Groundskeeping Journal Issue 1 2019

GROUNDSKEEPING JOURNAL

VO L . 01 | S E P T / O C T 2 01 9

THE MAJOR SWIFT GREAT PERFORMER

EVERYONE TAKES GRASS FOR GRANTED

PREMIER FINISH FOR CHESTERFIELD FC

A good mower always leaves an excellent finish

Ecosolve discuss the need for nurturing grass

Infinicut® and Turfclean™ combination deliver

It’s about obsessing over the little things, the details no one else sees. It’s never tolerating anything less than the best.

Perfection is a mindset. And that’s worth being proud of.

Freephone 0800 085 25 22

TS40900.1ENG_GB_FPH_RW

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MA JE ST Y THE QUEEN SUPPLIER S OF AGRICULTUR AL , GROUNDSC ARE AND HOR TICULTUR AL EQUIPMENT JOHN DEERE LTD NOT TINGHAM

CONTENTS

In this issue

Welcome to Groundskeeping Journal, the UK’s latest bi-monthly publication providing latest product innovations, industry news and opinions from key professionals within the industry.

With focuses on Aeration, Irrigation & Drainage; Greenskeeping; Latest News; Machinery; Pitch & Line Marking; Specialist Mowers; Sports Ground Equipment; Sports Pitches; Top Dressing; Sprayers & Spraying and Turf Management.

46

Ecosolve One of the ongoing nightmares for grounds staff is that the public and players don’t regard grass as a crop which needs nurturing like any other.

They expect it to be green all year round and the right consistency regardless of the weather.

27

24

Ecoline+ Pitchmark’s Ecoline+ has become the line marking paint of choice for FA Premier League club Watford FC

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

Corvus

Corvus is a new name in 4x4 off-road utility vehicles and one to look out for when its UTV’s arrive on our shores.

... more 3

CONTENTS

In this issue

08

18

Change for the better at Fairhaven “A design classic” is how Spencer Grimwood, project manager at changing room specialists Crown Sports Lockers describes the newly refurbished locker rooms at Fairhaven Golf Club, Lytham St Annes.

48

Terralift Performance Fertilisers

Up for the cup at Gleneagles Gleneagles held a unique position in golfing history when the biggest event in women’s golf concluded on the 9th to the 15th september, they became the first venue in Europe to have hosted both The Solheim Cup and The Ryder Cup (in 2014).

Across groundskeeping, performance fertiliser specialists Terralift are boosting sports and amenity turf quality, heightening `green’ practices across football, rugby and golf, while improving surface playability year round.

Aeration, Irrigation & Drainage

Machinery

Sport Pitches

6

24

36

Kent Cricket

38

Headland programme reaps rewards and awards

40

High-wear problems at Leicester Tigers RC

Deep aeration cures waterlogging long term

Corvus, the new UTV on the block

Greenskeeping

Pitch & Lane Marking

8

Up for The Cup at Gleneagles

27

10

John Deere is revolutionising spraying applications with its new GPS PrecisionSprayer

14

Maintenance of a green

Latest News

18

Specialist Mowers

28

Allett’s electric day at Twickenham

30

INFINICUT® and TurfClean™ combination deliver ‘Premier’ finish for Chesterfield FC

Change for the better at Fairhaven

31

22

MAJOR Swift Rollermower to make its debut at Saltex 2019

32

23

GKB to Attend Saltex’s Turf Management Show

4

Ecoline+ hits the mark at Watford FC

Sprayers & Spraying

42

Inside story on reusing knapsack sprayers

Turf Management

44

The driving force in zero-turn mowers

Inside story on reusing knapsack sprayers

46

ECHO’s first mower has electric performance

Everyone takes grass for granted!

48

Terralift Performance Fertilisers

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

CONTENTS

Contact Us

Enhancing Quality Sports Services ello and welcome to Groundskeeping Journal.

Our publication has been created to showcase the very latest industry news and product information from the Groundskeeping sector.

H

In each edition we carry in depth articles from some of the industry leaders, the articles cover many aspects of Groundskeeping with some offering tips and advice on Sports Pitches, Turf Management, Greens Keeping and much, much more. Whether you are looking for tips and advice on creating the perfect green or looking to source

the right product for your synthetic surface GKJ has it all.

Our vision is to connect our readers with professionals and suppliers working within their sector and we hope that we have created a platform that will become a must have tool for anyone working within the industry.

Many thanks for taking the time to read our publication, we hope you enjoy the read and if you would like to keep up to date with all things GKJ then make sure you check out our subscribe page.

Follow us on our Social Media

@gkj_mag

Contact the Groundskeeping Journal team below: Editor-In-Chief

Business Manager

Antony Holter editor@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Josh Holmes josh@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Editor

Studio Director

Emma Page emma@groundskeepingjournal.co.uk 01304 806039

James Sayer james@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Publishing Director

Digital Manager

Martin Holmes martin@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Jamie Bullock jamie@mhmagazine.co.uk 01227 936971

Sales Director

Accounts Department

Lee Martin lee@groundskeepingjournal.co.uk 01227 936974

Alison Holmes accounts@mhmediaglobal.com 01227 936971

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Groundskeeping Journal however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufacturers or contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

5

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

Deep aeration cures waterlogging long term Heavy downpours of rain on compacted grass areas on sports pitches, bowling greens, golf courses and amenity areas can leave standing water, rendering them unusable and stopping play. he action of normal aeration, use of machines and foot traffic over time can leave areas compacted and panning occurs, causing poor drainage and depriving grass roots of oxygen and nutrients. Sports turf specialists Terrain Aeration have been providing a long- term solution to this for over twenty five years, using onemetre deep penetration of the playing surface.

T

The Terrain Aeration Terralift machine not only solves the immediate compaction problem, the process has a beneficial effect that lasts many years.

It works like this. The Terralift hammers a hollow probe one metre into the soil using a JCB road breaker gun (this is because the ground is usually so compact at depth that it needs this hammer to break through). Once the probe has reached one metre depth, compressed air is released up to a maximum of 20Bar (280psi), the Terralift being the only machine using such high air pressure, which is needed to fracture and fissure the soil. The probe is withdrawn and the process repeated using twometre centre spacings on a staggered grid pattern - this means that each shot interconnects with the previous ones.

On the tail end of the air blast, dried seaweed is injected which sticks to the walls of the fractures and fissures and, over time, expands and contracts with the moisture content in the soil - similar to “breathing” underground. The 11⁄2” probe holes created by the Terralift machine are backfilled with aggregate to provide a semi permanent aeration/ ventilation shaft, helping to keep the whole aeration process working. The top 1” should be topped with the usual top dressing to encourage grass growth over the probe holes. The Terrain Aeration process is ecologically sound, there is no mess and once the pitch or green has been given a light mow it’s ready for play to resume.

Terrain Aeration, 01449 673783 www.terrainaeration.co.uk

6

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

THE BEFORE AND AFTER OF ONE METRE DEEP AERATION COMPACTION AND WATERLOGGING STOP PLAY. DOWNTIME COSTS MONEY.

Terrain Aeration’s long-term treatment reaches one metre deep where compressed air blasts the compaction.

The soil is opened up for good drainage and a healthy sward with minimum disruption.

We have been successfully aerating sports turf, bowling greens, golf courses, parks, trees and gardens for over twenty-five years.

See us at work: www.terrainaeration.co.uk Call us for a quotation 01449 673 783 GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

7

GREENSKEEPING

Up for The Cup at Gleneagles Gleneagles held a unique position in golfing history when the biggest event in women’s golf concluded on the 9th to the 15th september, they became the first venue in Europe to have hosted both The Solheim Cup and The Ryder Cup (in 2014).

s the Gleneagles and volunteer greenkeeping teams led by golf courses manager Craig Haldane, together with director of agronomy and estates Scott Fenwick, put the finishing touches to the Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary Course, John Deere and local dealer Double A are equally busy behind the scenes.

A

biennial edition of The Solheim Cup. The company has a long association with professional golf, having been a title sponsor on the PGA Tour, official supplier to the PGA Tour for over 25 years, official supplier to the Ladies European Tour and a partner at numerous Solheim Cup events.

In addition, John Deere is partnering Gleneagles by exclusively providing golf course maintenance machinery and ancillary equipment for use across all three championship golf courses.

“We are very grateful for the support from our local dealer Double A as we’ve

The greenkeeping team at Gleneagles has risen to 100 people, with tournament standard conditioning also extending to The King’s Course, which is hosting The Junior Solheim Cup, and The Queen’s Course, which remains open for member and VIP visitor play during that week.

John Deere is the official golf course and turf maintenance machinery event partner to Gleneagles for this 16th

“ Typically we aim to maintain all three courses at a very high level all year round, but we’ve upped the ante for The Solheim Cup.

8

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

Hard At Work John Deere course maintenance equipment has been hard at work on all three courses at Gleneagles in advance of The 2019 Solheim Cup. www.JohnDeere.co.uk

been gearing up the John Deere fleet ahead of the tournament,” says Craig Haldane.

“Typically we aim to maintain all three courses at a very high level all year round, but we’ve upped the ante for The Solheim Cup.

“Closing the course three weeks prior to the event has allowed it to recover from any stress and provided additional time to prepare and introduce a higher frequency of cut.

By fine tuning our existing practices we’ve been able go up another level in terms of a quality cut and finish for the tournament.

“We’re also very fortunate to benefit from the extra resources and experience provided by the volunteer greenkeepers supporting our team this week.”

“Eight of the 52 volunteers are women, who have joined our own Laura Campbell and BIGGA’s head of membership services Tracey Maddison to help with the course preparations, so it’s fitting that we can showcase the equal role women play in our industry, especially during The Solheim Cup.” Carlos Aragones, John Deere European turf sales & marketing manager, adds: “The Solheim Cup is one of the biggest events on the 2019 sporting calendar and we are delighted to be a part of it.

We are also proud of our collaboration with Gleneagles in helping to prepare the course for such a prestigious tournament.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

In 2019 John Deere and its dealers are supporting more than 10 major tournaments in the UK and Ireland, every month from the Betfred British Masters at Hillside Golf Club in May to The Solheim Cup at Gleneagles and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in September. This involves providing specialist support staff and more than 150 machines including walk-behind and ride-on greens mowers, tees & surrounds, fairway and rough mowers, compact tractors and Gator utility vehicles.

“Traditionally we work closely with the individual club’s course managers and greenkeeping teams to help keep all the machines in the fleet serviced and ready for work each day, and ensure all cutting units can achieve the highest possible quality of cut,” says John Deere Limited turf division manager Chris Meacock.

“This partnership approach helps everyone to achieve the best possible results where they matter, out on the course, and keep things running as smoothly as possible throughout the event.”

John Deere www.deere.co.uk

9

GREENSKEEPING

10

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

GREENSKEEPING

Precision spraying The precision spraying revolution has started - John Deere is revolutionising spraying applications on amenity turf with its new GPS PrecisionSprayer, available exclusively for use with the ProGator heavy-duty utility vehicle.

L

AUNCHED at BTME 2019 in

January alongside the 2750 greens mower – the first time new golf products have been launched by Deere in Europe ahead of the Golf Industry Show in the US – this advanced technology system offers golf course managers and other amenity turf professionals a proven, off-theshelf, integrated John Deere solution for precision spraying.

With features such as AutoTrac satellite guided automatic steering, a full-colour in-cab touchscreen display and individual nozzle control, the easy-to-use GPS PrecisionSprayer increases application accuracy and consistency, lowers input costs through reduced overlaps and

misses, helps protect the environment and increases productivity by reducing operator fatigue.

“The GPS PrecisionSprayer offers an innovative solution that allows our customers to be more productive and accurate when maintaining turf,” says John Deere’s European turf sales & marketing manager Carlos Aragones.

“John Deere boasts over 20 years of GPS experience, which was vital when creating this new sprayer. We were able to take advantage of our industry leading knowledge of satellite guidance technology to develop a solution that supports our customers by increasing productivity and accuracy while reducing labour and material costs.”

Watch Now Visit www.deere.com for further details and videos – search for ‘GPS PrecisionSprayer’.

Visit www.deere.co.uk to see a short video – search for ‘Precision Makers’.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

11

GREENSKEEPING

One of the most notable features on the GPS PrecisionSprayer is AutoTrac, which helps to spray predetermined areas in less time with greater passto-pass accuracy. Another important benefit is individual nozzle control, which minimises application errors and reduces fatigue, as the operator does not need to focus on manually turning boom sections on and off. Individual nozzles can be paired with AutoTrac guidance to limit wasted product applications caused by pass to pass overlaps and misses.

The GPS PrecisionSprayer utilises advanced satellite technology and mobile RTK (real-time kinematic) navigation down to accuracy levels of 2.5cm to ensure the reliability of boundary maps and allow users to create spray coverage maps, which also eliminates overlaps and increases productivity.

Another major benefit is the ability to electronically capture all spray data and analyse the results, which streamlines the documentation process and provides robust analytics for recording and legislation purposes. Automated documentation also removes the need for manual records and increases accuracy when recording details of all spraying applications.

Advanced technology is also featured on John Deere’s range of professional fine turf mowers, based on extensive feedback from greenkeepers and other golf and turf industry professionals.

Common features across the A Model range include a brand new TechControl display, LoadMatch from the company’s compact tractor range, internal wet disc brakes and improved operator stations – all engineered to provide users with greater control of the machines, easier operator training and first class cut quality.

All A Models also feature OnCourse Technology, which intelligently integrates electronic controls with the mowers’ mechanical features to deliver improved performance, better diagnostics, more uptime and increased reliability, productivity and operator comfort.

The simple to use, password protected TechControl display enables turf managers to quickly set or change mowing, turning and transport speeds, for example, to limit variations in performance by different operators and provide a more consistent, quality finish. On-board visual diagnostics and the ability to set regular service times also help to maximise productive time.

John Deere has also recently announced an exclusive agreement to develop autonomous mowing solutions for the golf and sports turf industry with Precision Makers, a Netherlands based company that specialises in autonomous technology for various types of equipment.

“The turf industry is looking for more sustainable operating models to maintain precision turf, and expanding the use of technology will be critical to the future success of turf managers,” says John Deere’s global golf director Manny Gan. “With labour costs and availability becoming an increasing concern in many parts of the world, customers are eager to introduce autonomous equipment into their operation to ensure tasks can be completed with consistently excellent results and precision.”

Precision Makers is an affiliate of Dutch Power Company (DPC), which already has an ongoing supplier relationship with John Deere.

John Deere www.deere.co.uk

12

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

New for 2019

POWERED BY INNOVATION 30 - 31 OCTOBER 2019 THE NEC BIRMINGHAM

EUROPE’S LARGEST ANNUAL EVENT FOR GROUNDSCARE PROFESSIONALS • Discover the latest product innovations • Connect with industry suppliers • Network with groundscare professionals • Receive 1-2-1 advice on specific turf challenges • Update your knowledge on the latest trends • Progress your career with expert guidance • Celebrate achievements at the IOG Industry Awards New for 2019 The Eco Village, featuring the latest environmentally-friendly products in groundscare.

FREE ENTRY. REGISTER AT IOGSALTEX.COM MANAGED BY THE

@iogsaltex

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

@IOG_SALTEX 13

GROUNDSKEEPING

January Despite this being the start of the year, the greens are generally just resting. For us we will just make sure we get the dew of the greens early morning to avoid any type of disease.

Keeping them dry, we have the best chance to halt the encroachment of microdochium nivale.

If we go into winter with a dry green without to much excessive nitrogen, then we have really lowered the chances of contracting any disease.

If the weather is dry & conducive to some top dressing, we will add about 10 tonnes of sand to the surface & hand brush it in.

Maintenance of a green The secret to the maintenance of a fescue green is all about timing and basic principles; my theory is to limit the amount of Nitrogen I apply.

In this time, we hand weed greens to avoid use any herbicide. I am a great believer in cultural methods rather than chemical controls.

February February tends to be more of the same as January. We will try to get another dressing on the greens & if fortunate we may be able to get another 20 tonnes of sand on.

e will also try to keep our moisture levels constant in the growing season at between 16 – 20 %. On top of this we will usually try to apply 100 to 200 tonnes of sand.

W

For me the weather is crucial to how I manage my maintenance plan. I generally have a strategy as to how we will go for the year, but it will depend on weather conditions as to the procedure we follow.

The following plan will demonstrate how we expect to proceed each month, however it may fluctuate due to weather conditions and this is only a general guide.

14

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

GROUNDSKEEPING

This can vary between years, but typically for me in the years I have been responsible for Royal St George’s, it’s between 30 – 50 kg.

Hand weeding will continue, however, if the weather is mild it is feasible we could roll the greens to keep them smooth, but I try to keep this minimal as I want to reduce the amount of compaction this could lead to. It is possible we may spray a little sulphate of iron onto the greens.

This will help add a little colour to the greens, but can also help us by aiding us in control of some cushion moss we may get during the winter months.

March This month tends to be quite complex for me. Spring is trending to be later these days hence we are finding growth a little sluggish. This can be a frustrating time as golfer expectations are beginning to rise by now. Thankfully the fescue greens still produces a smooth fast surface so with some constant sand dressing we can produce a fast firm surface.

We still have a cutting height of 5mm which I have tended to stick to throughout the year.

This is the beauty of fescue as we can get speeds from 9 to 10.5 on the stimpmeter without having to cut much lower.

This enables us to keep the fescue sward happy & stress free.

This can also help in the reduction of any fusarium patch disease.

In addition to the iron, I have started to spray a wetting agent. This has allowed us to keep the moisture levels more even. The dry springs & summers we are experiencing has certainly aided us.

I have found that this can help alleviate any hydrophobic areas as this can help the water to negotiate its way through the soil.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

15

GROUNDSKEEPING

April

May

Typically, this can be another challenging month as golfers expectations are certainly high. With the changing weather patterns, this can perhaps be the hardest month to deal with.

This is the real growing month! The fescue will be in full force by now. The seaweed & wetting application in full flow so it will be all about keeping moisture levels pretty constant.

The hardest hurdle tends to be the sudden changes in weather temperatures. We can go from 7c up to 23c within a few days, but luckily we have such a good sward coverage that I am not fighting for growth so can get very good smooth greens.

We will ramp up our cutting by now & will roll a couple of times a week at this stage. We also improve by spraying seaweed on a monthly basis in addition to the wetting agent.

16

I will look to keep them at between 16% - 20% . By now the poa is looking really stressed and for me this then tends to be a great opportunity for me to verti cut the greens at around -1 mm below.

This tends to help me in my fight against the bent grasses & the poa and I also use a granular fertilizer & apply an 8-0-0 feed. This will be followed up by a very light overseed of fescue at a rate of around 12g/m2.

By now we in full flow of top dressing every two or three weeks. This will be very light at around 11 tonnes an application and we tend to roll it in then irrigate to wash in as by doing this we feel we don’t have to brush in.

This is so we can be gentle on the fescue & minimize any abrasive actions.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

GROUNDSKEEPING

A few years back this would have been the month I applied a summer feed of 8-0-0, but with climate change I have since put back our fertilizer feed until later in the year.

August This sees us continue with our monthly action plans, but by now we will probably be reviewing some pencil tining to alleviate some compaction & aid the penetration of water through the soil. We will carry this out throughout the summer on a ad hoc basis dependent on the correct timing.

In conjunction with this I will have also sarel roll throughout the year but will be crucial we go into the Autumn in good shape.

September

June June tends to be just making sure we keep our moisture levels constant which is important. We will be cutting every day & will sporadically use the greens iron to keep things smooth.

On top of this we will we will hand weed if the need arises. By now we are just on the routine monthly applications of seaweed wetting agent & the top dressing are applied fortnightly. This continues until October.

July July is more of the same, but by now we are really concerned with moisture levels, but to help with this we will hand water. It is important we don’t over water as we want to help the fescue thrive & keep the poa at bay.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

Early September will see us tine the greens again & continue with the sand dressings. At this point, I will overseed a pure fescue mix into them at around 18g/m2 to take advantage of the soil temperatures. The height of cut will still be retained at 5mm, however I may attempt to roll a few times instead of cutting to help the new seedlings along.

If required, we will not roll or cut to help protect the seed.

October With the nights drawing in & disease pressure at a high risk, we will do everything possible to dispense of any moisture & keep the greens dry.

Cutting will now be slowing down so we will roll occasionally or alternatively, dewy the greens.

Remnant weeds still lingering will be hand picked so as to avoid any chemical applications.

November If we are likely to verti drain this is the month we would do this. The majority will try to go earlier, but due to playing demands, we tend to stick to this month.

We didn’t verti drain last November and slitted the greens instead. We did this four times last November at two weekly cycles. Another procedure I carried out last November for the first time was give the greens an 8-0-0 granular feed.

The weather pattern was changing and I feel this was a necessary change to our plans. This meant we went into winter very healthy & with a much better plant adapt to disease. It meant I wasn’t chasing for growth in the early spring. In fact I will not have applied any fertilizer until May thus helping the greens perform better than ever.

December December allows us to ease back on everything, but we still seem to get some growth so find ourselves still cutting once a week. With the slit tining continuing, we still try to apply very light sand dressings if the weather is conducive to this. Of course, as usual we will dry to keep the greens dry by dewy brushing the greens.

This is my guideline but is always changing. This plan works for me but every course is different so it really depends on your site ,weather patterns etc as to how you manage your greens.

I hope this proves a helpful insight as to how we manage ours here at Royal St George’s.

www.royalstgeorges.com

17

LATEST NEWS

Change for the better at Fairhaven “A design classic” is how Spencer Grimwood, project manager at changing room specialists Crown Sports Lockers describes the newly refurbished locker rooms at Fairhaven Golf Club, Lytham St Annes. n Lancashire’s `Golf Coast`, Fairhaven has transformed its clubhouse during 2019 – men’s and women’s changing areas a key first stage of five phases under a £1.3m modernisation.

O

“Light and dark shades of walnut, with innovative wash and shower facilities.”

“The project is all about creating modern, clean, airy and stylish provision to enhance member facilities,” explains general manager Martin Robinson, “because the clubhouse was simply not up to standard for a destination of Fairhaven’s status.”

Completed in spring 2019, the £250,000 Phase 1 saw Crown manufacture and install a bespoke scheme in both locker rooms under a project that also included repositioning the clubhouse entrance to the rear of the building.

Recognised as one of the finest Championship courses in the north of England, Fairhaven’s Top 100, 18-hole links-style course is hosting regional qualifying for the Open Championship between 2016 and 2020 and saw final qualifying for the Seniors Open in 2019.

With a buoyant membership of 800, a healthy waiting list and thriving women’s and juniors’ section, Fairhaven was keen to match the quality of the clubhouse with that out on course.

“ “The interior designers have come up with something special,” Spencer says.

18

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

LATEST NEWS

Testimonial “The Crown team were great, working hard to ensure a totally seamless install, despite problems such as existing sloping floors, which meant repositioning some lockers to take account of that.

“Their fitout was prompt and professional – they were quality craftsmen who sorted any snags as a matter of urgency. Everything went like clockwork.

“The contractors loved working with them.

We had no issues and have every intention of using them again.”

Daniel Thompson, Partner, Frank Whittle Partnership

“I’d known Crown from earlier golf clubs I’d managed,” Martin recalls, “and knew they manufactured quality products.

We asked three suppliers to tender for the work. Crown’s website and case studies showed clearly the quality level we were seeking.”

Studying the changing room layouts and sending the club examples of the lockers proposed for members to scrutinise, Crown worked closely with lead consultant Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) who created innovative designs for the locker rooms, toilets and shower cubicles.

“Project plans had been prepared some years ago but then shelved until Martin came in post three and a half years ago,” says Daniel Thompson, FWP partner. “He has driven the project forward with the backing of the board and gave us free rein on the changing room designs,” he adds.

“To launch the project on the right footing from a PR perspective, it was paramount for the changing rooms to look the part,” notes FWP interior designer David Simmons.

Working alongside main contractor Create Construction, FWP have provided a comprehensive in-house design service spanning architecture, interior design, quantity surveying and structural, mechanical and electrical engineering elements for the multiphase development.

“ “This was a project quite personal to us. We’d handled plenty of metal or laminate locker systems for hotels and sport sites but timber was new for us,” says David.

“They were in a dire state, wooden but unfit for purpose and too small to store modern equipment. We sought a bespoke fitout, rather than just joinery.”

“The club wanted a more contemporary feel but the facilities had to carry that air of prestige as Fairhaven numbers plenty of older members among its ranks – some in their 80s and 90s - as well as teenagers. It was a question of catering for the more traditional end too.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

19

LATEST NEWS

Crown supplied and fitted some 480 key-operated golf bag and holdall lockers, hairdryer vanity units in male and female changing rooms, hanging spaces, towel storage and drops and storage space beneath the wash basins.

of smooth-faced, walnut-coloured Formica laminate, complete with routed vertical stripes and numbers in the doors aces, all hand painted in black. Banks of lockers are finished in alternating light and dark shades to further heighten visual impact.

Highly distinctive elements feature throughout. “Toilets and shower cubicles include designer glazing,“ David explains.

“Space planning was key,” David adds, “as the club wanted to fit as many lockers as possible, without it detracting from the look we had created. We played around with lots of permutations, including the wet areas, to transform the space.”

“There were no doors on the original showers – the new ones are acidetched, with frosting beneath the club logo.

“The changing room toilets also serve the newly refurbished 120-seat events room so had to carry the right look to reflect that function and deliver a quality that surpasses what guests have in their own homes.”

Benches and marble top vanity units feature sit-on bowls to deliver a striking, classy look. Crown supplied locker doors in two shades

Wilton-Axminster spike-proof carpeting was laid throughout, including benches, in traditional tartan, with purple tinges in the female changing rooms and tiele notes in the male area, set off with neutral walls.

Martin oversaw the changing room upgrade, with Fairhaven director Sue Wood acting as client representative and liaising with the ladies committee on designs for their locker room.

“It’s larger than many ladies’ changing areas,” says Martin, “and is kitted out completely with golf bag lockers and plenty of vanity space. They have frosted glass features in the toilets and showers too, with added horizontal bands for extra privacy.” Also includes are a few “home comforts” – fresh flowers daily and a noticeboard for example.

Martin visited many clubs with FWP to start developing ideas for a style to achieve the result Fairhaven were seeking. He liked our changing room designs as soon as he saw them and that gave him added confidence working with us on Phases 2, 3 and 4 of the clubhouse upgrade.

“Cost and design take precedence in choosing a supplier, however Crown as a Made in Britain manufacturer was a good tick in the box. Spencer was happy to visit the club and their price sat well with other locker suppliers.

“Also, as bespoke manufacturers, Crown were comfortable with how we wanted the lockers to look. We told the club and contractors that although we had not used them before, they were the right suppliers for the project.”

The changing rooms upgrade has met with strongly positive reaction from Fairhaven’s members, Martin reports.

“Ages vary greatly so tastes differ and you cannot please everyone but the vast majority of members really like the new look.

“Members rent lockers for £25 a year,” says Martin. “After a little resistance from some, every locker has been taken up, bringing in about £10,000 annually.”

T: 01803 555885 E: sales@crownsportslockers.co.uk www.crownsportslockers.co.uk

20

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

LATEST NEWS

Ecogreen mobile screener to launch at Saltex The hopper comes with a steel feed conveyor, so there is no need for the continual adjustment required with a rubber belt.

King Feeders UK are pleased to announce the launch of their new Ecogreen compact mobile screener at Saltex 2019 in October.

A real breakthrough for landscaping and contracting groundscare businesses requiring compost and woodchip screening on the move, the screener can be legally towed behind a typical 4x4 pick-up, or similar vehicle, with a 3.5 tonne capacity. It can be built to be trailer loaded, or it can be trailed with its own axle and draw bar.

The screener is compact for easy access into confined spaces, robust in construction, and suitable for one-man operation.

Elevators are available for trommel fines removal after screening and separation and there is an optional brush for wet material. The Ecogreen screener can be easily incorporated into a bunker system and designed to individual specification if required.

The innovative design offers the option of standard legs, where it can be easily moved by a fork-lift, or the screener can be supplied with hydraulic legs. The Ecogreen screener offers a simple, reliable and economic solution to a wide range of requirements, with a quick release screening drum and choice of meshes. The aggressive drum ensures fast, efficient operation with low running cost per tonne.

The machine is easily driven by the PTO of a small compact tractor and it’s also available with diesel or electric drive.

`

King Feeders have over fifty years in the machinery industry, with twenty-three years in green waste products. The company provides national service and support.

King Feeders will be offering special 0% finance deals at Saltex and for the first six months of sales, subject to status, with a 50% deposit then nothing to pay for 2-years and no interest on the payment balance.

King Feeders UK (T) 01260223273

A number of other Ecogreen machines in the range will be on display at Saltex. Come and meet us on Stand No. H085 at Saltex and call us on (+44)01260 223273. www.ecogreencomposting.co.uk

The machine is easily driven by PTO with small compact tractor.

Eco Green

The machine is available with diesel or electric drive.

Doc 7 & 8

IMG_2122 & 2139

(E ) info@kingfeeders.co.uk

Composting Equipment Why buy Eco Green? √

Range from 5 cubic metre to 30

√

Durable and robust construction

√

Heavy duty 4 auger machine

√

Alternative more economical 2 auger model

√

Heavy duty boron blades with 2 bolt fixing

√

Outlet discharge elevators built with heavy duty stainless steel chain

√

Emergency stop buttons on all

√

PTO / diesel / electric drives

√

Rear loading hopper as standard

√

Large comprehensive range of spares with next day delivery

√

Nationwide in-house support team

models as standard

WWW.ECOGREENCOMPOSTING.CO.UK GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

√

User safety training on all machines

√

Flexible payment plans with guaranteed buy back

21

LATEST NEWS

New 7.3m MAJOR Swift Rollermower to make its debut at Saltex 2019 Heavy downpours of rain on compacted grass areas on sports pitches, bowling greens, golf courses and amenity areas can leave standing water, rendering them unusable and stopping play. hil Cole at Cotswold Turf Care knows a good mower when he sees one. “The MAJOR Swift is a great performer and always leaves an excellent finish,” Phil nods approvingly. He’s been maintaining the grounds at Cirencester Park Polo Club for nearly 30 years so is particular that the turf provides a safe yet fast playing surface.

P

The exceptional double-wing design of the new MJ71-730T increases productivity and efficiency without compromising on the quality of cut. “The front and rear rollers ensure we leave a level and striped finish at precisely the right height of cut, every time. It levels the ground back down to its original condition after we've had eight or ten horses running over it.”

“Because it’s made of high-strength Strenx® steel, it’s lightweight and avoids compaction, which is beneficial to

22

maintain the best ground condition,” Phil continues. “For a big machine, it is far more manoeuvrable than I expected – it can turn on a sixpence! It is also a very low consumer of power, therefore more economical with fuel.”

maintenance. “There are no belts - just a strong and simple, heavy-duty driveline with a shear-bolt in the PTO drive,” Phil continues. “The MAJOR Swift is galvanised so it’s going to last us a long time!

“We have a small team, so a reliable wide area mower is essential to alleviate time pressures and reduce costs,” continues Phil. He and his team at Cotswold Turf Care manage equestrian grounds, football and rugby pitches and golf courses, as well as parks across Gloucestershire.

The larger units also have rubber encasing the hinges of each arm. This protects the joints while adding mobility for each wing over uneven ground for a more consistent cut.

The team cuts a minimum of 6000 acres throughout the year. “The 7.3m Swift wings fold to 2.60m, making it great for safe road transportation between multiple sites. It’s about the largest make available that can be safely transported on the road.”

The trailed versions display the MAJOR qualities of durability and low

Looking the part is just as important as playing the part. “Players and spectators have commented on how good the grounds look,” concludes Phil. “At a recent board meeting, the committee members commented very favourably about our grass cutting and the playing surface.”

See the new 7.3m Swift roller mower at the MAJOR stand (J112) at Saltex 2019 from Oct 30-31 at the NEC Birmingham.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

LATEST NEWS

GKB Set to Attend this Year’s Saltex Turf Management Show

KB are delighted to confirm that they will be attending Saltex Turf Management Show 2019. This year’s show takes place at the NEC Birmingham from the 30th to 31st October 2019.

G

With an impressive line-up of turf machinery on display, from brushing and cleaning artificial turf to tackling surface drainage, infill removal and sand spreading, Saltex 2019 is a show not to miss. Aspiring to develop machines that consistently meet the exact expectations and demands of the customer, GKB is proud to be showcasing a range of our durable and reliable turf maintenance machines at this year’s show.

Tom Shinkins, Operations Manager, said “It’s great to be at Saltex again.

It’s a real opportunity to speak to Turf professionals and showcase our products for the 4th year in a row.”

Tom adds, “The show has gone from strength to strength. It delivers a good mix of distributors and end users.”

Visit us on stand H051 to book your demonstrations.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

For more on GKB Machines and their impressive range of machinery for natural, hybrid and synthetic turf, visit www.gkbmachines.com or contact us on 01778 348864.

23

MACHINERY

CORVUS THE NEW UTV ON THE BLOCK

orvus is a new name in 4x4 off-road utility vehicles and one to look out for when its UTV’s arrive on our shores.

C

Europe’s first manufacturer of 4x4 Side by Side vehicles has the strongest pedigree and states an aim to offer technologically superior and highly capable, pioneering vehicles.

A new British company, BOSS ORV, has been formed to introduce, distribute and support the Corvus brand in the UK. BOSS will officially launch three models at the outset: TerrainDX4 EPS, TerrainDX4 PRO EPS and TerrainDX4 CAB EPS. “When you first look at the Terrain you can see immediately it’s a welldesigned and tough, professional UTV.” Says Phil Everett, BOSS ORV’s Managing Director. “Look deeper and it stands out for environmental and technological advancement, a powerhouse engine and a great 24

payload capacity. We’re proud to be able to offer the Corvus range in the UK.” The Corvus main construction facility is in Murcia, Spain with an area of 25,000m² dedicated to manufacturing and assembling, using their own parts and components: gear box, transmission, chassis and technology systems.

The company is part of the Tuxton/ Yanmar group so it’s a natural fit to marry up the normally aspirated, inline 3-cylinder 993cc Yanmar Diesel engine which gives excellent fuel efficiency and range. The engine is Euro 6 compliant which puts it right at the forefront of the market, leading the Corvus programme of designing systems for reducing emission levels. All the above mentioned Terrain models are homologated to T1b tractor regulation and have a top speed of 40mph/65kp/h.

Corvus is building the Terrain for work primarily in agriculture, livestock, forestry, turf care and construction but they are highly adaptable vehicles ready for any demanding off-road workout. Boss ORV will launch the Terrain UTV’s in early September but there will be an opportunity for a preview on the Ace ATV stand at the Royal Three Counties Show on 14th -16th June and the ATV Services (Scotland) stand at the Royal Highland Show on 20th - 23rd June.

“In the meantime,” says Phil “we will be building a small, specialised dealer network throughout the UK to offer customers the highest level of service and support.”

For more information about the Corvus Terrain range you can call 01597 810188 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.corvus-utv.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

UNMISSABLE VALUE. UNRIVALLED CHOICE.

£56.45 % 0

KUBOTA COMPACT TRACTORS 16-60 HP 2+22 PAYMENTS FROM

FINANCE PER WEEK EQUIVALENT OFFER ENDS 30th NOVEMBER 2019

SEE US AT

SALTEX 2019 STAND: C070

Get to work for less this season with 0% available now on Kubota’s range of compact tractors including the BX, B, ST and L Series.

Developed Developed from from the the ground ground up, up, Kubota’s Kubota’s range range of of robust robust and and versatile versatile compact compact tractors tractors deliver deliver exceptional exceptional power power output, output, aa host host of of performance performance enhancing enhancing features features and and unrivalled unrivalled reliability reliability for for consistent, consistent, economic economic performance performance all all year year round. round.

*Business *Business users users only. only.Terms Terms and and conditions conditions apply. apply. Example Example shown shown for for B1161.

B1161.

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE ON ON L2 L2 SERIES SERIES

*Terms *Terms and and conditions: conditions: Finance Finance for for business business purposes purposes only. only. Weekly Weekly payment payment profile profile isis not not available available and and isis shown shown for for illustration illustration purposes purposes only. only. Actual Actual finance finance rental rental payable payable on on B1161 B1161 isis 22++22 22 Monthly Monthly installments installments of of £244.62 £244.62 per per month. month. Subject Subject to to acceptance acceptance and and affordability affordability checks. checks.Applicant Applicant must must be be 18 18 or or over. over. Promotion Promotion valid valid until until 30th 30th November November 2019.

2019.Available Available on on new new equipment equipment only only with with RRP RRP 60%.

60%. The The finance finance products products offered offered under under this this promotion promotion isis aa Finance Finance Lease Lease and and Hire Hire Purchase.

Purchase. For For Finance Finance Lease, Lease, VAT VAT isis due due with with each each rental rental payment payment and and you you will will not not own own the the equip equipment ment at at the the end end of of the the agreement. agreement. Return Return conditions conditions apply. apply. AA documentation documentation fee fee of of £50 £50 (VAT (VAT isis applicable applicable for for finance finance lease lease only) only) will will be be collected collected with with the the first first rental. rental.

For For hire hire purchase, purchase, full full VAT VAT isis due due on on signing. signing. An An option-to-purchase option-to-purchase fee fee of of £50 £50 (plus (plus VAT) VAT) will will be be collected collected with with the the final final payment. payment. You You will will own own the the machine machine when when all all payments payments have have been been made. made.Alternative Alternative finance finance options options are are available. available.Terms Terms and and Conditions Conditions apply. apply. Images Images are are for for illustrative illustrative purposes purposes only. only.Annual Annual admin admin fee fee of of £40 £40 (plus (plus VAT).

VAT). Kubota Kubota Finance Finance isis aa trading trading style style of of BNP BNP Paribas Paribas Leasing Leasing Solutions Solutions Limited.

Limited. Finance Finance provided provided by

by BNP BNP Paribas Paribas Leasing Leasing Solutions Solutions Limited, Limited, Northern Northern Cross, Cross, Basing Basing View, View, Basingstoke Basingstoke RG21 RG21 4HL. 4HL. Registered Registered in in England England No. No. 901225.

901225.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct Contact your local dealer or visit our 2019 website for more details.

www.kubota.co.uk

T: 01844 873190

25

MACHINERY

Leading by design Turf Aerators

Turf / Sod Cutters • Exceptional Traction & Cutting Ability • Low Operator Hand Arm Vibrations • 12 - 24 inch Sod Cutting Widths

Soil / Core Collector • Hugs Contours for Clean Collection • For Groundsman Aerators, Turf Tractors and other aerators

Versatile Reliable Performance...

• Solid or Hollow Coring Tines • Proven Reliability & Performance • Consistent Depth to 5” Depth

Tractor Aerators • Core and Collect in one Pass • Fast Coverage • Clean Collection with No Smearing

Tel : +44(0) 28 2766 7049 info@groundsmanindustries.com www.groundsmanindustries.com

Reesink As a UK distributor of Toro turf machinery, TYM tractors and Otterbine lake aerators, Reesink Turfcare offers you more for your landscaping needs. A global leader in innovative turfcare equipment, Toro provides a full turf maintenance package including professionalperformance mowers and utility vehicles for multiple applications, from small

estates to large grounds facilities. Complementing the Toro machines are versatile TYM compact tractors with optional attachments such as loaders and backhoes, while Otterbine aerators improve lake health and look spectacular – perfect for enhancing water features.

Whatever your landscaping needs, you’ll find the perfect turfcare partner in Reesink.

Gkb machines, taking our knowledge of contracting to supply the best possible machine solution.

Gkb machines, taking knowledge of contracting supply the best possible machine solution.

Be it our a natural, synthetic or hybrid to pitch.. we have a machine to suit your needs.

Be it a natural, synthetic or hybrid pitch.. we have a machine to suit your needs. www.gkbmachines.com / tom@gkbmachines.com / 07495 88 36 17 www.gkbmachines.com / tom@gkbmachines.com / 07495 88 36 17 TOM 180130.indd 1

TOM 180130.indd 1

26

26-7-2018 13:50:14

26-7-2018 13:50:14

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

PITCH & LANE MARKING

Ecoline+ hits the mark at Watford FC itchmark’s Ecoline+ has become the line marking paint of choice for FA Premier League club Watford FC.

P

The demand for using a premium paint at the Vicarage Road stadium led to trials last season, since when Pitchmark have been further developing Ecoline+.

Watford FC became the first to use the improved formula at the opening game of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion in August this year.

In 2018 Scott Tingley, Head Groundsman at Watford FC, set out on what was originally a cost exercise and to see if they could establish the use of one paint for all marking.

“We were using top end paint for the stadium and bottom end for the other pitches,” he says, “we wanted to make it one paint but of course the cost had to be taken into account. We looked at Pitchmark and what we found different was their specialisation solely in line marking products.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

The club had been using Pitchmark’s Direct at the Watford FC training ground and academy, located at the University College London Union Shenley Sports grounds in St Albans. Home to five full-size and two goalkeeping/warmup natural grass training pitches as well as a full-size artificial turf training pitch and fourteen college/academy natural grass pitches, there’s a sizeable amount of line marking required. In the stadium only premium quality is acceptable. Ecoline+ offered the ideal all-round solution.

Ecoline+ is one of the most advanced, low volume, ready-to-use line marking paints available, especially when used in combination with Pitchmark’s Eco and Hybrid markers and special nozzles.

Scott says: “we trialled Ecoline+ and we had no issues, only benefits. We use a Pitchmark Hybrid marker which gives us the quality of a spray marker, without compromising the precision and quality of a transfer marker. Fixture dependent, we can mark up to three times a week and with the traditional wheel to wheel and four-wheel spray markers you lose

ground cover and it’s too easy to transfer paint.”

The Pitchmark Hybrid overcomes these problems with a three-wheeled spray design, which is easily manoeuvred over wet lines. The cone nozzles give perfect deep leaf coverage, so you only need one pass.

“It’s easy to use, it feels like a normal wheel marker and you get premium quality.” Scott adds, “it’s quite complex though and needs looking after but if we have any issues Olly Boys, the Turfix rep, gives us second to none service and back-up.” (Turfix is Pitchmark’s recently formed sole UK distribution arm). Using advanced Ecoline+ Watford FC join the many examples of Ecoline+ premium line marking seen every week on TV from the best leagues in the world, including the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

Pitchmark is a British company based in Bristol +44 (0)1454 776666 www.pitchmark.com

27

SPECIALIST MOWERS

Allett’s electric day at Twickenham llett Mowers invited industry leaders to Twickenham Rugby Stadium on May 14th to showcase the new Allett C34E battery powered mower and hold informal talks on sustainability. Attendance at the venue represented football, rugby, cricket, Royal Households, Oxford and Cambridge University colleges and dealers. Austin Jarrett, Allett’s Managing Director, gave a talk on the company’s battery machine strategy and the technology behind battery electric power helping to drive the future for professionals. He emphasised the health and safety benefits of nonparticulate power and sustainability with zero emissions at the point of use, low noise, low vibrations and minimum maintenance.

A

Twickenham Rugby Stadium’s Head Groundsman, Keith Kent, talked about how he maintains a world class pitch, providing the same standards whatever the use, be it international rugby, leisure events or even schools tournaments.

The third speaker, sustainability expert

28

Professor David Stubbs, presented on the challenges in the industry, using a case study of the London 2012 Olympic Games. His talk embraced climate change and how sport can help address major global ecological problems.

The talks were followed by pitchside demonstrations with everyone allowed access to the hallowed turf and a very green pitch in bright sunlight. The Allett C34E was exceptionally well received with its battery packs and futuristic looks combined with the tradition and heritage of the Allett cylinder mower.

Since it was first seen at Saltex 2018 Allett have spent the months in trials and further developments, to bring the mower to the stage where it is ready to go into production. Powered by the latest Lithium-ion system battery technology, the C34E has a new chassis design while maintaining compatibility with Allett’s renowned turf maintenance system. The mower has plenty of power to drive the interchangeable cartridges for powered raking, aerating and brushing. Delegates were shown that,

just like its petrol counterparts, the C34E gives an impeccable cut and lays down Allett’s hallmark stripes.

Austin Jarrett says: “We’ll be using the debate and feedback from the customers to form part of Allett decision making and future planning in our battery machine strategy. The industry is rapidly changing and while we aim to be at the forefront we will only be launching twenty C34E this year. When a customer buys one of the first 20 machines we will work with them and their dealer on any developments of the machine before we go into mass production next year.

They will become an Allett Pioneer Programme member and attend focus groups and factory visits and will also get exclusive Pioneer merchandise.”

The consensus after the meeting was general agreement the industry is quickly learning about sustainability and recognising the need to gain greater momentum in the face of climate change. Allett Mowers Ltd. 01889 271503

www.allett.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

, 22 YEARS EXPERIENCE. 12 MILES WALKED EVERY DAY. 500,000 FANS EVERY SEASON. 4 ACRES OF TRAINING PITCHES. 1 LAWN MOWER.

Ed Mowe Head Groundsman, Leicester Tigers.

When When itit comes comes to to the the challenge challenge of of looking looking after after parks parks and and pitches pitches all all year year round, round, STIHL STIHL tackles tackles itit head head on. on. With With aa range range of of tools tools designed designed to to maintain maintain grounds grounds to to the the highest highest and and most most professional professional standards. standards. Not Not only only does does STIHL STIHL set set the the standard standard for for quality, quality, efficiency efficiency and and reliability, reliability, our our tools tools are are also also easy easy to to maintain maintain and and offer offer superb superb parts parts availability. availability. All All of of which which adds adds up up to to minimum minimum downtime downtime and and maximum maximum performance. performance.

The The new new STIHL STIHL RM RM 756 756 GC GC professional professional and and extremely extremely powerful powerful petrol petrol mower mower with with 54 54 cm cm cutting cutting width width for for large large lawns. lawns.

Find Find out out more more at at your your local local STIHL STIHL Approved Approved Dealer Dealer or or visit visit

www.stihl.co.uk/pro

SPECIALIST MOWERS

INFINICUT® and TurfClean™ combination deliver ‘Premier’ finish for Chesterfield FC Equipped with the TurfClean™ cassette and a duo of INFINICUT® mowers, Head Groundsman at Chesterfield Football Club Liam Reynolds is delivering a premier finish at the clubs Proact Stadium.

S

uch is the standard of surface preparation and aesthetic quality that Liam was recently awarded runner-up in the National League Groundsman of the Year Awards for 2019.

Together with his colleagues at Premier Pitches, Liam took over the maintenance at Chesterfield FC in 2016. In addition to the wealth of experience within the team, Liam also brought with him a fleet of machinery including two INFINICUT® mowers from MTD Specialty Turf Products. “We have two 34” mowers, one Floating Head and one Fixed Head. These are used in conjunction with one another, with the INFINICUT® FL being our mower of choice for match day preparation. They deliver such exceptional cut quality, which doesn’t go unnoticed by the spectators, players and managers alike who all comment on the stripe definition and overall appearance.”

The most recent addition to his armoury is the TurfClean™ hygiene cassette, which Liam uses in the INFINICUT® FL for post-match clean-up.

30

Fitted with an angled comb beneath a rotary brush, the TurfClean™ effectively collects divots, debris and organic matter while standing the grass plant up to help ensure a healthy sward. “With the two adjustable rollers on the FL, we can adjust both the height and the angle of the TurfClean™ cassette to clean deep down into the turf canopy or raise it up to just remove debris off the top.”

“It’s brilliant even in the wet” Liam explains.

“Once debris is collected in the comb, the rotating brush then gives no option but to throw the collected material into the box, leaving nothing behind.” In use after every match and training session, the TurfClean™ also comes into its own through the winter, when the plant is at its most vulnerable.

“When growth is slow, we will use the TurfClean™ during prep instead of cutting and it puts down a fantastic stripe without risking any unnecessary stress to the plant.

The sharpness of cut delivered by the INFINI’s, together with the hygiene we’re achieving with the TurfClean™, has dramatically improved the health and condition of our surface.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

SPECIALIST MOWERS

The driving force in zero-turn mowers or the professional operator, a machine that does the work in half the time of a conventional lawn tractor has to be a major consideration. This potential to increase productivity is one of the driving forces behind the growth in popularity of zeroturn mowers in the UK. The Zenith 60 is the latest zero-turn in the Ariens range.

A performance machine, it’s packed with commercial features and built for durability and strength.

F

Powered by the reliable Kawasaki FX730V 726cc engine, the Zenith has a forward speed of 8.5mph (13.7kph) for fast mowing. Cutting the grass at speed combined with total manoeuvrability gets you through the job faster, without compromising a quality finish.

Easy steering levers are all you need to drive, brake, steer and spin on the spot.

Negotiating around objects has never been easier.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

At the end of the mowing row you can effortlessly turn 180º, saving you more time and without going over already cut grass.

The Zenith’s large 152cm (60”) cutting deck makes another contribution to greater productivity. Built with 10-gauge steel its 14cm (5.5”) depth provides optimal airflow in all mowing conditions. The foot-operated deck lift system provides effortless adjustments between 15 cutting positions in 6.35mm (¼”) increments with a vertical pin selection.

The Constant Belt Tension System ensures the correct tension, minimising wear and heat while providing enhanced belt life with minimal adjustments. The Zenith features an industry-leading frame design with large tubular frame rails as a backbone to support the machine loads. The frame is fitted with a Rollover Protection System (ROPS) as standard.

To keep the operator comfortable through the day the high backed, ergonomically designed, padded seat not only reduces user fatigue, it also helps to absorb the impact on uneven surfaces.

The Zenith 60 comes with a two-year commercial warranty or three-year residential warranty.

For more information contact Ariens on 01844 278800 or visit www.ariens-uk.com

31

SPECIALIST MOWERS

ECHO’s first mower has electric performance CHO has built an enviable reputation for producing quality outdoor power tools, both professional and domestic. Until now, only a lawnmower has been missing from the range but that has been rectified with the introduction of a new 58V battery powered mower. Part of ECHO’s new 58V range, the LM-58V4AH offers petrol performance from a battery product. ECHO is quick to point out the new mower is the product of extensive development and built to the same professional standards as all its tools.

E

The question is, why would you choose battery power over petrol? ECHO answers this with a mower that has all the power of its petrol counterparts, whilst bringing a range of battery benefits and green credentials. These include low noise, low vibration, no emissions at the point of use and minimal maintenance.

This makes it ideal for working in noise and emission sensitive areas such as parks and public gardens, educational establishments and around hospitals as well as domestic gardens. Coupled with no fuel filling or fuel storage required, no pull start and a lower lifetime cost of

32

ownership, it’s easy to see why ECHO’s new lawnmower is perfect for today’s keen gardener.

The LM-58V4AH is powered by a 58V lithium-ion battery and a brushless motor, which is long lasting and maintenance free due to non-wearing parts; helping to reduce downtime and servicing costs. It has a run time of up to forty minutes on one battery and comes with a quick charger to fully charge the 4Ah battery in sixty minutes. So you just charge and go. There are dual battery compartments and a simple key system activates a second optional battery for maximum convenience and minimal disruption.

The mower features a 53cm (21”) cutting deck that is robust, won’t rust and comes with a grass collection bag and mulch plug, offering the versatility of collection or mulching.

ECHO’S 58V interchangeable battery system allows one battery to fit multiple tools. So the 4Ah battery that comes with the mower can be used with any of the 58V products in the range which, together with the mower, comprises a chainsaw, power blower, hedgetrimmer and trimmer.

ECHO offers a one-year professional use or two-year domestic warranty on the LM-58V4AH, which shows their confidence in the machine, and there is a two-year warranty on all 58V lithiumion batteries.

You can find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer, by visiting www.echo-tools.co.uk or calling 0800 597 7777 for more information.

Wheel height adjusters with seven positions let you easily select multiple cutting heights and there is a three position handle adjustment for maximum user comfort. The quick release handle enables compact vertical or horizontal storage.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

SPORTS CONTRACTING

CLS Sports deliver high-end natural and 3G pitches for Welsh FA’s National Football Development Centre L

eading sports contractor CLS Sports has completed its most prestigious project to date.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) officially opened its £5m Colliers Park National Football Development Centre, near Wrexham, on 22 September, a date that commemorates the 85th anniversary of one of the world’s worst coal mining disasters. On that date in 1934, an explosion rocked the nearby Gresford mine, killing 236 colliers.

Working seamlessly to ensure the project was delivered on time and to budget, the CLS Sports natural and synthetic pitch construction teams have laid a full-size FIFA Quality accredited 3G facility alongside two full-size natural turf pitches with full underpitch drainage and sustainable soakaway.

Completing the £2m contract, CLS Sports supplied floodlighting, camera gantries, mini grandstands, pitch perimeter fencing, maintenance shed, hard and soft landscaping and pathways for the Park.

The Welsh national football squads will train on one of the natural grass pitches, along with youth sides – the second grass pitch being hired out to local league and weekend sides.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

The 3G facility, intended for grassroots football training, has been laid on the site of an existing 3G installation at a former training ground.

Much of the stone supplied for the original pitch has been redeployed under its replacement and used in the paths that cross the Park.

CLS Sports employed many of its own specialist plant and machinery, available through its CLS Landscape and Earthworks and CLS Self Drive divisions, to contour the site and lay the pitches.

“Colliers Park showcases our construction team’s ability to deliver across both natural and synthetic pitch installations to world class standards,” said CLS Sports Director of Operations Brian Dunn.

Sports facility design specialists Geo Turf Consulting conceived the Colliers Park pitch design and layout, having completed a similar project for the FAW’s headquarters at Dragon Park, Newport.

As project managers for the pitch development, Geo Turf oversaw the pitch construction programme, which began last June and was handed over in May (the pitches in March).

“We worked closely with CLS Sports throughout the development,” said Geo Turf’s Jonathan Smith. “They were easy to work with, efficient throughout the project and well resourced the work with people and plant.” CLS Sports Contracts Director Stephen Miller added: “We are proud of the facility we have created and it has been a pleasure to work for the Welsh FA alongside Geo Turf Consulting.”

Lucy Scott, Facility Manager Operations Commercial and Strategic for Colliers Park, said: “The centre is attracting plenty of interest and represents a massive benefit for the region, the finest facility of its kind in North Wales. “Welsh players will aspire to come here because Colliers Park carries the wow factor locally, regionally and nationally. It will also function as a focus for the girls’ and women’s game.”

For more information, contact CLS Sports, T:01642 488328. www.cleveland-land-services.co.uk

33

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

34

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

Booze, Boxing & The World’s Best Sporting Equipment Join the sporting rebellion and visit Net World Sports on stand C107 at Saltex 2019.

Grab your free drink, hit the highest score on the boxing machine to win prizes and grab your discount code to save 10% off all our products online at www.networldsports.co.uk.

Have a chat with our fun, friendly team of experts to learn more about the world class products we produce and who we supply. Our customer portfolio includes Manchester United, Somerset County Cricket Club, FA Wales, Oswestry School and the Canadian Premier League.

Our stand will also showcase our unique top of the range products: •

FORZA Alu110 Box Goal & 360° Wheels (2019 innovation award entry, designed in partnership with Manchester United’s grounds team)

•

Luxury Portable FORZA Team Shelter (New product launch exclusive to Saltex, seating that is as easy to move as it is on the eyes!)

•

Wembley Wheel Transfer Line Marking Machine & Carrot Tuft Markers (Makes ease of marking out the perfect grass pitch)

•

FORZA Aluminium Folding POD Goals (A transportable target goal that fits into a car, used by top coaches worldwide)

We look forward to seeing everyone at Saltex 2019. If you would like to book a timed meeting slot with our team during the show, then please visit www.networldsports.co.uk/saltex-2019

STAND C107 AT SALTEX 2019, NEC BIRMINGHAM, 30TH-31ST OCTOBER

BOOZE, BOXING & WORLD’S BEST SPORTS EQUIPMENT 10% DISCOUNT FOR STAND VISITORS

WWW.NETWORLDSPORTS.CO.UK

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

01691 683 807

SALES@NETWORLDSPORTS.COM

35

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

Kent Cricket

When a job advert states, ‘no two days are ever the same’ it is usually meant as an enticement for an adaptive, dynamic and unflappable individual, constantly ready to deal with a new challenge. t. 01227 473 618 m. 07906 100547 www.kentcricket.co.uk @kentcricketdev

H

owever, for a groundsman during the spring, it is more the ‘marketeers’ way of saying, “You know that beautiful maintenance schedule you’ve prepared for the cricket square? As nice as it is, you had planned to be pre-season rolling today and it’s currently under 2 foot of snow, so, what are you going to do about it?”

So far, 2019 has been far kinder to cricket than 2018. The snow in Kent has been minimal, and the frosts have been manageable. The most common issue seen across amateur and recreational surfaces has been red thread.

Not uncommon at the best of times, but a constant flow of rain and mild temperatures over the winter have provided the ideal conditions for soil to become nitrogen deficient.

If left untreated, groundsmen run the risk of seeing significantly bare patches as the season nears; which are not only unsightly, but open the door for weeds and if too severe, are likely develop into areas of inconsistent bounce and cracking.

Kent County Cricket Club, The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3NZ

If you’re working on cricket pitches, whether as a volunteer, professional or contractor then be aware that there is plenty of support and advice out there, particularly via The Institute of Groundsmanship. It’s aimed at making the job as efficient and successful as possible.

36

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

37

SPORTS PITCHES

Headland programme reaps rewards and awards, for

HAMWORTHY SPORTS CLUB Tel: +44 (0)1223 491090 www.headlandamenity.com

N

The significant improvement in the condition of the multisport facilities at Dorset’s Hamworthy Sports Club has largely been put down to a nutritional regime suggested by Headland Amenity.

Such is the progression in uniformity and quality achieved across the football, cricket and golf surfaces that Head Groundsman Gavin Fisher has been awarded Dorset FA Groundsman of the Year and Dorset Cricket Groundsman of the Year - for the second season in a row!

Gavin has been at the club for six and a half years and is solely in charge of the turf maintenance - a busy site that’s home to Hamworthy Cricket Club and Hamworthy Recreation FC. “When I joined the club, the feeding programme I inherited clearly wasn’t working” he explains. “The golf greens in particular were suffering from disease, patchy coverage and just a general lack of growth.

While I had no previous experience of Headland or their products, their

38

Sportsturf specialist Alex Hawkes stopped by and we got on straight away. He took some soil samples and spent time going through the product range to formulate a programme that would be effective site-wide.”

For Gavin, one of the biggest challenges has been to create a programme to improve surfaces, while sticking to a very tight budget. “Alex fully understood that we needed versatility from the products, that could perform not only on different playing surfaces, but adapt to weather conditions and other environmental pressures.” Key to the programme has been Headland’s ‘20/20/30’ Enhanced Plant Health strategy.

“We apply this tank-mix across both the golf and cricket surfaces every month. It is used in conjunction with various analysis’ of Xtend® slowrelease fertiliser which we can tweak as the seasons change and TriCure AD™ Granular on our golf greens, to deliver more uniform water distribution, which has helped us cope without an automatic irrigation system.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

39

SPORTS PITCHES

Headland programme successfully tackles high-wear problems at Leicester Tigers RC he facilities at Leicester Tigers Rugby Club play host to a packed schedule of training and matches, with the Oval Park training ground alone hosting over 200 games last year. The high usage keeps Head Groundsman Ed Mowe and his maintenance team of three on their toes. Yet, despite this, the pitches are appearing to stay stronger for longer which Ed attributes to Headland Amenity’s input into the club’s nutritional programme.

T

When Ed took over as Head Groundsman in December 2016, he took a fresh look at the nutritional regime, with the aim of resolving a few key problems as well as improving overall plant health at both the Welford Road stadium pitch and the club’s training ground. “Along with two soil-based pitches, we have one Desso surface at Oval Park, which was struggling to cope with the rigorous demands of winter training.

40

Alex Hawkes, Headland’s Sports Turf Specialist, came in and conducted some tests and following this we structured an overarching feeding programme, along with looking at some specific products to target the problems we faced.”

To strengthen the plant and root development on the desso pitch, Alex recommended the Headland ‘20/20/30’ tank-mix. This strategy combines Liquid Turf Hardener, Turfite® and Seamac® ProTurf Fe plant elicitors and protectants to maximise health and restrict the onset of disease. “This proactive approach has not only reduced our requirement for reactive fungicide applications, but together with aeration, has given us a noticeable improvement in wear tolerance and coverage. Where previously training would begin in November and the pitch would be virtually destroyed by January, we can now train from August right through to the end of the season” Ed explains.

“We’ve been using C-Complex® during renovations, which helps with microbial activity and root development and Terafirm™ soil penetrant which has improved the moisture draw-down on the soil-based surfaces.

We’ve also achieved great all-round plant health with Headland’s Seamac® Ultra Plus. For a particularly waterlogged patch we had behind the dead-ball area on the stadium pitch, Alex suggested we try Xpedite® which dramatically improved water infiltration.”

Following the success here, Ed additionally applied Xpedite® on some of the line-out and scrummaging areas at the training ground to good effect.

Final word from Ed, “While I hadn’t used Headland products previously, they have proved to be reliable and effective on their own or when used in combination with other products from the range.

Alex has been a great help in formulating this programme and we will continue to work with him, fine-tuning the regime, to achieve the quality surfaces we’re looking for.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

GRA SEED SEE

ASS ED

Barenbrug Sport Grass Seed

ELITE SPORT The new #1-rated Winter Sports blend Elite Elite Sport Sport

40% 40% Europitch Europitch perennial perennial ryegrass ryegrass 25% 25% Eurocordus Eurocordus perennial perennial ryegrass ryegrass 25% 25% Barcristalla Barcristalla perennial perennial ryegrass ryegrass 10% 10% Eurosport Eurosport perennial perennial ryegrass ryegrass

MEAN BSPB/STRI score of

7.92 – #1-rated!

40% #1-rated Europitch

Superior colour and disease tolerance of Barcristalla Scottish Scottish Premier Premier League League football football club club Heart Heart of of Midlothian Midlothian undertook undertook an an ambitious ambitious full full pitch pitch reconstruction reconstruction during during summer summer 2018.

2018.

In In conjunction conjunction with with STRI, STRI, Carrick Carrick Sports Sports and and SIS SIS UK, UK, aa state-of-the-art state-of-the-art SISGrass SISGrass hybrid hybrid pitch pitch was was installed, installed, complete complete with with new new undersoil undersoil heating, heating, irrigation irrigation and and drainage drainage systems. systems.

WWW.BARENBRUG.CO.UK

Make Life Beautiful

SPRAYERS & SPRAYING

Inside story on reusing knapsack sprayers Moves across the turfcare sector to recycle and reuse plastics are gaining force as product manufacturers and end users seek to strengthen their green credentials.

S

ynthetic pitch contractors and operators for example, each have to demonstrate they have sustainable pathways in place to recycle as much original material as they can.

Where that’s not possible, they must ensure anything they cannot repurpose finds its way to reprocessors, who can create fresh products from waste.

Pitch projects involve thousands of tonnes of material but responsibility for extending the life of plastic products by finding new applications for them extends to the other end of the industry too. Knapsack sprayers are predominantly made from plastic and grounds professionals often cannot find a suitable second use for them when one product is replaced with another.

Not so Allan Wainwright, National Account Manager at spray technology specialists Hozelock UK, which manufactures several brands, including Berthoud and Cooper and Pegler.

42

“Grounds staff need to maintain sprayers correctly, otherwise they risk the equipment underperforming,” Allan explains. “That’s why building awareness through on-site training sessions is so important.”

Allan hit on the idea of creating training aids out of old sprayers by cutting away the front of the plastic enclosure to reveal their inner workings – giving end users and operators an insight into the mechanisms in play when they spray.

“Once sites understand how sprayers operate and what can go wrong if they don’t maintain them regularly or correctly, they make it a priority to clean and check them to ensure spraying efficiency,” Allan says.

“I display modified units along with new sprayers on permanent corporate exhibition and promotional stands,” Allan adds, “and also take one or two with me to site as demonstration models when discussing best practice.”

A small example perhaps of creative reuse of plastics products but evidence of formative thinking about a global issue.

www.cooper-pegler.com/en/ www.berthed.fr/en/

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

Perfection without compromise

Campey’s exclusive, innovative machinery is trusted by leading turf care professionals around the world.

Call +44 (0)1260 224568 email info@campeyturfcare.com visit www.campeyturfcare.com  CampeyTurfCare

 Campeys

 CampeyMachinery

 CampeyTurfCare

TURF MANAGEMENT

Ribble Valley Borough Council aim to get Games on with the Imants ShockWave Ribble Valley Borough Council has invested in their own Imants ShockWave to help alleviate com-paction and gets games on.

C

hris Shepard, Head Gardener at Ribble Council has 14 sports pitches and the fields at Clitheroe Castle, a medieval construction that has been in place for 800-years, to look after as well as other non-sports areas across the Ribble Valley.

The council had a desire to improve the drainage on the pitches and prevent fixture cancellations while improving other areas that were less problematic.

To achieve this the decision to purchase

44

a ShockWave was made and it has had a busy start to life during its first three months in Lancashire with the difference already visible.

Chris said: “There were some pitches that had some standing water, but it had got to a point where we needed to do something regarding drainage for all of the pitches and the land to put money back into it and improve our facilities and we thought to get better use in the winter peri-ods that the ShockWave was the way to go.

“There has been a difference in some of the pitches we’ve used it on. There was one area that would always hold water but that’s gone now. It’s still a bit softer underfoot than the rest of the field but you’re not squelching water like you would have been.

“Once we go on that area again, we’ll be able to go deeper and get down to 18 inches and that’ll definitely help.”

The ShockWave is specifically designed to revitalise heavy wear areas by relieving soil compaction and in turn

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

TURF MANAGEMENT

improve aeration and remove surface water. When doing the linear aerator causes very little disturbance, to the point that play can continue virtually straight away.

For Chris this is an important factor when deciding when to deploy the machine because it can used close to fixture to provide maximum benefit without any risk of causing injury to players.

He said: “People can use the pitches on the same day we’ve used the machine and that’s a

mas-sive benefit because we don’t have to shut a pitch down for a week. It allows us to make a solid plan with the machine and work on the pitches when we want to and if an area needs to be worked on close to a fixture then we know that’s fine.”

The ShockWave comes in five different models with the depth ranging from 120mm-380mm.

Of-ten it is best to start at a shallower depth to relieve compaction before setting the machine to go deeper on a second run and alleviate any remaining problem areas.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

45

TURF MANAGEMENT

Everyone takes grass for granted! ne of the ongoing nightmares for grounds staff is that the public and players don’t regard grass as a crop which needs nurturing like any other. They expect it to be green all year round and the right consistency regardless of the weather. If it’s a public space such as Bath Recreation Ground, there’s no respect – it’s fair game for camping, concerts, barbecues, school use and dog walkers – a lovely amenity but difficult to maintain.

O

Regardless of their use or ownership, sports pitches need lots of TLC from a dedicated groundscare team if they are truly to fulfil their intended purpose.

As well as routine maintenance, mowing, line marking, irrigating, vertidraining and scarification, they will need feeding in spring, autumn and maybe midsummer.

Often, if the site involves winter sports pitches, bowls or cricket, they can require a complete renovation in spring or autumn.

Routine maintenance will be taken care of by the permanent groundstaff, but what happens if despite all this care, sports grounds don’t drain properly because of their soil profile, overuse, compaction, thatch or poor construction?

It could be time to call in a specialist groundscare contractor.

46

Wiltshire- based Ecosol Turfcare can perform a variety of operations on contract. These range from drainage and aeration, fertilising and reseeding to end of season renovation and complete pitch construction. For pitches that are slow to drain and grow, compacted or have thatch and black grass It operates the unique Drill n Fill aerator.

Its ability to gently fold back the turf, drill down to 30 cm with a grid of drills, take out the spoil and backfill it with either pure kiln-dried sand or a mix of sand and soil amendment, has numerous benefits for golf and bowls greens, cricket squares, centre circles and goal mouth areas. The ducts created last for over a year, allowing surface water to percolate off the surface, through obstructions caused by thatch or compaction and into the rootzone and drainage layer.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

TURF MANAGEMENT

“ The result has been amazing, says Paul. “The grid system they created is brilliant. I feel that I know my pitch again now – how to treat it, when we can get on it – it drains quickly after heavy rain and the grass is green and healthy.”

locality and level of use required and this leads to a range of between 3m and 6m spacings. Following the creation of trenches, pipes are laid within them and covered with specified gravel, before the upper section of the trench is topped with a suitable high infiltration rate sand-based rootzone.

Seeding completes the operation.

Soil amendments in the backfill get down to the plant’s roots - allowing improved uptake of nutrients; increased cation exchange capacity and better germination. Sports pitches which remain consistently waterlogged despite routine aeration and surface maintenance may well have reached the point where installation of primary or secondary drainage systems is the only means of alleviating the problem.

A playing surface which already has a primary drainage system beneath it but is still unacceptably wet, could benefit from a secondary drainage system placed at 90 o to the primary trenches. This secondary system can be excavated sand slits (such as those installed by the KORO Topdrain) or they can be excavated gravel and sand slits (installed with a wheel-type trencher).

The principle is to create an intensive, narrow-spaced system of slits over the top that gives a link between the playing surface and the gravel infill above the pipes in the primary system.

Water then runs off the surface, along the slits to the primary drain trench and then away.

Clients range from Premier league clubs to village sports fields.

Harlequins Rugby, in Twickenham was a satisfied client. “We had reached crisis time with our pitch,” says Paul Sykes, head groundsman. “The playing surface in the south-east corner of the pitch had gone black with algae because it was constantly waterlogged.

Initially, Ecosol Turfcare came in to Drill n Fill it but we then discovered that the drain had failed in that area.”

Paul had a new main drain installed which ran the length of the pitch and was reconnected to the existing lateral pipes. However, the pitch was still slow-draining and kept cutting up. Ecosol Turfcare then boosted the primary drainage system by installing further lateral pipes in between the existing ones, backed up by a secondary system of excavated sand and gravel slits placed at 90° to the laterals to carry water off the surface promptly.

Further information from Ecosol Turfcare, email:info@ecosolve.co.uk; website: www.ecosolve.co.uk; Tel:01666 861250

Primary drainage comprises a matrix of underground pipework that allows water to enter the pipes and then be carried away to an outfall point – usually a ditch but sometimes a soakaway system.

The matrix is made up of a main or carrier drain that has a system of lateral drains feeding into it, with the laterals usually being confined beneath the playing surface. The spacing between these laterals is determined by influencing factors, for example, soil type, annual rainfall data for the

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

47

TURF MANAGEMENT

Terralift Performance Fertilisers Across groundskeeping, performance fertiliser specialists Terralift are boosting sports and amenity turf quality, heightening `green’ practices across football, rugby and golf, while improving surface playability year round.

heir organically derived nutritional and rootzone supports are reaching beyond traditional NPK and trace elemental methods to help create optimal growth environments throughout sport.

T

At Leigh Sports Village, Lancashire, head groundsman Keith Porter has adopted Terralift fertilisers and its innovative Quadrop water management system for the 12,000-capacity stadium’s main pitch and three other natural surfaces.

His sons Martin and Matt worked under him for some years, before Matt moved over to regional executive for Aitkens, sole national distributor for Terralift, and has supplied Keith ever since, with products including TX10 and TX11-1-5 naturally slow-release organic granular fertilisers for the stadium pitch and liquid feeds for the other natural turf areas.

Keith finds the slow-release fertilisers particularly helpful in avoiding turf ‘burnout’. When we introduced grow lights four years ago, we were concerned that we would stress the turf and cause yellowing,” he explains, “but because the TX fertilisers are organic, they break down slowly, which helps the plant avoid stressing.”

Home to Leigh Centurions and Leigh East rugby league clubs as well as the base for Manchester United FC ladies, Manchester United U23s Premier League 2 and U18s Champions league, and host for occasional rugby league internationals, the Village needs to deliver sustainable sportsturf quality at all times to meet its commitments of up to 90 fixtures a year on the stadium pitch alone.

“We attract plenty of travelling teams from the UK and overseas including Japan and the US,” explains Keith, a past groundsman of the year.

“I’d known about Terralift products since the time the Village was built, 14 years ago, when a greenkeeper told me about them and their benefits and started using them soon afterwards.”

48

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

TURF MANAGEMENT

Water management for sports facilities can play a pivotal role in turf performance, Matt explains. “Mains supply is not always the primary water source,” he says. ”Lakes and boreholes may also be available, with the result that water pH levels can vary widely and that can be detrimental to optimal turf health.

“By removing unwanted bicarbonates, the Quadrop management system rebalances pH, increasing soil porosity and leaf greening, without overpromoting plant growth.”

Water in the 1,000l input tank is dosed before Keith activates the pop-up sprinkler system to irrigate all the

pitches. “Quadrop works best in tandem with the applied fertilisers if we irrigate when it rains,” he reveals. “It’s then that the chemistry works best for the turf.”

The system’s benefits of improved root mass and reduced disease susceptibility apply equally in golf as field sports. A clutch of courses in the Greater Manchester region, including Reddish Vale, have also adopted Quadrop under a spectrum of nutritional improvement programmes Terra Lift provide.

Their former head greenkeeper Nick Wild, who also managed nearby Curzon Ashton FC (another Terralift and Quadrop site) was so impressed with the transformation in turf health he’d witnessed that he moved to the other side of the sector to handle regional sales for the supplier.

Formed in 1987, Terralift has invested heavily in researching and developing

proprietary aerobic composting, thermophilic digestion, organic fusion granulation and liquid extraction systems to produce nutrient-rich plant performance fertilisers.

The company’s values conform to industry-wide aims to limit applied chemical fertiliser volumes, improving natural disease suppression and building sportsturf’s capability to withstand changing climatic conditions. www.terralift.eu

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019

49

THE SAFEST COURT IN THE WORLD™

DESIGN CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION PowerGame™ courts are enjoyed by thousands of professional athletes and homeowners around the world.

Sport Court UK design, build and install residential and commercial sport courts throughout the UK. From small backyard basketball courts, to international futsal facilities, we can help you achieve your vision.

For a full range of products visit sportcourt.uk or call 01962 809 206

 /sportcourt.uk  /sportcourt.uk



info@sportcourt.uk