ARTIFICIAL Intelligence!
Artificial cricket pitches mean far less graft for groundsmen than grass, yet the performance and life of these low-maintenance surfaces can be optimised by a few key tasks throughout the year.
Here Steve Foxon, Head of Technical Services at Notts Sport, shares his maintenance calendar with Pitchcare readers.
Start as you mean to go on
The level of the ground underneath the playing surface can be affected by wet weather and frost, but this is easily straightened out before the season starts using a light roller across the length and width of the pitch to restore firmness and improve bounce. The amount of rolling depends on the type of pitch system installed. Those which rely on an aggregate base for performance will need to be rolled twice a week for three weeks before the season gets into full swing. A directly laid pitch, which doesn’t need an aggregate base, will need just a couple of rolls. If the rolling action causes wrinkles to appear at the edges of the pitch, the nails at the perimeter can be removed and the wrinkles pulled out before re- fixing the surface. Take care to release only three metres of the mat at a time. Using a firm-bristled broom, sweep away leaves and similar debris, now and throughout the season, to prevent it rotting down into the fibres and
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encouraging moss and algae growth. Many suppliers or installers provide specialist packages for a “spring clean” of the surface - power cleaning and chemical treatments to prevent weed, moss and algae growth. More extensive pre-season groundwork can also include the maintenance of stump boxes and the re-levelling of run- ups and crease areas, which should be carried out by the surface supplier or installer. However, direct lay pitches and those with an underlay to protect the aggregate are much less likely to need this type of maintenance.
Keeping up the good work
Once the season is underway, you can start your mini-maintenance programme to ensure a perfect pitch throughout the summer.
Brush the surface at least once a week
to remove silt and debris, and mow perimeter grass, ensuring clippings are cleared from the artificial surface to prevent rot and moss growth. Lines can
be touched up between games and, as a general rule, re-mark the crease weekly or fortnightly.
Subject to the weather and the pitch performance needed, use a light roller across the length and the width of the surface occasionally to squeeze any water from the system. If you have an aggregate base, this will also firm this while, during dry spells, an aggregate based pitch can be watered to help compact the ground beneath. Again, if wrinkles appear along the sides of the surface during rolling, the perimeter fixings can be released and the surface gently pulled straight. Check that there is enough clay in the stump holes and top this up as needed and, if excess clay has formed a mound, work it around with a heel to re-firm it, adding a little water to soften it if necessary. After matchplay, check the surface for any wear and tear, paying particular attention to the bowler’s delivery area and the creases. Areas of frayed carpet
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