inadequate. In many cases, at the training ground, there is and/or has been insufficient depth of rootzone to allow for free draining surfaces. The depth of rootzone has meant water being held in suspension and creating waterlogged pitches in the winter time. To add to the problems, the majority of the existing pitches were also inhabited with 100% Poa annua. Paul concedes that, for around two months of the year, during the hottest period, he’d be better off with a warm season Bermuda grass to survive the intense heat but, for the rest of the year the sward mix of rye and Poa pratensis (smooth stalk meadow grass) performs admirably. Madrid is at quite a high altitude and, being inland, has an extreme range of temperatures between the sub zero winter months and the arid,
hot summer months. Rainfall is relatively low and all the pitches, including the synthetic surfaces, have automatic irrigation installed. Paul has two shifts that work at the training ground, a morning and an evening shift and they include irrigation experts who monitor the moisture levels. This is on top of sensors that also detect drop in moisture content and automatically top up the pitches. Disease is a problem with the heat and the grass varieties used, so any incidence of fungal activity has to be checked immediately. Paul has seen Pithium wipe out half of a pitch in as little as forty- eight hours, so he’s now on a programme of preventative control, but it’s not as straightforward in Spain to use certain chemicals as it is in the UK. Paul has also gone through the
machinery inventory at both the main stadium and the training ground. Previously, the machines available were inadequate, including a 5 gang fairway mower and a 18” pedestrian scarifier. He has brought in Dennis pedestrian cassette mowers, ride-on triple mowers, tractors, topdresser and aeration machines.
The working ethos that has been Paul’s life at Arsenal, was a massive culture shock for his new staff in Madrid and, initially, it caused unrest and problems, trying to get them to work to the standards that Paul insists upon. But, as always, the proof is in the pudding, and now the team can see the improvements made to the playing surfaces over the last year or so, they are a much easier group to organise.
... continued over
The Leading Name in Linemarking
is a world leading brand for linemarking equipment and paints. Today, thanks to our policy on ongoing research and development, we offer an unbeatable range of equipment and paints, suitable for use in
Supaturf®
every types of venue, from international stadia to local sports and schools pitches. Our aim is to provide the utmost in linemarking quality, whatever and wherever the application, combined with ease of use and economy.
TXE Proven in use all over the world
Easy to use – all controls mounted on the handlebar
Marks up to three soccer pitches on one tank
Sprays lines to the front or side Lightweight and virtually noise-free
Optional flush tank for cleaning of filter, pump etc
Full range of accessories available including athletics attachment, marking disks and spray boom
Xcel The most advanced line marker available
Change dilutaion rate from 1:8 to 1:20 without stopping work Exceptionally easy to use Sprays lines to front and side
Quick cleaning – easy-clean tap allows full flushing of all paint line components
The 5 litre paint tank can outlast separate 30 litre water tank by over 2 ½ times
Linemarking paints Supaturf®
offers a comprehensive range of linemarking paints suitable
for every type of application. These range from high performance, bright white marking liquids to a range of coloured liquids developed to create logos and advertisements on grass.
SupaStadia Eco High performance, high concentrate liquid
Reduces the amount of paint you have to mix by 2 ½ times
Highly cost-effective and environmentally friendly
Supaturf Paints Free flowing formula Wide range of paints available For use on many types of surface
Further information and technical enquiries: Tel: 01530 510060 Email:
info@vitax.co.uk Web:
www.vitaxamenity.co.uk 67
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