... a fine line exists between aerating and destabilising the surface during winter months


be set to suit conditions, and the tine spacing set at between 75mm to l00mm depending on the size of the tines being used.


These machines can be best utilised if fitted with needle tines which aerate the surface at close centres. This action maximises the air filled porosity of the rootzone while, at the same time, causes minimal surface disruption with less rootzone compression around the tine holes. However, remember that a fine line exists between aerating the surface and destabilising it during the winter months.


Although aeration is important during the playing season its use in the summer months is even more important, since aeration during the growing season will promote a deeper rooting sward. Ideally, clubs should have their own aeration equipment, as this enables the grounds staff the flexibility to do the work at their own discretion. Timing is everything especially when influenced by the weather, fixtures or condition of the pitch.


Mowing , Scarification & Verticutting


Mowing is one of the most vital operations required on a regular basis serving several functions, all relating to the production of a healthy sward. Presentation is also much enhanced by


correct mowing techniques. It is an essential all the year round operation and the machine should be set at a suitable height (25-27mm) to provide a relatively short, quick surface. Scarification and verti-cutting will be of paramount importance if a clean, open sward is to be maintained. These operations need to be carried out on a regular basis particularly during the growing season. They will enhance presentation throughout the playing season and reduce the risk of organic build up and disease infestation, which can be costly to rectify.


Pitch analysis


It is imperative that the groundsman keeps a working diary detailing the maintenance regimes undertaken and the condition of the pitch, as this data can be used effectively to decide on any future maintenance or renovation works required.


It is important to monitor nutrient levels, as sand based pitches are renowned for leaching nutrients from their profiles. Also, keep an eye on root depth and check on its aerobic state and hardness.


Russell Latham, of Mansfield Sands, also carries out inspections of his customers’ facilities. This includes a soil analysis to check the fibre / sand ratios


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and also three separate Clegg Hammer tests during the year to check on the hardness of the pitch. Russell takes 144 Clegg Hammer readings on each pitch, to obtain a mean gravities value. The FA have stipulated that a pitch must achieve a Clegg Hammer reading of between 35-200 gravities. Using the STRI method of test with a 0.5kg Clegg Impact Hammer from a drop height of 0.55 m, the ideal reading for optimum play should be between 120 -140 gravities.


Nutrition


Sand based pitches are notorious for leaching nutrients so, to help promote and sustain health grass growth, a suitable, regular fertiliser programme is required. Fertiliser/soil improvers may be applied in either the form of a granular top dressing, or as a liquid foliar feed using accurately calibrated sprayers and spreaders.


End of season Renovations


Fibresand pitches are completely suited to modern day end of season renovation techniques. For major works it is advisable to employ the services of a competent contractor who has the relevant expertise and machinery to carry out such work. End of season renovation should be determined by the condition of the pitch prior to the end of the playing season and should be assessed at the appropriate time.


In most cases pitch quality will change over time. Having started with an ideal sward composition, and free draining, you may be faced with a changing surface environment once the ravages of play take their toll. By the very nature of the maintenance


required, plenty of watering and a constant feeding programme, the sward goes through many cycles of growth which, in turn, produces a lot of thatch and dead vegetation. If left to accumulate it will eventually slow water infiltration and provide an ideal climate for disease and proliferation of Poa grasses.


However, with the advent of the Koro


Field Top Maker, the job of renovating football pitches has been made more effective, with an opportunity to clean out all weak grasses and leave the desirable ones. Or it can be utilised to completely remove all surface vegetation to leave you with a new clean surface to prepare and over sow. In the past the Koro was generally used on a two-year cycle, but now, where budgets allow, some clubs will use it as part of their annual renovation


programme. Generally, there are four renovation options for Fibresand pitches:


1. Annually - The basic renovation technique is to scarify in several directions to thin out the sward, top dress with a compatible root zone, fertilise and overseed.


2. Annually - Use the Koro to remove 20mm of surface vegetation, top dress and overseed.


3. Bi-annually - Complete removal of all vegetation, restoring levels, top dressing, fertilising and overseeding.


4. Every 4-5 years - Complete Koro removal of all the vegetation, power harrowing the complete profile to introduce new air spaces and then top up with new Fibresand materials, roll, fertilise and overseed.


There are many preconceived notions about Fibresand pitches and how they perform. The initial cost of the materials, the specialist work involved to maintain them, and the perception that they are hard and unforgiving are common misgivings. However, talk to most groundsmen maintaining them and they will sing their praises. Long gone are the days of having to spend 3-4 days hand divoting and repairing pitches. After match damage of a Fibresand pitch, when maintained correctly, should be minimal - just minor scarring that can usually be put right in a quarter of the time.


And hardness? It is all about management of the profile, regular aeration, and the fact that groundsmen can maintain a quality sward, which will dictate the resilience and hardness of the playing surface.


At the end of the day it is about the skill and expertise of the groundsman and how he uses his resources and equipment to manage the pitch.


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