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• New Ultimate Pitch Package

Syngenta and Everris (formerly named Scotts) have launched an exclusive Ultimate Pitch Package of Primo Maxx growth regulator and Sportsmaster WSF water soluble fertilizer. The selected combination and programme recommendation is designed to create higher quality and harder wearing sports pitches that are easier and more cost effective to manage.

Everris National Account Manager, Ed Carter, reports the Ultimate Pitch Package provides sports turf managers with the chance to reduce the time and cost of cutting pitches by up to 50%. "The programme can also create greater turf density with better wear tolerance, as well as enhanced turf colour."

The use of Primo Maxx has also been shown to improve drought resistance and shade tolerance, along with reducing the line marking requirement, he added.

The Ultimate Pitch Package typically treats between eight and 16 pitches with three applications (above), depending upon the programme and application rate used. The programme should commence when turf is actively growing, with application rates adjusted to turfgrass species and relevant conditions, advises Mr Carter.

He calculates that across a site of training pitches, groundsmen could save up to £4000 a year in reduced mower operating hours and less fuel, along with releasing up to 20 hours additional time for other management operations (below).

It's a view endorsed by Alan Ferguson of Ipswich Town Football Club, who has been using Primo Maxx programme consistently over recent seasons. "We could see that application at monthly intervals was right for reducing the frequency of mowing, as well as fuel and operating cost savings," he reported. "Removing less leaf also reduces stress on the plant.

"Furthermore, we noted that the sward appeared to be thicker and the amount of surface damage reduced," added Mr Ferguson. "Both turf density and the reduction in surface damage has continued to significantly improve over the past two years of use."

He highlights that with the increased intensity of use on the training ground - starting earlier and going on for longer each season - the turf at Ipswich has proven well able to withstand the demands, and is looking better than ever.