TECHNICAL


Fig. 1: Microscopic image of sand particles


Fig. 2: Kiln dried sand incorporated into sand injection process


Fig. 3: Graden sand injection practice


often now the ‘go to’ material. An example of the integration between sand and technology can be seen at the BT Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh, the home of Scottish Rugby. Head groundsman Jim Dawson, and his team of five, are responsible for maintaining three turf training pitches and the main stadium Desso Sportsmaster hybrid pitch. The hybrid pitch construction specification is a relatively new technology involving the incorporation of synthetic fibres into the natural grass sward, the aim of this being to increase surface stability and sward durability for high impact sports such as rugby and football. The success of this was highlighted by the fact that over the last season BT Murrayfield’s hybrid pitch was able to host to up to 75 games, almost a 50% increase on the previous pitch. This increased resilience also allows for the venue to be utilised for concerts and other sporting events, important financial revenue streams. The yearly maintenance programme consists of the top 8-15mm of the pitch being removed with only the synthetic fibres remaining, these having a life span


of roughly 8 years (Fig. 5). On average, 90 tonnes of Leavenseat LV25 sand are then applied whilst a specialist machine creates a seed bed for overseeding (Fig. 6). The annual removal of this top layer is crucial in the success of a pitch of this nature, in part due to the inert nature of sand. The sand provides the perfect environment for transmitting surface water and allowing initial strong root development, but at a cost. The pitch is thirsty and nutrient hungry, with slow decomposition of OM, this being quick to accumulate due to the top growth required for high performance pitches. If allowed to go unchecked over a period of time, pitch performance would soon be impaired. One practice implemented by Jim to help negate the sterile nature of sand is in the use of compost teas. These liquid ‘brews’ are a source of highly valuable microbes that constitutes the microbial community that enables a growing medium to support life. Be this decomposition, nutrient recycling or pathogen suppression, soil microbes are at the heart of it all. Increasing the volume of sand in your growing medium will make it a more hostile environment for microbes to


This source of organic nutrients is always available to you, creating the correct environment for it to be utilised is key


Fig. 5: Synthetic fibres remain following sward removal 140 PC October/November 2019


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