of Dreams...


drainage system would also be beneficial, as this will remove excess water from the site, although this type of work should only be undertaken by an approved contractor. Where the outfield has a reasonably level surface, but is used for more vigorous, heavy duty sports, such as rugby or football, then the maintenance of it becomes more involved. The area needs to be sustainable for the duration of its season and contain good grass coverage, be weed free and possess good drainage. To have good grass coverage, a sward composition favouring a mixture of high quality perennial rye grasses (Lolium perenne) would be the preferred choice, as the close season for football can be relatively short and, with moisture levels very low, it is crucial to select cultivars that will give you rapid establishment, exhibit wear tolerance that is required by such sports and require little or low


fertility; but also show resistant to disease. For outfields that are solely for cricket, then a sward composed of fine turf cultivars such as Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra commutata), Slender creeping red fescue (Festuca


rubra ssp. litoralis) and


Brown top bents (Agrostis tenuis) are more desired, as these species are more tolerant to drought, fast germinating and can be mown as short as 7-10mm, providing a faster, smoother surface. When swards are dominated by fine leafed fescues and bent grasses, the need for fertilisation is greatly reduced as these grasses thrive in low fertility conditions. Furthermore, a faster growth rate would require more frequent mowing and adds to the maintenance costs. To be exact on the fertility rates can be extremely difficult, as this depends on the inherent fertility of the soils and intensity of wear and tear. Of the three main plant nutrients for


fine turf, N, P and K, nitrogen is the most important, since it is the element that is primarily responsible for encouraging the growth of stem and leaf. Phosphate, however, affects all plant growth processes and is particularly involved in root development, whilst potash, which rarely produces obvious benefits in turf, is linked with the general health of the plant. Its function is to encourage resistance to disease, drought and to severe winter weather, particularly when there is a high level of nitrogen in the soil. Apart from N, P and K, iron is one minor element of definite value, when included in fertiliser programmes for most kinds of fine turf, since it helps give the grass a good dark green colour and reduces weeds, worms and disease. Sulphate of iron is widely known for its darkening effects on turf colour, producing a more attractive sward as well as a traditional treatment for the control


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