Just prior to the new rugby season starting in September 2011, Graeme will again aerate the pitch, this time using the Earthquake linear aerator set at 200mm centres, and topdress with another forty tonnes of 70/30. They feed the pitch with an array of
products using granular and liquid , with some seaweed and other organic materials to keep the soil in balance. The pitch has remained fairly unchanged since it was constructed in 1891. Being soil based it has had its fair share of drainage problems in the past. However, a recent programme of localised drainage works has improved matters.
The club use additional facilities at Hartpury College, where there are natural and artificial grass pitches. Dave does not have an unlimited budget for the pitch and, consequently,
has to ensure he gets value for money when buying and procuring services. However, with such a long history of groundsmanship in his family, he is not short of a few contacts to help him achieve his aims. His substantial experience at the club additionally aids his success - Dave has been Stadium Manager at Kingsholm for over fifteen years, and has done virtually every job involved in running a busy rugby club. He explained what a typical week would be like leading up to a match:
Monday:
Dave is ever mindful that the weather will influence the work he and Graeme can achieve on the pitch, so keeping an eye on the weather is crucial. He has a number of sources he can take forecasts from, including Pitchcare’s own service, which sends him email updates
on a daily basis. They also have a contract with Sports and Stadia Services that offers them a frost cover system should they feel the need for extra protection during the winter months.
Dave and Graeme aerate the pitch at the beginning of the week to allow it time to settle down before the weekend match. Deep tining is done using a Wiedenmann Terra-Spike to a depth of anything between seven and ten inches (175mm-250mm), with 20mm diameter tines set with little or no heave. Depending on the tine spacing, this job can take as little as three hours or as much as ten hours to complete.
Tuesday:
Verti-draining is completed, and the pitch is brushed, using an 8ft Sisis brush on a Singleplay frame, to help stand the grass up, before cutting with
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