stadium construction. Whilst that is better for the cultivation of tough turf that can withstand daily use, the percolation and drainage is poorer and there is the potential for turf loss without careful management.
Although the heated conditions of the undersoil heated pitches and wet soils create the ideal environment for early turf diseases, the strong growth it encourages can generally withstand low levels of leaf spot without the need to treat with a fungicide. “The disease level has certainly been no worse on the early Primo treated pitches.”
Management benefits
The slower growth of turf brings benefits for season-long management operations, according to Steve. If the ground has been spiked or vertidrained, for example, he can leave it longer before needing to go across with the mower, and get even more benefit of the aeration treatment. Reduction in grass growth during the summer months also makes mowing quicker, and reduces the time and effort required to move clippings; all the clippings are boxed during mowing and removed for on-site composting. “We are very aware of the
environmental implications of our land management, along with the talked about imposition of green waste disposal or composting charges for the clippings, and possible water restrictions in the future. We are keen to explore any avenue that may help us reduce the environmental footprint of the operations, through reduced grass growth and more efficient water use” he adds. Taking just the finest of trims off the top with each cut, to maintain the correct sward height, reduces stress on the plant, which in turn leads to better plant health. “We are also working on the possibilities of mixing fungicides with Primo MAXX during high risk periods for disease hot spots, such as October
and November.” Mowing continues every other day on all the pitches whenever possible in the height of the growing season, with slower vertical growth particularly welcome if weather conditions interrupt the mowing cycle. Steve also cites Poa annua infestation
as a problem on all pitches across the ground, but holding the sward suppressed has also tended to keep Poa small and less visible, with the desirable ryegrass predominating.
Tank-mix options
Extensive ground renovation, drainage and amelioration has developed a well drained site, but with plenty of topsoil depth to ensure good stability for players twisting and turning during practice. That does mean the soil is inherently fertile and Steve has to balance the fertiliser inputs carefully, through a combination of small liquid feeds in every spray application, along with half rate to keep the turf looking pristine, combined with granular fertiliser every five to six weeks. Barry McClosky of Avoncrop Amenity, which supplies Steve’s turf products, highlights one of the key facets of the Primo MAXX application is that it can be safely tank-mixed with a liquid fertiliser, to save time and prevent extra wear and tear by running over the ground too often. “Some people believe that, because they are using a growth regulator, the turf doesn’t need feeding, but trials, and Steve’s experience, has shown a combination with a liquid feed stimulates the strong lateral growth and a dense turf structure. Mixing the products allows operators to take advantage of optimal spray window opportunities, when conditions are ideal for spraying.” An advocate of precision spray application, Steve and his staff undertake
Barry McClosky of Avoncrop Amenity
Reduction in grass growth makes mowing quicker
all the spraying, using a high-tech accurate sprayer at a water volume application rate of 500 l/ha - and taking the few minutes extra time to get it right.
Steve acknowledges that the construction of a
huge new indoor training facility at the Colney site, due for completion in the early summer, could help ease pressure on the outdoor training pitches, but there is no substitute for the real thing and the coaches will always be eager to get out on turf whenever possible. Trying to manage the coaches’ demands and accommodate their individual preferences for training on certain parts of the ground is a constant challenge when they have no concept of turf management.
A testament to the high quality training facilities Steve and the club provides has been increasing demand from visiting teams to use the ground, including international teams, England, Sweden, Brazil to name a few and the Colorado Rapids from the US, which has a link with the Arsenal team and management. Steve is a great ambassador for the skills of groundsmen and remains willing to help others by sharing his knowledge.
Days OFF!
IAN LE MARQUAND, Head Groundsman, FB Playing Fields, Jersey: Being the son of a farmer it was no surprise I found a career in groundsmanship. I started working for the States of Jersey thirty-one years ago, straight from school, as an apprentice Gardner. The FB Playing Fields were officially opened in the 1940s and were originally run by the Florence Boot Trust, Florence being the founder of Boots the Chemists. However, the trust gave the fields to the States of Jersey in the mid 1950s dedicating it as a playing space for the people of Jersey. The facilities stand in some 23 acres of land that consist of four senior and two junior football pitches, one natural grass hockey, a 400 metre synthetic athletic track, one natural grass cricket square and two all weather artificial wickets. The centre also has two artificial netball courts, a large indoor table tennis centre and two large pavilions. One of the highlights of my career was being nominated
... or what Pitchcare readers get up to out of office hours
for, and winning, the Cricket World/Pitchcare Groundsman of the Year award in 2004. However, this award would not have been possible without the help and support of my staff and the mobile tractor operators and gardeners who have helped me achieve the high standards at the ground. I count myself very privileged to have such a marvellous job here in Jersey. Away from work my wife and I spend every spare moment of the day attending to the needs of our five ponies which we use for our hobby of carriage driving. We are both heavily involved in the sport. We attend many events throughout the year, both in Jersey and on the mainland. We enter several disciplines, driving trials, dressage, cone driving, road drives and shows. Looking after the horses and carriages is like having another full time job. I usually start very early in the morning, around 5.30am, and do a couple of hours before going to work. Once I finish work at 4.00pm I am back tending the horses until dark. Weekends are taken up completely with the preparation of the horses and practicing for any forthcoming events. The Driving Society runs an event every fortnight throughout the summer. As well as competing I am also the President of the Driving Society which, again, takes up a lot of time. All the hard work has paid off though and we have won a number of Championship events. We have even been lucky to perform at the Horse of the Year Show in recent years.
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