what key components they should be aware of when reading a soil analysis.

ICL is a long-term supporter of the Continue to Learn programme and has once again teamed up with BIGGA to provide the ICL Continue to Learn scholarship. The scholarship, worth approximately £500 per person, comprises three nights’ hotel accommodation and a 15-hour education bundle. This year, Daniel Ashelby, assistant greenkeeper at Wilmslow; Michael Barnard, junior assistant greenkeeper at The Royal Automobile Club; Philip Billinghurst, assistant greenkeeper at Woburn; Michael Hughes, deputy course manager at Scotscraig and Simon Pyett, greenkeeper at Halesworth, will be the five BIGGA members making the most of the scholarship.

The ICL barista team will be on hand to provide refreshments on the stand at all times, so please come along and have a chat and enjoy a complimentary coffee.

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

For the latest industry news visit turfnews.co.uk

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