GEO Certified and described as an ‘outstanding role model for sustainability in golf’, Sweden’s Mjölby Golfklubb provides an interesting mix of nine holes played on open former-farmland and nine holes in dense parkland – all maintained to the highest environmental standards. An important part of this is a nutritional programme orientated around organics – more specifically, 6-2-4 Turf Revival ® and 5-2-4+Fe from Suståne.

Sustainability is a priority across many aspects of the club operation, a philosophy shared and implemented by Course Manager Peter Ihrebrink and the greenkeeping team of four. The work to protect and develop nature and community, while being sympathetic to water, energy and material resources has seen Mjölby highly ranked in a number of global golf club awards, including in the ‘International’ category of the highly prestigious ‘Golf Environment Awards’.

“We had been using organic fertilisers for a number of years before making the switch to Suståne – a decision we made after thorough discussion with our local distributor CropHealth AB” describes Peter. “After conducting soil analysis we settled on a programme of two or three applications of Suståne 6-2-4 Turf Revival ® during the main growing season, followed by one application of 5-2-4+Fe to provide an extra boost of nutrients and long-lasting slow-release nitrogen as we head into the winter months.”

Suståne Turf Revival ® 6-2-4 is designed to replenish the soil with a rich supply of humus and mycorrhizal fungi, to improve the uptake of nutrients and boost overall plant health. Particularly beneficial for us around renovations or intensive maintenance, the mix of macro and micronutrients contributes towards optimal plant establishment and quick green-up, followed by up to eight weeks of uniform growth and colour.

“This is something we have certainly noticed – that we achieve greener grass without the lateral growth creating a healthier turf surface that looks and performs better.” In addition, Peter notes the reduction in disease activity the team have noticed since switching to Suståne. “Overall we have also seen a decrease in disease activity, though the ever-changing climate does mean we are constantly monitoring this.”

He adds, “We really value the advice and close working relationship we have with CropHealth AB who conduct regular soil samples to make sure the programme is on track and delivering the results we expect. We are seeing improvements in the composition of our profile which is giving us the strong foundation we need to support more sustainable grass species and create top-level playing surfaces without the need for artificial chemicals or products.”