Industry
Renovations and overseeding for Winter Sports Pitches
What mixture?
Mixture requirements should always relate to the sport or main characteristics that the sport demands.
For all winter sports surfaces, a 100% Perennial Ryegrass mixture should be the preferred mix; other grasses such as Poa pratensis can be part of a Ryegrass blend for this situation but have some limitations such as speed of germination and establishment compared to Ryegrass.
What qualities and characteristics to look out for when choosing a mix for winter sports?
- Strong recovery from damage and wear - Disease resistance - Fast establishment - Shoot density - Germination speed and fast establishment - Good ground coverage
Cultivars should always be selected from the BSPB recommended list as these have been trialed in UK conditions and evaluated
using independent data and are also proven to work in the UK.
Timing and surface conditions can have a major impact on the success of a seeding or overseeding operation, things to consider:
- Soil or rootzone type - Soil temperature when sowing - Moisture levels - Existing nutrient availability - Ability to irrigate if needed - Organic matter percentage present - Compaction in the top of the surface - Post renovation care and nutrition Timing
With the unpredictable spring weather patterns in recent years, spring renovation conditions have varied greatly; last year the spring was very dry and cold, so seed germination was slow, but this spring has been better.
Seed coatings are always worth considering as they can help improve germination rates and initial establishment.
Sowing rate Using the correct sowing rate is a key
Augmented Reality Matt Gresty - Limagrain
feature in the successful renovation of winter sports pitches, an overseeding rate of 15-30 grams into existing swards and 30 grams plus in bare areas should be used.
Method of application
For the best results, a recognised seed drill should always be used; either a disc or dimple seeder provide the best results, but these alone can be no guarantee of success unless the other standard renovation operations have taken place.
Overall, seeding and overseeding is a continued investment in playing surfaces that have increasing demands from end users. Good planning and process will always help ensure that the desired results are achieved.
Matt Gresty, Amenity Sales Manager, Limagrain UK Ltd
Grass Seed Mixtures for Sports & Amenity Professionals
All MM mixtures are Headstart ®
Gold treated
Rothwell, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire LN7 6DT Tel: 01472 371471
amenity@limagrain.co.uk www.limagrain.co.uk/mm
PC JUNE/JULY 2014 I 17
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