Rigby Taylor products are a cut above for the Sheffield Blades

Sheffield United FC’s head groundsman Glenn Nortcliffe complements his extensive pitch care experience by working closely with Rigby Taylor and together they have formulated an annual maintenance programme that clearly keeps the stadium pitch in pristine condition.

In addition to overseeding with seeds from the ‘R’ range, the programme of fertlisers, feeds and fungicides includes the monthly use of Microlite micro-granular fertilisers, plus applications of the Premier HG and Poly-Pro controlled-release fertilisers (the latter in July and November) as well as Magnet Rapide liquid iron (turf colour enhancer), Activate biostimulant, Spike (potassium and silica) and Amino-Form LX amino acid which are all applied five times a year.

“Rigby Taylor is a top company with top products,” says Glenn – and on Rigby Taylor’s recommendation we now overseed with a mixture of R140 and R14 perennial rye grasses. This means we are applying seven different cultivars, including the all-important tetraploids in R140 (Fabian and Tetragreen), which sees us making the most of rapid establishment, wear, and excellent tolerance to cold and shade, for example, in conjunction with the grow lights.”

Commenting that over the years there have been a stream of outstanding developments in grass seeds and treatments, for example, “especially including Rigby Taylor’s Microlite fertilisers”, Glenn adds that he has also worked closely with the company to reduce pitch N levels and improve root growth through balanced inputs.