Turf Matters March-April 2026

Turf Matters

Future looks bright

Don’t forget Sport…

I had the pleasure of chatting with two of the GMA’s 35 under 35s last month. Daniel Pulcar and Sean Faulkner come from opposite ends of the industry – Daniel as a Head Gardener and Sean as a Sales and Marketing Director – but they were fully aligned when it came to their love of the industry.

The last two months have been a nightmare for many people in certain parts of the country and my heart goes out to everyone dealing with the aftermath of unprecedented flooding and devastating erosion.

The best case scenario for many is months of temporary living. For others, lives will never return to what they were.

While the fate of sports grounds and golf clubs might seem inconsequential in the face of such hardship, we at Turf Matters have a particular empathy with everyone who has seen years of agronomic husbandry literally washed away in the space of a few weeks.

What came across so clearly was both their intelligence and deep thinking as to where the industry might be in the next decade and their place in how to ensure it gets there.

It must be hoped that banks – the financial institutions, not the things which edge overflown rivers – take an understanding approach to sporting facilities which have been unable to service loans as a result of them being unplayable and so unable to bring in revenue.

We are known as an aging industry but in Daniel and Sean it demonstrates that while we may not have quantity within our younger contingent we certainly have quality.

As we have seen with the recent Winter Olympics, sport has such a galvanising effect on society and can be the catalyst for so much good, that it is imperative sporting facilities are not forgotten when the promised assistance is being allocated.

Elsewhere in this issue is an article with Dene Hey, Head of Grounds at St Paul’s School in London. Now I don’t know Dene’s age but he must be in, or, at the very least, not long out of the under 35 bracket and is another example of the younger professional who shows that the industry is in good hands.

On the issue of improving sporting facilities, we have been invited by Briggs & Stratton to become involved in its Pitch to Win competition, which provides a £3,000 makeover for what is judged to be the Under 18s football pitch in most need – find out more on pages 16-17. I am on the judging panel and visits will be made to a shortlist of deserving pitches soon. We will be looking not so much at the DESSO but the desperate!

Unfortunately, it all goes to highlight just how long in the tooth is your esteemed Editor!

Scott

MacCallum

On a final note, I am thrilled by the reception that the first issue of Turf Matters received. Many people have taken time to say how much they liked the look of the magazine and how they enjoyed the articles. We’re all pleased you found it to your liking and we will work hard to maintain the high standards. Thank you all very much.

Scott MacCallum, Editor

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

Editor: Scott MacCallum scott@turfmatters.co.uk

Editor: Scott MacCallum scott@turfmatters.co.uk

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Design and Production Editor: Tim Moat tim@turfmatters.co.uk

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Contributor: Susan Lindsay

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Turf Matters is published by Straight Down the Middle Communications Ltd.

Turf Matters is published by Straight Down the Middle Communications Ltd.

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Kubota delivers power needed

Replay Maintenance has further strengthened its operation with the addition of five Kubota FC3-221e units, equipped with an out-front artificial brush and are now well placed to service the needs of close to 1,000 facilities nationwide.

With customers ranging from schools and universities, MOD bases, leisure centres and private sports venues, Replay have doubled their workforce since 2020 as the company continues to secure major contracts throughout the UK.

“Over the years we’ve learned exactly what we need from our equipment, to

keep the growing operation working effectively,” explained Managing Director Nick Harris. “Our machines need to be powerful enough to perform, but light and portable enough to transport easily and simple to operate enabling our field teams to work independently.”

Replay found a perfect match with Gianni Ferrari units but welcomed Kubota’s acquisition and subtle evolution of the product line –with the five Kubota FC3-221e machines working as part of a total fleet of 16.

Working closely alongside Kubota’s

product development team, the FC3221e’s have been adapted to fully meet the needs of the artificial market, ensuring Replay keep operational consistency across the fleet, avoiding retraining of staff and ensuring a seamless transition for customers.

“Kubota really listened to our feedback to make sure the FC3-221e’s tick every box for us. They’re reliable, efficient and robust enough for the daily cleaning, decompacting, brushing and infill-redistribution on sand-filled, sand-dressed and 3G pitches,” said Nick.

n www.kubota-eu.com

Charlie Taylor joins EcoBunker

Synthetic bunker edge pioneers EcoBunker have appointed Charlie Taylor to the position of Technical Sales Manager in a move that is set to strengthen the relationship between the brand and its customers.

Taylor began his career at Gillingham Golf Club where he qualified as a greenkeeper. After three years at Gillingham, he moved into generalist grounds care before starting his own grounds maintenance business. Having undertaken a number of projects in collaboration with EcoBunker, when the opportunity to join the business arose, Taylor could not turn down the opportunity.

“It was obviously a tough decision to close my business, but the chance to return to my roots in golf and to work with a brand that I truly believe in was too good an opportunity to miss,” said

Charlie. “With a superb range of bunker edge technology, bunker liners, lake edging and now LOKSAND, EcoBunker is growing at pace. I’m delighted to be part of the team and look forward to helping drive the business forward to the next level.”

His new role will see him manage customer relationships, ranging from project consultations and quotations, to supervising installations and ensuring quality and longevity of installations. n www. ecobunker. co.uk

ICL, Syngenta’s ultimate offers

ICL and Syngenta have launched their Ultimate Offers for 2026, delivering cost-effective turf management packages that combine Primo Maxx II, Syngenta’s established plant growth regulator, with practical turf nutrition options from ICL.

Selected Ultimate Offers now include Greenmaster Liquid Advance.

The Ultimate Offers are designed for use across greens, tees and surrounds, fairways and roughs, and multi-pitch and stadia applications.

The 2026 Offers include the following package types:

• Liquid nutrition options including Greenmaster Liquid Advance NK, High N, Spring & Summer and Cal-Mag

• Water-soluble nutrition packages based on Sportsmaster WSF

• Targeted performance options featuring liquid iron and water-soluble seaweed

Selected Ultimate Offers include Syngenta XC 04 nozzles or, depending on the package,

an Art of Application Kit. Alongside product savings, turf managers can earn up to 15

Turf Rewards points, depending on the package selected. n www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

Replay Maintenance launches Natural Turf division with appointment of Ben Sadler

Replay Maintenance has launched their new Natural Turf division, marking a significant expansion of the company’s service offering and reinforcing its long-term commitment to supporting grassroots and community sport.

The move is supported by the appointment of Ben Sadler as Head of Natural Turf, bringing more than 25 years of hands-on and strategic experience in sports turf management to the business.

Best known as a nationwide provider of synthetic surface maintenance and refurbishment, Replay Maintenance has spent the last two decades working closely with clubs, local authorities and governing bodies.

The introduction of a Natural Turf division enables the company to offer a more comprehensive, joinedup service for sites operating both synthetic and natural grass pitches.

Ben’s career spans golf, sports turf contracting and grassroots football, combining practical expertise with a deep understanding of funding, education and long-term pitch improvement. He began working on a local golf course in the Midlands before moving into a fast-growing lawn care business, where he played a key role in scaling the operation from a start-up into a medium-sized company.

“I fell in love with the industry early on, but I was keen to understand the business side as well as the practical side,” said Ben.

“Being involved in everything from marketing and sales through to training and operations gave me a really solid foundation.”

More recently, he held a technical role focused on grassroots football pitches across Leicestershire, working closely with County FA partners and the Football Foundation. During this time, he supported between 200 and 300 pitches across 40–50 sites, guiding clubs through funding applications, developing schedules of work and delivering on-the-ground improvements.

“There was a lot of education involved, helping clubs understand why certain practices mattered and how they could create a better environment for people to play football,” he explained.

Joining Replay Maintenance and building a new division from the ground up was an opportunity he couldn’t ignore.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity to come in with almost a blank page and work alongside people with so much experience. The ambition is to grow initially across the East Midlands and then expand further as the offer develops.”

As Head of Natural Turf, Ben will lead a programme focused on core maintenance services such as aeration, seeding, organisation, weed control and top dressing. While the initial emphasis will be on grassroots football, the division will also support rugby, cricket outfields and other natural turf facilities.

Matt Bartle, Group Head of Commercial Strategy at Replay Maintenance, said the launch of the division was a natural progression for the business.

“We’re already a nationwide service provider on the synthetic side, and when the opportunity arose to bring someone of Ben’s calibre into the

rganisation, it made complete sense to look at natural turf,” said Matt.

“It allows us to better support our existing partners and improve footfall and performance across all their pitches.”

Initially, the Natural Turf division will focus on Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. However, Matt confirmed that longerterm ambitions are firmly nationwide.

“We’ll spend the next 12 months refining the offer, learning and working closely with partners. We’ve built a strong reputation in the industry, and by bringing the right people in, we’re confident this division will grow to meet demand in the years ahead.”

n www.replaymaintenance. co.uk

Ventrac at West Malling Golf Club

Sam Young has been the Course Manager at West Malling Golf Club since April 2017. The golf course is 51 years old, privately owned and features two distinct 18-hole courses. The Spitfire and Hurricane are named in honour of the iconic fighter planes that flew out of the nearby airfield at West Malling during the Second World War.

In a recent interview Sam commented that “we are a very busy venue with more than twenty buggies and the majority of golfers use power trolleys, the soil is fine and compacts, it can become quite greasy and smeary. From a machinery operation point of view this could lead to traction issues and potential turf damage.” Low ground pressure and good traction are high on the machinery characteristic list when selecting new equipment.

Sam became aware of Ventrac about two years ago, primarily through trade magazines and dealer mail drops. His local dealer, Lister Wilder organised a demonstration day that was hosted at the club, allowing greenkeepers and groundsmen from other courses to experience the machinery.

West Malling purchased a Ventrac 4520 power unit, rotary contour deck, power rake, and tough cut deck in August 2024. As part of the machinery upgrade process for 2025, another 4520 two sets of triplex cylinder mowers, two turbine blowers, and a further contour deck were purchased.

“This has allowed the club to replace two large, five-gang rotary mowers which were too big, too expensive, and too specific for their intended use on surrounds. As of 2026 we will now use two Ventrac power units with cutting cylinders to mow all green surrounds and the first cut around the fairways,” said Sam.

“The mowers follow the ground contours equally as well as our original multi deck rotary mowers, significantly enhancing the quality of the cut compared to rotaries.

“The triple cylinders allow for quick height adjustments, enabling them to cut fairways in winter or as a backup if a primary fairway mower fails in the summer,” he added.

The contour decks, are used for tee banks and the tough cut deck has

been instrumental in clearing scrub where members benefit from areas previously inaccessible or difficult to maintain, opening up new areas of the course thus improving turf health by increasing air circulation and enhancing members enjoyment when playing the courses.

The Ventrac can accomplish scrub clearance tasks in minutes that would have previously required four workers with strimmer’s a couple of hours. This frees up staff for other jobs, leading to greater overall efficiency.

Sam highlights the advantage of all Ventrac attachments being frontmounted.

“It offers better visibility and control compared to tractor-mounted, rearfacing equipment.”

Sam has contemplated whether in the future it would be possible when replacing their large seven-deck rough mowers, which would cost circa £100,000 each to replace, with multiple Ventracs. This would mean running four people with Ventrac contour decks instead of two people with the large mowers.

This is seen as an acceptable compromise as many other tasks can be completed efficiently with the Ventracs when not mowing, such as autumn debris clearance with four turbine blowers, further attachments could be acquired to further utilise the Ventrac power units which offers some future proofing.

“THIS HAS ALLOWED THE CLUB TO REPLACE TWO LARGE, FIVEGANG ROTARY MOWERS WHICH WERE TOO BIG, TOO EXPENSIVE, AND TOO SPECIFIC FOR THEIR INTENDED USE ON SURROUNDS.”

Kress Master Series Mega 600

The KR238E Kress Master series Mega 600 has been developed for continuous, overnight operation across large and demanding turf areas. As the flagship model within the Master Series rage, it delivers high productivity alongside wide, defined striping, while also serving as a future-ready platform capable of supporting AI-driven turf health monitoring and next-generation turf care models.

Engineered for large-scale operations, the Mega 600 is capable of cutting up to 22,00m² in 12 hours and as much as 88,000m² over a 48-hour period, while maintaining cutting height down to 10mm for a fairway-quality finish.

A 62cm cutting width combined with striping of up to 6 metres enables efficient coverage and a strong visual presentation across expansive playing surfaces.

Powered by a 2kWh battery, the Mega 600 delivers an average

runtime of approximately 100 minutes, with rapid charging complete in around 60 minutes to maximise operational uptime. Adjustable mowing speeds of 3.6, 5.4 or 7.2 km/h allow performance to be matched to site conditions, with a cutting capacity of up to 4,000m² per charge. Precision and operational safety are supported by a comprehensive obstacle avoidance system that

Key specifications

integrates tri-camera vision, timeof-flight sensing and 360-degree ultrasonic detection, enabling reliable operation in complex and shared-use environments.

At triple cutting disc configuration, featuring five blades per disc, ensures consistent cut quality, while the mower’s robust construction, with a bare weight of over 90kg, supports stability and accuracy across undulating terrain. Together, these features position the Kress MasterSeries Mega 600 as a highcapacity, commercial robotic mowing solution designed to deliver tournament-level results with efficiency and consistency

• Cutting capacity (48 h) 88,000 m2

• Cutting capacity (12 h) 22,000 m2

• Obstacle avoidance Tri-camera vision + ToF + 360°ultrasonic

• Cutting width 620 mm

• Driving speed 2/1.5/1 m/s

• Cutting height 10-100 mm

• Cutting motor 500 W * 3

• Slope Capability 40% (22°)

• Battery 2 x 60 V, 16.6 Ah

• Charger 60 V 30 A

• Runtime / charge time 100 min / 60 min

• Cutting capacity per charge 4,000 m2

• Cutting Disc Triple-blade deck Φ220 mm

• Size (L x W x H) 1,045 x 1,000 x 415 mm

• Noise ≈ 75 dB

Prestonfield GC pinpoints

ISEKI TM4720 from Fairways GM for very specific remit

Shaun Cunningham, Course Manager at Prestonfield Golf Club, Edinburgh, has invested in his first ISEKI tractor following an extensive search for a compact dedicated exclusively to greens.

Collaborating with Hayden Laing, Area Sales Manager at Fairways GM’s Kinross depot, Shaun specified a powerful yet lightweight tractor with a tight turning circle and the capability to operate a top dresser, sprayer and spiker. Meeting the club’s sustainability targets was equally important.

“This is a fleet addition for a very specific role – a designated tractor for the greens and nothing else,”

said Shaun. “Its manoeuvrability and balanced weight across the turf tyres suit our requirements perfectly, enabling efficient operation and fewer passes across the greens. We decided to forego a cab to keep weight to a minimum.

“While budget was not the primary driver, achieving the right balance of size, weight and performance for greens maintenance was essential. The tractor delivered exactly what we wanted while remaining cost-effective and competitively priced,” revealed Shaun.

“Stage V compliance was also important, reflecting the club’s commitment to environmental

responsibility,” he concluded.

Hayden added that the TM4720 is surprisingly deceptive.

“It’s compact in size yet with 27 hp, it is a feisty, willing worker that is both nimble and responsive around the greens.”

Prestonfield’s six-strong greenkeeping team maintains the historic James Braid-designed 18-hole parkland course to a consistently high standard.

Set within a former deer estate, the course enjoys a striking natural backdrop beneath Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags, while sitting less than a mile from the energy and activity of Edinburgh’s city centre.

STRI Group launches Racecourse Water Management: Best Practice Guide

STRI Group has launched a new Racecourse Water Management: Best Practice Guide, providing practical, evidence-led guidance to support consistent, high-quality racing surfaces in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

The guidance has been developed by STRI in partnership with the Racecourse Association and the Horse Welfare Board, with support from the RCA Ground and Going Group and funding from The Racing Foundation.

As historic climate trends become less reliable, racecourses face growing challenges from drought, intense rainfall and drainage pressures. The new guide supports a proactive, datadriven approach to water management, helping racecourses make informed

decisions that protect surface performance and welfare.

Primarily aimed at Clerks of Course and grounds teams, the guide is also relevant for racecourse executives and decision-makers responsible for planning, investment and risk management. Designed to be accessible to both technical and nontechnical audiences, it also serves as a valuable training resource for staff new to racecourse operations.

The guidance builds on STRI’s Performance Quality Standard framework for turf horse racing, translating improved data measurement and understanding of the relationship between soil moisture and Going into clear, practical advice. It covers soil–water interaction,

irrigation demand, calculating water requirements and the importance of measuring soil moisture.

Dr Christian Spring, Principal Scientist at STRI Group, said that in sport, you can no longer rely on historic climate trends alone to guide how natural turf courses are managed.

“The impacts of prolonged drought, intense rainfall and poor drainage can be significant, affecting both surface performance and welfare. To meet these challenges, racecourses must be adaptive, flexible and prepared, with the right infrastructure in place and teams who can make informed, confident decisions about their tracks.”

The guide can be downloaded from STRI’s website.

n www.strigroup.com

Toro’s Greensmaster eTriFlex

Toro autonomous mowers take a fresh approach to fairway mowing

More and move golf clubs are looking at the time-saving, affordable solution to cutting the fairways – that is autonomous mowing.

2025 focused on the launch and introduction of Toro’s range of robotic and autonomous solutions specifically for the fairways, roughs and semiroughs; 2026 will see clubs realise the huge potential this technology can have on the productivity of the team.

Fairways are often overlooked when it comes to best practise turfcare maintenance. For example, historically when choosing an irrigation system, to keep costs down and reduce water consumption, greens and tees would be

prioritised and the fairways were often left for the weather to cover.

Considering the PGA Tour average for fairways hit is currently 59%, it’s fair to assume the average golfer is spending more than half their time on the fairways. Why then, aren’t they more highly prioritised?

The fairways are the largest area of maintained turf on a golf course, where the majority of shots are played and an instant positive impact can be made for golfers by ensuring they are up to the required standard. However, with labour shortages and fuel prices becoming increasingly unpredictable, Course Managers will be looking for

ways to boost efficiency in every aspect of their work – including how they mow fairways. When executed well, long diagonal mowing lines can create a striking visual impact, but this approach has its challenges. Achieving clean, consistent patterns can be time-intensive, and while a few operators may pick up the skill quickly, most require plenty of practice to master it. Additionally, the frequent turns needed after each short pass across the fairway add significant time to the job. Those extra minutes translate to more operator hours, more wear on equipment, faster depreciation and, ultimately, higher fuel use.

WHEN IT

COMES TO TURF CARE PROFESSIONALS’ PAIN POINTS REGARDING STAFFING CHALLENGES

AND THE BEST USE OF TIME ON THE COURSE, THEN AUTONOMOUS MOWING IS INEVITABLE. IT IS THE MOST LOGICAL SOLUTION TECHNOLOGY HAS CREATED THAT DELIVERS REAL VALUE.

The sheer size of the area to be cut is where autonomous mowing makes the biggest and most instantaneous impact. With the Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3360 with GeoLink Mow on hand, clubs have the luxury of mowing consistently, three times a week or more.

This state-of-the-art mower excels at routine mowing across large areas with quiet, efficient operation and is ideal for intensive fairway maintenance, using proven Toro cutting units for highquality performance. With it, having to restrict fairway cutting – or reduce fairway width – because the manpower isn’t available, is a thing of the past.

Toro’s industry-leading Flex technology and DPA cutting units designed for fairway use all feature in this autonomous mower: a wide wiehle front roller, front roller scraper, rear roller brushes, patented Reelmaster EdgeMax bedknives and adjustable top shield to manage clipping dispersal deliver the optimal aftercut appearance.

Mowing patterns aren’t sacrificed by the move to autonomous mowing –multiple aesthetics can be programmed and achieved and rotated easily to prevent wear and promote even growth.

Increased mowing frequency has additional benefits on the health of the turf too: it removes less leaf tissue and produces shorter clippings, and the continuous mulching means less stress to the plant and less fertilising is required.

Toro’s Turf Pro autonomous mowers support the good work of the Greensmaster eTriFlex on the fairways, roughs and semi-roughs.

The way these machines handle the vast expanse of the roughs and semi-roughs can be summed up with

the word: efficient. They can mow up to 75,000m² over three days which is a considerable saving in productivity compared to cutting the same area manually.

They free clubs from most of the conversations concerning first cut quality considerations. The costsaving argument of dispensing with it altogether disappears and manages expectations in terms of appearance, definition and ease of ball finding.

When it comes to turf care professionals’ pain points regarding staffing challenges and the best use of time on the course, then autonomous mowing is inevitable. It is the most logical solution technology has created that delivers real value. It will, without doubt, make turfcare professionals’ lives better and their jobs easier by helping them increase productivity and efficiency.

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager for Reesink Turfcare, Toro’s exclusive distributor in the UK, said that the new technology will be quickly and widely adopted and that five or six units per club will soon become the norm.

Toro’s autonomous products are significantly more economical than the equivalent cost of a riding fairway or rough mower and operator time to man it, but that is just one of the significant benefits.

With Toro robotic mowers, it’s possible to cut whenever it’s needed and improve the appearance of the fairways, roughs and semi-roughs easily, impressing members and the committee.

Sold in the UK by Reesink Turfcare, customers are just one phone call away from starting their autonomous journey with Toro and seeing all these benefits for themselves.

Groundsman Industries have been developing their unique range of grass maintenance machines and accessories for maximum performance and durability from their factory base in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, since 1990. Two and Four-wheel drive Turf Cutters deliver effortless sod cutting with low operating vibration levels. These versatile machines can be fitted with sod blades 30cm to 60cm wide to cut 1cm to 7cm thick sod and a Cultivator Blade to prepare the surface for new sod. Trench, Decompaction and Mole-draining blades can cut down to 12cm deep. A Guillotine Attachment is available to measure and chop the sod into lengths for easy handing or relaying.

Groundsman Aerators are available from 60cm to 180cm working widths. All use Groundsman’s proven durable Elliptical Plunge Action mechanism for aeration down to 15cm. Quickchange Tines for Solid Spiking, Hollow Coring and Chisel Slitting are available plus Cluster Tines for dense pattern needle and micro hollow aeration, thatch removal and over-seeding.

The incredibly efficient Flexblade Core Collector is available from 0.8mtr to 2.3mtr widths to fit many makes of aerators as well as Groundsman to core and collect in one pass plus three point linkage mounting for follow-up core collection. n www.groundsmanindustries. com

John Deere named as 2026 Solheim Cup official machinery partner

John Deere has been confirmed as the official golf course and turf maintenance machinery partner of the 2026 Solheim Cup taking place at Bernardus Golf, the Netherlands, between 7-13 September this year, bringing their considerable experience in world-class course preparation and adding to the events sustainability credentials.

The agreement places John Deere at the heart of one of the biggest events in women’s sport. It formalises a partnership that brings together the global machinery manufacturer, Dutch dealer Kraakman, and the team at host venue Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands.

“This is a chance to demonstrate how advanced machinery, datadriven management and high service standards can support top-level sport,” said Paul Trowman, John Deere’s Golf and Turf Business Manager, adding that the partnership reflected the company’s long-term commitment to the professional game.

“Bernardus Golf is an elite course which is presented by a team that’s at the top of its game. With John

Deere machinery at its core, its greenkeepers have the tools and the expertise to ensure a global audience sees the venue in the best possible condition.”

Bernardus Golf’s local John Deere dealer, Kraakman, will supply all the equipment as well as delivering on-the-ground technical expertise before and throughout the event. The dealership is already working closely with the host venue to ensure all the right machinery is on site and has committed to a full training and monitoring programme for staff working at the venue. Back-up parts will be provided and service technicians will support the course’s mechanics.

Wim van Remortele, Commercial Manager for Golf and Turf at Kraakman, said that tournament preparation took months of thought, planning, and expertise to ensure the course would be playing to required regulations and looking its absolute best for a world-wide audience.

“Our role is to optimise the quality, efficiency and accuracy of operations, and we will be there before, during, and after the event because we

have a long-term partnership with Bernardus Golf. The Solheim Cup is the pinnacle of Women’s golf so every machine, technician and process will be in peak condition. We are very proud to represent John Deere on home soil, and for what is a landmark moment for the John Deere brand,” said Wim.

The 2026 Solheim Cup will be the 20th edition of the biennial competition between the best women pros from the USA and Europe and has the ambition to set a new

“OUR ROLE IS TO OPTIMISE THE QUALITY, EFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY OF OPERATIONS, AND WE WILL BE THERE BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE EVENT” t

John Deere is Solheim Cup partner

benchmark for eco-friendly sporting events.

As well as adding in John Deere’s expertise, sustainability plans include replacing general on-site parking with low-emission travel options, integrated ticketing, and last-mile solutions including a bike route. Other initiatives include renewable energy use, waste reduction, circular material sourcing, local catering, water-smart operations, and active nature restoration.

Designed by renowned American golf course architect Kyle Phillips – who also created iconic courses like Kingsbarns, The Grove, and Yas Links – the championship course at Bernardus is a highly regarded heathland layout with challenging water hazards and a compact design.

Since its opening in 2018, Bernardus has already hosted three editions of the KLM Dutch Open on the DP World Tour (2021-2023) and is ready and well positioned to provide a spectacular stage for the Solheim Cup 2026.

Bernardus Superintendent Niall Richardson said the partnership would bring confidence and clarity to the months of preparation ahead.

“I rely on equipment that performs every single day. With the Solheim Cup ahead, partnering with John Deere gives our team the reliability and support we need to prepare the course to championship level.

“The electric and hybrid technologies, along with the data they provide, help us work more efficiently and sustainably, key factors in how we

manage the course today and into the future,” explained Niall.

John Deere’s market-leading technology and electric and hybrid innovations mean it is a perfect fit for the Solheim Cup’s sustainability values and ambitions.

Equipment such as mowers, bunker rakes and utility vehicles will all utilise full or hybrid electric drives, and satellites will guide sprayers to accuracy in application of just 2.5cm.

The whole fleet and its operators will be supported by John Deere Operations Center PRO Golf – a cloud-based course management system enabling the assignment of tasks, machinery management, and whole-course budgeting.

n www.deere.co.uk

Turf Tank’s software update

Tank

introduced the latest software on all its current robots. This latest update introduces a series of advanced features designed to optimise operations for groundskeepers, coaches, athletic directors, and facility managers. The new update brings several key advancements to the line-marking robots, aimed at reducing downtime and ensuring superior pitch quality.

• Empty Paint Detection: The Turf Tank Lite & Two robots can now detect low paint levels, pause their operations, and notify operators for refills, thereby minimising

time wastage and allowing ground managers to focus on other tasks.

• Recovery Mode: In the event of unexpected signal disruption, the robots will automatically reposition themselves to regain connectivity, enabling seamless job resumption without human intervention.

• Route Manager: Managers can now customize the order and direction of pitch and element markings, optimising efficiency and providing a more tailored experience.

• Job Status Notifications: Realtime updates on job progress are sent directly to managers’ tablets,

enhancing remote monitoring and operational oversight.

The Empty Paint Detection feature alone promises to save ground crews significant downtime weekly. This update also includes enhancements for improved logo detailing, precise paint consumption tracking through nozzle selection, and the ability to resume failed jobs from the last stopped point.

Turf Tank’s latest software update reflects the company’s dedication to continuous improvement and innovation, driven by user and customer feedback.

n www.turftank.com

Mastering the water table: The strategic role of sand slitting

In the world of professional turf management, the battle against the elements is perpetual, says Redexim’s Paul Langford

As weather patterns become increasingly volatile, the “shoulder seasons” are no longer defined by light mists, but by high-volume precipitation events that test the limits of even the most sophisticated drainage systems. For the modern turf manager, the challenge is twofold: maintaining the structural integrity of the soil profile while ensuring maximum surface availability for players. When traditional aeration is no longer enough to move standing water, the focus must shift to secondary drainage. This is where the Redexim Vibra-Sandmaster enters the fray - not merely as a piece of machinery, but as a strategic intervention for long-term turf health.

THE AGRONOMY OF INFILTRATION: WHY SAND SLITTING?

To understand the value of a machine like the Vibra-Sandmaster, one must first address the “perched water table” and the physics of soil compaction. In high-traffic areas such as golf fairways, football and rugby pitches, the upper 100mm to 200mm of the soil profile often becomes a bottleneck. Even if the underlying subsoil is porous, a capped or compacted surface layer acts as a seal, trapping water and suffocating the root zone.

Sand slitting is the surgical answer to this problem. By creating narrow, vertical channels and backfilling them with free-draining aggregates, we can create a direct bypass for surface water. These slits do more than just move water; they facilitate Gas Exchange. By breaking the surface seal, oxygen can reach the rhizosphere, and carbon

dioxide can escape which is a process vital for the microbial activity that prevents thatch build-up and promotes deep rooting.

Traditional sand slitting has historically been a multi-stage, labourintensive process: decompacting, trenching, filling, and brushing. The Vibra-Sandmaster redefines this workflow by integrating the VertiQuake 2516 into a seamless, one-pass operation.

1. DECOMPACTION VIA THE VERTIQUAKE 2516

At the heart of the system is the VertiQuake technology. Unlike standard hollow coring or solid tining, the VertiQuake uses a rotary action with offset blades. These blades penetrate up to 250mm deep, creating a “wave” action underground. This lateral movement shatters the soil structure between the slits without the heave associated with traditional deep-tine aerators.

2. VIBRATING COULTER TECHNOLOGY

The “Vibra” in the name isn’t just marketing. It’s the machine’s most critical mechanical advantage. As the sand is delivered from the hopper into the slits created by the Verti-Quake, the coulters vibrate at high frequency.

Technical note: This vibration serves a dual purpose. First, it ensures that the sand (even if slightly damp) flows freely without bridging or clogging the delivery chutes. Second, it “settles” the sand into the slit, ensuring there are no air pockets. An improperly filled slit can lead to surface “slumping” later in the season; the vibrating coulters mitigate this risk entirely.

EFFICIENCY AS A MANAGEMENT TOOL

In the pitch maintenance community, “window of opportunity” is a common phrase. With budgets tightening and fixture lists growing, the luxury of

LOCAL AUTHORITIES MANAGING PUBLIC PARKS AND MULTI-USE GAMES AREAS (MUGAS) FACE EXTREME COMPACTION FROM HEAVY FOOT TRAFFIC.

closing a pitch for a week of renovation is disappearing. The one-pass capability of the Vibra-Sandmaster is, therefore, a massive logistical win.

By combining de-compaction and sand injection into a single pass, grounds teams can:

• Reduce man-hours: Complete a fairway or pitch in a fraction of the time required for multi-machine setups.

• Minimise surface disruption: Because the machine is precisely calibrated, the “clean-up” required post-operation is minimal. Surfaces are often playable within hours of completion.

• Monitor with precision: The inclusion of an on-board camera system allows the operator to monitor sand flow in real-time. This prevents the “blind spots” that often lead to inconsistent drainage performance across a site.

While the Vibra-Sandmaster is a staple on the links and parkland courses of the UK, its application in the municipal and winter sports sectors is growing. Local authorities managing public parks and multi-use games areas (MUGAs) face extreme compaction from heavy foot traffic.

In these environments, the VibraSandmaster acts as a “reset button.” It allows for the introduction of highquality silica sand into native soil pitches, gradually amending the soil texture over several seasons without the astronomical cost of a full pitch reconstruction. Whether it is dry sand, damp sand, or even small-diameter gravel, the machine’s ability to handle various media makes it a versatile asset in a facility’s fleet.

surface humidity), and more capable of withstanding the mechanical stress of play.

When a pitch remains playable during a wet November, the revenue generated from fixtures or the satisfaction of golf members provides a direct return on the investment in secondary drainage.

The Redexim Vibra-Sandmaster represents the pinnacle of sand-

slitting technology. By marrying the deep-channel decompaction of the Verti-Quake with a sophisticated, vibration-assisted sand delivery system, it solves the most pressing issue in turf management: water movement. For the professional seeking to elevate their surfaces and future-proof their facility against the climate, this machine is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. n www.redexim.com/uk

THE LONG-TERM ROI OF PROPER DRAINAGE

Investment in a Vibra-Sandmaster should be viewed through the lens of preventative maintenance. Welldrained turf is more resilient to drought (due to deeper rooting), less prone to fungal pathogens (due to lower

A T BONE

Reliable, right down to the Bone

Introducing A T Bone & Sons Ltd – a Hertfordshire based, diverse agribusiness operating across the Home Counties and East Anglia, including Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Kent, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk.

Established in 1957 as a family run farm, now evolved into a

multidisciplinary service provider. Delivering services across agriculture, civil engineering, construction, sports and amenities and the haulage industry. Their forward thinking and collaborative approach, using modern technology, machinery and expertise, enables us to provide tailored, value adding solutions for their clients.

The company understands that every project represents an investment in the future of a business, which is why they focus on providing durable, costeffective solutions tailored to clients’ operational requirements.

From initial site preparation and groundworks through to full structural construction and finishing works, the ATB team combines technical knowledge with hands on expertise to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

A core area of expertise lies in the construction of steel frames including maintenance buildings and workshops designed to provide practical, hardwearing facilities that support daily operations as well as future proofed for the years ahead.

It is recognised that maintenance facilities must be robust, functional and capable of withstanding constant use, heavy equipment, and demanding working conditions while also allowing

FROM INITIAL SITE PREPARATION AND GROUNDWORKS THROUGH TO FULL STRUCTURAL CONSTRUCTION AND FINISHING WORKS, THE ATB TEAM COMBINES TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE WITH HANDS ON EXPERTISE TO ENSURE PROJECTS ARE COMPLETED SAFELY, EFFICIENTLY, AND TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD.

for welfare of staff and future expansion.

ATB offer a full turnkey solution from initial design, through to construction, fit-out and groundworks including concreting, drainage and other services. Their bespoke building layouts are suited to their clients’ operation and are constructed using high quality materials and proven methods to ensure long term durability, maximum usability, efficiency and longevity, while meeting all relevant regulations and safety standards.

In addition to maintenance and workshop buildings, they also construct washdown areas and material handling bays tailored to the operational needs of their clients. Washdown areas are built with careful attention to drainage, surface strength, and environmental considerations.

They ensure that concrete specifications, falls and drainage systems are correctly installed to allow for efficient cleaning process while supporting compliance with

environmental and water management requirements.

ATB can offer open or enclosed wash down areas as well as drive-in drive-out facilities subject to your site and available space. Material handling bays are engineered to cope with heavy loads and frequent vehicle movements, providing reinforced, hard-wearing surfaces that can withstand plant, machinery and bulk materials.

Every bay is designed with workflow and practicality in mind, helping our clients improve efficiency while maintaining safe working environments as well as keeping your material clean and free from contamination. ATB offer several different specifications for material handling bays whether that be hardwood sleeper system, reinforced concrete panels or concrete Lego blocks.

Expertise extends to comprehensive yard resurfacing and drainage solutions including concrete, tarmac, general

hardstanding using various types of aggregates, attenuation systems and SUDS. It is understood that yard areas experience constant vehicle traffic, heavy loading, and are exposed to the elements, and therefore ATB delivers strong, level durable surfaces built to perform under pressure. The company ensures that high level preparation, reinforcement, and finishing are carried out to exacting standards. By combining quality materials with precise installation techniques, they provide surfaces that offer long term reliability and reduced maintenance requirements. Whatever the sector, surfaces are tailored to meet specific demands of each site.

ATB also constructs pedestrian, buggy and maintenance paths and tracks across clients’ sites whether that be golf courses, schools, universities, sports clubs, or local authorities etc.

ATB offers an array of different surface types including, concrete, tarmac, gravel, geogrid and recycled screened road plannings to suit individual requirements including vehicle types, weights, sizes etc. Careful attention is given to groundworks, sub-base preparation, drainage and finishing to ensure every surface performs effectively in all weather conditions and over many years of use.

Alongside new construction projects, A T Bone undertakes renovations and recladding on existing buildings that revitalise and extend the lifespan of the structure. Recladding offers a cost-effective way to enhance the performance, improve insulation, and refresh the external appearance of a building without the need for a complete reconstruction.

Whether you have a building with condemned asbestos or tatty cladding that doesn’t represent the rest of your site, ATB can help bring your building back to life.

At every stage, they prioritise safety, quality and client satisfaction, with a commitment to delivering reliable infrastructure that meets real world demands has earned the trust of customers and established ATB as a dependable partner for construction and civils works projects of all sizes.

It’s not always wise to make predictions. Usually there is one chance to be a hero but many more chances of looking like a fool. But here I am about to do just that.

I am predicting that the future of our industry is secure and in safe hands.

We’re in safe hands

I say this, confidently, having sat down with two of the ICL’s supported GMA’s 35 under 35s winners and seeing just how wise both are and just how much they care about the industry.

Daniel Puicar is Head Gardener at Middleton Hall Trust in Warwickshire, and Sean Faulkner is Sales and Marketing Director for Kersten UK and one of the country’s leading experts in sustainable weed management.

Daniel and Sean may come from different sides of the industry, but they are equally thought provoking on so many issues.

Asked where they think the industry would be in 10 years’ time Sean felt that it was something very much in the hands of the younger participants currently working within it.

“It’s up to us. Well, to a point,” he said.

“Lots of people of my dad’s age (Baby Boomers and Gen X) are starting to retire now and there are a great many of them in our industry. And, at the moment, there are not that many of our generation and younger to fill that gap,” he explained.

“I believe that it’s critical that we encourage the people who are in our generation to take the reins, make a difference and shape the industry into how we want it to be shaped.

Scott MacCallum catches up with two of the winners of the GMA’s 35 under 35 initiative

Launched last year and supported by ICL, the programme shines a spotlight on individuals under the age of 35 who have made a significant impact across all types of green spaces.

“Grounds management is essential to the quality and safety of our green spaces, yet the work often goes unnoticed,” said Jennifer Carter, Director of Communications and Marketing at the GMA.

“We were absolutely blown away by the sheer number and calibre of applications for our first-ever 35 under 35 programme. It was inspiring to see so many young professionals making a real difference across every corner of the industry from elite cricket stadiums to schools, universities, country estates, sales, marketing and beyond,” said Jennifer.

The 35 will gain exclusive access to technical and agronomic training developed by the GMA and ICL, alongside unique opportunities to engage with peers and industry leaders.

Otherwise, we’re going to be left with whatever industry we’ve given.

“So, as I said, in that sense, it’s down to us what it looks like in in ten years’ time,” added Sean.

Daniel has a similar take on

the concerning age demographic within the industry.

“I am anxious about the exit from the industry versus the entrance into the industry. We are losing knowledge, and that’s knowledge that you don’t

“THE FACT THAT THE INDUSTRY IS SO UNDERPAID ACTUALLY SHOWS THAT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN IT ARE NOT IN IT FOR THE MONEY. THEY’RE IN IT BECAUSE THEY LOVE IT. THAT TO ME IS A BRILLIANT SELLING POINT TO THE INDUSTRY.”

find in books. It’s knowledge that is not passed down,” said Daniel.

“But if you ever work with someone who’s been in the industry for 20, 30 or 40 years, you know that what they know is pure gold. And that is what we’re losing.”

The $64,000 question therefore is, “What can be done to attract young people into the industry?”

Well, Daniel can’t believe that he is lucky enough to be working in a job that he loves so much.

“Doing something creative is often linked to the satisfaction that you get from a hobby, while doing a job is sometimes seen as something much more routine. When you mix the two together, you are in the lovely position of achieving satisfaction from doing your job.”

Daniel is also one of the few people who takes a positive from the poor wages that are so common place within the industry.

“The fact that the industry is so underpaid actually shows that the people who are in it are not in it for the money. They’re in it because they love it. That to me is a brilliant selling point to the industry.”

Highlighting what great job opportunities are within our industry is something with Sean has been

THE FULL WINNERS OF THE GMA 35 UNDER 35:

• Luis Arregui – Real Madrid C.F, Deputy Grounds Manager

• Tom Bacon –Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Groundsperson

• Alex Brierley –The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Groundstaff and Lead Irrigation

• Louise Challiss

– PAN Publicity Limited, Managing Director

• Luke Chapman

– Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Deputy Head Groundsperson

• Evan Davies –Swansea City AFC, Head of Grounds

actively working on recently.

He is a trustee of a charity called Managing the Green Planet which builds awareness of career options.

“They do it through virtual reality. They’ve got glasses that they give to students and they show them what it’s like to be a day in the life of the guy who managing Lords or Wimbledon or a National Trust estate.

“So that’s exciting and a way of showing just out varied and interesting jobs in our industry can be.”

On that theme Sean highlighted the variety of jobs the industry offers up and the value he gives from his own role.

“It’s an interesting industry with a lot of potential to go places and make big differences. What I’m doing may sound quite boring, but, in reality, I’m solving problems with air and water quality; with surface water; with potholes that everybody complains about, with weeds themselves, So, there’s ways of making a massive impact if that’s what you want.

“For example if National Trust sites weren’t maintained at such a high level, and interesting things done with the gardens and if the paths didn’t look pristine.

“I’m sure the number of visitors would drop alarmingly. People like to see lovely gardens and paths and it is the people within our industry who make them happen.”

“Being a steward of what we have is really important. I think we need to connect more as a country to our history and to our culture and roots,” said Sean.

So, you can see that I’m not exactly going out on a limb to say that we have some pretty smart cookies among the younger generation of industry professionals. While the rest of us are looking back at our careers from the comfort of our armchairs they will be forging forward making things better for the generation which follows them.

For me I’m just hoping to sneak into the 65 under 65s before even that is too late!

• Alex Earle –Tennisclub Weissenhof, Head Groundsman

• Sean Faulkner

– Kersten UK Ltd, Sales and Marketing Director

• Matthew Gibson

– The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Groundsperson

• Flynn Good –Leicester City Football Club, Skilled Sports Turf Operative

• Matt Harris –Whitgift School, Groundsperson

• Stanley Hayden –Fulham FC, Deputy Head of Grounds

• Max DrummondSmillie – Fargro Ltd, Head of Amenity

• Brad Jefferies –Colchester United Football Club, Head Groundsman

• Ben Kim –K-League, The member of Pitch Assist

• Jack Langley

– Ashton Gate Stadium, Deputy Head Groundsperson

• Rob Langley –University of Cambridge Sport, Sports Grounds & Facilities Supervisor

• Meg Lay – Lord’s Cricket Ground, Groundswoman

• Jack Leather –Liverpool Football Club, Specialist

Groundsperson

• Oliver Mahon –Bradfield College, Head of Grounds

• Maritza Martinez – St. Louis CITY SC, Associate Director of Stadium Grounds

• John Paul McAvoy – Preston North End, Groundsman

• Santiago Molinaro – Independent Professional, Agronomist

• Kane Munday – Norwich City Football Club, Assistant Head of Grounds

• Matthew Noke – Bristol City FC, Groundsperson

• Daniel Puicar –

Middleton Hall Trust, Head Gardener

• Adam Radley –Stamford School, Deputy Head of Grounds & Gardens

• Ethan Reed –Nottingham Forest Football Club, Pitch Performance Manager

• David Ridley – Wiltshire County Football Association, Facility Operations Manager

• George Sheath – University of Southampton, Grounds Advisor (Head of Grounds)

• Aaron Stevenson – London Stadium, Deputy Head Groundsperson

• Bradley Tennant – International Greenkeepers, Director

• Aaron Tong – Hull City AFC, Head of Grounds

• Ben Tuckwell –Nuture Group, Grounds Maintenance Operative

• Dewi Williams – Football Association of Wales, Club Developer

Striking results at Bedford School

When George Mills stepped into the role of Head Groundsman at Bedford School just over a year ago, he brought with him a wealth of experience, a passion for turf excellence, and a sharp eye for smart investment.

Now, with the help of Agrovista Amenity and the innovative plant growth regulator Attraxor, George has been astonished by the transformation on his pitches – particularly the school’s first team rugby pitch.

Coming from a family deeply rooted in the industry, George’s career has seen him lead groundcare operations since the age of 18. His arrival at Bedford School signalled a fresh chapter for the historic site, with George quickly implementing a more efficient, proactive approach to pitch management.

Part of that shift involved forging a close working relationship with Agrovista Amenity and Area Sales Manager Charlie Seager.

“Their customer service is second to none. Charlie’s support has been brilliant – he’s always there when I need advice, and everything we’ve put down this year has worked well. I’d say he’s as ambitious about turf as I am and

that is why we see good results,” said George.

That shared ambition led to a breakthrough this season. Initially cautious due to budget constraints, George trialled Attraxor, supplied by Agrovista Amenity and developed by BASF, on the school’s first team rugby pitch with the primary goal of increasing sward density and improving uniformity by regulating growth evenly and suppressing Poa annua seedhead production.

“To be honest, it took a bit of convincing. Given our limited budget and the size of the site, I was focusing on wetting agents and nutrition. But we agreed to give it a go on just one pitch. We applied it at a relatively low rate0.375g, tank-mixed with the fertiliser NovaTec Solub – and within days, you could see a difference.”

Following the second application in early May, the impact became crystal clear. After a spell of rainfall, the rest of the school’s playing fields began to show Poa seedhead development, while the trial area treated with Attraxor remained visibly cleaner and greener. He went on to apply Attraxor four times overall.

“You could literally see a darker rectangle on the pitch where we’d applied it. The difference in seedhead suppression was huge – probably 70 to 80% better compared to untreated areas. I’d never used Attraxor for this purpose before, and the contrast really shocked me.”

Unlike his previous use of the product purely as a time-saving PGR, George now sees Attraxor as a key tool for long-term surface improvement.

“It’s not just about slowing growth anymore. At Bedford, we’re using it for the quality benefits – and they’re real.”

In fact, George is already planning to extend the use of Attraxor next season to two historically troublesome pitches on site. “Those pitches have really struggled with Poa ingress since they were built in 2015. I think using a slightly higher rate of Attraxor there could be a game changer.”

For George, the ability to tank mix the product has been another major plus. “It’s ideal for a large site like ours where timing is everything. We just don’t have the luxury of revisiting areas frequently. The fact that we can apply it alongside other inputs really helps us stay efficient.”

Beyond the technical performance, George is quick to praise the support behind the scenes. “You can have the best product in the world, but if you don’t trust the people you’re getting it from or have that backup, it doesn’t matter. For me, the service from Agrovista – and from Charlie – is a huge part of why I choose to work with them.”

With stronger turf, smarter applications, and a clear vision for continual improvement, Bedford School’s grounds are in safe hands and Attraxor is now firmly part of that journey.

Greenmaster Liquid Advance sets a new standard

ICL has launched Greenmaster Liquid Advance, a new liquid fertiliser range developed to support turf performance during periods of stress.

Building on the long-established success of the Greenmaster Liquid range, Greenmaster Liquid Advance represents a significant evolution in liquid turf nutrition, introducing new technology and performance capability beyond what has previously been available across liquid fertilisers.

Designed for professional turf managers, the range combines proven liquid nutrition with a biostimulant package containing MTU, a patented molecule now available in turf for the first time.

MTU has been developed to support plant efficiency when conditions limit normal turf response. Stresses such as low light, temperature extremes, and heavy wear can restrict nutrient uptake and recovery. By helping maintain key plant processes during these periods,

MTU supports turf resilience and more consistent performance.

Integrated into the Greenmaster Liquid Advance formulations, MTU works alongside balanced nutrition to help turf make more effective use of applied nutrients under pressure. The range also contains pidolic acid, included to support nutrient uptake and stress tolerance, giving turf managers a practical way to feed surfaces when stress limits normal plant response.

Key benefits for turf managers:

• More consistent turf response under challenging conditions

• Improved nutrient efficiency and colour retention

• Stronger recovery and playing quality under pressure

Andy Owen, International Technical Manager at ICL, explained that Greenmaster Liquid Advance had been designed to support turf performance

response. “Conditions such as low light, temperature extremes and heavy wear reduce how efficiently turf can use applied nutrition. By combining proven liquid nutrition with MTU® and pidolic acid, the range helps maintain key plant processes under stress, supporting more consistent turf performance and colour through challenging periods.”

Jaroslav Nisler, Head of the Isotope Laboratory at the Institute of Experimental Botany in the Czech Republic said MTU was a patented molecule with a clear mode of action.

“Even at very low concentrations it delivers results, helping turf maintain green leaf area and recover more quickly after stress. Its inclusion in Greenmaster Liquid Advance makes this technology available to turf managers for the first time,” he said. n www.icl-sf.co.uk

Reducing disease and increasing quality

Life is all about balance, but for the greens team at Sweden’s Sankt Jörgen Park, achieving the balance of Nitrogen in the greens profile became critical as the club battled extensive annual outbreaks of Snow Mold (Fusarium Patch).

Helping them lower the Nitrogen content without detriment to plant health or play quality is 6-2-4 Turf Revival from Suståne which, after just three years, has significantly reduced the severity of the fungal disease.

“In recent years we started noticing that the warmer, wetter winters were contributing to issues with Snow Mold which meant that we were not in good condition going into spring” Head Greenkeeper Andreas Flodman

explained. “I spoke to our distributor Crophealth who identified that we had high levels of Nitrogen in the ground over winter which is not ideal when disease pressure is high and plant growth is low.”

Crophealth suggested the club look at the more gradual nutrient release of the Naturel base Suståne range – a

product Andreas used previously and was pleased to be re-introduced to.

Andreas has been conducting two to four applications of Suståne 6-2-4 Turf Revival per season for the last three seasons, together with supplementary applications of Suståne 5-2-4+Fe all-purpose fertiliser for an additional boost in the early autumn when required.

Suståne Turf Revival 6-2-4 is designed to replenish the soil with a rich supply of humus and mycorrhizal fungi, to improve the uptake of nutrients and boost plant health.

“We hope that soon we’ll be able to get through to spring without any disease impact at all.” n www.sustane.com

Professional precision for pedestrian fertiliser and chemical application

Team Sprayers’ pedestrian ground care sprayer range is designed to meet the exacting standards of today’s ground care professionals; delivering accuracy, reliability, and operator comfort across a wide range of turf management applications.

Built on decades of spraying expertise, the range provides consistent, controlled application of fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, and wetting agents for golf courses, sports pitches, parks, and fine turf environments.

The Cub, Scout, Ely & Vixen Pro SP models are engineered for precision, with high-quality pumps, full pressure regulation, and effective agitation systems that ensure even distribution and consistent mix quality. Welded steel booms with multiple nozzle options allow

operators to tailor spray patterns to suit different turf areas, while anti-drip check valves help minimise waste and protect sensitive surfaces.

Operator ease of use is central to the design. Clear, intuitive controls, excellent manoeuvrability, and balanced weight distribution reduce fatigue during long working days. Low-ground-pressure tyres and stable chassis design help protect turf quality, even in delicate conditions.

Manufactured in the UK, Team Sprayers’ pedestrian models are built to last and supported by strong parts availability and Team’s technical back-up. For ground care professionals seeking dependable, accurate fertiliser and chemical application, the Team Sprayers pedestrian range offers a proven, professional solution.

The Picasso of St Paul’s

Scott MacCallum meets Dene Hey, who has made his mark since arriving in the UK from South Africa

“AS GROUNDSMEN WE ARE ALWAYS FOCUSED ON THE RUGBY OR FOOTBALL PITCHES AND WANT THEM TO BE AS FANTASTIC AS POSSIBLE. BUT AT A SCHOOL THERE IS MORE TO IT THAN THAT – THE REST OF THE SITE HAS TO MATCH UP”

When it comes to rugby union there is no-one around at the moment to touch South Africa. They have won the last two World Cups and some of their players are the very best to be found anywhere.

It might come as more of a surprise to learn that there are some top operators from among the Boks when it comes to being a Grounds Manager too.

Dene Hey, pictured, is the man who proves the rule. Dene is Grounds Manager at St Paul’s School, in Central London. He took up the post two-and-

a-half years ago and has since been working hard with his cosmopolitan team to ensure the pupils and staff at the school have the very best sports surfaces and surroundings.

He is also a man who treats his grounds is the same manner as an artist treats a canvas. More on that later.

“As groundsmen we are always focused on the rugby or football pitches and want them to be as fantastic as possible. But at a school there is more to it than that – the rest of the site has to match up,” explained Dene.

“That was a big thing for me. I’ve worked with people in the past where they are so focused on the pitches.

But they are actually the last thing that anyone sees when they come to visit. What parents and pupils, and potential parents and pupils, see first is the entrance and the drive up to the school.”

To make the point Dene references his own first visit to the school.

“The first thing I noticed when I walked on site was the lack of colour variety. Everything in the grounds was green,” said Dene.

“That is nothing not a reflection on anyone who has worked previously, but more of a personal observation.”

Showing that he is a man of action as well as talk, that driveway into the school has been transformed over the last couple of years, making the most

“AS YOU DRIVE IN, THE ENTRANCE IS NOW BORDERED BY PLAYING FIELDS ON THE LEFT AND A PARKING AREA ON THE RIGHT AND WE NOW HAVE A FLOWER BED SEPARATING THE ROAD FROM THE

PARKING SPACES”

of the mantra that you only have one chance to make a first impression.

“As you drive in, the entrance is now bordered by playing fields on the left and a parking area on the right and we now have a flower bed separating the road from the parking spaces,” described Dene.

“We replicated this by installing raised beds along the entire length of the driveway which created a divide between the sports pitches and the main access road.”

Added to this, the team has built four new flower beds, developed new walkways, established wildflower meadows, and redesigned an entire section of raised beds to complement the landscaping around the new prep school building.

“Beyond these projects, we have also refreshed nearly every flower bed across the site, adding more seasonal colour to brighten the grounds.”

A man with a genuine attention to detail, Dene also noticed something else on his first visit.

“It was little things. The pitches were being watered, but the surrounds weren’t getting much water, or much attention,” he said admitting that he is a perfectionist with high OCD levels!

St Paul’s School was founded in 1509 and takes its name from St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s on a 43-acre site on the banks of the Thames, in Barnes. The list of alumni includes writers, John Milton and Samuel Pepys; Edmund Halley, of Comet fame, and more recently, scientist, Magnus Pyke; Nicholas Parsons; Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne; historian, Dan Snow; actor, Rory Kinnear and comedian, Hal Cruttenden.

The site that Dene inherited is not the easiest to manage, as half of the grounds are leased from Thames

Water, meaning that, under the terms of the agreement, there’s certain work that cannot be undertaken.

“There are weight restrictions, we can’t put down any fertiliser, or any chemicals. The fields actually sit on top of a reservoir, so we have to deal with a lot.”

It does means that these fields are not where Dene and the team want them to be, but they do what they can to make them work.

“We’ve started with a rye and micro clover mix to help get nitrogen back into the soil. We use Agrovista for a lot of our products,” revealed Dene, who added that they don’t have drainage and irrigation across the site, but only on some parts of the school-owned pitches.

“Our fields are split into two. We’ve got four pitches on the one side of the school, which is on our land, then on the Thames Water side, we’ve got another six pitches.

Rugby runs from September to the end of December. January until March is football and then from March until July, the pitches transform into the outfield for the cricket, for which there is an astro turf strip, laid two metres

“WE’VE STARTED WITH A RYE AND MICRO CLOVER MIX TO HELP GET NITROGEN BACK INTO THE SOIL. WE USE AGROVISTA FOR A LOT OF OUR PRODUCTS”

to the side of the main pitch.

One of Dene’s aims has been to work with the coaching staff and Heads of Sport to get them more understanding of what can happen if you play on pitch which is borderline playable. It is a part of the job with which Grounds Managers up and down the country have to deal but Dene has built a good relationship and understanding with his colleagues.

“You can easily damage the pitch for the next month, and the next few matches, if you were to take a chance on a pitch. They now understand that it’s sometimes best to sacrifice one game for the benefit of the next four games.”

Dene has made a positive impact everywhere he has gone since arriving on these shores with his wife in September 2018, initially as a Workshop Manager for the Chelsea Motorcycle Group.

While a skilled mechanic, and champion motorcyclist himself, he had always hankered for an outside role, having worked briefly as a groundsman at the Durban Sharks Stadium, in South Africa, prior to leaving for the UK.

Of course that was prior to experiencing the delights of the UK weather!

Getting back to groundsmanship, he took an apprenticeship at The Spencer Club, a sports club in South West London, before gaining a position as a groundsman at King’s College School, in Wimbledon, where he stayed for just under two years.

From there it was to The Lensbury Resort, initially as a Senior Groundsman, before being promoted to Head Groundsman a year and a half later.

Ten months after that he was off

to his current position at St Paul’s meaning he’d gone from Apprentice to Grounds Manager in less than five years – impressive by any standards!

“When the position became available for The Lensbury, it was perfect as we’d just moved to Teddington and it was a mile from my front door. SoI would either cycle or take my electric scooter to work.”

“It was a big change from King’s college and, because The Lensbury is close to Twickenham, they are often chosen to host international teams which are playing there. They stay at the hotel and use the facilities.

“There is a heavy weights gym, a full size swimming pool, two rugby/ football pitches – one full size, one 90 metres long, and then they’ve got grass tennis courts, clay tennis courts, and the hotel grounds themselves.

During the autumn internationals Dene could catch up with his compatriots in the South African team, as each of England’s opponents would stay at the hotel for a week before moving on to be replaced by the following week’s opposition.

“It was a really cool experience and it taught me a lot about dealing with coaches and how to handle certain situations.

“I got to meet some really great people in the industry including Jim (Buttar) from Twickenham, who has been a massive help in my career – a nice guy to have in my corner,” he said.

“Working with international teams there’s also no room for error. You know they want the best and they’re paying top money, so you’ve got to give them international sport quality. Anything less isn’t going to be accepted,” said Dene, who also threw in the fact that he’d also hosted Manchester United who visited twice

“IT WAS NICE TO STUMBLE UPON AN INDUSTRY I HAD NO IDEA ABOUT, BUT WHICH I NOW ABSOLUTELY LOVE.”

before the 2023 FA Cup final.

His time at The Lensbury was also key to his professional development as it gave him an appreciation of working in the multi-sport environment which he now has at St Paul’s.

He has worked hard to bring his ideas and working practices into his new role and to bring his team along with him.

“It has meant changes from how they operated previously, when standards and expectations were perhaps not quite so high.

“Since I came on board I have changed or tweaked quite a few of the working practices. I think any manager who comes into a new role will want to do things their way as they know they work. It’s then the challenge to bring the rest of the team on board, but I’ve got a really good team behind me that works hard,” said Dene.

“Since I started we’ve managed to get an extra member of staff while

we are currently looking to recruit another gardener.” The team is from all across the globe – and London!

“We’ve got Marcin Szczupak, who is from Poland; Blake McKay, from Australia; Miguel Bosman, who is another South African, and Dave Green, who is local. We also have Abigail Woodford, our Head Gardener.”

Their boss has certainly come a long way since he first started work at the Sharks ground in Durban, not long before he and his wife decided to relocate to the UK.

“If I’m 100% honest with you, when I started this job there, I didn’t realise just how much went into it. I knew absolutely nothing about turf and I knew absolutely nothing about sports pitches.

“I actually thought that somebody rocked up on a Friday, cut the grass and marked the pitch. Then everyone arrived on the Saturday, watched the match then everyone went home and

the stadium would shut for the rest of the week. That’s honestly what I thought.

“So, it was nice to stumble upon an industry which I had no idea about, but which I now absolutely love.”

That passion and love for the job shines through from Dene and he has an interesting way of thinking about the job.

“I believe that we’re almost like artists in a way and the pitch is our canvas. It gives us a way to express ourselves. It’s that feeling you get when you’ve cut a pitch and you’ve put in perfect stripes and you’ve got nice bright white lines.

“It’s just the satisfaction for me. Little things like hedge cutting when you get that perfect cut and it just looks incredible.

“To me, it’s all art. Our way of expressing ourselves. I don’t have a pencil and a canvas, but I’ve got a mower and some grass.”

Could anyone put it any finer?

“EField-tested leadership: Phil Helmn’s second book on self-leadership and resilience

The clock is ticking: How to make time work for you

very leader eventually faces moments where the road feels heavy and the decisions feel isolating. I’ve walked that path myself and it’s in those moments that the true test of leadership begins, not in leading others, but in finding the strength to lead yourself. That belief is what inspired me to write “The Power of You,” says Master Greenkeeper Phil Helmn.

This book is for anyone who carries the torch of vision and integrity, whether in turf management or any other profession. Inside, you’ll find candid insights and field-tested lessons that show how self-leadership, the ability to intentionally influence your own thoughts, emotions and actions, can transform not just your career, but your life. By reading The Power of You, you’ll discover tools to build resilience, adapt to change, stay motivated and embrace lifelong learning.

“The ideas I share aren’t abstract theories,” explained Phil. ”They’re lived experiences. To give you a sense of the journey this book takes, here’s a passage from The Power of You that captures its spirit…”

One in five managers have a proper time management system. The remaining 80% don’t have a system and simply rely on the least successful time management technique of all – dealing with whatever comes first!

If you feel there is never enough time in the day to get all your work done, then finding an effective time management strategy and technique to get the most out of each day is crucial. Well-developed time management strategies will help you have more control over your time and productivity. Regardless of your motivation for improving your time management, implementing some form of process will provide some key benefits:

• Increased confidence in yourself.

• Reduced stress and anxiety.

• Ability to consistently meet deadlines.

• Colleagues see you as a reliable achiever.

Pitfalls of poor time management: It is commonplace that some managers experience a wide array of perceived obstacles reducing their ability to manage their time effectively. Fortunately, it is possible to identify and address time-management challenges, and by doing so can help optimise our productiveness:

Low motivation: Sometimes, finding the motivation to complete important tasks can be the first obstacle to good time management. You might have experienced a situation when you have plenty of time to complete a particular task, but you don’t feel like doing so. Finding motivation is a common challenge, try finding something about

the task you feel enthusiastic about and focus on that part of the project that interests you.

Overbooking: Although it is often easy to accept new tasks with enthusiasm, sometimes the reality of the time needed to carry out them exceeds the time available. Carefully consider your current workload before taking on new assignments and ask for an estimate of the time needed to complete the job. If you are already overbooked, consider trying another time-management strategy such as delegating, rescheduling, collaborating or simply deleting, (see figure 1).

Not enough rest: Hard-working individuals sleep fewer hours per day or choose to avoid breaks in hopes of having extra time to be more productive. Reducing or cutting time out in this way, may feel productive in the short term, but it usually makes you less effective overall. Productivity often increases with well-rested energy, so it is vital you rest when you need and are able. Consider building breaks into your day to refresh your energy.

Multiple distractions: Distractionproof your workspace by using indicators that you are working, such as wearing a set of headphones or even closing your door if it is appropriate. Consider placing your phone or other electronic devices across the room, silencing it, or turning it off completely if you have another way to receive essential information.

Techniques for working smarter in the workplace: Knowing what works for you is critical. The object is to create a routine that feels empowering and lets you perform at your best. It is important to understand yourself and match your schedule with your energy levels and ability to concentrate. Creating a schedule with the tasks, responsibilities and other activities which need your focus is a fantastic way to improve your time management and productivity.

BELOW ARE SOME TIPS THAT CAN HELP YOU BE MORE ORGANISED:

Write things down: Trying to remember things will not help you to stay organised. You should try writing things down. You will only further complicate your life by trying to have important dates and reminders in your head. Write down everything, when you applied fertilizer, what the application rates were, what the results were periodically after application and so on. This form of logging information is extremely useful for your future success.

Follow a routine: Have a plan of what you need to get done and when you’re going to check those action items off your to-do list. Sticking to a routine helps to automate tasks that need to get done, whether you dread them or not, because

doing something every single day will make your brain happy and help to create good habits.

Make deadlines: Organised people don’t waste time. They recognise that keeping things organised goes together with staying productive. They make deadlines and set goals. And most importantly, they stick to them!

Don’t procrastinate: The longer you wait to do something, the more difficult it will be to get it done. If you want your life to be less stressful and less demanding, then organise as soon as you can. Putting in the effort to get things done as soon as possible will lift the weight off you from doing it later.

Give everything a home: Keeping organised means keeping your things in their proper places. Organised people keep order by storing things properly and by labelling storage spaces. A big ‘NO’ is to never label a storage space as “miscellaneous!”

Creating the perfect schedule for you! Designing a schedule takes time and practice to develop. A successful schedule will require constant refining before the ‘perfect’ format is reached, one which will boost your productivity and save you time. It is important to appreciate that schedule organisation is rarely a one size fits all approach, that said, there are fundamental behaviours for developing and keeping a successful schedule:

• Pay attention to how you feel. Create a workflow that helps you perform your best work by matching jobs with your mood and level of motivation.

• Make mornings effortless. Create a simple set of morning habits which help you establish a reliable starting point for each new day.

• Set priorities for the day. Avoid being distracted by everything you want to do. Identify the top three most important tasks, then schedule enough time to complete them.

• Tackle the most challenging tasks first. Getting an important job done early gives you the motivation to keep working. Not only can this put you in a good mood, but it can also help you be happier at work over the long term.

Taking time to reflect on what you accomplished in the day will help set yourself up for success for the following day. The end of the day is the perfect time to review your to-do list to see all the items you checked off, and what is still left to be tackled. The end-of-day review is

also a chance for honest self-reflection about how well you managed your time. Through self-reflection, you can identify what’s working and where you can continue to improve. Becoming more self-aware will help improve your time-management skills. Knowing when your energy levels are highest can help you focus on tasks at the right time of the day. If you concentrate better and are more creative in the mornings, it may be more productive to focus on writing tasks. If you know your

Precision irrigation is the heart of sustainable golf

For many greenkeepers, the irrigation system is a case of “out of sight, out of mind” until a 30-year-old PVC joint fails on a Friday afternoon in July.

However, as we march toward the milestones set out in the R&A’s Golf Course 2030 initiative, the industry is reaching a tipping point. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it is a requirement for survival.

With water scarcity becoming a reality even in our temperate climate, the leisure sector is under a microscope. In the South of England, particularly within the M25 corridor, gaining permission for new boreholes is becoming nearly impossible. This “restriction creep” is moving North and West, forcing clubs to

rely on expensive mains water or limited storage. When every drop carries a price tag and a potential regulatory penalty how we apply that water becomes the most important metric on the course.

Many UK courses are still operating on infrastructure from a different era: aging PVC pipes with fixed-speed pumps that “hammer” the system, causing it to effectively consume itself from the inside out. But the most significant waste isn’t just the visible leaks; it’s the invisible inefficiency of poor Distribution Uniformity (DU).

If your system has a low DU, you are forced to overwater 80% of a green just to keep the driest 20% alive. This creates a cycle of soggy approach zones,

disease pressure, and nutrient leaching, all while the pump station runs longer than necessary, sending energy bills through the roof. In an era of record-high electricity costs, an inefficient irrigation system is a financial leak that never stops.

To meet the challenges of the next decade, we must move away from the “shotgun approach” of old-school block solenoid systems. The future lies in individual head control (Valve-in-Head) and superior nozzle technology. This is where the engineering behind the Hunter TTS-800 Series and G85 riser sets a new benchmark. While many sprinklers claim “distance”, Hunter has focused on what actually happens to the

TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE NEXT DECADE, WE MUST MOVE AWAY FROM THE “SHOTGUN APPROACH” OF OLD-SCHOOL BLOCK SOLENOID SYSTEMS.

water once it leaves the head.

Their proprietary Pressure Port Technology ensures that water is delivered with surgical precision across the entire throw. Instead of the “heavy at the head, light at the end” pattern common in older technology, these risers provide a flat, even application that resists wind drift and ensures every square inch of the green receives the same depth of water.

Upgrading a system can feel like a daunting, niche mountain to climb. At KAR UK, they understand that a full-scale renovation isn’t always feasible overnight. However, beginning the journey – perhaps starting with a “demo green” to witness the night-and-day difference in coverage –is the first step toward long-term security.

The R&A has set the clock. By auditing your current uniformity and planning for more efficient technology today, you aren’t just maintaining turf; you are protecting your club’s “social license” to operate in a water-restricted future.

Are you ready for 2030?

If you would like to learn more about how to audit your current system’s uniformity, or if you’re interested in seeing a Hunter TTS demo green in action, we would love to help. Our team is available for an informal chat to discuss your course’s specific challenges and help you build a sustainable, cost-effective roadmap for the future.

Get in touch with Wesley Henshaw from KAR UK via wesley@karuk.com to start the conversation.

DSV seed helps Crowborough Beacon Golf Club reach new heights

The quality of the playing surfaces at Crowborough Beacon Golf Club is the result of passion, precision – and the right seed.

Course Manager Luke Jenkins, pictured below, has been achieving outstanding results using DSV’s PRO Summer Sport and PRO Rye Fairway mixtures from the EUROGRASS range, both of which have played a key role in improving the course’s playability and presentation.

Developed specifically for professional turf use, the EUROGRASS Pro mixtures are composed of carefully selected grass species and varieties to meet the highest standards of performance.

Each blend is designed with the end user in mind – considering soil type, climate, intended use, and maintenance practices – to ensure exceptional establishment, density, and durability.

At Crowborough Beacon, those qualities have helped elevate one of the South East’s most historic and scenic courses.

Established in 1885, the club is steeped in tradition – with early members including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – and boasts a classic heathland layout renowned for its sweeping views and distinctive character.

Luke has been at the helm for four and a half years, leading a programme of continuous improvement that has seen the course break back into the

UK’s Top 100 golf courses.

“It’s a sleeping giant of a golf course. The layout and landscape are stunning, but the course needed some TLC when I arrived,” explained Luke.

“My goal has been to raise standards and get Crowborough Beacon recognised again among the best in the country – which we’re now achieving.”

Luke’s journey in greenkeeping began at just 16 when he joined Shooters Hill Golf Club in south-east London as an apprentice. He quickly rose to deputy, later taking on head roles at Woodlands Manor and deputy at Royal Wimbledon, before moving to Crowborough Beacon.

His experience at clubs of varying size and stature gave him a solid understanding of what makes great course. A big part of that success, Luke says, comes down to using the right seed mixtures.

“On the tees, we use PRO Summer Sport, which gives us quick germination and excellent wear tolerance,” he explained.

“We’re repairing divots every day, and

because our tees are small, I need grass to be growing within a week. The DSV mix establishes really fast, gives great colour, and stands up to heavy play.”

For the fairways, Luke relies on PRO Rye Fairway, a 70/30 blend of fescue and ryegrass that balances strength with a natural fescue finish.

“Our fairways are naturally fescuedominant, but the rye gives us earlyseason colour and resilience. We don’t have fairway irrigation, so we rely on strong establishment and drought tolerance. After overseeding, we saw germination in just over three weeks and fantastic coverage.”

After trialling the seed on tees, Luke was quickly convinced to extend its

With a settled team and a clear vision, Luke’s leadership has not only improved playing conditions but also boosted membership and morale

“We’re lucky to work in such a beautiful place. If we keep improving the surfaces and stay focused on the details, the sky’s the limit. Using the right seed is a big part of that, and DSV has certainly helped us get where we are today.”

www.dsv-uk.co.uk/ products/amenity

MM Seed: New and improved for 2026

MMSeed enters 2026 with a refined and strengthened range, building on its reputation for quality, performance and reliability across golf, winter sports, cricket and tennis.

With carefully selected cultivar updates and the continued inclusion of HEADSTART GOLD as standard, the latest MM mixtures are designed to deliver stronger establishment, improved durability and consistent presentation in increasingly challenging conditions.

GOLF

For fairways and high-wear areas, MM22, MM50 and MM13 remain core options, each offering distinct benefits depending on site requirements.

MM22 continues to be a trusted choice for divotting, repairs and renovation work on tees and fairways subject to heavy traffic. For 2026, MM22 is enhanced with the inclusion of Mumbai perennial ryegrass, a dense, fine-leaved and hard-wearing cultivar. This is complemented by Hastings and Sybille creeping red fescues, further improving density and visual quality.

MM50 also benefits from the addition of Mumbai, strengthening its ability to produce a dense, resilient sward capable of withstanding close mowing and sustained wear.

For lower-input environments, MM13 offers a traditional yet highly effective solution for overseeding and renovation of tees, fairways and roughs. With excellent drought tolerance, good disease resistance and strong recovery, MM13 is particularly suited to sites where ease of management and reliability are key.

On greens, MM8 and MM9 provide specialist solutions for different playing environments. MM8 is a 100% fine fescue blend, ideally suited to links and heathland-style courses. Featuring top-rated cultivars such as Sybille, it delivers a fine, dense sward with low nutrient requirements, good drought tolerance and improved disease resistance.

MM9 remains a premium browntop bent mixture for summer overseeding, autumn renovation and new green construction. Renowned for producing smooth, dense putting surfaces, MM9 offers excellent colour retention, strong disease resistance and tolerance to close mowing, making it a dependable choice for highperformance greens.

WINTER SPORTS

MM60, a market-leading winter sports mixture for over 30 years, remains a go-to option thanks to its

fast germination, excellent wear tolerance and strong winter recovery.

MM Tetrasport blends 75% tetraploid and 25% diploid perennial ryegrass, delivering the combined benefits of both species. The result is a hard-wearing, disease-resistant sward with excellent colour, deep rooting and improved drought tolerance, making it particularly well suited to stadiums, training grounds and pitches with limited irrigation.

New for 2026, MM Active Shield has been developed to address growing concerns around Grey Leaf Spot. The mix includes Fiesta 4 and Fabian, the most tolerant cultivars identified in DLF GLS trials, alongside other independently trialled varieties.

CRICKET AND TENNIS

MM50 continues its long-standing position as the market-leading cricket and tennis mixture, used by numerous county and international venues. The inclusion of Mumbai raises performance further, while Singapore supports rapid recovery from match play and wear. Tolerant of low cutting heights and quick to establish, MM50 remains a proven choice for cricket squares and tennis courts alike.

All MM seed mixtures come with HEADSTART GOLD as standard. This second-generation biological seed treatment accelerates germination and supports early root development through a carefully balanced blend of macro and micronutrients, including phosphorus, sulphur, copper and molybdenum. By promoting stronger roots during establishment, HEADSTART GOLD helps improve stress tolerance, reduce inputs and deliver healthier turf faster.

DLF’s strongest-ever seed line-up

With the turn of a new year, comes the delivery of the new Johnsons Sports Seed brochure and two updated wildflower guides from DLF, packed with new formulations for the season ahead. The updated ranges showcase the latest advancements in seed breeding and mixture development, including ten new fine turf formulations from the industryleading Johnsons range and a brandnew wildflower mixture designed for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) in Pro Flora 17.

The Johnsons Sports Seed range

continues to set the standard for turf quality, sustainable management and reliable results 365 days of the year.

Highlights from the updated golf range include the new formulation of J Green which includes 20% Sybille – a highly ranked slender creeping red fescue which demonstrates exceptional shoot density and disease resistance

The 2026 Johnsons fine turf range also incorporates browntop bent into the popular J Fairway and J Premier Fairway mixtures. Recognising the risks to pure fescue swards under hot, dry conditions, the inclusion of browntop bent contributes to fairways with improved sward density, tolerance of close mowing and the ability to tolerate longer spells of drought and/or higher temperatures.

Not content with refining mixtures for fine turf, the 2026 Johnsons range continues to deliver class-leading formulations for winter sports. The 2026 J Premier Pitch mixture blends six top-rated perennial ryegrass cultivars, ideal for natural and hybrid pitches and providing significantly improved Brown Patch resistance thanks to the

addition of Monroe and Gildara. J Premier Wicket continues to lead the way as a class-leading mixture for cricket – with four top-rated cultivars promising rapid establishment, high disease resistance and camera appeal. Turf managers, contractors and conservationists looking to enhance biodiversity and increase visual merit can find all of the answers to wildflower seed selection in the new Colour Boost and Pro Flora brochures. Those after high-impact, amenity flower mixtures have nine mixtures to choose from in DLF’s popular Colour Boost range. New to the range is Pro Flora 17, blending moisture tolerant grasses and native wildflowers to create a resilient, diverse sward able to withstand fluctuating water levels. With mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain now shaping planning decisions, Pro Flora 17 offers a practical way to deliver ecological uplift in situations like swales, infiltration basins and multifunctional wetland landscapes while keeping specification simple and implementation effective. n www.dlf.co.uk

www.turfmatters.co.uk

How SYNLawn UK is bringing Tour-tested turf technology to European golf

When Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy unveiled TGL, the arenabased indoor golf league, the focus was understandably on the scale of the unique concept. Prime-time team golf, in a purpose-built arena and golf designed to compress the drama of championship play into a two-hour broadcast window.

Yet beneath the floodlights and data overlays sits something more fundamental: 31,000 square feet of synthetic turf tasked with standing up to the scrutiny of the best players in the world.

That surface is manufactured by SYNLawn. As the Official Synthetic Surface Partner of TGL, SYNLawn has installed the entire playing complex at the custom-built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The responsibility was exacting. TGL’s leadership team conducted more than two years of research and testing to ensure the indoor playing surfaces delivered authentic bounce, check and roll, standards demanded by players accustomed to Augusta, St Andrews and the world’s most exacting championship venues.

Precision Putt, SYNLawn’s flagship putting surface, is central to that system. Running at a championship 10–12 on the Stimpmeter, it is engineered to deliver true roll, controlled pace and reliable receptiveness. Around it sit complementary systems – SYNFringe, Tee

Strike+, SYNSport and more – contoured precisely to the arena’s geometry. The result is a synthetic environment that blends seamlessly with real grass tee boxes and sand bunkers, without compromising performance integrity.

For golf in the UK, that story matters as a surface engineered, tested and endorsed at the highest level of professional play is now available on this side of the Atlantic.

SYNLawn UK, led by CEO Michael Walker, pictured above, is bringing that exact technology to clubs, facilities, resorts and private clients across the country. Part of the Sport Group, SYNLawn operates ISO-certified manufacturing facilities and one of the most advanced R&D laboratories in the sector.

For Michael, the TGL partnership is more than a marketing headline. It is validation.

“When the best players in the world are testing and competing on your surface, there is nowhere to hide,” he said..

“TGL demanded authenticity. The ball had to react exactly as it would outdoors, under pressure, in front of a global audience. The fact that SYNLawn was selected, and delivered, demonstrates the standard we are now bringing to the UK and European market.”

That standard arrives at a moment of strategic inflection for golf. Clubs face escalating water costs, increasing scrutiny

“WHEN THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE WORLD ARE TESTING AND COMPETING ON YOUR SURFACE, THERE IS NOWHERE TO HIDE...”

over chemical inputs and tightening maintenance and resourcing budgets. Practice facilities, often under-invested and seasonally unreliable, are now recognised as core revenue drivers.

Coaching programmes, simulator integration, short-game academies and member engagement initiatives all depend on surfaces that perform consistently, irrespective of weather.

Synthetic turf has historically been perceived as compromise. Michael argues that perception is outdated.

“This is not about imitation. It is about engineered performance. When you can provide a surface that delivers consistent roll, controlled spin and yearround availability, while reducing water consumption and maintenance, you have fundamentally changed the economics of facility management.”

Sustainability is central to that proposition. SYNLawn UK evolved through a strategic partnership between SYNLawn and Build With Hemp Ltd., a London-based manufacturer and retailer of natural building materials.

This collaboration ensures that SYNLawn’s products are seamlessly integrated with Build with Hemp products and construction materials, bringing wider applications to golf clubs from hemp-based fencing to pathways, structures to installation. And throughout the sustainability benefits are widespread, from carbon sequestration to Biodivesity Net Gain, energy efficiency to durability and versatility. And with these sustainable materials comes cost benefits.

“We look forward to providing the golf sector with SYNLawn’s innovative products that align with modern environmental standards,” revealed

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS HAVE STRONG FOUNDATIONS WELL BELOW THE SURFACE.

Michael. “While the quality of SYNLawn’s products initially caught our attention, it especially was their deep commitment to environmental sustainability, as well as their dedication to producing the most eco-conscious products in the industry, that made our decision easy.”

SYNLawn’s bio-based backing system is derived from sugar cane and soy plants. The grass fibres are all second and third use recycled plastics. The result is a fully recyclable product rather than one that ends up in landfill.

“How to dispose of artificial turf at end of life has always been the big issue in the industry with surfaces ripped up and sent to landfill. SYNLawn offers an alternative as we simply cut up and recycle, bringing full circularity to the process. We offer a better product, at a better price, in a closed loop solution that is better for the environment. That is where our passion lies,” he explained.

Environmental considerations have strong foundations well below the surface. For example, the traditional materials used to support the groundwork used to build the base is now incorporating “industrial hempcrete” to create a more environmentally friendly

subbase without compromising longterm foundations.

This is not peripheral environmental messaging. It is material science applied with intent. By integrating bio-based inputs and extending product life cycles, SYNLawn reduces raw material consumption and landfill burden. Its proprietary Super Yarn technology binds antimicrobial, anti-static and heatreflective properties at molecular level, enhancing longevity while improving user comfort. Super Drain systems provide permeability of up to 2,000 litres per hour per square metre, maintaining playability during wet winters.

Such technical detail might appear academic until one considers the operational implications. A chipping green closed for eight weeks due to saturation represents lost coaching revenue and member dissatisfaction. A tee line requiring constant divot repair translates to staff hours and machinery costs. In this context, performance resilience becomes a commercial asset.

Nowhere is that convergence of performance and premium experience more visible than at The Kingdom at The Grove. Scheduled to open later in

2026, TaylorMade’s first Kingdom facility outside the United States will replicate the best-in-class fitting experience from Carlsbad, California.

Tour professionals from Scottie Scheffler to Charley Hull rely on The Kingdom for data-driven customisation; the UK installation will offer the same integration of TrackMan, Foresight, GEARS and Quintic analysis within a purpose-built, sustainably designed structure.

SYNLawn UK is providing artificial turf systems for both hitting and target areas, indoors and outdoors. Within a facility conceived to blend architectural distinction with elite performance, surface consistency is non-negotiable.

“GOLF HAS ALWAYS RESPECTED TRADITION. BUT IT HAS ALSO EMBRACED INNOVATION. WHAT WE ARE SEEING NOW IS A REVOLUTION IN HOW FACILITIES ARE DESIGNED AND UTILISED. SURFACES THAT DELIVER RELIABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND PROFESSIONAL-LEVEL PERFORMANCE ARE CENTRAL TO THAT EVOLUTION.”

Precision Putt and associated systems will underpin the short-game and fitting environments, ensuring that every measured shot reflects repeatable surface conditions.

For Michael, The Kingdom reinforces where golf is heading. “The line between performance, technology and design is disappearing. Players expect performance and accuracy. Coaches demand consistency. Owners require commercial return. Artificial surfaces, when engineered correctly, enable all three. This is working alongside traditional golf, complementing and not competing.”

Crucially, access for these projects are simplified. Through a strategic partnership with Golf Finance, SYNLawn UK now offers structured funding solutions that allow clubs to phase installations or undertake large-scale redevelopment without destabilising cashflow. Finance packages span new

builds, upgrades and expansions, aligning repayment schedules with projected revenue uplift from enhanced facilities.

“We are committed to making worldclass golf surfaces available to every venue that wants to elevate experiences and future-proof its business.

“Partnering with Golf Finance allows clubs to invest confidently. When you look at maintenance savings, water reduction and increased utilisation, the financial case becomes compelling.”

For greenkeepers and general managers accustomed to tight margins, that resonates. Synthetic solutions do not eliminate agronomy; rather, they allow resources to be redeployed where natural turf truly matters.

Championship fairways and greens can command greater attention when practice areas operate independently of seasonal stress. Hemp and pine resin pathways lock in carbon and offer a natural solution to areas of high traffic and save maintenance.

Meanwhile, TGL continues to amplify the conversation. Broadcast into millions of homes, its short-game theatre normalises the presence of engineered surfaces in elite competition. Spectators observe world-class players making holes in one and flighting wedges and holing pressure putts on synthetic greens without perceiving compromise. The visual and performance cues align

seamlessly with expectation.

In that sense, TGL functions as both laboratory and showcase. It compresses years of R&D into a format accessible to the broader golfing public. The message is subtle but unmistakable: innovation and tradition are not mutually exclusive.

“Golf has always respected tradition. But it has also embraced innovation. What we are seeing now is a revolution in how facilities are designed and utilised. Surfaces that deliver reliability, sustainability and professional-level performance are central to that evolution.”

From the SoFi Center to the parkland of Hertfordshire, SYNLawn’s trajectory illustrates a broader recalibration within the sport. The ground beneath the game is no longer a passive substrate; it is a calibrated component of performance architecture. For architects, course managers, investors and operators the implication is clear. The technologies validated under prime-time scrutiny in Florida are no longer distant curiosities. They are available in the UK, engineered for its climate, supported by structured finance, and integrated within projects as ambitious as The Kingdom at The Grove.

If TGL represents golf’s future on screen, SYNLawn UK is focused on the surface beneath it - measured, tested and ready for fairways, practice grounds and performance centres alike.

Honda’s new Miimo robot mowers about to hit the market

I’m off to Germany again and this time my destination is the Honda academy in Frankfurt. Having landed at the airport I am whisked along the autobahn. The German autobahn is a federally controlled highway system with no mandatory speed limit. We reach over 150mph and before you can say “Mercedes”, we are at our destination for the day’s events.

The Honda academy was built in 2009, amid the global recession. Honda were clear-thinking and freethinking enough to push on with this development when other companies were shrinking in fear of what the future looked like in the light of the financial crisis at that time.

The academy offers product training including new models, systems, maintenance, repairs and diagnosis. Non-technical elements also take place with communication, leadership and

Susan Lindsay reports on Honda’s latest robot mower launch from its facility in Germany.

management training.

There is a dynamic area of 10,000m2 tarmac of 280m length and a training area for motorcycles and ATVs.

Press gathered from the UK, Italy, France and beyond, all eager to see the new Honda wireless robotic mower, the Miimo range.

The new wireless models Miimo 1500i and Miimo 2200i will eliminate the need for physical boundary wires. The user can map mowing zones and adjust areas to allow for evolving layouts.

The models have antenna-free

network RTK systems, combining a high-performance RTK GNSS chip with 4G cloud connectivity.

The app interface is easy to use and allows you to draw a mowing area to fit your cutting needs. Honda’s car parking sensors work to ensure that obstacles are avoided with care, and the model can harmonise with the customers living/ working space. With the massive rise in technology improvement and developments, Honda aims to minimise the feeling of overwhelm that the customer might experience and develop models in

a timely fashion to stay in line with current needs and wants.

The autonomous and intelligent mower has capacity for high runability on uneven ground and slopes. The team is working on bringing out new additions in 2027 with all-wheel drive to ensure exceptional slope handling performance and outstanding agility on steep lawns.

Honda promise to service all customer categories, minimise burden and eliminate operating hassle. Their prediction that customers are going to want to spend less time cutting, remains to be seen. While smart technology has its advantages, is there really anything that can replace the human ability to achieve a high, fine tuft result?

I once worked at a world class golf course where for one summer, they cut a tartan pattern into the surrounding lawns within the five-star hotel

grounds. Now, while this may be a niche market, can a robotic mower achieve the same results? Having worked alongside the greenkeepers maintaining this design, they would say “let them do it!”.

Some of the key features and functions of the Miimo models include multiple mowing patterns, including a chess-board style layout. So, maybe tartan isn’t as far off as I might have first thought. With high waterproof performance, the new models meet IPX5 standards and maintain high cutting performance in wet conditions. This is a good thing for the Scottish market also!

Since the original Miimo launch in 2012, over 170’000 units have been sold and 99% were sold to the Europe market. The revenue last year was 144 billion Euros and Shin Yasui, General manager of power products says, “Honda’s robotic lawn mower business

is a key pillar for future growth”.

Products will be manufactured at Honda’s dedicated facility in France. This facility celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It is Honda’s largest production site for engine-powered lawn mowers and supplies Europe as well as Global markets.

The Miimo series is a commitment to Honda’s global vision for creating carbon neutrality by 2050 and contributing to a more sustainable future.

The Miimo wireless models will be available in Europe from spring 2026.

It’s all about the cut at South Herts

South Herts Golf Club is underlining its commitment to exceptional course presentation and outstanding playing conditions through its continued investment in Baroness mowing technology.

With two LM66 tee mowers, four LM56 hand mowers dedicated to greens, and an LM331 already in use as well as a Agrimetal GR400 Greens roller the impact on turf quality has

been immediate and unmistakable.

The quality of cut has been widely recognised by both the greenkeeping team and players alike, prompting the club to further strengthen its fleet with the addition of two new LM311 triple greens mowers.

Course Manager Sean Brocklehurst said: “I am very familiar with the quality of the machines. The biggest selling point has always been the cutting reels.”

“The quality of the bedknives and how long they stay on cut is by far and away the best on the market.”

The Baroness range delivers a low maintenance, quality-built solution ideally suited to the club’s ‘North London Clay’ construction – with the hand mowers helping to elevate the course not only in appearance but in agronomic condition.

Between October and February, when ride-on machine usage is reduced to minimise weight and tyre marking when travelling between greens, the pedestrian LM66’s and LM56’s become the mowers of choice.

“The LM66 mowers deliver the

cherry on the cake to year-round presentation on the tees. The cut is uniform and, from a maintenance perspective, there’s so little we need to do with them to retain that high level of finish.

“We also find that we are saving both time and money with the Baroness machines, by not having to replace blades so frequently or spend hours on upkeep and maintenance.”

Sean also praises the support from Baroness and local dealership George Browns which has also played a part in his loyalty to the brand.

“We’ve always found support readily available, whether its advice, parts or even the odd favour here and there.

Stuart Gray at Baroness and David Fisher at George Brown’s are always more than willing to help when needed.”

“I also like that Baroness are doing their part to support the wider industry, with educational initiatives and updates to their facility which hopefully means we’ll be able to make a trip for some training to ensure we’re using our machines to their full potential.”

Battery power a hit on bowls greens

W

hen Keswick Town Council reviewed how it maintained its fine turf areas, including its bowling greens, the objective was clear: Maintain traditional standards of presentation and playability while introducing quieter, more sustainable working practices.

For Parks Manager Christine Fawcett, who manages Fitz Park and Hope Park, which are charitable trusts, any change had to be practical, reliable and low risk. Fitz Park, in particular, is home to a well-used club bowling green as well as a public green; both of which demand consistency throughout the season.

Before adopting battery technology, the Council operated three Dennis FT510 cylinder mowers with a full range of interchangeable cassettes. The introduction of the ES-510 by Dennis provided a clear route to electrification without disrupting established maintenance practices.

“We wanted to reduce emissions without losing the versatility we already

had,” explains Christine. “Being able to use our existing cassettes made the move to battery cost-effective, straightforward and reassuring.”

The ES-510 uses the same 12 interchangeable cassettes as the FT series, allowing operators to switch easily between cutting, verticutting, grooming and brushing to suit bowls green conditions.

“The battery power has been extremely reliable. We can cut a bowling green and two grass tennis courts, plus a few other areas, on a

single charge.”

The quiet operation of the ES-510 has been a major bonus.

“Being able to mow without disturbing anyone is brilliant. Members of the public often comment on how quiet the mowers are – they’re amazed!”

While there was initial caution around investing in new technology, that confidence has been rewarded.

The Council has now been running its first Dennis battery mower for three years and has since added two more ES-510s, all delivering consistent performance.

Operators value the intuitive controls, adjustable walking speed and familiar Dennis feel, ensuring a consistent cut regardless of who is operating the machine.

Alongside environmental benefits, the Council has also seen reduced fuel costs. “We’re achieving the standards we expect on the bowling green while reducing running costs. The technology is proven, the quality is there, and the support has been first class,” said Christine.

Reactive oxygen species –causes, damage, prevention

By Jeff Haag, Turf Specialist, Xavier University, Cincinnati,

Ohio

Most turfgrass managers know that research has shown that free radicals, if not quickly converted to water and ground-state oxygen by antioxidants, can bleach chlorophyll, and can damage lipids, proteins, and DNA inside cells of the turfgrass plant. So exactly what are free radicals? Typically, stable molecules contain pairs of electrons. When a chemical reaction breaks the bonds that hold the paired electrons together, free radicals are produced. Free radicals contain an odd number of electrons, which make them unstable, short-lived, and highly reactive.

As they combine with other atoms that contain unpaired electrons, new radicals are created, and a chain reaction begins. This chain reaction or accumulation of reactive oxygen species in plants is generally ascribed to several possible sources, which can be attributed to environmental causes such as drought, heat, ultraviolet light, airborne photooxidants, or chemicals such as herbicides.

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species is central to plant response to several pathogens. The free radicals (reactive oxygen species) are singlet, hydroxyl, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide.

The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an unavoidable consequence of oxidative metabolism, which takes place to a greater or lesser extent in every cell type. Typically, these effects are balanced by cellular reductant pools, which are themselves regenerated by the same processes. Small changes in the environment can quickly cause a change in this delicate redox balance, resulting in a ROS burst.

The benefits from applied antioxidants observed in multiple photosynthetic parameters are due to increased protection of photosynthetic enzymes from ROS-mediated damage. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed for such protection of photosynthetic enzymes, the simplest being that photosynthetic enzymes are

directly protected by the capacity of the applied antioxidant to inactivate ROS.

An unavoidable consequence of aerobic metabolism is production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS include free radicals such as superoxide anion (O2•−), hydroxyl radical (•OH), as well as nonradical molecules like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), singlet oxygen (1O2), and so forth. Stepwise reduction of molecular oxygen (O2) by high-energy exposure or electrontransfer reactions leads to production of the highly reactive ROS.

In turf, ROS are always formed by the inevitable leakage of electrons onto O2 from the electron transport activities of chloroplasts, mitochondria, and plasma membranes or as a byproduct of various metabolic pathways localised in different cellular compartments.

Environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, chilling, metal toxicity, and UV-B radiation as well as pathogens attack lead to enhanced generation of ROS in turf due to disruption of cellular homeostasis [6–15]. All ROS are extremely harmful to organisms at high concentrations. When the level of ROS exceeds the defense mechanisms, a cell is said to be in a state of “oxidative stress”. The enhanced production of ROS during environmental stresses can pose a threat to cells by causing peroxidation of lipids, oxidation of proteins, damage to nucleic acids, enzyme inhibition, activation of programmed cell death (PCD) pathway and ultimately leading to death of the cells.

DNA DAMAGE

ROS are a major source of DNA damage [102]. ROS can cause oxidative damages to nuclear, mitochondrial, and chloroplastic DNA. DNA is cell’s genetic material and any damage to the DNA can result in changes in the encoded proteins, which may lead to malfunctions or complete inactivation of the encoded proteins. Oxidative attack on DNA results in deoxyribose oxidation, strand breakage, removal of nucleotides, variety of modifications in the organic bases of the nucleotides, and DNA-protein crosslinks.

Protein Damage

The attack of ROS on proteins may cause modification of proteins in a variety of ways, some are direct and others indirect. Direct modification involves modulation of a protein’s activity through nitrosylation, carbonylation, disulphide bond formation, and glutathionylation. Proteins can be modified indirectly by conjugation with breakdown products of fatty acid peroxidation [92]. As a consequence of excessive ROS production, site-specific amino acid modification, fragmentation of the peptide chain, aggregation of cross-linked reaction products, altered electric charge and increased susceptibility of proteins to proteolysis occur.

LIPID DAMAGE

When ROS level reaches above threshold, enhanced lipid peroxidation takes place in both cellular and

organellar membranes, which, in turn, affect normal cellular functioning. Lipid peroxidation aggravates the oxidative stress through production of lipid-derived radicals that themselves can react with and damage proteins and DNA. The level of lipid peroxidation has been widely used as an indicator of ROS mediated damage to cell membranes under stressful conditions.

PREVENTION

Carotenoids (B-Carotene). In terms of its antioxidant properties, carotenoids can protect Photosystem I and Photosystem II in one of four ways: by reacting with lipid peroxidation products to terminate chain reactions; by scavenging singlet oxygen and dissipating the energy as heat; by reacting with triplet or excited chlorophyll molecules to prevent formation of singlet oxygen; or by dissipation of excess excitation energy through the xanthophyll cycle.

Xanthophylls function as accessory pigments for harvesting light at wavelengths that chlorophyll cannot, and transfer the light energy to chlorophyll, but they also absorb excess light energy and dissipate it in order to avoid damage in what is termed the xanthophyll cycle.

a-tocopherol (Vitamin E). This is considered a major antioxidant in chloroplasts in at least two different, but related roles: it protects Photosystem II from photoinhibition, and thylakoid membranes from photooxidative damage. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin E are the result of its ability to quench both singlet oxygen and peroxides, although Vitamin E is a less efficient scavenger of singlet oxygen than B-Carotene, it may function in the thylakoid membrane to break carbon radical reactions by trapping peroxyl radicals.

Vitamin E also has the ability to donate two electrons, which results in opening of the chromanol ring to form the corresponding tocoquinone derivative. These combined molecular characteristics allow Vitamin E to protect polyunsaturated fatty acids from lipid peroxidation by scavenging lipid peroxyl radicals that propagate lipid peroxidation chain reactions in membranes.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). It is generally believed that maintaining a high ratio of ascorbic acid is essential for the scavenging of free radicals, and is needed in high concentrations in the chloroplasts to be effective in defending the turfgrass against oxidative stress. Although ascorbic acid can directly scavenge the free radicals superoxide and singlet oxygen, probably the main benefit that ascorbic acid plays in the prevention of free radicals is

that it is an excellent scavenger of the hydroxyl radical. The hydroxyl radical is dangerous to turfgrass because it can inhibit carbon dioxide assimilation by inhibiting several Calvin cycle enzymes.

Vitamin B6. Apart from its function as a cofactor, Vitamin B6 is also thought to act as a protective agent against reactive oxygen species (free radicals), such as singlet oxygen. Vitamin B6 is also the master vitamin in processing amino acids, and plays a very important role in developing proteins specifically designed to help chloroplasts, thylakoid membranes, Photosystem I, and Photosystem II to function properly.

Mannitol. The antioxidant mannitol has the ability to protect, and quench, two damaging free radicals: singlet oxygen, and hydroxyl. Singlet oxygen is damaging because it can react with proteins, pigments, and lipids, and is thought to be the most important species of light-induced loss of Photosystem II activity, as well as the degradation of the D1protein, which we will discuss later. It has further been demonstrated that when mannitol is present in the chloroplasts, it can protect turfgrass against oxidative damage by the hydroxyl radicals.

Amino Acids. The building block of proteins. Under optimal conditions proteins are able to perform the normal physiological function to synthesize amino acids, but intensively manicured turfgrass such as sports turf and golf course turf are rarely operating under normal conditions due to low mowing heights and traffic stress placed upon them.

The topical application of amino acids plays an extremely important part in developing the proteins specifically designed to help chloroplasts, thylakoid membranes, Photosystem I, and Photosystem II to function properly. These proteins are known as D1, D2, CP43, CP47, and cytochrome b559. Of special importance is the D1 protein because it exhibits the highest turnover rate of all the thylakoid proteins, and is also highly vulnerable to the free radical singlet oxygen.

Humic Acids. Humic acids are another compound that has shown to contain antioxidant properties that promote the scavenging of free radicals. The added benefits are that they also increase the availability of micronutrients, phosphate, and potassium to the plant, and enhance the chlorophyll content of turfgrass. Humic acid also has been shown to stimulate root initiation due to the auxin-like activity they contain, which is most likely due to their ability to inhibit indoleacetic acid (IAA) oxidase breakdown.

Seaweed Extracts. One of the major

SEAWEED HAS LITTLE NUTRITIONAL VALUE – THE REAL BENEFITS OF SEAWEED FORMULATIONS LIE IN THEIR ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES

components of commercial liquid seaweed extracts are the long chain polysaccharides, or carbohydrates. These sugars promote plant growth and are elicitors of plant defenses against fungal pathogens. Brown seaweeds, such as Ascophyllum nodosum, are also rich in phenolic compounds, which are secondary metabolites synthesised when a plant is under stress and protect cells and cellular components by scavenging ROS. Seaweed extracts also help the plant to withstand stress through its phytohormone content; auxins, cytokinins, betaines, gibberellins, abscisic acid and brassinosteroids. Seaweed has little nutritional value, although, they typically contain trace amounts of nutrients, and the real benefits of seaweed formulations lie in their antioxidant properties, elicitors of plant defenses, and in helping the plant to uptake nutrients from the rootzone and moving them around the plant to where required.

5-Aminolevulenic Acid. In turf and plants, 5-Aminolevulinic acid serves as a precursor to chlorophyll, the molecule responsible for photosynthesis. It is synthesised in the chloroplasts, and leads to the production of both chlorophyll and other essential molecules that regulate plant growth and development.

5-Aminolevulinic acid also plays an important role in plant stress responses, including tolerance to drought stress, salinity, shade, and heavy metals through the production of antioxidants to combat free radicals.

Salicylic Acid. SA is one of thousands of phenolic compounds, which consist of an aromatic ring bearing one or more hydroxyl substituents, that are synthesized by turf. Efforts to identify the function of SA have revealed that it affects a wide range of plant processes. In addition to influencing tolerance to various abiotic stresses (chilling, heat, drought, heavy metal, UV radiation, salinity as a result of having antioxidant activity to combat free radicals, or osmotic stress) and inducing resistance to biotic (pathogen-associated) stress.

Amazing Terrain Aeration way to stop waterlogging at home

Over many years, major house-building companies have called on Terrain Aeration to decompact back gardens and community areas of new-build developments.

During the building, the unavoidable combination of diggers, dumper trucks, bulldozers, concrete mixer lorries and parked vehicles take their toll on the soil, flattening the air out of it. Eventually, the areas that become the gardens and shared grass areas can

become overly compacted. They may already have a sub-soil layer of rubble, old bricks and general landfill waste contributing to the problem. The result is waterlogging and panning requiring very deep aeration as a cure.

Terrain Aeration’s Terralift system reaches a depth of one metre using a JCB hammer and probe to break through the compaction. At this depth, compressed air is released, creating multiple fissures in the soil. This fracturing is done working to a grid system with two-metre spacing between each injection of air.

As can be seen in the picture, there can be a massive amount of water trapped beneath the surface, causing the waterlogging in the garden. The spouts of water give a clear indication of the need to penetrate far deeper than normal turf aeration. As the probe exits, dried seaweed is injected which expands and contracts, keeping the interlinking fissures open and ensuring

maximum drainage to the area.

Terrain Aeration has provided the solution to this for some of the UK’s biggest builders, including TaylorWimpey, Barratt, and Persimmon. The Terralift machine has proven itself over the last 30 years in aerating and decompacting soils. It is the ideal way of getting oxygen back into the soil structure, is non-invasive and leaves no mess.

Once a garden has been aerated using Terrain Aeration’s machinery, nature will be able to help with the rejuvenation of the soil structure - so this treatment would not be required again. Different types of machine have been built to enable access to the gardens through single gates and garages.

Terrain Aeration works nationwide, providing deep aeration relief for waterlogging and flooding for house builders, sports grounds, amenity areas, golf courses and public spaces.

n www.terrainaeration.co.uk

BUYERS’ GUIDE

The start of 2026 has brought exceptional rainfall across the UK. In many regions, it has felt as though the rain simply hasn’t stopped since January. For grounds teams responsible for maintaining playing surfaces and amenity spaces, it’s created relentless challenges.

Waterlogged pitches, compressed maintenance windows, disrupted fixture schedules and constant reactive work are taking their toll. Teams are working flat out to present safe, high-quality surfaces, often battling against conditions that make that task feel near impossible. Even the most skilled and experienced professionals can only do so much when the weather refuses to cooperate.

Beyond the practical implications, prolonged wet and gloomy conditions can have a significant impact on morale. For self-employed contractors and small grounds businesses, lost working days and delayed projects can quickly affect income and financial stability. For employed staff, the pressure to deliver standards despite the elements can be exhausting. Add to that the physical demands of the job and the isolation that can come with lone working, and it’s clear that the strain extends well beyond the turf.

“It’s been an incredibly wet spell, and that always makes this stage of the season more demanding,” said Stan Hayden, Deputy Head of Grounds at Fulham FC. “With fixtures coming thick and fast, there’s very little recovery time for the pitches; so much of the work comes down to careful planning and constant adjustment day to day. We’re monitoring moisture levels, pitch firmness, and other key parameters closely, managing the surface as conditions change and doing everything we can to keep the pitch safe, consistent and performing at the high standard our players expect. It’s challenging, but the team has risen to the occasion every time.

“Periods like this bring real pressure, but it’s the kind of pressure that allows us to showcase our skills and deliver even in difficult conditions. It pushes us to adapt, problemsolve, and work together, making getting the pitch right all the more rewarding. And when the pressure does get high, it’s reassuring to know organisations like Perennial are there to offer both personal and professional support - helping people in grounds management navigate the demands of the job while looking after themselves and the team.”

We can’t control the weather… but support is here when the pressure builds

This is where Perennial is here to help. Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting everyone working in grounds maintenance and the wider horticultural profession.

The charity understands the unique pressures faced by grounds staff, from seasonality and unpredictable income to injury, illness and mental health challenges.

Grounds maintenance is skilled, physical work carried out in all weathers. Injuries can happen unexpectedly. Financial hardship can arise through no fault of your own.

Personal challenges, family difficulties or bereavement can make an already demanding role feel overwhelming. Perennial’s support is designed specifically with these realities in mind.

A wide range of free and confidential services are available to grounds professionals and their families. This includes access to trained caseworkers across the UK, debt and financial advice, wellbeing support and practical guidance delivered both online and in person.

Whether someone needs short-term advice or longerterm support, help is available.

Perennial also raises vital funds to sustain and develop these services, alongside running a select number of gardens across the country that provide opportunities for people looking to build careers within horticulture and grounds care.

For more than 185 years, Perennial has been helping people working in this profession navigate life’s challenges. By offering the right support at the right time, the charity helps grounds teams and their families build greater security and resilience, whatever the forecast.

n If you or someone in your team could benefit from support visit perennial.org.uk or call 0800 093 8543. Please share these details with your colleagues and staff, support is there when it’s needed most.