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COMPO is top of the range for bowls greens

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COMPO is top of the range for bowls greens: Ian Dickson, a bowling green contractor, believes that COMPO EXPERT products have proved to be top of range without the premium price tag.

Ian originally started his career in greenkeeping but switched to bowling green maintenance ten years ago. While admitting it is a completely ‘different animal’, Ian says he quickly got an appetite for maintaining bowls greens and has done so ever since.

COMPO is top of the range for bowls greens

COMPO is top of the range for bowls greens

He explained how he first started using COMPO EXPERT products on bowls greens.

“In my greenkeeping days I used to order a lot of products from Agrovista Amenity (the exclusive national distributor of COMPO EXPERT’S turf products in the UK) and my representative was Ramsay MacGregor. I stayed in touch with Ramsay when I switched to bowls because he is very knowledgeable, and he gives valid reasons behind using products.

Ramsay is genuinely interested in a plant’s health and his advice is key to my operations.

“Ramsay came in and looked at the bowls greens I was working on. He suggested using some COMPO EXPERT products and explained how they had been getting great results on some golf courses, so I decided to give them a try.”

COMPO EXPERT believes in sustainable, integrated turf management by focusing on modern fertilisation concepts, consistent regeneration of growth and optimal support of the plant’s own physiological processes. All of which promote vitalisation, stress tolerance and root development while providing optimum turf quality.

The innovative product range includes specialty mineral and stabilized fertilisers, slow and controlled release fertilisers, water soluble and liquid fertilisers as well as biostimulants, trace elements and soil conditioners.

The first product Ian tried from the COMPO EXPERT range was Fertilis® Speed, an NPK complex fertiliser with emphasis on nitrogen for spring and summer application to promote growth and a quick green-up.

“The green where we applied the Fertilis® had a lot of bare areas and the growth has been tremendous,” said Ian. “We applied it in May and had a full 12 weeks out of it. There has been less disease, the sward is a lot thicker, and even during a big drought period the greens performed superbly.”

Ian also maintains a sand-based green which is prone to leaching. For this green he applied Floranid® Twin Eagle K – an extra fine granulated slow-release complex fertiliser of excellent solubility.

“The nutrient levels on this green are very hard to maintain. With the Twin Eagle K, you don’t get the flush of growth in the way you would from the Fertilis®. Instead, you get an even, consistent growth. I judge the consistency of it by looking at the amount of grass cuttings I take from the mower each week. We get three boxes of cuttings three times a week and that underlines how consistent the Twin Eagle K is. Again, we get excellent results.”

Ian claims that he has been very impressed with the longevity of the products and believes that there isn’t much on the market that can beat COMPO EXPERT products in terms of performance and price.

“A lot of other fertilisers just don’t have the longevity that these do,” he said. “We were using a cheaper fertiliser in the past and I was applying twice as much product, so it ended up costing me more.

“The COMPO EXPERT products are top the range, but you don’t pay top of the range prices for them. They are very fairly priced compared to their competitors.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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Using Attraxor for consistency and ease of maintenance

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Using Attraxor for consistency and ease of maintenance: A Golf Course Manager from a deluxe golf and spa resort nestled in the scenic Cheshire countryside explains why they use Attraxor to keep their turf green, clear of Poa annua, and easily maintainable.

Golf course manager John Quinn, based at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa near Knutsford, has been using Attraxor for three seasons and has shared the benefits he’s seen on the golf course.

Using Attraxor for consistency and ease of maintenance

Using Attraxor for consistency and ease of maintenance

The Mere offers a deluxe four-star hotel experience with a spa and a scenic 18-hole lakeside Championship Golf Course, encompassed by mature trees and extensive vegetation. The 81-room hotel is a popular retreat for avid golfers, with many posting their experience on Trip Advisor complimenting the greens as being “smooth, fabulous, and well kept.”

John discussed the reasons he began to use Attraxor at The Mere: “After hearing lots of good stories about Attraxor, I decided to try it with the hope it would make the greens growth consistent and reduce clippings. We also wanted to suppress the growth of Poa annua seedheads to keep the greens smooth.”

Attraxor has been proven to regulate growth effectively as part of a well-managed turf strategy, meaning the hard work put into the upkeep of the grounds lasts longer. The active product within Attraxor is Prohexadione-calcium, which inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, resulting in reduction of turf height and biomass. Root growth is promoted through Attraxor to aid strength, whilst turf colour and quality are maintained.

John said: “I use Attraxor every 21 days on our greens and it has lowered the mowing maintenance of the greens and complemented our existing efforts of greens upkeep. During periods of high growth, we alternate days mowing and rolling to reduce plant stress. Attraxor gives me better control of growth rates. Throughout the 21-day period, a more uniform sward is possible each week. I’ve found that the Poa annua seedhead suppression qualities are superior to Trinexapac-ethyl products. If any seedheads do pop up, they are remarkably smaller and leave a much finer putting surface.”

John also discussed the improvement of quality he is seeing within the grass, saying: “We have been overseeding with creeping bentgrass for three years now, and in conjunction with our use of Attraxor, we have seen a much better uptake from our overseeding work!

“Introducing Attraxor to our maintenance regime has meant we spend less time mowing the greens.  Having such good control over the growth rates means the option is always there to give the greens a break for a day without any mechanical input if we feel it would benefit. Attraxor has given me so much control over the golf course, it has allowed for consistent and quality greens coverage with minimal growth which is smooth and develops at the same pace as all the other greens.”

To find out more about Attraxor, visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Overview/Growth-Regulator/Attraxor.html#section-benefits

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SALTEX set for one of their biggest shows

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SALTEX set for one of their biggest shows: With over 80 percent of floor space taken at SALTEX 2023, and available space up by 20 percent compared to the 2022 show, visitors can be sure of two things this year: more exhibitors in one place than ever before and one of SALTEX’s biggest shows yet.

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, SALTEX event organisers, says: “Exhibitors are the heart of any show and SALTEX has always attracted a good mix of new and returning, young and established, small and big companies.

SALTEX set for one of their biggest shows

SALTEX set for one of their biggest shows

“The reason for that is, they know the visitors will come. And yes, the quantity will be there as it always is, over 8000 visitors last year, but the quality is too. Research has proved that the decision makers attend.”

Two of the latest signings are new and while welcoming new exhibitors to the show line-up is always exciting, it’s especially so when that exhibitor is from overseas. Joining over 20 international exhibitors already signed up to the show, Grupo Sanz is a Spanish-based power tool distributor who has identified SALTEX as the key exhibition to put its range in front of UK customers.

Sarah continues: “When an exhibitor is from overseas it shows how word of mouth about the benefits for exhibiting at and attending SALTEX travels. But not just that, it neatly places new and interesting products and brands from across Europe in front of the visitor.”

Also on board for the first time is Monty Miracle, who sells the patented cleaning product unlocking how outdoor spaces are cleaned in just minutes.

There are many brands returning, as expected from the success of the early-bird bookings – companies such as Reesink UK for example, who booked one of the largest stand spaces for 2023 following its success at the 2022 show.

Husqvarna will also be back and Jonathan Snowball, head of professional sales, marketing and services, had this to say about the repeat booking: “Husqvarna is very pleased to once again be exhibiting at SALTEX, an event we look forward to each year to connect with our customers and meet new people looking for new technologies to support their business. This year we will be showcasing our robotic solutions for sports turf and facilities. We also have new battery machinery with sophisticated charging solutions.”

For Syngenta, SALTEX provides the perfect platform to show its innovative solutions and the practical techniques to get the best performance from integrated management strategies, says Sarah Hughes, UK business manager: “SALTEX 2023 will see the first event launch of a new integrated insecticide and biological control total approach for leatherjacket and chafer grub soil pests.

“Visitors to the Syngenta stand can get a unique detailed understanding of how the products work together from technical specialists and researchers, along with the optimum way to put together more effective and reliable control strategies to counter one of the most complex challenges for turf and landscape management.” The event will also see more of the exciting Syngenta R&D biologicals and products designed for tree care and landscape management, on show for the first time in the UK.

The success of an exhibition can largely be determined by the quantity and quality of the exhibitors who attend, and with those parameters, SALTEX 2023 is a success already.

SALTEX takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023. To guarantee a ticket to Europe’s largest and leading sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, register now at: https://bit.ly/456l0dA

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Lantra new nembers to Board of Trustees

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Lantra new nembers to Board of Trustees: Lantra is delighted to be using this year’s Royal Welsh Show as the perfect opportunity to announce the appointment of three new trustees. 

After more than 40 years helping land-based and environment businesses to attract talent and develop workforce skills, Lantra has built a strong reputation for quality and for its commitment to the sector.  As a not-for-profit charity the Board of Trustees is a vital part of the organisation, instrumental in setting the strategic direction and overseeing performance.

Lantra new nembers to Board of Trustees

Lantra new nembers to Board of Trustees

The new trustees are…

Trefor Owens is an experienced chartered forester and senior leader in sustainable land management.  He has extensive experience working with and sitting on land-based industry committees and advisory boards for organisations such as Forestry and Land Scotland, DEFRA and Welsh Government. Trefor’s expertise in workforce skills planning and his passion for woodland and the natural environment will be invaluable.

Euryn Jones, another proud Welshman, brings to the Board a wealth of experience in agricultural education where he has worked as both an Agricultural Lecturer and Farms Director.  His current role as a Regional Agricultural Director for HSBC, sees him working closely with farmers to develop and grow their businesses.  Euryn’s experience in education and his grass roots appreciation of farming challenges, chime perfectly with Lantra’s business objectives.

Helen Taylor is a committee advisor and Chartered Surveyor with governance experience across the UK’s public and private sectors. Her experience in compliance and regulation, governance and risk, and stakeholder engagement will all be critical skills as the Lantra Board of Trustees prepares to help the senior management team achieve its short and longer-term goals.

David Llewelyn, who took over as Lantra Chair of Trustees in 2022, commented…

“Lantra works tirelessly to address the needs of the land-based and environment sector, anyone working in the sector will appreciate these needs are ever changing and often complex. It is critical that we have the breadth of skills and experience on the board to guide and support the staff team in delivering the charity’s purpose.  I’m confident that the new trustees joining us today bring expertise and knowledge to complement our existing members and contribute to Lantra’s continued success”.

Lantra CEO Marcus Potter, said…

“We are confident that the three new appointments bring a diversity of experience and a genuine enthusiasm for the sector, that will make an invaluable contribution to the Board’s future activities”.

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Titans of the tine world

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Titans of the tine world: The word Titan is synonymous with great strength, and that’s precisely what Toro delivers with its Titan tines. Built to last four times longer than a standard tine, the Titans of the tine world are only available through Reesink Turfcare, its branches and its approved dealer and service centre network.

Toro has created a tine to be reckoned with by combining a strong alloy with a unique heat treatment process and a long-lasting tungsten carbide blend tip. Their design means they have an in-built resistance to separation and breakage, which guarantees a longevity that’s unparalleled in the industry.

Titans of the tine world

Titans of the tine world

Michael Hampton, purchasing and sales process manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “The extra strength results in far fewer change-outs, less downtime and more play – the perfect combination for operators and club budgets.

“Timing can make all the difference in the short and long run when it comes to aeration, so having a machine and parts that won’t let you down mid-programme is vital. Using high quality, durable parts made to fit your equipment exactly is key to keeping machinery working longer, more smoothly and delivering the best possible results every time.”

But it’s not just their longevity that make Titan tines so reliable. Sharp edges and smooth sides deliver clean cut holes, and on top of consistent aeration depth, operators can count on having better soil, drainage and nutrient performance as a result of using Toro Titan tines in their aeration programme.

Engineered to fit the entire Toro ProCore range, choosing Toro Titan tines ensures a perfect fit every time. Michael says: “Using spurious or inferior tines in an effort to cut costs isn’t worth the headache. Between replacing broken and bent parts and unclogging cores while on the job, a lot of man-hours and money goes down the drain. That’s not including the extended recovery time needed from post-aeration damage that comes with using will-fit parts.”

The good news is that there’s over 150 tines to choose from within the Titan Tine range. With so many on offer, it’s important to know how to pick the right one, and the first step is to calculate your number of holes per square foot. Using that number alongside the core diameter and the depth of aeration you can then determine the total surface area and volume of soil removed and can consult our tine selection chart to find the perfect tines for your specific application.

Alternatively, for more information on how Titan tines can help you to maintain a high standard of aeration, contact distributor Reesink Turfcare’s Toro parts department on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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