Marshalling his troops - Pitchcare

Particle size distribution of USGA rootzone mix
Name Particle Diameter Recommendation (by weight)
Fine gravel 2.0-3.4mm Not more than 10% of the total particles
in this range, including a maximum of
3% fine gravel Very coarse sand 1.0-2.0mm (preferably none)
Coarse sand 0.5-1.0mm Minimum of 60% of the particles must
Medium sand 0.25-0.50mm fall in this range
Fine sand 0.15-0.25mm
Not more than 20% of the particles may
fall within this range
Very fine sand 0.05-0.15mm Not more than 5%
Silt 0.002-0.05mm Not more than 5%
Clay Less than 0.002mm Not more than 3%
Total fines Very fine sand
+ silt + clay
Less than or equal to 10%
Consider
straight sand
If a fairly coarse
sand, or
sand/soil mix
that drains well,
dominates your
existing
rootzone/upper
profile, then
moving to
straight sand is
unlikely to be
suitable.
However, if you
have a soil-based
profile where
drainage could
be improved, and your existing
topdressing is on the fine end of
the recommended spectrum, then
straight sand is, potentially, a good
option.
Provided the chosen sand is of
the correct particle size range (not
too coarse or with too many fines,
silt and clay), compatible with your
existing topdressing/rootzone and
incorporated correctly, then there
should not be any concerns with
root breaks or overly droughty
surfaces. An agronomist,
supported by independent
laboratory testing, should ideally
verify compatibility.
Important points to note before
making the change:
Particle Size Analysis - It is
essential that the sand is chosen
carefully, verified by laboratory
testing to determine its particle
size analysis. The STRI would be
happy to check the suitability of
sand for use.
Compatibility - If possible, it would
be best to use the same sand as
found in your existing topdressing.
You could ask your supplier to drop
the soil content so as to reduce
the quantity of fine particles. The
resultant material should be
analysed for particle size
Grading curve for rootzone layer
SPORTS TURF CONTRACTORS
Vertidraining, Hollow Coring,
Overseeding, Draining,
Gravel Banding, Field Top Maker,
Deep Scarifying
Mobile: 07860 259692
Tel: 01284 735105
Email: peter@buryturfcare.com
www.buryturfcare.com
distribution to check its suitability.
Consistent Use - Once the change
to sand has been made, do not go
back to using a sand/soil mix,
otherwise drainage and root break
problems could occur.
If it is felt that more
nutrient/moisture holding
potential is required, then perhaps
apply inorganic, diatomaceous
earth ceramics such as Profile,
Axis or Isolite CG. These need to
be applied at a generous rate, e.g.
300g/m 2 once a year.
Alternatively, try seaweed meal at
75-100g/m 2 once or twice a year.
Integrate old with new - Ensure
that the new material is well
integrated with the existing
rootzone. The surface should be
regularly aerated to work the new
material into the soil profile to
avoid creating a layer at the
surface. Regular light sand
dressings would be best, rather
than one or two heavy dressings,
as this may increase the risk of
layering.
Further advice - The STRI’s
agronomy team would be happy to
give more advice specific to your
site. STRI Laboratory Services are
available for particle size analysis
and other soil testing services.
Contact: 01274 565131.
SPORTS TURF CONTRACTORS
D W Clark
DRAINAGE LTD
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Sports Ground Contractors Ltd
SPECIALIST SPORTSTURF CONSTRUCTION
& DRAINAGE CONTRACTORS
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Unit 7, Brailes Industrial Estate, Winderton Lane, Lower Brailes
Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 5JW
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Quarry Hall Farm, Spring Bottom Lane
Bletchingley, Surrey RH1 4QZ
T: 01883 340 969
F: 01883 346 533
E: info@earthboundservices.co.uk
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Earthbound Services specialise in the highest
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01400 251605
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FTS
Sportsturf Services Limited
Sportsground & Amenity Contractors
Drainage, Construction, Renovation
& Maintenance
Cricket Pitch Specialists
Unit 39, Centerprise House,
New Greenham Park, Newbury
Berkshire, RG19 6HW
Tel. 0845 519 2729
Fax. 0700 349 6494
Mobile. 07768 696291
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email.info@fts-sportsturf.co.uk
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