Technical Feeding
Most bowls greenkeepers will be applying a summer NPK fertiliser, perhaps something like a 12:0:9, reducing the N and P inputs, trying to maintain a stable balanced growth during June. You could also look to use a slow release fertiliser that will see you through July and August. The choice of material and how well it works will be dependent on factors such as soil type and weather, with moisture and air temperature being the catalyst for growth.
It is essential to ensure there is enough soil moisture present to activate the fertiliser product used. Liquid feeds are more efficient in getting into the plant, especially when used as a foliar feed.
Most of the plant’s nutrient requirements are taken in by the rooting structure.
Be sure to water well in, but resist applying in drought conditions, as experienced in some parts of the country at the moment.
June
Irrigation is a key management tool, so it will be a case of watering little and often when you can. Cricket clubs, who do not have any water at all, are often left in the lap of the gods. The use of covers or groundsheets to help protect pitches will increase the moisture content, providing they are not left on too long.
Facilities that do not have or use pitch covers will be more vulnerable to the changing weather.
Evapotranspiration rates should begin to rise in the coming month, initiating the need to begin watering your facilities. The combined water loss from both the plant and soil surfaces will now be rising due to the warmer weather. Watering will be essential for wicket repairs and preparation. Irrigate uniformly and ensure the right amount is applied.
It is important to ensure that the water gets down into the rootzone, to a minimum of 150mm to encourage deep rooting. Check with a probe. Allow to dry, and repeat the irrigation process. Allowing surfaces to remain dry for a period of time can, as mentioned previously, lead to dry patch.
The use of covers (flat or raised) will be invaluable during the preparation of match wickets; take care to ensure any surface water is prevented from running on to the protected pitch.
Keeping some additional grass cover will help retain soil moisture, thereby slowing down the soil’s capacity for drying out. You may, therefore, want to consider raising the height of cut on the square by 1mm.
The ECB have an excellent guideline booklet, TS4, which provides a wealth of information on construction, preparation and maintenance of cricket pitches.
FOOTBALL
As we enter May, football pitch renovations will be at the forefront of groundsmen’s minds. Most clubs will have nearly finished their playing season, albeit that some friendly, corporate or cup matches may remain.
You should have organised the delivery of relevant services/materials in time for these important renovations.
It is important to get the work completed as soon as possible, for a number of reasons; one, importantly, is to get grass growing into the bare areas before the weeds can take advantage of these ideal seeding sites. Secondly, it is very desirable to give your seedlings as long as possible to establish and become strong.
The weather during May can be ideal for the work, with showers intermingled with sunshine and, though you may well see some periods of prolonged rain you could, equally, be reaching for your hose pipes
May
An early starter fertiliser can be applied now, which may, typically, provide for good grass recovery and help the establishment of young grass seedlings. Something like a 9:7:7 would be ideal, but should be in line with your soil analysis.
Fertilising
Soil temperatures should gradually be beginning to rise in May, thereby stimulating grass growth both on the square and outfields. There will be a need to increase the regularity of cutting to maintain designated cutting height.
The application of spring fertilisers will also increase the vigour and rate of sward growth. You can begin to apply some higher nitrogen based fertilisers.
Ideally, get your soils sampled for nutrients, organic matter content and soil pH. This information will help decide on the appropriate course of action with regard to applying the correct NPK balance for your ground. Liquid fertilisers allow the active nutrient ingredients to get into the plant tissue more quickly.
Monitor the progress/success of your renovations, and oversow any thin areas to ensure that you have the best opportunity for the grass to be strong with good coverage for the start of the next season.
A slow release fertiliser can be applied late in the month to take the grass through June and July.
June
Continue cutting regularly at 25-37mm, to ensure a good sward density. It may, sometimes, be helpful with newly sown grasses to lightly roll the surface before cutting to ensure that the weakly held grasses in the surface do not get pulled out. Also, ensure that any mowing equipment used is keenly set to cut without tearing.
June is when soils can dry out quickly as we move later into the month. Make sure that your irrigation systems are functioning as, once soils become hydrophobic and dry patch sets in, it becomes very difficult to get water back into the surface. If you follow a programme of using wetting agents, to ensure a uniform wetting, this will help, particularly on soils prone to dry patch.
Continue the work of brushing to keep the air circulating around the base of the plant, particularly important for removing early morning dew and controlling disease. Following a pitch renovation, suspend this operation for a period to allow for the germination of the new seedlings to take place, particularly on oversown thin areas.
Continue spiking when the conditions allow, alleviating built up compaction. Keep your spiking regime flexible. Surface spiking at this time of year, and heading into a dry spell, will help what rain you receive to move quickly down into the surface where it will be of benefit to your grass plants.
If you are still to carry out your renovations, then now is the time to get serious. It is important that you give your pitch(es) as much time as possible to establish.
APRIL/MAY 2012 PC 131
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