TECHNICAL


In this article, Derek Fullerton (Murrayfield Golf Club) aims to look at the differing characteristics of this precious material and the practical implications these may have in the management of your turf. It also seeks to discuss whether an over reliance on sand may hinder the industry’s ability to fulfil its responsibilities in meeting future environmental challenges


T


o begin, let’s take a closer look at the material itself. Sand is formed by biochemical processes involving both physical disintegration and chemical decomposition over many millennia. Originating from molten magma igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks, which cover about 75% of the Earth’s surface, the material you use will most likely have a long and varied history. Where glacial waters were able to flow freely, sediments accumulated in valleys and plains, whilst minerals were carried away. When exposed to calcium or iron in the water, quartz sand weathered from igneous rocks such as granite, cemented to form solid masses known as sandstone. As in the case of sand dunes, wind was a natural vehicle to transport material over vast distances. By whatever means the sand that you use arrived at its destination, there is a good chance it began its formation in a very different geographical location.


The destructive nature of weathering plays a key role in regulating the size, shape and uniformity of the material, with the origins of the parent material influencing its chemical composition. To be classified as sand it must fall within a size range between 0.063mm-2mm. Grains originating from


glacial and transported material tend to be more rounded and uniform in shape, with those originating from residual sandstone deposits more angular and irregular (Fig. 1); all characteristics that are key to how your sand functions. Sand for industrial use is mainly sourced through three forms of extraction, these being mines, quarries and river bed dredging. For it to be suitable for use in sports turf, ‘hydro classification’ washing removes impurities whilst also allowing the material to be separated into grades depending on size category. This process enables companies to provide products that meet specific particle size distribution (PSD) criteria.


Technology has provided turf managers with the means of incorporating increased volumes of sand into their maintenance programmes. Examples of this include Graden and Dry Ject sand injection practices (Figs. 2 and 3), these allowing for the removal of organic matter (OM) whilst incorporating sand into various depths of the profile. More efficient disc spreaders (Fig. 4) and brushes also allow for higher quantities to be applied through top dressing, whilst techniques such as sand banding are often used to address drainage issues. Whether its addressing problematic OM levels, water retention or surface performance characteristics, sand is


Derek Fullerton BSc (Hons) PC October/November 2019 139


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  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150  |  Page 151  |  Page 152  |  Page 153  |  Page 154  |  Page 155  |  Page 156  |  Page 157  |  Page 158  |  Page 159  |  Page 160  |  Page 161  |  Page 162  |  Page 163  |  Page 164