Technical Disease
Keep an eye on fungal disease attack and use approved fungicides to treat infected areas. Fusarium has been quite prolific, with some surfaces getting severely scarred. Use appropriate fungicides to control any further outbreaks, however, with the grass soon beginning to grow, it won’t take long for these scars to grow out. Fairy rings are also quite prominent on greens at the moment. A dose of feed or liquid iron will stimulate some grass growth and this will help mask the fairy ring/patches.
You may apply a dose of liquid iron to colour up and provide strength to the grass plant. Brushing/switching of the playing surface keeps it clean and removes any dew or surface water. Keeping the surface dry will aid resistance to disease.
as lifting the sward. Aeration will be a key activity that can be carried out too, along with some localised drainage/repair works to rectify any problem areas you have identified.
January is also a good time to carry out repairs and maintenance to cricket sightscreens and other structures around the ground. You may get some favourable weather for painting and repairing these structures.
February
Depending on the ground conditions, and if you haven’t already done so, you should try and carry out your first cut before the grass gets too long.
A rotary mower would be best suited for this purpose. You may need to raise the height of cut, so that you are just topping it off and not trying to remove too much grass in one go.
Sarrel roll your square after the first cut to open up and lightly iron out the surface.
A low nitrogen, higher potassium feed (NPK 6:5:10 +6% Fe) will help green up the grass and, at the same time, help control any moss that has accumulated in the sward during the winter months.
By the end of February, the mowing height on the square should be lowered to around 15- 18mm, subject to local weather conditions. But, remember not to remove more than one third of total grass height in each cut.
Light verti-cut the square to remove any lateral growth caused by the snow or wet weather. The less stress that is placed on the grass at this time the better results you will get into the season.
Artificials/Net facilities
Sand filled systems also require regular brushing to maintain manufacturer’s recommendations for sand levels and pile heights.
Repair damaged structures and netting, and order new if required. Strim and mow around structures.
FOOTBALL
THERE are a number of things that we need to assess following a covering of snow.
The first thing to look out for is the possibility of disease and, depending on the composition of the grass species cultivated and how it has been managed, may relate to the degree of infestation or lack of it. Poa dominated grass turf is more susceptible to disease, as is a sward with thatch layers that harbour the pathogens so, if you want to reduce the incidence in future, you will need to look at how you manage your turf and how this relates to the composition of species that you whish to cultivate.
It cannot be emphasised enough that you need to pay particular attention to ensuring that you have a soil profile that is free draining, and that you keep air circulating around the base of the grass through a regular programme of spiking and brushing. This will help to keep your grass surfaces dry and disease free.
January
Applications of tonics, such as seaweed based products, can be applied in accordance with your annual programme to help your grass get over the stress of the cold weather, but apply when the conditions are correct and
Cricket outfields
Do not neglect your outfield; if conditions allow try and carry out some aeration work using solid tine or slit tines. Aerate by hand or machine to aid surface drainage (vary the depths of penetration to prevent the development of a soil pan). Keep on top of any grass growth, if left too long it then becomes a struggle to mow.
The combination of moist soils and surface moisture on the leaf blade can increase the susceptibility of disease attack. Regular switching or brushing following heavy dew will help prevent any attack of disease.
Sarrel rolling will open the surface for much needed air to the roots; then dragbrush the square to raise the sward, as it may well be flattened.
your grass will get the most benefit from it. Always read the label and consult the manufacturer, if unsure. Brush regularly to keep the grass upright and air circulating around the base of the plant.
Keep an eye out for disease and treat at the early signs.
February
If weather conditions allow, apply a turf tonic to ease the stress on your grass. Apply as directed on the label. Look also for the visible signs of nutrient deficiency. Though the grass has not gone into full growth, nutrients may well have washed through on some of the more free draining pitches with sand based rootzones.
Continue spiking when the conditions are right. Keep your spiking regime flexible, alternating between surface spiking, deep spiking and slitting. Hand fork goalmouth and centre circle areas.
Start thinking about your end of season renovations, and how you may be tackling the possibility of an extended season and the need to get onto the pitches to carry out the work. Start to build your strategy and get it down on paper. Look at what resources you will need - manpower, materials and what machinery. With reference to your machinery needs; if it’s part of your inventory, drag it out, dust it off and fire it up to make sure it will work for you when you need it.
If you don’t have it in your inventory, but you know someone that has, a neighbouring club or school perhaps, particularly if you are on good terms with them, you may come to some arrangement to borrow it when they are not using it. Alternatively, look at the option of hiring.
There are a growing number of hire companies these days that are now specialising in the hire of sports ground equipment. With reference to your material needs, get them ordered now so that they are on hand when you need them.
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012 PC 135
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