Sports Pitches
Get it right first time
The ideal foundation for soil-based pitches
• Complies to BS3882:2007
Regular aeration encourages deep roots, which helps the grass recover from damage
applied in this first year and later that summer, with help from club members, a pop-up irrigation system was installed. Since 2007, the savings made in seeding
has allowed the groundsteam to ferti- lise the pitches with (typically) a spring dressing of a 12.6.6 blend at a rate of 30g/m2 followed by a further dressing, at a rate of 35g/m2 of the same blend in the autumn, which has helped promote healthier growth. This application rate was based on soil analysis that I’ve done independently and having the soil tests has allowed me to shop around for prices. I’ve also varied the depth and type of
de-compaction by alternating between using a verti drainer and a groundbreak- er – as I find that their different modes of action complement each other.
MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE In 2009, the club made its first purchase of turf care equipment. This was a 24hp mower tractor with rear lift arms. This second-hand unit cost £3,500 from a lo- cal John Deere agent. Previous to buying the mower, all the pitches and surround- ing grass areas were regularly cut by a local contractor at an annual cost of around £4,000.
Issue 1 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Having rear lift arms on the tractor has
enabled the club to buy a tool bar, which can hold either a slitter or a scarifier. This means that mowing and slitting can be done together, which has saving a huge amount of time and labour. The slitter helps to relieve surface com-
paction to a depth of 6cm. The scarifier is used to remove debris on the natural turf pitches and to de-compact the 3G pitch.
THE OUTCOME By working in accordance with the annu- al maintenance plan we have seen spring maintenance budgets reduced from £5,500 in 2008 to £4,000 in 2011. The bulk of these savings have come from a reduction in the amount of seed re- quired each year. The seed rate has been reduced from 25g/m2 to 10g/m2 on the first 15 and the second team pitches. The pop-up irrigation system has en-
sured that the maximum germination and establishment of the seed is gained. The regular aeration encourages deep
rooting and healthy grass, which is better able to survive and recover from damage. Aeration to depth and surface slitting also stops water-logging and promotes a drier, higher-quality playing surface. ●
• Derived from prime arable soil, not muckaway
• Comprehensive analysis
• Consistent, single-source product
For repairing
high wear areas and as a maintenance dressing
Call us now on:
0870 240 2314
www.bstopsoil.co.uk
Landscape20 and Sports10 are registered trademarks of British Sugar plc
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