Tag Archive for: Turf

How Synthetic Turf is Supplying Fresh Water in South Africa

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How Synthetic Turf is Supplying Fresh Water in South Africa: A landmark project in South Africa is highlighting how synthetic turf can be used to enable freshwater recycling. Two ‘Cruyff Courts’ are simultaneously providing a high-quality playing surface while integrating an advanced water collection and filtration system under the field, providing the local community with fresh potable water.

The installation of the courts is part of a wider initiative by the Cruyff Foundation, supporting various sports endeavours for children, and young people with special needs. The two new fields in Orange Farm, near Johannesburg, bring the total number of Cruyff Courts to 10 in the country.

How Synthetic Turf is Supplying Fresh Water in South Africa

How Synthetic Turf is Supplying Fresh Water in South Africa

The investment and innovation come as South Africa is currently grappling with one of the most severe droughts in recent history, affecting approximately 61 million people across Southern Africa.[1] The prolonged drought has led to significant water shortages, impacting both urban and rural communities.

The Government has launched the Water Crisis Action Plan 2025, focusing on infrastructure rehabilitation, smart metering systems, and new dam projects to mitigate the crisis. Despite these efforts, the agricultural sector faces devastating losses, contributing to widespread food insecurity. Innovative solutions, including public-private partnerships and technological advancements like the freshwater recycling beneath the Cruyff Courts, are also being implemented to address the urgent need for sustainable water management.

The project was headed up by EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC) member Dutchblue, who provided an advanced water collection and filtration system through its partners Project GreenSource SA.

The ‘Catch-Store-Reuse’ sports system captures rainwater, stores it in its subbase, and purifies it in a GreenSource container next to the field. Runoff collected by the system is filtered to remove contaminants, including bacteria and metals, before being pumped to a fountain for use as potable water. The purified water can then be used via a tap on the outside of the container.

The courts represent a significant development in the use of sports pitches to collect water. Together with the local community’s help, the project was completed in December 2024, and training is being given to maintain the pitches throughout their lifetime.

The duality of providing a high-quality sports playing field and clean water for the local community has resulted in some great benefits for the local area. These include potable water supplies for periods of prolonged drought and a recreational area for children and adults to play sports safely. The courts have also helped foster a sense of community identity, serving as a social hub as well as a sports facility.

Stefan Diderich, Director General at ESTC, said: “This project is a perfect example of how synthetic turf can operate not just as an enhanced playing surface, but also as a force for good in fighting drought and other hydrological issues around the world.

“Training the local community to maintain the pitch ensures they will have a lasting impact and can provide users with a high-quality surface as well as a source of clean drinking water for years to come.”

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Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

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Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has expanded its Technical and Learning department with two strategic appointments, boosting the support and expertise available to the sector through high-quality training and consultancy.

Bojan Jovanovic has been appointed as Learning Programme Lead, and Fiona Lyttle takes on the role of Turf Care Advisory Support Lead. Together, they bring extensive experience that will enhance the GMA’s educational and advisory services for both professionals and volunteers.

Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

Growth In GMA’s Training And Turf Care Advisory Services

Bojan has worked closely with the GMA for over five years as an online tutor, supporting learners undertaking GMA qualifications. He brings a unique blend of educational and practical turf care expertise, having spent more than a decade teaching land-based qualifications at Further Education institutions. Earlier in his career, Bojan specialised in construction and maintenance of elite sports surfaces, contributing to high-profile projects across tennis, croquet, elite football and the London 2012 Olympic equestrian facilities.

Fiona brings a deep understanding of the sports turf industry, particularly in learning and development. Well known for her work with the Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC), which works closely with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) on education and training, she offers valuable educational insight and industry knowledge. Her appointment will support the continued growth and delivery of the GMA’s Turf Care Advisory (TCA) services.

The appointments mark a significant step in the GMA’s ongoing mission to provide high-quality training and consultancy, supporting the development of skills and standards across the entire industry.

Dan Prest, GMA Technical and Learning Manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bojan and Fiona to the team. They both bring incredible industry knowledge and fresh perspectives that will help us grow our education and consultancy offer. Bojan’s background in both turf management and further education is a perfect fit for our evolving learning programmes. Fiona’s insight into training and development, along with her knowledge of the industry, will be so important in strengthening our Turf Care Advisory support. This is a real boost for the industry as a whole.”

Bojan Jovanovic, GMA Learning Programme Lead, said: “Having worked with the GMA for several years as a part-time tutor to many learners, I’m excited to step into this new role and help shape the learning journey for professionals and volunteers. Education is a vital part of raising standards in the sector, and I’m passionate about helping people succeed both on the ground and in the classroom.”

Fiona Lyttle, GMA Turf Care Advisory Support Lead, said: “I’m thrilled to join the GMA at a time when support and guidance are more important than ever. I’m looking forward to working on and developing the consultancy provision offered by the association and supporting those working across the breadth of the grounds management industry. It’s all about helping people feel confident and connected in their roles, allowing them to provide safe and fit for purpose playing surfaces.”

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ICL Turf Defence tank-mix supports ITM

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ICL Turf Defence tank-mix supports ITM: ICL’s proven Turf Defence tank-mix supports integrated turf management (ITM) strategies in reducing Microdochium patch risk ahead of the autumn and winter seasons.

Combining Greenmaster Liquid Iron Effect and H2Pro FlowSmart, this tank-mix enhances turf resilience and improves surface conditions, two key factors in minimising the risk of disease development.

ICL Turf Defence tank-mix supports ITM

ICL Turf Defence tank-mix supports ITM

Independent STRI trials have shown that the Turf Defence tank-mix improves turf health, accelerates surface drying, and reduces conditions that favour Microdochium patch, resulting in cleaner surfaces and more consistent playing qualities.

Greenmaster Liquid Iron Effect delivers a fast-acting iron source to improve turf colour and resilience, helping turf withstand conditions conducive to disease development. H2Pro FlowSmart is a penetrant surfactant that improves water movement through the rootzone, accelerating surface drying and reducing moisture levels that encourage disease. Recommended applications for the tank-mix are monthly from September to February, applying Greenmaster Liquid Iron Effect at 20 L/ha and H2Pro FlowSmart at 10 L/ha in 400 L/ha of water.

“We understand the challenges that cool, damp weather brings to turf management,” said Henry Bechelet, Technical Manager at ICL. “This straightforward tank-mix provides a practical tool to help turf managers maintain consistent playing surfaces under high disease pressure.”

The Turf Defence tank-mix offers a reliable option for proactively strengthening ITM programmes during challenging autumn and winter conditions.

For further information on ICL Turf Defence and integrated turf management advice, turf managers can visit the Knowledge Hub at www.icl-growingsolutions.uk.

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Turf Tank Unveils Expanded Robot Capabilities

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Turf Tank Unveils Expanded Robot Capabilities: Turf Tank, a leading name in robotic line marking solutions, is proud to announce the release of its latest software update at Groundsfest 2025, Stand number OSA481. Designed to empower UK grounds teams to achieve more with less, the enhanced Turf Tank robot now boasts new features that extend its versatility from sports pitches to parking lots, and everywhere in between.

Already trusted by over 5,000 organisations worldwide, Turf Tank’s autonomous robots have transformed the way schools, clubs, and professional venues mark their grounds. The latest update, built in direct response to user feedback, introduces smart tools to further boost precision, efficiency, and user control.

Turf Tank Unveils Expanded Robot Capabilities

Turf Tank Unveils Expanded Robot Capabilities

Key Features being Showcased at Groundsfest 2025

  • Logo Bundles for Pro Subscribers: Instantly access and paint a library of preloaded logos for sports teams, holidays, and special events—no stencils required. Grounds teams can now easily mark out detailed designs for school events, awareness campaigns, or club matches straight from their tablet.

Car Park Marking: The Turf Tank robot can now tackle car parks as well as pitches. Mark entire car parks or individual bays on your own schedule, with the flexibility to complete the job in stages minimising disruption and avoiding the need to close off large areas.

  • Enhanced Tight-Space Navigation: Set the minimum turning distance for the robot between painted lines, making it ideal for compact or multi-use locations near fences, buildings, or other obstacles.
  • Quick Settings for Football Pitches: Updated templates let users adjust arc radius and line widths in moments, reducing setup time and ensuring consistent results.

These enhancements reinforce Turf Tank’s commitment to accurate, consistent, and efficient line marking—helping grounds teams save time and focus on maintaining first-class playing surfaces.

Live Demonstration at Groundsfest

Curious to see the robot in action? Visit the Turf Tank stand at Groundsfest 2025 for a hands-on demonstration. Select your preferred layout and watch as the Turf Tank robot brings it to life—no strings or stencils required. For those unable to attend, request a demo at your site by visiting https://turftank.com/en/ or contacting your local Turf Tank representative:

  • Southern UK: Alex Robinson – alex@turftank.co.uk – 07311 370 250
  • Northern UK: Lewis Weldon – lewis@turftank.co.uk – 07533 969 557
  • Scotland, Northern Ireland & Ireland: Alan Donaldson – alan@turftank.co.uk – 07426 436 090

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Discover Mansfield Sand’s Elite Sports Turf Solutions

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Discover Mansfield Sand’s Elite Sports Turf Solutions: Make your way to stand OSA260 at GroundsFest 2025 – taking place on 9 and 10 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire – to explore the latest in professional sand-based solutions from Mansfield Sand.

With a heritage spanning over 180 years, Mansfield Sand remains at the forefront of silica sand innovation. Their trusted range supports elite stadiums, top-level training grounds, championship golf courses, and high-performance equestrian venues across the UK.

Discover Mansfield Sand’s Elite Sports Turf Solutions

Discover Mansfield Sand’s Elite Sports Turf Solutions

At this year’s event, their team of specialists will be on hand to showcase how their products can strengthen, support, and transform natural sports surfaces. Key solutions on display will include:

Reinforced Rootzones

Designed for high-performance, natural turf surfaces that demand durability and year-round usability. These expertly engineered products improve pitch stability and drainage while maintaining consistency throughout the surface. Options include:

Fibre Reinforced Rootzone – polypropylene fibre-reinforced for enhanced strength.

Fibrelastic Rootzone – combines polypropylene and flexible Elastane fibres for resilience and recovery.

Fibresand – ideal where turf has suffered wear and tear from winter usage.

Sand Soil Rootzones

Blended using only premium screened topsoil and Mansil 40 Silica Sand, these mixes are perfect for construction or renovation – providing a reliable, high-performance start for any project.

Sand Compost Rootzones

A carefully developed mix of sand and organic material, helping turf retain nutrients and moisture while boosting drought tolerance and resilience.

Top Dressing

A fine turf essential, Mansfield Sand’s sterilised, stone-free top dressing is made from the company’s own silica sand and high-quality soils. Custom blends are also available – including options with soil amendments.

Mansil Silica Sand Sports Range

Extracted from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield, the Mansil range supports a wide variety of surfaces – from golf courses and bowling greens to winter sports pitches and amenity areas.

Don’t miss your chance to see how Mansfield Sand’s market-leading range can help you raise the standard of your sports surfaces. Visit stand OSA260 at GroundsFest 2025.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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