Tag Archive for: ICL

Liam Rowlands joins ICL

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Liam Rowlands joins ICL: ICL has appointed Liam Rowlands as a Technical Area Sales Manager, covering South West England and South Wales.

Liam arrives with good knowledge of the industry after working as a greenkeeper for a period of twelve years. Upon leaving school he started his career at Abergele Golf Club, North Wales, under the stewardship of Darren Anderson. He then went onto work at several distinguished clubs including Chester Golf Club, The Grove, and Golfpark de Turfvaert, in the Netherlands. Before joining ICL he progressed to the position of a Deputy Head Greenkeeper.

Liam Rowlands joins ICL

Liam Rowlands joins ICL

“During my twelve years in greenkeeping, I have been fortunate to experience golf courses of many shapes and sizes all with varying levels of expectation,” said Liam. “I feel this gives me a good ability to understand the customers varying needs”. “I’m sure that my experience paired with my education in technical areas will enable me to provide excellent service for both turf managers and distributor partners alike.”

Liam also studied a BSc in Sports Turf Science and Management at Myerscough College where he achieved an impressive 2.1. As part of his degree, Liam conducted a highly regarded dissertation which focussed on the effects of ICL’s Vitalnova SMX on root growth and development on perennial ryegrasses.

“I feel honoured to be representing ICL,” he said. “The company gave me the opportunity to study its SMX product for my thesis when I was at Myerscough College and Andy Owen (International Technical Manager at ICL) was extremely influential throughout the process. It now feels as though my career has come full circle. I am incredibly passionate about ICL products and have seen first-hand how they perform. I hope to take this passion into my role and the regions in which I am operating.”

Outside of work, when Liam is not playing golf, he can be found following Bristol City FC and he also enjoys hiking and camping.

Commenting on Liam’s appointment, Ed Carter, National Sales and Development Manager for ICL, said: “Liam is great addition to the ICL team. He has great knowledge of

our products as well as the right experience and passion for the role. I’m sure he will contribute superbly to driving growth and supporting ICL customers in South West England and South Wales.”

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

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

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ICL products key to new pitch construction

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ICL products key to new pitch construction: A range of ICL products have helped Lincoln City FC’s new Fibresand pitch get off to the best possible start.

At the start of the 2021/22 season, Lincoln City had its pitch at the LNER stadium completely rebuilt. The huge project included a new gravel carpet, drainage system, multiple sand layers and the amelioration of Fibresand for added stability.

ICL products key to new pitch construction

ICL products key to new pitch construction

To do the new construction justice it was vital that the pitch received the correct products, and it was at this point that Head Groundsman Craig Housley liaised with Craig Lalley, Technical Area Sales Manager for ICL.

“A new Fibresand construction can take a bit of time to settle,” said Craig Lalley. “Therefore, when putting the programme together with Craig, we wanted to really concentrate on achieving good rooting to aid playability and recovery.”

Within a six-week window before the start of the season, Craig focused on three products in the form of Sierrablen Plus with Pearl Turf Starter, H2Pro TriSmart wetting agent, and Vitalnova Links biostimulant.

The first product applied was Sierrablen Plus with Pearl Turf Starter and was incorporated into the growing medium. “The organic acids that are produced by the rooting utilises the phosphorus and the magnesium from the Pearl technology which really aids early establishment and good strong rooting,” said Craig Lalley.

Through independent trials, data has revealed significantly increased rooting when Sierrablen Plus with Pearl is used as part of a seedbed preparation and during turf-laying. Furthermore, there was a 2.5 x increase in rooting when compared to another existing high-performing product.

To complement the grass seed and the Sierrablen Plus with Pearl Turf Starter, Craig then turned to TriSmart wetting agent. Containing three water management technologies consisting of surfactant and polymer blends, TriSmart is renowned for providing great water penetration, an even water spread through the rootzone and can improve the water holding capacity of sandy rootzones.

Craig Housley said: “Moisture management was key when the seeding first took place to aid moisture around the leaf which can help with seed germination. We needed that seed to be established as fast as possible.”

Craig confirmed that the two products had an instant impact: “I had never heard of the Pearl technology, but Craig Lalley told me that it would be ideal for a new construction and that it would really help with the germination of new seed. We decided to give it a go and I have never known grass to come through so quickly, uniformed, and strong – the sward health was exceptional.”

Four weeks after seeding, Sierrablen Plus with Turf Starter and H2Pro TriSmart were applied, Craig recommended ICL’s Vitalnova Links biostimulant which is a new unique formulation consisting of the popular Vitalnova Blade and Vitalnova SMX.

ICL products key to new pitch construction

ICL products key to new pitch construction

Vitalnova Links was tank mixed with TriSmart, and Craig Lalley explained why this was applied monthly: “It is a great soil drench spray. Vitalnova Links aids microbial stimulation, reduces biotic stresses and further develops the rooting; while TriSmart continues to manage the moisture and ensures that the pitch doesn’t dry out in warmer temperatures.

“Ultimately, we had quite a small window to utilise these products and ensure that the pitch was at an excellent standard in time for the start of the season. I believe we successfully achieved that.”

Craig Housley, who is continuing to adhere to an ICL integrated turf management programme, believes that the products have massively benefited the newly constructed pitch.

“Everyone knows that it takes a while for a new Fibresand pitch to really grip itself together, but I have been really surprised at just how good the pitch has been in its first year,” he said.

“We’ve also managed to maintain excellent grass coverage. In terms of playability, the pitch has benefitted the players and the style of football the manager wants to play. He has fast players that turn very quickly and to have the pitch underneath them with that kind of stability has really made a difference.”

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

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

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ICL launches new organic based fertiliser

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ICL launches new organic based fertiliser: ICL has announced the launch of Gronamic Golf 6-2-4, an organic based fertiliser with unique, proven and sustainable ingredients.

Gronamic Golf 6-2-4 is designed to deliver a healthy natural turf response. It combines a unique blend of mineral and plant-based organic nutrition with a proven biostimulant.

ICL launches new organic based fertiliser

ICL launches new organic based fertiliser

Gronamic Golf 6-2-4 contains ingredients that are unique to ICL in turf.

SMX, the sustainably sourced seaweed concentrate that has been shown in trials to improve turf colour, turf quality, root development and stress tolerance.

Pearl Struvite, a recycled, slow-release phosphorus, derived from the water treatment industry.

Polyhalite is exclusively mined in the UK by ICL, is a low chloride fertiliser, and being a natural product with no chemical processing makes it suitable for organic feeding programmes.

Gronamic Golf 6-2-4 is the latest product to be added to the Gronamic range and is available from ICL with immediate effect.

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

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

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Martyn Parrish joins ICL

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Martyn Parrish joins ICL: Martyn Parrish has joined ICL as Technical Area Sales Manager for North London and surrounding counties.

Martyn began his career in greenkeeping and started working at his local golf club at the age of 16. During his time as a Greenkeeper, he completed his foundation degree in Sportsturf Management at Myerscough College and participated in the Ohio State Programme on a 12-month internship in which he worked on a Jack Nicklaus course construction and a grow-in in Texas – something which he pinpoints as a career highlight.

Martyn Parrish joins ICL

Martyn Parrish joins ICL

He then moved away from golf and accepted a position as a Grounds Manager on an ambitious landscape construction project of a 400-acre site in Henley on Thames.

Martyn worked in this role for six years before joining Maxwell Amenity, later to be acquired by Agrovista Amenity, as a Technical Area Sales Manager.

During this four-year period, he developed an impressive portfolio of clients, and believes that his experience will prove to be of great benefit in his new role at ICL.

“I will be working with a lot of the same people in many of the same areas,” said Martyn. “It also helps that I am very familiar with the ICL brand, and I know what the company stands for.

“I worked with some fantastic people at Agrovista Amenity and many of them will be friends for life, but you have to keep challenging yourself to reach another level, and the opportunity to join ICL was just too good to turn down.”

Martyn will be operating throughout North London and counties such as Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, visiting new and prospective customers from various facilities and sectors, which is the part of the job he loves most.

“In this line of work it is important to feel that you are in a two-way relationship with the customer, assisting them to help them reach their best possible level,” he said. “When you can see that you are making a difference, that is when it feels really good – that is job satisfaction.”

After spending the entirety of his career to date in the turf and amenity industry, Martyn admits that times are changing, but with the backing of ICL, he certainly feels prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.

“Product regulations and climate change are arguably the biggest challenges,” he said. “Customers are also asking different questions about products too, and they are looking for answers that are backed by research.

“ICL has been doing that for a long time now; and it will be a privilege to work with some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry selling the best products.”

Outside of work, Martyn likes being active and still enjoys a game of golf . He  has completed three Iron Man races and has represented Great Britain in the World Triathlon Grand Finals.

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

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

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You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

ICL celebrates principal win at BALI Awards

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ICL celebrates principal win at BALI Awards: ICL has been announced as the BALI National Landscape Awards 2021 principal winner in the Supplier Exceptional Service category.

The prestigious British Association of Landscape Industries’ (BALI) Awards is the largest in Europe and is designed to reward and showcase the finest examples of landscaping excellence in the UK and overseas.

ICL celebrates principal win at BALI Awards

ICL celebrates principal win at BALI Awards

Hosted by BBC Radio Five Live’s Colin Murray, the 2021 Awards were held at JW Marriott, Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London. The event welcomed close to 1,000 VIPs, members and guests and for the first year a virtual audience viewing the ceremony via a livestream.

ICL has long been serving the landscaping sector and boasts a wide range of market-leading products that help contractors, gardeners and landscapers to meet the demands of modern-day landscape management.

Therefore, ICL was delighted to be recognised as the principal winner in the Supplier Exceptional Service category.

Commenting on the reasons behind ICL’s award, a judge said: “The range of products offered by ICL is hugely impressive and it is backed up by excellent customer information, training and support. Having expanded into the landscape industry the company has supported and trained its knowledgeable workforce to deliver outstanding customer service in this relatively new market, which has resulted in an effective and successful business that values its staff and customers in equal measure.”

Mark Pyrah – ICL’s Business Development Manager for the UK & Ireland commented:

“This is a category in which companies must match criteria such as exceptional technical support, outstanding customer support and guidance, exceeding customer expectation, as well as having an excellent product range. We are absolutely delighted to have won this award and it really underlines all the hard work our team has put in this year.”

Benefitting from a collection at the event, this year’s chosen charities were the BALI Chalk Fund and Greenfingers Charity who will share £3,260 between them, generously donated by guests.

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 turfmatters.co.uk/news

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New ICL launch at BTME

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New ICL launch at BTME: ICL is looking forward to welcoming visitors to its interactive stand at BTME 2022 (Purple Zone 426) where the team will be talking all things turf and providing an exclusive look at an exciting new product for the golf market.

Gronamic Golf 6-2-4, a new organic based fertiliser is a unique blend of credible and sustainable ingredients to provide a natural turf response and is the latest product to be added to the Gronamic range.

New ICL launch at BTME

New ICL launch at BTME

The organic content of Gronamic 6-2-4 is 100% plant based and is formulated as a fine granule. It contains:

SeaMax, the sustainably sourced seaweed concentrate that has been shown in trials to improve turf colour, turf quality, root development and stress tolerance.

Struvite, a recycled blend of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate that is collected from wastewater, is another sustainable component that provides real turfgrass benefits. 

Polyhalite, which is exclusively mined by ICL ensures that essential macronutrients are available to maintain healthy turf and reduces the possibility of nutrient deficiency.

Visitors to the ICL stand will have the opportunity to gain expert advice on granulation, water soluble fertiliser and surfactant technologies.

Often a vibrant hub of discussion and networking, the stand will also feature the famous ICL barista, who will be on hand to serve coffees and other hot drinks throughout the event.

Aside from the exhibition, ICL is once again proud to support BIGGA’s Continue to Learn education programme. The ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship, sees five BIGGA members receive three nights’ hotel accommodation and 15 hours of training and personal development opportunities.

ICL’s very own Dr Andy Owen and Henry Bechelet will also be hosting two informative sessions in the Continue to Learn programme. In the first, a half-day class entitled ‘What’s in a soil analysis?’ Andy and Henry will examine the process of soil sampling and the interpretation of soil analysis results. Actual results will be explained and discussed, and the critical information highlighted to provide a guide to getting the most from the process. The class will also provide advice on how to utilise soil results as part of your annual golf course management.

In the second seminar, entitled ‘Research Matters’, Andy and Henry will be updating delegates on four university‑based fundamental turf research projects being managed by ICL. There will be a focus on presenting the key results and practical outcomes on the subjects of managing plant parasitic nematodes with seaweed extracts, utilising recycled nutrients, contrasting the plant and soil health benefits of organo‑mineral fertilisers and the very latest science on wetting agents and plant water uptake.

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

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

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ICL to showcase Ranger Pro at SALTEX

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ICL to showcase Ranger Pro at SALTEX: Visitors to the ICL stand (C090) at SALTEX 2021, will get the chance to discover a wide range of turf and landscaping solutions.

At this year’s show, which is also SALTEX’s 75th anniversary, there will be a particular focus on the newly launched Ranger Pro from ICL.

ICL to showcase Ranger Pro at SALTEX

ICL to showcase Ranger Pro at SALTEX

Ranger Pro is a new professional biocide for use on external hard surfaces, including roofs, driveways, patios, pavements, concrete, around buildings and on artificial sports surfaces. Furthermore, it can be used as an artificial pitch disinfectant.

Ranger Pro has been proven to be 99.9% effective against:

  • Bacteria (EN 1276; Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli)
  • Yeasts (EN 1650; Candida albicans)
  • Viruses (EN 14476 Vaccinia virus – all enveloped viruses including coronaviruses such as Covid 19)

The improved formulation contains wetters and spreaders to help improve surface coverage, for a quicker and more effective penetration into algae lichen and broader spectrum biocidal qualities. This ensures effective and efficient treatment.

The ICL technical team will be out in force at SALTEX 2021 to talk all things turf and landscape. Perhaps you need advice on combatting disease or would like to discuss maintenance programmes or products; or maybe you are just looking at improving your turf or landscape areas – all are welcome to the ICL stand.

The ICL Barista will also be back offering coffees to visitors on the stand.

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

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.

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ICL celebrates win at BALI Awards

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ICL celebrates win at BALI Awards: ICL has been announced as a BALI National Landscape Awards 2021 winner in the Supplier Exceptional Service category.

The prestigious British Association of Landscape Industries’ (BALI) Awards is the largest in Europe, and is designed to reward and showcase the finest examples of landscaping excellence in the UK and overseas.

ICL celebrates win at BALI Awards

ICL celebrates win at BALI Awards

ICL has long been serving the landscaping sector and boasts a wide range of market-leading products that help contractors, gardeners and landscapers to meet the demands of modern-day landscape management.

Therefore, the company was delighted to be recognised in the Supplier Exceptional Service category, in which winners must match criteria such as exceptional technical support, outstanding customer support and guidance, exceeding customer expectation, as well as an excellent product range and development.

The principal category award winners will be announced at the spectacular BALI National Awards end of year ceremony at Grosvenor House, London in December.

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

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

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New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL

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New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL: ICL has announced the appointment of Rob Ainscough and Fergal Greenan who both join the company as Technical Area Sales Managers.

Rob Ainscough, Technical Area Sales Manager – North West England

Rob has always held an interest in the science behind sports surfaces which he says was ignited after playing a wide range of sports from an early age. His interest was piqued furthermore when he carried out his school work experience with the grounds staff at Bolton Wanderers FC.

New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL

New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL

This work experience convinced Robert that he wanted a career in sports turf and after school he embarked on a National Diploma at Myerscough College. During his studies he volunteered to be part of the greenkeeping team at the Scottish Open which took place at Loch Lomond Golf Course.

His career in greenkeeping quickly took off and after a spell at Loch Lomond he became the Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Leigh Golf Club.

To further continue his development Robert accepted a two-week trial at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. His trial was quickly extended and after gaining six months experience here he went onto spend a further year in Australia working at Manly Golf Club and Royal Sydney Golf Club.

Upon his return to the UK Rob was offered his previous position Leigh Golf Club and was quickly promoted to Head Greenkeeper at 25 years old.

Fergal Greenan Technical Area Sales Manager – Ireland

Based in Ireland, Fergal joins ICL with an excellent combination of industry qualifications and practical experience.

His extensive skillset has been displayed while working on various major golf courses in the US through the prestigious Ohio State Program.

New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL

New Technical Area Sales Managers for ICL

Fergal also boasts a Bachelor of Agricultural Science Horticulture, Landscape and Sports Turf Management, together with a Certificate in Teaching, which was utilised in his previous role as a Lecturer (in Horticulture) at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Fergal will be working under Colman Warde, Ireland Country Manager, to build the business and to support 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.

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

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

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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.

ICL central to performance at Hogs Head

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ICL central to performance at Hogs Head: David Daly, Golf Course Superintendent at Hogs Head Golf Club in Ireland, has long relied on a wide range of ICL products, from the initial grow-in to now helping him maintain the award-winning 18-hole course to a consistently high level.

David started in the role when it was formerly known as Skellig Bay Golf Club. That was before the club was bought by current owners Bryan Marsal and Tony Alvarez II. What came next was an incredible transformation which has since seen the course voted “Ireland’s Best Course” and “Best New International Course” by Golf.com.

ICL central to performance at Hogs Head

ICL central to performance at Hogs Head

Designed by the highly regarded Robert Trent Jones Jr., David was heavily involved in the plans and the grow-in period which took place from 2016 to mid-2017. Utilising the experience he gained in his previous roles at Waterville Golf Links and Killeen Castle, and by working closely with Keith Boland from Goldcrop, David thoroughly researched the best products to use for the grow-in.

The products he selected were predominantly from ICL, and they have continued to be central to his yearly turf management plan ever since.

It is safe to say that Vitalnova Stressbuster, which he uses to pre-condition the turf against stress, is one of his most favoured products.

“I like the instant impact the product provides,” he said. “Especially the immediate natural green colour response. The simplicity of use, the ‘fully-loaded’ liquid formulation (the product contains a wetting agent, biostimulants, amino acids, macro nutrients, micro nutrients and iron) and that it is so tank-mixable.”

David mixes Stressbuster with H2Pro TriSmart, PGRs and seaweeds before he applies it monthly from March through to September for best results.

At the start of each year David works with his team to create a yearly turf management plan, and although the weather on the south west coast of Ireland means the plan often has to adapt, ICL products are a common feature regardless.

In 2020 there was 2,000mm of rainfall, but David also has to contend with long periods of drought. It is for these reasons that David needs a proven water management product, and he chooses to use H2Pro TriSmart which he says, “ticks all the boxes.”

TriSmart’s unique triple-active formulation provides great control over moisture management. Containing three water management technologies, it provides effective water penetration, even water spread through the rootzone and improves the water holding capacity of sandy rootzones. David applies TriSmart monthly to his tees and greens at 10L/ha.

When it comes to feeding, he relies on Sierrablen 28-5-5 – a granular fertilizer which provides sufficient nutrition for the entire main growing season in just a single application.

“It is the Rolls Royce of granular controlled release fertilisers,” he said. “The controlled release formulation of this product is key, especially with so much rainfall throughout the year.”

David uses Sierrablen on his fairways and green surrounds, and because he has a short season, starting in May, Sierrablen’s longevity of 5-6 months gives him a certain peace of mind.

Aside from the spectacular golf course, Hogs Head Golf Club also boasts a stunning clubhouse and accommodations consisting of a luxurious lodge and multiple golf cottages. Around the clubhouse and accommodations, David uses Gronamic, an organo-mineral fertiliser which he says has “transformed the areas.”

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

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

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