SPORTS PITCHES
Success with Suståne at Watford Football Club
hree formulations
T of Suståne Natural Fertilizer have been credited with their role in the ongoing success of the maintenance operation at Watford Football Club . Forming the base of the nutritional programme at both the Vicarage Road stadium and the club ’ s London Colney training ground , a combination of Bolster Granular 4-4-4 + 3Fe , 1-1-1 Soil ReGen ® and Suståne 4-6-4 have delivered consistent results to the satisfaction of the club and grounds team alike !
As one of the worlds most widely-researched organic ranges , Suståne ’ s tried and tested portfolio for winter sports plays an important role for grow-ins and renovations – providing long lasting soil builders and sources of plant nutrition that specifically encourage rapid root development , superior growth and ongoing plant protection . It ’ s here that Watford Grounds Manager Scott Tingley has cited the successes of Suståne , with both the Bolster Granular 4-4-4 + Iron and Soil ReGen ® playing an important part in post-renovation recovery .
“ We ’ ve been using Suståne products at both of our sites for the last seven seasons . Bolster Granular 4-4-4 + 3Fe is applied primarily at renovation time , due to the addition of Mycorrhizae .” Derived from biologically stable ingredients and containing both water soluble and slow-release sources of nitrogen , Bolster Granular provides a formulation of organic nutrients , beneficial microbiology , plant biostimulants and a powerful blend of
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Throughout the playing season , we switch to Suståne 4-6-4 organic slow release , to replenish our sand dominant constructions with a rich supply of humus and other essential nutrients .
mycorrhizae to promote greater root access to soil nutrients and water . The addition of 3 % chelated iron enhances colour and rapid root development , while seaweed extract , humic acid and compostbased microorganisms deliver plant health and strength for all turf grass situations .
Alongside Bolster Granular 4-4- 4 + 3Fe , Scott applies Suståne ’ s Soil ReGen following full or partial renovations - a soil conditioner that reduces compaction , increases water and air infiltration rates while also improving the nutrient and water holding capacity . “ This helps us to incorporate lots of valuable nutrients such as Zeolite , Biochar , Mycorrhizae and Humates at a critical time , when the plant is wanting to root and develop .”
“ Throughout the playing season , we switch to Suståne 4-6-4 organic slow release , to replenish our sand dominant constructions with a rich supply of humus and other essential nutrients . We ’ ve found this to contribute to increased rooting and a strong , healthy plant more resilient to disease and turf pathogens .”
The results at both sites speak for themselves – seeing the Watford team regularly recognised for outstanding pitch quality . Scott concludes , “ We put a large part of our success as a grounds team down to the benefit of using Suståne products .”
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GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | May / June 2024 51