of cut will range from 3.5mm to 5mm during the playing season. A by-product of healthy grass
growth is the build up of thatch. In the past this was only ever removed during spring and autumn renovations. However, with the invention of verticutting units and thatch reels, scarification can be carried out on a more regular basis (fortnightly), thereby preventing thatch build up.
Aeration
All grass swards are grown on soil/sand profiles that provide the appropriate environmental structure for plant growth. This growing medium is made up of minerals, organic material and soil pores (water and air).
Maintaining the correct balance of these components is critical for sustaining healthy plant growth. However, the main contributing
factor that reduces and damages pore spaces in soil is compaction caused by compression forces normally associated with play and use of machinery, particularly during wet weather periods. Over time these compression forces reduce the pore spaces so that air, water and nutrient flow through the soil profile is restricted, thus leading to many problems associated with compaction. Aeration will reintroduce air into the soil profile by mechanical means.
survival and growth, soil formation and strength, playability and presentation. Water is influential in all chemical, physiological and biological processes of plant growth. The soil/plant water relationships are critical to the sustainability of any grass plant. Therefore, it is essential that greens are watered during dry periods to sustain grass growth. Many clubs do have access to water and, in the main, probably keep their greens watered using a hose and sprinkler system. Care should be taken to ensure the green is watered uniformly and to adequate depth.
Renovations
Renovations are generally carried out at the end and beginning of the playing season. End of season renovations help
rejuvenate the playing surface after a long hard season of wear and tear, with the main emphasis on restoring levels and repopulating grass species. It usually begins with a heavy
Irrigation is essential for plant
To advertise in this section contact Classifieds
Peter Britton on 01747 855335 email:
peter@pitchcare.com
SPORTS TURF CONTRACTORS
Natural and synthetic pitch construction
iain watson Maintenance Contracts
GREENKEEPING
Renovation Programmes Relief Staff
Tel: 01772 641008 Mobile: 07894 727361 Email:
IWGreenkeeping@aol.com www.iwgreenkeeping.co.uk
scarification of the playing surface to remove thatch debris and provide a key for new rootzone materials, followed by topdressing to restore levels, then overseeding. Once this work has been
completed the green is usually fertilised to help promote and sustain grass growth throughout the winter period. Spring renovations are carried
Other activities
Other than the main core activities mentioned above, there are several other tasks or activities that can be implemented during the playing season. These will include:
Tel: 01256 880488 Email:
info@kestrelcontractors.co.uk
www.kestrelcontractors.co.uk www.pitchcare.com
out to rejuvenate and prepare the green for the forthcoming season.
A. SMITH GRASS SERVICES A Healthy Solution to the Perfect Surface
Sportsfield Construction Drainage Schemes Renovations & Improvements Cricket Specialists
Fertiliser Applications
A planned fertiliser programme should be implemented. Ideally, a soil analysis should have been carried out to ascertain the nutrient status of your soil. Once known, an effective NPK fertiliser programme can be applied to maximise plant growth. Fertilisers come in both granular and liquid forms. It is important tto understand how these products work and how to apply them. If in doubt leave it to a professional company to do it for you. Many greens are damaged and affected by poor fertiliser applications, using the wrong product or over or under dosing. This often leads to visual and physical problems on the surface.
Irrigation
sporting facilities have irrigation systems of one sort or another. Without them they would not be able to prepare and maintain their playing surfaces.
Most, if not all, professional
Tel: 01529 455757 Fax: 01529 455775 e-mail:
steve@stevenpask.co.uk
www.stevenpask.co.uk
TEL: 01473 652982 MOB: 07759 542773
GWAZAE DEEP GROUND PROBE AERATION KORO FIELD TOP MAKER • SCARIFYING VERTI-DRAINING • HOLLOW CORING SEEDING • TOP DRESSING
Email:
adrian@grassservice.com Website:
www.grassservice.com VIBRA-TINE SAND MASTER
CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE- ANY SPORT ANY SURFACE
-
www.sgcgroup.co.uk
• Keeping the surface clean and free of debris and other extraneous materials, possible use of wetting agents to prevent dry patch forming and help improve soil moisture contents.
• Keeping drainage ditches clean and safe.
• Maintaining hedges and boundary fence lines.
• Maintaining flood light columns and lights.
• Maintaining shelters and seating features around club house.
• Servicing mowers and machinery.
SeniorGolfConstruction RapidTurf SeniorSportsMaintenance SeniorSportsConstruction
Tel: 0161 343 1044
Help us to help you! When responding to advertising please mention that you ‘saw it in Pitchcare’
Consultancy, Management & Renovation of Sports Surfaces
Winter Pitch renovation BLEC Groundbreaker and Sandmaster attachment Koro Field Topmaker
Midlands & North Wales
Mobile: 07779 333010 Tel: 01889 567449
www.vitalturfmanagement.co.uk Email:
lee@vitalturfmanagement.co.uk
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SPORTSTURF
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