Printer Friendly Version

EDITOR'S BLOG

WINTER WARMING
Watering regimes vital
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

Speaking to turf professionals, many have commented that the recent conditions have meant the implementation of playing surface watering.

With air temperature well into double figures for most of January and the start of February, we are certainly in for an early spring floral display - ratified by recent research seen in a BBC news item.

The story states that it has been documented that climate change is causing UK plants to flower almost a month earlier on average. Just as autumn leaf fall is being delayed by warmer weather, flowers are appearing earlier on trees and shrubs.

The BBC says, “But while some might welcome these untimely blooms, scientists are warning of the risks. They say if the trend continues, there are likely to be some knock-on effects for birds, insects and whole ecosystems.

“Ecological mismatch may kick in, which would have a dramatic effect "on the functioning and productivity" of nature and farming, said lead researcher, Prof Ulf Buntgen of the University of Cambridge.”

The piece goes on to explain that global warming is causing spring to arrive early and autumn to come late in many places, and not all plants and animals are adapting at the same rate.

Scientists warn that if species get out of sync with each other, this could have disastrous consequences - a concept known as ecological mismatch.
I myself have seen the emergence of a number of butterflies in the last couple of weeks along with a number of ladybirds.

This unusual warm, dry weather has certainly been welcomed by many of our grounds professionals. Most parts of the country have not had to deal with snowfalls and heavy frosts, thus reducing the workload of having to manage the use of frost sheets and covers.

Also, many grassroots level, soil-based pitches seem to withstand the toil of winter games fixtures due to this spate of dry weather. However, we may still get caught out. It seems we may be facing some wet weather fronts, as predicted by Mark Hunt from Headland, who provides a fascinating insight to our weather on his weekly weatherblog that’s well worth a read.

Watering regimes

Having spoken to a number of groundsmen, they have all commented on the recent weather and have had to implement some watering of their playing surfaces.

It usually at this time of the year you should be auditing and servicing your irrigation systems ready for the start of the growing season.

Nowadays, irrigation is an integral part of the turf grass management industry, especially as the demand for better quality playing surfaces has increased. This demand has been largely due to extensive televised coverage of major sporting events. Seeing immaculate, aesthetically presented golf courses, football & rugby pitches and horse racing courses has increased the expectations of players and viewers.

Most professional sporting facilities have irrigation systems of one sort or another. Without them they would not be able to prepare and maintain their playing surfaces.

Water is influential in all chemical, physiological and biological processes of plant growth. The soil/plant water relationships is critical to the sustainability of any grass plant. Understanding these relationships is critical. All grass plants are a continuum of water movement. Over 90% of the plant's water requirements are transported through the plant from the soil profile, via the roots and stem tissues into the leaves and out into the atmosphere. Knowledge of these relationships is important when designing and operating irrigation systems. The main aim is to achieve a water balance within the soil profile ensuring that the grass plant can access available water from the soil.

Uniformity is the critical design factor of any irrigation system. The position, distance between and working range of the heads is crucial to uniformity. It is important to measure the uniformity of the heads on a regular basis to ensure that the system is operating correctly. This is done by placing receptacles (buckets) in a grid formation at set distances to collect the water. The water in the buckets is measured to see if there has been a uniform distribution to the surface target area.

Irrigation design engineers and manufacturers have now developed and offer a wide range of sprinkler products that can accommodate most facility requirement and applications, (greens, tees, fairways, football/rugby pitches, bowling greens, artificial pitches and horse racing tracks). All facilities require the appropriate system design to maximise the resources available. A poorly designed system cannot be made to work properly with remedial measures later, without causing a lot of disruption and cost implications.

The employment of experienced irrigation specialists/consultants will ensure that the right system is employed and, in the long term, will save time and money.

It is essential you have these systems serviced and calibrated before the start of any new growing season. There is nothing worse than these systems breaking down or not being efficient when you need them.

Running times and system output capacities are very important. Many golf coursees often have to run for 6-8 hrs to complete a watering cycle. Does the system have the capacity or flow to change the quantities required? Is there enough running time available to achieve the aims and objectives?

The optimum time for watering is from 8pm through to 8am. Watering at other times may cause inconvenience to players and affect surface playability. Watering during the day, especially in hot weather, may lead to scorching of the turf and loss of water by evaporation.

All irrigations systems are driven by water pressure. It is important that the correct specification of piping is used to conform to the pressure requirements of the system being employed. Using the wrong size piping materials and UPVC joints could result in leakage problems once the system is up and running. Leaks and loss of pressure will have a dramatic effect on the performance of the system, with the added problem that the water will be going somewhere else!

Also, the quality of your water may affect the performance of your system. Sites in areas with heavy lime deposits may require filtration systems. Similarly, recycled water (grey water systems) will require an effective filtration system employed to clean the water prior to use on natural turf surfaces.

If we continue to see an increase in soil and air temperatures as a result of global warming, then many sports clubs will no doubt have to increase their investment in their irrigation systems and look at more efficient ways of watering their sports facilities.

NEWS

TRAINING BURSARY TO BE WON
By a turf professional

In our first WEB ONLY story British Sugar Topsoil is celebrating the launch of their Topsoil Academy by offering a turf professional the chance to win a cash training bursary.

RECIPENT OF TOP GCSAA AWARD NAMED
2021 Edwin Budding Award

The prize will be presented this week in San Diego

In our next WEB ONLY story the prize is given annually by the U.S greenkeepers association to a technician or engineer who has made a significant impact in the golf course and turf industry.

MODIFICATIONS MAKE DOE SHOW RETURN A SUCCESS
In-person event again
by Martin Rickatson

Ernest Doe reintroduced its annual ‘physical’ event last week - albeit with a few changes.

After a year’s absence in which it won the Best New Initiative category at the 2021 Service Dealer Awards for the development of its online ‘Doe Show with a Difference’, south-eastern agricultural, groundscare and construction machinery dealer Ernest Doe reintroduced its annual ‘physical’ event last week with a few changes to keep coronavirus spread at bay – and visitor turnout would suggest the firm made the right call.

The fine February weather undoubtedly helped, but doing away with temporary buildings and opening up the shutter doors on the permanent ones of the site at Ernest Doe’s Ulting, Essex, headquarters branch allowed the firm to make changes that minimised the risk of Covid spread and gave all present plenty of space to keep a distance while still retaining the established atmosphere of the show.

“We’ve been really pleased with the turnout, and with the response of both the visitors and our suppliers,” said sales director Graham Parker, speaking to TurfPro on the first day of the three-day show on Tuesday this week.

“There have been some very favourable comments, and it’s clear that, across our agricultural, construction and groundscare customer bases, people are keen to see some return to normality. Opening up the site has really helped the visitor flow, and we’ve certainly learned a few things for future events.”

STIHL ANNOUNCE ROADSHOW
Highlighting cordless products

STIHL have announced a cordless roadshow

Company says events around the UK for professional end-users will have a significant dealer-focus.

STIHL have announced they will be on the road throughout March with a new professional cordless roadshow UK tour.

The STIHL Fully Charged Cordless Roadshow will allow larger professional users, such as councils and major landscaping contractors, exclusive access to its range of cordless machines, as well as providing local dealers with what the company describe as "more support than ever before."

Professional users will be able to get hands on with the manufacturer's latest range of cordless products, as well as gain insight from their team of trained experts who will be on hand to offer advice and recommendations. Refreshments will be available on the day, as well as offers and discounts all redeemable through STIHL’s specialist Approved Dealers.

STIHL will be visiting 11 locations during March, including:

8th March - Stirling
Stirling County Rugby Football Club, FK9 5AP
9th March - Durham
East Durham College, DH1 3SG
10th March - Harrogate
Pavillions of Harrogate, HG2 8NZ
16th March - Newport
Harper Adams, TF10 8NB
17th March - Cheshire
Reaseheath College, CW5 6DF
22nd March - Melton Mowbray
Brooksby Melton College, LE13 0HJ
23rd March - Avonbank
Pershore College, WR10 3JP
24th March - Swansea
St Hilary’s Church, SA2 7DZ
29th March - Devon
Bicton College, EX9 7BY
30th March - Guildford
Merrist Wood College, GU3 3PE
31st March - Essex
Writtle College, CM1 3RR

Simon Hewitt, head of marketing at STIHL GB, said, “The popularity of cordless machinery continues to rise amongst professional users and, through years of extensive research and development into the advancement of battery technology, we now boast a range that can meet the requirements of the most demanding applications. Indeed in every category in which we operate, STIHL now has a battery-powered tool with equivalent performance as its petrol counterpart.

“With this in mind, the roadshow will provide us and our network of dealers with a great platform to not only showcase the latest innovative products, but also to meet customers and gain valuable insight into their needs as professional users.”

HOPKINS MACHINERY TEAMS UP FOR SIX NATIONS
Close assoication with Welsh Rugby Union

Hopkins Machinery at the Principality Stadium

Local dealer has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union.

The Welsh Rugby Union and dealer Hopkins Machinery Ltd have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership, dating back to the 1960s when Cardiff Arms Park was still the home of Welsh rugby.

In 2005 the Newport-based dealership took on the Kubota franchise, and Kubota machinery has been an important part of the armoury ever since.

Kubota tractors and RTVs fulfil various roles at Principality Stadium, home to international rugby tournaments including three World Cups and the Guinness Six Nations.

“Although we use pedestrian equipment on the pitch, Kubota tractors are essential workhorses for the Stadium,” explains head groundsman Lee Evans.

“Our relationship with Hopkins Machinery is key - if ever we need parts, service or repairs or replacement machines, their support is second-to-none.”

Evan Hopkins concurs, “Having taken the decision to move into groundcare in 1995 and then taking on Kubota in 2005, Principality Stadium is an ideal sponsorship for us, with rugby being our national sport. It’s highly prestigious and gives us a fantastic hospitality opportunity.”

Lee Evans concluded, “With a prestigious venue like this, we’re reliant on partnerships to help us deliver high standards in a busy programme, and we really value working with Kubota and Hopkins Machinery."

AGROVISTA APPOINTS
New amenity specialist

Agrovista have appointed a new amenity specialist

Experienced ex-greenkeeper says he's already seeing a strong desire within the industry to shift towards more eco-friendly products and packaging.

Agrovista UK has announced the appointment of Doug McLaren as a new amenity specialist who will be operating throughout Berkshire across to Essex and up to Northampton.

Doug McLaren

Doug started his career in greenkeeping after enjoying a summer job at a small nine-hole golf course in the Scottish Highlands. For the next thirty years he proceeded to work at many prestigious courses such as The Wisley Golf Club in Surrey, St Andrews in Scotland, a De Vere club in Lancashire, the Golf de Joyenval in Paris, The Grove Hotel in Hertfordshire, and Batchworth Park Golf Club in Rickmansworth. Along the way he worked hard to gain qualifications including an NVQ in Greenkeeping and both a HND and a HNC in Golf Course Management.

Prior to joining Agrovista Amenity, Doug was taking some time out after recovering from a brain haemorrhage.

“I was very lucky, and it made me take a step back to reassess,” he said. “I felt that it was time to move away from greenkeeping and then I was made aware of an opportunity at Agrovista Amenity. It is a company that I have worked with a lot over the years, so I know the products very well. I felt it would be a good fit.”

With a wide variety of clients in different sectors, Doug admits it has been a whirlwind start, but claims he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’m a bit of a sponge at the moment,” he said. “I’m really enjoying going around all the different businesses, taking in as much information as I can, as well as passing on my knowledge."

Doug says he is ready to address any emerging trends and he is already seeing a strong desire within the industry to shift towards more eco-friendly products and packaging.

Turf and amenity managers are publicly showing that they are keener than ever to address sustainability with their practices. Working with the current supplier base Doug sees huge potential within the portfolio to provide solutions to these challenges and other yet to come.

“Covid has without doubt had an impact on sporting venues," he continued, "but some are returning with a bang - golf in particular. Prior to the pandemic, golf membership was declining throughout the country but now looking to get back to if not beyond the previous levels. I’ve noticed that lots of clubs are benefiting and are now looking to invest in their courses and facilities.

“I know first-hand that it is getting harder and harder for these people to produce the best surfaces they can and I’m looking forward to helping them.”

JOBS

AGRIGEM
Sports Expert

We offer a great opportunity for genuine career development and are currently seeking confident Managers with excellent customer and management skills, who are commercially astute, numerically sound and take pride in attention to detail.

Are you looking to change your lifestyle and work in an industry that you love? Or have recent events left you looking for a role with a growing company? Are you a professional with experience in the sports sector? Would you like to have the security of working with a successful, friendly team remotely or from a brand new, purpose-built office & warehouse with great benefits?

Widely viewed as the fastest growing and most innovative independent company in our industry, we have an appetite and reputation for finding the right people and pushing them for success. Sustainable growth even through the last year has seen us recruit further staff & recently expand our office and warehouse facilities. We strive to provide an exceptional service to our customers across many exciting large and niche sectors including Sport.

This is an innovative and diverse role where you will be responsible for overseeing and developing customers, whilst offering the most up-to-date advice in order to help our existing high-profile customer base.

We offer a highly attractive salary along with a bonus scheme and a generous 23 days’ holiday per year plus public holidays. As part of our commitment to our team, you will also be entitled to Private Healthcare, Gym Membership, exceptional Pension Plan, flexible working & recreational teambuilding days. The company regularly partakes in social activities and offers company incentive schemes, highlighting our team culture in line with our “Always Great” company values.

Relevant industry qualifications would be advantageous, although continuous training will be offered in line with our continual improvement plan. Drive and self-motivation are essential. Do not worry about the products or technical aspects of the role; to succeed in this position all you will need is a lot of spirit and drive. You don’t give up easily and you are ready to make an impact and go the extra mile.

Roles & Responsibilities

Your role will include, but not limited to the following tasks;

To develop & manage a current & new customer base of commercial growers & other relevant companies.
Utilise your ability and knowledge to consult users and introduce them to the products and technology that we have available. You will help build relationships and partnerships to deliver commercial results.
To oversee and develop working predominantly from our Head Office in Lincoln or remotely.
- Assisting in the development of our product range.
- Lead generation.
- Assisting & creating of PR & marketing opportunities including open days, trials sites & tradeshows.
- Visit customers and their businesses across the UK and abroad.
To prospect new leads & look at adding additional value to existing customers that may be handed to you.
To respond to calls, emails & customers where you will advise them in a technical manner to assist with their requirements.
To be involved with any marketing campaigns.
To be involved with technical & commercial meetings with regards to products & market positioning.
To attend various trade shows & events, some of which may require an overnight stay, both in this country and abroad.
This is a full-time position working remotely or from our head office just outside of Lincoln
In addition to the highly attractive package, we are offering a competitive salary, company car or car allowance, and you will be entered into our company bonus scheme.

To find out more about joining us please send us your latest CV and covering letter to our UK Sales Manager: martin.ford@agrigem.co.uk

ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS HERE
Amazing success rates!

Advertise your jobs on TurfPro Weekly Briefing

Advertise your recruitment needs on TurfPro Weekly Briefing and reach our targeted audience of recipients every week.

Contact Nikki Harrison for details - 01491 837117

Sponsored Product Announcements

STIHL LAUNCHES NEW CLEARING SAW
With faster cutting speed

New professional clearing saw offers landscaping professionals and groundskeepers greater performance and a larger cutting diameter, to tackle the toughest clearing jobs.

STIHL has launched a new professional clearing saw that boasts a faster-cutting speed and optimised gearbox, offering landscaping professionals and groundskeepers greater performance and a larger cutting diameter, to tackle the toughest clearing jobs.

The new FS 411 C-EM is lightweight and powerful, with an optimised gearbox where the gear ratio has been modified to suit a larger cutting diameter of 520 mm, allowing professionals to quickly cover larger cutting areas with ease. For added durability, the gearbox includes an updated main bearing and an additional labyrinth seal for improved lubrication.

With user comfort in mind, STIHL’s FS 411 C-EM includes an updated ergonomic handle tube and improved guard enabling clearer visibility of the attachment whilst providing comfortable use for longer. Work with the new clearing saw can be done efficiently and precisely due to its powerful performance and increased cutting diameter.

Like the previous FS 410 C-EM, the FS 411 C-EM has a 4-point anti-vibration system, ErgoStart for easy starting and tool-free handle adjustment. This new model is also quieter and can be used with a wider range of STIHL cutting attachments such as circular saw blades, line heads, a shredder blade or brush knives.

Ignition timing and fuel metering are precisely controlled using the STIHL M-Tronic 3.0 electronic engine management system. External factors such as temperature, altitude and fuel quality are also taken into account by M-Tronic 3.0, resulting in consistent engine performance, efficient fuel usage and excellent acceleration.

The FS 411 C-EM is one of a series of new and improved brushcutters STIHL will be launching this year, all with wider cutting widths, improved gear head and lower vibrations.

For more information on STIHL’s range of clearing saws, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.