The whole process took about three hours with a final report to be written to confirm scores
evenness and gradient, testing across the line of play and with the line of play. For evenness the straight edge is placed on the surface with Geoff measuring the depth of any gaps seen under the bar, gaps measuring more than 10mm need addressing (see PQS form for acceptable tolerances based on high, medium and basic standards). For gradient the same straight edge is placed on the pitch, with a spirit level rested on the bar. The height between the bar and the pitch when the reading is level indicates the gradient.
The incidence of pests and disease can also be monitored, looking for signs of plant stress, evidence of pest activity such as worm casts, rabbit droppings or insect larvae in the soil profile.
optimum timing of operations. It is unlikely you will get deep penetration until there is significant soil moisture in the ground, usually from late October onwards. The norm is to aerate between three and five times over a three month period achieving a depth of not less than 100mm. It is not recommended to undertake deep aeration works after January.
Geoff then produced a 3 metre long straight edge to check for surface
During the whole PQS assessment Geoff kept the club officials informed of his decisions and scores for each and every test, along with explaining, in detail, ways to improve any identified deficiencies. The whole process took about three hours, with a final report to be written to confirm scores and with recommendations of work needed to meet their playing standard.
Geoff also pointed out the importance of soil testing to monitor soil pH, organic matter content and nutrient status. Understanding these key indicators will
go a long way towards tailoring the correct cultural practices and making the right choice of products, such as fertilisers. The role of the ECB Pitch Advisors is to help clubs improve the level of their facilities with the aim of ensuring that the facilities they maintain are essentially meeting the targets set by the sports governing body and, more importantly, providing a challenging but safe and consistent surface for cricket at their chosen level of play. The ECB Pitch Advisory Scheme is funded by Sport England and the ECB, and represents the first governing body to address the issue of groundsmanship, in particular at recreational/non- professional levels. The scheme has resulted in the placement to date of forty-five County Pitch Advisors who are now serving clubs across England and Wales.
The ECB TS4 booklet, written by Chris
Wood, is also a valuable resource that explains the role of PQS assessments along with detailed information on cricket pitch construction and maintenance practices for all levels of the game. It can be downloaded from the ECB website or obtained in hard copy format.
See website for details:
www.ecb.co.uk Take Thatch out, put sand in! Contour Sand Injection
Brand new concept to the Graden range - Now there is a machine which not only grooves - but then immediately injects sand - right in to the bottom of the groove.
The sand goes in not on the surface.
• Amendments can be added to sand, such as Zeolite, Profile and Axis
• Can be used any time of year – even in damp conditions • Ideal environment for over seeding • Firms the surface • No loss of stability no matter what depth you go
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Machine in operation - injecting sand
Grooves at 30mm spacings
Sand injected to a 40mm depth. 43
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