USED MACHINERY
(squidge) which is associated with fine turf situations. It is more prolific during the spring time when the ground conditions are moist and wet, and air temperatures and light levels begin to increase, thus stimulating the growth of these algae.
The symptoms show as dark green or black slimy growth that covers the plant and soil surface, resulting in a very slippery surface, which can be quite dangerous and affect surface playability. Conditions that increase the likelihood of an attack of algae are the same as moss but are encouraged when surfaces remain waterlogged and smeared.
Surfaces affected:
Both natural and synthetic surfaces can be affected by moss and algae attack when the favoured conditions are prevalent. Playing characteristics are affected in that moss and algae can affect ball bounce/roll on fine turf situations. The slime that algae produce causes the biggest problem on sport surfaces making them dangerous, particularly if algae has formed on sloping grass areas, such as golf fairways. Moss and algae also cause surface traction problems for players on artificial surfaces, which may result in injuries.
Control of Moss and Algae:
The main reasons for moss and algae attack are poor maintenance and lack of effective cultural practices, coupled with environmental factors that stimulate moss and algae growth (wet damp humid conditions).
Any cultural practices that encourages turf growth and development should be employed to control moss. Evaluate the site and make necessary plans to implement maintenance regimes to improve the soil environment, reducing excessive moisture and water from the turf surfaces.
Natural Turf surfaces: • Improve surface soil drainage
• Monitor and maintain soil pH levels
• Reduce soil compaction by aeration
• Improve air circulation over surfaces
• Maintain soil fertility (carry out soil analysis)
• Maintain trees to prevent shading
• Avoid excessive irrigation • Avoid close mowing • Control thatch
• Choose and grow recommended grass varieties for location and sport surface requirement
• Carry our regular maintenance regimes that reduce the environment for moss and algae, i.e. regular brushing, sweeping, aeration, scarification and fertiliser programmes
• Chemical control using approved pesticides
Artificial Turf surfaces: • Keep surface clean
• Regular brushing and sweeping of surface
• Chemical control using approved chemicals at approved rates of application; it is important to seek manufacturer’s
recommendations on what product to use on synthetic surfaces to prevent damage or discolouring
Conclusions:
The best form of eradication is to ensure a healthy grass sward is maintained, which is usually achieved by good regular maintenance regimes, particularly aeration to keep the soil in good condition. If, however, you are saddled with a turf situation that has a lot of moss present, there will be a requirement to kill the moss off with an approved chemical containing an active ingredient of Sulphate of Iron and, when it has died off, remove the dead matter by scarification/raking.
To achieve the best results relies on good timing of operations, which are best suited during the spring and autumn periods. However, soil analysis of turf facilities that have used these chemicals to control moss over long periods of time has found that chemical changes have occurred in the soil profile and have created other problems, iron pans have been formed by over use of sulphate of iron, and pH levels can be influenced.
The best form of control is good cultural practises to reduce the environment that mosses and algae prefer.
King Edward VI Camp Hill Schools, Vicarage Road Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7QJ
Chief Groundsman
As two of the leading state schools in the country, the King Edward VI Camp Hill Schools share a beautiful campus in the Birmingham suburb of Kings Heath.
The schools require a Chief Groundsman to be responsible for playing fields, gardens and sports facilities. The successful candidate will also line manage an experienced colleague and, if necessary, will look to expand the grounds staff.
This is a marvellous opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced Groundsperson to develop the 33 acre site to its full potential. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of grounds work, especially the preparation of cricket pitches and will possess a clean driving licence.
The post carries a competitive salary in line with IOG rates and a pension scheme. Accommodation on site will be available, if required, for this full time post.
The King Edward VI Camp Hill Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including a check with past employers and the Criminal Records Bureau. King Edward VI Camp Hill Schools are an equal opportunities employer.
Further details and application forms available from: Tel: 0121 444 3188 Email:
enquiries@camphillboys.bham.sch.uk Fax: 0121 441 2796 Website:
www.camphillboys.bham.sch.uk Closing date: Tuesday 4 March 2008
Specialist College for Specialist College for
SITUATIONS VACANT
Science
Humanities
BACK ISSUES of Pitchcare magazine are available by emailing
mail@pitchcare.com or tel: 01902 824392
107
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111