“Consistent growth without peaks”

From public green to sports turf management
For nearly forty years, Lion van Logten has been working in public green maintenance. He started as a grounds worker and parks maintenance employee and advanced to coordinator and sports field manager for the Municipality of Heusden.
Today, he oversees more than 45 football pitches, plus several hockey, handball, and athletics facilities.

“We handle almost everything ourselves, except for major renovations and heavy maintenance.
I always say: I’d rather mow once more than have to sweep — it saves both time and money.”

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Consistent growth with controlled release

Six years ago, Heusden switched to Mivena Controlled-Release Fertilizers (CRF), supplied by Vitagro.
Since then, the turf growth has become smoother and more predictable. While previous fertilizers caused visible peaks and dips, the CRF program ensures even, steady development throughout the season.

“With Mivena, the grass grows much more evenly.
It’s ten times better — maybe even fourteen.”

Mivena’s temperature-responsive coating follows the soil temperature. Nutrients are released only when the grass is actively growing, minimizing losses and keeping growth consistent — even through changing weather.

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Smart seeding: strong base, fast recovery

Heusden deliberately opts for two grass species, each with its own role. During renovations we sow in two stages: first the smooth-stalked meadow grass, and after five mowing cycles we overseed with perennial ryegrass. The meadow grass forms a ‘concrete layer’ at the base of the turf: strong horizontal runners with deep roots that create a stable, firm foundation. The perennial ryegrass above it provides fast coverage, a fresh green colour and strong recovery after wear. Together they create a dense, durable turf that maintains its quality even under heavy use.

“Bluegrass holds the turf together; ryegrass fills up quickly and looks sharp.”

A proper starter fertilizer helps the turf close faster, minimizing weed pressure.
The result is a dense, resilient playing surface that stays strong even under heavy use.

“Deep, lateral rooting from bluegrass builds the load-bearing ‘foundation’; ryegrass finishes the surface for quick recovery and colour.”

This root structure explains why goal areas stay intact longer and recover faster. The stable lower layer spreads load, while the upper layer regrows quickly.

Heusden fertilization program (2023)

Each sports park is soil-tested and calculated individually.
Most fields receive four main applications per year, adapted to season and use intensity:

Period	Product	Purpose	Avg. dose
March–April	Granucote CRF 30-5-6+2MgO (3M)	Spring base with CRF	100–150 kg/ha
June	Greenstar 22-9-9+2MgO (2–3M)	Summer growth and color	100–150 kg/ha
After renovation (Jul/Aug)	Starter 10-10-10+10 SO₃	Boost for goal areas	± 50 kg/ha
August	Greenstar 22-9-9+2MgO (2–3M)	Late-summer feed	100–140 kg/ha
Sept–Oct	Greenstar 13-0-7+6MgO+3CaO (5–6M)	Hardening & winter prep	100–150 kg/ha
Winter	Gypsum granulate	Structure & Ca balance	Field-specific

Additional field practice:
Coated seeds with fertilizer around them help reduce bird damage. This applies especially to renovated fields, as we sow the meadow grass on top of the soil and then work it in using a Cambridge roller, ensuring an even start. Where necessary, we make occasional nitrogen adjustments with the field sprayer.

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Practical efficiency on the field

Heusden keeps the program compact and manageable for a small team. Four application moments per year are sufficient in most cases. Big bags of 500 kg keep the logistics light and safe. GPS-guided mowing robots at two clubs take over repetitive work and improve spreading accuracy by creating fixed driving lines. Thanks to the even nutrient release, growth peaks disappear, brushing is needed less often, and goal areas stay dense for longer.

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Conclusion

What started as a search for less fluctuation and more control has become a proven system for consistent turf quality.
Heusden demonstrates that the right mix of controlled-release feeding, smart grass composition, and practical planning can truly make the difference.

Consistent growth — without peaks.

The post Customer Story | Municipality of Heusden appeared first on Mivena | Specialty fertilizer company.

From Broad Crop Range to Strawberry Specialists

In its early years JAMA grew a wide variety of crops ranging from vegetables to ornamentals. By 2003, the company made a strategic decision to specialise in open-field strawberry cultivation, recognising both the strong market demand and the opportunity to refine their growing techniques.

“That focus allowed us to deepen our knowledge and continuously improve crop quality,” Frank explains.

Long-Term Partnership with Mivena

The decision to focus on strawberries also marked the beginning of a long-term relationship with Mivena fertilizers.

“Through regular discussions with Mivena we’ve achieved many product improvements over the years,” says Frank.

To keep the crops performing at their best, JAMA still carries out soil and plant sap analyses two to three times per crop cycle.

“This ensures we know exactly whether the plants are receiving the right nutrients – and they consistently are.”

Proven Fertilizer Strategy

JAMA’s fertilization plan combines Field-Cote® 17+7+11+7MgO+TE 4M as a base application with Granufert® Green until flowering, followed by Granufert® Red. All products are supplied by long-time distribution partner KLEP.

“We choose these fertilizers because of the reliable service and because we know exactly how they perform,” Frank notes.

See the fertilization schedule here

Peonies: A New Crop, Same Reliable Results

Peonies are a relatively new crop for JAMA. However, by applying the same fertilizer strategy used for strawberries and simply switching from 4M to 8M Field-Cote, the JAMA has achieved exceptional results. This season, inspection authorities and fellow growers alike praised the outstanding quality of its peonies.

Confidence in What Works

Looking ahead, Frank sees no reason to experiment with other products or new formulas.

“Our current approach works perfectly,” he concludes.

With a clear focus, a trusted fertilizer partner, and a nutrient strategy proven in multiple crops, JAMA demonstrates how Mivena fertilizers help professional growers maintain top-quality harvests year after year, while successfully passing the business from one generation to the next.

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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.

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