POST-SHOW RECAP
Above photos by Robert Augsdorfer .
field manager more effective or the playing surface safer . The winning products were as follows :
The Mascaro Infill and Cleat Depth Tester from Turf-Tec International is a testing instrument that will measure infill depth on synthetic turf , as well as cleat depth penetration on synthetic turf and natural grass or any other surface where cleats are being worn by athletes . The unit uses Bluetooth technology and , by utilizing the free version of the SpecConnect App , users can record the readings in the app as they test . By subscribing to the paid version of SpecConnect , users can also GPS map the area being tested .
The GKB Leaf Reducer from STEC Equipment , Inc . converts leaf waste into a soil improver . The Leaf Reducer ’ s blades collect the leaves , and a vacuum effect pulls them through the machine . The leaves are pulverized into a fraction of the original size . This process
breaks down the leaves so that they are more easily absorbed into the soil . Advantages of the Leaf Reducer are compost left behind to improve your soils , elimination of the need to dispose of leaves off site or the need to blow and then collect , and less wear and tear on mowers .
The LED440 from SGL is the first LED lighting system for growing sports grass on a 4,700-square-foot surface in a sustainable way . The grow lighting unit enables sport field managers to maintain a high-quality and safe playing surface all throughout the season . Its premium LED lighting and infrared technology , combined with a smart control system , guarantee the highest grass quality and optimal energy efficiency all year round . Since the beginning of 2023 , the LED440 has been available in North America , and is the only unit of its kind that has been engineered to operate on the U . S . power grid .
2024 Innovative Award recipients Turf-Tec International ( left ), STEC Equipment ( center ) and SGL Inc . Photos by Mark Skalny , courtesy of SFMA .
sportsfieldmanagementonline . com March 2024 | SportsField Management
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