Symbio has further demonstrated its commitment to innovation and training by employing three R & A scholars in 2013. They have all either completed their BSc in Turf Science or are working on their final thesis.
The new members of the Symbio technical team all studied at MyerscoughCollege conducting research projects on the provision of better grass playing surfaces by improving soil biology.
Kerr Hunter BSc (Hons) formerly Course Manager at Gleddoch House completed his thesis on the use of bacteria and fungi, including mycorrhizae, and zeolites to improve perennial grass growth and establishment. Kerr is based in Glasgow and supports customers in Scotland, Southern Ireland and the North West of England
Adam Shoesmith BSc (Hons) was runner up in the ECB Outground Groundsperson of the Year 2010 and in 2011 won the IOG Most Promising Student of the Year with experience as Head Groundsman at WhitgiftSchool, a spell at the Oval and latterly managing the compost tea programme at the Belfrey. Adam completed his dissertation on the use of compost teas on cricket squares. Adam is based in Litchfield and is working with golf clubs and sports grounds in the Midlands.
Philip Garrod is currently researching the use of microbes to clean up oil spills on sports turf for his thesis. Phil has worked on several golf courses, latterly at WycombeHeights and lives near Watford. Phil’s area covers the eastern Home Counties and East Anglia.
Martin Ward, Symbio’s managing director, comments: “Now that turf management techniques are developing so rapidly, highly skilled and experienced advisors are essential to ensure our customers understand and get the best results from innovative technologies. Symbio, as an accredited training provider to the Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC), is already known for its comprehensive seminar programme, for greenkeepers and groundsmen, and the new additions to our team of technical managers will allow Symbio to provide training and tailored, site specific assistance to a much wider range of customers.”
In addition to increasing Symbio’s coverage throughout the UK the new members of the team also help Dr Su Hodgson, Symbio’s research and product development manager with field trials and new product development.
Symbio www.symbio.co.uk