Research matters: an overview and update on research projects

Research matters: an overview and update on research projects

11 ‑ 11.45am

An opportunity to get the headlines from four university‑based fundamental turf research projects being managed by ICL. There will be a focus on presenting the key results and practical outcomes on the subjects of managing plant parasitic nematodes with seaweed extracts, utilising recycled nutrients, contrasting the plant and soil health benefits of organo‑mineral fertilisers and the very latest science on wetting agents and plant water uptake.

• Characteristics of good quality research and why it is so important to the turf industry
• How seaweed extracts can be utilised to manage plant parasitic nematodes in turf
• Contrast turf response to organo‑mineral fertilisers with mineral and organic versions
• The added value of utilising recycled nutrients within a fertiliser programme
• How wetting agents work to aid water and nutrient uptake in sports turf rootzones

Presented by: Dr Andy Owen, International Technical Manager and Henry Bechelet, Technical Manager, ICL

Dr Andy Owen

International Technical Manager ICL Turf & Landscape

Dr Andy Owen is ICL lnternational Technical Manager for its turf and landscape business. Andy is a soil scientist and agronomist with a Ph.D. from the University of Wales in Bangor.

Prior to joining ICL he was a sports turf lecturer at Myerscough College developing and delivering industry-focussed degree level courses to distance learning and in-college students.

Henry Bechelet

Technical Manager ICL Turf & Landscape

Henry Bechelet is Technical Sales Manager in the UK & Ireland for the turf and landscape business. Henry has been in the turf industry for over 25 years. He originally trained as an agricultural agronomist but then joined the turfgrass industry as a trainee agronomist in the early 90’s. Henry has spent roughly half his career engaged in independent consultancy and the other half on the commercial side of the industry. Over the years Henry has built a reputation as being an enthusiastic and entertaining presenter who has always been very progressive in his views.