ICL
recently held the sixth successive annual Independent Schools Seminar.
The
event, held at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham brought together turf
professionals and provided an opportunity to network and enhance education and
understanding on a variety of different turf management topics.
Following
an introduction from event organiser Emma Kilby, ICL Area Sales Manager for the
Midlands and West, Gary Barwell, Head Groundsman at Edgbaston Stadium,
kick-started proceedings by offering an insight into pitch preparations at the
stadium as well as disclosing some of his team’s techniques.
In
the midst of a particularly difficult summer, delegates welcomed the opening
presentation by Dr Andy Owen, ICL International Technical Manager. Entitled
‘Growing resilient turf’, Andy focused on growing deeper rooted plants, which
explored a number of strategies that groundsmen can apply in order to encourage
rooting; explaining the importance of an integrated approach and that nothing
should be undertaken in isolation. Furthermore, Andy went on to provide a
plethora of hints and tips from research trials which included advice on best
practice in utilizing nutrition, dealing with parasitic nematodes and ideal
water management to get the best out of the grass plant.
Grass
seed is an important aspect of ICL's product portfolio and an essential part of
the company's integrated turf management solutions, and the next presentation
‘Seed for all Seasons’, provided delegates with a fascinating insight into this
aspect of the business.
Simon
Taylor, ICL Product & Business Development Manager, has more than 20 years'
experience in the grass seed sector and he revealed the opportunities for
potential genetic improvements in finding new traits in varieties that could
benefit the turf manager. He explained the motives behind looking at the best
of what US and European breeding programmes offer and how the finest of those
characteristics can be applied into various new blends.
A
complimentary lunch signalled the halfway point before Alex Vickers, Turf
Consultant, spoke in detail about his experience of helping to build a cricket
pitch in Rwanda. In this humorous and thought-provoking presentation entitled
‘Making the most of what you have got – a lesson from Rwanda’, Alex explained
how the team achieved fantastic results when faced with a near-on impossible
task.
Attendees
then received a glimpse into Syngenta’s new turf pigment technology when Glenn
Kirby, Syngenta’s Technical Manager for UK Turf & Landscape, provided an
overview on the new product - Ryder. This unique turf colourant delivers a
consistent, natural green colour and gives turf managers an opportunity to
colour up turf to their liking. Glenn explained Ryder’s strong longevity
qualities and how the technology protects turf from harmful UV rays and
excessive light.
Former
English first-class cricketer, Ashley Giles MBE, is arguably best known for his
heroics in England’s victorious 2005 Ashes series and he concluded the day’s
presentations by explaining his current role as Director of Cricket at
Edgbaston as well as relaying some very interesting and humorous stories about
how the successful Ashes team celebrated their monumental victory over
Australia.
After
dinner the day was rounded off in style as all attendees stayed behind to watch
the T20 game between Birmingham Bears and Leicestershire Foxes.
