• Improves soil surface drainage (water infiltration).
• Helps to increase soil temperatures. • Increases soil pore space.
• Allows gaseous exchanges in the soil (oxygen, carbon dioxide) that improves root depth (growth and development).
• Aids integration of top dressings into soil profile.
• Aids the breakdown of thatch /organic matter.
• An aid to promoting better surface levels that will increase ball roll /speed.
• Aids surface firmness/dryness, thus increasing ball bounce and surface grip.
There is a wide choice of implements now available, providing different tine sizes, operating widths and shattering features that can satisfy the requirements
of any facility. Importantly, there are some on the market that do not disturb the playing surface, and allow play to continue after use. In recent years we have seen the development of pressurised air and water aerators that offer deeper aeration than conventional machines.
Top Dressing
The application of a good quality top dressing, combined with a suitable aeration programme, will go a long way to counter the ravages of play. Additionally, on sites where the existing soil is not necessarily suited for sporting activity, the use of appropriate top dressing materials can contribute significantly to the production of an acceptable playing surface by making progressive changes in the composition of the surface layer.
Benefits of top dressing:- • Restores surface levels.
• Stimulates new root and shoot growth.
• To cover seed (soil seed contact to initiate germination).
• Increases water holding capacity of the soil.
• Improves soil structure. • Increases nutrient retention. • Improves surface drainage.
• Increases air filled porosity (air pores in the soil).
• Increases ball bounce/roll.
Choice of top dressing materials will be determined by: • Existing soil type
• Type of facility construction - USGA specified greens, specialist sand constructed sports fields.
• Different sand types - to improve surface drainage.
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