Magazine - Algae and Moss resoundingly defeated at historic home of Rugby.

By Editor in Industry on 9th May 2010 9:00

The Problem - Algae & Moss are a growing concern.

As the spiritual home of rugby football, Rugby School in Warwickshire takes enormous pride in maintaining the sports pitches and grounds to the highest standards. However, the problems created by algae on sports surfaces are a constant concern, in terms of costs, aesthetics and safety.

James Mead, The Head Groundsman, is in charge of a major maintenance and management programme to ensure that the highest standards are met. But every year his team, like groundsmen around the country, has to battle algae problems. James Mead: "Many in our industry have found the combination of warmer and wetter conditions have contributed to a major increase in the problematic formation of algae, moss and aspergillus niger, especially on all weather sports surfaces.

It is a huge problem when you consider the cost of pitch construction, upwards of £200,000, with many establishments having more than one. Add the numerous other artificial facilities that suffer algae related problems, plus the thousands of users, and it is clearly vital that a practical, efficient and cost effective solution is put into place at sports venues across the UK.

It was during our ongoing research and commitment to finding this solution that we trialled Residual Barrier Technology - RBT 24/7".

The Solution - RBT hits the ground running.

RBT staff worked with James and his team investigate how best to be proactive in deterring the algae problem before it can get a hold, whilst also eradicating existing infestations.

Residual Barrier Technology is formulated truly broad-spectrum elimination of bacteria, fungi and spores, creating a hostile microsurface that combats reestablishment and significantly reduces risk of contamination. The molecular solution remains active once dry to deliver substantial, long lasting performance.

The Results

James applied RBT 24/7 via a standard 'knap sack' and also a tractor mounted sprayer at a solution of 4:1. It was used on all of the artificial surfaces that require 'constant and consistent maintenance'. James Mead: "We have been getting excellent results from RBT 24/7. The benefit of RBT 24/7 across all sports is huge and I feel we have found at practical solution to our algae nightmare".

• Applied on polypropylene sand-filled and polyethylene sand-dressed hockey areas (these where already contaminated, especially on the shaded side of the complex) both pitches have remained clean and clear.

• Tennis and netball are played on tarmac and it is vital to have a non-slip surface. These were sprayed to halt and prevent infestation before the poor weather hit in late December. The results have been clean and clear.

• Furniture and dugouts that surround the sports areas were also treated. The results were just as effective.

• The same results were achieved when RBT was applied to PVC Sight Screens on the cricket pitch and the rugby posts before storage.

• The versatile quality of RBT 24/7 means that Rugby School now uses the product right across their sports facilities
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  Read more or purchase RBT online now

Read more articles in Industry, by Editor or from May 2010.