Turf Matters Nov / Dec 2017

For all sports turf professionals in golf, football, rugby, cricket, horse racing, independent schools, universities and local authorities

November-December 2017 | £3.95

Best sporting university in the world GROUNDWATER REGULATIONS IN ACTION

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BEHIND THE SCENES AT LOUGHBOROUGH PAGE 65

’17

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WELCOME

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iWelcome

Takeforget a look at us now Don’t Sport…

Distributed every two months to sports turf professionals, independent schools, universities, local authorities and buyers of turfcare machinery and products.

Turf Matters was launched in January 2014 and over the last three years last two months been a nightmare forgood, many people in certain weThe have slowly built uphave our reputation, through solid, independent parts of the and my heart to goes out toaeveryone with journalism andcountry high quality design, become respecteddealing title within aftermath of unprecedented flooding and devastating erosion. thethe industry.

The best case scenario for many is months of temporary living. For This issue marks a significant advance, however, and you have already others, lives will never return to what they were. seen why. We are much bigger and, for the first time, we have changed While the fate of sports grounds and golf clubs might seem the binding – the bit that holds the magazine together – dispensing with inconsequential in the face of such hardship, we at Turf Matters have staples and being what is known as “perfect bound”. a particular empathy with everyone who has seen years of agronomic That is in recognition of being selected SALTEX to weeks. be Media husbandry literally washed away in theby space of a few Partner, which is another indicator of the advances that Turf Matters It must be hoped that banks – the financial institutions, not the has madewhich over the last three years, something has been approach things edge overflown rivers – take anwhich understanding particularly inwhich 2017. have been unable to service loans as a to sportingmarked facilities result of the them being and Turf so unable to bring revenue.

If this is first timeunplayable you have seen Matters, thenin I hope you As wemagazine. have seen We with the recent Olympics, sport hasthat such a enjoy our work hard toWinter showcase the great work galvanising effect on society and canofbeours the and catalyst for much is going on in this wonderful industry bring toso you the good, that itand is imperative sporting facilities are not forgotten when the on exciting endless innovations and new products that are released being allocated. with our readers and a constantpromised basis. Weassistance attempt toisbuild relationships the issue of improving sporting facilities,and wewe have been the companies On who make their living within the industry, have invited by Briggs & Stratton to become involved in its Pitch fun doing it. to Win competition, which provides a £3,000 makeover for This special “perfect edition Turf Matters will what is judgedbound” to be the Underof 18s football pitch in give most new readers a flavour of what Turf Matters is all about and need – find out more on pages 16-17. I am on the judging demonstrate to our existing loyal readers and supporters what panel and visits will be made to a shortlist of deserving we will have in storeWe forwill yoube going forward 2018atand pitches soon. looking not sointo much the beyond.

DESSO but the desperate!

On aindulge final note, amathrilled byI’d thelike reception that So please meIfor moment. to thank thethe issue of Turf received.

Many people have team first which brings TurfMatters Matter to you – Loz, Tim, Sinead and time to say how much job they liked the look the Marietaken have all done a marvellous and together weoflook magazine and how We’re forward to bringing youthey Turfenjoyed Mattersthe forarticles. many years toall come. pleased you found it to your liking and we will work hard to maintain the high standards. Thank you all very much.

Editor: Scott MacCallum Distributed every two months to sports scott@turfmatters.co.uk turf professionals, local authorities Executive Laurence Gale and and buyersEditor: of turfcare machinery products. laurence@turfmatters.co.uk DesignScott and Production Editor: MacCallumEditor: Tim Moat tim@turfmatters.co.uk scott@turfmatters.co.uk Customer Manager: Design andRelations Production Editor: Tim Moat Sinead Finnin tim@turfmatters.co.uk sinead@turfmatters.co.uk Sales Manager: Pauline Thompson Sales Executive: To advertise in Turf Matters, Marie Anderson call Pauline on 07720 055676 or marie@turfmatters.co.uk

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Turf Matters is published by Straight Down the Middle Ltd. Down Turf MattersCommunications is published by Straight the Middle Communications Ltd. All material © Turf Matters magazine 2017.

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Inside Inside this thisissue issue News..........................................................4-14 News .........................................................4-15 Teabreak Teaser........................................17 Pitch to Win........................................16-17 Artificial.................................19-22, pitches...............................18-20 Mowing 24-27 Saltex. .....................................................22-59 Tea Break Teaser ......................................29 ClearWater...........................................60-61 Gleneagles..........................................30-35 STRI trials. .............................................62-64 BTME review ......................................36-41 Loughborough University...........65-68 Diary of a Golfing Nobody.................42 Buyers’ Guide.............................................69 As seen on Twitter..................................43 Golfing Nobody’s Blog..........................70 As seen onour Twitter. ..................................71 Check out website: The majesty of Gleneagles, pages 30-35 ClearWater: Biological washpad water recycling system – pages 60-61 Subscribe FREE to our e-zine: Details at www.turfmatters.co.uk

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Larry is New Group President for Ariens Power Equipment Ariens has named Larry Weyers as Group President, Ariens Power Equipment.

Larry will lead all aspects of product development, manufacturing, supply chain, and sales and marketing for the business unit. Ariens Company US equipment brands include Ariens Sno-Thro and Sno-Tek snow throwers; Ariens lawn and garden equipment; Gravely commercial equipment; the UK brands comprise Ariens equipment and Countax and Westwood garden tractors.

“Larry’s extensive management background will allow him to draw on core skills in manufacturing, as well as experience in sales and marketing, and acquisitions, to meet our current level of demand for recent product launches while continuing to bring new products to market,” says Dan Ariens, Chairman and CEO. “I’m confident Larry will support and promote our company’s core values as he works with the equipment management team to grow the business.”

IMPRESSIVE: Hugh King’s Washed Dune Sand is used for topdressing greens, surrounds and fairways

Sand plays a major role in Kingsbarns’ success Kingsbarns Golf Links recorded some of the most consistent figures ever collated by the STRI during this summer’s British Ladies Open tournament.

Despite the unseasonal deluges, the course dried up quickly the STRI has now confirmed that the women’s major was contested over an exceptional course with consistent sand top dressings being one of the primary reasons for success.

“The green speeds were some of the most consistent we have had during tournament testing.

It was a great example of the implementation of good agronomic practices executed by a team of expert greenkeepers,” said Richard Windows, STRI Agronomy Services Manager.

“Achieving the targets was particularly pleasing because of the challenging weather

conditions experienced throughout the championship with heavy rain falling on most afternoons and evenings. The results were outstanding and the use of the sand was a major influence. Regular sanding provides the foundations for firmness which allows you to achieve target green speeds.

If the greens had softened, we wouldn’t have achieved the results we recorded.”

“The consistency of the firmness between the greens was excellent. All the greens remained within target despite significant rainfall during the championship,” said Richard.

Using a Stimpmeter, he was able to check the pace of the Kingsbarns greens twice daily in order to make fine adjustments when required.

He also checked other key performance indicators such as firmness and smoothness.

LITTER AND LEAVES IN THE BAG When it comes to clearing up autumn leaves and all types of litter and debris yearround, Little Wonder has it in the bag. That’s a hefty toploading 282 litre capacity bag which comes with the Little Wonder Pro Vac SP. A leaf and litter vacuum that is designed to increase productivity, collecting twice the load of

4 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

the nearest competition so you spend less time emptying it. This vacuum will pick up all types of debris with the force of a hurricane wind.

The consistency of results were unprecedented, as Innes Knight, Course and Facility Manager at Kingsbarns, who explained that when they stimped a green and it was not quite where they wanted it, they would cut it again.

“We were able to get all 18 greens and the practice putting green to within three inches of each other. It was that close. A lot of them were exactly the same.”

Sand is used on golf courses to reduce organic material and improve drainage. It also has a huge impact on putting surfaces, as Richard was keen to point out.

“The sand influences firmness and because the greens retained a good level of firmness, it was easier to achieve the target green speeds and consistency between greens. This was achieved with the aid of Hugh King’s Washed Dune sand.”

Hugh King & Co supplies sands to over 120 golf courses and Kingsbarns for the last 12 years. Here, Hugh King’s Washed Dune Sand is used for topdressing greens, surrounds and fairways.

“These results show this appreciation is founded on the meticulous preparation programme. It is particularly gratifying to know that our Washed Dune sand is playing a central role in this effort,” said Graeme King, Managing Director of Hugh King & Co.

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Sandburn maintains standards Getting Sandburn Hall’s fairways and greens to a high standard, and maintaining it, has been the responsibility of the club’s Course Manager Brian Hall and his son, Andrew, who is Deputy Manager. They have been at the Flaxton course, in the Vale of York, since its inception, and their main choice of machinery from the start has been John Deere, supplied by dealer F G Adamson & Son. The original fleet package delivered when the course was being prepared for play comprised a 2653A surrounds and rough mower, a 3235B fairway mower, a 3245B rough mower and a 2500B greens mower. There was also a 4115 compact tractor, a 1200A bunker rake and an Aercore 1500 tractor-mounted aerator.

“We look after the equipment and have our own mechanic, Chris Clark, and a grinding machine for cylinders and bottom blades, so we can keep the machines going for a long time,” said Brian.

“However, when fairway and rough mowers get to around 10 years old they need replacing to keep up with the latest technology. The machines had proved to be

reliable and we have a good working relationship with F G Adamson & Son, who provide excellent after-sales support.”

Replacement machines have included an 8700 fairway mower, a 2653B utility mower, an 8800 rough mower and a 2500E hybrid electric greens mower to complement the 2500B, which is still going strong in its role as a back-up mower and for verticutting the greens.

The latest new John Deere machines to arrive at Sandburn Hall are a 2027R compact tractor complete with a 60in mid-mounted rotary mower deck, and a Pro Gator utility vehicle equipped with an HD200 low-profile amenity turf sprayer and TD100 fertiliser spreader. A 4710 compact tractor has also replaced the 4115.

Slope mower in class of its own Taunton-based contractors Ecology Works have added a Shibaura SG280 Slope Mower to their fleet.

“Much of our work is governed by the Reservoir Act and we needed a lighter machine capable of cutting safely on slopes of up to 30 degrees. In my opinion, no other machine cuts as fast or as efficiently on slopes,” said Proprietor Drew Harris Paul Butterly, Managing Director of FGM Claymore, UK Distributor for the Shibaura range, added: “With low noise and vibration levels, fully adjustable horizontal rolling seat to compensate for working angle and a 26 litre fuel tank for more efficient working, the SG280 is an extremely operator friendly machine. The 28HP 3 cylinder diesel engine complies with current emission regulations while the SG280’s solid 50-50 weight distribution, together with a 1500mm wheel base and low centre of gravity, delivers the stability required when at work on steep inclines.”

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SISIS JAVELIN IMPRESSES IN STRI TRIALS Following STRI trials it has been concluded that the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid tractor mounted aerator would be an essential tool within any integrated turf management programme.

Over a four month period, STRI trials led by Dr Christian Spring were carried out at Bingley, West Yorkshire. The research saw three trial plots set-up in which one area examined the effects of the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid with air injection, one with the Aer-Aid without air injection, while the other plot was left un-treated. In particular, researchers were looking at how and if the Javelin Aer-Aid had an effect on the hardness of the turf, root depth, water infiltration and disease.

“The SISIS Javelin AerAid was really effective in reducing compaction,” reported Christian. “In measuring the penetration depth, we ran the Aer-Aid over the surface and found the probe was able to penetrate further into the soil profile, indicating that compaction throughout the entire trial site was significantly less than areas that were left un-treated.”

“It became obvious that the Aer-Aid improved maximum root and depth and also had the benefit of increasing the depth of the average rooting mass. The rationale was likely to be a result of the increased air space in the soil profile created by the air injection and the fracturing that resulted from that.”

ALL ABOARD: Battery management system monitors efficiency

E-Z-GO EliTE is ‘new era’ for golf cars Real Club Valderrama is the first golf club in Spain, and one of the first in Europe, to purchase a fleet of the recently launched E-Z-GO ELiTE golf cars. Local dealer Greenmowers made the delivery.

Real Club Valderrama has purchased 40 E-Z-GO RXV ELiTE golf cars with integrated Textron Fleet Management GPS (TFM GPS). The ELiTE series from E-Z-GO features Samsung SDI lithium batteries which require zero maintenance and

ESSENTIAL TOOL: SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid

GETTING TECHNICAL AT ST GEORGE’S Technical Surfaces, the UK’s leading artificial pitch maintenance company, made a visit to St. George’s Park the home to the FA’s National Football Centre, in Burton upon Trent.

Hosting five artificial pitches Technical Surfaces carried out a training day to the FA’s maintenance crew demonstrating the latest state of the art

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comes with a five-year warranty.

The new golf cars charge in half the time and require less out-of-wall power than leading lead acid competitors.

“Valderrama has been setting the benchmark for golf courses across Spain and Europe since the 1980s. It is important that we continue to be ahead of the game and provide the best possible quality for our members.

We invested in the E-Z-GO ELiTE series as the Samsung lithium

machinery on the David Beckham pitch, recently installed by Polytan.

The day included not only hands on use of the machinery but also an in depth into the techniques themselves and the effect this has on the surface with the inclusion of testing demonstrations for ball roll, traction and impact absorbency.

batteries are a huge step forward.

It is a new era for golf cars, and we are proud to be amongst the first to offer the new technology on the course,” said General Manager Javier Reviriego.

“We first started using E-Z-GO five years ago. I first heard about the new ELiTE series at the PGA show in Orlando earlier this year, and I knew Valderrama had to be the first to invest in the new technology. As a club, we are very environmentally conscious, so the fact that the new golf cars take half the time to charge saves us a lot in energy.”

The batteries in the ELiTE vehicles are controlled by an advanced Battery Management System that monitors efficiency, temperature, state of charge and the health of the batteries.

“The lighter batteries have significantly reduced the weight of the golf cars, which protects the turf on the course. We spend a substantial amount of time and resources to present the best possible playing conditions, so this will certainly make a difference,” said Javier.

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Kent CCC are just bowled over A maiden partnership between Kubota UK and Lister Wilder has seen two of the leading players in the groundcare industry join forces to support Kent County Cricket Club.

The deal, announced at The Spitfire Ground, in Canterbury, is Kubota UK’s fourth significant brand partnership in the professional sports arena. The company already supports Northampton Saints – one of the biggest clubs in English rugby, Andrew Hoy – the Olympic level equestrian rider and the Buildbase Suzuki British Superbikes Team.

“Kent County Cricket Club is one of only 18 first-class county clubs in the country. The team plays cricket with a culture that is committed to excellence and performing to first class standards,” said Karen Tipping, Kubota UK’s Marketing Manager.

“These are values that are also synonymous with the Kubota brand and our products and service offering, so supporting Kent Cricket is a fantastic match for our business.

“The partnership with Lister Wilder is all about continuing to raise the profile of the Kubota brand, while at the same time promoting their depot in Ashford.”

Simon Williamson, Head Groundsman at The Spitfire Ground, leads the team; with a wealth of knowledge behind him, occupying various roles within the cricket industry since he was 16. Having spent the past 20 years maintaining Kent’s grounds, Simon now heads up a team of four professionals who look after the playing surfaces.

“For Kent County Cricket Club to be successful playing and practicing on first-class pitches

is essential,” said Simon.

“This means the type of equipment we use is crucial.

Kubota machinery is renowned for being the best on the market for performance and reliability, so we are delighted to be working in partnership with them and Lister Wilder.

“One of the key challenges we face is the outfield is subject to such heavy use throughout

the season. Our work using Kubota’s L5040 compact tractor is vital in assisting us to keep the grounds maintained.

Without the use of our compact tractor, our work would be much more difficult to carry out.

The vehicle provides comfort all year round, with an air conditioned and heated cab to keep us performing at maximum productivity, in all weather.”

PARTNERSHIP: Kubota UK and Litser Wilder at Kent County Cricket Club

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LETTERKENNY HAS FIRST WIEDENMANN SUPER 500

XPEDITE HELPS SOLVE A PROBLEM Downside School, in Somerset, has had problems with the banks causing issues with drainage on some of the site’s key sports areas. Headland Amenity’s Xpedite has helped Steve Eade, Head of Grounds and Gardens, to alleviate the problem.

Downside has been on its current site since the early 1800s. A majority of the buildings and outdoor facilities over the 250-acre site – handmade by the monks and still in existence today. Steve and his team oversee four cricket squares, three football pitches, including an astro-pitch, athletics facilities as well as gardens and woodlands. Downside has historically been a rugbyplaying school and it’s here, on one of the site’s seven

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rugby pitches, that Steve has had particular problems.

“We have a number of banks and our first team rugby pitch in particular suffers for this, as it sits on one of the lowest levels on the site” explained Steve.

“During the playing season high levels of play cause compaction and this, combined with any spells of significant rainfall, sees water running down the bank and flooding the first team area.”

“We use a range of Headland products including Multigreen and C-Complex so I spoke to Alex Hawkes and asked

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if he had anything which could draw the water down quicker. Alex suggested we try Xpedite in conjunction with our aeration, topdressing and overseeding programme.”

Xpedite is a granular soil amendment product that introduces non-compacting pore space into problem rootzones.

“We found the areas that were previously very compacted and therefore puddled became much more free-draining. Xpedite draws the moisture down to below the root level,” explained Steve.

Head Greenkeeper, John Neilly and his team at Letterkenny GC, are the first recipients of a Wiedenmann Super 500 in Donegal. The hugely versatile 3-1 collector, scarifier and verticutter was an easy choice for those who maintain the testing parkland course, with its spectacular vistas across the Swilly Estuary.

“Even after just a few weeks, you just know it’s a machine with a big work ethic which will serve well. It was outstanding at demo and already hard at work scarifying fairways which is what we wanted. In the coming months as a leaf collector it will be immense,” said John.

Neill Finlay from local Wiedenmann UK dealer, Johnston Gilpin at Lisburn, is pictured together with Letterkenny GC’s 1st assistant, Michael Doherty, and Head Greenkeeper, John Neilly, right.

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Versatility of Ventrac for Carden Park Peter Pattenden, the Golf Courses and Estates Manager at Carden Park, is the latest groundscare professional to appreciate the benefits of the Ventrac 4500 compact tractor.

Purchased from one of Ventrac’s newest dealers, Cheshire Turf Machinery, the versatile machine was delivered with a selection of accessories including Contour deck, Tough Cut deck, Stump Grinder, Edger, Blower and Power Broom.

Peter is an experienced Course Manager having begun his career at Gleneagles back in 1991, moving on to Bonnyton Golf Club, in East Kilbride, for three years, before being invited back to Gleneagles

by Jimmy Kidd in 1999.

In 2006 he moved south to take up his current position at Carden Park.

“Every piece of equipment we buy has to earn its keep and this Ventrac certainly falls into this category. I can honestly say this is one of the best machines I have ever bought! Summed up in three words, it’s exceptional, versatile and robust,” he said.

“The Contour deck is great out on the golf courses, especially on sloping tee banks, the Tough Cut deck is superb for land management as it can cut through saplings, bracken and gorse, helping to maintain the areas that consume man-hours and the Edger has saved hours of labour. We have a long drive leading up to the

hotel and we can keep this looking pristine all year at a fraction of the time and cost we previously incurred.

“We invested over £400,000 in new cart paths over the past five years and since then we have had a series of storms that have taken down trees, some close by the paths. We can’t send in an excavator to remove the stumps and roots for

fear of damaging the paths and that’s where the Stump Grinder has come into its own.

“It’s the perfect size, not too heavy, so we can use it in the winter months and not too light that it can’t handle the implements. It has uplifted the presentation of the estate in the short time that we’ve had it; it’s simply a no-brainer purchase for any golf course or estate manager.”

EXPERIENCED: Peter Pattenden, the Golf Courses and Estates Manager at Carden Park

Agreement keeps Roehampton with Toro Constant evolution is what sees Roehampton Club remain one of the best multisports Clubs in the UK. Every year for the last three years, there has been a major development at the South West London club. As it embarks on its next, which is a £3.5m investment on refurbishing its outdoor pool and adding new studios to the gym, one thing that remains the same is the club’s relationship with Toro machinery, recently confirmed again with the signing of another five-year exclusivity agreement.

Roehampton Club has a rich and illustrious history with its origins in polo and croquet rather than the four core sports of golf, tennis, squash and health and fitness it is known for today. Then as it is now though, Roehampton is at the heart of London sporting society.

The priority for Course

and Grounds Manager, Peter Bradburn, who heads up a team of 20, is to maintain the high standards on the golf course, tennis courts, croquet lawn and gardens. Its Toro fleet is set to grow by up to 75% under the new agreement, to include machines suitable for all three surfaces.

“This agreement encompasses all the turf-based facilities we have here, the management

of which requires a multidisciplined approach,” said Peter.

Included in the first order under the new agreement comes the Groundsmaster 4700-D and the Greensmaster 3250-D for the 18-hole parkland golf course. The reason behind choosing the GM4700-D is the greater width of cut it offers.

“We’ve changed how we manage the roughs by opting

for a machine that can deliver a wide cut each time. This improves our timings working around the course, meaning we get things done more quickly,” explained Peter.

Being the Course and Grounds Manager of a multi-sports venue involves, “wearing many hats!”

There are four croquet lawns at the club, all at international standard and reputed to be the best in the UK. Hosting the Croquet World Cup and International Open Championships each year and regular internal and external tournaments, it is essential all four lawns live up to expectations.

For the 30 tennis courts, of which ten are grass, Peter has brought in Toro’s Greensmaster 1000 pedestrian mowers.

“Tennis is a very different surface to manage. The GM1000 mowers offer a precise but gentle cut, ideal for this surface.”

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Lawn Master welcomes Master Greenkeeper National lawn care company, Lawn Master, has welcomed Master Greenkeeper Colin Parish to its growing network of turf professionals.

Colin, pictured, has worked in greenkeeping for more than 36 years beginning his career as an Assistant Greenkeeper at Heysham Golf Club where he worked for 13 years before becoming Course Manager at Ulverston Golf Club.

In 2003, Colin became Course Manager at the Alister MacKenzie-designed Morecambe Golf Course where he introduced a raft of agronomic improvements,

including the course’s transition from Poa-annua to fescue and bent swards.

Colin attained Master Greenkeeper Certification

in 2005, the 40th greenkeeper to do so and one of only 72 worldwide.

Colin was ready for a new challenge and looking to improve his work/life balance in addition to his income. He was aware that some of his peers had joined Lawn Master and were running successful businesses and decided to make an enquiry. After finding out more about the company, its practices and ethos, and after speaking to franchisees that’d joined from the greenkeeping profession, Colin decided he was ready to become a business owner and purchased a franchise

area in the Lake District.

“I was very impressed with what I found, from lawn maintenance practices, to administration and their bespoke software.

Everyone in the company is committed to providing customers with a superior level of knowledge and expertise and in delivering excellent customer service.

“My only trepidation was that I had never run a business before. I attended a training course at Head Office in North Wales to learn how to run the franchise, focussing on the software, business development and customer service.”

Dougie is Territory Sales Manager MTD Specialty Turf Products, manufacturers of the ATT TMSystem and the Cub Cadet Infinicut, has appointed Dougie Archibald (below) as Territory Sales Manager.

The increase in sales has necessitated the need to split the country in two to better tailor the sales and service of their product range – Dougie taking care of the North and

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Vinny Tarbox the South.

Dougie is an established name within the industry, gaining a wealth of experience having worked in the turfcare sector since leaving school. His career began at Murrayfield Stadium where he worked his way up from Apprentice Groundsman through to Deputy Head Groundsman.

Following this he’s held various sales management positions within dealers and distributors in the golf and groundcare sectors.

“We’re delighted to have Dougie on board and this is the next step in expanding our sales activities in the UK and also across Europe.

He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the market in the North so we can now look forward to developing new distribution networks and delivering a more tailored service across the country and beyond.” said General Manager, John Coleman.

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Standards high at Trentham GC Ed Stant, Course Manager at Trentham Golf Club, in Staffordshire, believes that two ICL products have been integral in maintaining the health of the course without excessive grass growth.

Trentham Golf Club is one of the oldest and most respected clubs in England and its course is considered one of the finest. This prestigious club, which has over 400 members, has played host to Open Championship Qualifying, England Golf and Staffordshire County events for both men and ladies, most recently the English Champion Club in 2014 and the English Women’s Open Amateur Match Play Championship in July 2015.

Ed, pictured below, has been Course Manager at Trentham for nine years and oversees the maintenance of the course along with his seven members of staff. However, due to the geographical position of the club, maintaining the health of the turf is not always straight forward according to Ed. “Up here we just seem to be a bit behind in terms of the weather; I used to live in Walsall which is only 35 miles away, and we are always a couple of weeks behind that area, especially when coming out of winter – it is bizarre. It just seems to take a bit longer for soil temperatures to come up – for example we had snow and hailstones in April and May this year.

“When I was first interviewed for the position of Course Manager here, I was asked when I would be able to get the greens to a good standard because previously they hadn’t been good until June. With that in mind my goal

is to maintain turf health through the season without excessive growth. They are now good in April and that is down to all the different products we have been using.”

In particular, Ed has reported excellent results from ICL’s Vitalnova Blade and Primo Maxx – as he explains: “I’m a big fan of Primo Maxx – it is a great product. I think that people forget that it is more than just a growth regulator. It helps with root development and also with the uptake of nutrients. We use it on the greens, the tees and the approaches.

“On the greens I normally apply 200ml every two weeks during the growing season but I might alter that

depending on the weather and how they look. If approaches are cut at 9mm then we apply 1 L/ha and on the tees we apply 1.2 L/ha.

In both cases this is applied every four to six weeks.

“We actually had one year off from using Primo Maxx, which tied in with us moving from triple mowing to hand mowing. The plan was to hand mow on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday and just roll on a Tuesday and Thursday – but it just didn’t work. The greens didn’t perform as well.”

While Primo Maxx does help keep excessive growth at bay, Vitalnova Blade, a formulated biostimulant, works to boost microbial activity and encourage better rooting. Combining seaweed, carbohydrates, a small amount of macro nutrients and trace elements, Vitalnova Blade provides a readily available source of carbon together with a range of micronutrients and amino acids which stimulate soil biology and improves all round turf health.

Designed to be used during the growing season, it is a perfect tank-mix partner for Seaweed where the aim is to optimise recovery and maintain a natural colour. When used regularly on sand-based surfaces, Vitalnova Blade offers significant improvements

in microbial activity, nutrient recycling and rooting.

“Each year our target is to put down 200 Tonnes of sand on the greens and it has really helped to bring the organic matter levels down,” says Ed. “I mix Vitalnova Blade with some Seaweed and normally apply this from April through to September on a monthly basis – it’s working really well and I’ve noticed that the putting on the greens has improved. I’m seeing a lot of fresh white roots which tells me that it is working.

“A lot of the time you can’t see what is going on underneath unless you are taking soil samples and putting samples under microscopes but essentially Vitalnova Blade helps with root mass, root development and generally the health of the plant.

“For me, it’s important that the products are tested independently. I think the products you use on your golf course should be backed up by fact and figures. I get great technical expertise from Emma Kilby (ICL’s Technical Area Sales Manager) and I know that ICL products are sold based on research and development and they have evidence to prove exactly what they are selling is working – which you don’t always get from other companies.”

‘Each year our target is to put down 200 Tonnes of sand on the greens and it has really helped to bring the organic matter levels down’ Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 11

NEWS

making turf matter

SISGrass continues global rise with hybrid pitch in Norway

The Lerkendal Stadium in Norway has become the first stadium in the country to have the revolutionary SISGrass hybrid pitch technology installed.

Home of Rosenborg, Norway’s most successful football team, the Lerkendal Stadium installation took just seven days to complete.

12 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

The reigning champions began the new season on April 2, with SIS Pitches beginning the SISGrass transformation on March 24. The installation was completed despite a large amount of snow and temperatures of -6°C in the evenings.

SIS Pitches’ first project in Norway arrives on the back of a maiden installation in Sweden last month, where the Gamla Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg received a SISGrass makeover.

The rise of SIS Pitches and the SISGrass hybrid pitch technology in Scandinavia adds to a brand that is becoming increasingly more global following

other projects in Spain, Turkey, Dubai and Israel.

Anders Øien, Groundsman at Rosenborg FC, has expressed his satisfaction at the SISGrass installation.

“We would like to thank SIS Pitches for their hard work in the installation of SISGrass at Lerkendal stadium.

“We are really satisfied with the cooperation and professionalism of SIS Pitches and already we have had a very positive response from the players.”

SISGrass Director, Ivo Lamot, said; “Our first SISGrass pitch in Norway represents the way SISGrass is moving in the global market.”

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Harpenden SWEEPS UP WITH TRILO The 18-hole parkland course on Harpenden Common in Hertfordshire features a mixture of mature woodland and gorse.

“The club has used a Trilo SG400 vacuum sweeper for many years now, but the introduction of a scarifying unit has changed the dynamics,” said Head Greenkeeper Sean Brocklehurst.

“The hundreds of trees we have which line the fairways and other areas means that every autumn we have a huge problem with leaves” explained Sean.

“We knew we needed a multifunctional unit and the SG400 ticked all of our boxes.”

NEWS

NEWS

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Dennis Mowers heading for the World Cup After being selected as the official mower at the two most recent FIFA World Cup’s in South Africa and Brazil, Dennis Mowers will be the mower of choice for the 2018 tournament in Russia.

The Dennis G860 cylinder mower will have the task of preparing pitches for the world’s greatest football players when the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks-off in June 2018. Almost all of the stadiums used throughout the tournament will have their pitches maintained by the G860 and that includes the venues selected for the latter stages of the tournament.

The stadiums hosting the quarter finals, the semifinals and the final itself have been confirmed as the Luzhniki Stadium, Saint Petersburg Stadium, Kazan Arena, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Samara Arena and the Fist Stadium Sochi – and all of these pitches will be prepared by a Dennis

G860, while some will also utilise the Dennis Premier in conjunction with the G860 for matchday preparation.

Last year, these final games attracted worldwide audiences of up to 3.2 billion people, and it is for this reason, among others, that the G860 has been selected, according to Steven Rienks, Managing Director of Queens Grass, who are the official Dennis dealer in Russia.

“Quite simply, the main stadiums chose the G860 because of the quality and the presentation it offers. They all want that perfect stripe which the G860 provides because they know it will be watched by a worldwide audience,” said Steven. “For the past 10 years Russian clubs have been using turf maintenance equipment from Dennis and 70% of the Russian Premier League teams have either a G860 or Dennis Premier mower. Many groundsmen over here know of their

TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE: All World Cup picthes next year will be prepared by a Dennis G860

quality and their robustness – they know that they can use them for a diverse range of maintenance tasks without ever having any issues.

“In Russia, the weather is not ideal – for instance, in one area we only have around 60 days of sunlight over the course of a year, and the interchangeable cassette system really helps with maintenance procedures in a difficult climate.”

The Dennis G860 features an interchangeable cassette system to assist with a wide range of tasks.

“With a simple one minute changeover, users have the option of fitting eleven different types of heads including scarifiers, verticutters, brushes, spikers, and slitters as well as six

or eight bladed cutting cylinders. Lightweight at just 166kg; it is easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to operate. The handlebar console houses the controls – throttle, park brake, switches and cutter clutch and only the forward drive handle needs to be held in by the operator which reduces operator fatigue. The mower also features a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish on every occasion.

“In my opinion I’m always delighted to supply Dennis equipment to our clients because it guarantees the quality our clients expect from us,” said Steven.

Sherriff’s Marathon Sport is king of the Jungle Stuart Vause, Head Groundsman at Castleford Tigers RLFC, believes that Sherriff Amenity’s range of Marathon Sport fertilisers have signalled dramatic improvements on the pitch at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle Stadium.

It is safe to say that Stuart has earned his stripes as the Head Groundsman for Super League side Castleford Tigers. For 13 years, he worked for the club at every available opportunity while also juggling a full time position for a local authority.

His dedication to the Tigers was rewarded three years ago when he was appointed as

the Head Groundsman, and it is a foregone conclusion that the pitch has significantly improved during his tenure.

However, it hasn’t been plain sailing for Stuart – the pitch at the Jungle is over 90 years old and has no drainage or irrigation system and no undersoil heating. The first team play approximately 17 home games throughout the campaign and train on the pitch four times a week. In addition, the pitch plays host to Castleford Tigers’ Under 19 and Under 16 teams.

“I’ve tried lots of different approaches and products but

14 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

PARTNERSHIP: Marathon Sport fertilisers have brought dramatic improvements to Castleford Tigers RLFC

three years ago I researched Marathon Sport. I trialled it and have been using it ever since because it really seems to suit the field. I’ve had excellent results from it and it holds incredibly well in this structure and soil – I can probably get a good three or four months out of each application, depending on rain,” explained Stuart.

The Marathon range is characterised by a balance of nutrients, the analyses of each product being geared to a specific growth stage or season.

With six existing products in the Marathon Sport range – Autumn,

Pre-Seed, Spring, Summer, Turf Core Renovator and Lawn Mini Pack – there truly is a solution for every requirement, no matter what the time of year.

Stuart’s maintenance programme sees him start the season with the Spring and Summer mixtures, which he applies at 35g per square metre on a double pass. He’ll apply these mixtures approximately three times during the spring and summer months and when the colder months kick in he turns to Marathon Sport Autumn to ensure good grass coverage over winter.

16 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

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Tea Break Teaser How much do you remember about this year’s sport?

1.

Can you name the Scottishtrained horse which won the Grand National?

2.

Who won this year’s Super Bowl?

3.

Usain Bolt pulled up but who brought Team GB’s baton home in the World Championship 4 by 100 relay?

4.

Who won this year’s US Open Golf Championship

5.

Who did Roger Federer defeat to win Wimbledon this year?

6.

Who did England Women defeat to win the Cricket World Cup?

7.

Who competed in this year’s FA Cup Final?

8.

In the drawn New Zealand Lions Test who was the other Lions’ scorer other than Owen Farrell

9.

In which month was the Anthony Joshua Wladimir Klitschko fight

10. Chris Froome did something very few people have achieved this year. What?

11.

Who did Jamie Murray win two Majors with this year?

12. Whose Manchester United scoring record did Wayne Rooney beat this year?

13. Who won the Twickenham Leg of the IRB Sevens for the second year in succession?

14. From which country did the athlete come who defeated Mo Farah in the World Championship 5000 metres?

15. Where was this year’s Champions’ League Final played?

Answers on Page 71 Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 17

ARTIFICIAL PITCHES

Hotel’s big ambition T

he Lensbury Hotel, in Teddington, London, has selected GreenFields to maintain their two full-sized rugby pitches, one of which is a recently installed GreenFields XtraGrass hybrid pitch.

The four star hotel, set within 25 acres of landscaped grounds, is the top choice in the UK for domestic and international rugby teams offering an elite training facility.

Following the completion of their second rugby pitch with XtraGrass, The Lensbury Hotel identified the need to recruit a specialist sports turf company to put in place a professional maintenance package ready for top international level play.

Selected as the 2015 Rugby World Cup base for the international teams of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, The Hotel is no stranger to famous sporting clientele even playing host to regular training camps for the England

18 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

Rugby team as well the England Sevens team and top UK sides.

“We have now worked with GreenFields for over a year and have found them to be responsive to our needs, it is for this reason that we have engaged them to manage both of our pitches. We look forward to a long working partnership with them,” said Ivor Turner, General Manager.

GreenFields has over a decade’s experience working with top clubs across the UK – designing, installing and maintaining artificial, hybrid and natural grass pitches.

The GreenFields Grounds Team are specialists in maintaining sports pitches and already operate at a number of other prominent sites in the UK including the Ricoh Arena – home to Wasps RFC and Coventry City FC, The Kassam Stadium where Oxford United FC play and more recently Clifton RFC after winning a contract to maintain their three pitches.

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Reading FC have become the first UK sports club with a dual-use pitch to install the revolutionary SISGrass hybrid system – to help the club’s turf endure almost 250 hours’ playing time

Reading have a pitch fit for Royals G

lobal pitch specialists SIS Pitches introduced its advanced hybrid turf technology at the Madejski Stadium this summer as part of a full reconstruction of a pitch that staged over 55 matches last season.

With the Berkshire venue hosting all home first-team fixtures played by Reading and London Irish, the Aviva Premiership Rugby side that have been ground-share tenants for over 16 years, plus a selection of the Royals’ Under-23s and Under-18s games, the playing surface gets a severe workout.

So much so there were times last season that Adam Grantham, Reading’s Grounds Manager for 13 years, and his hard-working staff had to prepare for four matches in as many days.

With such little time to recover from wear and tear, the quality of the playing surface inevitably suffered.

To manage such high usage, the Championship club opted for the increased durability of Cumbria-based SIS Pitches’ SISGrass, a reinforced natural turf system featuring patented fibre injection technology.

Reading have the added bonus of

having SISGrass Universal at their disposal. The compact machine, combining speed, mobility and laser precision, specialises in repairing high-use areas such as touchlines, goalmouths and penalty spots.

Main contractor MJ Abbott Ltd were central to the six-week pitch reconstruction project at the ‘Mad Stad’, while Premier Pitches completed the turf finishing process.

“The pitch was last reconstructed to this extent way back in 2007 and it reached the end of its shelf life last season, becoming ineffective in areas,” said Adam.

“Balancing all the football and rugby commitments on an ageing pitch was extremely tough at times and there was some criticism over the winter period, so it was good to start afresh in the summer.

“We completely reconstructed the pitch, taking the old hybrid system out and starting from the bottom up, reshaping all the sub-base levels, reinstalling the drainage, the undersoil heating and adding a new irrigation system.

“We have been really pleased with both the high quality of SIS Pitches’ service and the pitch they have installed. With the increased durability of SISGrass, we’re extremely hopeful the end result is a much stronger and healthier pitch all year round that suits our manager Jaap Stam’s style of play.

“By September 9, we’d played five matches on it already but the pitch is holding together really well and I’ve been getting good feedback from the coaching staff and players.”

SISGrass’ laser-guided installation combines a 95% natural grass pitch with 5% of specially-designed PE yarn stitched into the ground, offering unrivalled durability, improved pitch recovery time and increased playing hours.

“With the Madejski Stadium staging so many fixtures during a season, Reading require the most durable and stable pitch on the market, which we firmly believe our award-winning SISGrass hybrid pitch technology provides. Phil Blackwell, SIS Pitches’ UK Projects Director.

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 19

ARTIFICIAL PITCHES

New York Red Bulls praise SISIS Osca

D

an Shemesh, Director of Stadium and Training Grounds for the New York Red Bulls has praised the SISIS Osca 3 which maintains the synthetic turf on one of the club’s training fields.

When Dan Shemesh was looking for a machine that would help take his synthetic turf to the next level, he found the solution in the form of the SISIS Osca 3 tractor mounted oscillating brush.

“We previously had a problem of matted down fibers on the synthetic turf, so I needed a machine which would help revive the laid over fibers,” explained Dan.

20 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

“CS Trading LLC recommended the SISIS Osca and they arranged a demonstration for us. We saw an immediate result both visually as well as through field testing.”

The SISIS Osca 3 is a tractor mounted powered oscillating brush with a 1.9 meter working width and is equally effective when used on synthetic turf with sand or rubber infill. The two oscillating brushes stand the carpet fibers up and redistributes the infill evening, minimizing compaction on the surface and improving its performance – giving consistent playing characteristics while preventing pile damage caused by reduced infill levels.

A contributory factor to the reduction of compaction is that the Osca’s working width will use fewer passes than other more conventional drag brushes to complete a pitch.

Its aggressive brushing action agitates the upper infill level of the surface from side to side as well as brushing forward, helping reduce surface compaction and

encourage the fibers to stand up straight which reduces the risk of contamination, drainage problems and leaves a consistent playing surface across the whole pitch.

Dan, who uses the Osca on a biweekly basis, has reported excellent results since using the product.

“The SISIS Osca is a great machine to keep fibers standing up in synthetic turf and the dual oscillating brushes work in a different way to any other product on the market – in fact that was a key feature in me purchasing the machine.”

“This product will save us money in the long run as it will eliminate the need for bringing in contractors and it will extend the life of our synthetic turf. The Osca is also incredibly simple and easy to operate – we just attach it to our tractor using the correct PTO – and adjust the speed depending on the level of brushing needed.”

“I would absolutely recommend the SISIS Osca to anyone who is looking to improve their synthetic turf – it has now become a staple in our synthetic turf maintenance.”

SALTEX

See you at SA What two years ago was a voyage or adventure to a new and exciting place at a time unfamiliar to the us all has quickly become a very enjoyable habit and routine.

SALTEX 2017 is the third NEC Birmingham version of the longstanding turf industry show is bedding into its new home and time very nicely if you please and the delights of Royal Windsor in the autumn are but a fond memory.

22 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

The degree of professionalism, which was always there with the Show but which is now front and centre, has taken SALTEX to another dimension.

It hasn’t happened by accident and if you read the exclusive Turf Matters interview with Geoff Webb, elsewhere in this issue, you will begin to appreciate the level of detail and planning which goes on all year around to bring the very best to the Show.

We at Turf Matters are delighted to

have been chosen as Media Partner with the publication included in visitor bags and hope that our band of loyal readers will have additional recruits following the show and going forward into 2018.

We hope that Sinead and I will have the opportunity to meet many of you in Birmingham and wish you a tremendously successful SALTEX 2017.

Scott MacCallum Editor, Turf Matters

SALTEX

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HOW TO GET THERE SALTEX 2016 attendees from across the UK and abroad said that the venue, and convenient dates were key reasons behind their decisions to attend the FREE event. Located in the centre of the UK, whether you are travelling from overseas or within the UK, the NEC is easy to get to by car, rail or air.

The NEC is situated eight miles east of Birmingham city centre; its central location ensures it is at the hub of the UK motorway network. Visitors from any direction can travel to The NEC site directly using the following motorways – M1, M5, M6, M6 Toll, M40 and M42.

This year, IOG members from ALL membership categories can obtain ONE FREE car park voucher at SALTEX. To obtain your free parking voucher just visit the IOG Hub (stand C180) and show your membership card (vouchers are limited to one per Corporate; Corporate PLUS; Independent School; Organisation/Facility membership).

If you wish to travel by rail, you can get a great 25% discount travelling to the NEC with Virgin Trains. Birmingham International rail station is located right next to the NEC, in fact you can reach the hall without even having to step outside.

The NEC entrance is on the right hand side as you exit the station. It’s only 1 hour 10 minutes from London Euston and 1 hour 46 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly!

The NEC is just minutes from Birmingham International Airport. Once you’ve landed you can either walk and follow signs to the SkyRail Link, which is free and has a travel time of 90 seconds, or get a taxi which you will be able to find outside of the passenger terminals.

The full programme of SALTEX events will be regularly updated via www.iogsaltex.com.

Visitor registration to SALTEX 2017 is free. To confirm your attendance visit www.iogsaltex.com Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 23

SALTEX

Why they call it

Your Indust When SALTEX 2017 opens its doors at the NEC Birmingham on November 1 and 2, all those working in or associated with the grounds care industry will be offered a world of limitless opportunities in which they can discover the latest trends and innovations, connect with colleagues and learn from top industry professionals.

With over 300 exhibitors on the show floor, many of whom plan to launch a multitude of new products, SALTEX 2017 is set to play host to the most

technologically advanced equipment showcase in grounds management.

The exhibition continues to attract some of the sector’s biggest names ensuring that visitors can again expect to see an impressive line-up of world-class innovation for use by managers of pitch, grounds, landscaping, park and estates.

Learning LIVE Now in its third year, SALTEX’s freeto-attend education programme has gone from strength to strength. For 2017, the programme will follow the same successful format developed over the past two years situated within four purpose-built seminar theatres on the show floor with state-of-theart sound systems and screens.

There will be a number of expert speakers from the UK and abroad focusing on issues that surround the industry and visitors can expect to hear from the likes of Steve Chappell (PGA Centenary Golf Course at the Gleneagles Hotel); Mark Pover (The Football Association); Allen Reed (FC Dallas); Chris Wood (ECB); Justin Smith (All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club); Roy Rigby (Manchester City FC); John Moverley (The Amenity Forum); Lee Marshallsay (Charterhouse School); Ben Hastie (Cheltenham Racecourse); John Ledwidge (Leicester City FC); Stuart Kerrison (Essex CCC) and many, many more.

IOG and Basis CPD points are also available for all Learning LIVE sessions.

Outdoor Demonstrations As well as a wide range of innovative products on display within the three large halls, visitors to SALTEX will have the chance to see many of 24 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

these in action through the outdoor demonstrations which will be taking place on a grass area directly outside the SALTEX halls 6,7 and 8.

The SALTEX College Cup The SALTEX College Cup, sponsored

by Ransomes, is a national student-led sports-turf challenge that will take place on the first day of SALTEX. It is an academic test of turf management knowledge for student competitors in teams of four who are enrolled at colleges throughout the UK on relevant courses of study. Last year’s winners CAFRE College in Antrim, Northern Ireland, experienced an unforgettable day when they were part of the Wembley grounds team at the showpiece of the UK’s most historic sporting competition – the FA Cup Final. SALTEX College Cup winners 2017 will get the chance to get involved with pitch preparation at the 6 Nations, Scotland vs England rugby match, at BT Murrayfield Stadium.

Pathology & Soil Science LIVE The Pathology & Soil Science LIVE area will be located on the IOG Hub (stand number C180) from 11am to 1pm each day and will allow visitors to look in detail at the symptoms of some common turfgrass fungal disease problems, as infected plants are magnified and displayed on a large screen. Visitors who may have any soil profiles that are causing problems or concerns are welcome to bring in their own samples to discover how it could be improved.

Pathology & Soil Science LIVE will be hosted by renowned turf consultant Alex Vickers and MD of the Turf Disease Centre Kate Entwistle.

The Young Groundsmen’s Conference Sponsored by Rigby Taylor/Top Green and organised by the (Institute of Groundsmanship’s (IOG) Young Board of Directors, the Young Groundsmen’s Conference, is an ideal opportunity

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stry, your show for young people looking to advance their career in the groundscare industry, and will offer information on educational opportunities, a guide to what some of the top grounds managers are looking for in a young recruit, and the chance to hear from industry professionals working at some of the most elite venues in the world.

Ask the Expert For face-to-face turf care advice, visitors can speak directly to one of eight IOG regional pitch advisors linked to The FA, the ECB, and the Football Foundation-funded Grounds &

Natural Turf Improvement Programme.

This feature will be available through the free Ask the Expert advice centre located on Stand E180.

Visitors can visit SALTEX 2017’s new feature – the Job Clinic.

Located on the IOG Hub. Frank Newberry will be hosting 15-minute one-to-one sessions covering CV writing to interview techniques.

The IOG Industry Awards SALTEX will once again be combined with the IOG’s annual Industry Awards dinner. Held on the evening of the first day at the National Conference

Centre, within the National Motorcycle Museum, which is near to the NEC, the event will be hosted by talkSPORT Radio’s Mark Saggers.

The ceremony is the UK’s biggest celebration in groundsmanship. Kev Orkian, a musical comedian who is a Britain’s Got Talent finalist, has entertained royalty and headlined in Las Vegas, will be on hand to provide the after dinner entertainment.

SALTEX 2017 is free to attend.

To register your attendance and beat the queues visit www.iogsaltex.com

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 25

SALTEX

Scott MacCallum catches up with Geoff Webb, IOG Chief Executive, the man who steered SALTEX to its new Birmingham home

Inside the With two successful editions of the new NEC Birminghambased SALTEX under his belt you would think that Geoff Webb, pictured left, would be relaxed heading into the third version of the new SALTEX. Not a bit of it.

“No, the short answer is no,” is Geoff’s response to the assumption that there must be less stress now than there was in the lead up two years ago.

“Knowing that the success or failure of the show rests heavily on your shoulders and that the responsibility lies with me means that I’d love the answer to be yes.

But it is no.”

It is that sort of honesty and commitment to ensuring that

26 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

Webb

each Show is an upgrade on the one before which means that SALTEX is in very good hands.

The decision to move from its long-standing home at Royal Windsor Racecourse at the beginning of September each year to the NEC in Birmingham at the beginning of November, was not one taken lightly by the IOG Board but they also took the decision backed by evidence of a downturn in attendance at Windsor and an underlying feeling that perhaps the Show had run its course in that little corner of Berkshire.

“I do think that the move (to NEC Birmingham) has proven to be a wise decision and I also think that it has elevated the grounds care sector and given us a Show that people seem to like.

“It is in the middle of the country with good transport links, while the new date seems to have fitted in much

better with visitors’ schedules. It must also be recognised that we are never going to keep everyone happy but I do think that the endorsement has been the size of the exhibition itself which has grown year on year and visitors are coming back.”

Outside of expansion in exhibitor and visitor numbers, identifying the success of a Show can be very much a subjective thing but, prior to moving success criteria were identified. Judging by the success of the first two editions most of those boxes must surely have been ticked?

“Very much so. In fact, we are ahead of expectation of where we are to be honest. But the key thing is never to be complacent. We work on the basis that we are driven by improvement so at the end of every Show we go through and analysis everything. We look at visitor returns, we look at exhibitor returns, we pick up on issues and try to find a way to improve on them. That’s the responsibility we have got.”

And it seems to be an effective strategy with the 2017 SALTEX going to break through the 300 exhibitor barrier which represents a year on year improvement while we are anticipating something like a 15% growth in visitor numbers as well.”

So what other elements go towards a successful Show?

“It’s a whole host of things. I think it’s the feel of the Show. The judge and jury on whether we’ve got it right or wrong is the general public and their reaction, thanks to social media, can be pretty much immediate.

“The first thing for us, prior to moving to Birmingham, was to manage successfully the transformation of the Show, which, let’s not forget, had been outdoors for 33 years in a row. There were a number of doubters, while a lot of other people stayed on the fence and more can along to the Show out of curiosity in year one, less so in year two.”

With those doubters having to reappraise their views the new look SALTEX is offering much on many fronts. }

“We’ve added value with attractions and features not least the wealth of products and information you will see and pick up at the event. We’ve also got the Industry Awards which sold out last year…”

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 27

SALTEX

Improving the experience }

“We’ve added value with attractions and features not least the wealth of products and information you will see and pick up at the event. We’ve also got the Industry Awards which sold out last year and look like being a complete sell out before the event this year. That’s 800 people and an event of which we are immense proud.”

Having spent a great deal of time reviewing feedback for all the SALTEX stakeholders what tweaks have been carried out to improve the Show experience?

“Our team manages the transition of people going to the event and we have ring fenced the car park charges so that’s not going to rise, which is happening at other Shows.

We’ve also got that discounted for IOG members. We’ve also discounted ground travel costs to get to the NEC and if you go to the Virgin website. We are also working with the NEC about improving the catering and refreshment facilities,” explained Geoff.

“Those are the logistical aspects to the Show but there are other areas within who learn by experience and being at the event. For example in the first year every theatre was outdoors, but one of the issues we had was noise – either presenting or listening. So for the second year we sound proofed, and closed off the rooms but then we got feedback that it took away some of the atmosphere. So this year we are opening the theatres up again but we’ve got wireless headphones which we will give to all the delegates so that they will be able to hear the speaker. People will turn up, put on the headphones and listen to the presentation while the exhibition is going off around them.”

That’s a prime example of looking at something which was perceived to be a downside and finding a solution.

“We are also having our own Show TV channel for the first time as well and will be carrying out pnm the spot interviews. It will also be the second year of the College Cup which proved to be such a hit last year and we have more colleges involved this year. Added to that, and again

28 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

for the first time, we have an Advice Clinic for those interested in career development which will be managed by Frank Newberry.”

One of the main selling points for the new location for SALTEX was the opportunities it created to open the doors to many more people to get to the Show.

“A really good example of this is Paul Burgess who, everyone knows is at Real Madrid and last year he came to me and said ‘This is great, Geoff. I’ve flown in from Madrid on a direct flight, got off the plane and walked to my hotel within 10 minutes and five minutes after that I was in the Show.’”

“We had representatives from 43 countries last year.

Before that it was predominately a UK-based Show. I do believe that SALTEX is probably the largest sports turf ground management Show anywhere in the world.”

Hearing what SALTEX 2017 has in store for us I don’t know about you but I think Geoff is being a little too harsh on himself if he feels as stressed now as he did two years ago before the first NEC Birmingham-based SALTEX. I’m not telling you to sit back and relax but just give yourself a bit of credit for two very successful Shows and the knowledge that Show Three looks well set to continue a very positive trend for SALTEX.

“I do believe that Saltex is probably the largest sports turf ground management Show anywhere in the world.”

SALTEX

saltex’17 the ones to watch

AGRIPOWER Stand F187

After a competitive tender process Agripower were delighted when selected to upgrade and increase the sports pitch area at The Judd School Tonbridge, Kent. The construction of the playing facilities was carried out in two phases, the first phase comprising of a 4.5 hectare field dedicated to 4 rugby pitches, 1 cricket square, 2 non turf cricket wickets and a 5 lane non turf training net. And the second phase a similar sized field was re-modelled to provide an additional two natural grass rugby pitches, cricket square and non turf strip, a multi use natural pitch and a 3G floodlit football/rugby pitch.

With over 50 years’ experience in sports turf construction – natural, artificial or hybrid turf Agripower can design, construct, renovate and maintain any facility to suit your requirements.

For further information email info@agripower.co.uk

AGRONOMIC SERVICES LTD Stand F100

Agronomic Services Ltd are excited to be presenting their new Agronomic’s Range of liquid fertilisers at Saltex. Their new ranges include a unique nematode control product, Nema-Go and Dew Clear for dew control.

Agronomic Services Ltd has a UK and International distribution 30 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

network, supplying the finest soil, liquid and foliar fertilisers, micro-nutrients, bio-stimulants, seaweed products, turf strengtheners and wetting agents.

Oxy-Rush™ for soil oxygen, Osiryl and Eon Bio for root development. We are proud to supply Floratine products, the best foliar nutrition in the world.

Renovation and grow-ins are our speciality. State of the art soil and water testing ensures accurate diagnosis for your turf.

David Snowden will be presenting a Seminar on Sports Pitch Renovation and Nutrition on Thursday 2nd November at 10.40am.

Enjoy a stress free Saltex, take a seat, rest your feet, collect your free Agronomic’s stress ball at Stand F100

industries, including construction, agriculture, shipping, plant hire, mining, landscaping and demolition.

Aqua-Aid EU Stand E100

Aqua-Aid EU is returning to the latest instalment of Saltex at the NEC, bringing its unique range of products to Birmingham for the third time.

Worm Power, Oars HS, Oars PS, PBS 150 and Verde-Cal have all seen a surge in use across the UK and Europe across golf and football, but also horse racing over the last 12-months, and the Aqua-Aid product specialists will be at the show to advise on their plethora of products.

As business has grown and developed, so has a brand-new Aqua-Aid website, which will be launching for the show. The new look website has been completely redesigned for today’s market, and will be the home of the entire product range, as well as the latest news and events. The new site will also have its own mobile version, making AquaAid even more accessible.

AMS Bobcat Limited Stand L042

AMS Bobcat Limited, the authorised Bobcat Dealer for Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire is celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary this year.

Initially set up as a hire, service and sales company for compact machinery, AMS Bobcat began business mainly hiring skid-steer loaders and mini-excavators to the steel works based in Scunthorpe.

AMS placed its first order with Bobcat in 1993 for 35 skidsteer loaders and attachments.

Soon after the order, AMS was appointed the Bobcat Dealer for Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire and North Norfolk and has remained in this role ever since. The company is one of the longest standing Bobcat dealers in the UK. Over the intervening years, AMS has sold in excess of 3500 new Bobcat units into a wide range of

Automated Managed Services Stand A030

Cut your operational costs in half with Automated Managed Services (AMS) by introducing robot technology into your turf care regime. The robot mower BigMow, distributed

by AMS has been revolutionising grass maintenance at 600+ fields/outfields across Europe.

A single BigMow robot mower can cut 2.5 hectares 3 to 5 times a week. It’s manicure style mulching, returns the grass to soil as nutrients leaving no waste,

storage or disposal. Resulting in stronger grass thanks to better root growth, along with a reduced need for chemical fertilisers or weed killers. BigMow is totally safe, 100% ecological and only requires 10 minutes of cleaning a week.

Empower your business, save time, money and labour resources.

With AMS robots you can have perfect grass at a lower cost.

Find out how you can benefit from automated robots at our Saltex stand A030 or call 01462 676 222 for more information.

Bayer Stand D037

As the final herbicide treatments of the 2017 season are applied, it is time to start considering next year’s integrated vegetation management programmes, and SALTEX is an excellent opportunity to speak to the experts at Bayer for advice and guidance on this.

The BASIS-qualified Bayer Turf and Amenity Solutions Team will be available on stand D037 to give an insight into the future of plant protection products and show how Bayer products fit into programmes that consider weed control in a wider sense than just chemical intervention.

Contractors are increasingly being asked to consider using alternative methods of control in conjunction with herbicide applications. So, visiting the Bayer stand will give individuals the chance to ask questions about these, as well as find out how chemical controls, such as leading herbicides – Finale® 150 and Pistol®, can fit into any integrated management programme.

This year will also mark the first appearance of the latest turf fungicide, Exteris® Stressgard.

making turf matter

Boningale Nurseries Stand K190i

Boningale Nurseries, one of the leading suppliers to the British landscaping industry, will be exhibiting at SALTEX alongside experts from the company’s award winning green roof department, Boningale GreenSky at Stand K190i (located in the BALI Pavilion).

With more than 50 years’ experience, growing over two million plants a year, Boningale Nurseries’ sales team will be at SALTEX offering their expert product and market knowledge.

With GreenSky, they also will be demonstrating how they have been successfully supplying both traditional nursery and green roof planting stock to contractors and architects.

The team will also be sharing their specialist advice on contract-growing and why more and more customers are utilising Boningale’s modern growing facilities.

Visitors can also find out about Boningale’s connections with all of Europe’s specialist suppliers, and how the team source a wide range of high specification plants, from pleached trees and hedging to specimens and topiary.

British Sugar TOPSOIL Stand K190c

Sports and Turf topdressing, the latest product to be launched

by British Sugar TOPSOIL, will be promoted at this year’s SALTEX from the TOPSOIL stand to groundsmen, golf course managers and estate and parks managers who will be able to handle the product at the show.

Sports and Turf is the ideal top

dressing for soil-based winter sports pitches, golf approaches, and lawns, providing a highly cost-effective way of carrying out regular turf management throughout the year. A blend of 80% medium to coarse sub angular sand with 20% BS3882:2015 accredited British Sugar TOPSOIL, it assists free drainage and promotes good integration into the surface of the turf. Already used on high profile turf, including the formal lawns at King’s College, Cambridge, Sports and Turf helps make professional turf care affordable.

Trained and knowledgeable staff will be available on the British Sugar TOPSOIL stand, number K190C.

Campey Turf Care Systems

Charterhouse Turf Machinery Stand K070

Charterhouse Turf Machinery will be highlighting the Graden GBS1200. As always, they will also be showcasing a vast array of equipment for the care of both natural and artificial sports surfaces as well as landscaping products from the BLEC range on an adjacent stand.

www.turfmatters.co.uk

The Graden GBS 1200 is a 1.2m straight reeled unit ideal for flat areas such as sports pitches, cricket squares, tennis courts etc.

From Redexim, the Rink DS800 top dresser, which compliments the company’s range of Verti-Drains, will be another popular highlight.

Meanwhile the Verti-Top, from the Redexim Verti-Art collection, continues to set the standard for the cleaning and maintenance of synthetic turf surfaces. The powered rotary brush sweeps to a predetermined depth in the carpet lifting the pile and extracting the top 1mm – 15mm of infill along with any foreign material.

A new face can also be found on Stand K070, as Ian Lauder – Northern Territory Sales Manager – makes his Saltex debut.

Stand D117

Campey Turf Care Systems will be bringing an all-star line-up of machines, including the introduction of new Koro™ FIELD TOPMAKER™ model.

The new 1.6 metre model of the Koro® FIELDTOPMAKER® will be launched to the sports turf industry as a natural evolution of a truly innovative machine.

Saltex will also see the launch of a newly designed and patented Universe® Rotor, developed by Campey Turf Care Systems.

The FTM™ will be joined by the newly upgraded Koro® TopDrain 1000, specifically designed to be used on sports pitches and golf course fairways. It also offers material and labour savings, faster processing times and less contamination than conventional methods.

These machines will sit alongside the award winning Air2G2 Air Inject, an aeration machine that is becoming a stalwart of the Campey range.

Completing the line-up on stand is the Dakota 310, offering the accuracy expected from any Dakota 400 series spreader, but in a compact version.

There will also be a new machine unveiled.

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Craigmarloch Stand D087

With over 130 solid years of manufacturing excellence, Chapin is proud to provide market-leading products that are rugged and reliable.

Following the recent UK distribution deal with Craigmarloch, we now have the ability to distribute quality sprayers and spreaders on a next day delivery service throughout the UK. Chapin engineers and manufactures products specifically designed for lawn and ground maintenance, snow and ice, and gardening. Our sprayers and spreaders meet the needs of every home owner and professional. Distributor opportunities available.

For further information telephone: 01236 821 355 or email: sales@craigmarloch.co.uk For product information visit www.chapinmfg.com and for UK sales visit www. craigmarloch.co.uk

Dennis and SISIS Stand E070

Dennis and SISIS will be living up to their reputation of having world-class maintenance equipment for every type of playing surface with a wide range of equipment on show.

Featuring prominently on the stand will be the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500, which recently gained rave reviews from the STRI. Visitors will also get the chance to see the newly launched Spring Tine Rake cassette – which has been specifically designed for the Dennis G860 cylinder mower. Operators already have a plethora of options through

the G860’s interchangeable cassette system, and they will be pleased to see the launch of the Spring Tine Rake.

The SISIS range of pedestrian scarifiers come highly recommended by turf managers, and a number of these products will be featured on the stand such as the Rotorake 600HD and the Auto Rotorake MK5.

Also featuring from the SISIS portfolio is the Autoslit and Multislit, and visitors will get the chance to find out more about these unique products.

DLF Stand J100

DLF will be returning to Saltex 2017, showcasing two of the company’s latest breeding innovations, 4Turf Tetraploid Ryegrass and the new Turf Type Annual Ryegrass Quickston.

DLF’s technical team will also be on hand on stand J100 to offer advice on the latest cultivars and mixture selection from both the Masterline and Johnsons Sports Seed ranges.

DLF’s 4Turf Tetraploid Ryegrass cultivars are of particular interest to groundsman currently considering autumn and winter overseeding mixtures. 4Turf has very good wearing qualities, exceptional tolerance to a broad range of common turf diseases, germinates quickly and offers extreme winter hardiness.

Also present in J Rescue Stadia, along with Johnsons J Rescue 100, is the latest turf type annual ryegrass cultivar from the DLF programme, Quickston.

Quickston sees a significant improvement in the colour, fineness of leaf and shoot density of turf type annual ryegrass.

Duralock Stand M075

Duralock is the market leading manufacturer of PVCu sports and equestrian fencing systems; including post and rail, movable barriers, gates and crowd barriers.

Duralock Sports Performance Fencing has been developed specifically with sports clubs in mind and is approved by governing bodies Worldwide.

It has been designed to flex under impact, reducing the risk of injury and concealed fixings and smooth rounded surfaces make the whole system exceptionally safe. The award winning PVC-u construction withstands heavy use in all weathers without warping, splitting or breaking.

All of the fencing systems is suitable for use on all surfaces, from natural turf to AGP and 3G and are available as permanent or removable fixtures.

Specially developed ‘feet’ for two metre sections are available for temporary boundaries making them ideal for multi-use sports facilities.

Competitively priced, with a 15 year guarantee, Duralock offers the perfect choice in Performance Fencing for all applications.

EGO Stand J062

After just three years, during which time it has helped pioneer the battery revolution in garden equipment, EGO Power+ is taking its industry leading 56volt

cordless system, designed like no other, further in to the professional market with its new x-series range. EGO Power+, has securely established itself as the leader in battery technology and will unveil the new x-series which features a hedge trimmer, line trimmer and blower as well as a new high capacity backpack battery. The new products have been designed to meet the demands of the professional sector, and can easily match the performance, output and run time required by professional users on a long-term basis. EGO’s success is largely attributed to the brand’s innovative and ground-breaking battery technology, as well as stylish and striking product design, and unrivalled performance that has all the power of petrol.

Etesia Stand C050

Etesia will be launching their range of Greener City Equipment on stand C050 which includes a range of environmentally-friendly battery-powered pedestrian and ride-on rotary mowers.

Taking centre stage at SALTEX 2017 will be the Buffalo 124 HVHPX four wheel drive ride-on mower and the Bahia M2E electric ride-on mower.

The Bahia M2E is the world’s first fully electric ride-on cut and collect mower. Featuring all the benefits of its petrol brother, with the added advantages of no odour, zero emissions, low noise, low vibrations, reduced maintenance costs and reduced health and safety issues for operators. Also on show will be the complete range of batterypowered pedestrian mowers from the N-Ergy range.

Completing the Greener City Equipment range on show is the revolutionary Donky 100% electric wheel barrow.

Visitors will also get the opportunity to see the new Bahia Hydro 80 MKHP4 E-Connect ride-on mower before its official launch in 2018.

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Fleet Line Markers Stand A070

The line marking industry has evolved dramatically over the last 20 years. Advancements in technology have revolutionised the way lines are marked on sports pitches. Fleet are the only British company that manufactures satellite guided line marking machines, writes the software as well as makes the paints and has also introduced a new flushing nozzle system, The Flozle (pronounced flow-zle) This unique patented system (GB2511372B) (EP3079831A1 pending) can keep the line marking tip clear at all times.

After each line is sprayed a small amount of water is automatically flushed under pressure through the tip keeping it clear and clean.

Other advantages are cost savings, up to ½ litre of paint can be wasted when flushing a nozzle tip through a standard spray marker, whereas the Flozle uses the equivalent of two teaspoons.

Germinal Stand A130

Cabrio Ultra Fine Ryegrass is the most recent addition to Germinal’s portfolio of perennial ryegrasses for use on cricket squares, tennis lawns and golf tees. Cabrio sits at the top of the BSPB’s Series L list for lawns, landscaping and summer sports thanks to a fineness of leaf scoring of 8.8 – half a point ahead of its nearest rival.

Cabrio Ultra Fine Ryegrass is also the finest leaved variety on the BSPB’s G4 List for close mown conditions: when cut to 4-7mm Cabrio has a fineness of leaf score of 8.3 compared to its nearest rival at 8.0. Cabrio is included in Germinal’s A5 Cricket, Tennis and

Tees seed mixture where it is paired with Escapade, the “number 6” perennial ryegrass variety in the Series L list for 2017. Cabrio is also included in Germinal’s A10 Golf Tees and Divot Repairs and A28 Ultrafine Ryegolf mixtures.

Gianni Ferrari Stand G186

Turbo 4 Fifty Kubota 4 cylinder, 2.400 cc. 50 hp diesel engine, self-cleaning radiator, 2 speed with maximum speed of 24 km/h, permanent 4 wheel drive with increased capacity on slopes,• 1400 liter capacity collector and 230 cm dumping height, new collecting turbine with increased air flow, longer life and easier maintenance. The collecting turbine can be disengaged for use with non-collecting attachments Turbo Z 440D Kubota V1505-T 4 cylinder 40 hp diesel engine,• 2 steering levers with ECPTM control panel,• hydrostatic transmission with Danfoss pump and motors, with reduction gear boxes in oil bath, front hydro lift, cardan shaft PTO, foldable ROPS, 2 wheel oscillating rear axle, 160 Dual cut mulching/ rear discharge deck, lighting kit with front and rear lights, direction lights, beacon, horn, mirror and plate support.

GreenBest Ltd Stand F101

Velvit is a new range of fertilisers, wetting agents and biostimulants, designed to offer

a complete solution to the turf care specialist. Velvit products are manufactured in the UK and available through specialist distributors nationwide.

GreenBest Ltd. has created Velvit by combining their considerable manufacturing experience and the collective wisdom of their customers.

Velvit products have been carefully formulated using the latest technologies to create a range that can be relied upon in premier turf management programmes. Including organic biostimulants Vel-sea™ and Onyx™; Resolute™ long-lasting wetting agent, Command™ homogeneous granular fertilisers and Nutrilong™ controlled release fertiliser, as well as many others.

Onyx liquid™ is an exciting new biostimulant fertiliser developed by Velvit Ltd. A rich black liquid, made from plantbased materials, Onyx™ provides high levels of amino acids, plus nitrogen and potassium, along with phosphorous, trace elements and carbohydrates.

Greenmech Stand H075

GreenMech’s new Arborist 150p is on show for the very first time, as well as showcasing a number of their most popular woodchippers.

The GreenMech team will also be on hand to discuss the many aspects of the company’s extensive range of professional chippers on stand H075.

Developed in response to the upcoming changes to emissions legislation effective from 2019, the new Arborist 150p is the latest addition to GreenMech’s popular Arborist range and offers a cost-effective alternative to

diesel powered models. Fitted with a 37hp Briggs and Straton Petrol engine, it can offer comparable performance to the higher horse-powered diesel engine of the existing Arborist 150, but at a much-reduced cost.

For smaller jobs in tighter spaces the compact CS100, with its working width of just 760mm, is the ideal option for ‘on the spot’ chipping.

Grillo Stand E065

Taking centre stage at this year’s Saltex will be the new Grillo FD 900. Powered by a 26hp diesel engine this small, compact 4wd machine is sure to impress contractors and local authorities.

Fitted with a 52 inch Grillo 3 blade cutting system allowing excellent collection in high, damp grass. Height of cut is changed via a simple button on the dashboard. The discharge chute is automatically cleaned each time its 750ltr hi-tip collector is emptied. A permanent 4wd system is combined with an automatic diff-lock ensuring great traction at all times.

Come and see this and many new products on the Grillo stand at Saltex 2017.

Gripple Stand C105

Gripple offers a range of cutting edge kits for quick, easy tree anchoring and guying of newly-planted, semi-mature trees, replacing the laborious installation of wooden stakes, all supplied in ready-to-use kits with a strap tensioning system With three or four anchor points to speed up installation, }

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} Gripple Root Ball kits are for

trees from 4.5m to 12m in height and 25cm to 75cm in girth.

Offering the benefits of the Root Ball Kit, the Premium Root Ball Kit includes the Gripple Dynamic range to provide increased strength, flexibility and adjustment during installation.

The Gripple’s Deadman kit and Concrete Fixing kit are specifically engineered for the simple, strong and secure anchoring of newly-planted trees where concrete is involved.

The Deadman Kit is used when the driving of anchors is not possible, into concrete blocks for example, and a more traditional ballast system is the solution.

Groundsman Industries

Harrod UK Stand K095

Harrod UK the market leading manufacturer in goals, posts and nets have continued to raise the bar and are once again leading the field in sports equipment innovation. Saltex 2017 will see the return of the Stadium Pro Goal, the reveal of the latest training technology in the form of SmartGoals and a showcase of our new lightweight range.

The research and design team have been busy developing a lightweight range to add to our collection of aluminium goals, the aim of this development was to maintain strength while ensuring the goals are as light as possible.

One of their bestselling shelters will be on display at the show, the unique fibretech team shelters can be personalised to match the clients brand guidelines with an option to choose the desired colour ways and the addition of logos.

The Harrod UK team will be on hand at the show to answer any questions you may have so please visit on stand K095.

Stand K078

The Original Groundsman Flexblade Aeration Soil Collections are now available to fit all types of aerators and turf vehicles. The stystem attaches to any Aerator pedestrian or tractor mounted with swath widths from 60cm (24”) up to 210cm (83”) The FLEXBLADE Core Collector System, the most efficient method of collecting cores soaking wet or powder dry. More than half are caught before they touch the ground, the remainder are scooped cleanly from the surface by the FLEXBLADE that follows undulations with precision for the cleanest possible collection.

Available for Compact Tractors and Turf Vehicles for Followup Collection of Cores and Linear Aeration Soil.

Contact Groundsman Industries to discuss your requirements or visit www. groundsmanindustries.com

Headland Amenity Stand D087

The co-operation between Headland Amenity and Bayer Cropscience continues at SALTEX 2017. Following the launch of Exteris Stressgard at BTME, visitors to Headland’s new stand, D022, will be able to find out more about Bayer’s Dedicate turf fungicide.

Dedicate is an established contact and systemic fungicide offering preventative and early curative control of turf diseases. Of particular interest

to groundsmen is Dedicate’s ability to control Leaf Spot (Helminthosporium spp.) and Rust (Puccina spp.) in sports turf. It contains dual active ingredients, Tebuconazole and Trifloxystrobin and should be used preventatively or as early as possible when signs of disease occur.

A great tank mix partner to Dedicate, or other fungicide applications, are plant elicitors such as Headland’s TeMag Elite.

Launched at Saltex 2016, TeMag Elite is a water-soluble iron and micronutrient package, ideal for strengthening turf over the autumn and winter periods.

Japanese Knotweed Control Stand J189

Japanese Knotweed Control is returning to SALTEX to raise awareness of a new Code of Practice for the management of Japanese knotweed.

The INNSA Code of practice foreword has been written by the Environment Agency, and the Code has been co-authored

by The Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association, alongside plant experts from Japanese Knotweed Control.

The Code contains the most up-to-date advice for those who may encounter, or need to manage, land that is susceptible to or infested with the invasive plant. Japanese Knotweed carries a significant threat to amenity, built and natural environments of the UK. In following the guidance of the new Code, users can avoid excessive and recurring costs, physical damage to man-man structures, harming the environment and even potential legal action.

John Deere Stand E080

A new top of the range diesel lawn tractor is being launched by John Deere. The X940 Series is suitable for a wide range of private and commercial customers who require a powerful workhorse with the ability to carry out a variety of tasks all year round. The flagship X949 model on display features 4WD and four-wheel-steer for the ultimate in traction and manoeuvrability, and is optionally available with an innovative MulchControl system.

This will be featured alongside a newly-styled XUV 865M Gator utility vehicle with a top speed of 50kph and a quiet cab featuring an adjustable driver’s seat that can take up to three people off-road, plus a new Series III version of the 1600 Turbo WAM out-front rotary mower with Stage V engine and run-flat castor wheel tyres, suitable for large-scale commercial mowing.

Find out more about John Deere’s full range of commercial mowers, lawn tractors and Gator utility vehicles at www.deere.co.uk

Kubota UK Stand C070

Turf professionals looking for the most innovative and high quality groundcare equipment are being encouraged to go and see Kubota UK’s newest groundcare solutions. }

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} The market leading machinery

manufacturer is launching a number of new products on Stand C070, as well as promoting its innovative Kubota Care warranty programme and its first class aftersales support including genuine parts offering.

The new machines on the Kubota stand will include the company’s new line of B1 (12hp to 24hp standard spec) and B2 (20hp to 31hp premium spec) compact tractors. There will also be an improved BX231 on display as well as a new zero turn mower – the ZD1211.

The company will also be showcasing its world-renowned engines on Stand G085. Kubota’s expert team will be on-hand to provide information on Stage V legislation, due to come into force in 2019, and to highlight why Kubota Engines are the answer.

repair. MM50 is ideal for cricket squares, tennis courts, tees, fairways, outfields and even golf greens. MM7 is a new mix of fine leaved Ryegrass, Fescue and Bent which is suitable for use in bowls and golf greens and golf surrounds.

All mixtures in the MM range, are treated with Limagrain’s HEADSTART® GOLD. If you are seeking advice for your natural turf projects – no matter how big or small, then pay a visit to stand number H037 and speak to one of the Limagrain amenity specialists.

Makita UK Stand K190d

Makita UK will be returning to Saltex this year and will be on stand K190d within the BALI Zone. The BALI Zone features and promotes leading BALI Registered Affiliate and Contractor members. Also confirmed for 2017 are Boningale Nurseries, M&M Timber, Green-tech, Ground Control and British Sugar TOPSOIL.

The Makita UK stand will showcase the ever-growing garden machinery range suitable for professional landscaping contractors, groundsmen and forestry workers. The 18v battery platform makes it economically viable for the tool owner as there is the option to purchase the ‘body only’ version of the tool if you already have the battery.

Using battery powered grounds care machines means that exhaust emissions are zero – petrol engine exhaust fumes are eliminated and the risk of ground contamination from spilt petrol and oil is removed altogether. Many Makita grounds-care machines offer a considerable reduction in vibration and can be used all day without harm to the operator.

Major Equipment Ltd Stand K080

saltex’17

the ones to watch Limagrain UK Stand H037

Limagrain UK will be showcasing its impressive range of grass seed mixtures, including the market leading MM60, MM50 and the new exciting MM7 on their stand. MM is one of the most respected brands in the UK sportsturf and amenity industries and is relied upon at top sports grounds throughout the UK and beyond.

MM60 is a 100% Ryegrass formula and the UK’s leading winter sports renovation mixture which is also perfect for divot

Major Equipment Ltd will be exhibiting at Saltex 2017 at stand K080 with a selection of machines from their range of tractor mounted grounds maintenance equipment.

Visitors can expect to see the 3.6m trailed Contoura Mower which is designed primarily for golf and amenity turf applications. It has a unique pivoting frame which allows the three mowing decks to follow the ground contours with ease thanks to the selfaligning spherical bearings.

Major has long had a reputation for producing mowers that are highly reliable and low maintenance, making them the top choice for many of the UK’s top councils as well as landscapers and grounds maintenance staff. Available in working widths from 1.9m to 6.1m in a variety of configurations, they are ideal for use at turf farms, polo clubs, schools, sports fields, airports, local authorities and race courses.

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MJ Abbott Stand B102

MJ Abbott has completed a number of hybrid pitch reconstructions in the UK and Europe across football and rugby.

The introduction of SIS Grass to the turf market and the popularity of the new hybrid surface has continued, with MJ Abbott the principle company to prepare surfaces ready for stitching by the machines in the UK. Newcastle United has installed SIS Grass at St James’ Park with Reading and Birmingham City also installing the system.

Projects were also completed at the training home of Paris Saint Germain, seeing the installation of the HERO hybrid carpet turf system within two training pitches and the match pitch. For rugby Doncaster Knights RFC re-constructing their pitch to facilitate the installation of an Eclipse hybrid carpet turf system, provided by County Turf.

There have also been several golf projects undertaken, including being appointed as the main contractors for Royal Norwich’s £4.5million new course project.

new features on this unique mower range as well as a new face in Northern Territory Sales Manager Dougie Archibald.

The INFINICUT® is the most technologically advanced mower available to Turf managers.

The LiFePO4 battery power source can be tailored in either 20Ah, 30Ah or 40Ah capacities to meet the requirements of any type of surface with no compromise in run time.

MTD Specialty Turf Products are industry leaders in the design of and production of cutting units ensuring an unsurpassed cut quality.

MTD staff will be on hand to offer tailored advice, including new Territory Sales Manager Dougie Archibald. An established name in the industry, Dougie has gained a wealth of experience having worked in hands on Groundsmen positions and within leading dealer groups and machinery distributors in both the groundcare and golf sectors.

Oeliatec Stand E055

MTD Stand F041

Established under the new MTD ownership as the CubCadet INFINICUT® and the ATT TMSystem™, visitors to stand F041 will be able to see some

Oeliatec return to SALTEX on stand number E055 to showcase their range of environmentally-friendly range of weed control products.

All Oeliatec weed control machines kill weeds with 100% hot water by delivering an efficient low pressure treatment at temperatures of up to 120°C. This destroys the cellular structure of the weed to kill off the plant. The intense heat penetrates deep into the root system killing the plant from the leaf down to the root. It is effective with all broad leaf plants and grass along with

moss and algae which can also be removed at the same time.

With five models available, customers will not only be able to control weeds, moss and algae but also remove graffiti and chewing gum from streets, paths and walk ways.

Leading groundscare machinery distributor Etesia UK has taken on the distribution for the Oeliatec environmentallyfriendly weed control range in the UK and Ireland.

Pellenc Stand E055

Pellenc will be exhibiting on stand E055 which will showcase their professional range of environmentally friendly, lithiumion battery powered tools.

The centrepiece will be the Cleanion pedestrian batterypowered brush which is suitable for removing debris from natural and artificial grass and other hard surfaces.

Other products on the stand will include the Airion 2 new generation hand-held blower and the Rasion Smart and Rasion Basic pedestrian rotary mowers.

Other products such as the Helion hedgecutter, Selion chainsaws and polesaws and the Prunion and Vinion pruning shears will also be available to view.

All Pellenc batteries and tools come complete with a three year commercial warranty as standard – the first manufacturer to offer this on battery-powered tools.

The company’s experienced and knowledgeable staff will also be on hand to offer valuable advice, along with finance options.

Pitchmark Stand E125

After working closely with groundsmen at leading Premier League clubs, Pitchmark will introduce their new Hybrid line marker at SALTEX, complete with lifetime warranty. A large number of stadium groundsmen use transfer markers as it’s easier to lift the back wheels over lines, the weight is balanced and groundsmen like to walk slowly.”

However, there are problems, Mark points out, such as thick paint drying slowly and causing ‘ghosting’ of paint over the pitch.

The Pitchmark Hybrid overcomes this with a threewheeled design for better manoeuvrability and a range of nozzles to suit walking speed.

For further information call 01454 776666 or email sales@ pitchmark.com to arrange a demo. www.pitchmark.com

Price Turfcare Stand B124

Price Turfcare, the newly established business founded

by Ransomes Jacobsen’s former Sales Director, Rupert Price, will be exhibiting at SALTEX for the first time on stand B124.

Following the launch of the business with the Ventrac franchise back in January, it has been an exciting nine months building the team, }

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} establishing a network of

dealers and embarking on a series of demonstration tours across the UK. In July it was announced that Price Turfcare had added the Ryan franchise to their portfolio.

Sales have been excellent with some prestigious clients seeing the benefits of the versatile Ventrac 4500 compact tractor including Darren Baldwin, Head of Playing Surfaces and Estates at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Peter Pattenden, Golf Courses and Estates Manager at Carden Park together with Amey, the international infrastructure support services company, and Sheffield Council hiring machines from Russell Groundscare.

With all mowers engaged, the 3.2m width of cut delivers exceptional productivity Ransomes is proud to be sponsoring the SALTEX College Cup for the second time.

Also being showcased will be other municipal mowers plus Cushman utility vehicles, Iseki tractors and turf maintenance equipment from the Turfco and Ryan brands.

Reesink Turfcare Stand H080

Ransomes Stand H090

Ransomes will be showcasing the brand new TR320 triplex cylinder mower on stand H090.

The Ransomes TR320 is one of the lightest machines on the market, ensuring that surfaces are kept pristine.

A combination of narrow transport width (1.64m (64.5”)), a 1.83m (72”) width of cut, superior slope capabilities and manoeuvrability, allows operators to safely negotiate the tightest of spaces and most challenging terrain Also, debuting at SALTEX 2017 is the HM600. Built on the foundations of the Ransomes MP wide area mower platform, the HM600 builds upon this, providing users with the ability to run three heavy duty flail mowers with mulching technology from Müthing.

New to Reesink’s product line and in the spotlight at SALTEX 2017, is a machine that revolutionises clipping clear up and elevates productivity to new levels.

With a 41L fuel tank and 810L capacity hopper, plus the ability to change the height of cut without stopping, Reesink Turfcare says productivity is at an all-time high with this machine. This new launch will appeal to councils and landscape contractors looking for minimum downtime.

Products on stand from the Toro groundscare range include the highly versatile heavy-duty Toro LT-F3000 triple with its two-in-one machine cylinder attachment option, for switching between long or short grass; the Groundsmaster 360 Quad Steer zero-turn mower for ultimate manoeuvrability; the hard-wearing Groundsmaster 7210 zero-turn rotary mower for the toughest of groundscare jobs, and the Groundsmaster 4000-D with SmartPower.

This year is also the first year that Reesink will have two stands – H080 will be entirely dedicated to TYM Tractors.

Rigby Taylor Stand G060

NEW product launches on the Rigby Taylor stand. Visitors will be welcomed to a newly designed, interactive stand and enjoy a cup of freshly made coffee whilst discussing the technical features and benefits of an exciting range of turf management and plant health products. Company personnel will be available to offer information and advice and to provide on-stand presentations, through the use of touch screen TV monitors, involving some the industries newest technologies.

Further information is available by calling our Freephone number: 0800 919 424, emailing: sales@rigbytaylor.com or by visiting www.rigbytaylor.com

Sherriff Amenity Stand E060

Sherriff Amenity will be showcasing two new products in the renowned GoGreen complexed iron range. Visitors to the stand (E060) will also be offered the opportunity to signup free of charge to the online Sherriff Academy and find out more about Agrovista’s latest Scottish acquisition – Terra Firma.

GoGreen Energy is a concentrated bio-stimulant, formulated to assist plant health and relieve stress symptoms in a wide variety of amenity turf

situations. It contains seaweed, plant sugars, simple carbohydrates and trace elements that have been specially selected to give optimum results when grass is stressed. GoGreen Select is a unique complex iron sulphate that may be used as a stand-alone product for rapid greening of turf or more flexibly, as a tank-mix partner with fertiliser and herbicide.

Visitors to the Sherriff stand will also have the chance to trial the online Sherriff Amenity Academy in which they can sign-up for free.

Smith Construction Stand K185

Smith Construction will be showcasing a number of artificial turf products from a variety of high quality manufacturers. Being an independent installer, Smith Construction can offer various surfaces to their clients, many of which are accredited by sports governing bodies, including FIH, FIFA, World Rugby and ITF. Smith Construction are also Certified Field Builders for The International Hockey Federation and are also on a National Framework set up

by FIFA, The FA, The Football Foundation, Sport England and England Hockey to help increase the standard of artificial grass pitch construction.

With an outstanding reputation within the industry for sports engineering design, Smith Construction (Heckington) Ltd also specialise in ground stabilisation, sustainable drainage systems and retaining structures, providing clients with assurance from the start of a project to its completion. All works are completed in-house, by skilled and experienced people.

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 43

saltex’17 the ones to watch

Spaldings Stand A085

Portable generators and water pumps needed for everyday or emergency use can be purchased with the renowned service back-up provided by direct sales specialist Spaldings following the company’s appointment as a Honda Industrial dealer with national reach. Spaldings will display selected products from the range upon its return to Saltex.

As with other products handled

by Spaldings, Honda petrol engine powered pumps and generators can be purchased online, via a telesales team or through a local representative for next day delivery from the £11 million-worth of stock held at the company’s warehouse in Lincoln.

Securing the Honda Industrial dealership underscores the confidence that premium brand manufacturers such as Honda, Husqvarna and Stihl have in Spaldings sales, distribution and after-sales service.

Stihl Stand H070

Renowned for its revolutionary outdoor power equipment, STIHL will be presenting their newest Pro Cordless machines at the Show: the HSA94 T and HSA94 R hedge trimmers, FSA130 and FSA130 R brushcutters and BGA100 blower. These tools 44 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

are powerful and durable, and are perfect for use in urban areas due to their quiet and emission-free operation. Users will now have even more batterypowered flexibility following the launch of the company’s AR1000 backpack battery.

Also featured are some of our key petrol tools, including the HL92 and HL94 long-reach hedge trimmers. These machines are significantly reduced in weight compared to previous models, making them even more usable.

You can also see the VIKING professional lawn mowers, the MB 756 and MB 4 RTP mulching mower. Both machines provide powerful and robust performance, while the MB 756 boasts exceptional grass cut and collection, even in the wet.

STM Stand K090

The new V-Ride 2 – announced in September – has new features that exhibit their policy of continuous improvement and response to operator feedback, which combine to make SCAG such a successful machinery supplier. The V-Ride is a stand-on machine; the compact machine size, ease of manouevering and clear view for the operator have lead to the V-Ride becoming increasingly popular for intricate mowing areas.

The Ride-on SCAG machines, because they are purposebuilt for grasscutting, place the operator directly above the cutting deck, and one of the main features on the new V-Ride 2 is that the revised configuration of the stand-on deck follows the same concept,

making turf matter

placing the operator nearer the centre of the machine. Features on the machine include: ■■Wider stand-on platform ■■Wider control handles ■■New wider dashboard with Tiger-Eye electronic monitoring ■■Operator pad is removable for easy access to hydraulics ■■n Increased diameter drive wheels ■■Four stowage brackets for easier trailer fixing ■■8 gallon fuel tank Production has commenced and the first machine in the UK on stand – K090.

saltex’17

Get the latest at www.turfmatters.co.uk

Timberwolf

that industry professionals demand from this essential tool in their armoury.

At entry level, the compact and powerful TW 160PH is a strong and fast hydraulic chipper that can access restricted areas.

The sub 750Kg 6in chipper is now available in petrol and with two engine variants.

Stand G070

Timberwolf is extending its low emission petrol product family, developing further their comprehensive range of professional wood chippers, with an exciting new range launching The new extended Timberwolf petrol range builds on the equivalent market leading diesel-powered wood chipper series, and offers all the features

T H WHITE Stand H190

T H WHITE is taking two stands at Saltex 2017 to showcase the latest developments and user benefits now available from these respected brands.

Ferris zero-turn mowers with patented independent suspension have long been

www.turfmatters.co.uk

recognised as supremely comfortable ride-on mowers.

Also built in the USA, Wright mowers are well known for the Stander range, driven from a standing position. This makes the mower extremely compact and allows the operator to shift weight instantly for changing terrain.

Spider remote-controlled slope mowers are often termed the ‘safest mowers on the market’.

These innovative machines from the Czech Republic are perfect for a wide range of applications involving steep, uneven or sometimes dangerous terrain Newest addition to the brands imported by T H WHITE is Jensen woodchippers, sturdy, high capacity chippers that represent German engineering at its best.

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 45

saltex’17 the ones to watch

Trilo

Tyre-line

Stand G010

Stand D082

Trilo will be returning to SALTEX on stand G010 with a wide range of blowers, scarifiers and vacuum sweepers. Particular highlights of machinery for grass and waste management will include the Trilo S3 and SU40 vacuum units and the Trilo B7 blower.

Working at a convenient 1.5 metres wide, the Trilo S3 vacuum sweeper is perfect for clearing grounds and fields. Its modest dimensions and large suction power enable quick and efficient working in small areas and even in wet conditions. The Trilo SU40 vacuum unit, delivering powerful suction for restricted access spaces. Mounted on a towable chassis, the power unit and 4m wander hose can be easily manoeuvred for rapid vacuuming of leaves, litter, grass, wood chippings etc. Finishing the line-up is the Trilo B7 leaf blower. A compact, lightweight blower with a large air capacity to ensure ample airflow for blowing leaves, litter or standing water in a desired direction.

Tyre-line’s aftermarket division have now been successfully trading for three years. The opening of the dedicated sales office has proved to be a great back up to Tyre-line’s OE business, trading for over 30 years. The Aftermarket division supplies tyres and wheels directly to tyre distributors and machinery dealers all over the UK in the Lawn and Garden, Amenity, ATV/UTV, Trailer, Caravan, Compact Tractor and Agri sectors. Specialist services are also available, including pattern conversions such as switching from agricultural tyres to turf and vice versa, and with over 50 years’ experience they can source some of the most unusual or vintage tyres around.

Tyre-line are the UK’s sole official distributor for Carlisle, IPT and Marastar branded tyres and wheels along with being main agents for Wanda, Bridgestone, Compass, Maxxis, CST etc with wheels available from Alcoa, Mefro and Vlukon.

saltex’17 Get the latest at www.turfmatters.co.uk 46 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

making turf matter

Walker Mowers

Wiedenmann UK

Stand E010

Stand A080

The IOG SALTEX 2017 exhibition, sees the European debut for the new S18 zero turn mower from Walker Mowers. This new model powered by an efficient Briggs and Stratton 18hp Vanguard engine is both powerful and comes with a range of cutting widths.

A recent US two year comprehensive study, undertaken

by Walker Mowers, recorded an average 20%-25% improved productivity when using a Walker out front zero turn machine against many popular competitor machines.

Following this study and contrary to popular thinking, the highest ground speed does not mean higher productivity. The full results of this study can be found at the www. walker.com website.In addition to the new S18 model, three other models will be included on their stand E010, all sharing the advantage of easy and responsive mowing.

Newly appointed UK sales staff and representatives from the US including family member Ryan Walker – will be present to discuss the new growing opportunities for both dealers and commercial operators.

GroundPro, a trading division of Wiedenmann UK, has partnered with Maredo BV to offer two tractormounted machines to the British and Irish market. The MT200 FlexVerticutter and MT210 VibeSpikeAerator will be premiered at Saltex.

Both outstanding machines attach to tractors 25 hp and up and provide rapid responses to difficulties that may occur in the vital area lying just beneath the turf surface.

These are really strong offerings

by Maredo, available shortly via the dealer network across the UK and Ireland. Both are accurate and efficient with great build quality. The new machines share the same frame so only additional heads are required to switch tasks. The triple heads tackle contours in their stride.

GroundPro established its name by offering the range of Pro-Cast capacious bulk blue and green top dressers, famous for their sturdy tanks yet nimble manoeuvrability.

For more details call 0141 814 3366, or follow us on Twitter @GroundPro

www.turfmatters.co.uk

In print, on the web and on your laptop and tablet at www.turfmatters.co.uk Looking for your next move?

Turf Recruit from Turf Matters has quickly become the largest resource for ALL industry jobs. With EVERY job in one place you’ll never miss an opportunity again. Simply browse hundreds of jobs and find the one for you!

Are you an employer looking to recruit? l Featured in the Turf Recruit section of the website –our most visited page l Featured in our monthly dedicated jobs e-shot – sent to over 26,000 industry professionals l No time limitations – the job remains listed online until you FILL IT l Regular social media promotion of your job to an audience of over 7,000 and growing

To find out more contact Marie Anderson

Email: marie@turfmatters.co.uk Telephone: 07841 927500

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 47

SALTEX

saltex’17 PHOTO GALLERY

Looking back

Looking forward SALTEX 2016 was memorable in so many ways. Here’s a selection of images from a year ago… we look forward to making more memories this year

The turf matters website will be regularly updated during saltex. check out www.turfmatters.co.uk 48 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 49

making turf matter

www.turfmatters.co.uk

Saltex’17

your official exhibitor listing Exhibitor

*All information correct at time of going to print.

Stand No

Exhibitor

Stand No

Agria-Werke GmbH

J107

Barenbrug

G055

Agricultural Engineers Association

M145

Baron UK Ltd

G192

Agrigem Ltd

C107

Barrus – Loncin

C090

Agripower Contractors

F187

Barrus Ltd

H081

Agronomic Services Ltd

F100

Bayer

D037

Air-Seal Products Ltd

C030

Belchim Crop Protection

A100

AirFibr

F192

Bernhard & Co Ltd

D097

Allett Mowers

K009

Bituchem Asphalt Ltd – NatraTex

F042

Amazone Ltd

H055

Blade Machinery Ltd

J182

AQUA-AID Europe BV

E100

BLEC UK

M080

Aquaterra Europe Ltd

F006

Block Blitz Ltd

M180

Aquatic Solutions UK

C191

Bomford Turner Ltd

J124

AS Communications (UK) Ltd

J004

Boningale Nurseries

K190i

Aspen Fuel

M055

BOSS Snowplow

H050

Autoculture

K020

Boston Seeds Ltd

D067

Automated Managed Services Ltd

A030

Boughton Loam Ltd

G050

AVANT Tecno (UK) Ltd

E057

Bowcom

G040

B.E.S.T. IN HORTICULTURE GROUP

D220

Bradshaw Electric Vehicles

C040

BALI – British Association of Landscape Industries

G222

Branson Tractors UK

K180

Brendon Powerwashers

C100

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 51

52 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

making turf matter

www.turfmatters.co.uk

saltex’17 official exhibitor listing Exhibitor

Stand No

Exhibitor

Stand No

Briggs & Stratton UK

L077

EGO Power+

J062

British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA)

M181

Erlau

F220

Etesia UK Ltd

C050

British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA)

E220

Eurogate International

G185

British Sugar TOPSOIL

K190c

EverEdge

C035

Broxap Ltd (with Stadia Sports, Hand Made Places & Sunshine Gym)

A050

Evopos UK Ltd

K122

Excalibur

A053

Bulldog Tools (Rollins)

C085

Farmura – An Aquatrols Company

D062

Campey Turf Care Systems

D117

FGM Claymore

D012

Canycom / ICB Plant & Machinery Ltd

G080

Fleet Line Markers Ltd

A070

Catalyst Computer Systems Ltd

H102

Flower Your Place BV

C134

Centre Wire Ltd

B005

FMW Distinct / Fristads

A120

Chapin UK

D087

Forth Roots

F022

Charles Taylor

M010

Fusion Media (Europe) Limited (Press Office)

Charterhouse Turf Machinery Ltd

K070

City and Guilds

E222

Cityscape Academy

J189

Cleveland Sitesafe Ltd

K180

CLS Sports

C115

County Sports Surfaces Ltd

H032

County Turf Ltd

K121

Covermaster Inc

G030

CPCL – The Children’s Playground Co. Ltd

C020

Cub Cadet

L180

D J Turfcare Equipment Ltd

M060

D W Tomlin

A065

Danarm Machinery Limited

C065

Demon International Ltd

F105

Dennis

E070

Diamond Hire & Sales

J192

DLF Seeds Limited

J100

Domo Sports Grass

C190

Dormak

M095

Dual Pumps Ltd

C086

Duralock Performance Fencing

M075 C060

Ground Force (UK) Ltd trading as Oak Garden Machinery

F110

Earlsmere Easy Petrol Post Driver / SPA Power Machinery

K105

GroundsCare Products

K100

Groundsman Industries Ltd

K078

Eco Green Composting / King Feeders UK

H085

Edwards Sports Products

E127

Concourse Suites 22 – 23

Garden & Hire Spares Ltd

J184

Garia A/S

J112

Gekko Industries Ltd

F027

Germinal GB Ltd

A130

Gianni Ferrari s.r.l

G186

GKB Machines Ltd

H180

Global Recycling Solutions Ltd

G110

Goosebusters

M105

GORDES ZEOLITE A.S

F190

Granit Parts

C010

Granuflex (a brand name of Granuband)

C011

Grasshopper Company

D032

Green-Tech Ltd

K190g

Greenacres Artificial Grass

F013

GreenFields ( Sports Surfaces) UK Ltd

D042

GreenMech Ltd

H075

Grillo Agrigarden Ltd

E065

Gripple Ltd

C105

Ground Control Ltd

K190b

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 53

54 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

making turf matter

www.turfmatters.co.uk

saltex’17 official exhibitor listing Exhibitor Groundwater Dynamics Ltd

Stand No Plot 7 (Outdoor Demo)

Exhibitor

Stand No

HSC Machinery Spares & Consumables

H030

Husqvarna UK

H040

Grundon Sand & Gravel Ltd

J191

IAE

B005

Hahn Plastics Ltd

F191

IBCOS Computers Ltd

E032

Harrod UK Ltd

K095

ICL

K030

Harry West Prees Ltd

E045

Indigrow

D122

Headland Amenity Ltd

D087

Inscapes

H052

Healthmatic

A087

INTURF

G052

HeBlad UK

K120

IOG (Institute of Groundsmanship)

C180

Helping Hand Environmental

K005

Japanese Knotweed Control Ltd

J189

Henry Sheach Lawnmower Services Ltd – BOBCAT

L042

Javelin Irrigation Systems Ltd

A051 H202

HERBATECH SRL

E102

Jensen Woodchippers UK (T H White Machinery Imports Ltd)

HillTip

A090

JO BEAU

G110

Holiday Parks Management

E114

John Deere Ltd

E080

Hopauctions.com

M040

Johnsons Sport Seeds

J100

Horticulture Week

M030

JUB Holland

K123

Hozelock Exel. Cooper-Pegler Berthoud

G194

KAR UK Ltd

E053

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 55

SALTEX

saltex’17 official exhibitor listing Exhibitor

Stand No

Exhibitor

Stand No

Kersten UK Ltd

G075

Nilfisk Ltd

G052

Kioti UK

A190

Niwaki

E182

Kirkby Tyres

E097

Nomix Enviro

E040

Kirkland UK

C130

Nufarm UK Ltd

E024

Kubota (UK) Ltd

C070

Oeliatec

E055

Kubota Engines Division

G085

Oregon

K021

Landscape & Urban Design

E031

Overton (UK) Ltd

K050

Lantra

E112

Overton (UK) Ltd - Mean Green Mowers

M050

Limagrain

H037

Parnells – ” Experts in Specialist Wheels”

M110

Live (Trakway, Barriers, Bridges and Lights)

E020

Pellenc

E055

Lloyd Engineering

A052

Phil Day Sports Ltd

H100

Lloyds & Co Letchworth Ltd

L057

Pitchmark

E125

Lloyds/Hunter Grinders

L057

Playmaintain Ltd

E025

Lows of Dundee Ltd

H082

Postpullers (UK) Ltd

H185

LS Systems Ltd

F008

PowerGrass UK

J186

Lubbe & Sons (Bulbs) Ltd

G025

Poweroll

H110

LWS Irrigation & Rain Bird

E005

Price Turfcare Ltd

B124

M&M Timber

K190f

Prodata Weather Systems

G030

Major Equipment

K080

PSD Groundscare

G180

Makita UK Ltd

K190d

PSD Labosport

E135

Mark Harrod Limited

B112

Ransomes

H090

Martin Lishman Ltd

D092

Recreational Systems Europe BVBA

A040

Matrax Inc

B220

Regal Expoline Limited

F113

Max Holder GMBH

H031

Rigby Taylor Ltd

G060

McConnel Ltd

G120

Roadphone NRB

D102

Meadow Parts

M035

Roberine BV

G090

Melcourt Industries Ltd

H057

Robomow

H120

MESTO Spritzenfabrik Ernst Stockburger GmbH

F194

Rochford Garden Machinery Ltd

C080

S&C Slatter

F132

MH Goals

E095

S.C.H (Supplies) Ltd

G100

Miroad Rubber Ltd

D007

SALTEX 2018

M185

Mixto Hybrid Grass Technology

G196

SAPCA

H200

MJ Abbott Ltd

B102

Schiller Grounds Care UK

K040

MTD Specialty Turf Products

F041

Select Grass

M182

Muck-Truck UK Ltd

H005

Service Dealer

M180

Mumby Machinery Ltd

G200

SGL (Stadium Grow Lighting)

E195

Myerscough College

C220

Sherriff Amenity

E060

New Ground Technology Europe

F185

SIS Pitches

G222

New Holland Agriculture

K189

SISIS

E070

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd

K055

56 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 57

SALTEX

saltex’17 official exhibitor listing Exhibitor

Stand No

Exhibitor

Stand No

Smart Direct (Europe Ltd)

G020

Tarmac Topsport

A110

Smith Construction (Heckington) Ltd

K185

Team Sprayers Ltd

C095

Solidur

E030

Techneat Engineering Ltd

K110

Southern Machinery Ltd

A060

Tennis Industry Association UK Ltd

E185

Spaldings Ltd

A085

TerrazzaMC UK – Eco Clean Tech Limited

M115

Spearhead Machinery Ltd

L107

The Landscaper

E031

Springmasters Ltd

J187

The Toro Company / Reesink Turfcare

H010

Stem Injection Systems

J189

Thorntrees Amenity Ltd & PG Horticulture Ltd

H121

STIHL & VIKING GB

H070

Tildenet Ltd

B107

STM Co Ltd

K090

Timberwolf

G070

Stuart Canvas Group Ltd

B089

TinyMobileRobots Aps

G202

Suregreen Ltd

F115

TOBROCO-GIANT UK

C131

Surrey Loams Ltd

D133

Tracmaster Ltd

G095

Symbio

F137

Trafalgar Cleaning Equipment Ltd

E090

Synergy Products Ltd

K075

Trilo

G010

T H WHITE Machinery Imports Ltd

H190

Trimax Mowing Systems

C055

Tarkett Sports BV

E190

TRP Imports Ltd

E110

Compared to conventional cleaning methods such as high pressure the TerrazzaMC® system has many advantages:

www.ecocleantech.co.uk Tel: 01872 492045

• No damage to the surface • Surface stays cleaner for longer • No damage to the joints • Removes lichen and blackspot • No use of chemicals or detergents • Less mess • Combination of weed control and cleaning.

Three worldwide patents.

E

SE US D

EX LT SA BER AT NUM 5

AN ST

11

M

58 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

Exhibitor

Stand No

TRUXTA

F032

TSL Green Growing Solutions GmbH

F180

TSP Media – Landscape & Amenity Product Update

A092

Tudor Environmental

M090

Turf Business

E032

Turfcare

F120

Turfdry Ltd

A125

TYM Tractors / Reesink Turfcare

H080

Tyre-Line Ltd

D082

uni-power

K007

Vale Engineering (York) Ltd

K010

VARI / BRAVO MOBARROW

F012

Velvit Ltd

F101

Village Sensation

K123

Vitax Supaturf Amenity

C120

Votex Hereford Ltd

K182

Walker Mowers UK Ltd

E010

Weber Buerstensysteme GmbH

H189

Wessex International

K060

Wiedenmann UK

A080

Wildflower Turf Ltd

M085

Wox Agri Services Ltd

H188

Keep up to date at the Turf Matters website: www.turfmatters.co.uk Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 59

CLEARWATER

Doing it

right!

W

e are all much more aware of what needs to be done to ensure that our planet is around not just for us, our grandchildren but generations of ancestors beyond that. It’s only been in the last few years that we’ve even heard of the phrase Bag for Life, or that recycling was an actual thing, while we now know that plastic straws are a genuine menace to wildlife everywhere.

Another area which has seen a tightening of the laws is in releasing contaminated water into natural water courses.

60 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

The Groundwater Regulations came into force in the UK in 2009 and the EU Water Framework Directive and was fully implemented last year. They are designed to ensure that anyone who lets hazardous substances – oil, petrol or diesel -seep into natural water courses risks criminal proceedings.

It means that responsible operators must find ways to ensure that their machinery is kept clean and efficient without risking a huge monitory penalty.

ClearWater is a below ground, low cost, Water Technology List (WTL) officially approved, biological

washpad water recycling system for greenkeeping, grounds maintenance, small plant, machinery and vehicle which offers a safe and legal manner in which to carry out the job.

“It is legislation which has driven ClearWater business,” explained former MD, David Mears, who with business partner, Andy Vincent, launched ClearWater onto the market in 2003.

But while the reassurance that everything being carried out is legal is a massive comfort to all Golf Course Managers and Head Groundsmen the simplicity and unobtrusive design, not to mention the water saving benefits of ClearWater, the company is making significant inroads into the continental Europe market and beyond.

“The ClearWater tank is hidden below ground and all that is visible to the naked eye is four small covers set into the soil or turf. It’s not an ugly monstrosity,” said David.

The benefits of the 5,000 litre tank being sunk into the ground are two fold however. Not being a blot on the landscape is one but the fact

making turf matter

www.turfmatters.co.uk

Totally unobtrusive, the self install at Hanau, Germany

that the temperature of the water underground can be maintained at safe levels is extremely important.

The simplicity of the ClearWater system is its real strength.

“It is successful because it is so uncomplicated and because there are so few moving parts to go wrong. You have one pump for every hose and you get maximum pressure only when you pick up the water gun and start to wash down. There is small compressor, providing air (oxygen) throughout the system which is virtually silent when operating. It is easy to install, easy to use and easy to maintain. We are very proud of the system,” said David.

“We have data showing that the temperature in the tanks throughout the year varies between 14 and 16 degrees. Legionella becomes a risk at 20 degrees but, were our tank to be above ground the temperature inside the tank could quite easily reach 40 degrees in the height of summer,” said David.

With water a commodity which is only going to increase in cost in the future, the ability of ClearWater to recycle is a benefit which is going to save money as well as protect the environment and research has identified that swimming pool

quantities of water can be saved over the course of a few years.

“On an average 18 hole golf course we would estimate that they would be able to save half a million litres of water a year. Over five years that’s 2.5 million litres of water - which is not only a huge cost saving but environmentally it is very good news.”

Typically, a golf club wishing to buy a ClearWater system should budget around £9600 for the system and kit which includes grass trap, air compressor, two pumps, hoses and water guns and a six metre crash barrier. Whilst turnkey packages are available, the civils works can be carried out by the greenkeeping or grounds team or by a local contractor (The “self-Install “package). The work entails digging a trench for the system tank and preparing and laying a washpad.

Commissioning is always carried out by a ClearWater trained engineer.

The tighter legislation and protection offered to European water courses may have created a market for ClearWater and, backed by the resources of new owners, Acumen Waste Services Ltd., with credit now available, has ensured that it is at the forefront of suppliers of equipment to meet that legislation. And with the added benefit of saving valuable water and money, golf clubs all over Europe and beyond will be including ClearWater in whatever research they do regarding the need to meet those ever tightening regulations.

Above: The finished job!

A superb selfinstallation of a ClearWater system at Waterton Park golf club

Right: Carefully lifting tank into position

As a WTL approved item, ClearWater purchasers in the UK can write off 100% of the cost of a complete installation against taxable profits in the year of purchase under the ECA (Enhanced Capital Allowance) scheme. Many have reaped the benefits of this as it can bring significant financial savings and reduce a business’ impact on the environment.

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 61

STRI

STRI

research day

Laurence Gale attended the latest STRI Open Day and had a whale of a time

I

t has been a few years since I last visited the STRI trials grounds, so it was pleasing and very rewarding to have the opportunity to attend one of the recent STRI Research open days and catch up with many of the world’s leading Agronomists and Sport Turf Professionals who work and help deliver a wide range of high profile sport surfaces.

The STRI Group incorporates a range of global businesses including STRI UK, STRI Australia, STRI China, SportsTurf

62 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

Consultants (Melbourne), Aspire Sports Turf (Qatar), Landsafe International and SWD Systems.

Their specialist consultants provide quality, bespoke and cost effective solutions for the design, construction and management of sports surfaces all around the world.

The STRI has masterminded the installation of pitches used for the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championships and Olympic Games along with working with a varied list of clients that include The R&A, Wimbledon Championships, Sport England and the RFU. In addition, the Institute manages multiple research projects and product trials each year, designed specifically to suit each individual sports surface.

The aim of the day was to invite a wide audience of Sports Turf Professionals to see some of the latest trials being undertaken at their trial grounds in Bingley.

The STRI works with a number of companies each year on Research & Development projects for the sports turf industry and this year invited a selection of these companies to support this event Taking part this year were Bayer, Farmura an Aquatrols Company, ICL, Sherriff Amenity, Stadia Pitch and Syngenta. With over 150 attendees, the event was spilt into seven work stations, enabling small groups to hear about the specific trials that where being undertaken.

making turf matter

Station A

Station B

Bespoke multipurpose pitch solutions Company: Stadiapitch

Fungicide Trials Company: Bayer Cropscience

This gave us a glimpse into the future of pallatised stadium pitches, there have been a number of these systems around for many years, however, they were often prone to damage when being moved and quite a logistic problem time wise, taking several days to move in and out of the stadiums.

The STRI have been working very closely with STADIAPITCH for a number of years, looking at ways of developing a better pallatised system with the aim to turn non-match days into potential revenue generating events.

It would seem that some of these aims may have been solved, STADIUMPITCH demonstration was truly impressive, seeing how quickly a section of turf can be moved and replaced with little disruption to the playing surface.

Each single module will be 9x4 metre in size, with a rootzone of 200mm depth and designed to be stored within the stadium structure, thus speeding up the time it takes to remove and store a full size turf pitch.

However, it is still early days and I am sure along with many of the other visiting turf professionals there are many more questions to be asked? In terms of overall cost, transport/ storage and specific maintenance regimes?

This showed us a set of Bayer Cropscience trials with Dr Colin Mumford explaining the differences between a programmed preventative approach to disease control and a conventional approach, which often tends to rely on curative or early curative action.

The trials began in August and are set to run until Spring 2018, representatives from Headland Amenity and Rigby Taylor where also on hand to explain the nature and extent of the trials of their new fungicide products Exteris – Stressguard which was one of the primary products being tested.

Dedicate was also being tested,

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once these trials have been completed I am sure we will have a greater knowledge on how best to use these specific disease control products.

Station D STRI Research Trials Company: ICL

Station C Sky Maintenance, Company: STRI This demonstrated the versatility and innovation of Drone technologies now being embraced by the STRI with Sophie Sophie Vukelic their ecological consultant talking about the services they can offer clients in terms of course design, management and maintenance.

Sophie has consulted numerous golf clubs throughout the UK, providing ecological surveys and writing management plans for a vast diversity of habitat types.

This was led by ICL’s Henry Bechelet Turf and Landscape – Technical Sales Manager UK & Ireland as always Henry delivered a passion presentation of the results of the nutrition trial undergoing at Bingley.

As nutrition specialists ICL are committed to providing clear accurate advice and up to date fertiliser programmes that meet the needs of their customers, using their tried and tested SLAN (Sufficent level of available nutrients ) model.

However, a new model has emerged -the MLSN approach (Minimum level of Sustainable Nutrition) which takes a slightly different viewpoint. Over the summer of 2017 ICL have been trailing these two approaches in a long- term nutrition trial to provide independent evidence of the merits of these two models.

Early results have proved interesting for both models.

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 63

STRI

Station F A targeted Approach to Disease Control Company: Sherriff Amenity )

Station E Every Seed Counts Company: Syngenta Syngenta’s Technical Manager, Marcela Munoz, give an interesting insight to their seed trials being undertaken at Bingley.

Every seed counts when it comes to restoring playing surface quality on golf courses or getting stadium pitches established and stable for the new season. Typically there are now greater expectations for turf managers to achieve excellent turf surfaces, with shorter intervals in which to achieve it.

Syngenta research, in association with STRI, has investigated application timings and agronomy options to utilise new fungicide technology that can reduce the impact of seedling diseases and establish stronger swards more quickly.

Pot trials at STRI have already established that the crop safety of new Instrata Elite has no adverse effect on germination or seedling establishment on the Fescue, Bent or Ryegrass species tested. The trial looked at application at sowing, or in the days immediately prior to sowing, to investigate the potential to reduce disease pathogens on the soil surface and provide a reservoir of protection that may be taken up by the seedlings.

Marcela pointed out that preventing seedling blight infection is seen as

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important not only to protect against die-back and losses, but also to avoid the stress on small plants associated with disease attack; clean healthy seedlings are better able to establish and develop stronger roots.The trial has also been extended to include Primo Maxx II in the early foliar application, to provide information for future recommendations on the optimum time to begin the PGR programme after seeding. The work assesses potential benefits of physiological effects to promote tillering and stronger rooting, while evaluating any effect of growth regulation on the establishing leaf.

“The new fungicide trials are part of an initiative to provide future fully integrated recommendations for seeding best practice,” added Marcela. “It builds on previous successful Syngenta and STRI seedling establishment research with Qualibra wetting agent – which demonstrated the significant advantages for seedling growth from more effective soil moisture management.

“Together with ITM aspects of seed selection – for varieties with good germination, vigour and disease resistance – along with management of shade, moisture and fertility, there will be real chance to enhance the speed and reliability of future seedling establishment and successful renovation,” she concluded.

This showed Sherriff Amenities trial on a targeted approach to Disease control.

The objective of the Sherriff Amenity trial is to investigate the efficacy of using carefully selected non- fungicidal products; alone and in combination with Instrata Elite against the development of anthracnose disease.

The two non-fungicidal products where E2 Pro PhosRite and E-Gypsum Flo both shown to have beneficial effects on both plants and soil, the trail is to evaluate which combination of these products gives you the best resistance to anthracnose disease.

Station G Products and Programmes based on research Company: Famura/Aquatrols.

Company trials on the biodegregation of organic matter and thatch using a novel enzyme system.

Paul Lowe was quick to sum up one of the biggest bains of a greenkeepers life was the control of Organic Matter in their playing surfaces and for many years the only real management of this was via invasive cultural methods.

Which often resulted in playing surface disruption however, in recent years there have been a number of products that have come to light, that may help reduce/control the build of thatch and debris. Particularly some new Ligninolytic Enzymes that have been found to break down Lignin effectively, some recent glass house trials in America have proved successful Hence the chance to conduct this new trial at Bingley.

The objective of this two year trial is to determin the effect of the enzyme on thatch accumulation and reduction of soil water repellency alone or when co applied with an Aquatrols soil surfactant under environmental conditions typical of northern Europe.

Having the ability to control thatch using a targeted use of products will be a major breakthrough for our industry or indeed a combination of less evasive cultural methods combined with these products will no doubt give our greenkeeper a better ability to control thatch in the coming years.

To sum up we all had a very informative day with plenty of information to reflect on, it always amazes me how diverse our industry is and the skills required to manage these testing and challenging playing surfaces.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the STRI and their sponsors for putting on this informative day and look forward to attending many more of these in the coming years.

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OWZAT: England Ladies practise at Loughborough

Best in the world Laurence Gale goes back to university to discover what has made Loughborough the world’s best university for sport

Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 65

LOUGHBOROUGH

Above: At work at the cricket centre

Loughborough has been named the best sporting university in the world in the global QS higher education league table. It is actually the first time the annual QS World University Rankings by subject have included a list of the world’s best places to study sports-related subjects and Loughborough ranked joint-first with the University of Sydney, Australia.

This is a fantastic testament but fully justified by all the hard work done by both staff and graduates over the last 60 years. The ethos of the university brings together exceptional athletes, facilities, coaching and research expertise with extensive partnerships with major sporting organisations, such as Sport England, RFU, ECB to name a few.

Loughborough won the title in recognition of its unparalleled role in the triumph of the British Olympic and Paralympic teams at Rio 2016.

Over 80 students, graduates and Loughborough-linked athletes travelled to Rio to participate in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In the Olympic competition they secured 12 medals, including five golds, and if Loughborough University was a country they would

have finished 17th on the medal table. Similarly during the Paralympic competition Loughborough-linked athletes secured a further 22 medals, signifying that Loughborough would have finished 10th in the Paralympics medal table if they were a nation.

With a total of plus 15,000 students on campus, coupled with around 400 performance student athletes, the university is a busy place to be during term times.

A total of 71% of students at Loughborough University regularly participate in sport at least once a week – Sport England Higher Education Sport Participation and satisfaction Survey for 2015/16.

From alumni to collaborative partners, and organisations that use campus as their HQ, Loughborough University is associated with a number of household names.

Some of the most celebrated names in sport have studied at Loughborough including Sebastian Coe, Paula Radcliffe, Dame Tanni GreyThompson and Sir Clive Woodward.

Loughborough University is home to the country’s largest concentration of world-class facilities across a wide range of sports, they include

Loughborough University is home to the country’s largest concentration of world-class facilities across a wide range of sports 66 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

an indoor athletics centre and outdoor stadium, sports halls and all-weather pitches, a 50-metre swimming pool, squash, badminton and netball courts, an indoor tennis centre and outdoor courts, and state of the art fitness centres.

The grounds and gardens are maintained by the university's own in-house grounds maintenance team consisting of 12 full time groundsmen and 20 full time gardeners of which two are fully trained arborists. These teams are supervised by Managers William Relf (25 years’ service) who oversees all the sports facilities while Karen Setchell (32 years’ service) manages the gardening teams.

Will and Karen took over the running of the department in 2016 when the previous Estates Manager Mark Freeman retired.

The sports grounds team are split into three teams of four, one solely looking after all the Cricket facilities on campus, whereas the other two teams are split by geographical areas and cover a multitude of sports facilities.

The gardening team consists of five working teams, each with their own areas to manage and maintain.

The Arborist team (one man and one woman) maintains all mature trees, two heritage woodlands and plantations on the site.

As for natural grass pitches the university provides thirteen senior natural grass pitches – six football, four rugby, one American football and one lacrosse. The pitches are renovated and topdressed every year using

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compatible sand dressings, applying between 60 and 100 tonnes per pitch.

Loughborough is also the home of the ECB National Cricket Academy and boasts some of the best cricket practice and playing facilities in the world.

The facilities include: Two natural grass cricket squares and outfields, sixteen outdoor cricket natural grass net areas (on Ongar clay), eleven artificial wickets (five outdoor and six indoor) Complete full size indoor net areas with full bowlers run up and wicket keeper area.

The university also provides some of the finest indoor and outdoor athletics facilities in the country. This includes the indoor High Performance Athletics Centre (HIPAC) enabling athletes to train and perform in the best environment available.

A new dedicated Athletics throwing arena is currently under construction and will be ready in the new year.

Tennis is exceptionally well catered for with 17 artificial courts of which, three are overhead irrigated American Fast Dry outdoor clay courts. Three outdoor acrylic courts, Four indoor acrylic courts, four Plexipave indoor acrylic courts, plus two tarmac courts.

The university also has several full size artificial pitches on campus, all having different playing characteristics and maintenance requirements.

In the past many artificial surfaces were sold on the back of maintenance free advertising. This is just not the case at Loughborough. Will and his team spends nearly as much time on their artificial surfaces as they do on natural surfaces. The university has spent a lot of money investing in specialist brushing and vacuum machinery to keep these surfaces clean.

As for the tennis courts these are brushed daily while the American fast dry courts are again brushed daily, the frequency being dependent on use. This will usually be twice a day when busy. Generally, they are dragmatted with a rubber dragmat across the line of play, followed by

another with a brush in the line of play.

They are then watered, using the pop up automatic irrigation system, to damp down the clay ready for play.

It usually takes about an hour and half for one man to complete all the daily work on the three clay courts.

The courts also require topdressing twice a year, regular supplementary dressings throughout the season to maintain levels and a regular rolling programme.

A recent visit enabled me to meet up with Will and walk around the campus to see some of the latest industry developments going on.

Will was keen to show me the new reinforced cricket pitch trials, where a number of his existing Onga and Boughton loam pitches and net areas have been sown with some artificial fibres simulating a SIS Grass/ Desso style hybrid pitch system.

The results have been amazing with a dramatic reduction in wear and foothole damage, while ball bounce and turn has not been adversely affected. Two colours of yarn have

Above: Will Relf inspects the wickets Below left: Athletics stadium

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been tried, a green one and a brown one to see which one is ascetically pleasing to coaches and players. It will be interesting to see how these pitches respond and recover from their end of season renovations. Will also said, that many of the players had not even noticed these fibres.

We then went on to see another ECB backed trial, that began last June, which saw three dropin pitches installed into the universities cricket square.

Each pitch is contained in three steel trays, the object of the project is to be able to transport and use the pitch in a large capacity stadium, thus having the ability to play a cricket match at a different venue. Early signs are good, the 200mm deep trays are performing well. It is now a case of progressing to the next stage.

Transporting and installing the pitches at a national stadium, and then play an international match on them?

Will was then keen for me to see the new throwing arena } Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 67

LOUGHBOROUGH

Just driving around the campus, made me realise how big and busy this place is, wherever you looked, there was a different sport activity going on. }being built, that will house an outdoor covered throwing facility to accommodate javelin, discus and hammer athletes. This purpose built training centre will enable athletes to train all year round.

Just driving around the campus, made me realise how big and busy this place is, wherever you looked, there was a different sport activity going on.

One of the busiest times for Will and his staff is during late spring, when they have to change over from a winter sporting calendar into the summer feast of sports. This work also includes having to undertake spring renovations on some of the pitches.

Renovations are carried out on a rotational/need basis, and generally involves a programme of work that involves scarifying, aeration, topdressing and overseeding with some pitches getting a few weeks rest and recuperation.

Having a large fleet of machinery helps enormously, the ability to get around the campus quickly is paramount, all the teams are given a John Deere Gator to help transport themselves, machinery, tools and materials. Will also has a modern cutting fleet of ride on mowers to help cut the grass efficiently. A laser guided Kombi line marking system also saves time when marking pitches on a weekly basis.

The university have also invested in their own sprayers and aeration equipment to ensure they are able to carry out this work promptly and when they choose too, instead of waiting on contractor time frames.

As ever, Loughborough is definitely up there with the best Universities when it comes to managing and maintaining its estate, however, with so many top sports performers based at Loughborough expectations will always be high and the main driver for the grounds team to deliver top class sport facilities.

68 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

al scale of ex 2015

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BUYERS’ GUIDE Statistics reveal scale of

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ors said that there was an To advertise contact Marie Anderson products on display. Table 1 Email: marie@turfmatters.co.uk ors were looking for.

SALTEX 2015 reported FERTILISERS AND the show,ENGINES suggesting that GRASS SEED AERATION GRASS SEED PESTICIDES a very powerful group of AGRONOMY SERVICES ls being done there and Fer�lisers | Bios�mulants | We�ers w floor, it’s no surprise to see over 50 professional products d purchasing responsibility.

ENGINES SALTEX visitors also had n off purchases of up to TRANSMISSIONS n Agronomy Audits 70% of visitors said that there was an The 70th SALTEX exhibition exceededn allAdvisoryover Services PARTS e of facilities that the after an independent audit excellent mix of products on display. Table 1 expectations n Project Management Construction ponsibleconfirmed for,TEL: it was the great to 875331 shows what visitors were looking for. exhibition as the largestnturf www.campeyturfcare.com 01371 n Budgets Exhibitors at SALTEX 2015 reported array of management visitors (tableevent 2). in the UK with a total Telephone: 01260 224 568 www.uni-power.co.uk Email: info@campeyturfcare.com ound theofmore central huge success at the show, suggesting that 8,714 unique individuals attending. Now,www.gregevansmg.com orwere email: EC to bethe more accessible the157208 visitors a very powerful group of visitor surveys have been flooding inCall: – 07951 AGRONOMY SERVICES gregevansmg@gmail.com g that therevealing new location was buyers. With deals being done there and a fascinating and in-depth insight www.velvit.co.uk MOWERS cellent. into Within hallsprofile of then onthrough the show thethe visitor of the show.

Available yourfloor, it’s no surprise to see local s favoured With the more compact thatdistributor over 80% had purchasing responsibility. visitors traveling from every corner GOLF COURSE r 70% rating the layout of as every continent around Over 75% of all SALTEX visitors also had of the UK as well MANAGEMENT good or excellent. the ability to sign off purchases of up to the world it was encouraging to see that TRACTORS n Agronomy Audits sitor survey £100,000. overhas 70% of the visitors rated their overall n Advisory Services st how good the was the As for the type of facilities that the SALTEX experience as being good, very n Project Management n Construction dees – further enhancing visitors were responsible for, it was great to good or excellent. n Budgets Golf Course Management must attend event of of thevisitors said that they see such a wide array of visitors (table 2).

Over 65% Consultant www.gregevansmg.com Visitors also found the more central attended SALTEX to source new products, Call: 07951 157208 or email: will be held at the location of the NEC to be more accessible services orNEC, suppliers, while 20% wanted Golf Course Advice; gregevansmg@gmail.com 2 and 3 November 2016.

For EQUIPMENT with 70% stating that the new location was to make the most of the free educationalLocum Greenkeeper Service; n visit www.iogsaltex.com Project Management; either or excellent. Within halls of LEARNING LIVE seminars and to receive WEEDthe CONTROL Kioti UKgood Ltd Practical Abbotsleyfor GolfGenuine Hotel, Road, Solutions Problems the NEC,Potton visitors favoured the more compact one-to-one advice through the IOG’s Ask St Neots, Cambs PE19 6XN GOLF COURSE setting with over 70% rating the layout of the Expert feature.

With so much on offer www.billymcmillanassociates.co.uk AGRONOMY SERVICES Telephone 01480-401512 MANAGEMENT Tel: 07774 632747 the event either good or excellent. at SALTEX, there was something for www.kioti-uk.com Overall the visitor survey has everyone and over 80% said that they were Bringing technical demonstrated just how good the was the successful or very successful in meeting excellence and service MACHINERY MACHINERY quality of attendees – further enhancing their objectives. to turf and groundcare n Agronomy Auditsnumber of visitors Golf Course Management SALTEX as the must attend event of the With such a large Toro Reelmaster 5010-H with PowerMatch n Advisory Servicesto source new products Consultant year. attending SALTEX www.wiedenmann.co.uk n Project Management Horsepower SALTEX 2016 will be held at the NEC, and services; they certainly came to the Golf Course 0141 814 Advice; 3366 n Construction Demandon 2 and 3 November 2016. For right place. The exhibition is a great way on Birmingham Locum Greenkeeper Service; n Budgets more information visit www.iogsaltex.com Project Management; Practical to launch and showcase new products and www.gregevansmg.com Solutions for Genuine Problems Call: 07951 157208 or email:

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Turf Matters | February-March 2016 | 33

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Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 | 69 Table 2 Turf Matters | February-March 2016 | 33

COMMENT

I’m going to take you into a dark place. Somewhere I have never taken anyone before but so much a part of Golfing Nobody that without knowing about this place you have little or no chance to get to know the real Golfing Nobody.

It’s my own personal Room 101! A place where all my dislikes, peccadillos and hates live, both golfing and non-golfing.

1 People who spend ages establishing just how far they are from the pin with yardage books, GPS’s or by pacing out to or from the nearest 150 marker, when they have

70 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

rarely hit two successive shots with the same club within 40 yards of each other.

2 Those people who think it is their right to be allowed into a traffic queue as close to the end as possible while the rest of us have patiently fallen into line much earlier.

3 Turning up at a golf club and being told that there are temporary greens. The whole day is ruined. Aiming at a small circle cut out of a fairway with a large hole and a pin right in the middle is not golf!

4 That uncomfortable feeling you get when you park yourself on a toilet seat and it’s still warm.

5 Selecting a brand new Pro V for an important round and then seeing it slice high over the trees and into the next field on your very first shot. These balls have all the qualities you could ever want from a golf ball – distance, feel, durability blah blah blah but none of them are ever any use in a ploughed field.

6 Being told that Updates will be added to your computer when you shut down or when you start up. Where is the option to have no updates? I’m more than happy with my computer as it is!

7 That perfect shot – rare I know – and then not being able to find the ball again.

8 Those bits of lettuce, carrot and onion they insist on giving you with a toastie – helps add a couple of quid to the cost but, in my case, never eaten.

9 Halfway Houses. You’re on a roll, put together three consecutive bogeys, and have the eyes firmly on the prize when you’re brought to a shuddering halt, losing all momentum, for a sausage roll and a can of coke that you don’t need. Enter two triples, one snowman and a NR by the 13th.

10 People who plead ignorance when they by-pass queues and go directly to the front whether it be in the Post Office or the bar. “Oh, I’m so sorry I didn’t realise you were all queueing”.

No, of course you didn’t.

11 Having avoided the Halfway House and posted a season’s best in the Medal and hung around for four hours only to find someone in the group two from the end knocking you off the prize list. A handicap cut is little consolation.

12 Thinking you’ve got a bargain and then seeing the exact same thing even cheaper the very next week.

13 Buying a new set of clubs and then finding you can’t get the ball off the ground.

How long do you plough on before reverting to the old set in the garage?

I know it’s a long list and those guys on TV only get three but I’m glad you’ve indulged me and got to the end. Perhaps I’m turning from Golfing Nobody into Victor Meldrew – not so much of a leap I can hear you cry. *As told by Scott MacCallum

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TURF RECRUIT

Little Green Space | @LGSpace Dear councils, If left to grow, 1000s of miles of #roadverges can be havens for wildlife and wildlflowers. See: http://bit.ly/2snePjw john ledwidge | @johnledwidge Nice honda and installation of our new @matchsaver pitch covers to keep the problem wing dry! Massive game for @ohl_official tomorrow! #team Brett K Klahr | @BKKTURF Great cores = Great greens Paul moss | @ArablePaul Love my new job!! Having fun at the #Prickwillowploughingfestival.

With @BenBurgessAg demo 6195R and @KUHN_UK 6 furrow plough.

– at Prickwillow Engine Museum Springfield Farms | @Springfieldsoil Operation: Bird Scare. Protecting our newly planted Winter Wheat. Kites are brilliant and add an element of fun to the job too! @Spaldings

Follow us on Twitter @TurfMatters Tea Break Teaser answers 1. One for Arthur; 2. New England Patriots; 3. Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake; 4 Brookes Koepka; 5. Marin Cilic; 6 India; 7. Arsenal and Chelsea; 8. Elliot Daly; 9. April; 10. He won two of the three Grand Tours – Tour de France and the Italian Vuelta – in the same year; 11. Martina Hingis; 12. Bobby Charlton; 13. Scotland; 14. Ethiopia; 15. Cardiff.

Looking for your next move?

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