Scenario 1 - Good heavy loam depth but with organic matter
This is a very common scenario where there is sufficient loam depth but an accumulation of organic matter at or near the surface. This condition is often because of poor maintenance and scarification practices in the past, which have resulted in the square becoming thatchy and “dead”. The key objective is for effective maintenance to maximise sward recovery whilst removing any organic matter which may be present. There is not necessarily a need to build up any additional loam to any great degree if soil depth is deemed to be satisfactory i.e. cricket loam depths of at least 100mm.
The modern maintenance of this type of square would involve the use of a deep scarifier. It may be necessary, if the sward is particularly dense, to undertake a shallow surface scarification to remove herbage. Following surface conditioning, the deep scarifier would then be used in at least two directions across the square, the first pass along the line of play with the second pass at an angle of 15-20 degrees to the first. The depth of penetration could be between 10mm and a maximum of 15mm. This would bring a considerable quantity of organic matter/loam up onto the surface. Hopefully, weather conditions would be suitable for the organic matter to be either blown or brushed off ,or even
lifted off using an old cylinder mower. Once any organic matter has been removed, then the square could be overseeded and topdressed with new loam.
There is probably not a great
requirement to apply a deep layer of additional loam, as a recycling from the deep scarification will help to ensure a good key and a good seedbed. Following this operation the square would benefit from drag matting to work all the loams back into the scarification grooves. If deep scarification is undertaken using one of the modern tractor- mounted scarifiers then it is feasible to put a 15-wicket cricket square through the full renovation procedure in one morning. It must be noted that the application of loam should ideally be carried out using a top dresser, as this will help to provide an even coverage rather than building up higher levels in some areas.
Scenario 2 - Limited loam depth
This is where the depth of soil on the square needs to be built up and thus a significant input of loam is required each season. The key issue here is to ensure that the loam is sufficiently well keyed into lower levels and, again, the use of a deep scarifier for this procedure could be of great benefit. The basic procedure, again, would be to undertake the surface treatment and ensure that no thatch or organic matter is buried in the square. Following this,
the same deep scarification could take place. Once any organic matter has been removed, apply a good layer of top dressing (no more than 5-6mm), and perhaps carry out further scarification to mix and work the new and old dressings into the surface. Once all the loams have been applied, then the square needs to be dragmatted to ensure a smooth surface and work the loams into the scarification lines. Overseeding should be carried with the topdressing treatment.
The benefits
Apart from removing organic material, the key benefit of these scarification treatments is that it allows a surface seedbed to be produced without having a significant impact on the consolidated loams at depth. It will also allow very
From village green to county ground
Visit ourwebsite
atwww.boughton.co.uk and download an analysis sheet to find outwhich of our three cricket loams are most suitable for your ground.
Boughton Kettering, Club, and County Loams are sourced locally and analysed to establish compatibility and conformity. They are then screened and can be supplied dried and sterilised or untreated for construction projects.
Boughton Loam is available nationwide. To find your local stockist of bagged products please use the post code selector on ourwebsite
atwww.boughton.co.uk or telephone 01536 510515.
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