Ongoing challenges - Issue 110

The UK turf community continue to produce world class surfaces - which is challenging enough. However, when you consider the variability in our climate and continuing demand for consistency and quality, it only reinforces why this is an industry that demands innovation and an open mind set.

To say this spring was challenging is an understatement; snow in March, then dry and cold in April with ground temperatures too low for the early season push you were all looking for. Fast forward into May and early June we saw baking hot weather with little to no rainfall. We all pay attention to weather but, despite the elements and ever increasing challenges, numerous annual prestigious events are hosted in the UK including The Ashes, Wimbledon, The Open and a calendar of race meetings - all of which proceeded as planned with world class surfaces - despite the weather. Gary Barwell even managed to grow Kryptonite!

In this issue, we go International; to New Zealand for the Women's World Cup (page 40) and also to San Diego (alas I didn't get to visit myself)! Director of Turf and Grounds, Mike Kerns at the brand-new Snapdragon Stadium (page 46) discusses what it's like to be involved in a new development and how he manages turf in a fixed warm climate.

There has been plenty in the news recently covering how European standards are changing to stop one of the Netherlands' peak polluters - Nitrogen. Our cover article features a Dutch perspective and how Scandinavian countries are leading change in their nitrogen and phosphate inputs. Find out how this will affect the UK amenity market and your surfaces from page 8.

As always, our regular sections offer a plethora of useful, informative content including disease management, winter use of soil surfactants, leaf clearance made easy, efficient water management, wellbeing advice and a host of conservation articles.

I wish you the best for the season ahead, whatever the climate brings us!

Kerry
t: 07973 394037
e: kerry.haywood@pitchcare.com