Tag Archive for: Turf

GKB Ticks Boxes For Artificial Turf

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GKB Ticks Boxes For Artificial Turf: Launching his dedicated artificial sports turf maintenance business this month, Sports and Courts Maintenance Ltd, Jon Lawson was looking for something that would decompact and assist in the deep cleaning and rejuvenating of artificial sports turf and was impressed with the robustness of GKB’s Renovator and the size of the double heads of the Rotobrush.

Owner and Managing Director at Sports and Courts Line Marking Ltd, Jon Lawson explains, “GKB is known for reliability and from Tom’s demo, I was so impressed with the rotary brush. I needed something that was going to do the job and that was robust and reliable. We have a lot of tennis clubs complain that they’ve got very compacted baselines and the Renovator and Rotobrush tick all the boxes. For us it was the answer to going forwards with the new business, offering this additional service on top of the deep cleans and everything else we already do”.

GKB Ticks Boxes For Artificial Turf

On the GKB Renovator’s first job rejuvenating a bespoke short pile sand filled artificial sports turf it far exceeded expectation for Jon, he adds, “We feel it increased the amount of contaminated sand infill removed by 15 – 20% working in conjunction with our existing system. It also reduced the overall job by one day which means the client gets the sports surface back in to use a day early. This has given me complete reassurance it was worth the investment, outstanding!”

The GKB Renovator’s five rotating brushes form the foundation of the machine and because the brushes interlock into each other, you will not miss a single inch when you are operating on your pitch. Whilst the GKB Rotobrush enables you to brush deeper and more effectively as the rotating brush disc is provided with extra rigid bristles which are pressed into the synthetic turf. Where the functioning of normal brushing and cleaning stops, the Rotobrush will continue.

GKB Ticks Boxes For Artificial Turf

For more on GKB Machines and their reliable and robust range of machinery for natural, hybrid and synthetic turf, please visit www.gkbmachines.com or contact Tom Shinkins on 07495 883617.

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New Hydroponic Turf System

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New Hydroponic Turf System: Capillary Concrete, best known as the supplier of golf’s most scientifically advanced bunker liner product, has launched a revolution in golf turfgrass management. 

Capillary Concrete, best known as the supplier of golf’s most scientifically advanced bunker liner product, has launched a revolution in golf turfgrass management. The Hydroponic Turf System offers course managers the opportunity to make huge reductions in the amount of water needed to maintain high quality turfgrass, while at the same time promising major increases in turf health.

New Hydroponic Turf System

The system uses the capillary properties of Capillary Concrete to enable both drainage and irrigation from below and to precisely regulate the moisture content of the turf’s rootzone. 

Martin Sternberg, Capillary Concrete inventor and CEO, said: “The system divides the turf into two areas of equal size. A control basin automatically oxygenates and pumps or drains water between the two areas on a regular schedule. The system is powered by a small solar panel and the water levels in the turf profile can easily be adjusted.” 

The Hydroponic Turf System enables massive increases in gas exchange below the top four inches of the rootzone – the area which conventional aeration methods do not adequately service. Because carbon dioxide molecules are heavier than those of oxygen, the system pushes out the heavier molecules and sucks oxygen into the turf profile by raising and lowering the water table. It also delivers optimal levels of nutrients directly to the rootzone. 

Sternberg said: “We have been researching this application of our technology for five years, and the results are remarkable. Irrigating from below virtually eliminates evaporation, and our tests show up to 85 per cent savings in total water used under our Hydroponic Turf System. Irrigation costs can be lowered by up to to 30 per cent, and the level of gas exchange in the rootzone can be increased by an almost unbelievable 6,000 per cent. Using hydroponics in this way will increase the lifespan of tees and greens, it will help superintendents deliver superior turf from dryer surfaces with lower maintenance costs and a much smaller environmental footprint.” 

Capillary Concrete is currently looking for golf clubs to participate in a pilot programme to adapt the patented Hydroponics Turf System to local conditions and climates. Pilot partners will receive the new system, and also comprehensive support services enabling them to install, test and evaluate the benefits of the system for tees and greens.

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New Biostimulants For Turf Health Management

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New Biostimulants For Turf Health Management: From establishment to recovery, a full season approach to turf health management is now on offer, following the launch of two new biostimulant products by Arysta LifeScience.

Tonivit® and Double Edge® join existing product Goemar Turf® to form a triple pronged approach to turf management, offering bespoke solutions for three different stages of sward development.

New Biostimulants For Turf Health Management

Technical Support for Arysta LifeScience UK & Ireland, Stephen Olive, said: “Together, these three products complement each other as a programme, but also individually offer solutions for specific uses through the season, whether that’s establishing newly seed turf, improving overall health status, or boosting recovery following high traffic activity.

“Manufactured to the same standard as our traditional crop protection products, our biostimulants are highly concentrated thanks to the development of a refined cold-press extraction process at our manufacturing plant in St. Malo, France. This means the application rate for all three products is between just 1 and 3L/ha.”

Aimed at the establishment of turf is Tonivit – a new biostimulant formulated from natural GA142 seaweed extract with added P & K. It activates root growth, root activity & tillering to quickly establish a stronger sward for newly seeded or re-seeded areas.

The effect of Tonivit on emergence speed is demonstrated through trials, which have shown that newly sown leys treated with the product reach 70% sward density three weeks earlier than those untreated.

Central to the range is existing product Goemar Turf, formulated from GA142 with added MgO, Cu & N. Goemar Turf improves the overall health and maintenance of turf, particularly for areas of aesthetic value such as golf courses. It can also help to prepare grasses for environmental stresses such as drier conditions throughout summer.

Completing the set is Double Edge. Double Edge is aimed at turf recovery, and uniquely combines two complementary biostimulants to further boost root growth and improve stress relief. Double Edge features 18 different vegetable amino acids along with GA142, N, P & K.

Stephen added: “We recognise that a ‘one size fits all’ approach is not necessarily best for biostimulant products in the amenity turf sector.

“Following the success of Goemar Turf, which is used at some of the top golf courses in the world, we wanted to develop our portfolio further to create targeted solutions that address some of the main problems that greenkeepers and groundsmen face.

“Biostimulants are an important part of an integrated approach to turf protection, demonstrating a commitment to the sustainability agenda. We are proud to offer these three innovative products to the amenity turf sector.”

All three products were showcased at BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in Harrogate last month.

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Five Years On Yet Still, Turf Matters

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Five Years On Yet Still, Turf Matters: This issue of Turf Matters marks our fifth full year in production and the time seems to have just flown by.

We first appeared in January 2014 with a major look at St George’s Park. I will forever be indebted to Alan Ferguson for opening his doors to a magazine which while perfectly formed in my mind hadn’t actually appeared in print.

Five Years On Yet Still, Turf Matters

Since then we have grown issue by issue and covered many of the top sporting events the preparation for two Ryder Cups – Gleneagles and Golf Club National – two World Cups, Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, Aintree, Six Nations Rugby, Test Cricket, World Athletic Championships and a host of others. We’ve profiled Hackney Marshes, Loughborough University, and carried out an in-depth examination of the issues surrounding rubber crumb.

While the magazine has developed, so has our accompanying website and the numbers of people visiting the site, or opening our ezines, have increased at an extremely gratifying rate. We’ve also added a number of comprehensive Turf Matters TV interviews within the last couple of years, as well as our fabled 20 Questions, which do draw out some fascinating confessions from the interviewee!

But back to the magazine. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed over the last five years whether that be by submitting to an interview from yours truly, contributing articles yourself or believing in the title sufficiently to take out an advert with us. I know Sinead and Marie have worked very closely with a growing number of you and I hope that your involvement with Turf Matters has exceeded your expectations. If not we would be more than happy to sit down and have a chat about how forging closer relationships can be of mutual benefit.

Finally, I’d like to pay tribute to Tim Moat. He’s the man who makes Turf Matters look as good as it does. Tim and I have known each other for close to 25 years and his work designing the magazine has ensured that we stand out from the crowd.

We will continue to strive to make Turf Matters the best publication we possibly can, covering all the important turf related sporting events and delving into the work of the groundsmen who maintain our top schools and universities – the unsung heroes if you like.

Thanks for reading our magazine and don’t hesitate if you feel you’d like to offer a potential feature or some advice which would help us.

Cornwall Project For Wildflower Turf

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Cornwall Project For Wildflower Turf: Wildflower Turf Ltd have recently been nominated as a key supplier by Cornwall Council as part of the council’s Green Infrastructure for Growth (GI4G) project.

The Hampshire-based wildflower experts are assisting Cornwall Council and their incumbent contractors Cormac with the delivery of a far-reaching programme that will see £3.5 million invested in public recreational areas, roadside verges and old churchyards to make them better places for people and wildlife.

Cornwall Project For Wildflower Turf

Seven Cornish towns have been identified to receive investment through GI4G, with the environmental funding focus creating a nature-rich habitat across an area equivalent to 35 rugby pitches.

In consultation with environmental specialists from Exeter University and with guidance supplied by the team from Wildflower Turf Ltd, Cornwall Council established a number of wildflower trial sites during late Summer/Autumn 2017.

The germination and growth results were very convincing and both Wildflower Turf and Wildflower Earth™ products are now being used across the various sites nominated by the Council, who have worked in close consultation with local communities to identify areas to benefit from this urban green space investment.

James Hewetson-Brown, Managing Director at Wildflower Turf Ltd said, “It is heartening to see the commitment of Cornwall Council to developing biodiversity and wildflower spaces in the South West.” Hewetson-Brown continued, “We are delighted to be involved with this exciting project and have enjoyed watching the speed with which these habitats have established and are now benefitting wildlife.”

The Green Infrastructure for Growth Project is supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund, Cornwall Council, and the University of Exeter.

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Ransomes Turf Solutions At SALTEX

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Ransomes Turf Solutions At SALTEX: Ransomes, the Ipswich-based manufacturer of commercial mowing equipment, will be showcasing its full range of turfcare equipment on stand H090 at the NEC in Birmingham during SALTEX (31st October-1st November 2018).

The equipment on display includes the newly launched Ransomes HM600 and Ransomes TR320, the successful Ransomes MP series and a selection of Cushman utility vehicles and Turfco, Smithco and Ryan products.

Ransomes Turf Solutions At SALTEX

The Ransomes HM600 was launched at SALTEX in 2017. Created on the foundations of the Ransomes MP wide area mower platform, the HM600 builds upon this, providing users with the ability to run three heavy duty flail mowers with mulching technology from Müthing. With all mowers engaged, the 3.2m width of cut delivers exceptional productivity.  The fingertip control of individual units makes trimming around obstacles easy and brings new levels of versatility to flail mowing. Units fold up securely to transport easily between work areas and access confined sites.

From a clean, fine, rolled finish across sports pitches to routine cuts, the HM600 leaves an even spread of mulched clippings. It also tackles the irregular cuts, bringing the lesser maintained areas back under control. The HM600 can visit one work site with the versatility to do it all, the productivity to do it fast and the flail technology for superior presentation.

The Ransomes TR320 was also launched at SALTEX in 2017. It is one of the lightest machines on the market in its category, ensuring minimal compaction to turf, keeping surfaces in pristine condition. A combination of narrow transport width (1.64m (64.5”)), a 1.83m (72”) width of cut, superior slope capabilities and manoeuvrability, allows operators to safely negotiate the tightest of spaces and most challenging terrain. Designed and manufactured at Ransomes Jacobsen’s European headquarters in Ipswich, the TR320 is primarily targeted at the sportsturf and landscaping market, providing a quality maintenance solution for sports pitches, estates, and light municipal applications.

The MP Series, first launched in 2014, includes the MP493, MP653 and MP653XC. These highly productive wide area rotary mowers are ideal for cutting overgrown areas and sports fields, whilst also giving you the ability to negotiate tight spaces.

Ransomes Turf Solutions At SALTEX

Also in the MP Series is the MP495 and MP655: two robust and productive wide area cylinder mowers that leave a pristine finish every time. These mowers are popular choices for maintaining large fields, football and cricket pitches and travelling on roads when required.

Ransomes is proud to be sponsoring the SALTEX College Cup for the third time; introduced by the IOG in 2016 as a national student-led sports-turf challenge that will take place on the first day of SALTEX 2018. It is an academic test of turf management knowledge for student competitors in teams of four who are enrolled at colleges throughout the UK on relevant courses of study.

As one of the groundcare industry’s major manufacturing companies, Ransomes invites you to come along to stand H090 to see its latest innovations.

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Turf Reward Benefits For West Malling GC

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Turf Reward Benefits For West Malling GC: Since claiming the Team Scout pedestrian sprayer through ICL and Syngenta’s Turf Rewards loyalty scheme, Course Manager Sam Young has seen an improvement in the efficacy of his spraying operations at West Malling Golf Club in Kent.

Turf Rewards provides the opportunity for customers to earn points from purchases that can then be exchanged against a fantastic selection of agronomic or turf related items and learning opportunities. Turf managers across the UK and Ireland have been benefiting from the scheme since its creation five years ago and it continues to grow significantly with more rewards and qualifying products being added year on year. The scheme can provide a great way to improve operations and enhance education.

Turf Reward Benefits For West Malling GC

“It’s a huge bonus when buying quality turf management products,” says Sam. “There is so much on offer as well; items such as health and safety clothing, iPads, Machine Mart vouchers and agronomy tools. We claimed the sprayer this year because it is something that we thought would improve the accessibility of spraying some of our smaller tees.”

The Team Scout is ideal for greenkeepers and groundsmen who require an efficient and reliable pedestrian sprayer. The unit has an adjustable pressure control system ensuring constant, accurate liquid application and three pneumatic wheels, the ‘rear jockey’ wheel increases manoeuvrability – which is something that Sam finds ideal.

“It is incredibly easy to manoeuvre. At my previous club we used to have a four-wheel pedestrian sprayer which was difficult to turn. The rear wheel on the ‘Scout’ allows for effective turning within the headland of the area being treated – this is particularly beneficial when considering some of the tees are only 25m2 with surrounding banks and thus not suited to using a tractor or utility vehicle sprayer. It is now possible to treat these tees as all the others”.

Turf Reward Benefits For West Malling GC

“This sprayer is well balanced, truly a great bit of kit; it now has larger pump, and with an average walking speed of 4km hour 500L/ha is achievable with a 04 nozzle, and with a choice of three different nozzles which come with the sprayer, you simply pick which one suits your application best.”

Other features include:

  • 60 litre capacity tank
  • 3 wheels with pneumatic tyres
  • Height adjustable 2 metre, 4 nozzle, folding boom
  • High output pump (14Lpm)
  • Adjustable pressure control system with gauge
  • 12V quick charge battery and charger

“I’ve used a few pedestrian sprayers in the past and this is easily the best one I have used. It’s also great for storage and transportation because the spray boom folds up”.

Please contact ICL on +44 (0)1473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie.

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First SALTEX For Consolidate Turf

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First SALTEX For Consolidate Turf: Exhibiting at Saltex for the first time this year, Consolidate Turf is giving every turf professional the opportunity to come to stand E195/E196 at the NEC in Birmingham and discover an exclusive range of balanced, energy efficient, liquid nutritional products for the perfect turf maintenance programme.

The Chorley based company manufactures bespoke nutritional programmes including core products Consolidate Plus+ and Consolidate Winter Turf Hardener, that provide the maximum benefit for individual customer needs.

First SALTEX For Consolidate Turf

Working closely with groundsmen and greenkeepers across the amenity sector has led to Consolidate Turf products being incorporated in the turf maintenance programmes at the majority of the UK’s and Europe’s most renowned venues including many Premier League facilities as well as Universities and Non-League and National League football teams.

Renowned Head Groundsman Steve Braddock said: “Following the successful trial last winter on one of our pitches I have decided to extend the use of Consolidate Plus and Consolidate Winter Turf Hardener onto our other pitches this winter.”

As well as these core products, the varied catalogue of the Anti-Stress Turf Range, Consolidate Range and the Renovation Seed Pack have enabled users to adjust rates to suit their specific requirements. This has been customary practice in the case of Links manager, Chris Ball, who has used the products to adapt to ever-changing conditions on golf courses.

“I have been involved in the turf industry for over 25 years,” Chris explained. “During this time, I have experienced various management techniques and practices at both Parkland and Links venues.

“I have regularly used the full range of Consolidate Turf products due to their diverse flexibility that subtly adapts and compliments our ever challenging and changing environment.”

By creating tailored programmes for customers any issues their turf is facing can be directly met. At Glamorgan Cricket Club, Head Groundsman, Robin Saxton, wanted to improve plant health and colour and did so through the use of a unique Consolidate programme.

“From the first meeting we have made tremendous progress and as things advanced through meetings we have designed and developed a completely bespoke and unique package for our exact needs,” he said.

“We have had great results with the renovation package. We have managed to integrate the programme on our cricket square and the results have been fantastic.

“Using Consolidate Plus+ on a fortnightly basis has helped us keep a more even colour and growth rate across the square without the peaks and troughs a monthly programme can give you. The addition of extra copper in the mix has kept us disease free even when we have had to cover the square for an extended period of time.”

Producing a range of nutritional products that are the catalyst for turf improvements for groundsmen on every budget is an important factor for Consolidate Turf. They strive to improve pitches for customers such as Chorley Football Club in the National League North with a natural pitch, as much as they do for Fulham Football Club in the Premier League playing on an SIS Grass hybrid pitch. “We are successfully using the full range of Consolidate Turf products on all SIS pitches at both The Cottage and training grounds. Right from the renovation through the season, the bespoke product range is aiding us to achieve optimum pitch performance across the board,” said Grounds Manager David Tatnell.

This has been achieved by listening to customers and refining individual choices that have become integral components in maintenance programmes across the entire spectrum of amateur and professional sport.

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Tottenham’s New Turf

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Tottenham’s New Turf: Tottenham Hotspurs’ new stadium has taken a giant step towards completion with the delivery of the new pitch.

The rolls of turf, which have been imported from Holland, arrived at the start of the week and are now being meticulously laid out as the new White Hart Lane arena begins to look more like home.

Tottenham's New Turf

Such is the club’s attention to detail, members of the ground staff have been based out in Holland for the past two months to ensure the surface arrived in pristine condition.

The pitch is a hybrid of natural grass reinforced with polypropylene strands and is very similar to the playing surface at the old White Hart Lane.

In an indication of the immense logistical operation involved, the turf is being transported to London in 23 refrigerated lorries over the next three days.

Each roll of turf weighs 1.5 tonnes and his 2.4 metres wide by 12 metres long. Specialised equipment is needed to unroll each strip of turf, with the club’s webcams at the stadium showing work starting from the outside and then working into the centre.

It will take up to four weeks for the turf to properly bed in and keeps Spurs on target to move into their new 62,062-capacity home for their Premier League fixture against Burnley on December 15.

Earlier in the summer, three retractable trays were installed beneath the pitch. They will slide back underneath the stadium’s south stand when NFL games are played on an artificial surface that has been placed underneath the grass.

The last week of September saw the safe standing rails and seats installed into the home end of the stadium.

Spurs were originally meant to move into the £850million stadium back in August but a series of delays pushed this back as they continued to play the bulk of their home fixtures at Wembley.

They even had to play their third round Carabao Cup tie against Watford at Stadium MK last week.

Spurs will be back at Wembley on Wednesday night when they host Barcelona in the Champions League.

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Campey Turf Care Return To SALTEX

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Campey Turf Care Return To SALTEX: Campey Turf Care Systems will be returning to the NEC in Birmingham for SALTEX 2018, presenting their range of industry-leading machines.

Throughout the year Campey products have made an impact at major sporting events including  the use of the Air 2G2 GT Air Inject in the build-up to the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National, Paris.

Campey Turf Care Return To SALTEX

Innovation and application have both continued to evolve, with the Koro FIELD TOPMAKER now being used with great success to renovate cricket squares as well as further use in golf. These sports have been able to adopt the machine due to the introduction of a smaller and lighter Koro FTM that was specifically designed with finer turf in mind, offering the industry as a whole the cleanest renovation possible.

A selection of Campey machinery will be on display at Stand G100 along with the Campey Product Specialists, who will be on hand to answer any questions and advise on the best machinery for your situation.

For more information, visit: www.campeyturfcare.com

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