Sports Management Issue 1 2012 - Leisure Opportunities

Sports
Pitches
Get it right first time
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 fertilise
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 groundbreaker
– 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 local
John Deere agent. Previous to buying
the mower, all the pitches and surrounding
grass areas were regularly cut by a
local contractor at an annual cost
of around £4,000.
Issue 1 2012 © cybertrek 2012
Regular aeration
encourages deep roots,
which helps the grass
recover from damage
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 compaction
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 annual
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 required
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 ensured
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.
The ideal foundation
for soil-based pitches
soil, not muckaway
product
For repairing
high wear areas and
as a maintenance dressing
Call us now on:
0870 240 2314
www.bstopsoil.co.uk
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