Soil is spread in layers and cultivated
between them is their clay content, the higher the clay content, the larger the shrink/swell properties of the soil, coupled with its binding strength and higher bulk density.
Boughton County has a typical clay content above 30%, giving a firm true pitch able to last at least four days at County Cricket level, or to give a better surface to higher standard league clubs. Boughton Club has a typical clay content of between 25-28%. This loam is used at clubs that need a true firm pitch, but do not have the resources to cope with the higher clay content of County Loam.
Boughton Kettering has a typical clay content of 24%. This loam has been the mainstay of local authority and school cricket pitches for many years. It is ideal where a pitch is required to give a good surface, whilst receiving minimal amount of preparation. There is a tight weather window of opportunity for manufacturing loams. The digging and handling of clay soils need to be undertaken in the summer months of June, July and August when the clay soils are in a friable state and easy to work. When wet, they are almost impossible to work with. With storage space at a premium, the loam is produced from June onwards. Late ordering of loams can mean that
Machinery used in refining does not come cheap
demand can outstrip supply in the peak month of September, this, Simon says, is why it is important that customers confirm their orders early ready to take delivery of their loam in the best of the final growing window. Simon keeps a close eye on all stages of
production, to ensure that soils are produced to order and do not spend too long in the storage area. “The manufacture of soil products is not always a straightforward process,” he says. “They must be handled with care, as they can easily be destructured, particularly when wet.” “The reputation of soil products can also easily be tainted when a customer has had a bad experience. Often, this is caused by the wrong product being specified or, on rare occasions, when there have been delays in delivery, usually because the order came in late.” “We have introduced a number of new initiatives and services to assist our customers, with the launch of a new brochure, new website and regular newsletters to keep them updated about products and services.” “Retaining and looking after our
existing customers is key to the business” says Simon. “At the same time, we are looking to improve our efficiency, particularly in terms of maximising production. We are also looking to invest
in new machinery and technologies.” “Selling soils is a very competitive
market at the moment. The raw soil is in short supply due to the downturn in the building industry. Transport costs and rising energy prices also have a significant impact.”
“Quality topsoil is fast becoming a much sought after commodity, however, I am confident that we, along with other BRTMA [British Rootzone and Topsoil Manufacturers] members, will continue to be able to offer a wide range of quality topsoil products because we have all invested heavily in our businesses.” “It takes nature a million years to
produce 25mm of topsoil, so it is important we treat and respect this wonderful product of nature. In the end, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Topsoil today fetches a premium price, so it is important that we all choose and manage this commodity correctly.”
A bag of cricket loam currently retails at between four and six pounds, and is often considered expensive by many groundsmen. However, when you consider what goes into producing it, and the transport costs of getting it to site, it is, in real terms, well worth the cost.
Over 90,000 bags of loam were produced last year
Simon Hedley - new brochure, new website 123
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