Groundskeeping Journal Issue 20 2023 | Page 13

TOP DRESSING
“ It was the organic aspect that led me to Suståne ® initially . We were looking for something that would boost the good bacteria in the profile and not be harmful to the environment or our aquatic life , while also keeping on top of the variety of turf diseases
We were looking for something that would boost the good bacteria in the profile and not be harmful to the environment or our aquatic life , while also keeping on top of the variety of turf diseases that appear . that appear .” The programme , drawn up by Suståne ’ s Russell Riley and Neil Rogers from AGS consists of 4-6-4 slow-release fertiliser , 5-2-4 + Fe for a boost of colour during December , January and February before a switch to 5-2-10 + FE during spring and autumn . Lee also uses Bolster™ Liquid Biostimulant and Suståne 6-2-4 Turf Revival ® which he claims provides instant recovery following heavy renovations in March and August .
“ Recovery is one of the biggest factors for us , with tight turnarounds in maintenance windows and this is where Suståne ® has been fantastic . The extended slow-release nitrogen within the 6-2-4 product gives us an instant boost followed by a month or two of consistent recovery .” Lee continues , “ We also have a couple of greens particularly susceptible to Anthracnose . If this starts to appear we simply put down a half rate of the 5-2-10 which provides enough goodness back into the soil to effectively control any outbreaks .”
A noticeable consistency to overall plant health has meant that Lee doesn ’ t feel the need to try anything else . “ We know our programme , we know it works for us and we know that advice is always available from Russell or Neil to tweak things if required . Not only that , but it ’ s also reassuring to know that we ’ re running the course in a way that is sympathetic to the environment we ’ re in to protect what we have here now and into the future .”
www . sustane . com
GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | November / December 2023 13