Without the resources or expertise to
undertake the necessary maintenance the
sports turf system could fail
to a rapid decrease in porosity and wetter soils will often lead
A sit
to greater worm activity. Sand slits (which are only are 50mm
e inv
estig
ation
is
an es
se
wide) can also quickly cap grass growth by producing organ-
ntial s
tartin
g poi
nt
in a d
esig
ic litter, which inhibits drainage. Worm casts, muddy boots,
n pro
posa
l
heavy machinery and soil carried in suspension can all acceler-
ate the failure of these narrow trenches.
What are the issues facing the industry at the moment?
Can one specification of sports turf fit all climates?
I believe that sustainability, affordability and being environ-
Every site has its own peculiarities, so a site investigation is mentally friendly are big issues within our industry. To address
an essential starting point in a design proposal. However, a some of these, SAPCA has started a three-year joint research
design for a field in a wet climate can be similar to that for project with Loughborough University that will study the at-
a site in a drier area of the country; it’s often the aftercare tenuation and management of water in natural sportsturf.
in these areas that will be different. I believe that collectively we suffer from a lack of joined
Drainage without the provision for irrigation in drier up thinking. We need to resolve these problems by sitting
climes is a potential recipe for disaster. Although water is a around a table with sports governing bodies, funding
scarce and expensive resource, a simple irrigation system agencies, sports councils, consultants, contractors, groundsmen
can ensure that the drainage system does not break down and end users. The development of the SAPCA Code of
through the lack of moisture. Practice is an excellent example of the benefits of this
In the wetter parts of the country, adding sand to the topsoil approach, which we should continue.
during construction can be beneficial, not only for improv-
ing the soil structure but also to dilute the fine content of the Are there any construction standards
worm casts. Topsoil ameliorated with sand during construction currently available for natural sports turf?
can create a perched water table effect, which will retain
moisture in the drier summer months. SAPCA has been at the forefront of driving up standards in
relation to natural sportsturf construction. Over the past two
How can I ensure that the construction specification years the association has collected technical information and
will meet my usage requirements as well as my canvassed opinion throughout the industry and related sectors,
budget for maintenance? including discussions with the key organisations, to produce
the Code of Practice for the Design, Construction and Improve-
A good consultant will liaise closely with the client and draw ment of Natural Sports Turf. The Code is currently under final
up a design based on the specific needs and budget. review and will be published by the end of this year.
A vital question to ask is: “Will my current maintenance
practice be sufficient for the new build?” If the maintenance Billy Martin is chair of the Natural Sportsturf Division of
costs of a new surface are beyond the client’s means then SAPCA and a director of Kestrel Contractors.
the system could fail. For further reading and advice go to:
www.sapca.org.uk
Issue 4 2009 © cybertrek 2009 Read Sports Management online
sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 27
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