in 1993. Then, in 1998, the whole pitch was reconstructed using fibresand for the upper rootzone. This revolution in turf maintenance and management techniques vastly improved the durability of the playing surfaces which, inevitably, led to a wider choice of reinforced sand/soil amendments. Desso, Extragrass and Locksand have all have been designed to improve surface sustainability. However, it is Mansfield’s Fibresand that seems to be the popular choice, with over 100 football and rugby clubs in the UK and abroad now using the product in either their stadium or training pitch facilities.
The new Wembley Stadium is one of several venues that has been constructed or renovated using Fibresand. Others include Leyton Orient, Luton Town, Burton Albion, the new Doncaster Rovers Community pitch and Worcester Warriors Rugby Union Club at Six Ways Worcester.
A TYPICAL Fibresand construction consists of a 100mm depth of fibre reinforced sand/rootzone material laid on to a lower 150mm rootzone - both sit on top of a fully integrated drainage system that promotes rapid drainage rates.
A high sand content, typically 80% by weight, is used to promote good surface drainage characteristics. The life span of these Fibresand pitches depends on how well they are
maintained. The key is to establish a good cover of grass, that has a deep rooting structure, and to carry out the appropriate pitch renovations at the end of each playing season. With Fibresand groundsmen are able
to carry out all cultural practices including scarifying and deep aeration. Successful management of these surfaces is based around normal maintenance techniques such as irrigation, feeding, brushing, mowing and aeration.
Surface Hygiene
It is essential that the sward remains clean and open, with no organic build up present. Good mowing practices, along with scarification and verti-cutting, should be backed up with sweeping and collecting of any decaying matter, particularly after matches or events. A clean interface between the individual grass plant and the rootzone is essential if the pitch is to continue to drain and hold together during periods of dormancy.
Surface hygiene assists in the
prevention of disease or the build up of black layer or algae. Surface accumulations of thatch and decaying material will also impede the passage of surface water. The sward should be brushed, using pedestrian drag brushes, as a matter of routine, to disperse morning dew and to stand the plant upright. One other form
of brushing which will be required periodically is a tractor mounted drag brush for a deeper agitation of the Fibresand materials.
Irrigation
It is essential to have an efficient automated watering system that can deliver a uniform covering of water. A policy of drench and drain should be adopted in order that the roots of the grass will follow the water down through the rootzone profile. Irrigation should not be undertaken on a little and often basis as this will encourage shallow rooting and Poa annua infestations. During preparation for matches the immediate surface should not be allowed to dry out as this may lead to a reduction in surface stability. On occasions it will be beneficial to lightly water the surface prior to matches, particularly during periods of dry weather.
Aeration
Aeration is a vital component in producing a sward able to withstand the rigours of a full season’s use. It serves many purposes and can be undertaken in different forms but, in the main, aeration should be carried out using punch action equipment. Vary the depth and diameter of tines between 8mm - 12mm, ensuring they penetrate through the fibresand profile. Working depth and surface heave should
solved!
spreading agents. Released over three different time spans – short, medium and long-term – it maximises prolonged water
Scotts UK Professional, Paper Mill Lane, Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 4BZ. Tel: 0871 220 5353 Fax: 01473 830386 email:
prof.sales@
scotts.com www.scottsprofessional.co.uk
10
www.pitchcare.com/re
blem
How to reduce your irrigation needs and treat Dry Patch Now there’s a product which helps maintain efficient levels of irrigation yet conserves water, and it will deal with Dry Patch too.H2Pro is formulated with a new generation of wetting and
For the single solution to a dual problem, please call on 0871 220 5353
H2Pro®. The new wetting and water conservation agent ®Registered Trade Mark of the Scotts Company and its affiliates.
uptake whilst reducing overall irrigation needs, not just on the surface but throughout the root zone.And when used on localized areas of drought-stressed turf,H2Pro offers immediate relief, reducing Dry Patch by up to 80 per cent. Suitable for all turfgrass types,H2Pro comes in liquid, granule or tablet form.
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