The Netherlands
September 2013
Heemskerk is a town on the west coast of the Netherlands. Years ago, they had big problems regarding the football pitches of Ado 20 and Odin ’59. After trying a lot of different approaches they decided to try the NatuGro system of Koppert. Now the pitch requires much less maintenance: the turf sods no longer need to be straightened, there are hardly any hollows and holes and less ‘sweeping’ is required.
Past situation
The grass had virtually no roots left and could be lifted straight out of the subsoil. If someone performed a sliding tackle, it left big marks on the turf. The worst damage was caused by harmful nematodes, but there were also problems with fungi and leatherjackets (the larvae of crane flies).
The supervisor for Heemskerk municipality, Mr. Rene Meewezen, was given the advice to increase the application of organic fertilizers based. But instead, he took a different tack and started using the NatuGro system.
NatuGro system
There is a great diversity of micro-organisms to be found around the roots of a plant, and each has a specific role within the growth medium. A well-balanced underground ecosystem makes a vital contribution to plant health by making the right nutrients and disease-suppressant elements available. We make a distinction between bacteria, fungi, protozoa (single-cell organisms) and nematodes living around and interacting with the plant’s roots.
New approach
The first step was to stop applying synthetic fertilizer to give the soil life a chance to recover. Then, several NatuGro products were introduced. In addition, the water used to water the pitches was checked. Many sports clubs unwittingly apply water which is far too saline. Now, the Heemskerk clubs do not automatically water their pitches, only when it is really necessary.
Results
The grass was rooting to a depth of 22 cm, the soil column did not disintegrate and there were no disruptive layers. Compared to eight years ago, the pitch requires much less maintenance: the turf sods no longer need to be straightened, there are hardly any hollows and holes and less ‘sweeping’ is required.
The water-storing capacity of the pitches has considerably increased over time. The pitches are also regularly spiked (holes made to air the roots).
The maintenance staff also point out that every year, less grass seed is required for reseeding and they now only need 60 kg instead of 100 kg. At the end of the football season, the major maintenance takes place. The pitches are reseeded, which these days is only needed around the goalmouths.
All in all, according to Mr. Meewezen, this has resulted in 50% less labour (2 FTE)!
All the benefits of NatuGro at a glance
• Less work required for maintenance and less mowing.
• Fewer matches cancelled due to heavy rain and waterlogging.
• Less grass seed required when carrying out major maintenance.
• No more problems with harmful nematodes, leatherjackets and fungi.
• Better for the environment and enjoyable to work with!
Species
