THE
GROUNDSMAN WWW.IOG.ORG
SEPTEMBER 2019 £4.00
ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
WORLD FIRST
FORWARD THINKING
What does sustainability mean for you? page 34
Bringing hockey to a bigger audience with a portable pitch at The Stoop
TEAM SPIRIT
The award-winning grounds team at St Joseph’s College
INS IDE
NEW GROUNDSKEEPING COMMUNITY APP HOW TO GET THE JOB YOU WANT SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE RUGBY WORLD CUP MAINTENANCE ADVICE FOR OCTOBER LEARNING LIVE 2019 TACKLING CHAFER GRUBS
Contents REGULARS
September 2019 HOW TO GET THE JOB YOU WANT
05 Welcome
Learn and advance
06 Update
Grounds keeping news
page 32
14 SALTEX news
What not to miss at Learning Live 2019
16 GaNTIP update
Exciting new initiatives for the grass pitch strategy
36 In Action
Syngenta, John Deere and Headland Amenity
39 Product showcase
20
Topdressers & spreaders and brushcutters
47 In Action
Smith Maintenance and Limagrain
50 Tools and guidance
Turf care advice for October
FEATURES
18 Community news
Launch of new groundskeeping app
20 Best practice
The award-winning grounds team at St Joseph’s College
24 Special report
The world’s first portable elite hockey pitch system
ON THE COVER
24
Great Britain face New Zealand on a unique portable pitch at The Stoop
29 England Rugby
Ways to show your support for the Rugby World Cup
30 Award sponsor
Success at Whitgift School with Advance Grass Solutions
32 Job clinic
How to get the job you want
34 Grow with the IOG
Sustainable turf management
29
34
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: 07785 293077 Product editor Lizzie Hufton e: lizzie.hufton@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk t: 01225 337777 IOG membership and general enquiries t: 01908 312511 e: membership@iog.org Magazine subscriptions Jo Cornford t: 01908 312511 e: accounts@iog.org Subscriptions £72 UK, £82 Europe, £112 rest of world Publisher James Houston Head of design Simon Goddard Group ad sales manager Lee Morris e: lee.morris@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
Learn and advance
Karen Maxwell Managing editor
Education is crucial, and promoting and developing fit-for-purpose courses requires continual progression. The IOG offers what we call a ‘blended learning’ approach which combines online modules alongside traditional onsite or classroom learning. It’s important that grounds staff have access to courses that ‘blend’ with their on-the-job training, to provide the rounded skills sets that employers require. Attracting new talent is vital for the industry to survive. We believe this blended approach is a must if the industry is to survive and advance. Further education has, however, seen a downturn in funding and this has hit the prevalence of available sports turf courses. Indeed, representatives of agricultural colleges say it’s not easy justifying or providing sports turf courses against a backdrop of the austerity witnessed over the past decade. Vocational training is being talked up by the politicians and the need to reverse the lack of funding to our colleges will surely be a feature of future political campaigns. Employers need to value the role of training and education – especially because the increasing demands to ‘sweat’ the asset of sporting venues adds to the grounds staffs’ pressurised roles. Investing in training and education is both prudent and essential. The IOG has responded positively to this changing perspective. We have with some success taken action to promote improved pay and conditions, including incentives to reward those who are prepared to train and develop their skills set. Alongside this, in 2007 we launched the Young IOG Programme which now has more than 1,000 people ‘connected’. Also, the Young IOG Directors have created the highly respected and valued Schools into Stadia programme that targets GSCE science students, and our IOG Prospectus includes details of our significantly revised training structure for both volunteer and professional sectors. In addition, we will soon be releasing a guide for apprentices. The Prospectus includes details of the IOG’s nationally-recognised National Framework for Natural Turf pitch grading programme – a ‘pyramid’ approach that combines technical and educational standards to develop the skills sets of those maintaining facilities from community grassroots sites through to elite venue level. The key message from the Prospectus, of course, is ‘continue to learn and continue to advance’.
Colin Hoskins Features editor
Phil Garrod UK sports turf manager, Advance Grass Solutions
Tom Rowley GaNTIP key account manager (football)
Ted Mitchell RFU national facilities manager
Frank Newberry Management trainer and consultant
Geoff Webb Chief Executive The Institute of Groundsmanship
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IOG learning architect
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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
NEW FACE
Luke Perry appointed SALTEX & events director THE INSTITUTE OF GROUNDSMANSHIP (IOG) has appointed Luke Perry in the newly-created position of SALTEX & events director, and he will be primarily responsible for the growth, development, management and delivery of the IOG’s annual SALTEX exhibition. With a bachelor degree in politics, Luke will be based at the IOG’s Milton Keynes HQ in a role that embraces full accountability for SALTEX sales, services, performance and profitability, as well as future strategy while maintaining a high level of client and team satisfaction. Luke has a wealth of experience gained through formulating sales strategies, creating partnerships, and determining and achieving business opportunities for a range of exhibition and media companies. Commenting on his new role, he says: “I am excited to be joining the IOG with the aim of contributing to the ongoing success of such a flagship event. I look forward to utilising my experience of over 20 years in the exhibition industry, and to getting to know my colleagues at the IOG as well as IOG members and those throughout the groundscare industry.” IOG chief executive, Geoff
“I look forward to utilising my experience in the exhibition industry”
6 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
NEWS GANTIP NEWS
PITCH ADVISOR ROLE
Luke Perry is pleased to be joining the IOG in a newly created role
Webb, added: “Looking to build on the success of SALTEX, Luke’s appointment will considerably extend our in-house expertise - not only in delivering SALTEX but also with a view to providing a schedule of year-round events for members. His appointment also assists the development of other, existing IOG products and services and will help us continue to deliver excellent benefits to our membership.” Luke will report to Geoff Webb and will work alongside the IOG’s head of member services – communications & events, Karen Maxwell, who is a key conduit between the IOG and its existing contractors, Events For You and Fusion Media, which between them run SALTEX’s sales, marketing and PR activities.
BIRMINGHAM COUNTY FA (BCFA) is seeking to recruit a support pitch advisor (SPA) to assist with The FA and Football Foundation-funded Pitch Improvement Programme (PIP). The role will involve meeting BCFA affiliated clubs and local authorities to raise standards of grass football pitches and support those who look after sites to gather a better understanding of sports turf management practices. The SPA will report directly to the IOG’s regional pitch advisor network and work closely with the BCFA facility and investment lead. The SPA will be paid £100 per pitch improvement visit/report as well as reasonable expenses. Email oliver.hitchcox@ birminghamfa.com
Photo: Zaha Hadid Architects
U P D AT E
NEWS
BEST IN BUSINESS
AWARD NOMINATIONS If approved, the ecofriendly stadium will be made entirely of wood
ROVERS RETURNS
Forest submits revised plans for ‘world-first’ green stadium FOREST GREEN ROVERS chair Dale Vince has resubmitted a planning application for a 5,000-capacity stadium development dubbed the “greenest football venue in the world”. Plans for the stadium – close to the M5, about 10 miles north of Bristol – were originally turned down by Stroud District Council at a meeting on 12 June. Dale – founder of green energy company Ecotricity – described the
decision as ‘bizarre’ and has now amended the proposals. These include converting one of the two natural grass training pitches to a synthetic 4G surface, so local football clubs can use the pitch. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the main stadium is set to be built almost entirely out of wood – the first of its kind in the world. Dale is expecting a decision on the new application in October.
OPEN DAYS
SIGN UP FOR STRI RESEARCH 2019 STRI HAS ANNOUNCED the final event partners for its STRI Research 2019 open days. The companies joining STRI’s team of global sports industry specialists are Airter, Aquatrols, Bayer, Headland Amenity, ICL, Sherriff Amenity and Syngenta. Each will be showcasing the most innovative products, machinery and techniques being trialled and tested by the STRI Research team. The events are free to attend, and delegates will be taken on a behind-
Attendees at the ICL Independent School Seminar
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the-scenes tour of STRI’s famous sports trials ground. To book your place on an open day, on either 25 or 26 September at STRI UK in Bingley, West Yorkshire, please email enquiries@strigroup.com or call 01274 565131. More than 70 turf professionals enjoyed a day of knowledge, networking and first-class cricket at the 2019 ICL Independent School Seminar, at Cheltenham College. Christian Brain, head of grounds at Cheltenham College, gave a talk on the college’s history, while Henry Bechelet, ICL technical sales manager, shared his thoughts on the future of fertiliser. Student Tamsin Williams gave an insight into ICL’s four-year research project which is exploring the effects of seaweed products on turf grass plant parasitic nematodes.
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ADVANCE GRASS SOLUTIONS has reached the finals of two national awards. The firm has been nominated in the Best New Business category in both the SME National Business Awards and the UK Business Awards. “Being recognised is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the whole AGS team,” said CEO Jamie Bennett. “Over 2,500 companies applied for these awards and to be shortlisted is incredible.”
£500M VENUE
STADIUM VISION US ARCHITECT DAN MEIS has unveiled his plans for Everton FC’s new £500m brick and steel stadium, which will look “as though it has risen from the dock”. The venue will be built at Liverpool’s semi-derelict Bramley Dock and it is hoped it will deliver a £1bn boost to the city’s economy. Meis’ concepts show a brick, steel and glass design that takes its inspiration from historic maritime and warehouse buildings.
PL ANS UNVEILED
NEW CRICKET CENTRE PLANS HAVE BEEN unveiled for an innovative new cricket centre at the University of Worcester. Located alongside the University of Worcester Arena, the International Inclusive Cricket Centre will provide a new home for elite, grassroots and recreational players. Worcestershire County Cricket Board forecasts an additional 8,000 users would benefit from the centre every year, many of them young children, disabled athletes, women’s squads and students.
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U P D AT E
NEWS
MOVERS & SHAKERS Meet the people taking on new challenges in the industry
AWARDS
FA GROUNDSPERSON OF THE YEAR RESULTS
1ROCHELLE BEDFORD REESINK TURFCARE
REESINK TURFCARE HAS appointed Rochelle Bedford as its new marketing manager. Rochelle will oversee marketing activity for all the turf care machinery and equipment brands in Reesink’s portfolio and be responsible for organising all the shows and events the company attends. Rochelle said: “Reesink Turfcare is a well established company and its reputation preceded it. With a great work ethic, the values of the company and the way staff are encouraged to share their ideas to come up with new solutions for ongoing projects was an exciting aspect of taking on the role. My marketing experience with commercial vehicles and dealer network support lends itself well to
Rochelle Bedford
this new and interesting industry.” Rochelle has already recruited Nichola Spinks as a marketing assistant and hopes to continue to grow the marketing team in future.
2 KELLY-MARIE CLACK STRI GROUP
Kelly-Marie Clack
8 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
KELLY-MARIE CLACK has joined STRI Group as a consultant agronomist. Kelly has worked in the amenity industry for more than 10 years, most recently with AGS where she discovered a passion for soil health and biology. “It’s an exciting time for the business and I’m relishing starting this journey with them. I have lots to learn over the coming months and I can’t wait to get stuck in,” she said. Agronomy general manager, Paul Woodham, said: “Kelly’s recruitment has been well received in the industry and she’ll be out meeting clients in the coming months.” Kelly is one of several new faces to join STRI Group in the past three months, as the business continues to expand.
THE WINNERS OF the FA Groundsperson of the Year Awards were announced at an awards day at St George’s Park on 14 August. The Groundsperson of the Year Awards is a nationwide competition for non-league football grounds personnel. The Awards recognise the contribution of these ‘unsung heroes’, who work in all weathers, often as volunteers, to make sure that thousands of matches can take place on a high standard of playing surface and with a very limited budget. The FA has a panel of judges – professional grounds people – who look at the quality of the pitches and take into consideration the skills and knowledge of the groundspeople, their ambitions for the pitches, the resources available, how often the pitches are used, and the amount of time they are able to work on the pitches. The awards day included presentations from Karl Standley, Wembley head groundsman, and Scott Brooks, head of grounds and estates St George’s Park. The winners from each of the categories are: The Football Conference Award Daniel Hunter & Declan Robinson, Boreham Wood FC Northern Premier League Award Michael Grimmer, Stocksbridge Park Steels FC Southern League Award Paul Chappell, Slimbridge FC Isthmian League Award Simon Rudkins, Hastings Utd FC National Award 5 & 6 John Berry, Shelley FC National Award 7 and below Roger Kerry, Sleetmoor United FC
U P D AT E
NEWS
The competition prize is work experience at Real Madrid FC’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
SUSTAINABILITY
EPA RECYCLED RUBBER CRUMB STUDY PUBLISHED THE US ENVIRONMENTAL Protection Agency (EPA) has released Part 1 of its study of the recycled rubber crumb used in the majority of US synthetic turf sports fields, which increases the knowledge bank for the industry. Visit www. epa.gov/chemical-research/ july-2019-report-tire-crumbrubber-characterization-0 for the full report.
TURF SHOW
REGISTER FOR TURF MAINTENANCE LIVE
STUDENT CHALLENGE
New sponsors of SALTEX College Cup TORO AND REESINK Turfcare will be sponsoring the SALTEX College Cup 2019, managed by the IOG. The student-led sports turf challenge tests teams of students on their turf management knowledge with paper-based questions, a presentation and live test samples. The competition, held during SALTEX, at the NEC Birmingham from 30-31 October, presents a real challenge to its young contestants but with the promise of big rewards.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to witness the working practices at an elite venue”
10 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
The winning team will travel to Spain in February 2020 for a groundscare work experience placement at Real Madrid FC’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Dan Prest, head of member services – learning and consultancy at the IOG, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for turf care students to witness the working practices at an elite venue and draw inspiration from Paul Burgess, a respected UK grounds manager.” Reesink Turfcare’s marketing manager, Rochelle Bedford, said: “By sponsoring the SALTEX College Cup, we are demonstrating Toro and Reesink’s long-term commitment to the development of the industry and providing valuable learning opportunities for the brightest young groundspeople, which we hope will help them further their careers.”
REGISTRATION IS OPEN for this year’s Turf Maintenance Live, on 23 and 24 October at the Woollam Playing Fields, St Albans, Herts. The event showcases turf maintenance machines with working demonstrations and new products for 2020. IOG members can claim CPD points for their attendance. Entry is free but you must pre-register at turfmaintenancelive.com
LEGACY PL ANS
CRICKET QUESTIONS MPS WILL QUIZ cricket chiefs over their plans to capitalise on England’s recent World Cup triumph. England secured its first-ever World Cup win in July – a tournament which it hosted – and the success has increased the profile of the sport. ECB chair Colin Graves and CEO Tom Harrison will face the DCMS Committee in Westminster on 23 October. The committee will explore ways the triumph could be utilised to boost participation.
U P D AT E
NEWS
NEW DEALER
NETWORK EXPANDS CYRIL JOHNSTON & CO has become the latest pin in the dealer map of Charterhouse Turf Machinery. Operating from its Carryduff depot, it is now responsible for the sale and service of the Redexim range of products, for both natural and synthetic surfaces, in Northern Ireland.
TRACTOR OPTIONS
NEW FINANCE PLANS REESINK TURFCARE IS offering two flexible finance plans to help customers looking to buy a new tractor. Option one means nothing to pay until May 2020, while the second option spreads the cost over three years with three months’ payment upfront then 33 equal monthly payments thereafter. For more details call 01480 226800 or email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk
The proud team behind the new EVO 165 woodchipper
FEELING CHIPPER
First batch of new woodchippers rolls off production line
FOLLOWING ITS LAUNCH at The Arb Show in May, the first batch of EVO 165 woodchippers has left the GreenMech factory for dealerships across the country. After three years of design, testing and production, the new series was pictured at despatch with just a handful of those who took EVO from concept to completion.
Managing director Jonathan Turner said GreenMech had been overwhelmed by the reaction to the new series. “It’s been fantastic to see all the hard work come together, with the wealth of new features contributing to our most efficient chipper of this size to date. We’re keen for more potential customers to see just what they can do.”
£70M UPGRADE DISTRIBUTION DEAL
CAMPEY IN ICELAND GRASTEC EHF has been appointed as the new Campey Turf Care Systems distributor for Iceland. The Icelandic company will be offering the full range of Campey products, including Imants, Vredo, Air2G2, Dakota and the Campey ownbrand lines.
WORK STARTS AT WIMBLEDON THE ALL ENGLAND LAWN Tennis Club (AELTC) has appointed Willmott Dixon to construct a new members’ centre next to the iconic Wimbledon Championship complex. The £70m facility will include 12 new tennis courts (six indoor and six outdoor), new club house facilities, an enhanced arrivals experience for competitors at The Championships and upgraded Centre Court chiller
IN MEMORY
JOHN WARNER JOHN WARNER, NDT, formerly a key member of the London Borough of Merton’s grounds team, has died aged 87. After a long career with the council, a time during which he also served on the IOG London South West Committee and was an examiner for NDT accreditation, John was also the recipient of the IOG’s Chairman’s Award/Sword of Honour and, in 1986, was acknowledged as the IOG’s Groundsman of the Year. Condolences are sent to his widow Peg and his family.
12 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
plant. There will also be a singlestorey underground car park for up to 338 vehicles. The upgrade is part of the AELTC’s Master Plan and has been commissioned to ensure Wimbledon remains the finest stage in world tennis, while also offering the best facilities for AELTC members throughout the year. The project is due to be completed by the end of October 2021.
GARY LEWIS FORMER BLACKPOOL FC groundsman Gary Lewis has passed away, his son has announced. Gary had worked at Blackpool from May 2018 until April this year, and previously held roles at Macclesfield Town and Accrington. Robert Heys, head of partnerships at Blackpool, said: “Gutted to hear the news. It was a genuine privilege to have known and worked with him.”
U P D AT E
PRODUCT UPDATE Tines, turf rotors and a scarifying machine
NEWS
S H OWC A S E Read about top dressers and spreaders on page 39
The Hunter ST-1 00 Turf Rotor Toro’s Titan Tines come in more than 1 0 di erent iterations
1 TITAN TINES TORO
KAR UK
THANKS TO REESINK Turfcare’s 24hour delivery service, customers can have their stock of Toro Titan Tines replenished and their machines back up and running as quickly as possible. Clean-cut holes are important for a speedy recovery, so you need tines with sharp edges and smooth sides. There are over 150 Toro Titan Tines available covering all possible aeration applications. Whether you’ll be coring, slicing or spiking, hollow, solid or deep tining, or using water injection
2 GKB
cultivation or ‘linear’ aeration, there’s a Titan Tine for every need. Plus, all Titan Tines fit current and late model Toro aerators and the standard mount size fits lots of other manufacturer aerators, too. Toro’s Titan Tines have a robust tungsten-carbide-blend tip, which lasts up to four times longer than standard tines. And because they last longer, it means fewer replacements and less change-outs are needed. www.toro.com
GKB MACHINES
S1 0 STR NG
CHAMPIONSHIP CLUB READING FC has been using its GKB S1 0 strong for the maintenance of its impressive pitches for more than a year now. Grounds manager Adam Grantham said the team had trialled many machines but the strong scarifying machine stood out. The beating heart of the machine is the CombiRotor with mm carbide scarifying blades, making it easy to KEEP IN TOUCH
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The GKB S1 0 strong
attain operating depths of cm. Reading FC has been using the machine for a deep sward clean out or a light verti cut. www.gkbmachines.com
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HUNTER ST-1 00 TURF ROTOR KAR UK HAS launched the Hunter ST1700V Turf Rotor. The ST range of Hunter irrigation products are designed to cool and clean synthetic turf sports surfaces. Simple to specify, contractor-friendly to install, and easy to service and maintain, the Hunter ST System is a cost-effective, fully integrated solution designed to meet the unique and specific needs of the synthetic turf irrigation market. Simplicity is the key to the ST1700V as it integrates Valve-in-Head (VIH) capabilities and a Total-TopService (TTS) design to simplify installation and maintenance. TTS design provides convenient no-dig servicing without the need to cut into the synthetic surface and VIH configuration makes installation fast and easy. The ST-1700V rotor is now available exclusively in the UK and Ireland from KAR UK. For more information, please visit www.karuk.com or www.hunterindustries.com twitter.com/the_iog
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 13
U P D AT E
S A LT E X
The Learning LIVE sessions tackle a variety of topical issues
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Industry experts unite to tackle the biggest issues facing grounds teams – book your place on these free seminars soon
L
EARNING LIVE, SALTEX’S free-to-attend education programme, includes panel debates and presentations at the show, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on 30 and 31 October. Featuring over 50 CPD-accredited seminars and more than 100 expert speakers, the programme offers support, insight and solutions to the key industry issues. Learning LIVE will kickstart with ‘Creating Champions’ telling the story of grounds staffs’ contribution to this summer’s biggest weekend of sporting success. A spectacular line-up, including Neil Stubley (AELTC, Wimbledon) and Karl McDermott (Lord’s), will explain how to deliver exceptional surfaces for the world’s most prestigious sports events.
PREMIERSHIP TO GRASSROOTS
Findings from the IOG’s recent research document Groundsmanship – Sports’ Vital Profession will be presented by the IOG’s CEO Geoff Webb and consultant research lead, Carol Doran. Meanwhile, football grounds personnel can enjoy a rare opportunity to sit in on the ‘Tottenham Hotspur FC Experience’ seminar. Head groundsman Gary Lee reveals how the state-of-the-art stadium pitches are built. From Premiership to grassroots groundsmanship, there’s something 14 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
for everyone at Learning LIVE. Pitch advisors from the IOG-led Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP) will be presenting case studies of successful pitch improvements and offering advice on how to secure funding.
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
In the ‘Class Acts’ seminar, Ian Avery (Sutton Valence School) explores how independent schools can balance internal and external demands on their pitches. Ian will focus on costings, timings and benefits to the school, plus the problems, and solutions, of quick turnarounds on multi-sport pitches. Giles Roberts (St Peter’s School), Lee Marshallsay (Charterhouse) and Danny Beckley (Harrow School) will also be discussing best practices to help your pitches stand out in a competitive market. Recent regulations relating to plant protection products (PPP) have had a significant impact on turf management, and Learning LIVE attendees can expect to find answers in a seminar entitled ‘Pesticide 2020 and Beyond’. With a number of widely used insecticides, fungicides and herbicides having been withdrawn in recent times, Dr Colin Mumford (Bayer) will be on hand to explain the current status of PPP, what PPP are being withdrawn or introduced, and how to get optimum results from them.
By Chris Bennett SALTEX press officer
Cricket grounds personnel can find out about ongoing research carried out by First Class Counties and England’s Centre of Excellence. An elite panel featuring Andy McKay (Sussex CCC), Gary Barwell (Warwickshire CCC) and Will Relf (Loughborough University) will be explaining how hybrid pitches in cricket are learning lessons from football. Industry legend Chris Wood, the ECB’s international pitches consultant, is set to captivate the audience with his stories as he looks back through his career in ‘A Lifetime in Groundsmanship’. Elsewhere, climatologist Jim Dale is presenting ‘Managing Climate Change’ to ensure turf professionals stay one step ahead; ICL’s Dr Andy Owen and PhD student at Royal Holloway University, Tamsin Williams, offer an insight into their four-year research project on the effects of seaweed products on turf grass plant parasitic nematodes; industry consultant Peter Corbett discusses ‘Life Without Propiconazole’; and Question Time with the Amenity Forum will no doubt spark a lively debate around the use of pesticides and their alternatives. Visit www.iogsaltex.com to see the full programme, register and book onto seminars. Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX
i
Plans are afoot to improve 6,000 natural grass pitches
REACHING NEW GOALS IN TURF Revised plans prompt new strategy for the GaNTIP team
T
he plans by the Premier League, The Football Association and the Government’s Football Foundation to accelerate their initiative to improve the natural turf landscape have prompted a change of approach for the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP) team. Funded in part by the Football Foundation, the network of regional pitch advisors (RPAs) for GaNTIP is playing a leading role in collaborating with County FA colleagues in identifying a strategy that will help improve 6,000 natural grass pitches by 2021.
The approach includes targeting sites that are currently maintained by grassroots clubs, working with local authorities to review maintenance contracts or schedules, and using the findings from Local Football Facilities Plans to identify priority sites.
EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS
The next 12-18 months promise to be an exciting time for GaNTIP and the Football Foundation’s grass pitch strategy. GaNTIP has been at the forefront of developing and providing key technical expertise on new systems and initiatives that will support this pitch improvement scheme, and the network
Key GaNTIP football statistics April 2018 – March 2019 Pitches assessed: 2,890
Pitch quality improved: 83%
Delivery of 27 awareness evenings in partnership with County FAs (CFAs) and preferred suppliers
31 training courses held; 16 IOG training courses delivered in partnership with CFAs and 15 IOG courses 192 volunteers trained via IOG/CFA courses
Pitch Grading Standard (PQS) – 70% of clubs improved by one or more PQS level 1,082 volunteers engaged with
The average age of the pitches being assessed is 20+ years (and 70% of pitches are in this age category) Match equivalent capacity has increased by 28%, from 2.5 matches per week to 3.2 matches per week
16 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
By Tom Rowley GaNTIP key account manager (football)
of volunteers that maintain them. Some examples include: The new Digital Assessment Tool (currently under development and expected to launch in 2020) will increase the RPAs’ reach and speed of response. The new Football Foundation Groundskeeping Community app – thefa.hivelearning.com/groundskeeping – launched last month. It is an interactive platform where the groundskeeping community can access information on best practice as well as connect with each other and RPAs to share advice and guidance. Funding – the Football Foundation will be launching new funding opportunities to support clubs that currently maintain their own sites, or have a desire to take on additional maintenance of sites they currently use. The fund will provide clubs and voluntary organisations with tapered financial support to enable their pitches to reach a minimum community standard. Further details will be announced this autumn. Visit www.iog.org for more details about GaNTIP and see page 18 for information about the new interactive ‘Hive Learning’ platform
i
COMMUNITY FOOTBALL
GROUNDSKEEPERS UNITED IOG and leading football organisations join forces to launch a free app to connect the community and improve pitch quality
T
he Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation are ramping up efforts to improve the quality of grass pitches in England with the launch of the Football Foundation Groundskeeping Community app. The new resource features expert advice for grounds staff, enabling them to connect with peers, discover new tips and tricks, and share advice on best industry practice. Users can seek guidance from the IOG’s regional pitch advisors (linked to the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme), who will answer questions and update members on changes to industry standards. The app is free and will feature regular new content, including videos from high-profile groundskeepers such as Wembley Stadium’s head groundsman Karl Standley, case studies and the latest in groundskeeping techniques. Developed in partnership with the IOG and run through Hive Learning, Europe’s leading peer learning platform, the app is the latest step in the Football Foundation’s Pitch Improvement Programme, which aims to ensure every affiliated football fixture in England is played on a quality football pitch. Karl Standley said: “Whether it’s Wembley or your local community football pitch, us groundskeepers all face the same challenges. I think it’s great that we can now all come 18 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
together on this new platform to share these challenges and help each other find solutions. We are all aware of the importance of improving the state of pitches in this country, and this is a great step to making a long-lasting difference.”
MAINTAINING COMMUNITY
Geoff Webb, IOG CEO, said: “This is the culmination of over five years’ work within our partnership with both the Football Foundation and The FA, via the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme. It will complement the invaluable pitchmaintenance service that the regional pitch advisors provide for volunteers at grassroots football clubs.” Dean Potter, director of grant management at the Football Foundation, said: “The majority of community football is played on grass pitches and it’s a priority for us that we are able to sustain this. “We know how important football facilities are in transforming lives and bringing communities together, and this platform will enable us to build a new groundskeeper community that will provide huge benefits for people across the country.” To access the new resource and to find out more go to thefa.hivelearning.com/groundskeeping
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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
BEST PRACTICE
AWARD-WINNING LESSONS IN TEAMWORK The grounds team at St Joseph’s College has much to be proud of after an IOG award-winning 2018. Thanks to the team’s expert pitch care routines, the independent school continues to enhance its sporting facilities and increase its playing surfaces
A By Colin Hoskins Features editor
20 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
sked why he thinks St Joseph’s College won the 2018 IOG Growth Products Independent Schools Grounds Team of the Year Award, head groundsperson Pete Hamilton answers without hesitation. “I’d like to think the clincher was our team ethic,” he says. “Although we’re a small squad (four when we won the award – now five) we’re a strong group. We work hard on every task
across our 60-acre campus. We all muck in, whether for rugby, cricket, athletics, hockey, netball, tennis or football, as well as on the amenity areas. And we’re also able to have a laugh and a joke together – that’s very important.” Notwithstanding this emphasis on teamwork, the award also recognises the team’s achievements in attaining – and maintaining – high-quality playing surfaces (natural and artificial) that last year hosted:
BEST PRACTICE
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
A LIFE IN GROUNDSKEEPING
Pete Hamilton and his team work hard to maintain the 60-acre campus at St Joseph’s College
”We all muck in, whether for rugby, cricket, athletics, hockey, netball, tennis or football, as well as the amenity areas. We’re also able to have a laugh together – that’s very important” • 61 rugby matches • 71 cricket fixtures, including 10 Suffolk games • 75 netball/hockey fixtures • Four sports days. In conjunction with the IOG, in 2017-18 the college carried out a thorough review of its sports surfaces and amenity areas. The review also looked at skill levels; two members of the team now have either Level 2 or 3 plus PA6 spraying certificates, while one has a chainsaw qualification. During the IOG award-winning year, the grounds team: • Renovated four rugby pitches to national standard • Renovated three cricket squares to County level, ready to host year-round cricket • Carried out all required arboriculture work, including annual risk assessments, and rolled out a programme to raise and enhance the standard of the college’s nonsporting grounds areas. History was made when, in September 2018, the college welcomed football (full size and
five-a-side) to its senior school curriculum, complemented by the arrival of the Under 18s Ipswich Town Scholars; 24 of the region’s under 18 football elite now receive part-time weekly education at the school. Pete and his team are working on an adjoining football pitch, to provide the players with a Countystandard surface. In addition to new cricket nets and a new cricket pavilion, this year Pete and his colleagues – Clive Munn, Karl ‘Buster’ Bentman and Tony Baker, plus ‘new boy’ Andrew Boyd – have also been busy enhancing the non-sporting areas, introducing formal planting schemes and creating a ‘serenity garden’. They also have their work cut out maintaining the playing surfaces to meet the needs of pupils and other users, including Northampton Saints, Colchester Rugby Club, Civil Service Netball and the Grasshoppers Hockey Club. The under 18 National Schools rugby festival weekend is also accommodated and this sees 16 competing teams from all over the country.
Now 62, Pete Hamilton has been involved in the groundscare industry since he was 15. “Dad was a superintendent in the local council’s parks department and he knew the Latin name for every plant,” remembers Pete. “As was the norm in those days, I followed in his footsteps and joined the gardening team. I didn’t take to that, so dad suggested I try the grounds team – which I thought involved only grass cutting and line marking!” Pete loved every minute and embarked on a career that included 11 years with the London Borough of Hounslow, then periods with the Corporation of London, Edmonton Sports Club and at the London Fire Brigade sports ground, where he experienced a range of playing surfaces including bowls, cricket, tennis and football. A foray into golf and polo before a move to Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club meant that Pete had encountered most “if not all sports surfaces, except perhaps crown bowls and horse racing” before joining St Joseph’s College in 2011. “Looking back, the time spent at Bury St Edmunds taught me so much,” he says. “But, actually, you never stop learning, do you?”
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 21
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Because some matches are streamed live the pitches not only have to play well but look good, too
“During the college’s nine-week summer holiday, the pitches effectively get only two weeks’ rest” “Every match is streamed live, so the pitches not only have to play well but look good, too,” says Pete. Events such as this, and activities like summer camps, leave little time for traditional summer renovations. “During the college’s nine-week summer holiday, the pitches effectively get only two weeks’ rest – then another two weeks at Christmas – so a rolling programme of mini renovations and maintenance is undertaken based around scarifying, deep spiking, top dressing and overseeding.” The regime for the cricket square – which keeps one team member busy full-time during the season – includes regular verticutting, plus good use of a combination brush-rake. “This season we’ve taken the squares up to 6mm instead of 4mm, from the usual 12mm when they were being prepared by raking and rolling, and we’ve found them easier to manage,” explains Pete. “The college regularly turns out highlevel sports players including professional cricketers and rugby players, and I firmly believe that their standard of play depends 22 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
Pete believes that regular maintenance is the key to safe and playable pitches
on the quality of the pitches. Presentation counts for a lot, but regular maintenance – which includes a comprehensive aeration programme in the autumn and winter months, when we aim to deep spike every three weeks to relieve compaction and aid drainage – is the key to safe and playable pitches. It’s the same with our artificial surfaces; these are regularly brushed and sprayed, and deep-cleaned once a year to ensure they remain in good condition.” As well as liberal applications of sand – “about 170 tonnes a year” – Pete utilises an armoury of amenity supplies to guarantee pitch playability, selecting a range of Rigby Taylor products such as grass seed mixes
(usually 50 bags a year) and 140 bags of slow-release fertiliser and, he explains, “especially before the rugby festival, a ‘boost’ application of fertiliser then liquid iron to ‘green up’ the sward”. Pete adds: “I’m constantly tweaking things year-on-year. This year I’ve switched to diploid grass seed for increased wear tolerance and it seems to have paid off – we regularly receive appreciative comments from the college and from heads of rugby at other schools.” For information about the IOG’s Turf Care Advisory site audit service contact learning@iog.org or 01908 312511
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ELITE SPORT
S A RL ARCETPIO B PE ES C TIP C RE T
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE The installation of a temporary water-based hockey pitch over the natural grass at Harlequins’ rugby ground proved to be an intriguing project for head groundsman Paul Sykes
It took three weeks in total to prepare and lay the arti cial hockey pitch
24 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
By Colin Hoskins Features editor
SPECIAL REPORT
ELITE SPORT
W
hen it was agreed that a pioneering project to develop the world’s first portable elite hockey pitch system would be staged at the home of Harlequins Rugby Club, The Stoop, Twickenham, it wasn’t just a test of Paul Sykes’ groundsmanship skills. His communication skills were also tested to the full during the many meetings between the Quins’ management team, Great Britain Hockey and the International Hockey Federation (FIH), which wanted to host the final of its first ever Pro League campaign at The Stoop, the home of the Aviva Premiership rugby union side. Most FIH Pro venues accommodate 7,500 spectators, whereas The Stoop holds almost twice that (14,800). The FIH wanted to stage games involving GB’s men’s and women’s teams versus squads from New Zealand. Great Britain Hockey put together a group of experts, including artificial playing surface specialist Polytan – an official supplier to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, sports turf consultancy firm STRI, and Polypipe, the manufacturer of the Permavoid geocellular base often used in civil engineering projects.
TEMPORARY LAY AND PLAY
Paul admits that the prospect of installing a temporary artificial ‘lay and play’ surface on the pitch sent shivers down his spine, in terms of the impact it would have on the existing pitch, the new pitch’s stability as well as the after-
ABOUT PAUL SYKES
Head groundsman Paul Sykes has been taking care of The Stoop for 10 years
Paul, 41, has been head groundsman at The Stoop for 10 years. He has spent much of his career in groundscare, including spells at AFC Wimbledon and the Wasps (rugby). He gained an HND via Myerscough College. After a few years working in the ski industry in the French Alps, Paul returned to England. “I signed on for Unemployment Benefit (something I will not do again) and I was under a lot of pressure to take a job – any job – but I kept telling them I was a groundsman and a job selling burgers just wasn’t for me. “After six months, this job was advertised and the rest, as they say, is history. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it; it is a wonderful job.”
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 25
ELITE SPORT
A PASSION FOR THE PITCH
The 35mm rubber shock layer sits on a Permavoid geocellular base
The pitch part-laid, with the Permavoid base
effects when the natural grass surface was reinstated and regrown. “I returned from a short holiday to be told that the FIH Pro League finals were to be staged here on 23 June 2019,” says Paul. “I could have had kittens! It would have been easy to adopt a negative attitude, but I decided to investigate every aspect of the pitch construction and its after-effects. “I wanted to explore every avenue and the best place to do that was at SALTEX 2018, where I could interrogate all the experts and see most, if not all, of the technologies that would be involved in the project.”
PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS
The two days he spent at the exhibition were, he says, time well spent. “I met with the project contractor, Carrick Sports, and discussed pitch stability and the characteristics of the water-based playing surfaces, including the Permavoid sub-base and the Polytan playing surface – Poligras 26 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
Tokyo GT – that had been selected for use.” One major issue, he says, was that the new base could not be made perfectly flat because of the depth of the existing drains and the 36cm discrepancy in the pitch’s overall level. “But Carrick Sports laserlevelled the pitch and engineered a perfect crown before installing the gravel and sand bands, over which was laid a geotextile membrane. Then came Permavoid to ‘carry’ the 35mm rubber shock layer and, finally, the Poligras Tokyo GT carpet. The new pitch covered around 8,000m2 – an area with 5m margins within the rugby pitch. While Paul wanted the gravel and sand bands for establishing his new pitch after the game, the worry was they would create a surface too ‘dry’ for hockey. “But, it easily met the specification for consistent Clegg hammer readings of 70/80,” he says. Afterwards, the pitch was lifted and Paul power-raked the surface then applied 25 bags of seed in preparation for the 2019-20 season. “So far, so good,” he says as he surveys the new sward. “But if I think this year was testing, next season the hockey finals are being staged here again – but this time before the end of the rugby season. It took three weeks to lay the artificial surface and one week to lift it, so next year’s project is going to be interesting, to say the least!” For more information visit www.polytan.com; www. bigstadiumhockey.com; www.strigroup. com. Also see The Groundsman, July 2019, for more details about the use of Permavoid.
“I’m very passionate about my job, and about the pitch,” says Paul Sykes. “I see individual blades of grass, and I want the best for each and every one. “One of my current hobby-horses is the impact of mycorrhiza on soil pitches. I want to push the science of what I’m doing; I want to find out as much as I can about it, including learning about the benefits of things like fine endophytes (Glomus tenue).” His level of passion clearly benefits The Stoop. Last season it hosted 239 hours of play – 40 hours more than is recommended for a natural grass surface – and enjoyed full grass coverage at the end. Paul now has an assistant, Dan Hill. Their regime includes a programme of vertidraining and verti-cutting, plus spraying – increasingly with organic solutions. Paul says: “Sir Clive Woodward, who won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, highlighted the importance of critical non-essentials (CNEs). On their own, CNEs may be insignificant, but collectively they can make a big difference. I stack up as many as I can.”
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Paul’s dedication keeps the turf in top condition
C MMUNITY RUGBY
England Rugby is o ering clubs grounds maintenance advice
GET CONNECTED FOR THE WORLD CUP As we count down to the opening game of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, England Rugby’s encouragement to clubs, schools, colleges and universities to stage events and inspire communities includes groundscare advice
E By Ted Mitchell RFU national facilities manager
ngland Rugby is out to inspire the nation and roar the England team onto success in the Rugby World Cup. Clubs are being encouraged to organise events for their members and communities, specifically around England’s first match against Tonga on September, while the Rise and Shine’ campaign is encouraging schools, colleges and universities to arrange activities around England’s match against the USA on September. In addition to clubs’ grass pitches and facilities, there are 26 artificial pitches (AGP) available across
ENGLAND ARE PREPARED… The Rugby World Cup opens on Friday 20 September and 20 national teams will compete in matches at 12 venues across Japan. There will be 48 matches in total, with the final on 9 November in Yokohama City. The England squad’s World Cup preparations are going well. They have trained hard in various locations ahead of warm-up matches against Wales, Ireland and Italy in London, Cardiff and Newcastle, prior to their journey to Japan.
England where players of all ages can participate in any of the various rugby formats. For a nominal fee of £1, clubs or groups of players can book a pitch on any AGP between now and Saturday 9 November. Simply email rugby rfu.com to obtain the required code. A number of resources have been produced in support of Rise and Shine, including a how-to guide for planning, promoting and running a Rugby World Cup event; downloadable and editable marketing assets; plus a checklist – which includes a social media guide – to ensure clubs are prepared to welcome new members and players. Grounds maintenance advice is also available, through the Rugby Groundsmen Connected scheme, to help grounds personnel get their pitches in the best possible condition. Rugby Groundsmen Connected provides Rugby Union groundspeople with, for example: Direct access to Twickenham grounds staff and RFU industry partners Support from volunteer pitch advisors Special prices on pitch maintenance equipment Access to local and regional RFU pitch maintenance events and workshops.
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For more information or to sign up for Rugby Groundsmen Connected, email groundsmenconnected@rfu.com www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 29
IOG INDUSTRY AWARD SPONSOR
Daniel Ratling’s team keep the school’s pitches in top condition despite intensive wear
NEW GROWTH AT WHITGIFT SCHOOL Head groundsman Daniel Ratling shares his simple secret to success
S By Phil Garrod UK sports turf manager, Advance Grass Solutions
ince 2015, Whitgift School head groundsman, Daniel Ratling has made steady improvements on the sports turf surfaces on site at Hailing Park, South Croydon. Whitgift School is not the biggest school in the country area wise and the pitches can be subject to intensive wear and stresses throughout a calendar year so keeping them in excellent condition can be a challenge. The grounds team, under direction from Dan, uses a simplistic but effective maintenance regime through concentrating on precise and well-timed cultural methods in order to keep improving the pitches. Dan has a Sports Turf Management degree and a Level 6 IOG Professional Certification in Turf Science Consulting, so it is fair to say he is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to effective turf care. In order to enhance the cultural work that goes on at Whitgift School, Dan uses some carefully selected
“Nitro 30 has helped to improve the playability of the surfaces and gives me exactly what I need from a fertiliser” 30 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
products from the Growth Products’ range. Growth Products has one of the most extensively researched and long-standing product portfolios in the turf and amenity market and pioneered the use of slow-release liquids which are extremely effective on cool season grasses. One product, Nitro 30, is a liquid slow-release outfield fertiliser that has been a key addition to the management regime at Whitgift School. This product has really helped Dan and his team to control not only the aesthetic qualities of the surfaces but also help reduce excessive clipping yields which has been integral to improving the quality of the surfaces.
REAL-WORLD SUCCESS
According to Dan: “The Growth Products’ range is a very comprehensive turf and amenity range which has solutions for an array of circumstances. In my situation Nitro 30 has helped to improve the aesthetics and playability of the surfaces and continues to give me exactly what I need from a fertiliser.”
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For more information visit www.advancegrass.com
JOB CLINIC
By Frank Newberry IOG-approved management trainer and consultant
HOW TO GET THE JOB YOU WANT
Got your eye on a job, but can’t wait for a vacancy? Succession planning could be the answer…
M
“If there are no vacancies, no problem – just get your name on a succession plan” 32 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
any employers develop people into more senior roles over a period of months or years, but most will also have a succession plan in place, particularly for key positions such as head groundsperson, deputy or first assistant. Senior management will monitor work performance and, if people leave and cover is needed in a hurry, will start to consider who might be able to stand in to do the head or the deputy’s job. The temporary cover might last only until the organisation can arrange a permanent appointment. At some point, the deputy and any others on temporary promotion will be told that they are not yet ready for the step up – or find themselves in pole position to make a good impression before the selection tests commence. If you want to get on in your career, you should consider trying to get on someone’s succession plan – either with your current or another employer. Most forward-thinking employers will have someone in mind to
take over a job – you just need to ask for your name to be included. If your employer doesn’t have a succession plan in place, then this five-step process can help you to implement one, and maybe get a step closer to that dream job.
1
IDENTIFY KEY JOBS WHERE SUCCESSION PLANNING IS NEEDED
It is the genuinely key positions that should be the focus of succession planning efforts. You may wish to offer to help your employer carry out a risk assessment to identify critical positions – at least within your own team. You could also offer to do the assessment for other departments, as a development project.
2
IDENTIFY THE SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES NEEDED FOR EACH KEY JOB
Provide your employer with a clearer understanding of the capabilities needed for successful performance in each key job.
SUCCESSION PLANNING
EM PLOYM ENT A DV I CE
JOB CLINIC Frank will again be hosting his Job Clinic at this year’s SALTEX, 30-31 October at the NEC, Birmingham. You can book a 15-minute slot on the IOG Hub with Frank for one-to-one coaching on CVs, job-seeking ideas, interview techniques and salary-negotiation skills. Frank will also be presenting two Learning LIVE sessions: 30 October 360° Management Why you should be managing upwards, sideways as well as down in your organisation. 31 October Making an Exhibition of Yourself An introduction to self-promotion for turf care professionals.
3
IDENTIFY SUCCESSION MANAGEMENT METHODS
part of the plan and make any necessary adjustments to it.
IMPLEMENT SUCCESSION PLANS
Good luck with your succession planning – it is a cheap and simple way to ensure work performance standards are maintained or enhanced at times of change. As an employee, you stand to benefit, as does your employer. There is nothing to stop you applying to be on the succession plan of any person working anywhere. You just have to indicate your suitability and your availability to the organisations that you would like to employ you. If there are no vacancies, no problem – you just need to get your name on a succession plan. This direct approach, which sidesteps agencies, job adverts and vacancy announcements, is a key part of proactive job searching, which was the most popular Job Clinic session at SALTEX 2018.
Now that key jobs have been recognised and capabilities identified, the next step is to choose a range of methods to achieve the succession. These might include developing people already on the team, sounding out people employed elsewhere, or testing staff at a lower grade to see if they have the potential to do key jobs.
4
Once methods have been identified, the next step is to create a flowchart or write an action plan. The action plan should have clearly defined milestones and timings, and should indicate who will be doing which jobs when people leave.
5
EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SUCCESSION PLAN
To ensure that your efforts are successful, it is important to monitor and evaluate each
For more career progression advice book a 15-minute slot with Frank at this year’s SALTEX, visit www.iogsaltex.com
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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 33
GROW WITH THE IOG
WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITY MEAN FOR YOU?
Sustainability means more than putting up bird boxes, designating an area as a wildflower meadow or recycling plastic bottles; these are all good practices, but just a small part of a bigger picture
S By Chris Gray IOG learning programme architect
ustainability is one of the most overused – and arguably misused – words in media. The classic (but very general) definition of sustainable development [Brundtland Report, 1987] is: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” However, what is actually meant by development? Is this quantitative, qualitative, or both? How does one judge the needs of unknown future generations? How might it be interpreted within a ground’s management plan? Is sustainable development a process and sustainability an outcome? These simple points provide examples of why this is such a contested concept.
“Question and challenge to become a more intelligent customer when purchasing materials and managing grounds” 34 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
A feature or process which can include words such as ‘enduring’, ‘provides an enriching experience’ or ‘is non-damaging, equitable and widely beneficial’ is an attempt to paint a picture of what is meant by sustainability. Even these words, however, are laden with subjective interpretations. In some way, it can also be thought of as an extensive and dynamically changing jigsaw. With the abundant and excellent range of materials and equipment available within the turf grass industry, a particular – and not insignificant – challenge comes from being able to determine what is most appropriate for your situation. For example, how do your purchased resources contribute to your approach to sustainability?
SUSTAINABILITY IN TURF MANAGEMENT
There are many principles, or frameworks, of sustainability that can be investigated to help formulate your own sustainability plan: ‘The Natural Step’, ‘The Bellagio Principles’ and the ‘Hannover Principles’ are just a few examples. But
GROW WITH THE IOG
S U S TA I N A B I LT Y
There’s far more to sustainability than planting wild owers
defining and setting out a comprehensive understanding is essential before starting any journey to sustainability. With regard to sports pitches, the term ‘sustainable use’ (also known as carrying capacity) is frequently used to describe “…the maximum usage of a pitch without causing an unacceptable reduction in playing quality...” (Journal of the Sports Turf Research Institute, Vol. 68, p29). This is only a small part of the wider systems aspect of sustainable management and not an end point. What is the boundary around which a sustainable management plan is to
be drawn? Is it a pitch, the site, or the surrounding land? Does this represent a realistic construct of what is achievable and will it capture outside impacts and influences? For example, how is the transport of bulky materials to a site and its impact on the surrounding roads – increased traffic, noise and pollution – factored into a sustainability plan? The concept of sustainability is sometimes represented using a Venn diagram (see below) with three key areas, known as ‘the three pillars of sustainability’: Economic viability; Environmentally sound; Social responsibility. Other features, such
‘CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABILITY’ VENN DIAGRAM
as Ethics and Governance, are sometimes also included. Your organisation’s sustainability could be at stake if you don’t question and challenge ideas, suggestions and working practices to become a more intelligent customer when purchasing materials and when managing grounds. What is ‘fit for purpose’ for your requirements? Does it meet your wider needs, and does it fit with a sustainability plan? Take a step back to make an informed, impartial and appropriate decision. Active stakeholder engagement is another essential, yet often neglected, element to sustainability. It is often interpreted as having to be consensusdriven. But this is often misunderstood and actually requires disagreement and debate, as explained by some of the major innovators of our time “…consensus is not about getting everyone to agree. Instead it’s about coming to the best idea…” (Schmidt & Rosenberg, How Google Works). Judgements and value decisions are fundamental aspects of the concept of sustainability: developing insight helps provide a good balance to these decisions. The IOG offers a Level 4 Certificate in Sustainable Turf Management, which challenges a learner to explore the concept of sustainability and how it might be applied in their context by creating their own sustainable turf management plan. For more details, visit www.iog.org
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For sustainability, all three circles must overlap
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 35
IN ACTION
SECURE FOOTING FOR HAYDOCK PARK Chafer grub infestation successfully treated by Acelepryn insecticide at Haydock Racecourse
H
ealthy turf condition is a priority for racecourse grounds personnel, because a poor grass surface can affect the racehorse’s ability to gallop safely over the ground and put these animals – often worth millions of pounds – at risk. “If the racing surface becomes unstable due to the action of turf pests, we have no alternative but to cancel the race meeting,” explains Haydock Park’s deputy head groundsman, Alan Fyles. “And, as racecourses tend to have several tracks running parallel, it’s very easy for a small infestation to quickly affect the entire course.” This was the dilemma that presented itself in spring 2018, when birds flocking over part of the flat track indicated the presence of chafer grubs grazing on the turf roots. Haydock Park, near St Helens in Merseyside, has 15.76 hectares of total racing surface and hosts prestigious racing fixtures from April to October, so the implications were serious. “At its worst, a chafer grub infestation can mean whole sections of turf just lift away like a carpet as the grazing action of the larvae destroys the roots. Birds pecking at the grubs make the damage even worse. It wasn’t too bad initially, but became more severe during the dry summer, so we needed to take action. “On a racecourse you can’t just fence off an affected area. We were concerned that if we didn’t treat the chafer grubs, the racing calendar in the following spring season would be under threat,” says Alan. “We try not to use too many chemicals, but will apply effective treatments where they are needed.” An Emergency Authorisation for the use of the insecticide Acelepryn, marketed in the UK by
“We raced over that track within a month – I’ve never seen a product work like it” 36 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
Alan was delighted with Acelepryn’s e ciency
Syngenta, came at just the right time, and Alan was able to treat the area in September, while the grubs were still at the early larval stages, for optimum control. “It was very easy to apply with a boom sprayer, and our distributor Sherriff Amenity helped with obtaining the paperwork for the authorisation.” The Acelepryn was applied at 600 ml/ha in a high water volume, accompanied by a wetting agent.
ASTONISHING TURNAROUND
The effects, Alan says, were dramatic. “It worked so quickly – the next day there were no birds to be seen, which indicates no chafer grubs. Conditions were ideal with more rain after application, which probably helped further improve the product’s effectiveness. “We left the area for a couple of days before mowing again and then it was back to our normal maintenance regime. We raced over that track within a month.” Alan is also very impressed with the resulting turf quality: “Subsequent growth was good and it’s left a very strong, healthy sward which has performed well this season.” Haydock holds 31 meetings annually and racing takes place all year round, leaving little time for major renovations, so turf health is highly important to Alan and his 11-strong grounds team. Alan said the specialist knowledge of Syngenta and its distributors is key to the success of such treatments. “Racecourse turf is very different in its needs and management to other sports surfaces, not least because we are working at greater cut heights – up to 10cm. It’s important to know how best to use products, and the suppliers worked well with us to ensure the Acelepryn was effective. We would readily use it again at the slightest sign of an infestation.”
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For more information on Acelepryn, visit www.greencastonline.com
JOHN DEERE PROVES BEST FOR BURNLEY A new fleet keeps the team’s training ground in good order Burnley FC’s Barnfield Training Ground is a complex site catering for varied needs, but a new fleet of John Deere machinery from local dealer Balmers is helping to stay on top of it. The 10-hectare site includes four full-size Desso pitches, three-anda-half full-size Fibresand pitches and two full-size natural soil pitches; as well as a full-size outdoor Desso 3G and indoor 60x40m Desso 3G pitch. Head groundsman Barry O’Brien trialled many brands before deciding that John Deere could meet his team’s changing needs. An all-purpose John Deere X950R lawn tractor is helping to keep the turf clear. “The machine is very good at
Burnley FC head groundsman Barry O’Brien (centre front) and his team with the new John Deere machinery eet at the Barn eld Training Ground
sucking up pitch debris as well as leaves off our top pitch, which lies next to woodland,” he says. “It fits perfectly into the different approaches our grounds team is taking on pitches – lighter rolling, clearing out and raking.” Barry also sees the value of his three 7700A PrecisionCut cylinder mowers. “The customised grass boxes and nylon rollers are major benefits.” The new fleet also includes 1026R and 2036R compact tractors, useful all-
rounders that can move indoors to pull drag brushes and help to maintain the Desso cross-knit pitch; while a 4049R compact tractor sports Galaxy turf tyres to help with the bigger pitches. Barry says, “I saw the brilliant back-up we were getting from Balmers and the team’s confidence in the kit, and knew the combination would win through.”
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For more information visit www.deere.co.uk
NEW FERTILISER TO THE RESCUE AT AFC BOURNEMOUTH Headland’s H-Cote Mini raises field longevity on sand-based pitches AFC Bournemouth’s head of grounds, Ian Lucas, switched to Headland Amenity’s H-Cote Mini fertiliser last year to reduce nutrient leaching on the sandbased surfaces, and he is really pleased with the longevity and improvement in plant health this
AFC Bournemouth’s pitches have responded well to Ian’s new feeding regime
has achieved. This new controlledrelease formulation is the latest addition to the club’s nutritional programme which, for the first time over the 2018/19 season, was fungicide free. “When I joined AFC Bournemouth two years ago I inherited a feeding regime, so I reviewed it to see what was working and try to streamline the programme,” explains Ian, who heads up a grounds team of seven. “One of the first things I looked at was the conventional fertiliser being applied on the training ground and academy pitches. Due to these being sand-based, it wasn’t delivering the field longevity we needed, leading to multiple, costly applications per season. I spoke to Headland Amenity’s
sports turf specialist, Alex Hawkes, to find something longer lasting, and he recommended we try H-Cote.” H-Cote fills the gap between fine turf and traditional outfield products, and offers three-to-four month longevity due to the inclusion of high levels (70-91 per cent) of controlled-release nitrogen from polysulphur-coated urea. This provides release characteristics that are gentle and sustained, with minimal risk of flushing or excessive growth. “We first applied H-Cote in September 2018 and we have been impressed with the strong, healthy colour and more consistent growth that definitely seems to last for longer,” Ian said.
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For more information visit www.headlandamenity.com
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 37
Product showcase
READ MORE
IOG NEWS UPDATES Go to the IOG website www.iog.org
TOP DRESSERS & SPREADERS AND BRUSHCUTTERS SCH SUPPLIES
GO WITH THE FLOW
The Rink DS800 is quick and easy to set up and has an impressive spreading width
CHARTERHOUSE TURF MACHINERY
Dresser to impress
A RINK DS800 FROM Charterhouse Turf Machinery is helping make light work of topdressing the 27 greens of Leicestershire’s Beedles Lake Golf Club for head greenkeeper Sam Shuttlewood and his team of six. At the smaller end of the Rink Disc Spreader range, the DS800 has a 0.8m3 hopper and is highly adjustable, offering a spreading width of up to 12m and a thickness
of up to 15mm. It is available in both a trailed or mounted option. “The beauty of the Rink DS800 is that you simply hitch it on the tractor, plug in the hydraulics and you're on your way,” says Sam. “And as it's a disc spreader, we can conduct more frequent light dressings and, thanks to its spreading width, we can cover a whole green in two or three passes.” www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk
THE PBS250 BROADCASTER is fully mounted on a category 1 three-point linkage with a capacity of 250 litres, making it ideal for applying lawn sand over large areas. The broadcaster is capable of full-width spreading or can be used with right or left shut off. A PTO shaft comes supplied, with a recommended speed of 540rpm. A heavy-duty sieve is fixed into the hopper, and a powerful agitator keeps the fertiliser flowing freely onto the spreading rotor. A deflector guard may be fitted around the spreading rotor to restrict the radius of spread, with the spread width ranging from an impressive 6-18m. SCH also has a 300-litre version that can be towed via a ball or clevis hitch. www.schsupplies.co.uk
The hopper allows the material to ow onto the spinning disc
GKB
SPREADING THE LOAD
GKB Sandspreaders come in four models with di erent bunker capacities
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THE GKB SANDSPREADER allows you to distribute a variety of materials, not just sand. Available in four designs, there are bunker capacity options from 1m3 to 4m3. It's equipped with a touchscreen to give you complete control from the tractor. The Sandspreader is available with a conveyer
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belt on the front, so you can use it as a material handler for filling drainage equipment, for example, or a smaller dresser. The SP100 Sandspreader in particular has been developed on the back of the success of GKB’s trailed versions, and is suitable for assembling
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on a turf truck. Mounting is straightforward, with a simple bolt-on system, and stand legs allow the SP100 to be quickly set up or removed. It’s also easily fitted with electro-hydraulic controls and runs directly off the hydraulics of your chosen turf truck. www.gkbmachines.com
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95 0
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Brush or Disc spreading - it’s your choice!
SP
Pedestrian, Trailed or PTO
#SoMuchChoice
0.95M spreading width to 15M See us at Saltex 2019 on Stand K070
www.charterhouse-tm.co.uk | 01428 661222
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
TOP DRESSERS & SPREADERS
Bloxham School continues to choose SISIS
SISIS
LEADING THE FIELD
BLOXHAM SCHOOL IN Oxfordshire has bought three new SISIS tractor-mounted turf maintenance machines: the Powaspred, the Variseeder and the Flexibrush. With a plethora of synthetic and natural grass sports pitches at the school,
“We will reseed all the rugby pitches with the Variseeder in spring after they come out of use”
grounds manager Glenn Davies and his team have their work cut out. For Bloxham’s seeding needs, Glenn and the team rely on the SISIS Variseeder, a versatile, easy-to-use tractor-mounted seeder with a variable seeding rate ideal for sports field maintenance. “We will re-seed all of the rugby pitches with the Variseeder in spring after they come out of use and it will be the last job we do before putting the Powaspred on for the cricket squares.
Toro’s ProPass 200 provides precise application from the rst pass
TORO
Making a clean pass
TORO’S PROPASS 200 has a large 595-litre capacity and, with its ability to deliver accurate spread patterns from the first pass, ranging from ultra-light dustings to heavyduty aeration hole filling, this broadcast-style top dresser is both versatile and precise. Whether you opt for the towed or utility vehiclemounted version, there’s no guesswork involved thanks
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to a colour-coded operating system that delivers a consistent spread with defined edges every time. And you can select a spreading width from 2.7m up to 9.1m. Real-time adjustments are possible with the wireless controller, which lets you make quick setting changes, as well as easily store settings for future use. The unique four-wheel, walking-beam
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“The Powaspred is nice and light so we can use it no matter how wet the ground is. You can get rid of a good three-quarters of a tonne in one go and it’s easy for one person to do on their own. “We top dress the cricket wickets with it and some fine aggregate sand on the rugby pitches which is done to break the ground. It makes the surfaces more playable and it’s easier to put the divots back.” www.sisis.com
suspension means the ProPass 200 has a light footprint over any terrain. As you’d expect from a Toro machine, it’s also easy to use, clean and maintain. The
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twin-spinner accessory can even be speedily swapped out – without tools – to the optional 180-degree swivel cross-conveyor. www.toro.com
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PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BRUSHCUTTERS
EGO
THE ANSWER TO ROUGH GROUND LAST YEAR EGO launched its first dedicated range of commercial cordless outdoor power equipment. New for 2019 is the EGO Power+ STX3800 Commercial Line Trimmer. Perfectly balanced for comfortable use, the EGO Power+ Commercial Line Trimmer and Brush Cutter makes short work of even the roughest ground. The power for the robust 2kW motor comes from any of EGO’s range of technologyleading batteries, from the 1P 2.5Ah battery all the way through to the Commercial Backpack Battery. This is channelled through the light, yet amazingly strong, carbon fibre shaft. Unlike alloy shafts, it won’t bend or lose its shape, keeping vibration levels to a minimum. When using the BAX1500 Backpack Battery, the new EGO Power+ STX3800 Commercial Line Trimmer runs for up to 300 minutes, or up to 420 minutes in brushcutting mode. This represents a full day’s work without the need to recharge. egopowerplus. co.uk/products/ commercial
EGO's Power+ STX3800 Commercial Line Trimmer is new for 2019
Etesia UK has unveiled two new Attila pedestrian brushcutters
ETESIA
Two new Attilas for 2019 ETESIA UK HAS unveiled two new Attila pedestrian brushcutters ahead of the 2019 season. The new Etesia AK60 and AH75 pedestrian brushcutters have been designed to work in the toughest of conditions. These powerful workhorses effectively deal with clearing vegetation from a variety of sites – including long grass, weeds, bracken and brambles. Both machines are highly manoeuvrable, with three forward speeds and one reverse speed. The hydraulic transmission, which can be engaged without interrupting
movement, means they can mow the most difficult slopes (up to 20°). Anti-vibration rubber handles increase comfort, and there’s a parking brake for safe immobilisation. There is also the option to fit two wider rear wheels. Both machines can be moved into vertical position to gain access to the cutter blade for maintenance and cleaning. The AK60 model is fitted with a Kawasaki FJ180 OHV engine with a 60cm cutting width, while the AH75 is fitted with a Honda GXV 390 engine with a 75cm cutting width. www.etesia.co.uk
ECHO
TES brushcutters are built for professionals
IT’S NOT JUST ALL TORQUE GROUNDSMEN OFTEN NEED to be able to cut through thick and dense material and, with a normal twostroke brushcutter, the movement of the cutter head can be restricted. This creates pressure and causes unnecessary wear and tear on the gearbox. ECHO’s TES range boasts a unique gearbox design that
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delivers up to 50 per cent more torque at the cutting head than previous models, so you can tackle a wider range of tasks. Fitted with a heavy-duty line, blade or rotary scissor head, a TES brushcutter is as much at home clearing dense scrub or brush as it is trimming in a garden. But as a professional, you not only want your outdoor
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power tools to offer greater torque, you also need to minimise downtime for maintenance. ECHO has produced brushcutters with smaller, lighter engines without compromising cutting performance and user comfort; and without undue stress on the gearbox. www.echo-tools.co.uk
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PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BRUSHCUTTERS
STIHL
HIGH-PERFORMANCE BRUSHCUTTERS THE FS 91, FS 111 AND FS 131 make up STIHL’s range of professional petrol brushcutters. With excellent power and adaptability, they are the perfect tools for grounds maintenance teams. Designed with a 4-MIX engine that produces more torque at a lower rev range, the FS 91–131 range is a cleaner and more efficient system due to the valves that control the entry of fuel and exit of exhaust. And
“Maintenance is now even easier, thanks to the single screw, valveaccess panel at the top of the framework’s housing”
44 THE GROUNDSMAN May 2019
for added functionality, the three models are compatible with STIHL’s innovative hedge trimmer, scrub cutter and pole pruner attachments. The cutters come supplied with both an ‘Advance’ universal and a single-strap harness, and also have a loop handle that makes it easier to manoeuvre through tricky or confined spaces. The effective anti-vibration system significantly cuts down on vibration through the handles, reducing fatigue and making operation more comfortable. Maintenance is now even easier too, thanks to the single screw, valve-access panel at the top of the framework’s housing, which cuts the time taken to adjust the valve timing. www.stihl.co.uk
STIHL has three brushcutters in its professional range
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BRUSHCUTTERS
MAKITA
LIGHT FANTASTIC BATTERY-P WERE BRUSHCUTTERS are lightweight and quiet, making them easier on the operator. Makita’s range of brushcutters also include a number of features to improve productivity.
The Makita UR U has a high power output
Powered by a single 1 L T battery, the UR1 L is a lightweight tool that also includes Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive Technology, which automatically adjusts the RPM depending on the density of the
weeds. This ensures the tool is always being used in the optimum setting and allows for better energy saving and lower noise levels. The UR U and UR L are twin 1 cordless machines, with the DC motor drive system supplied with for a higher power output, to make light work of a range of tasks. Both include Makita’s brushless motors, which – combined with L T makes them up to 0 per cent more efficient and twice as durable as a standard motor, for a powerful, durable and efficient solution. All of Makita’s L T tools feature industry-leading run and charge times and anytime charging. These benefits combined ensure that operators can get the most out of their tool – and experience increased on-site productivity. www.makitauk.com
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IN ACTION
DORKING WANDERERS FC GETS PITCH UPGRADE Smith Maintenance helps 3G pitch achieve FIFA Quality Pro Last year, Smith Construction built a new 3G pitch at the Meadowbank Football Ground in Surrey, which is Surrey County FA’s headquarters and home ground for Dorking Wanderers FC. The pitch was originally tested to meet FIFA Quality, the standard for community and amateur pitches, but then Dorking Wanderers was promoted to a higher league, which requires the pitch to pass the higher standard of FIFA Quality Pro to ensure the highest playing performance for professional-level football. Meadowbank has a fantastic in-house team doing day-to-day maintenance, which Smith Maintenance
Surrey is now capable of hosting international xtures at Meadowbank’s 3G pitch
complements with a bi-monthly maintenance contract. The pitch is extremely well cared for, but Smith Maintenance knew the surface would require additional attention to meet the FIFA Quality Pro accreditation. Its experienced technicians carried out a deep de-compaction treatment, using a specially designed tractor-driven decompaction unit. To ensure the rubber infill is thoroughly de-compacted, the tractor passes over the pitch several times. The surface and infill are then thoroughly cleaned, with all dirt and dust vacuum extracted, and the clean infill is evenly redistributed across the pitch.
Once the additional maintenance was undertaken, the ground was FIFA tested by independent test house, Labosport, to FIFA Quality Pro standards. Smith Maintenance said it was pleased that, one year on, it managed to achieve a higher certified pass than the original build criteria. Meadowbank’s facilities manager, Matthew Walsh, said: “We are very impressed with the speed, quality and professionalism of the works undertaken by Smiths. We are proud to have a top-quality 3G pitch in Surrey.”
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For more information visit www.smithmaintenance.co.uk
GAME ON AT GLAMORGAN CCC Limagrain seeds help the club’s ground wear well all year round
Glamorgan CCC nds Limagrain grass seeds totally dependable
Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens, the 16,000seater home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, sees its fair share of action with 45-50 days of cricket played each year. This includes fourday championships, T20, international
and domestic fixtures, local and corporate games. The almost constant use, combined with TV coverage, means that every inch of the ground needs to look good and play well, says head groundsman Robin Saxton. To achieve this, he uses Limagrain grass seeds. “Action Replay is a winter sports mix, designed for football and rugby, so we thought it would be ideal for the outfield,” he said. “It is wear and disease-tolerant because it is a broad, robust seed. “We first applied it last year and had a fantastic take with it, which excelled during a particularly hot summer. Since using it, we have seen a lot less burn-off and a lot less dry-out on the outfield.” For the wickets and practice pitches, the club has been using MM50 for years. “It is by far the best seed in
terms of recovery,” Robin says. When trialled against others, it has proven to be stronger, it has come through thicker and is more wear tolerant. It has consistently outperformed other seeds. “You are left with a stronger plant that is going to take the activity across the square better than a slightly finer plant – which with a full calendar of cricket is a big bonus. With MM50 you just have the confidence that it will handle the stresses of four-day cricket when we can’t really water the square as much as we would like to,” he explains. “For me, the consistency of MM50 is the best feature. I don’t remember one year where we have had a batch that has not performed how we would like it to.”
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For more information visit www.lgseeds.co.uk/mm
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CLASSIFIEDS
To advertise in the classi ed section of The Groundsman please contact: Lee Morris T: 0203 859 7097 E: lee.morris@ jamespembrokemedia.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE IN THE GROUNDSMAN CONTACT LEE MORRIS:
E lee.morris@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk
0203 859 7097
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Tools & guidance MAINTENANCE CALENDAR AND WEATHER UPDATE
BEST PRACTICE
Meet the grounds team at St Joseph’s College page 20
OCTOBER OPERATIONS BOWLING GREENS
End of season renovation will be completed this month. Greens that are renovated late may benefit from the turfing of thin areas. Watch out for Fusarium, especially if topdressing has been applied. Ditches should be cleared of their fill material then cleaned and washed down. De-commission the irrigation where applicable before the winter frosts set in. Carry out repairs to banks when work on the green is complete.
TENNIS COURTS
Remove fallen leaves from adjacent trees to avoid them smothering the sward. Lightly top the grass to keep it well trimmed. Switch or lightly drag brush the court surface to remove dew and reduce the potential for disease attack. Keep an eye open for disease attack, especially if mild and humid conditions occur. Keep off the court wherever possible to allow good, initial grass establishment. De-commission any irrigation system in place.
CRICKET SQUARE
Ensure renovation is finished as soon as possible. Germination sheets on the ends can aid any late germination and initial establishment of seed - but watch out for disease. Drag brush on a regular basis, especially if dew is present. Earthworm activity can be high now, so drag brush when dry.
Chemical control may be required. Keep the square topped at a suitable height of cut – no more than 25mm – as this will maintain a suitable sward density and prevent the sward from thinning out. Fence off the square to maintain its integrity.
CRICKET OUTFIELD
Repair areas of wear as required. Be vigilant for pest and disease attacks; the use of a drag brush or similar will help reduce the chance of attacks. Fungicide or pesticide application may be required. Mow as required, but this should be much less frequent. If the outfield is to be used for winter sports, be vigilant for damage and wear areas; repair as soon as possible. Aerate throughout this month to maintain surface drainage and root development.
FOOTBALL
The pitch shouldn’t be showing many signs of wear if it has been managed with the long-term season in mind. If not, some soilbased pitches may be exhibiting significant wear in goalmouths and centre circles. An application of sand, combined with hand forking, can help maintain a dry surface. Raising the height of cut slightly, say up to an extra 10mm, on high wear areas can help to maintain an improved level of ground cover for a longer period of time.
50 THE GROUNDSMAN September 2019
Divot the pitch as required. This operation will be essential on pitches maintained to a high standard. Higher standard pitches will also need to be brushed to maintain an upright grass and to maintain good presentation.
RUGBY UNION
The frequency of cut for the pitch will be reducing considerably as grass growth slows. Consider drag brushing to produce a striping effect in between cuts. De-commission any irrigation system to prevent frost damage. Continue to aerate where ground and soil conditions permit.
RUGBY LEAGUE
The traditional end of the season will have arrived or shall be coming quickly; as such, make sure any end of season renovation plans are underway. This should involve scarification, overseeding, topdressing, vertidraining and an autumn/winter feed. With the season finishing so late, be sure not to renovate too harshly as this will have an adverse effect on grass cover and sward for the next season. Cordon off the area to protect from unwanted visitors. Constant drag brushing and switching of the surface will help to alleviate any dew that appears. De-commission any irrigation system to prevent frost damage. On the amateur side, constant pitch repair is essential, as any divots not replaced will lead to pitch deterioration. Cutting should be kept to a minimum as grass cover will be required to get through the winter months so drag brushing the stripe in would be useful. Constant communication
with the coaches is essential for rotation of drills, as any damage inflicted now to the surface will not be able to be repaired to get through the winter.
HORSE RACECOURSE
The course should be prepared ahead of the start of the National Hunt season. Courses used just for flat racing will be rested over autumn and winter. The whole course should be mown and tidied, with extra effort being put into the presentation for the first meeting. De-commission the irrigation system. Some parts of the course might be prone to leaf coverage from nearby trees. Regular clearing will avoid the turf being smothered. Consider using the leaves in a soil compost heap, which can later be used for topdressing. Prepare fences and jumps prior to the start of the season. With the growing season coming to a close, now is a good time to consider attending training courses or to enrol on courses that lead to recognised qualifications or to maintain continuous development.
GOLF COURSE
The renovation of the greens, and ideally the tees, should be completed by now. Fairway renovation, particularly divoting, will most likely still be ongoing. This is usually a good month for the deep spiking of fairways, as the ground is typically neither too dry nor wet for adequate tine penetration and soil shattering. Slit tining of greens should not be neglected just because the greens will have been renovated fairly recently.