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Peter Britton on 01747 855335 email: peter@pitchcare.com


SPORTS TURF CONTRACTORS


www.EARTHBOUND SERVICES.co.uk SPORTS PITCH SPECIALIST


An instant solution to poorly drained pitches this season. The Sandmaster can provide drainage solutions by injecting sand into the turf by continuous channels without any disruption to play.


Such deep aeration treatment could be undertaken up to four times per year with other aeration also carried out frequently. In conjunction with aeration it is hugely beneficial to give sand dressings. The spring renovation period is a key time for incorporating sand into heavy soils, but make sure that amelioration is achieved through the top 100-150mm and not allowed to form a thick sand layer on the surface.


addition, most pitches would benefit from overseeding and fertilisation. The seed, typically, would contain three or four cultivars of ryegrass, occasionally smooth-stalked meadow-grass and perhaps some fescue. The seed could be introduced in two directions at a rate dependent on live grass cover. Weeds may also need to be treated. Bare goalmouths would benefit


Sand selection is important and the use of a suitable medium-fine sand is vital. The use of lower quality sands can often worsen the situation. Sand is expensive but, if applied over a number of years, can transform a pitch. Typically, 50-80 tonnes of sand would be applied to a pitch. At 80 tonnes this equates to a layer around 5- 7mm thick! If cost is an issue then the central portion of a pitch could be dressed as this is normally the worst part. In-season local light dressings of sand to any wet patches can keep a pitch playable. Another important aspect is the nature of pitch usage. From our experience the greatest damage to a pitch is often caused by training activity, I typically equate one hours training to two hours normal play in terms of wear. This is due to repeated exercise and the concentration of activity. The use of training grids to take training off the pitch and mobile goals to prevent penalty and goalkeeping practice off the penalty box are a couple of ideas easy to introduce. The pitch should be reserved for practice and formal matches. The intensity of play is a factor;


very few grass surfaces will cope with 10-15 hours + play per week without massive loss of grass and surface disruption. But, pitches can cope with surprising levels of wear and it is up to those responsible for maintenance to determine what is achievable. In some cases additional facilities will be necessary or, alternatively, restrictions on pitch use. Where younger children are the main users there is often less damage from play. Certainly, records of play should be gathered so maintenance decisions can be made with this information.


What’s next?


Once the basics of aeration and appropriate usage have been tackled then the end of season maintenance needs to be addressed. This should involve vertidraining and sand dressing. In


from cultivation, sand amelioration and seeding and then protected from play. The goal posts should be removed to prevent casual play. In a dry spring and summer some irrigation would be ideal, especially on a sandier soil. Fertiliser is vital in the


ALSO •Koro Cutting •Laser Grading •Stone Removal •Excavations


01883 340969 email: earthbounds1@aol.com Kevin Baker


promotion of a healthy sward capable of withstanding play. Heavier soils often require one to two applications of general- purpose, conventional release fertilisers per year, whereas sandier soils can require monthly dressings or the use of controlled release fertiliser. It is difficult to be specific without a soil analysis or knowledge of a site.


SCONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE


Sand Slitting, Gravel Banding SPORTSTURF


Good cutting regimes help to maximise grass density. The grass should be cut when needed rather than to a time-based specification. Allowing grass to grow long weakens the plant and, if then closely cut, leaves debris on the surface that smothers the sward below. You should never remove more than 30% of the length when mowing


The use of growth regulators is becoming more common. The modern formulations discourage vertical growth and encourage a more compact, dense sward, thus reducing mowing frequency, but without affecting sward performance and ability to withstand wear.


In summary -w what would I do?


Initially, I would ensure usage of the surface was not causing unnecessary wear. I would limit training to grids and off pitch areas. I would try to ensure communication with the games staff, including them in what conditions the pitch should not be played, and even get them involved in monitoring pitch usage. Next, I would ensure the aeration, decompaction, sand dressings, renovation fertiliser elements matched the soil and surface. Finally, I would look at the need


for further drainage, from primary pipe systems to secondary systems. But that’s another story...


FTS


Sportsground & Amenity Contractors


Cricket Pitch Specialists


Unit 5, Beenham Industrial Estate Reading, Berkshire RG7 5PP Tel: 0118 9714420 Mob: 07768 696291 Fax: 0118 9714522


www.fts-sportsturf.co.uk


iain watson Maintenance Contracts


GREENKEEPING


Renovation Programmes Relief Staff


Tel: 01772 641008 Mobile: 07894 727361 Email: IWGreenkeeping@aol.com www.iwgreenkeeping.co.uk


123


D CRANE EST. 1984


Tel: 01772 780545 danvicturfcare@btconnect.com


Mobile: 07768 122577


CONSTRUCTION Golf Courses and Sports Fields


Sand Slitting, Gravel Banding, Piped Drainage DRAINAGE Koro Top Dressing, Overseeding, Sand Spreading Verti Draining, Scarifying, Hollow Coring,


For further details & consultation contact 07860 458822 or 07921 290985


Fungicide, Pesticide, Herbicide


RENOVATION SPRAYING


• Sports Pitch Construction • Earthworks • Maintenance • Drainage & Irrigation • Custom Grown Turf


• Install n Playball Turf Tiles 01400 251605


www.fine-turf.co.uk info@fine-turf.co.uk


V RENOVATION


erti Draining, Hollow Coring, Scarifying, Koro Field Topmaker, Topdressing, Overseeding, Sand Spreading


ports Fields and Golf Courses


SPORTSTURF


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