Over three hundred people attended STRI Research 2019, held at STRI’s UK head office and research facility in Bingley on 25 and 26 September.

STRI Research 2019 was supported by their event partners, Airter, Aquatrols, Bayer, ICL, Headland Amenity, Sherriff Amenity and Syngenta, and delegates were taken on a tour of seven live research stations to find out more about some of the most innovative products, machinery and techniques that are being trialled and tested by the STRI Research team.

Take a look at the picture gallery for 2019

Station A – Airter

Airter introduced the airter® light 14160 by NOVOKRAFT Ltd, Switzerland, the world’s first continuous pneumatic soil loosening machine airter®, which improves soil structure and plant health immediately and sustainably.

Station B – ICL and Syngenta

The results of new Integrated Turf Management (ITM) research by STRI, ICL and Syngenta are providing practical solutions for greenkeepers and sports turf managers to create consistently better turf surfaces.

Station C – Headland Amenity

Headland Amenity has pioneered a multi-layered, straightforward and, above all, cost-effective approach to Microdochium nivale management using targeted applications of preventative fungicide in combination with plant elicitors and hardeners.

Station D – Sherriff Amenity

This year, Sherriff Amenity evaluated a series of products with potential positive environmental effects, along with benefits to turf growth, health and performance, with the primary aim to demonstrate growth is achievable using novel methods in the absence of traditional fertiliser products, the influence of pigment and the role of specialised micronutrients when applied with a unique fungicide mix.

Station E – Aquatrols

At Station E, Aquatrols discussed strengthening the plant and enhancing soil health through the novel combination of next generation soil surfactants and microbial blends.

Station F – Bayer

For the first time, Bayer showcased two trials at the STRI research day in September. With both aimed at informing greenkeepers’ decision making, based on the issues they face today.

Station G – STRI

Groundsmen now have a wealth of tools in which to manage high end turf surfaces. This has led to an increase in the quality of turf surfaces across the industry as well as increased user expectations. In this station, STRI’s technology manager, Dr Tom Young, explored some of the ways in which 21st Century turf management can be linked to other aspects of the sports facility.