The Groundsman October 2017

THE

GROUNDSMAN WWW.IOG.ORG

OCTOBER 2017 £4.00

ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT

SALTEX PREVIEW YOUR INDUSTRY, YOUR SHOW

I N SIDE

2017 IOG AWARDS FINALISTS NOVEMBER MAINTENANCE TASKS SALTEX LEARNING LIVE SESSIONS PRODUCT SHOWCASE: AERATION UNITS

Contents

October 2017 LEARN AND GROW

REGULARS 05 Welcome

Build your knowhow with SALTEX Learning LIVE page 20

Looking ahead to SALTEX 2017

06 Update

The latest news from the IOG and the industry

14 SALTEX 2017

Plan your trip to SALTEX

25 Technical update

The Amenity Forum ‘Question Time’ at SALTEX

14

27 Product showcase

A preview of some of the exciting new products at SALTEX, plus aeration products

45 Tools & guidance

Maintenance and weather

FEATURES 18 IOG Awards finalists

The shortlists for this year’s IOG Industry Awards

20 SALTEX Learning LIVE

There are 53 free educational sessions to attend at SALTEX this year

18

ON THE COVER

43 In action

Visitors gather for another exciting year at SALTEX

How two rugby pitches benefitted from the right soil treatments

50 Grow with the IOG

Meet IOG trainer Chris Westbrook

27

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THE GROUNDSMAN

Editorial address: 28 Stratford Office Village Walker Avenue Wolverton Mill East Milton Keynes, MK12 5TW t: 01908 312511 Managing editor Karen Maxwell e: kmaxwell@iog.org t: 01908 552987 Features editor Colin Hoskins e: editor@iog.org t: 01634 832 221 Product editor Elizabeth Hufton e: lizzie.hufton@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk t: 01225 337777 IOG membership and general enquiries t: 01908 312511 e: membership@iog.org Magazine subscriptions Sue Fernandes t: 01908 312511 e: accounts@iog.org Subscriptions £72 UK, £82 Europe, £112 rest of world Publisher James Houston Head of Design Simon Goddard Advertising Parminder Sangha e: parminder.sangha@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk t: 0203 859 7097 Published by James Pembroke Media The Groundsman is published monthly by the Institute of Groundsmanship. All material is copyright of the Institute of Groundsmanship and may not be reproduced without permission. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any advertisement appearing in the journal and cannot be held liable for editorial omissions or errors. The views expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Institute of Groundsmanship.

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Welcome

Contributors

It’s show time!

Karen Maxwell

When SALTEX 2017 opens its doors at the NEC on 1 and 2 November, everyone in the groundscare industry will be offered limitless opportunities to discover the latest trends and innovations, connect with colleagues and peers, and learn from top industry professionals. SALTEX is the unmissable annual event for the groundscare industry – from the show’s features to its education programme, the event continually evolves to meet the needs of the industry. And here’s why…

With more than 300 exhibitors, many launching new products, SALTEX will host the most technologically advanced equipment showcase in grounds management.

The free-to-attend Learning LIVE education programme will be staged in four purpose-built theatres where experts from the UK and abroad will cover the issues faced by the industry. IOG and Basis CPD points are available for all the sessions.

SALTEX visitors will have the opportunity to see many products in action in the outdoor demonstration area, directly outside the SALTEX halls 6, 7 and 8.

The SALTEX College Cup, sponsored by Ransomes, is a student-led sports turf challenge, an academic test of turf management knowledge for college students.

Then there’s the Pathology & Soil Science LIVE feature, located on the IOG Hub (stand C180) from 11am to 1pm each day to enable visitors to look in detail at the symptoms of some common turf grass fungal disease problems.

The Young Groundsmen’s Conference, sponsored by Rigby Taylor and Top Green and organised by the IOG’s Young Board of Directors, is an ideal opportunity for young people looking to advance their careers in the industry.

The Ask the Expert feature, for face-to-face turf care advice, will allow visitors to speak to the eight IOG regional pitch advisors, on stand E180.

New for 2017 is The Job Clinic, where industry expert Frank Newberry will host one-to-one sessions covering everything from CV writing to interview techniques.

Of course, the opening evening of SALTEX will also see the IOG Industry Awards taking place. This year there is a record number of 22 awards up for grabs.

Managing editor

Colin Hoskins Features editor

Chris Bennett SALTEX press officer

John Moverley Chair, Amenity Forum

Nobody can afford to miss SALTEX 2017, so make sure you register your attendance at www.iogsaltex.com to beat the queues and pick up your FREE car park voucher at the IOG Hub (stand C180) – members from all membership categories are now included.

See you at the show!

Dan Prest IOG head of member services

Geoff Webb Chief Executive The Institute of Groundsmanship

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Update

THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM THE IOG AND THE INDUSTRY

READ MORE

IOG NEWS

Read all the latest news and updates, and discover what members are entitled to www.iog.org

ATLETICO MADRID

NEW LA LIGA GROUND

Anthony with the students at Redcross Gardens

TEAM TALK

Inspiring new recruits

Horticulture students in London met IOG Young Board director Anthony Facey for an inspiring talk

IOG YOUNG BOARD director Anthony Facey visited the Redcross Gardens near London Bridge Station to talk to horticulture students about his job as a groundsman at Tottenham Hotspur FC. The part-time students were on a 10-week City and Guilds course in horticulture and all of them are hoping to get a job in the industry.

Redcross Gardens is the home of the Bankside Open Spaces Trust, a group made up of mostly volunteers who help to transform green spaces in London.

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY!

MILTON KEYNES CELEBRATED its 50th birthday this year and to mark the occasion West Bletchley Council arranged for the team at RTM Landscaping to carve giant numerals into the long meadow grass at The Leys Park. West Bletchley’s big 50 can be seen at The Leys Park in Milton Keynes until the end of this month.

6 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

Anthony said: “The course is available to everyone, although local and young people get preferred access, along with the long-term unemployed. It’s proving to be very popular, with a growing waiting list.”

Anthony spoke to the students about what a career in groundscare could offer them. “A lot of the students showed an interest in the technical side of our job, which was encouraging,” he said.

Find out about a career in groundscare by contacting the IOG's Young Board of Directors at: youngboard@iog.org.

WORK HAS BEEN completed on the 68,000 capacity Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, the new home of Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid. Rather than building a brand new stadium, architect Cruz y Ortiz was tasked with expanding the 20,000-capacity Estadio Olympico de Madrid. The new stadium includes three jumbo screens, a videomapping façade and a fan plaza open on matchdays.

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

BIRMINGHAM BOOST BIRMINGHAM HAS BEATEN Liverpool to become the preferred candidate for a UK bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

However, the government has yet to decide whether the UK will submit a bid for the Games.

Birmingham will now submit a more detailed proposal showing how public money will be used.

The government will then consult Commonwealth Games England to make the final decision.

CREATIVE MOWING

FLYING THE FLAG Aston Villa groundsman Keith Smith has reached the final six in the International Creative Lawn Stripes Competition 2017 with a Union Jack front lawn design. “The Union flag idea came from ‘The Great Get Together’ in memory of Jo Cox and how this united us during some of the most dividing times such as Brexit and recent terrorist attacks,” said Keith.

U P D AT E

FIFA WORLD CUP

NEWS

AMENIT Y FORUM

FUTUREPROOFING PLANT PROTECTION

DENNIS HEADS TO RUSSIA DENNIS MOWERS HAS been selected as the official mower for the FIFA World Cup for the third successive tournament, having been chosen to prepare pitches for the 2018 tournament in Russia.

The Dennis G860 mower will be used for almost all the pitches in the stadia used for the tournament, including venues used for the latter stages. Steven Rienks, managing director of Queens Grass, the official Dennis dealer in Russia, says: “For the past 10 years Russian clubs have been using turf maintenance equipment from Dennis and 70 per cent of the Russian Premier League teams have either a G860 or Dennis Premier

Dennis G860 mowers will be used

mower. Many groundsmen over here know of their quality.

“In Russia, the weather is not ideal – in one area we only have around 60 days of sunlight a year – and the interchangeable cassette system really helps with maintenance in a difficult climate.” www.dennisuk.com

INCREASED REGULATIONS ON plant protection products will be the main topic for debate at this month’s Amenity Forum event being held at The Pirelli Stadium in Burton-on-Trent.

Bayer technical manager, Dr Colin Mumford, will explain the importance of an integrated approach to weed, pest and disease management as part of the programme at the event on October 12.

For more information contact the Turf Solutions Team on 00800 1214 9451, or visit turfsolutions@ bayer.com

NOD TO TRADITION

World Cup design unveiled DETAILS OF THE latest proposed stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar have been revealed, with a design inspired by the traditional Arab ‘gahfiya’ headdress.

Construction work on the 40,000capacity Al Thumama Stadium has already begun on the site, 12km from Doha’s Hamad International Airport, and is due to be completed in 2020. Six other grounds are also under construction; a seventh was completed earlier this year.

The proposed Al Thumama Stadium

Dr Colin Mumford will speak at the event

CHARTERHOUSE'S NICK ‘TINES’ THE KNOT

NIGHT VISION

FLOODLIT TEST LIGHTS UP TILLS THE FIRST DAY/NIGHT Test match to be played in the UK – between England and the West Indies at Edgbaston – attracted 70,000 spectators and generated £15 million for the local economy. Total ticket sales were up by 25 per cent. The ECB is now considering holding a floodlit Test every year to build momentum before rolling the concept out across the UK.

The match was a break from tradition

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SALES MANAGER NICK Darking had a rather urgent appointment at Old Thorns Golf Club in July. Nick, who works for Charterhouse Turf Machinery, was getting married to Helen. Congratulations to you both!

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U P D AT E

NEWS

SHOWCASE Find more products in our Showcase section page 27

PAYMENT PL ANS

NEW LEISURE SITE

SIX NEW WAYS TO PAY REESINK TURFCARE’S payment schemes offer customers a variety of ways to finance Toro machinery: Toro Triple Finance offers A n interest-free payment in full within year one; The chance to spread the cost over five annual payments, concluding with a final payment in month 60 equivalent to 15% of the original cost; and A five-year scheme with monthly repayments and a final payment equivalent to 15% of the original cost.

Buy Now Pay Later has three options for interest-free payment: whether you buy in September, October or

BRAYWICK CENTRE

PLANS FOR THE £32.8 million Braywick Leisure Centre in Maidenhead have been revealed.

The centre, due to open in 2019, will feature an indoor street and winter garden. It will include four squash courts, six outdoor netball/ tennis courts, a 40m x 60m floodlit 3G pitch, a pool and health club. www.leisurecentre.com/braywickpark-gym-and-pitches

November, payment is required in full by 7 May 2018.

All deals are available until 18 November 2017.

Call Reesink on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk for more details.

BOLD AMBITION

Stadium plan up and running NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL club Hastings United is to press ahead with a £70 million stadium development, which will include a gym and new housing for the area. Funding has been secured and a planning application is likely to be submitted in early 2018. As well as new football facilities, a cricket pavilion will be constructed for Hastings and St Leonard’s Priory CC, and a new pitch for South Saxons Hockey Club.

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL

FA MAKES EUROS BID THE FA INTENDS to bid for the 2021 UEFA European Women’s Championship. The organisation's plans to double female participation, put forward in March, were followed by a stellar performance by the England women’s team in the 2017 European Championships. www.thefa.com/womens-girls-football

ONLINE SHOPPING

NEW ECHO WEBSITE

The complex may be finished in 2019

BUYING A NEW ECHO machine is now even easier thanks to the launch of a new website. The new ECHO Power Tools site has a ‘Click and reserve’ feature. Goods are dispatched to the customer's preferred dealership. The site also features videos and info sheets to help customers choose products. www.echo-tools.co.uk

GREEN GOALS

LONDON'S NATIONAL PARK PLAN LONDON MAYOR SADIQ Khan has unveiled his plans to transform London into the world’s first National Park City using a £9 million Greener City Fund.

The mayor intends to use planning regulations to protect the Green Belt and incorporate into new developments more green roofs, green walls and wildlife habitats. The fund will also include investment into London’s green spaces and parks.

8 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

Sadiq Khan aims to make London green

RUGBY UNION

CLIFTON CONTRACT TURF PRODUCER GREENFIELDS has announced a partnership with National League 2 South team Clifton RFC. The firm will look after the three natural pitches at the club’s site in Bristol. Bristol RFC trains at the same site and plays friendlies on Clifton’s XV pitch maintained by GreenFields. www.greenfieldsturf.co.uk

U P D AT E

MOVERS & SHAKERS Meet the people taking on new challenges in the industry

SHOWCASE

Find details of products for aeration programmes page 38

1DOUGIE ARCHIBALD

MTD SPECIALTY TURF PRODUCTS

DOUGIE ARCHIBALD HAS joined MTD Specialty Turf Products as territory sales manager. He will look after the north of the country, while Vinny Tarbox takes care of the south.

Dougie has been in

the turf care sector since leaving school, first at BT Murrayfield Stadium in Scotland, where he worked his way up to deputy head groundsman, then as a sales manager for various dealer groups and distributors.

Ariens Company has named Larry Weyers as new group president of its equipment business.

Weyers will lead on product development, manufacturing, supply chain, and sales and marketing.

ICL

MATT NUTTER IS the new technical area sales manager at ICL, covering south east England.

Matt completed an ND in Turf Science and Sports Ground Management at Myerscough College

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STAFF DEVELOPMENT

UPSKILL YOUR TEAM THE IOG HAS launched a Training Needs Analysis service to help grounds staff map out an education journey. By meeting with each member of a team the IOG can draw up a learning plan for each person, which helps employers to map out a development programme for the whole team.

The Training Needs Analysis works alongside the IOG’s Pitch Grading Initiative, which enables grounds staff to meet both their own and their employer goals linked to team skills and quality sports turf surfaces.

Email learning@iog.org to find out more.

BRANCH UPDATE

THE WINTER PROGRAMME for the Yorkshire Branch starts on 11 October when the branch will welcome Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon. Join the Branch from 7:30pm at Cleckheaton Sports Club for a quiz, education and supper.

Meanwhile, the region has hosted two very successful level 1 cricket courses at Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club & Darton Cricket Club and the Branch would like to wish secretary Rod Heyhoe a speedy recovery following his hip replacement in August.

ARIENS COMPANY

3MATT NUTTER

NEWS

YORKSHIRE NEWS

2RHYS ADAMS & LARRY WEYERS RHYS ADAMS JOINS Ariens Company as area sales manager for East Anglia. Rhys will be covering all the manufactured and distributed brands including Ariens, Countax, Westwood, ECHO and Shindaiwa.

NEWS

before enrolling on the Ohio State Program, which gave him an opportunity to work at the Pelican Marsh Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

He joins ICL from East Berkshire Golf Club where he worked as course manager.

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OBITUARY

ROBERT LAWRENCE ROBERT LAWRENCE, AN Honorary Life Member of the Yorkshire Branch, passed away on 9 September. The funeral will be on 6 October at Rawdon Crematorium at 11:40am.

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U P D AT E

PRODUCTS

PRODUCT UPDATE

NEW PRODUCTS

Read about new launches at SALTEX page 27

The latest developments: seed mixes, mowers and power tools

2STIMZYNE

SHERRIFF AMENITY

SHERRIFF AMENITY HAS launched StimZyne, a range of hydrocarbon encapsulators and plant growth promoters to join its range of biostimulants. The range has a number of benefits when used with normal maintenance programmes. The hydrocarbon encapsulator helps neutralise harmful gases in the soil and release beneficial nutrients, making them more available to the plant.

It also helps protect grass against pests and disease by supporting the microbial population of the soil, aiding efficient uptake of nutrients. www.sherriffamenity.com

3 GREENMASTER PRO-LITE INVIGORATOR PLUS ICL

ICL HAS LAUNCHED an upgrade to its autumn/winter fine turf fertiliser range. Greenmaster Pro-Lite Invigorator Plus 4-0-14 +8Fe +2MgO is a new formulation with higher iron and potassium content than the original Invigorator.

The new formulation contains the mineral polyhalite, which is made up of sulphur, potassium, magnesium and calcium. www.icl-sf.co.uk

1RANGER DIESEL HD / XP900 POLARIS

IT’S HARD TO spot the difference spec-wise between the two top-of-the-range Polaris Rangers, but now you can choose between a petrol or diesel engine.

According to Polaris, the 68hp XP900 ProStar petrol engine has been purpose built, tuned and designed alongside the vehicle, which means that as well as the power it delivers, it is fuel efficient and also easy to maintain.

The Ranger Diesel HD has a 1028cc Kohler three-cylinder KEEP IN TOUCH

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overhead cam liquid-cooled engine. This diesel engine utilises indirect injection and claims to deliver smooth power with reduced combustion noise.

The payload capacity on the machines is 680.4kg, with a gas-assisted rear dump box that can handle up to 454kg of materials and a full-sized pallet. A seven-pin trailer socket comes fitted as standard and it has 907kg of towing capacity. www.polaris-britain.com www.facebook.com/theIOG

12 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

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Are you making the most of your IOG membership? We have membership packages to suit all sectors of the industry, and there are fantastic benefits, from bespoke training to discounted rates for events.

Find out more at: www.iog.org/ membership/packages

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PREVIEW

S A LT E X

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO SALTEX:

By Chris Bennett SALTEX press officer

YOUR INDUSTRY – YOUR SHOW Europe’s largest annual turf management event is set to offer limitless opportunities for anyone working in groundscare

W

hen SALTEX 2017 opens its doors at the Birmingham NEC on November 1 and 2, all those working in, or associated with, the groundscare industry will be offered a world of limitless opportunities in which they can discover the latest trends and innovations, connect with colleagues and learn from top industry professionals.

SALTEX 2017 is once again set to be the unmissable annual event for groundscare professionals and manufacturers from all over the globe. From show features to educational topics, the show is continually evolving with visitor needs in mind.

Here’s why:

MORE THAN 300 EXHIBITORS SEE THE BEST IN INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

With more than 300 exhibitors, many of which plan to launch new products, SALTEX 2017 is set to play host to the most technologically advanced equipment showcase in grounds management.

The exhibition attracts some of the sector's biggest names 14 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

The exhibition continues to attract some of the sector’s biggest names, ensuring visitors can expect to see an impressive line-up of world-class innovation for use by managers of pitches, grounds, landscaped areas, parks and estates. John Deere, Toro, Ransomes Jacobsen and Kubota will all be returning to the show for a third consecutive year to showcase their latest innovations. They will be joined by companies such as STIHL, ICL, Rigby Taylor, DLF Trifolium, Dennis & SISIS, Charterhouse Turf Machinery, Advanced Turf Technology, Fleet Line Markers, plus many more leading companies.

LEARNING LIVE YOUR DOOR TO THE FUTURE

Now in its third year, the SALTEX free-toattend education programme has gone from strength to strength. For 2017, the programme will follow the same successful format developed over the past two years, situated within four purpose-built seminar theatres on the show floor with state-ofthe-art sound systems and screens. There will be 53 sessions to attend.

There will be a number of expert speakers from the UK and abroad focusing on issues that surround the industry.

Visitors will hear from the likes of Steve Chappell (PGA Centenary Golf Course at the Gleneagles Hotel), Mark Pover (The Football Association), Allen Reed (FC

Dallas), Chris Wood (ECB), Justin Smith (All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club), Roy Rigby (Manchester City FC), John Moverley (The Amenity Forum), Lee Marshallsay (Charterhouse), Ben Hastie (Cheltenham Racecourse), John Ledwidge (Leicester City FC), Stuart Kerrison (Essex CCC) and many, many more.

IOG and Basis CPD points are available for all Learning LIVE sessions.

OUTDOOR DEMONSTRATIONS FIND OUT WHICH PRODUCTS WILL WORK FOR YOU

As well as a wide range of innovative products on display in the three large halls, visitors to SALTEX will have the chance to see many of these in action through the outdoor demonstrations which will be taking place on a grass area directly outside the SALTEX halls 6, 7 and 8.

THE SALTEX COLLEGE CUP PUTTING STUDENT TURF MANAGERS ON THE BIG STAGE

The SALTEX College Cup, sponsored

by Ransomes, is a national student-led sports turf challenge that will take place on the first day of SALTEX (1 November).

It is an academic test of turf management knowledge for student competitors in teams of four who are enrolled at colleges throughout the UK on relevant courses of study. Last year’s winners – CAFRE College

PREVIEW

S A LT E X

FREE CAR PA R K I N G VOUCHER

Obtain your voucher from the IOG Hub (C180)

The free education programme has gone from strength to strength from Antrim, Northern Ireland – had an unforgettable day when they were part of the Wembley grounds team at the FA Cup Final. SALTEX College Cup winners from 2017 will have the chance to get involved with pitch preparation at the Six Nations Scotland vs England rugby match at the BT Murrayfield Stadium.

PATHOLOGY & SOIL SCIENCE LIVE IMPROVE YOUR SOIL PROFILE

The Pathology & Soil Science LIVE area will be located on the IOG Hub (stand C180) from 11am to 1pm each day and will allow visitors to look in detail at the symptoms of some common turf grass fungal disease problems, as infected plants are magnified and displayed on a large screen. Visitors who have any soil profiles that are causing concerns are welcome to bring in samples to discover how they could be improved.

Pathology & Soil Science LIVE will be hosted by renowned turf consultant Alex Vickers and Kate Entwistle, MD of the Turf Disease Centre.

THE YOUNG GROUNDSMEN’S CONFERENCE THE FIRST STEPS TO A REWARDING CAREER

Sponsored by Rigby Taylor/Top Green and organised by the Institute of Groundsmanship’s (IOG) Young Board of Directors, the Young Groundsmen’s Conference is an ideal opportunity for young people looking to advance their career in the groundscare industry, and will offer information on educational opportunities, a guide to what some of the top grounds managers are looking for in a young recruit, and the chance to hear from industry professionals working at some of the most elite sports venues in the world.

ASK THE EXPERT FREE PERSONAL ADVICE

For face-to-face turf care advice, visitors can speak directly to one of eight IOG regional pitch advisors linked to The FA, the ECB and the Football Foundation-funded Grounds & Natural Turf Improvement Programme. This feature will be available through the free Ask the Expert advice centre located on stand E180.

NEW FOR 2017 THE JOB CLINIC STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD Visitors can visit SALTEX 2017’s new feature: the Job Clinic. Located on the

IOG Hub, industry expert Frank Newberry will be hosting 15-minute one-to-one sessions covering everything from CV writing to interview techniques. To book an appointment, go to the IOG information desk on the IOG Hub as early as possible.

THE IOG INDUSTRY AWARDS CELEBRATING THE VERY BEST IN GROUNDSMANSHIP

SALTEX will once again be combined with the IOG’s annual Industry Awards dinner.

Held on the evening of the first day (1 November) at the National Conference Centre, within the National Motorcycle Museum, which is near to the NEC, the event will be hosted by talkSPORT Radio’s Mark Saggers.

The ceremony is the UK’s biggest celebration in groundsmanship, with a record number of 22 awards up for grabs this year. Kev Orkian, a musical comedian who is a Britain's Got Talent finalist and has entertained royalty and headlined in Las Vegas, will provide the after-dinner entertainment to more than 750 people.

SALTEX 2017 is free to attend. To register your attendance and beat the queues visit www.iogsaltex.com Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

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PREVIEW

S A LT E X

HOW TO GET TO SALTEX Located in the heart of the UK, with excellent road, rail and air links, it couldn't be easier to reach SALTEX 2017

By Chris Bennett SALTEX press officer

S

ALTEX 2016 attendees from across the UK and abroad said that the venue and convenient dates were key reasons behind their decisions to attend the free event.

Located right in the centre of the UK, whether you are travelling from overseas or within the UK, SALTEX 2017 at the NEC, Birmingham on 1 and 2 November is easy to get to by car, rail or air. The venue is situated eight miles east of Birmingham city centre, and its central location is at the hub of the UK motorway network. Visitors from any direction can travel to the NEC directly using the M1, M5, M6, M6 Toll, M40 and the M42.

If you are using the train to reach SALTEX, you can get a 25 per cent discount travelling to the NEC with Virgin Trains. Birmingham International rail station is located next to the NEC and, in fact, you can reach the hall without even having to step outside. The NEC entrance is on the right hand side as you exit the

Whether you are travelling from overseas or within the UK, SALTEX 2017 at the NEC is easy to get to by car, rail or air 16 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

CLAIM YOUR FREE PARKING This year, IOG members from all membership categories can obtain one free car park voucher for their visit to SALTEX. To receive your voucher, simply visit the IOG Hub (on stand C180) and show your membership card. Vouchers are limited to one per Corporate, Corporate PLUS, Independent School and Organisation/ Facility membership category. station. If you’re travelling from further afield you may need to catch a connecting train at Birmingham New Street, which is less than 15 minutes away.

ARRIVING BY AIR

The NEC is also just minutes from Birmingham International Airport. Once you've cleared security, you can either walk and follow signs to the SkyRail Link – which is free and has a travel time of 90 seconds to the NEC – or take a taxi.

Find out more information about the exhibition at www.iogsaltex.com and follow @IOG_SALTEX on Twitter for regular updates before and during the show.

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INDUSTRY AWARDS

The awards ceremony evening is a chance to network and celebrate great groundscare

FIND OUT MORE

THE BEST IN THE GAME

Get ready for a night celebrating the very best of groundscare at the IOG Industry Awards 2017

T

he finalists have been announced from a record-breaking entry to this year’s Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Industry Awards, which enjoy headline sponsorship by Rigby Taylor and Top Green.

The winners will be announced Oscars-style at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham, on Wednesday 1 November – the evening of the opening day of the SALTEX exhibition at the nearby NEC.

18 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

Plan your trip to SALTEX 2017 page 14

The winners will be announced in an Oscarsstyle ceremony

The evening will include after-dinner entertainment and a great atmosphere

S A LT E X 2 0 1 7

INDUSTRY AWARDS

IOG AWARDS 2017 FINALISTS • Bowling Greenkeeper/Team of the Year Burnham Hillside Bowls Club, Essex Potters Bar Bowls Club, Hertfordshire • Best Maintained Artificial Pitch of the Year Highfields Sports Complex, University of Nottingham Manchester City FC • Ransomes Environmental Innovative Project of the Year Arsenal FC Forest Green Rovers FC • Toro Most Promising Sports Turf Student of the Year Ollie Deeming, Bury St Edmunds RUFC Tara Massey, Manchester City FC • Redexim Charterhouse/ Kubota Volunteer Sports Groundsman/Team of the Year Phillip Swann, Bridge Trust Society, Birmingham Phil Toy, Wingerworth JSA FC Chesterfield, Derbyshire • National Governing Bodies Grassroots Sports Grounds Team of the Year Darlington CC NPL Sports Club, Teddington, Middlesex

This category is co-sponsored by the AELTC (All England Lawn Tennis Club), ECB (the England and Wales Cricket Board), the FA (Football Association), the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), the Premier League, the RFL (Rugby Football League) and the RFU (Rugby Football Union).

• SGL Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (Premier League, Championship and Scottish Premier League) Arsenal FC Leicester City FC Tottenham Hotspur FC • SIS Grass Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year (English Leagues 1 & 2, National, National North/South, Scottish Championship & Leagues 1 & 2, Ireland & Wales Professional Leagues) Bury FC, Greater Manchester Dagenham and Redbrige FC, London • John Deere Professional Horse Racing Grounds Team of the Year Nottingham Racecourse Ripon Racecourse Sandown Park Racecourse • Mansfield Sand Professional Rugby Football League Grounds Team of the Year Castleford Tigers, West Yorkshire Leeds Rhinos (Leeds Rugby) • GrassMaster Professional Rugby Football Union Grounds Team of the Year Sale Sharks, Salford Yorkshire Carnegie (Leeds Rugby) • National Governing Bodies Professional Sports Grounds Team of the Year All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon Chelsea FC Manchester City FC

• Headland Amenity Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year Durham CCC Hampshire CCC, Southampton • Infinicut (MTD) Professional Tennis Grounds Team of the Year All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon Nottingham Tennis Centre

• Rigby Taylor/Top Green Young Groundsman of the Year Alex Brierley, All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon Jake Messenger, Tottenham Hotspur FC James Wood, Manchester City FC • Growth Products Independent School University/College Grounds Team of the Year Charterhouse, Surrey University of Surrey • Private Members Sports Club Grounds Team of the Year Darlington CC The Queen's Club, London • Contractor of the Year Premier Pitches, Sheffield Turfdry, Derbyshire • International Ambassador of the Year Simon Gumbrill, Stadium Grow Lighting Dean Gilasbey, Propitch • Special Recognition Award (Professional Category) Paul Burgess, Real Madrid CF Andy Jackson, Stoke City FC • Special Recognition Award (Volunteer Category) Peter Green, Honley Cricket Club, Huddersfield Mick Oldfield, Sherriff Hutton Bridge Cricket Club, York

MORE AWARDS

Two more awards will be announced on the night: • Alex R Millar Ransomes/DLF Johnsons Groundsman of the Year Award • Outstanding Achievement Award

This category is co-sponsored by the AELTC (All England Lawn Tennis Club), ECB (the England and Wales Cricket Board), the FA (Football Association), the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), the Premier League, the RFL (Rugby Football League) and the RFU (Rugby Football Union).

www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 19

LEARNING LIVE

S A LT E X

LEARN FROM THE BEST

From expanding your technical knowledge to boosting your career, you’ll find dozens of free sessions to help Head groundsmen from Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and West Ham FC at last year's event

T

his year's SALTEX Learning LIVE education programme will offer grounds and open space practitioners across all disciplines, volunteers and professionals, a daily feast of FREE knowledge-gathering sessions in a programme that has never been bigger or better!

Featuring industry-leading experts and some of the top names in European groundsmanship – including participants from some of our flagship stadia and sporting venues – this year's presentations will educate, enthral and entertain visitors.

There are four dedicated seminar theatres running at the show, plus the

Young IOG Conference. All sessions are free to attend. To register, visit www. iogsaltex.com/learning-live/ and click the session title to book your place at your preferred sessions (registration limited to three sessions per day). There will be also be limited seats available for each session, on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

SEMINAR THEATRE 1 – WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER TIME

TITLE AND SUBJECT

SPEAKER

10:00 – 10:30

Keynote Address

To be confirmed

10:40 – 11:10 Panel debate with Q & A

Sports science/player safety Working together for the optimum playing surface

Darren Gough, retired England cricketer; Simon Barker assistant chief executive, Professional Footballers Association; Dave Rennie, head physiotherapist, Leicester City FC

11:20 – 12:00 Panel debate with Q & A

Grounds & Natural Turf Improvement Programme Update Raising pitch standards at grassroots sports facilities.

Phase 1 results; Phase 2 aims and objectives, plus case study

GaNTIP national manager Jason Booth with regional pitch advisors Tom Rowley and Ian Mather-Brewster

12:10 – 12:40 Panel debate with Q & A

Hybrid turf technology – the groundsman’s perspective Hardness and stability – what’s changed, what’s the future?

Nathan Scarff, head groundsman, Derby County FC; Andy Gray, grounds manager, Southampton FC; Paul Jones, head groundsman, Tottenham Hotspur training centre

12:50 – 13:20

Pitch preparation in the American Major Soccer League …and how the MLS works with groundsmen

Allen Reed, director of stadium grounds, FC Dallas

13:30 – 14:00 Panel debate with Q & A

Funding the future of natural turf With so much money being invested into artificial turf, is there a danger of natural turf being left behind? We ask the funders

Mark Pover, facilities investment strategy manager (technical), The FA; Dan Musson, national participation manager – facilities development, ECB; Ted Mitchell, club facilities technical manager, RFU

14:10 – 14:40

Pitch preparation for global audiences STRI’s role in preparing pitches in Russia and Qatar

Richard Gibbs, head of sports surface design, STRI

14:50 – 15:20 Panel debate with Q & A

Cricket unleashed Enhancing participation by improving pitches.

Dan Musson, national participation manager – facilities development, ECB; Chris Wood, pitches consultant, ECB; Ian Mather-Brewster, regional pitch advisor, IOG

15:30

SALTEX College Cup winners’ presentations

To be confirmed

20 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

LEARNING LIVE

S A LT E X

SEMINAR THEATRE 1 – THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER TIME

TITLE AND SUBJECT

SPEAKER

10:00 – 10:50 Panel debate with Q & A

Exporting our expertise With the breakthrough of several leading professionals, what are the secrets of the success of groundsmen abroad?

What are their tips for forging successful careers overseas?

Phil Sharples, director of agronomy, Gabala FC/ Qarabag FC, Azjerbajan; Stuart Wilson, pitch manager, Croke Park; Tony Stones, grounds manager, Stade de France

11:00 – 11:50 Panel debate with Q & A

Sharing turf care practices between the USA and the UK

Ian Lacy, lead project advisor, Tom Irwin Advisors; Pam Sherratt, turf grass specialist, the Ohio State University; Dan Prest, head of member services, IOG

12:00 – 12:50 Panel debate with Q & A

Improving pitches from the ground up Why a Pitch Grading System is sorely needed

Panellists from the IOG – Alex Vickers, Martin Ford, Jason Booth and Geoff Webb

13:00 – 13:50

Rain doesn’t stop play at Wimbledon As the AELTC continues with its second retractable roof project, to cover Court Number One, we gain an insight into the roof’s design criteria as well as the logistics of installing such a structure as Wimbledon continues to host The Championships

Justin Smith, head of estate development, All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club

14:00 – 14:30 Panel debate with Q & A

How to boost natural turf’s playability The panellists of IOG ‘best artificial turf maintenance’ award winners compare and discuss effective maintenance regimes for both synthetic and natural turf surfaces

Greg Smith, sports grounds manager, University of Nottingham; Roy Rigby, grounds manager, Manchester City FC; John Courtney, grounds manager, Swansea University

14:40

How Forest Green Rovers achieves a pesticide-free and environmentally-friendly pitch

Adam Witchell, head groundsman, Forest Green Rovers FC

SEMINAR THEATRE 2 – WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER TIME

TITLE AND SUBJECT

SPEAKER

10:00 – 10:30

Addressing inequalities in sport and physical activity through leisure contracts Inequalities in sport and physical activity can be proactively addressed through partnerships between councils and their leisure operating partners. The session will highlight recent best practice examples and touch on future opportunities to be delivered through modern leisure contracts

Toby Kingsbury, managing consultant, Sport Leisure Culture

10:40 – 11:10

Revaluing parks and green spaces The results of recent research by Fields in Trust in response to the Communities and Local Government Committee's parks inquiry

Angela Lewis, head of programmes, Fields in Trust

11:20 – 11:50 Panel debate with Q & A

Sport in parks – improving the user experience Sustainable solutions in challenging circumstances, and recognising and rewarding good practice

Angela Lewis, head of programmes, Fields in Trust; Andrew Scattergood, chief executive, Royal Parks; Andrew Gill, Chartered Institute of Horticulture

12:00 – 12:30

An insight into the Parklife Football Hub Programme A review of the scheme that targets areas where pressures on the local game (football) are greatest – including the Local Pitch Plans

Mark Pover, facilities investment strategy manager (technical), The FA

12:40 – 13:10

Tree management and maintenance With the recent news of a falling tree causing fatal injuries to a groundscare professional, this session will highlight the importance of tree management – on sports sites as well as in amenity areas – and how grounds managers can work with tree officers to ensure safety levels are maintained

John Parker, chair, London Tree Officers Association

13:20 – 13:50

Welcome to a career in the great outdoors Find out how BALI, the leading trade body for landscaping since 1972, plans to combat the present skills crisis facing the industry, by identifying, supporting and educating students, apprentices and career changers through its GoLandscape campaign

Stephen Ensell; education officer, BALI

14:00 Panel debate with Q & A

Question Time, with the Amenity Forum – the pests and diseases debate The Amenity Forum will again be hosting its popular Question Time, modelled on the TV programme where a panel of people drawn from the sector respond to audience questions on a range of topical issues. John Moverley, Forum Chairman, will act as ‘David Dimbleby’.

Amenity Forum chairman John Moverley, with panellists Jim Croxton, CEO, BIGGA; Will Kay, managing director, Languard; Mark Pyrah, landscaper & industrial business manager UK & Ireland, ICL; Tony Saunders, area manager & professional head of environment, JSD Rail

www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 21

LEARNING LIVE

S A LT E X

SEMINAR THEATRE 2 – THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER TIME

TITLE AND SUBJECT

SPEAKER

10:00 – 10:30

Independent schools – pitch planning for the future How sports facilities are integral to selling a school

Lee Marshallsay, grounds manager, Charterhouse

10:40 – 11:10 Young IOG Board session – Sponsored by Rigby Taylor & Top Green

Trailblazers – career progression from apprenticeships upwards Panel debate with Q & A

Pete Hussey, sports ground manager, Stanley Park; Ben Hastie, head of grounds staff and estates, Cheltenham Racecourse; Lee Price,employer services manager, Myerscough College

11:20 – 11:50

New standards for 3G rubber crumb artificial surfaces The Voluntary Initiative – what is it? How will it work?

Chris Trickey, chief executive, SAPCA; Labosport’s Dr Colin Young, SAPCA Technical Committee

12:00 – 12:30

Hybrid pitch construction – the options An independent view of a diversifying market place

Charles Henderson, managing director, PSD Labosport

12:40 – 13:10

Managing stress, and its after-care support

Laura Garnett, senior development manager, Perennial

13:20 – 13:50

Are you ready for a better job? Being your best at interviews An interactive and entertaining tour of what you can do to make the most of your next job interview

Frank Newberry, consultant

SEMINAR THEATRE 3 – WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER TIME

TITLE AND SUBJECT

SPEAKER

10:00 – 10:30 Young IOG Board session – Sponsored by Rigby Taylor & Top Green

Opportunity knocks The opportunities of working abroad

Pam Sherratt, turf grass specialist, the Ohio State University; consultant Alex Vickers

10:40 – 11:10

Are you ready for a better job? Being your best on your CV What you can do to make the most of your CV

Frank Newberry, consultant

11:20 – 11:50

How to develop an integrated disease management programme This talk addresses holistic disease management of pest, weed and disease control.

Ruth Mann, head of research, STRI

12:00 – 12:30 Young IOG Board session – Sponsored by Rigby Taylor & Top Green

From apprentice to grounds manager One man’s route

John Ledwidge, grounds manager, Leicester City

12:40 – 13:10

Tracking progress through technology

Lee Strutt, golf course manager, The Royal Automobile Club

13:20 – 13:50

Integrated disease management This session will look at product development, application, waste management and product stewardship

Dr Colin Mumford, technical support manager, Bayer

14:00 – 14:30

Building a team for success The Leicester City FC grounds team’s story

Grounds manager John Ledwidge with LCFC groundsmen Callum Allsop and Simon Gibson

SEMINAR THEATRE 3 – THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER TIME

TITLE AND SUBJECT

SPEAKER

10:00 – 10:30 Panel debate with Q & A

Making your move to advance your career Your chance to ask leading groundsmen the secrets of their success

Stuart Kerrison, head groundsman Essex CCC; Danny Beckley, head of estates and grounds, Harrow School; David Roberts, grounds manager, Liverpool FC

10:40 – 11:10

How to be a successful manager How to get the best from your team

Phil Helmn, general manager sports turf and grounds, The Goodwood Estate

11:20 – 11:50

Renovation: make every seed count The results of the latest research on disease and water management during germination and establishment for more successful pitch renovation

Marcela Munoz, technical service manager, Syngenta

12:00 – 12:30

Career development – how volunteering can help you progress

Steve Chappell, head greenkeeper PGA Centenary Course, Gleneagles

22 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

LEARNING LIVE

S A LT E X

SEMINAR THEATRE 3 – THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER CONTINUED TIME

TITLE AND SUBJECT

SPEAKER

12:40 – 13:10

Perennial ryegrass traits for winter and summer sports Desirable characteristics and requirements of perennial ryegrass for different sports: football, rugby, cricket and tennis.

Highlighting how breeding and R&D programmes are focused on developing products to match the needs of grounds managers

David Greenshields, amenity business manager, Barenbrug

13:20 – 13:50

The global challenge of delivering quality landscapes The Commonwealth War Graves Commission operates in 154 countries – mainly in Northern Europe – where it has been reviewing mowing regimes/turf types/challenges in footfall while, at Mediterranean sites, water use is top of the agenda. This talk will look at how the Commission maintains its standards

David Richardson, director of horticulture, and Doug MacFadyen, horticultural operations manager, Commonwealth War Graves Commission

SEMINAR THEATRE 4 – WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER TIME

TITLE AND SUBJECT

SPEAKER

10:00 – 10:30

Climate change The implications for disease management considering reduced fungicide options

Mark Hunt, technical director, Headland Amenity

10:40 – 11:10

Poa annua – its biology and natural control This talk explores ways to maintain perennial grasses and convert poa annua swards to rye, fescue or bent

Martin Ward, managing director, Symbio

11:20 – 11:50 Panel debate with Q&A

On track Head groundsmen from horse racecourses from throughout the country discuss and compare their routines for track maintenance, as well as preparation and recovery, for major race meetings

To be confirmed

12:00 – 12:30

Does technology improve pitch standards?

A look at the technology that is used by today's modern groundsman

Sally Drury, technical editor, Horticulture Week

12:40 – 13:10

How to measure natural and hybrid pitch quality Featuring the Scoreplay testing system

Gareth Phillips and Dale Frith, PSD Labosport

13:20 – 13:50

Why hybrid surfaces have been installed at the National Cricket Performance Centre

Chris Wood, pitches consultant, ECB

14:00 – 14:30

Glyphosate – NGOs claim it must be banned. Why? Glyphosate enhances and protects the global infrastructure from invasive weeds. This presentation puts into perspective risk and hazard using many products we all come into contact with on a daily basis. The talk will help those in the industry challenge most of the ‘fake news’ about this active ingredient so we are able to argue for its continued use from a basis of scientific knowledge

Peter Corbett, chemical manager, Rigby Taylor

14:40 – 15:10

Dressed for success Managing on a budget, including the benefits of topdressings and the results from recent trials

Andy Spetch, national TOPSOIL manager, British Sugar Topdressings

SEMINAR THEATRE 4 – THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER TIME

TITLE AND SUBJECT

SPEAKER

10:00 – 10:30

Carpet-type hybrid pitches for football and rugby Introducing a new project funded by Sport England and The Royal Parks that looks at the role of carpet-type hybrid natural pitches (where grass seed is sown into open backed synthetic turf carpets)

Dr Iain James, technical director, TGMS

10:40 – 11:10

Sports pitch renovation

David Snowden, Agronomic Services

11:20 – 11:50

Grounds maintenance on a shoestring The key maintenance regimes that all volunteers should know about

Andy Clarke, IOG regional pitch advisor

12:00 – 12:30

Training for today – and tomorrow A contractor’s view on the importance of training staff for today’s and tomorrow’s arboriculture, forestry, horticulture and landscape sectors with the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standards

Neil Huck, national training manager, Ground Control

12:40 – 13:10

How to meet health & safety requirements

Nathan Davies, leisure and education principal consultant, RoSPA

www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 23

AMENITY FORUM AT S A LT E X

FI ND YOUR WAY

The best way to get to SALTEX 2017 go to page 16

ANY QUESTIONS?

The Amenity Forum will once again be hosting its ever popular Question Time at this year’s SALTEX, commencing at 2pm on Wednesday 1 November

T

he Amenity Forum’s SALTEX Question Time session is modelled on the BBC programme where a panel responds to audience questions on a range of topical issues concerning amenity management. Professor John Moverley OBE, independent chairman of the Forum, will act as ‘David Dimbleby’ and this year’s panel includes: • Jim Croxton, chief executive officer, BIGGA • Will Kay, managing director, Languard • Mark Pyrah, landscaper and industrial business manager UK and Ireland, ICL • Tony Saunders, area manager and professional head of environment, JSD Rail.

As in previous years’ sessions, expect a full house and a lively debate. There is certainly no shortage of issues to be discussed.

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH

A key element in putting together a professional approach to amenity and sports surface maintenance is adopting an integrated approach ensuring all options are considered and that the optimum management programme is chosen for specific situations. Discussions around different techniques to manage weeds, pests and diseases continue, and rarely a week goes by without some comment in the press about the use of pesticides.

There can be strong views on such matters, which are respected but they need to be supported by a proper factual basis.

By John Moverley Amenity Forum chair

While everyone would generally agree on the importance of properly managed amenity areas providing safe, healthy and sustainable areas fit for purpose, it is equally important to recognise what is involved in making that so. The proper professional approach involves production of integrated plans examining all options available for control – cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical. The ultimate choice will seek to provide the most effective, safe and efficient approach.

PESTICIDE USE

Chemicals remain an important element in such an approach. Pesticides go through extremely rigorous testing before even being approved for use and are heavily monitored and reviewed throughout their use. There are also stringent standards related to their application and use, far greater than many other household products. No professional would want to use anything harmful to the public or the environment. Therefore, it is essential that when reading stories or reports, the facts are carefully examined looking below the headlines. Any conclusions must be based on proper science and evidence.

Find out more about the events at SALTEX, including Question Time with The Amenity Forum, on pages 20 – 23 and at www.iogsaltex.com

i

www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 25

s at See u 017 x2 Salte d

Stan

F041

The Infinicut line of precision mowers was designed to be user-adjustable to match the conditions of any given day. From the dynamic return floating head mechanism to the variable clip speed, height of cut adjustment, moveable bedknife and swappable dual power source, the Infinicut provides more functionality than any other pitch mower. Combine that with today’s highly technical approach to pitch construction and unpredictable microclimates, the Infinicut ensures a healthy turf while providing an unrivaled quality of cut.

www.cubcadetturf.com @Infinicut

Product showcase

READ MORE

IOG NEWS UPDATES Go to the IOG website www.iog.org

FOCUS ON: SALTEX PREVIEW

STAR SCARIFIER

1-2 November 2017 www.iogsaltex.com

SCH will exhibit a range of equipment at SALTEX

ART OF ARTIFICIAL

SCH showcases 3G kit SCH SUPPLIES will be focusing on its range of artificial surface maintenance equipment at this year’s event to cater for the growing interest in this area.

The company’s sweepers, rakes, drag mats, brushes and sprayers will be headlining on the stand.

“We continue to develop our 3G products to keep in line with a very fast-moving, evolving sector. We work with artificial surface maintenance

contractors to ensure our machines are perfect for the job as well as being affordable,” says managing director Andrew Rodwell.

As well as the 3G products, the company will be bringing a range of other items, with an emphasis on the ever-popular budget units.

For more information, visit www. schsupplies.co.uk or ring 01473 328272 Stand G100

CHARTERHOUSE HIGHLIGHTS

THE GRADEN GBS 1200 will be the star product for Charterhouse Turf Machinery at this year’s SALTEX. The 1.2m straight reeled unit is perfect for flat areas such as sports pitches, cricket squares and tennis courts. It can be mounted onto a 20hp+ tractor and can scarify to depths up to 45mm.

Charterhouse will showcase a vast array of other equipment for natural and artificial sports surfaces, as well as landscaping products from the BLEC range on a separate stand. Other highlights on show will be the Redexim Rink DS800 topdresser and the Redexim Verti-Top. The Rink DS800 has a variable spread pattern up to 12m and can be used with a 30hp compact tractor, or a John Deere Pro Gator or Toro Workman truck for a light footprint. The Verti-Top, from the Verti-Art collection, is an essential tool for cleaning and maintaining synthetic turf. www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk Stand K070

IN THE MIX

INTEGRATION STATION EXPERTS ON THE Bayer stand at this year’s SALTEX will be giving advice on integrated vegetation management programmes. Lewis Blois, national account manager, says: “More and more companies and authorities are asking contractors to consider using alternative methods of control in conjunction with herbicide applications. Visiting the Bayer stand will give individuals the chance to ask KEEP IN TOUCH

www.iog.org

National account manager Lewis Blois will give advice

questions about these, as well as find out how chemical controls, such as Finale 150 and Pistol can fit into any integrated management programme.”

For more information, visit www. environmentalscience.bayer.co.uk Stand D037

www.facebook.com/theIOG

Institute of Groundsmanship

Charterhouse will be showcasing a range of products

twitter.com/the_iog

www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 27

PRODUCT SHOWCASE S A LT E X P R E V I E W

1-2 November 2017 www.iogsaltex.com

BEST BREEDS

SOWING THE SEEDS FOR A GOOD WINTER

The Hurricane Combi Flat Surface Cleaner

CLEAN AND GREEN

Find the right Combi with Demon LEADING PRESSURE WASHER firm Demon will be exhibiting at this year’s SALTEX, with the award-winning Hurricane Combi Flat Surface Cleaner headlining the attractions. The unit has a rotowash floor cleaner for making light work of flat surfaces using a high-pressure cleaner. It can then be quickly converted to a pressure washer using an additional lance, so it can be used for cleaning buildings and street furniture. This portable unit can be moved into a van with two

people and is easy to move around large grounds or between sites without a large van or trailer.

Demon will also display the LPG Green cleaning pressure washers, which will be increasingly popular as emissions laws are tightened up. The new Honda GX 200 Gas engine offers a green alternative to petrol and using LPG also helps reduce noise.

Find out more at www.demonpressure-washers.co.uk or phone 01752 690690.

Stand F105

POWER UP

EGO GOES PRO EGO POWER+ WILL unveil its new x-series at SALTEX, featuring a hedge trimmer, line trimmer and blower, and a new high capacity backpack battery.

The range is designed specifically to cope with the heavy usage demanded by the professional market, with high performance, high output and long run time all key features.

Steve Roskell, EGO’s European marketing director, commented: “SALTEX is the perfect venue for the launch of our x-series and gives us the opportunity to demonstrate why our products are so much more advanced than alternatives. The professional market is perfect for our battery technology and this was borne out at recent trials with a local authority in the East Midlands where KEEP IN TOUCH

www.iog.org

The new x-series is designed for professional use

the petrol-matching performance and incredibly low ‘in-use’ vibration across the entire EGO range gave us a major competitive advantage.”

For more information visit ww.egopowerplus.co.uk.

Stand J062

www.facebook.com/theIOG

28 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

GROUNDSMEN LOOKING TO get the best results from their autumn and winter turf overseeding mixtures should visit the DLF/ Johnson’s Sports Seeds stand at this year’s SALTEX. DLF will return to the show with two of its latest breeding innovations: 4Turf Tetraploid Ryegrass and Turf Type Annual Ryegrass Quickston.

4Turf has extreme winter hardiness, germinates quickly and is tolerant to a broad range of common diseases. Found in Johnsons Sports Seed mixtures J Pitch, J 4Turf and J Rescue Stadia, as well as PM70, 79 and 81 from Masterline, it’s perfectly suited to sports turf applications thanks to its strong colour and quick establishment, even in cold conditions.

The latest turf type annual ryegrass cultivar from DLF, Quickston, gives a significant improvement in colour, fineness of leaf and shoot density of turf type annual ryegrass. It will germinate under low soil temperatures, down to 3.5°C. Also at the stand will be DLF’s technical team, who will be able to offer advice on the latest cultivars and mixtures from the Masterline and Johnsons Sports Seed ranges.

Find out more at www.dlf.co.uk.

Stand J100

Institute of Groundsmanship

Quickston improves colour and shoot density of ryegrass

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE S A LT E X P R E V I E W

The BigMow works alone to free up sta� time

RIGHT RYEGRASS

CABRIO STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD

MOW POWER

RISE OF THE ROBOTS ANSWERING THE NEED for an automated, low cost and resource-saving way to maintain natural turf, the BigMow robot mower from Automated Managed Services (AMS) will be a big draw at SALTEX. The mower can cover up to two hectares (20,000m2) and is lightweight, quiet and environmentally friendly. It uses 15 cutting blades to cut the grass into very fine particles, resulting in healthier, greener grass with constant fertilisation of the ground and no waste collection.

Philip Sear, CEO at AMS, says: “AMS's BigMow robot provides an automated alternative to traditional grass maintenance equipment and a great addition to your workforce, making it the ideal solution to kick start or maintain a beautiful lush grass area, at a fraction of the cost. It also allows you to free up personnel and resources to other areas of your business. Overall we believe that robot mowers are the future of turf care and maintenance and look forward to the showcasing the BigMow at SALTEX 2017.”

For more information, visit www.automatedmanagedservices. com.

Stand A030

KEEP IN TOUCH

www.iog.org

CABRIO, THE LATEST fine ryegrass cultivar for cricket pitches and tennis lawns, will be star of the show at the Germinal stand at this year’s SALTEX. Cabrio Ultra Fine Ryegrass is part of the company’s ‘Grade A’ range of grass seed mixtures. “The range has been designed for use by professional groundsmen who are looking to achieve a billiard-boardsmooth playing surface,” Richard Brown, Germinal amenity sales manager explains.

Cabrio's fineness of leaf score is what makes it special, says Richard.

“At 8.8 it gives groundsmen an excellent opportunity to produce a harder wearing sward that not only

tolerates a close mowing regime, but also gives good ball roll or bounce.”

Cabrio is included in Germinal’s A5 Cricket, Tennis and Tees seed mixture, and A10 Golf Tees and Divot Repairs and A28 Ultrafine Ryegolf mixes.

Find out more at www.germinal.com Stand A130

DOUBLE ACT

Dennis and SISIS cover every surface GROUNDSCARE STAFF WITH multiple machinery needs should visit stand E070 at this year’s SALTEX to see Dennis and SISIS’ wide range of equipment for every surface on show.

Highlights from Dennis include the newly launched Spring Tine Rake cassette, designed for the Dennis G860 cylinder mower. It contains 42 springs with 12mm spacings that can remove dead turf matter, clean the surface and help improve drainage. The Spring Tine Rake joins the huge range of options for the G860’s cassette system.

SISIS will be drawing interest from the Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 (see page 40), a tractor-mounted aerator. The company will also show some of its pedestrian scarifiers, including the Rotorake 600HD and the Auto Rotorake MK5. The Auto Rotorake can be used for a variety of tasks including scarifying, verticutting and brushing, while the Rotorake 600HD is a heavy duty scarifier and linear aerator.

Visitors to SALTEX will be able to talk to Dennis and SISIS’ expert staff

www.facebook.com/theIOG

30 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

The Cabrio cultivar gives exceptional �neness of leaf

Institute of Groundsmanship

The SISIS Aer-Aid Javelin and Dennis G860 will be on show

at the stand to find out more about the companies’ ranges, as well as educational events for groundsmen.

Find out more at www.dennisuk.com and www.sisis.com.

Stand E070

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE S A LT E X P R E V I E W GreenMech's Arborist 150p will help reduce emissions

BIO THE WAY

GREEN MACHINES FROM ETESIA

ETESIA WILL BE launching its range of Greener City Equipment at this year’s SALTEX, showcasing the company’s Bio Concept philosophy. This approach ensures the company addresses environmental protection in all areas and at every stage in the life of its equipment.

Taking centre stage on the stand will be the Buffalo 124 HVHPX four wheel drive ride-on mower and the Bahia M2E electric ride-on mower. The Buffalo 124 HVHPX is fitted with a 124cm overlapping cutting deck and a 23hp two-cylinder Briggs and Stratton Vanguard engine, and has a high hourly mowing output of up to 15,000m2 per hour.

The Bahia M2E is the first fully electric ride-on cut-and-collect mower. It has all the benefits of its petrol ‘brother’, but gives no odour, zero emissions, low noise, low vibrations and reduced maintenance costs. It has been developed around the chassis of the petrol-powered Bahia models and has the same compact look with a cutting width of 80cm and box capacity of 240 litres. Power comes from four batteries producing 48V, 115 ah, which can be recharged in six hours.

Find out more at www.etesia. co.uk.

Stand C050

Etesia's Greener City Equipment cuts costs

1-2 November 2017 www.iogsaltex.com

DEBUT SHOW

CHIPPING AWAY AT COSTS GREENMECH’S NEW Arborist 150p chipper will be on show for the first time at SALTEX. The unit not only helps reduce emissions but will also reduce running costs, without any loss of performance compared with the established Arborist model.

Developed in response to the upcoming changes to emissions legislation, the Arborist 150p is the latest addition to GreenMech’s Arborist range. Fitted with a 37hp Briggs & Straton Petrol engine, it can offer comparable performance to the higher horse-powered diesel engine

of the existing Arborist 150 but at a lower cost. Designed particularly for the disposal of waste brash, the diesel Arborist 150 is the top selling chipper in its class in Europe and will still be available for those customers for whom the diesel option remains their first choice.

Visitors to the stand will also be able to find out about the rest of the range, and to speak to the GreenMech finance team about a special SALTEX offer. www.greenmech.co.uk.

Stand H075

SWEET STUFF

Topdressed for success VISITORS TO THE British Sugar TOPSOIL stand at this year’s SALTEX will be able to get hands on with the company’s new product, Sports & Turf topdressing.

The product is designed for use on sport pitches, golf courses and parks and has been tested at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) in Bingley, West Yorkshire. Initial feedback from researchers there is positive, with a full report to follow later.

Sports & Turf provides a costeffective way of carrying out regular turf management. A blend of 80 per cent medium to coarse sub-angular sand with 20 per cent BS3882:2015 accredited British Sugar TOPSOIL, it assists drainage and promotes good

Sports & Turf topdressing trials at the STRI

integration into the surface of the turf. Already used on high profile turf, including the lawns at King’s College, Cambridge, Sports & Turf helps make professional turf care affordable.

Find out more at bstopsoil.co.uk Stand K190C

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE S A LT E X P R E V I E W

Duralock's new fencing keeps the ball on the pitch

GREEN GRASS

TRIED AND TESTED TURF SEED

LOCK STOCK

ANOTHER FINE MESH AFTER THE HARD work that goes into building and maintaining a pristine pitch, it’s important to protect sports grounds from unwanted pedestrian traffic – and, for the players on the pitch, it’s equally important to reduce the chances of accidental injury and keep the ball in play.

New Duralock Sports Performance Fencing label, Half-Mesh Multi-Purpose Pitch Fencing, is designed with this in mind.

It has been developed specifically for sports clubs and is designed to flex under impact, reducing the risk of injury. With concealed fixings and smooth rounded surfaces, the system is exceptionally safe and the halfmesh design prevents the ball from leaving the field of play.

The design also lends itself easily to advertising, allowing clubs to benefit from an additional revenue stream.

All Duralock fencing systems are suitable for use on all surfaces, from natural turf to AGP and 3G and are available as permanent or removable fixtures making them ideal for multi-use sports facilities.

For more information, visit duralock.com.

Stand M075

GROUNDSMEN WHO WORK with natural turf can seek expert advice from the team on the Limagrain stand at this year’s SALTEX and speak to the people behind the market-leading MM60 and MM50 grass seed mixtures.

The MM line of grass seed is widely used throughout the UK sports turf and amenity industries. All products in the range are tested at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI).

MM60 is a 100 per cent ryegrass formula and is perfect for winter turf renovation. It is well known for its fast germination, its high wear tolerance and its high disease resistance.

MM50 is ideal for cricket squares, tennis courts, tees, fairways, outfields and golf greens. This hard-wearing mix has rapid germination, fine-leaved appearance, high shoot density, high disease resistance and is tolerant to close mowing.

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Dedicated to fighting fungal disease

HEADLAND AMENITY AND Bayer Cropscience will come together at this year’s SALTEX to showcase Bayer’s Dedicate turf fungicide, available exclusively through Headland Amenity.

Visitors to Headland’s stand can find out more about the company’s range of turf nutrition, health and management

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32 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

The MM line o�ers high disease resistance

WORKING TOGETHER

Dedicate helps control turf diseases

KEEP IN TOUCH

MM7 is a new mix of fine-leaved ryegrass, fescue and bent which is suitable for use in bowls and golf greens, and golf surrounds where extreme wear tolerance is needed.

All MM mixtures are treated with HEADSTART GOLD – a treatment that ensures rapid, even germination.

Find out more at www.limagrain.co.uk.

Stand H037

Institute of Groundsmanship

products, with Dedicate of particular interest to groundsmen looking for a fungicide that offers preventative and early curative control of turf diseases.

A key feature is its ability to control Leaf Spot (Helminthosporium spp.) and Rust (Puccina spp.) in turf. It contains dual active ingredients, Tebuconazole and Trifloxystrobin, and should be used preventatively or as early as possible when signs of disease occur.

A great tank mix partner to Dedicate are plant elicitors such as Headland’s TeMag Elite, a water-soluble iron and micronutrient package, ideal for strengthening turf over autumn and winter. It contains Headland’s Elevate Fe and, in trials, has been shown to minimise the effect of turf pathogens such as Fusarium Patch (Microdochium nivale) and Dollar Spot (Sclerotonia homeocarpa). www.headlandamenity.com.

Stand D022

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE S A LT E X P R E V I E W

1-2 November 2017 www.iogsaltex.com

The Pellenc Cleanion in action

FULLY CHARGED

BATTERY IS BETTER FOR PELLENC TOOLS THE CLEANION PEDESTRIAN battery-powered brush will be the highlight of Pellenc’s range of environmentally-friendly tools on stand E055 at SALTEX. The Pellenc Cleanion is a revolutionary, self-driven brush which is powered by the ULiB battery seen on the rest of the company’s range of tools. It has a large working width and a long operating time of battery charge sufficient for demanding professional use.

The Cleanion is the centrepiece of the range on display at SALTEX from Pellenc, which offers zero-

emission professional power tools using efficient ‘brushless’ motors and lithium-ion technology. The range significantly reduces noise and vibration and offers user comfort, sustainability and cost efficiency.

Other products on the stand will include the Airion 2 new generation hand-held blower; the Rasion Smart and Rasion Basic pedestrian rotary mowers; Helion hedgecutter, Selion chainsaws and polesaws; and Prunion and Vinion pruning shears.

Find out more information at www.pellencuk.com.

Stand E055

HOT STUFF

OELIATEC USES HEAT TO BEAT WEEDS

VISITORS TO SALTEX will be able to explore a range of weed control machines that use heat to destroy weeds for a more environmental solution to problem plants.

Oeliatec will be showcasing its range of machines which use 100 per cent hot water to kill weeds, delivering an efficient low-pressure treatment at temperatures up to 120°C. This destroys the cellular structure of the weed to kill off the plant. The intense heat penetrates the root system, killing the plant.

Oeliatec machines will be distributed by Etesia UK. Visitors to the stand will be able to view and find out more about the products and pick up the latest product information booklets.

Find out more at oeliatec.co.uk.

Stand E055

Oeliatec uses hot water to kill weeds

NEW FACES

Meet the new mower man at MTD

Visitors can find out about the INFINICUT

NEW NORTHERN TERRITORY sales manager for MTD, Dougie Archibald, will be on hand to greet customers and talk them through some of the company’s popular range of mowers at SALTEX. Dougie has worked as a groundsman himself and held positions at leading

dealer groups and machinery distributors. He’ll be on the MTD stand with other expert staff helping visitors find the right units for their needs.

Among the products on show will be the CubCadet INFINICUT and the ATT TMSystem. The batterypowered INFINICUT is adaptable to work on any

grass surface, with three preprogrammable reel speeds, so that clipping quality and yield can be fine-tuned easily.

The mower is designed with user comfort in mind, with class-leading vibration and noise data.

Find out more at www.advancedtt.com.

Stand F041

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE S A LT E X P R E V I E W

NEW L AUNCH

NEW TORO MOWER TO STEAL THE SHOW REESINK TURFCARE WILL display products from all of its brands at SALTEX, including the launch of a new rotary mower from Toro.

The new machine is designed to improve productivity and run for longer between stops, with a 41L fuel tank and 810L capacity hopper, as well as the ability to change the height of cut without stopping.

Jeff Anguige, national sales manager at Reesink, says: “This new launch will appeal to councils and landscape contractors looking for minimum downtime.”

As well as the launch, Reesink will showcase popular products from Toro irrigation controllers and sprinklers, Otterbine lake and pond aeration systems, and TYM compact tractors.

Reesink Turfcare’s marketing manager, Holly Jones, says: “There’s lots to be excited about this year.

SALTEX is the perfect platform for our new launch and it’s great to have representation from all brands at the show. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our stands to see the lineup and share advice from our team.” www.reesinkturfare.co.uk.

Stand H010

1-2 November 2017 www.iogsaltex.com

The Ransomes team is back at SALTEX

NEW DUO

IN THE RUNNING AT RANSOMES RANSOMES WILL be showcasing two new products, the TR320 and HM600, as well as highlights of its established range at SALTEX. The TR320 enables groundscare staff to keep turf in top condition even on difficult terrain. It’s light and easy to manoeuvre, with a 1.64m transport width, 1.83m cutting width and the ability to perform well on slopes and in tight spaces.

The HM600 is built on the Ransomes MP wide area mower platform, allowing the user to take care of big areas of turf efficiently and effectively. The unit can run

three heavy-duty flail mowers at once, with a 3.2m width of cut. It offers fingertip control of individual units so that trimming around obstacles is simple.

As well as displaying some its popular and new products, Ransomes will be sponsoring the SALTEX College Cup for the second year running.

This is a student-led sports turf challenge that will take place on the first day of SALTEX, 1 November.

For more information visit www.ransomesjacobsen.com.

Stand H090

IRON MEN

New GoGreen products are go!

GET INVOLVED

NEW PRODUCT BONANZA VISIT THE RIGBY Taylor stand for a host of new product launches.

Visitors will be welcomed to a newly-designed, interactive stand to enjoy a freshly-made coffee while discussing the technical features and benefits of an exciting range of turf management and plant health products. Rigby Taylor personnel will be offering information and advice, and providing on-stand presentations through the use of touch-screen TV monitors, involving some the industry’s newest technologies. www.rigbytaylor.com Stand G060 KEEP IN TOUCH

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TWO NEW PRODUCTS in the GoGreen complexed iron range will be the focus on Sherriff Amenity’s stand at SALTEX. GoGreen Energy and GoGreen Select are the latest products in the range, which already includes GoGreen granules and liquid GoGreen Plus.

GoGreen Energy is a concentrated bio-stimulant, developed to assist plant health and relieve stress symptoms. It contains seaweed, plant sugars, simple carbohydrates and trace elements that have been selected to give optimum results. It is ideal as a pre-game stadia application.

GoGreen Select is a complex iron sulphate that may be used as a standalone product for rapid greening of turf or as a tank-mix partner with fertiliser and herbicide.

Visitors will also be offered a trial of

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34 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

Institute of Groundsmanship

GoGreen Energy is a perfect pre-game treatment

the online Sherriff Amenity Academy.

The Academy has been set up to help improve the UK turf amenity sector stewardship of pesticide and products – keeping the industry up to date with legislation and product information and promoting best practice. www.sherriffamenity.com.

Stand E060

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE S A LT E X P R E V I E W

1-2 November 2017 www.iogsaltex.com

CUT THE CORD

STIHL SHOWCASES PRO CORDLESS RANGE

Smith Construction builds pitches from scratch

FULL SERVICE

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS SMITH CONSTRUCTION WILL return to SALTEX this year to meet prospective customers, offer advice on sports pitch installation and showcase a range of artificial turf products from high quality manufacturers.

The company offers various surfaces to its clients, many of which are accredited by sports governing bodies, including FIH, FIFA, World Rugby and ITF. The staff specialise in ground stabilisation, sustainable draining systems and retaining structures. All works are completed in-house and are then cared for by Smith Maintenance.

Smith Construction is also a Certified Field Builder for The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and provides a full service to its clients. As well as being an FIH Field Builder, Smith Construction is also on a National Framework set up by FIFA, The FA, The Football Foundation, Sport England and England Hockey, set up to help increase the standard of artificial grass pitch construction.

Find out more at www. smithsportscivils.co.uk.

Stand K185

GROUNDSCARE STAFF LOOKING more portable and environmentally friendly tools will be able to see some of STIHL’s lithium-ion PRO Cordless products at SALTEX. The range includes brushcutters, hedge trimmers and blowers.

Highlights on the stand include STIHL’s new FSA 130s, powerful and light brushcutters designed for working on large areas of thick grass.

The HSA 94 hedge trimmers will also be on the stand, with heavy-duty cutting or high-speed trimming options available. In the blowers range, the BGA 100 will be on display, a light and quiet unit with three power stages and a boost mode – perfect for working in noise-sensitive areas.

Simon Hewitt, head of marketing at STIHL GB, says: “The popularity of cordless tools continues to rise

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New brands take stands

T H WHITE MACHINERY Imports will have two stands at this year’s SALTEX to showcase some of the new brands it is bringing into the UK, including Ferris mowers, Wright mowers, Spider slope mowers and Jensen woodchippers.

On stand H190, visitors will be able to get a feel for three US-built Ferris rideon mowers, noted for their independent suspension which gives improved user

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36 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

and exhibiting at SALTEX provides us with the perfect opportunity to highlight to contractors how our lithium-ion PRO range can handle even the toughest of jobs.”

For more information please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

Stand H070

UK DEBUTS

Ferris mowers are among T H White's imports

KEEP IN TOUCH

STIHL’s lithium-ion PRO Cordless range, including the FSA 130 brushcutter, HSA 94 hedge trimmer and BGA 100 blower

Institute of Groundsmanship

comfort: the petrol 52in IS 2100Z, the new 61in diesel IS 2600Z and top-ofthe-range V-twin 72in IS 3200Z which combines power with dual Hydro-Gear ZT-5400 Powertrain transaxles for durable performance.

Also on display will be mowers from the US-made Wright Stander range, which are operated from a standing position so that the mower is compact and the driver can shift weight for changing terrain. Czech-made Spider mowers are specifically built for steep, uneven or dangerous terrain, and visitors to SALTEX can see the 18hp ILD-01 and the ILD-02 models.

Jensen woodchippers will have its own stand (H202), directly opposite the main T H White stand. Jensen will be showing three of its most popular units: the A530 petrol, A530L diesel and the A540 Spider (tracked).

Find out more at www.thwhite.co.uk.

Stands H190 and H202

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE A E R AT I O N

TURF TESTED

JAVELIN FLIES HIGH IN TEST PURCHASING NEW AERATION equipment is a big investment decision for most groundscare staff, so it’s good to know that your chosen product has expert approval.

The SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid tractormounted aerator has been put through its paces in trials led by Dr Christian Spring at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI).

Christian and his team set up three trial plots to look at the effects of using the Aer-Aid with air injection; using it without air injection; and using no treatment. They examined the plots for hardness of turf, root depth, water infiltration and disease.

“The SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid was really effective in reducing compaction,” reported Christian.

“We ran the Aer-Aid over the surface and found that the probe was able to penetrate further into the soil profile, indicating that compaction throughout the entire trial site was significantly less than areas that were left untreated.

“Overall, the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid proved very effective in helping to manage the soil profile, creating better rooting, allowing water and air movement, keeping disease at bay and reducing compaction.” www.sisis.com

“We ran the SIS Javelin Aer-Aid over the surface and found that the probe was able to penetrate further into the soil profile, indicating compaction was significantly less“

The Aer-Aid moves air evenly through the root zone

PRODUCT SHOWCASE A E R AT I O N

WIDE WAY

On a roll with Sportsmark AERATION IS AN essential aspect of natural turf maintenance. It improves compact surfaces and dry areas, assisting water uptake and allowing fertilisers to penetrate directly to the root zone. One solution is hand-drawn pedestrian units, like the popular Sarel Spiking Rollers from Sportsmark, but for a more efficient programme, groundsmen may prefer the TT towable Sarel Spikers.

The TT Sarel Spiker has been designed to fulfil customers’ demand for a rapid wide (2m) surface aerator which can be pulled or attached to a range of vehicles via the multi-point head stock.

Providing 211 holes per square metre, the large 275mm (11”)

The split head means the drums can follow contours

diameter drums give much reduced ‘flick-up’ as the tines pass over the green, avoiding excessive tear. It’s ideal for relieving areas of standing water after heavy downpours.

The split head articulating design allows the drums to closely

follow surface contours. The heavy frame and corrosion-resistant construction allows groundsmen to keep using the Sarel Spikers over longer periods of time with minimal maintenance or downtime. www.sportsmark.net

PRODUCT SHOWCASE A E R AT I O N

SUPER SOIL

SUPER SCAMPER GIVES YEAR-ROUND LIFT WHEN WATERLOGGING IS a problem mid-season, it may feel risky to interrupt the ground with aeration, but the new Super Scamper Terralift by Terrain Aeration leaves no mess after its effective action so can be used at any time (although pre- or end of season is best).

The Super Scamper improves root health

1-2 November 2017 www.iogsaltex.com

The new machine hammers a hollow probe one metre into the soil and delivers a blast of compressed air to fracture and fissure the soil.

Dried milled seaweed is incorporated and this expands and contracts with the moisture content in the soil, which helps to keep the fractures open longer. The probe is removed and the process repeated using 2m centre spacings on a staggered grid pattern. This grid ensures each probe shot links with the previous ones. The probe hole is then backfilled with an aggregate to provide a long-term aeration/ ventilation shaft, allowing air and water to percolate into the fissures.

The result is a healthier root system, a healthier sward and less disease damage to the turf. www.terrainaeration.com

DYNAMIC DUO

The perfect pair for aeration

WHEN YOU’RE WORKING on a variety of sites, having the right combination of aeration units is essential. For R J Jochimsen Contractors, using a Verti-Drain 7626 with two Verti-Quake 2516s from Charterhouse Machinery has proved the perfect solution.

“Week to week we’ll be working on different surfaces – football, rugby, polo fields, gallops – which require different maintenance techniques but aeration goes across the board,” says MD Rob Jochimsen. “Having the two machines means that, no matter the requirement, conditions or sports surface, we have the machine to suit.”

“We chose the Verti-Drain 7626 as it was a good match for our tractor and it’s proved to be a real workhorse. The weight of the unit means it penetrates the surface, rather than bouncing over it like some other machines do.”

KEEP IN TOUCH

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With the Verti-Drain 7626 taking care of deep aeration, the pair of VertiQuake 2516s work on compaction in the top six to eight inches. “These come into their own when the ground is too firm or when the surface is wet, requiring lighter units to be used.” www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk

ONE SIZE FITS ALL SAVING TIME – AND therefore resources – is always useful for busy groundscare staff, and using the Groundsman FLEXBLADE Collector Attachment with an aerator allows groundsmen to core and collect in one pass, so they can do just that.

Groundsman Industries has launched a new universal range of FLEXBLADE Core Collectors to fit many makes of pedestrian and tractor-mounted aerators including Groundsman, Toro, John Deere, Weidenmann, Charterhouse and SISIS. The new range uses Groundsman’s original proven FLEXBLADE collection system but has a sleek black curved and slotted collection canopy and slotted blades. The new shape doesn't just look better – it adds strength while reducing overall weight by more than half. Internal check chains have been replaced by robust folding check links for consistent accuracy and reliability. The Groundsman FLEXBLADE Collectors are also available for three point linkage mounting on compact tractors plus many types of turf vehicles for follow-up collection of cores and linear aeration soil. www.groundsmanindustries.com

The Verti-Drain 7626 is "a real workhorse"

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40 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

CORE & COLLECT

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IN ACTION

JUNGLE FEVER Sherriff’s Marathon Sport has helped tame the Castleford Tigers’ ground THE PITCH AT Mend-A-Hose Jungle Stadium, home to Castleford Tigers RLFC, has to cope with heavy usage and the effects of being in use for over 90 years – which include having no drainage or undersoil heating.

For Stuart Vause, who worked at the ground for 13 years before becoming head groundsman, a combination of hard work and using the right fertilisers has been essential to keeping the pitch in good condition.

“I’ve tried lots of different approaches and products but three years ago I researched Marathon Sport,” says Stuart. “I trialled it and have been using it ever since because

“Marathon Sport has thickened the sward”

AFTER THE FLOOD Headline products resolved a historic pitch problem

Xpedite has helped clear the waterlogged grounds at Downside

it really seems to suit the field. I’ve had excellent results from it and it holds incredibly well in this structure and soil – I can get three or four months out of each application, depending on rain.

“The Marathon Sport fertilisers have dramatically thickened the sward – it’s been unbelievable. When I first came here the field was fragile, it used to rip up and lumps would come out. Now, however, we have a really strong root zone – obviously with Rugby League games it is rough and tough but the pitch just seems to hold up to it.

“I love the colour that it provides, too.

During the winter, this field used to lose a lot of colour but it is now a lush green all year round. Sometimes, if we are on TV, I’ll just give it a light application to really bring the colour out. It also never leaves foot marks and has never scorched for as long as I’ve been using it – this is with minimal water, too.

WORKING ON THE grounds of an historic school is an honour, but comes with unique challenges, as Steve Eade, head of grounds and gardens at Downside School in Somerset, discovered.

The school is attached to Downside Abbey and many of the buildings and features on the 250-acre site were handmade by the monks. Steve and his team of five oversee four cricket squares, three football pitches (including an artificial pitch), athletics facilities and more. However, it was one of the school’s seven rugby pitches where Steve had real issues to tackle.

“Where the monks ‘dragged down’ the land we have a number of banks and our first team rugby pitch in particular suffers for this, as it sits on one of the lowest levels on the site,” says Steve.

“During the playing season high levels of play cause compaction and this, combined with any spells of significant rainfall, sees water running down the bank and flooding the first team area.

“We use a range of Headland products including Multigreen and C-Complex so I spoke to Alex Hawkes [Headland regional manager] and asked

Stuart Vause (right) with Sherri� ’s Robert Bone

“Perhaps one of the biggest benefits is that it doesn’t give you excessive growth. With it only being me here, it helps if I’m not chasing my tail having to cut it constantly. With some fertilisers, you apply it and if you leave it for a period of time you’ll be faced with an abundance of grass. The Marathon Sport just kicks on nicely at a steady pace and if I can’t get on to mow it for two or three days it is still manageable.”

i

Find out more at www.sherriffamenity.com

if he had anything which could draw the water down quicker. Alex suggested we try Xpedite in conjunction with our aeration, topdressing and overseeding programme.” Xpedite is a granular soil amendment product that introduces non-compacting pore space into problem rootzones.

Applied in mid-March, Steve says it didn’t take long for the improvements to appear. “We found the areas that were previously very compacted and therefore puddled became much more free-draining. Xpedite draws the moisture down to below the root level.”

Because of the improved rootzone conditions, benefits have also been evident with the seed take-up, growth and surface firmness.

Steve says, “I was sceptical at first it could deliver what Alex said but it has and we’ve all been really pleased.

Moving forward we’ll look to re-apply in March again next year as well as hopefully using it on other areas – now we’ve got a product that works, our only restrictions are budget and time!”

i

For more information visit www.headlandamenity.com

www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 43

Tools & guidance MAINTENANCE CALENDAR AND WEATHER UPDATE

VISIT SALTEX

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NOVEMBER OPERATIONS BOWLING GREENS

Regular out-of-season work will be undertaken from now on for the autumn/winter period. Drag brush daily, or as ground/climatic conditions allow, to maintain a dry surface with upright grasses.

The height of cut will typically be 10–12mm, so just keep the grass topped if required.

Earthworm activity, as well as any sign of leatherjacket presence, will need to be treated.

Mild, humid autumnal weather will be ideal conditions for a Fusarium attack – so keep a close eye on the situation to prevent it developing.

Aeration, probably with slit/chisel tines from now, should not be neglected.

Keep leaves off the green by removing them on a regular basis.

TENNIS COURTS

Leaves will continue to be a problem so do not ignore them and brush or rake them up on a regular basis. Moss may also be a problem on some courts. If this is severe then consider controlling moss using chemical application.

Earthworm activity might be high, with surface casts smothering some of the sward.

Regular switching and drag brushing will be needed.

Disease potential can be high during November, so watch out for initial signs of attack. Do not neglect mowing – keep the grass topped over the coming weeks.

Aerate if ground conditions are favourable.

CRICKET SQUARE

Carry out regular observations of the surface to check that grass health is good.

Regular drag brushing will help disperse worm casts and keep the grass upright. Top the square at 18–25mm height of cut if the ground/climatic conditions and growth allow.

If any material in topdressed tine holes has sunk, carry out additional topdressing, although be careful not to apply too much.

Maintain any perimeter fencing.

CRICKET OUTFIELD

Aerate if ground conditions are suitable. Continue to be vigilant for pest/disease outbreaks.

Repair areas as required if outfield is used for winter sports. Make sure the markings are clear and accurate.

FOOTBALL

Aerate the pitch when the ground conditions are suitable.

Topping may still be required, although try and keep it as high as possible to allow for maximum amount of coverage going into the winter.

Divot as often as possible to help maintain an even surface.

Sanding of high wear areas may be required: ensure hand forking takes place beforehand.

GOLF COURSE

Consider mowing the greens with hand mowers from now on.

This will reduce wear on the green from heavy ride-on mowers as well as travelling between greens. In addition, ride-on mowers can be prepared for their end-of-season service at the same time.

Continue divoting fairways.

Aerate greens with slit tines.

Remove leaves from greens, tees and parts of the fairway. Consider starting any tee extensions or bunker renovations. Tees that are taken out of service for the winter period should have been completely renovated by now: finish off with any turfing as necessary.

RUGBY UNION

Continue with aeration wherever possible. Occasional topping of the grass may still be required, especially in the south of the country. Replace divots on higher quality pitches, while chain harrowing on basic quality pitches will remove divots from the pitch for collection at the pitch edge.

RUGBY LEAGUE

If the surface is stable enough, some type of aeration might be able to commence to aid root growth and drainage, preferably vertidrain to a maximum depth.

Make sure the pitch is protected to the best of your ability, to alleviate footmarks from unwanted visitors once the overnight frosts start coming.

Complete any remedial jobs around the stores or edges of the pitch in the next few weeks.

On the amateur side, pitch protection is essential now that winter is upon us.

Any game that has a chance of destroying the pitch should be looked at as maybe being moved or replayed. It only takes one bad session or game to put you back for the rest of the winter. Constant pitch repair by way of divoting or chain harrowing will help you maintain levels. Drag brush if possible to stand what grass you have back up. A vertidrain or slitting of the surface would be advised also.

HORSE RACECOURSE

The traditional playing season should now have come to a close and the surface been renovated.

Constant switching and light drag brushing would be advantageous to stand the grass up and dispense with any morning dew.

Carry out general observations of the course to check against damage as this is typically the start of the National Hunt season.

Prepare and repair fences/jumps prior to and after each meeting.

Fallen leaves could be a major problem on some parts of a course. A light topping of the grass may still be required.

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TOOLS & GUIDANCE

W E AT H E R

OCTOBER TOP TIPS •B e aware of Microdochium Patch risk • Keep turf surfaces dry • Manage nutrition to avoid lush growth • Apply fungicides proactively

Mild weather and dew add to disease risk

DEW POINTS TO DISEASE RISK

A

s we move into autumn, increased temperature differentials and moist air flows from the west create dewy mornings with wet turf surfaces that are slow to dry. Combined with the milder conditions seen in recent years, this has led to early outbreaks of foliar diseases.

With slowing grass growth and the high-risk conditions, problems with Microdochium Patch (Fusarium) outbreaks have already been reported. With limited opportunities for recovery, any damage

that affects playing surface quality now is set to last right through to the spring.

HIGHS’N’LOWS

•O ctober temperatures have been above average in six of the past seven seasons • Rainfall last year was significantly below average for the whole of the UK, but especially dry in the north of England, Wales and Scotland, with up to 70 per cent below the norm. The east of England was relatively wet, with near average rainfall • Rain events in October have typically

HISTORIC DISEASE RISK FOR OCTOBER

Historic disease risk

Furasrium Patch High Risk

3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 26 Sep 2016

29 Sep 2016

02 Oct 2016

05 Oct 2016

08 Oct 2016

11 Oct 2016

14 Oct 2016

17 Oct 2016

20 Oct 2016

23 Oct 2016

26 Oct 2016

29 Oct 2016

increased in recent years, even when overall rainfall may be less • October typically sees the onset of frosty nights across the UK, with an average of one frost in the south, but up to four nights in Scotland A review of recent weather patterns shows that seasonal autumn temperatures have typically risen up to two degrees over the past four decades. The trend is clearly now for warmer conditions continuing through the autumn and early winter.

GreenCast historic disease and weather records show that half of October days will see significant rain (more than 1mm), with heavy dew on over 80 per cent of mornings, creating increased risk of Microdochium Patch outbreak during the month.

Poa annua dominant swards will be especially susceptible, along with areas of lush growth that remain wet for extended periods – particularly if air flow is restricted.

DISEASE STOP

Initial reports this season are that the Microdochium Nivale pathogen is active after the relatively wet and cool late summer conditions. In high risk situations, outbreaks have already been triggered by the onset of misty autumnal mornings and increased stress during maintenance activities. It is an early warning of the potential risk this winter.

During extended warm autumn growing conditions, Banner Maxx or Instrata Elite will provide further protection. Results of new trials at the STRI have highlighted the value of proactive early treatments, along with the potential for fludioxonil to reduce disease inoculum prior to periods of risk – giving long-lasting protection through weather conducive to disease.

IOG

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To advertise in the classified section of The Groundsman please contact: Parminder Sangha

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E parmindersangha@jppublishing.co.uk

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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 49

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NEXT MONTH

More advice on continued training and development

INTERVIEW

Wisdom of the wicket Chris Westbrook heads up a team of volunteer groundsmen looking after the cricket pitch for Hursley Park CC in Hampshire. As well as dedicating his free time to maintaining and improving the ground, Chris has taken on IOG training so that he is now qualified to deliver courses himself

By Dan Prest IOG head of member services

How long have you been in groundscare?

I have been involved in groundsmanship for 42 years, combining this with a career as a chartered engineer and co-founder of a structural engineering company.

Our club captain was away on a residential course and I volunteered, without any experience, to prepare the pitch for the semi-final of the National Village Competition between Hursley Park CC and Gowerton.

More than 4,000 people witnessed our defeat but the consensus of opinion by the players of both sides was that the pitch played well. I have been committed to the upkeep of the ground ever since.

What excites you about the role?

I am excited by the constant quest for improvement in the playing surfaces and assisting others to be able to do likewise; usually with limited resources.

How important is education for volunteers?

Although my helpers and I are all volunteers, it is important we have a basic knowledge so we are aware of the need for the operations we undertake and machinery we use. The chance to improve our education through courses, meeting like folk and demonstrations is a vital part of our training.

In the quest for knowledge I attended residential, day and evening courses and ultimately followed the IOG educational path that gave me the chance to attain qualifications through the examinations. The academic achievements and experience gained at the cricket club enable me to develop and demonstrate my practical skills and deliver them with confidence to others.

What words of wisdom would you give young players who'd like to help out?

Encouraging young players to assist in the preparation of the ground teaches them not only to respect the facility and the grounds staff but also

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50 THE GROUNDSMAN October 2017

provides them with an insight into how the pitches will perform and the influence the weather can make in the preparation and reaction of the surface.

What’s your favourite tip to share?

Time is precious: “It’s not the hours you put in – it’s what you put into the hours.”

IN THE SHED The team at Hursley Park CC keeps a range of equipment on hand to keep the ground in good playing condition. “The majority of our machinery is second-hand,” says Chris.

“There is a lot more than we need – but who knows when it may come in handy!”

He points out that “all the mechanical items are security marked, photographed and the serial numbers logged. The latter information is essential to the police and insurers in the event of theft”.

The items in frequent use are: Four cylinder mowers Four rotary mowers Two gang mowers Additional items: A scarifier An auto roller and 10ft wide outfield roller An outfield slitter A 22hp truck, 25hp tractor Seeder Other items in use include: Drag mat, chain harrow, cylinder spreader, sarel spiker, mole plough, lutes and various hand tools.

i

Institute of Groundsmanship

Find out more about IOG courses at www.iog.org/learning twitter.com/the_iog