Technical
MONTHLY Diaries
June
Always check the greens mower prior to use for sharpness of cut, and adjust as necessary. These checks should be done every time you intend to use the mower. Also, check for any fluid/oil leaks. The last thing you want is to leave a smear of oil/fluids on your playing surface.
BOWLS
FOR clubs whose greens are drying out, it may be a sensible option to raise the height of cut to help the grass plant tolerate these extreme dry periods. Just raising the height by 1-2mm will help.
However, for clubs with irrigation facilities, ensure you keep the green watered, ensuring you water to depth (100-150mm) to encourage the roots to go down to find it. With air temperatures in double figures, grass growth is going to be fairly vigorous, requiring you to mow your grass more frequently.
Most clubs should be looking to mow their greens at least three times a week and, or depending on resources available, should consider mowing on a daily basis.
May
All pre-season fertiliser applications will have ‘kicked-in’, with playing surfaces becoming smoother and more consistent following spring topdressing work.
For the next eight weeks or so, UK growth reaches a peak. Therefore, the emphasis will be on mowing frequency, as long as there is sufficient moisture within the soil.
With daily mowing at around the summer norm of 4-5mm, there will be a need to supply the turf with a ‘little and often’ foliar feed,
Double cut the green in a diamond formation for tournaments and finals. This type of cut removes more grass from the same area without the need to reduce the cutting height.
Most bowling greens tend to suffer dry patches at the edges of the green, generally caused by mowing practices, where you continue to turn. The use of turning boards can help reduce wear on these areas. Some clubs are now raising their height of cut to 7- 8mm around the edge of the green to minimise this problem.
The quality of cut is often determined by the choice of mower used. There are plenty of mowers now on the market. You usually get what you pay for! For most clubs, it will be the budget available that dictates which mower they can have.
Check grass in times of heat stress; roll, instead of cutting, once in a while, to ease pressure. If temperatures remain high, it may well be necessary to syringe the sward with water to cool the surface.
It will be important to check your irrigation systems, ensuring they work effectively and are watering the green uniformly. Many clubs lack efficient water resources, i.e. automated pop up watering systems and, even if they have one, clubs often do not use it properly. Too many greens are either under or over watered, giving rise to further problems, such as dry patch, excessive thatch, shallow root growth, slow pace and inconsistent bowl roll.
CRICKET
Drying out the square too quickly can lead to dry patch, leaving the grasses stressed and weak. This could have an impact later on in the season if not addressed early. Regular irrigation management should be considered whilst encountering such extreme conditions.
May
Most of your work this month will be focused on preparing wickets, as well as your outfield. Pitch preparations and marking should be in full swing.
Following the 10-12 day guidelines, try to produce a consistent wicket with fast/medium pace.
A light verticut or scarification of the square to remove lateral growth following pre season rolling, whilst mowing the square regularly, will increase sward density.
Outfields may also be in need of some attention if used for winter sport, with a light harrow, aerating, seeding and topdressing. Height of cut for your outfield should be between 15-18mm.
Keep records of work carried out, such as core samples, fertilising, mowing and watering.
Feed the square with higher nitrogen based fertiliser.
Pitchcare’s online monthly diaries are offered as a general overview of the work required at that time of year. Here, we offer a summary of the work to be carried out in May and June.
For more up-to-date information visit
www.pitchcare.com where you will find details for all sports
consisting of mainly nitrogen, with other nutrients and ingredients, such as potassium, added to the mix as required in order to meet the sward’s needs.
130 PC APRIL/MAY 2012
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