EDITOR'S BLOG
INTEGRATED PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT
Considering available strategies
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
 
Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I believe that we should be assessing all the alternative strategies that could be used to help reduce or prevent the presence of weeds, pests and diseases.

 


Reflecting on last week’s attendance to the successful Amenity Forum Conference, I thought this week’s blog could have an in depth look at the IPM strategies that we now have available.


After listening to the wealth of knowledge and talent speaking at the conference, it made me realise how vast and diverse our industry is and the problems it faces in the battle to control weeds, pests and diseases. As a qualified BASIS registered advisor AR/E/0445/A myself, I know only too well the many protocols, regulations and assessments that need to be made before applying and using an approved chemical.


And more to the point, I realise that we should be assessing all the alternative strategies that could be used to help reduce or prevent the presence of weeds, pests and diseases. However, as prevention is better than cure, there are many considerations, issues and management strategies you can perhaps undertake beforehand.

 

 

We as, turf professionals over time acquire many skills and experiences that come into play when dealing with turf related problems. I listened with interest to technical manager for Colliers Turf Care, Chris Humphreys’  presentation on IPM strategies at the conference, where he spoke about four key areas of influence to consider when trying to maintain a healthy sward.


I have used four of Chris’s slides to emphasise the complexities and full range of activities grounds professionals must undertake to deliver their desired outcomes for the various given playing surfaces they manage.


These being the management of:

  • Environment
  • Cultural Activities
  • Nutrition
  • Fungicides

If we talk about controlling diseases in turf, there are plenty of strategies that we can undertake to prevent the onset of disease. First and foremost, you must know what you are dealing with and the damage that can be inflicted and the consequences of a bad disease attack.


Therefore, you will need to know and understand the life cycle of the particular disease, understand the disease triangle and then begin eliminating the primary factors that will cause an outbreak of disease. If we look at the most common disease on golf courses, Microdochium Patch (Fusarium), for example, we will typically find resting spores in the thatch; spores deposited on the leaf surface by wind or rain splash; recently germinated spores growing mycelia and seeking an entry point into the leaf.

 

 

Once you understand the disease’s lifecycle, the aim then is to break this cycle and prevent conditions that promote disease. However, there are many practices and management decisions that can be undertaken to prevent or slow down the incidence of disease.


Plant diseases can be analysed conveniently using the concept called the ‘Disease Triangle’. This places the three factors which must interact to cause plant disease at the three corners of a triangle. Those three factors are:

  • susceptible host,
  • disease causing organism (the pathogen)
  • favourable environment for disease

The host is the plant itself; some can fall victim to many diseases, others only suffer particular ones. So all plants have a range of susceptibilities to a range of diseases. The pathogen is the disease. Diseases of plants are most often caused by fungi but there are some plant pathogenic bacteria and viruses.


Without the right host in the right conditions, pathogens cannot cause any harm. Some pathogens are specific to only one or a few host plants, others have broad abilities to attack almost everything. The favourable environment essentially means the weather conditions needed for a pathogen to thrive often during warm moist conditions it becomes a favourable environment for disease.


As with all turf related work practices the weather has a great influence on the timing and influence of what can be done and achieved, Groundsmen spend every working day thinking about the weather forcasts and what weather fronts they have to work to. In recent years we, via the development of internet apps, are able to forcast the weather more accuratly. Companies such as Syngenta, and Headland Amenity developed a range of weather apps to help turf professionals plan their work programmes.


We then have the Likes of Rigby Taylor, Bayer and Collier Turf Care and many other companies giving out relevant information to help make the right decisions.


Disease results only if all of these three things occur simultaneously; if one or more of the factors is not present, then disease does not occur.

 

The four following diagrams are four key areas of turf management that we need to address to reduce the likelihood of the onset of a disease outbreak.

 


Under the banner of environment we can see a number of aspects we can control. Growth rate, current weather, moisture levels, open air flow, dew removal, tree drip line, forecasted weather, grass stress and grass species. For example, the simple task of dew dispersal using brushes and swish canes will help keep surfaces drier, the application of wetting agents and aeration work will enable soils to drain more quickly.

 

 

Carrying out appropriate cultural activities (practices) will also help ensure the grass plant is in a better condition to fight off and recover from the outbreak of disease. Controlling thatch levels, regular aeration work and top dressing will help.

 


Under the nutrition banner we need to ensure we carry out an appropiate feeding regime to aide plant health. These days this is done by the application of several feeding regimes based on a little an often approach using both granluar and liquid feeds.

 



And finally, we can use a range of chemical products that will enhance soil conditions along with what fungicide products we have left to give us the control of any potential disease outbreaks. The timing of application of any chemical treatment is crucial to its effectiveness.


Bayer have a team of turf professionals on hand to help advise on the use of pesticides and fungicides.


Summing up, the main management tool for controlling Pests and Diseases is, by definition, an Integrated Pest Management strategy (IPM) that comprises of a number of tasks and checks, providing a comprehensive approach to controlling insects, weeds and pathogens in an economical and environmentally friendly way, using a wide range of resources, skills and services.

 

The disease triangle is a concept of plant pathology and is based on the principle that disease is the result of an interaction between a host, a potential pathogen and the environment or weather conditions. Plant disease is prevented by elimination of any one of these three causal components.

 

 

Keeping the sward healthy and reducing the conditions that favour disease will be the first priority to keep disease from your turf. The following actions should help you achieve this:

  • Carry out programmes of aeration to help keep the surface free draining.
  • Inspect and monitor existing surface water drainage systems; ensure that they are working.
  • Prevent moist conditions remaining on the surface by brushing/sweeping/switching the playing surface (remove dew).
  • Apply a balanced fertiliser to keep the sward healthy. A soil analysis will identify fertiliser requirements.
  • Control thatch layers as thatch provides a good environment for the disease. Reduction of thatch by hollow coring and scarification.
  • Reduce the return of clippings. An accumulation of dead matter will increase thatch.
  • Maintain Soil pH between 5.8-6.5; do not allow the soil to become alkaline.
  • Check mowing heights and keep blades sharp.
  • Be vigilant and treat the disease early to prevent severe attacks. Treat with approved fungicides.
  • Reduce shade.

Who said we only cut grass?!

NEWS
AMENITY SECTOR MUST STAND TOGETHER
Says John Moverley of the Amenity Forum
by Laurence Gale, TurfPro editor
 
John Moverley

In his concluding remarks to the recent Forum, John highlighted the need for the amenity sector to stand together and be proud of what all involved in the management of amenity spaces achieve.

 


I caught up briefly with John Moverley, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, after their annual conference recently.

 

John Moverley


In his concluding remarks to the packed audience, he highlighted the need for the amenity sector to stand together and be proud of what all involved in the management of amenity spaces do. As he put it, “What happens in amenity impacts upon every UK citizen, every day. Our industry seeks to create safe, healthy spaces and surfaces fit for purpose".

 

John also introduced the new Amenity Standard set to be launched fully at the start of 2020. John sees this as having the potential to be a real game changer for our sector. He says, “It is vital that we can demonstrate to the public the highest standards of workmanship. I want to see the Standard established as a benchmark for quality in our sector and hope to see the logo become as familiar as the Red Tractor is in food and agriculture. Carrying and displaying the Standard will demonstrate to all that the work being undertaken is in line with a recognised assurance scheme.”


The Amenity Forum has also embarked on a project to increase public understanding of what happens in amenity. This will build upon the established Get Moving campaign. John said, "For too long, we have not told our story and why what we achieve is so important and essential. We must change this.”


John is giving his support to the idea of an amenity or green day in 2020 - a day when amenity management in all its forms can be celebrated. On that day such as that, the concept would be that organisations involved in amenity across the UK could be encouraged to participate in a local charity activity. Of course, the success or indeed existence of a day such as that would depend upon everyone in the industry getting behind it. John says, “If we can have a Red Nose Day, why not a Green one. I just hope that industry and media can combine and make it happen.”


Whilst a little tired after the conference, John had lost none of his enthusiasm. I believe we all need to back the Forum and its activities, thereby creating our own futures - not relying on others to do so. I am certainly backing the idea of an amenity day.

WHICH GROUNDCARE TRACTOR BRANDS RESONATE WITH TURF PROFESSIONALS?
Final research findings revealed
 
Which groundcare tractor brands resonate most with turf professionals?

TAP, the owners of TurfPro, have published the final part of their unique sector insight, this time revealing what what levels of brand awareness and re-call there are amongst professional end users.


TAP, the owners of TurfPro, have published the final part of their unique sector insight, this time revealing what levels of brand awareness and re-call there is amongst professional end users.

 

For this research, the thoughts of turf professionals were sought via canvassing the readers of this TurfPro Weekly Briefing. This follows on from research conducted by TAP earlier this year into the opinions of specialist dealers regarding the tractor brands they deal in.

 

Shaun Cooper, head of insight at TAP, said, "Our results have clearly identified two types of brands operating at differing levels in the market. The first division are dominated by strong brand leaders who adopt many of the characteristics you normally associate with the category. They enjoy significant buyer opinion, mind and market share.

 

"The remaining alternatives in the market are located in a different segment where groundcare professionals struggled to recall and rate attributes because they lacked brand awareness or sufficient market penetration. These are weaker brands and require brand / marketing investment to raise awareness, loyalty, WOM and increased brand equity."

 

To discover which brands resonated with the Turf Pro respondents and which struggled to do so, click here.

 

Also by clicking through, interested parties will be able to register for a Summary Document of all the findings which will be available from TAP soon.

 

Register here.

BIGGA ANNOUNCES ICL SCHOLARS
For BTME 2020
 
ICL's Andy Owen speaking at Continue to Learn 2019

Five successful recipients of the fourth ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship have been revealed.

 


The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association and ICL have announced the five successful recipients of the fourth ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship.

 

ICL's Andy Owen speaking at Continue to Learn 2019

 

The successful BIGGA members are:

  • William Curran, greenkeeper, Beaverbrook Golf Club
  • Phil Worth, head greenkeeper, Macclesfield Golf Club
  • Thomas Tomlinson, assistant greenkeeper, Boldon Golf Club
  • Joe Lamb, assistant greenkeeper, West Herts Golf Club
  • Melissa Winkworth, assistant greenkeeper, Goring and Streatley Golf Club

The ICL Continue to Learn 2020 Scholars will receive three nights’ hotel accommodation and 15 hours of training and personal development at the education programme, supported by BIGGA Partner and specialty fertiliser company ICL.

BIGGA’s Head of Member Development Sami Strutt said: “We received 75 completed applications for this fantastic member opportunity. Whittling them down to just five has been a real challenge! The recipients of the scholarship, sponsored by ICL, will benefit from both attending great education and networking with their peers. We look forward to welcoming the ICL Continue to Learn Scholars to BTME 2020 for what promises to be another great event.”

Continue to Learn at BTME 2020 will take place at Harrogate Convention Centre from Sunday 19 - Wednesday 22 January 2020. The extensive education programme will run alongside the BTME.

BEST IN TEST AWARD FOR HUSQVARNA
Price Runner UK recognises Rider 214TC
 
Husqvarna Rider 214TC

Following a test in which nine models were examined across factors such as: mowing performance, manoeuvrability, comfort & user-friendliness, the 214TC won best performing mower.

 


Husqvarna Rider 214TC has received ‘Best in Test’ status in Price Runner UK’s latest ride-on test.

 


Following a test in which nine models were examined across factors such as: mowing performance, manoeuvrability, comfort & user-friendliness, the 214TC was found to be the best performing mower.


It was praised by an independent panel of testers with the feedback stating that the mower was “a very high performance model for large areas with lots of obstacles”. The machine stood out for its flexibility, with a range of front-mounted accessories, such as a snow shovel, brush and aerator all able to be attached to the mower.


Price Runner UK went on to further to say the model was “king of the ride-on lawn mowers, which gets maximum points in everything we give it to do.”


Husqvarna UK Category Manager - Lawn, Andrew Lees said, “We are extremely pleased to receive such a prestigious award. The R 214TC is one of our best-selling models and the award reinforces why. The R 214TC shares the same Husqvarna Rider DNA as found on all rider models from the 200 Series, designed for domestic use up to the Commercial specification 500 Series models. This means that no matter which model our customers choose they will benefit from the same great features and benefits as highlighted in the test.”

CAN-AM SET UP UK CALL CENTRE
To work alongside dealer network
 
Can-Am are launching a UK call centre

Manufacturer says the call centre will enable potential buyers to book demos of ATVs and SSVs from the 2020 Can-Am off-road line-up with their nearest dealership.

 


Can-Am have announced that to "streamline the buying process", they are launching a dedicated UK based call centre for its off-road line-up of ATVs and SSVs.

 



The company says the new call centre has been designed to work alongside their off-road UK dealer network and is the next step in their "continued commitment to providing consumers with a high-quality customer experience from start to finish".

 

The centre will enable buyers to book demos on the ATVs and SSVs from the 2020 Can-Am off-road line-up on their farms, estates or sites with their nearest dealership.

James Dalke, BRP commercial manager UK and Ireland, said, “We are committed to continually improving the services we offer our customers and the introduction of the call centre is the next logical step in this ongoing journey. We want to encourage consumers to use this service to ensure they can quickly book a test of an ATV or SSV to see if it meets their needs because we understand how important their time is and we want to make it as convenient as possible for users to test the vehicles on site.

 

"In addition, it will allow us to provide dealerships with new leads in their area, which will provide increased sales opportunities for their businesses.”

Call centre number: 01832 732 111


Opening hours
Monday-Friday: 08:30 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00

BOVERY CASTLE AIMING FOR THE TOP
Desire to get back into Top 100 golf courses
 
Bovey Castle

Scott Duff, head greenkeeper at Bovey Castle in Devon, says he is using a range of Sherriff Amenity products to help the club get back up the charts.

 


Scott Duff, head greenkeeper at Bovey Castle in Devon, says he is using a range of Sherriff Amenity products to help the club get back into the Top 100 Golf Courses.

 

Designed in 1926 by J F Abercromby, one of the finest British golf course designers of the last century, Bovey Castle’s 18 hole championship golf course is challenging and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Dartmoor.

 

 

Scott, who has been at Bovey Castle for four years, started his turf career in football at Torquay United FC before switching to greenkeeping. He admits that it was somewhat of a challenging transition but claims that he has no regrets.

 

“When I was in football groundsmanship, I had always wanted to try greenkeeping but to be honest I was always worried that I would be out of my depth,” he said. “I went from looking after just one surface which had a fairly consistent maintenance regime to suddenly looking after a multitude of different areas - each with their own requirements. It was the biggest challenge in my career but also the best because I can confidently say that I love my job.”

 

Scott excelled in his new role and was rewarded two years ago when he was promoted to the position of head greenkeeper. Now, alongside Sean Bennett, course manager, the two of them have a very clear goal.

 

“We are a championship course which used to be in the top 100 but not anymore unfortunately. Quite simply our goal is to get back in there. I think with Sean’s knowledge of managing a course, his drive and his passion, along with the improvements he wants to make, I think it is very realistic.

 

“We are not a million miles away but we still have a lot of work to do and with people like David Chammings from Sherriff Amenity on-board then this will only boost our chances. David has really changed the way we approach our feed programmes and also some of the work we do out on the course because he draws up management plans which concentrate on what we should be doing throughout certain periods of the year.”

 

After consultation, David recommended a tank mixture consisting of iNTrench fertiliser 15.0.9 and GoGreen Energy bio-stimulant for the greens.

 

“Every course is different and you have to work out what is best for your site,” said Scott. “With iNTrench and GoGreen, we find that if we go at half rate (20 l/ha) every two weeks, then the greens seem to hold the nutrients a lot better. By applying it like this we notice healthier greens and also better longevity out of the products. This tank-mix has worked really well for us and there has been a big improvement in the greens.

 

“In fact, we also use this mix with the addition of seaweed on our tees if they need some instant colour-up.”

 

Scott also reported excellent results from Sherriff Amenity’s Aqua-Zorb 45 wetting agent, which helped him through a somewhat difficult summer last year.

 

“Last year, Aqua-Zorb was a real saviour for us. I would say that at least 90% of courses in the UK would say that the disease period for golf was horrendous last year and a good wetting agent could have saved money on fungicides and relieved the drought stress.

 

“We had such intense heat last year and Aqua-Zorb still worked incredibly well considering we were frequently seeing temperatures of 30°C plus.

 

“I feel we have been going through a massive transition period and this year we will see even more improvements to the course. The Sherriff Amenity products have played a big role in the success over the past couple of years and I can’t fault the service from David whatsoever.”

'GAME CHANGER' AT REDDITCH GC
New irrigation system praised
 
Karl Williams, course manager at Redditch Golf Club

Karl Williams, course manager at Redditch Golf Club, has reported significant improvements to the course since the installation of a new Hunter Irrigation system.

 


Karl Williams, course manager at Redditch Golf Club, has reported significant improvements to the course since the installation of a new Hunter Irrigation system, which was installed by Prime Irrigation and supplied by KAR UK.

 

Founded in 1913, Redditch Golf Club is one of the finest parkland courses in the midlands and is well known for its woodlands, topography and quality playing surfaces.

 

Karl has been Course Manager at Redditch since October 2014 and within the first few months of his new role, he quickly identified an area which needed improvement.

 

“In 2015 we had an appraisal on the old irrigation system, which confirmed the inadequacies and poor reliability of the system. With continuous bursts and cable breaks, which resulted in an awful lot of hand watering,” said Karl.

 

Following the summer of 2018, the proposal to install a completely new irrigation system was passed by the committee and approved by 97% of the club’s members in favour.

 

A plan needed to be put into place quickly for the new system to cover all greens, tees, approaches and green surrounds. After speaking with Hunter Industries, there was no doubt in Karl’s mind due to their products, that it was the way to go.

 

 

“The new system has been an absolute game-changer,” said Karl. “It allows us to apply water in millimetres - simply replacing the daily deficit every night has made a huge difference. Even in the highest temperatures, the greens do not lose moisture and we no longer have to worry about them looking worn. They are consistently good which is great from a player’s point of view.

 

“That has been a huge bonus, but the biggest area of improvement since the system was installed has been on the tees. For example, prior to the new system, the first tee had just four larger sprinklers along one side and they would overshoot, miss the tee and spill onto the path. Now we have five I-20 rotors on each side of the tee fitted with the Matched Precipitation Rate nozzles. This ensures that the water is applied to the tee playing surface at all times, receives excellent coverage and results in saving water, which makes it all very efficient!

 

“It’s so good that we can now target individual areas because we have got some greens which face different directions - we’ve got slopes, banks and some areas that require more water than others. We can keep on top of everything at just the click of a button.

 

“The system also allows a wide choice of options when planning a watering cycle, I can apply 2mm of water to all of the green’s at the start of a cycle and then it will go around the rest of the system before coming back to that same green and applying another 2mm if this is required. This is great because rather than the water running off the green surface it gives it time to soak in before the next part.”

 

From when Karl first started speaking to Hunter Industries, the whole project was completed within 14 months and any worries he had about the installation disturbing play were quickly alleviated.

 

“The members have been overwhelmed with how little obtrusion there was to play and throughout the whole installation period. There were no golf holes closed at any time – they couldn’t believe how tidy it was and how quickly it was installed, a testament to Prime Irrigation.”

 

“I’m just really pleased with the whole project and the service we have received has been fantastic. Back-up support from suppliers is vital in this industry and we absolutely get that.”

ST GEORGE'S HILL GC GOES ALL IN
For Toro machinery
 
Part of St George’s Hill Golf Club’s new 30-strong Toro fleet

Golf club signs its first ever five-year agreement plan with Toro and its distributor Reesink Turfcare.

 


At the pinnacle of St George’s Hill Golf Club sits its iconic clubhouse, casting an eye over its three nine-hole courses widely regarded as Harry Colt’s crowning glory, and now in the hands of Toro to uphold.

 

Set within an exclusive private estate in Surrey, the club was in need of a fleet of turfcare machinery to maintain the high standards of the course, and it was a complete Toro package that proved to hit the mark with the club signing its first ever five-year agreement plan with Toro and its distributor Reesink Turfcare.

 

Part of St George’s Hill Golf Club’s new 30-strong Toro fleet

 

The historic club provides one of the most exclusive golfing experiences, currently ranked No.63 in the World by Golf Digest Magazine. With so much history and expectation, course manager Chris Godsen says the pressure to provide the very best is always on.

 

“Every day here is a big day,” he explains. “Everyone who comes to play is looking for the best and wanting an experience like no other, so we have to work to provide that every day, no exceptions.”

 

With the club boasting 500 members and the estate home to 420 houses, having a comprehensive and efficient fleet is vitally important.

 

“The fleet here was already about 90 percent Toro,” Chris says. “But we wanted to invest in new machines, so we’d be up to date with the latest tech and innovation.”

 

Despite looking at a range of options with other brands before making a commitment, Chris says Toro was the only choice.

 

“We did look at a couple of other brands, but there would always be one or two unreliable machines that would really let the package down. But with Toro, there isn’t one piece of kit I can see doing that.”

 

With the package deal comprising near thirty pieces, including three Greensmaster 3250-Ds, three Reelmaster 3555-Ds, two Groundsmaster 4300-Ds, four Workman HDX-Ds and a ProPass 200 to name a few, Chris is excited to put the new comprehensive fleet to work.

 

“We’re particularly excited to trial our new lightweight mowers as we haven’t had them before. The Multi Pro 5800-D sprayer is also going to be a big help. It’s bigger and faster than what we have now, so we’ll be able to get more coverage in less time.

 

“I’m confident this agreement is just the start of an ongoing partnership,” says Chris. “The service from Reesink has always been great and now with a full fleet of Toro equipment, I have total peace of mind that the course is in good hands.”

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LEARNING LIVE 2019 TO TACKLE INDUSTRY ISSUES
At SALTEX 2019
 
Learning LIVE 2019 to tackle industry issues at SALTEX 2019

A number of key industry experts will be uniting to collaboratively tackle the biggest issues facing the groundscare environment at SALTEX 2019, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on October 30 and 31.

 


A number of key industry experts will be uniting to collaboratively tackle the biggest issues facing the groundscare environment at SALTEX 2019, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on October 30 and 31.

 

Learning LIVE, SALTEX’s all-encompassing and free-to-attend education programme will take place in four dedicated seminar theatres with presentations and panel debates running from 10am through to 3.30pm each day of the show.

 

Learning LIVE 2019 to tackle industry issues at SALTEX 2019

 

Featuring over 50 CPD accredited seminars involving more than 100 expert speakers, the programme has been developed by leading industry partners and influencers to provide support, insight and real solutions to key industry issues.

 

Learning LIVE will kickstart with ‘Creating Champions’ telling the story of grounds staff’s 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.

 

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 62,000-capacity stadium pitches were built.

 

From Premiership to grassroots groundsmanship, there’s something 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 also offering advice on how to secure funding.

 

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.

 

Cricket grounds personnel can find out about ongoing research carried out by First Class Counties and England’s Centre of Excellence, and 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.

 

This is just a snapshot of sessions available at this year’s show. Go to www.iogsaltex.com where you will soon be able to check out the full programme, register your visit to SALTEX and book into your preferred sessions to avoid the queues.

 

Registration for Europe’s largest annual groundscare exhibition SALTEX 2019 is now open

 

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

PREVIOUS FEATURES
TURFPRO FEATURE ARCHIVE
Find our previous features here
 
TurfPro Feature Archive

If you want to catch up with any of TurfPro's previous features, here is the place to do so.


LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

 

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

 

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

 

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

 

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

 

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

 

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

 

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

 

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

 

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

 

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

 

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?

EDITOR'S BLOG ARCHIVE
Catch up with Laurence Gale's recent blogs
 
TurfPro editor, Laurence Gale

Want to catch up with one of editor Laurence Gale's blogs? Here is the place to do so.

 


AMENITY FORUM CONFERENCE '19 REPORT
Event held at the Pirelli Stadium

 

WHAT'S NEW ON THE PARKS FRONT?
Plenty of developments in this vital sector

 

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2019
Latest developments on show

 

BUSY TIMES AHEAD
Show and event season

 

RECRUITMENT IS KEY
The challenge of finding new staff

 

EDGBASTON'S BASTION
Gary Barwell gives his insight to groundsmen

 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MACHINERY
Turf professionals must be careful when buying new equipment

 

A GROUNDSMAN'S LOT
Under-appreciated and under-valued

 

CURRENT STATE OF BOWLS
Clubs facing many challenges

 

GEARING UP FOR THE RUGBY SEASON
Starts in less than 3 weeks

 

PREPARING FOR GOLF COURSE WORK
Renovations on tees and greens

 

PLANNING CRICKET RENOVATIONS
There are some basic aims when renovating a square

 

A FEAST OF SPORT
With turf professionals playing an integral role

 

THE CURRENT STATE OF GOLF
Courses must adapt to survive

 

TEEING OFF WITH JOHN DEERE
Partnership with Wentworth Club launched

 

WEATHER CONTINUES TO SURPRISE
During one of the busiest times of the year

 

BERNHARD LAUNCH TRAINING ACADEMY
Educating the next generation

 

THE NEXT GENERATION
We must inspire and recruit a new generation of turf professionals

 

OPTIMISATION OF WATER RESOURCES
Better understand the soil / water relationship

 

HARD WORK & DEDICATION
Ever changing playing surfaces

 

OBESITY MEASURES
Turf professionals have a vital role

 

TIMELY ADVICE
Rugby renovations

 

PLANNING AHEAD
Renovating grass surfaces

 

FROM WINTER TO SUMMER SPORTS
April is a busy period

 

THE VALUE OF TREES
Trees bring real benefits to our cities, health and well being

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Choice of fertiliser products will be influenced by many factors

 

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

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