Interview with Erik Pessel: 20 Years of Trust in Mivena

We visited Erik Pessel, who has been responsible since 2003 for managing more than 100 sports fields in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer. About half of these fields are natural grass. With twenty years of experience, Erik is a walking knowledge base when it comes to field maintenance. He has relied on Mivena fertilizers just as long, and back in 2003 he was one of our very first customers.

“The less you have to spread, the better,” he says as we walk across the main field. “It saves time, labor and prevents growth peaks. We are still reaping the benefits today.”

The search for long-lasting performance

In 2003 Erik was looking for products with a long-lasting effect. Less frequent spreading means less disturbance of the field and more time for other tasks. Through Vitagro, our dedicated turfcare dealer from day one and still a key partner today, he came into contact with Mivena. Thanks to the combination of Vitagro’s expertise in the sports field segment and our product quality, Erik found exactly what he was looking for. For more than twenty years now, we have been working together with Vitagro on reliable solutions and top results in turfcare.

–> www.vitagro.nl

Spring: a fast start

The maintenance year begins for Erik with Granucote CRF 30+5+6+MgO (2/3 months) with the biodegradable Durable® coating.

“It gives a controlled nitrogen boost, exactly at the moment when the grass is coming out of winter. Growth continues smoothly, without sudden explosive peaks. And that makes keeping the fields in shape much easier.”

Summer: stable, minimal adjustments

Around June, when the fields are being renovated as part of major maintenance, Erik switches to Granupermanent CRF 18+7+15+2MgO+Fe (2/3 months Durable®).

“The release is beautifully even. Perfect germination of the grass seed, so the turf closes quickly, less weed pressure and therefore less work.”

Autumn: strong into winter

At the end of the season Erik chooses Granucote CRF 12+5+24+2MgO+Mn (5/6 months Durable®). This fertilizer supports recovery, root development and resistance against cold.

“We see a clear difference. Fields that receive this nutrition stay strong and green longer, and they are better able to withstand heavy use and winter conditions.”

More than just product

The relationship with Mivena goes beyond supply. For advice, Erik regularly consults with Vitagro as his first point of contact and with Stefan, our advisor.

“Stefan thinks along, gives clear advice and can always explain why something works. And above all, he is just a great guy to work with.”

Experience beyond the municipality

Erik also gained experience outside the municipality, including at the baseball and softball complex in Hoofddorp, home of the “Hoofddorp Pioniers,” with an MLB-standard field, where he collaborated with an American maintenance team.

“Keeping a field in top condition is craftsmanship. You have to consider soil conditions, usage intensity and the right timing of fertilization. There’s much more to it than most people think.”

Twenty years later

After two decades of working with Mivena, Erik is still convinced of his choice:

“Reliable, efficient products that fit our maintenance level. We don’t have to perform too many actions, yet we always see clear results.”

With twenty years of experience – and as one of our first customers – Erik demonstrates that consistent use of the right products leads to strong, healthy sports fields, year after year.