BRTMA Launches Industry Guidelines
The quality and playing performance of turf areas is very dependent on the medium in which the grass is growing. It is essential, therefore, that materials are selected carefully to ensure healthy grass growth without the need for excessive irrigation or fertilizer use. Over the last 40 years a combination of research and practical experience has allowed the identification of the types of rootzone material that are most suitable for sports and amenity surfaces. A vital requirement is to be able to produce such materials to a consistent quality. The formation of the British Rootzone & Top Dressing Manufacturers Association by a group of specialist manufacturers within the industry was an important development in ensuring the supply of materials to high standards of specification and quality control.
Now these industry experts have drawn up a set of 'Guidelines for the Purchase and Supply of Rootzones' which establish the optimum point of testing of such material. The current practice of sampling and testing after delivery is not acceptable and it is important that the rootzone suppliers are not penalised for poor product handling after delivery to site. The aims of the Guidelines have the support of the Association’s official test house, the Sports Turf Research Institute, and will be circulated widely to contractors, agronomists and end-users.
“This document is the result of many hours of discussion amongst the membership” said John Halfpenny, BRTMA Chairman. “As suppliers, we are able to demonstrate that we can supply approved, repeatable and quality-controlled products for the construction and maintenance of sports turf areas. By issuing these ‘Guidelines’ we hope that customers will appreciate the benefits of purchasing their materials through a BRTMA member and receive peace of mind that their products have been tested for specification compliance prior to despatch.’
Download the BRTMA's Guidelines for the purchase and supply of rootzones (pdf, 255kb)
See more on www.brtma.com
15 February 2008
