Having recently talked to several company sales reps, the sale of fertiliser products has been unprecedented for this time of the year. The recent warm spell of weather we had in February certainly helped kickstart our growing season, with many groundsmen and greenkeepers buying and applying their first applications of fertiliser products.

Without doubt, we now have at our disposal a very large array of feeding products and recommended feeding regimes tailored to suit our ever-demanding natural turf playing surfaces. With soil and air temperatures on the increase and moving into double figures, a timely dose of nutrients will benefit and help kickstart some much needed grass growth. However, your choice and selection of products will be determined by many factors.

For intensively managed turf, fertiliser input is essential to promote growth and to allow grass to recover from wear and tear. By far and away the most important nutrient for grass growth is nitrogen. Particularly on sand based constructed pitches where often there is very little cation exchange capacity (CEC) going on. This generally results in nutrients having to be applied more frequently to maintain optimal growth requirements. Cation exchange capacity is a measure of the soil’s ability to hold positively charged ions. It is a very important soil property, influencing soil structure stability, nutrient availability, soil pH and the soil’s reaction to fertilisers and other ameliorants (Hazleton and Murphy 2007).

Other nutrients are important e.g. phosphate and potassium. The former is particularly important for seed establishment, the latter for drought tolerance and strength of growth. Deficiency in these may occur in some soils and this can be ascertained by soil testing. Other nutrients such as sulphur, magnesium and calcium are not likely to be deficient in most soils. In addition, there are micronutrients such as copper and manganese which are required by the turf in very small quantities and are rarely found to be deficient.

The range and choice of fertiliser products today is staggering. They come in all manner of disguises and modes of action. We now have a vast range of granular products on offer combining new prill technologies that give us accurate dosages and improved longevity. We also in recent years, due to the development of more accurate and affordable sprayers, can also apply feeds in a soluble form - with many grounds professionals utilising and combining the use of both technologies for applying fertilisers. Another advantage of using soluble products is that they can often be mixed with other soil enhancing products such as growth retardants / regulators, soil enhancers and various bio stimulants. Coupled with the fact that often the grass plant responds quicker to foliar feeds, this is borne out in a recent article I read discussing the pro’s and cons of granular and liquid fertilisers.

We have also in recent years seen an interest in the use of compost teas, essentially the capturing of fertiliser nutrients in waste materials and re-using them as fertiliser. There is a considerable amount of work being carried out on this at present. For instance; composted green and food waste contains N, P and K which can be re-applied.

However, the first thing we must do before we apply any fertilisers or plant stimulants is to analyse the current condition / health of the grass plant and identify what type of soil matrix we are dealing with, along with evaluating its nutrient status.

Each and every sports ground will also have its own topography / environment and specific needs pertaining to the sport being played.

Most product supply companies, such as Rigby Taylor, Sherriff Amenity, ALS, Headland Amenity, ICL, Pitchworks, Turfcare to name a few generally offer a comprehensive soil analysis service.

To get a complete picture of the health of your amenity turf, Headland Amenity currently offers a total amenity turf analysis service to its customers – taking soil, turf leaf and irrigation water samples for nutrient, organic matter and particle size analysis. The samples are then sent to the speciality Lancrop Laboratories/Yara Analytical Services Laboratory and the results provided in a clear and concise report.

Once you have this information, you will be in a better position to select the appropriate fertiliser / growth promoter / bio stimulant products for use on your facility.

Another point to consider is make sure you apply the product in accordance to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Poor application technique can turn even a moderate burn risk fertiliser into a real scorcher. The following tips are ways you can reduce the likelihood of scorching your turf:

• Accurately calculate all areas and quantities
• Don’t apply to stressed turf in hot conditions
• Apply during cooler times of the day
• Apply, during rain or with follow-up irrigation
• Do not rely on heavy dew alone to dissolve fertilisers
• Always apply follow-up irrigation.

Take the opportunity to talk to other turf professionals and go and see the results of their fertiliser programmes. Also seek advice from many of the experienced sales reps, who spend their time recommending appropriate products and services. Usually you know your own site / facility better than anyone and often you need to trust your own judgement. Also do not be afraid to try out new products. However, if you do, take time to research and find out where it has been used and how well it worked.

And finally, a full fertiliser, bio stimulant programme will not be cheap. Invest wisely and you will reap the rewards.

Following several delays, Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium opened to the public for the first time yesterday (Sunday 24th March 2019), to glowing reviews - both from the press and from fans across social media.

The stadium which was originally scheduled to open in September against Liverpool, has had its opening pushed back several times since but was opened Sunday for the first test event, a Tottenham Under-18s match with Southampton.

Spurs official Twitter account posted this picture of the stadium

Awaiting naming rights, the stadium is currently known as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Seating 62.062 it also boasts the world's first dividing, retractable football pitch, with a turf pitch underneath for NFL London Games, concerts and other events.

A selection of the glowing articles around the web include:

• The Guardian - Intimacy, awe and a salute to Gazza: Spurs throw open doors to new home
• The Times - Tottenham’s new stadium is so great that I thought: are they really letting me in?
• Daily Mail - Tottenham's new stadium may have opened late and over budget... but it has a special quality
• Talk Sport - Tottenham’s new stadium hailed as ‘best I have seen around the world’ by talkSPORT’s Ian Abrahams
• Evening Standard - 'Beautiful' new stadium stuns Tottenham U18s

At the next FIFA World Cup, games will be played on premium turfgrass known as Platinum TE Paspalum.

After years of comprehensive testing, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy selected Platinum TE as the playing surface for all stadiums and training sites hosting the November 2022 event in Qatar.

In a joint venture, Aspire Sports Turf of Qatar and international sports turf consulting organisation STRI conducted extensive research on which to base their selection. Varieties of seashore paspalum, bermudagrass, and zoysia turfgrasses were tested at multiple sites. Platinum TE Paspalum proved to be the most durable and shade tolerant of the turfgrasses tested, outperforming the other varieties in recovery as well. Establishment and grow-in from stolons were also quicker.

Grassing has begun at multiple stadiums and training facilities. To ensure genetic purity and the highest quality, the Platinum TE Paspalum being utilised is licensed and certified plant material from global turfgrass supplier Atlas Turf International. Grassing will continue as the remaining facilities are completed over the next two years.

“For over a decade, Platinum TE Paspalum has performed consistently well for projects in the Middle East,” said Atlas Turf President, John Holmes. “It’s not surprising that it was singled out as the top performer and ultimately selected for Qatar 2022. In the testing, Platinum TE exhibited stronger tensile strength, greater ability to grow in low light conditions, and rapid recovery from injury.”

Introduced in 2007 by noted plant scientist Dr. Ron R. Duncan, the turfgrass features characteristics sought out for championship-quality sporting facilities including athletic fields and golf courses. In addition to the benefits highlighted in the research results, it exhibits exceptional density, disease resistance, and superior salt tolerance. With dark green color and superior striping, Platinum TE delivers strikingly attractive fields.

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association, Toro and Reesink Turfcare have launched their annual competition that seeks to uncover the brightest emerging talent in the golf greenkeeping industry.

The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards are a nationwide competition to uncover the best student greenkeepers from among the ranks of BIGGA members.

Danny Patten and Daniel Ashelby were awards winners in 2018

Two awards are up for grabs, with the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award entering its 31st year and open to all greenkeeping students studying for eligible qualifications. The other award is the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year, available to greenkeeping students aged 20 and under.

The winner of the main award will head to the University of Massachusetts for a six-week scholarship to study winter turf management, while the winner of the ‘Young’ award will earn a two-week work experience placement at the exclusive Vidaubin Club in the South of France, in addition to a Continue to Learn package at BIGGA’s annual turf management exhibition each January.

Prizes are also up for grabs for the runners-up in each category, while those who nominate or endorse the applications of the winning students - who can be course managers, head greenkeepers or college tutors - also receive a major prize.

Application forms can be downloaded from the BIGGA website and the deadline for applications is 24 May 2019. Regional interviews will take place from 1 to 12 July 2019 and the national final will take place at BIGGA House from 9 to 10 September 2019.

Daniel Ashelby of The Mere Golf Resort won Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year in 2018 and said: “Right up until the announcement, I just felt very calm, but then when they read my name, my heart just started going crazy!

“I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived for the final and I thought I’d be walking into a room with six Master Greenkeepers. But you meet people who are at the same level as you and they are just very passionate, dedicated people. It’s a fantastic experience and I’d recommend it to anyone!”

Danny Patten won the young award in 2018 and said: “I applied for the competition through the BIGGA website and was nominated by my course manager, Jon McMullen. The reason I applied for the awards was to see where I was, compared to other greenkeepers of a similar age and qualifications.

“If I had one bit of advice for any young greenkeepers who are looking to give their career a big boost or to get recognised for their work, I would say you won’t get a better chance than the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards.”

David Cole is managing director of awards sponsor Reesink Turfcare. He said: “The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award has stood the test of time and is as relevant today, over 30 years since its inception, in a world now filled with sponsored awards.

“The introduction of the ‘Young’ category, entering its fourth year, helped reinvigorate the original intentions of this pioneering programme. Whichever award they enter, this is the start of an exciting journey for our 2019 nominees.”

For more information about Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year or to enter the awards, click here.

An ICL / Syngenta breakfast club meeting for greenkeepers led Andrew Merry, course manager at Preston Golf Club, to change his mind-set when it comes to disease management. 

Andrew Merry, course manager at Preston Golf Club with ICL’s North West technical area sales manager Phil Collinson

Andrew may well be unique in the fact that not only is he the course manager at Preston Golf Club but he is also the general manager. It all started back in 2006 when he was appointed as the deputy course manager but soon was promoted when the position of course manager became vacant.

He admits that it was somewhat a baptism of fire but twelve years later Andrew has excelled in this dual role, and one look at the stunning course is certainly testament to this.

Andrew has to work hard at keeping the course in a consistently excellent condition and none more so than two years ago when the greens were unfortunately struck with disease.

“I went on my Christmas break, left on the Thursday and came back on a Monday to find disease on the greens and I was worried I wouldn’t get those back. But since then and since attending the breakfast clubs, my view on course management has changed. The ICL/Syngenta “Turf Science Lite” breakfast club has re-educated me and made me want to start looking at things more preventatively and so far that has worked for the second year running,” he said.

The breakfast clubs were arranged by ICL’s North West technical area sales manager Phil Collinson, who provided a little more background.

“The idea was to get Greenkeepers together, keep them up to date on legislation, and inform them about products or trial work and to provide a networking opportunity.

“The breakfast club which Andrew first attended was based around various hard-hitting fungicides leaving the market and educating them that successful turf management is going to have to be different in the future. It is not about waiting for disease and hitting it and reducing the damage it is doing - it is about understanding when the site is most at risk from a damaging disease outbreak and preventing that damage from occurring in the first place by being proactive with the management strategy.”

Andrew did exactly that and incorporated an early application of Medallion TL at a rate of 3L/ha prior to his annual renovation work.

“Our annual renovation period starts in the third week of September and so a preventative fungicide a week before is where we start with our preventative management. Following that first application, a preventative fungicide goes down around every four weeks as well as incorporating good cultural methods such as dew removal to lower the risk of an outbreak. It is difficult to get into the mind-set of applying a fungicide when your greens are clean but it is absolutely worth it.”

To compliment Andrew’s preventative strategy and to assist in reducing disease pressure, he also embarked on a full H2Pro TriSmart programme. This wetting agent consists of a triple-active formulation which provides control when it comes to moisture management.

“We apply TriSmart on the greens at 10 L/ha every 4 weeks from April through to September. 2018 was the year to find out which wetting agents really work and I can safely say that TriSmart has excelled.

“Since using the product I haven’t had any compromised greens even during the hottest and driest periods. It also worth bearing in mind that I have an irrigation system which perhaps isn’t the best and the greens dry out very quickly because they are sand based.

“However, I’ve managed my moisture levels incredibly well and TriSmart has done exactly what it says on the tin!”

Andrew claims that the research and trial work conducted by ICL and Syngenta was a big factor in him deciding to use the products.

“In my opinion ICL has that research and development which is proven and it is something that will always stand up in my opinion. The support I receive from Phil is also invaluable.”

Avoncrop Amenity Products has demonstrated the strength of its relationship with BIGGA by becoming its latest Education Supporter.

Avoncrop Amenity Products was established by Rod Feltham in 1990. The company is a supplier of turf management products and sportsground equipment to the sportsturf, amenity horticulture and landscaping industries throughout South West, South East and Southern England, including London Home Counties, Wales and the Midlands.

The Avoncrop Amenity Products team

Johanna McCloskey was originally employed as the financial controller as Rod grew the business throughout the 1990s. In 2004, Rod was immensely proud that Avoncrop Amenity Products achieved, ‘By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen,’ a Royal Warrant for the Supply of Horticultural Products.

Johanna became managing director in 2015 under Rod’s chairmanship and embraced control of the company upon the recent passing of her father in 2017.

Avoncrop Amenity Products has evolved with the businesses it serves and over almost 30 years the company has forged many strong partnerships with people throughout the sportsturf and amenity horticulture industries.

Johanna said, “I believe the strong foundations of the company are built around the family environment and core values of trust, integrity, discretion and goodwill that Rod worked so hard to develop.

“We are ever mindful and alert to our responsibilities around business civilities, product technical support and industry patronage. Avoncrop Amenity Products has a history of being involved with BIGGA’s Sections throughout our areas for over 20 years.

“We are very excited to formalise and accelerate our continuing commitment to greenkeepers around the country. Signing this agreement renews our purpose to encourage and assist our customers and friends to realise their potential. I’m really pleased to have signed this contract to become a BIGGA Education Supporter and we’re really looking forward to developing our relationship with BIGGA, its members, our peers and colleagues even more in the future.”

GolfBIC, the Golf Business Industry Convention, returned last week to its spiritual home, The Forest of Arden Golf Resort, after a three-year period when it moved north to Harrogate to be part of BTME and BIGGA.

GolfBIC

A trade convention for members of the UK Golf Federation and OGRO, it was keenly supported by many varied areas from the golf industry and suppliers, from adventure putting course owners, modest golf ranges to giant golf complexes and many leading brands and suppliers to the golf industry. The common theme was the people that are involved in delivering golf in all its various forms to those people that want to play

GolfBIC included both presentations and commercial opportunities, with golf industry leaders who are involved in delivering golf to the masses coming together and discussing everything that is important to them, both in the exhibition and also over pre-dinner drinks and the gala dinner. 

Richard Haygarth, Chairman UK Golf Federation stated, “This was a trade convention so we thank our industry exhibitors and our key corporate partners who joined us, they make GolfBIC happen and their inputs to all our businesses is very important. GolfBIC is about growing business relationships and making all our business develop strong partnerships that grow our profitability”.

Doug Poole, CEO commented “In coming together we provide both a social function and a useful business opportunity. Supporting we had a superb line-up of speakers with Linda Moir, Marcus Childs and Paul Stewart who spearheaded our presentations. Delegates confirmed there was much to learn from all three of these top-class professionals and could not wait to input changes in their businesses”.

GolfBIC 2020 is now booked for a return next March to the Forest of Arden.

Final comment by the Chairman, “We hope everyone left with some great ideas on how to further develop their own businesses.”

Reesink Turfcare has invested in six new service vehicles for its mobile technicians.

Reesink's new service vehicles

With the up-to-date and extended fleet,  they are now more equipped than ever to provide customers with an effective and dependable service, says Reesink’s operations manager David Jackman.

“By investing in this new fleet of vans, we have more reliable and efficient equipment, which means we can provide an improved service to our customers,” says David. “We take maintenance of our products seriously and this fleet of vans is essential to deliver back up if and when it’s needed. We pride ourselves on providing excellence and that doesn’t just begin and end with the sale of the product.”

Three of the vans will be at Reesink’s Sheffield Park service branch in East Sussex, one at the branch in Livingston, Scotland and two at the East Anglian service branch based at the company’s headquarters in St Neots.

David continued, “We have a particular focus on customer service, ensuring it expands in line with the company’s growth and we want to build on our relationship with our customers within our direct areas. This investment is the next step in strengthening that relationship.”

The six vans all come fully racked which includes a work bench and shelving kit solution to transport all the tools and parts needed for on-site service visits and breakdowns.

David said, "We’re looking forward to seeing the new fleet in action and supporting our customers.”

We’re a company that values practical skills, problem solving, team work and initiative. We are recruiting

• technicians
• parts personnel
• parts & service apprentices
• sales staff.

Visit our website www.JohnDeere.co.uk for details and how to apply.

Email us 31enquiries@johndeere.com

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

A WONDERFUL INDUSTRY
But we need to be encouraging the next generation

THE VALUE OF PARKS
Facilities must not be taken for granted

A VERY BUSY MARCH
Plenty of work for turf professionals to be getting on with

SHARING KNOWLEDGE
At the Dennis & Sisis groundcare seminar

INSECT DECLINE
A cause for concern

HELP IS AT HAND
Seek advice from industry bodies

SPRING RENOVATIONS
February is a good time to start planning

BTME 2019 REPORT
Great start to the year

BTME WEEK IS HERE!
Harrogate time again

THE VALUE OF PLANNING
Benefits for pitch sustainability

HAPPY NEW YEAR
Opportunities & challenges in 2019

View all of 2018's blogs here