Natural turf maintenance

Jedburgh Golf Club in praise of Agrovista Amenity programme

A granular feeding programme devised by Tom Hobbis, of Agrovista Amenity, has dramatically improved the greens at Jedburgh Golf Club.

Described by those who play the course, Jedburgh Golf Club, in the Scottish Borders, is a hidden gem full of risk and reward. When a problematic 9th hole started causing issues, the club sought outside expertise.

“We brought in Tom to give us some advice,” said Robert Armstrong, Jedburgh Golf Club’s Green Ranger. “We wanted a new entire feeding programme. He took several soil samples and fortunately there was nothing serious – just a lack of nutrients. He then came up with a plan.”

“It was about taking it back to basics. We needed to reduce stress on the greens. After careful consideration I felt that a granular approach would be most suitable,” explained Tom.

“I put together a programme using the Compo Expert range because you get 100% nutrition and they have a very low scorch potential – which would suit the lack of water application.”

Tom firstly identified Ferro Top 6-0-12 as a solution for the 9th hole. With a very fine and uniform granular size, Ferro Top ensures perfect sward penetration and is ideal for fine turf surfaces such as greens.

“With its high iron content, it has really firmed the greens up. The magnesium has also massively helped to keep a good colour.

“We then moved on to Floranid Twin Eagle Master 19-5-10 which is ideal for late spring/early summer and autumn feeds.

“We used two applications and it gave great longevity thanks to its two nitrogen compounds, ISODUR and CROTODUR. As a result, the club didn’t have to put as much down over the course of the season, and it therefore saved money.”

Head Greenkeeper Andrew Chambers praised the programme. “The feeding programme has been very successful, and we are delighted with the progress,” he said.

“We will be carrying out the same this year and I’m looking forward to the greens getting even better. We’ve had a significant number of positive comments, everybody at the club is delighted.” n www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

Optimise your nitrogen inputs

The development of readily available synthetic nitrogen fertilisers after World War II has played a central role in dramatic crop production improvements. Yields have improved five-fold on average.

This phenomenal advancement is often referred to as the Green Revolution. Economical and abundant nitrogen availability means that nitrogen is now rarely a limiting factor in achieving increased yields. In fact, adding nitrogen beyond what the plant is able to properly metabolise leads to reduced yields and quality. Nitrogen inefficiencies contribute to important environmental issues. In the absence of balanced nutrition, nitrogen fertilisation can be highly detrimental.

This so-called Green Revolution had a direct effect on nitrogen inputs used within sports turf management, and to a certain extent continues to do so today. Nitrogen is an essential component of chlorophyll, amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes plus other plant substances and influences shoot and root growth, shoot density, cold and drought hardiness, colour, recuperative potential and disease susceptibility.

We, as an industry, have generally understood the need to reduce nitrogen inputs in line with the requirements of specific grass species and performance criteria of particular sports turf surfaces. We are not driven by crop yields and although we understand the need for above ground vegetative growth, we are far more focused on managing this aspect of plant growth in accordance with certain performance targets.

Three agronomic strategies can dramatically improve nitrogen benefits:

NITROGEN METABOLISM

Because of soil microbial nitrification interactions, nitrate-nitrogen is the primary form of nitrogen assimilated by plants. Nitrate-nitrogen is easily taken up by plants but cannot be utilised by plants until it goes through a reduction process.

Nitrate-nitrogen stored in the cell vacuole is of minimal value to the plant if the plant does not have the resources to convert it. Excess accumulation in the cells leads to chemical and physiological changes in the cells that are detrimental. Some of these effects are weaker cells which are more susceptible to abiotic and biotic stress, increased vegetative growth, and reduced turf cell wall structure. Nitrogen metabolism is the relative rate of nitrate-nitrogen conversion to amino acids.

Relative nitrogen metabolism efficiency has a profound impact on turf quality. Turf that experiences efficient nitrogen metabolism will promote more reproductive structures. These can be plant proteins, amino acids and chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis.

A key technology for strategic nitrogen metabolism carbon nutrition is TurfRx Supreme. This is a reacted plant nutrient product that contains soluble carbon compounds derived from a proprietary fermentation process.

NITROGEN EFFICIENCY

Synthetic nitrogen fertilisers applied to the soil all tend to eventually stabilise in the nitrate-nitrogen form due to microbial interactions. In the nitrate form (NO3-), the nitrogen is extremely mobile in the soil and if the nitrification process is on the surface nitrous oxide is volatilised. Forty to sixty percent of applied nitrogen is commonly lost to a combination of volatilisation and leaching.

A simple and highly effective method for reducing nitrogen losses is the use of TurfRx C-85. This is a reacted soluble carbon nutrient product designed to improve soil microbial activity.

BALANCED NUTRITION

A fundamental strategy to maximise turf quality from nitrogen and allow for optimum plant metabolic functions, is to ensure that the plant has balanced nutrition. Balanced potassium nutrition is vital. Potassium is a key element for plant ion balance. A product to consider for this is TurfRx K+ Micro Crystal. This is a reacted nutrient product high in potassium and phosphorous.

Campey launch redesigned Imants ShockWave

Campey Turf Care Systems has launched the new Imants ShockWave, which has been redesigned to be more ergonomic, effective and efficient.

The linear decompactor has been exceptionally successful in sports turf due to its immediate results and how quickly play can resume after use. While the machine is also popular for extensive, flatter areas of golf courses, the redesigned model responds to increased interest from greenkeepers who needed the machine to be more effective on undulating ground.

Flexible sheet metal has been used instead of tubes for the flex bed to keep pressure on the turf when the blades come out of the soil. This means the machine is always in contact with the surface, can follow undulations, and works in tandem with the now floating rear roller, which stays in contact with the soil for longer.

Spring-loaded turf retainers also contribute to turf contact and allow the machine to overcome obstacles, retain any debris created during operation and easily follow contours.

The efficiency of the ShockWave has been improved using new support plates instead of the welded flange. Due to its shape, the three blades and three plates keep each other in place and can be replaced, unlike the older model.

An optional pre-cutting roller is also available to reduce damage on warm-season grasses and completes the line-up of new additions along with the new sleek and modern exterior of the unit. n www.campeyturfcare.com

Think again about ryegrass

Is it time to recognise the importance of ryegrass? Pressure on golf clubs to deliver courses which can meet the often-conflicting demands placed on them is leading some Course Managers to use ultrafine leaf ryegrasses. Luke Hunt, Product Manager for Barenbrug, the UK’s leading grass seed breeder and grower, explains why…

Golfers want to spend more time on course and continue playing throughout the year, footfall is increasing – and expectations in terms of turf quality are rising.

These and other factors are putting pressure on those who manage the 2,000+ courses across the UK and Ireland to deliver high quality courses. At the same time, our changing climate is bringing more extremes of weather, leading to different practical and disease challenges.

Due to the popularity of the original Ultrafine 100% ryegrass offering, 2022 sees the range extended from a single product to three, the new additions adding carefully matched fescues that leverage the performance advantages of the very latest fine-leaf ryegrasses.

This is a significant development, not least because ryegrass was once a shunned species. In his 1997 book Practical Greenkeeping, legendary St Andrews Golf Course Agronomist Jim Arthur said: “It has no place on any golf course”. But times change and with developments in breeding ryegrass has gone on to fulfil almost every golf course application, even in certain extreme circumstances on greens which would once have been unthinkable.

The cold springs which we now appear to experience year on year present significant challenges when it comes to repairing the inevitable damage left behind after the winter. With fescue requiring 11°C and browntop bent needing 15°C for decent germination, achieving strong establishment may not be possible in March or even April.

However, because ryegrass germinates readily at 7°C it gives the opportunity to restore grass cover in the spring. Secondly, the latest ryegrass bred varieties offer previously unseen levels of fineness, shoot density and aesthetics, even when close-mown.

While a perennial ryegrass dominant sward will not produce a surface that meets the expectations of golfers in terms of putting quality, there are scenarios where using ryegrass on a green is a viable option and can provide a solution.

All products in Barenbrug’s Ultrafine range include ultrafine-leaf ryegrass, so the decision on which one to choose is primarily a preference as to how much high-performance ryegrass the customer perceives to be best matched to their individual situation.

The backbone of the Ultrafine range, Barolympic, scores 8.6 in the 2022 BSPB G4 table, 16% more than its nearest competitor. Top for colour and second for fineness of leaf, it blends easily with other grass species and is the outstanding perennial ryegrass variety for high quality, close mown turf.

Ultrafine 100, a 100% blend of fine turf perennial ryegrasses, is designed for overseeding and construction of fine turf with intense wear that demands tolerance to close-mowing, golf green surrounds, pinch-points and walk-off areas being perfect examples of where this product comes into its own.

Ultrafine 30 is for overseeding and construction of fine turf with moderate wear. It too uses these three fescues, each featuring in the top 10 of their own specific tables, which are blended with 30% Barolympic. Since the Barenbrug Ultrafine range was announced in January it has attracted an enthusiastic response, both from existing and new customers who see applications for blends which deliver so many benefits. n www.barenbrug.co.uk/ultrafine

Top tips for cutting costs

Fine turf grass seed prices are at an all-time high – but does this mean that you should stop overseeding your greens?

No, not at all! Your regular overseeding programme is vital for producing strong vigorous growth and to protect your desired species from the ever-intrusive poa annua.

The best way to offset the rising cost of grass seed is to optimise your overseeding method. GreenTek offers some helpful advice on making cost effective decisions.

COMMUNICATE YOUR PLAN

Make sure your members understand the timing of your overseeding programme, and that you will use the latest methods which keep disruption of play to a minimum. Explain the substantial benefit to turf quality that will result.

MINIMISE YOUR THATCH LAYER

Get your thatch under control. Overseeding into an inch of thatch is a waste of time and money! Most UK golf clubs have been using the highly effective ThatchAway verticutters for the past 20 years, and deep thatch layers are not now the pervasive problem that they were in the 1990s.

However, if you do still have an excessive thatch layer this should be treated from above with a mixture of scarifying and hollow coring, and from below with biological methods that feed on the thatch and help to break it down.

SELECT YOUR SEED

As a broad rule, parkland courses mainly overseed with bent, whereas links courses have traditionally overseeded with fescue, although we are increasingly seeing bent used on these as well. Your seed supplier should be able to help advise you on the best cultivars.

PREPARE YOUR TURF

Prior to overseeding, limit irrigation and fertilisation. Soil temperature needs to be at least 9 – 12°C for fescue, although for bents 16 – 22°C is optimal. The traditional time for overseeding used to be in the autumn, but many greenkeepers are now preferring to do it earlier in the season, any time between April to October that the conditions are right.

Correct temperature is one of the three essential requirements for seed to germinate. The other two are soil contact, and moisture.

SOW YOUR SEED

Piercing the turf canopy to enable the seeds to make contact with the soil is essential. Providing the thatch layer is kept minimised, the preferred depth for sowing bent is at 2 – 5mm, and at 10 – 12mm for fescue.

In recent years, the Dyna-Seeders have become increasingly popular. These are a set of 3 seeder units which can be fitted onto a triplex greens mower instead of the cutting units. They have vibrating spikes which open up rows of neat holes into which the seed is precisely sown and then brushed in, enabling it to safely germinate within the little “plant pots”. Fescue is a larger, lighter weight, seed than bent, and dose rates can be set as low as 3g/ m2. When seeding fescue with the Dyna-Seeders the spikes are set for maximum penetration. Additionally, to optimise germination of fescue further you can do a pre-treatment of shallow hollow coring or solid tining to make additional larger “plant pots” of 10 – 15 mm diameter.

BRUSH IT IN

Many greenkeepers will include a light topdressing in their overseeding programme, working this into the surface with a drag brush or an astroturf dragmat. Chain link dragmats are not generally favoured as they tend to drag the seed across the green rather than down the holes.

ROLL IT

A light rolling, preferably with vibratory rollers, shakes the seed and topdressing further into the surface, and to minimise what is lifted off next time you mow.

IRRIGATE

The general practice is to irrigate lightly immediately after seeding, and nightly until a week after the seedlings become evident, then relax this but taking care to ensure that the seedlings don’t dry out.

FERTILISE

After overseeding, many greenkeepers opt for an organic fertiliser containing mycorrhizae, to maintain turf health and vigour with no side effects.

ICL products key for new pitch construction

A range of ICL products have helped Lincoln City FC’s new Fibresand pitch get off to the best possible start.

At the start of the 2021/22 season, Lincoln City had its pitch at the LNER stadium completely rebuilt. The huge project included a new gravel carpet, drainage system, multiple sand layers and the amelioration of Fibresand for added stability.

To do the new construction justice it was vital that the pitch received the correct products, and it was at this point that Head Groundsman Craig Housley liaised with Craig Lalley, Technical Area Sales Manager for ICL.

“A new Fibresand construction can take a bit of time to settle. Therefore, when putting the programme together with Craig, we wanted to really concentrate on achieving good rooting to aid playability and recovery,” said Craig L.

Within a six-week window before the start of the season, Craig focused on three products in the form of Sierrablen Plus with Pearl Turf Starter, H2Pro TriSmart wetting agent, and Vitalnova Links biostimulant.

The first product applied was Sierrablen Plus with Pearl Turf Starter and was incorporated into the growing medium.

To complement the grass seed and the Sierrablen Plus with Pearl Turf Starter, Craig then turned to TriSmart wetting agent. Containing three water management technologies consisting of surfactant and polymer blends, TriSmart is renowned for providing great water penetration, an even water spread through the rootzone and can improve the water holding capacity of sandy rootzones.

“Moisture management was key when the seeding first took place to aid moisture around the leaf which can help with seed germination. We needed that seed to be established as fast as possible,” explained Craig H.

He confirmed that the two products had an instant impact.

“I had never heard of the Pearl technology, but Craig told me that it would be ideal for a new construction and that it would really help with the germination of new seed. We decided to give it a go and I have never known grass to come through so quickly, uniformed, and strong – the sward health was exceptional.”

Four weeks after seeding, Sierrablen Plus with Turf Starter and H2Pro TriSmart were applied, Craig L recommended ICL’s Vitalnova Links biostimulant.

Vitalnova Links was tank mixed with TriSmart, and Craig L explained why this was applied monthly.

“It is a great soil drench spray. Vitalnova Links aids microbial stimulation, reduces biotic stresses and further develops the rooting; while TriSmart continues to manage the moisture and ensures that the pitch doesn’t dry out in warmer temperatures.”

Craig H, who is continuing to adhere to an ICL integrated turf management programme, believes that the products have massively benefited the newly constructed pitch.

“Everyone knows that it takes a while for a new Fibresand pitch to really grip itself together, but I have been really surprised at just how good the pitch has been in its first year,” he said.

“We’ve also managed to maintain excellent grass coverage. In terms of playability, the pitch has benefitted the players and the style of football the manager wants to play.” n www.icl-sf.co.uk

It’s 10/10 for Mansfield Sand

Ian Darler, Head Groundsman at Cambridge United FC, has revealed why he has been using the ‘exceptional products’ by Mansfield Sand for over a decade.

Incredibly, Ian has been working at Cambridge United FC since 1979 and is now into his 43rd season at the club.

Outside of work, Ian is dedicated to raising funds for various charities (see page 67) and was awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2020.

“I started as an apprentice greenkeeper in 1976 and I worked under the best boss anyone could ever have,” he said.

After winning just about every award the grounds industry has to offer, it is safe to say that Ian’s mentor would be beaming with pride. Recognising and praising those who go out of their way for him, comes easy to Ian and in his opinion the world needs a little more of it.

“Too many people are quick to moan but not enough compliment when things are good. The one thing I have done all my life is thank someone, whether it be a person or a company, when they have done something well for me.”

Once such company is Mansfield Sand.

“I’ve been using their products for over ten years and they are exceptional,” he said.

“The sand we used previously was starting to cause some problems – it was bit too uniformed and was creating a marble effect. At the time I was introduced to Mansfield Sand, and they came out and took some samples. We discussed which products would be best for the pitch and I have used them ever since.”

Mansfield Sand has been a long-standing pioneer in the development and production of premium sand-based products and boasts the most up-to-date and advanced equipment currently in the industry.

“We use three sand products –MM40; more so at the end of the season as a dressing if we are not taking the pitch up; we use the Fibresand Concentrate for renovations and then we use the 80/20 mix for divots and repairs.

“The drainage has been good, but more importantly the stability has been brilliant.

“I get a ten out of ten service from Mansfield Sand. Everything is always delivered on time, and I couldn’t ask for anymore from the company.” n www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

Ventrac equals versatility

For the turf manager, the choice of equipment to maintain natural playing surfaces, is many and varied. There are many mowers on the market from walk-behinds and ride-ons, either rotary or cylinder, the occasional flail, and even remote-controlled mowers for sloping ground. However, they all have at least one major drawback – they only perform one task.

Walk-behind mowers are ideal for confined spaces but for large areas they are unproductive and labour intensive. Ride-ons come in various sizes from the semi-commercial small out-front rotaries to the large commercial cylinder mowers with rollers that provide attractive striping. However, all have another issue and that is they can’t operate on sloping ground. If a slope is greater than 15 degrees it is unlawful to operate the machine.

To overcome this, remote-controlled mowers have been introduced, which enables the operator to stand clear of the machine and work from a safe distance. Most of these machines have a limited cutting width, so again productivity is an issue. They are normally tracked vehicles and, in wet conditions, can ruin the turf when turning.

So, is there an alternative on the market, that can overcome all of these issues and do more than just cut grass and, more importantly, help the turf management team to operate in a safe manner?

Price Turfcare has been distributing the Ventrac all-terrain compact tractor since 2017. It comes with over 25 attachments and is the ideal machine for a host of turf management operations.

To begin with there’s a choice of seven mowing decks: three different rotary decks depending on the type of finish you require; two flail decks in two widths, one of which leaves a fine finish; a rotary Tough Cut deck for mowing annual areas or taking out brambles, gorse and saplings; and even a triple cylinder Reel mower attachment for the ultimate striping of sports pitches.

These choices adequately take care of most mowing requirements, apart from those on slopes. However, that’s where the Ventrac differs from the typical rideon mower: it can legitimately operate on slopes up to 30 degrees, twice the permitted angle of other mowers and allowing areas that may have not been maintained regularly, to be tamed.

With seven different mowing decks the Ventrac is far from a one-trick pony, but with numerous other attachments it provides the versatility turf managers should be demanding from their equipment.

With the patented mount system on the Ventrac, implements can be changed over in less than two minutes. Quicker, once the operator is more competent. If it’s that simple then you will use the machine to its full capacity. Manoeuvrability is excellent as the tractor has an articulating centre pivot and oscillating frame which keeps all four wheels in contact with the ground. n www.priceturfcare.com

‘Measurably better’ grass seed

By Jayne Leyland

Tetraploid perennial ryegrasses are highly stress tolerant plants with great persistency. With double the number of chromosomes compared to diploid ryes they are extremely robust with higher disease tolerance. Tetraploids have double the number of chromosomes compared to diploids ryegrasses meaning double the chlorophyll, helping to produce high energy, robust plants with a stronger, deeper, denser root mass for tensile strength, drought tolerance, and nutrient uptake.

High vigour seed means fast germination, with growth achieved in a range of conditions making them ideal for divotting and repairs from autumn through to spring. In colder conditions germination is achieved down to 40C, Their proven success means Origin Amenity Solutions and seed-breeding partner Top Green continue to develop tetraploid mixes for use around the golf course and in sports stadia, including 100% rye blends such as R25CRT and R140 for fast establishment and high wear tolerance, as well as rye/fescue mixes such as R6CRT for fast recovery after drought. Sports mixes such as R140, Sports Field Renovation, 4Tetra, Super Root and R91 all demonstrate similar benefits.

SEED TREATMENTS

Tetraploid mixes from Origin Amenity are treated with Germin-8T, a liquid seed treatment that coats the entire seed surface. As a liquid treatment, there is no risk of broken particles or dust to block a seed drill and adds just 2% by weight so there is no requirement to increase sowing rates. Germin-8T contains a penetrating surfactant, targeted nutrients, micronised mycorrhizae and Trichoderma, which are activated when the seed contacts moisture in the rootzone. The treatment stimulates faster germination and rapid cell division for earlier emergence, root mass development and higher seedling survival rates, plus longer-term plant health. Independent trials have shown up to 100% increase in germination has been achieved after just 10 days.

DISEASE PREVENTION

The revocation and decline of available plant protection products determines grass seed selection must play an increasingly important role in seed selection. Strengthening a plant’s tolerance to a range of turf diseases and environmental stresses has always been a focus for seed breeders and as new diseases emerge in the UK even greater emphasis must be given to developing cultivars with improved all round disease tolerance and environmental stress recovery.

CARBON CAPTURE

As demonstrated by the presence of new diseases, changes in climatic conditions are dramatically challenging and shaping our environment. Golf Clubs produce greenhouse gases from the operational activities of the clubhouse and maintenance of the course. Such activities generate a carbon footprint, which contributes to global warming and climate change. It is within everyone’s duty of care to do the utmost to minimise or offset their carbon footprint. Extensive areas of grass and other vegetation can “lock up” carbon, meaning each club can potentially mitigate their carbon footprint.

A “Carbon4Grass” study at Top Green breeding and research not only reveals significant differences between grass

‘Measurably better’ grass seed

species in their capacity to store and sequester carbon within the leaves, roots and soil profile when managed under the same environmental conditions, but also significant differences between cultivars within a species. This knowledge has been used to create a range of Carbon4Grass (C4G) grass seed mixes, which combine increased levels of carbon sequestration with desirable amenity characteristics for golf courses.

Grass seed mixes R25CRT, R6CRT, (both with tetraploid rye) Low Maintenance and R41 all demonstrate the potential to sequester significantly more carbon in comparison with comparative mixes. Furthermore, Low Maintenance with the shortest re-growth cultivars of ultra-fine rye with fescues helps reduce mowing frequency for expansive areas, meaning reduced carbon emissions accompanied by cost savings. Choosing C4G mixes helps mitigate management practices such a mowing which are necessary to maintain intensively managed turf. n Jayne Leyland is the Seeds Product Manager for Origin Amenity Solutions. n www.originamenity.com There’s no finer sports turf than that found on golf greens and for discerning golfer true greens with consistent ball roll are more important than fast greens.

Rolling will immediately produce a smoother, truer surface with the improvements easily measured using a Stimp Meter. Perhaps less well known is that this effect will last on the green for up to 48 hours after the roll, leaving a residual effect and higher than ‘normal’ speeds, improving the standards of the playing surface, without requiring daily use of the roller.

Smithco’s Tournament greens rollers provide consistent and true putting surfaces. With rolling widths from 91 cm to 1.78 metres, there’s a machine ideal for maximum efficiency on any golf course.

Smithco were one of the first companies to introduce GPS technology for spraying, when their Star Command system debuted in 2012. Today they are on the third iteration of the system on their Spray Star range of industry-leading sprayers.

The popular Spray Star 1200 features the most accurate spray technology at your fingertips, while the GPS-enabled state-of-the-art Star Command 3.0 ensures a precise application every time. Superior construction materials combine to ensure industry-leading longevity across all product lines.

The cab-forward design provides superior visibility, handling, and operator comfort, providing and excellent platform that makes the work simple, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Smithco has been family-owned since 1967 and manufactures products that are built to last. With over 50 years of experience as an industry leader in golf course and turf management for parks and recreation facility managers, we believe that great people make great products. n jm@smithco.com

Rollers for consistent putting surfaces

All easier, thanks to unique design

Turfco turf maintenance equipment is ideal for fine sports turf management with a range of topdressing and overseeding machines, which can be tractor-mounted and towed behind a suitable transport unit.

They are ideal for recreational and professional sports pitches, stadium pitches, cricket outfields and most fine turf areas on golf courses.

WideSpin 1550 topdressers are available in truck-mounted and tow-behind models with petrol engine or hydraulic power options. They are available with standard electronic control or a patented digital Smart Controller. Standard electronic control models are easy to use and offer good value for the money. Smart Controller models offer rate calculation and programmable pre-sets for greater productivity and labour savings.

Calculating and retaining application rates is easier. Adjusting settings is easier and saving preferred settings is easier. Loading is easier. Topdressing all types of sports pitches is easier.

And getting the exact spread required, every time, is easier.

The unique design makes it easy to get whatever width and rate you want, without mechanical adjustments. Save preferred applications into four programmable pre-sets, changing widths and rates on the fly, increasing productivity, eliminating guesswork and freeing up your time.

The TriWave 60 and TriWave 45 are a new breed of overseeder that can significantly increase the success of overseeding operations by up to 30%, especially on contoured ground.

Disruption of existing turf, the inability to follow ground contours and limited seed germination when using existing equipment, was the driving force behind this development.

WaveBlade counter-rotating blade technology creates a U-shaped slit, instead of the usual V-shaped slit of competitor products, providing more seed to soil contact and the patented seed delivery system places seeds into the slits without waste, increasing germination.

The TriWave 45 is a self-contained trailed overseeder, which can be towed behind a utility vehicle, quad bike, bunker rake or tractor, and provides versatility and easiest operation of any overseeder on the market. Power comes from an 18.4 kW Briggs and Stratton Vanguard petrol engine and it quickly attaches to most turf vehicles making it convenient and efficient to use. n jmoore@turfco.com

‘Exceptionally clean’ results

Lone head greenkeeper Alistair Morrison, at Britain’s most north westerly golf club, Durness GC, has taken ownership of a Wiedenmann Terra Spike GXi8 HD.

Durness GC, in Sutherland, is in a Scottish Natural Heritage SSSI and Special Area of Conservation site.

“Literally hundreds of visitors have made the club a destination across the pandemic, meaning our committee found budget for a Terra Spike far sooner than we all imagined,” said Alistair.

Wiedenmann UK’s, Sales Manager, Mike James, and Scottish dealer, Fairways GM’s, John Morton, delivered the machine in February.

“Members remarked favourably about the exceptionally clean results on the greens after tining, and, now I’ve started on the fairways, it deals with undulations very easily, too,” said Alistair.

Another long-awaited use for Alistair’s Terra Spike is a yearly plan to overseed greens.

“I’ll be pot seeding. Using worn tines on the Terra Spike, I’ll make a very shallow hole, about 1 cm down, then overseed with fescue. This is another task I haven’t been able to do until now but will help maintain quality moving forward.”

Looking north, the nearest mainland coast belongs to Iceland, 510 miles away. For context, Durness is a 662-mile drive to London.

Six years have now elapsed since Alistair took over his role, long enough to be aware of climate trends and consistencies. Even in his remote location, there have been changes in weather patterns, hard to fathom.

“I agree with many greenkeepers that it’s becoming difficult to know where one season ends and another one begins. There is less consistency. Spring of 2020 and again, 2021 have been remarkable because of how dry they were. Summer 2021 was also incredibly dry and here, it appeared we went straight to a prolonged wet winter, bypassing autumn 2021 completely. So, we’ve had drought and famine and little in between.

“Flexibility has become part of my life. Golfing on Durness wouldn’t be nearly as successful if we took a regimented approach. The club trusts me to manage my hours, balancing summer, winter, busy, quiet... When the weather is calm you just want to get on with it. So, during the season if there’s a squall in the morning, I might elect to work at night. On an 18hole course you might get a three hour start before golfers catch you up but on a nine-hole they can be on you quickly.

“We’re not at the stage where we have queues. If the club becomes significantly busier, then we might have to review. But the influx of visitors has allowed me budget for small amounts of extra kit and equipment that has the benefit of speeding up processes, so it all still works.”