use of a tractor mounted set of hydraulic or trailed gangs would be very beneficial. These have a distinct advantage as the clippings generated by this operation are returned back to the turf. Any loss of nutrients is limited as everything is recycled, resulting in less fertiliser being applied. The only downside to this operation is the trailed or mounted gangs do not have the capacity to firm the surface, as a ride on or box mower would have, and the tractor wheel markings would be more noticeable during times of inclement weather. Mowing should be carried out at
regular intervals, with the frequency being reduced during the winter months and only carried out during active growth. Where the outfield is adopted for a dual use purpose, i.e. rugby or football, then the mowing regimes and the type of machinery required would have to be
tailored to the resulting sport. Tractor mounted rotary mowers can produce a good even surface for winter sport as well consolidating the surface for the ball to run smoothly. The height of cut will vary between 25-35mm for football and 50- 75mm for rugby. However, during the early spring and summer months, these heights can lead to problems with mowing; the need to reduce to cricket heights should be resisted, as this will also put stress on the grasses. The heights should be reduced gradually at 5mm or no more than 2/3rds of the grass plant at a time. This will strengthen the sward and create more density to help with wear and tear. When regular maintenance is not
carried out, then a cricket outfield can quickly become soft and spongy, as a layer of fibrous organic material develops at the base of the sward. This problem is most particular where fine leafed grasses
Quality made affordable
dominate and where regular aeration has been neglected. Scarification and aeration of the outfield is vitally important to reduce the effect of thatch build up. Scarifying at the start of the cricket season will prove highly beneficial in combating thatch. This operation, by linear aeration, will physically rip out and remove any straggly stoloniferois and procumbent growth. By regular scarifying, verti-cutting, harrowing or raking, at least once a month, will help keep the surface open and dry. It will also reduce the accumulation of organic matter, allowing much needed air and nutrients to the roots.
Thatch, the accumulation of a layer of
fibrous material, is a natural feature of turf development and cannot be entirely prevented. Total prevention would, in fact, be most undesirable as surfaces with no underlying fibre would lack resiliency and would easily become muddy in wet
2%
Finance Until
August 2011
FROM £70 PER WEEK* 2 YEAR
WARRANTY AS STANDARD
with great finance deals on Kubota tractors and mowers. With outstanding performance, simple operation and legendary reliability it’s even more affordable to now own a Kubota.
Get to work for less... *Conditions apply, see your local dealer or Kubota Finance Representative for more details. Conditions apply - see dealer for details. Find your local dealer or book a test drive today: Tel: 01844 214 500
www.kubota.co.uk 61
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156