After such a wet autumn, it is no wonder a number of pitches are suffering from the affects of this poor weather; most soil based pitches are likely to remain in a near to saturated state for most of the winter months. In January, there is generally not enough rain-free periods to allow these pitches to dry out.
An abundance of nutrients will have leached from the soil profile, thus leaving the grass looking unhealthy and needing a feed. Tonics, such as seaweed based products, can be applied in accordance with your annual programme to help your grass overcome the stress of the cold weather. Only apply your products when the conditions are correct and your grass will get the maximum benefit from it. Always read the label and consult the manufacturer if unsure.
It is important to brush regularly, keeping the grass upright and air circulating around the base of the plant. Whilst it is quiet, it is a good idea o get yourself organised and ask yourself; What are your targets for this year? What do you want to achieve? Have you organised your spring renovation works? Have you ordered materials and machinery for the forthcoming season?
Key Tasks for January
Pitch Preparation
Playing on saturated pitches will undoubtedly bring disastrous results. It is often wise to postpone the fixture rather than ruin the playing surface for the rest of the season.
To mow or clean up the playing surface it is best to use a pedestrian box mower (cylinder or rotary) which will help clean and prepare the surface for matches.
Maintain sward height at 50mm-75mm, ensuring your mowing blades are kept sharp and well adjusted. Cutting grass in very wet conditions can often be detrimental to the playing surface where the mower could smear and damage the surface, especially when turning.
Harrowing/raking will be done when conditions allow, using prior to and after matches; harrowing helps to restore levels and keep surfaces open.
Marking out is done as required. Playing pitch surfaces can often become muddy and very wet in January, which may sometimes affect the performance of wheel to wheel transfer line marking machines. To overcome this problem, other marking systems are available. Pressure jet and dry line markers are able to produce lines on uneven and muddy surfaces. Care should be taken when initially marking out new lines, ensuring that they are true, straight and measured correctly, using the 3,4,5 method to achieve accurate angles.
Always wash down the machine after use; if you are not likely to use the machine for a few days, it would be advisable to empty it. Particularly with spray jet markers, keep connections clean; spray with WD 40 to help keep it protected.
Divoting
Should be done frequently after games, when playing surfaces are prone to being wetter, increasing the likelihood of surface damage during games. The use of a hand fork to lift depressed turf and gentle pressing with the foot is the best way to return and replace divots. However, on larger areas, the use of harrows will help return levels.
Aeration
Brushing/Sweeping
Brushing or sweeping should be done daily to remove dew and surface debris. Using a brush or a SISIS Quadraplay will restore levels and produce striping or banding aesthetics.
January and February are a good time to take soil samples and get them sent off for analysis, thus enabling you to get them back in time to start your new year's maintenance
Ideally, if you have not had one done before, you should have a full (PSD) Particle Size Distribution soil analysis to tell you the actual make up of your soil profile.
Soil is made up of percentages of clay, silt and sand. The PSD Analysis will identify the ratio of these and confirm soil type, thus giving you a better understanding of what soil you are dealing with. Also, you can establish the amount of organic matter (OM) content as well as soil nutrient status and soil pH. With this information, you will be able to identify the needs of your soil.
Keep and eye open for fungal disease attack, and use approved fungicides to treat infected areas. Early morning dew on playing surfaces often promotes the chance of disease attack; regular brushing off the dew will help prevent this.
Inspect and clean machinery after use; service and repair damaged machinery. Do not forget there are other ways of getting equipment for a particular job, such as hiring or borrowing from another local sports club. Remember to get your machinery serviced and sharpened. As for material supplies, check stock levels and re-order as necessary, take the opportunity to research new materials, compare costs and seek better deals on products and services.
Delegates attending the Winter Sports Pitch Maintenance course and using the accompanying manual will be able to develop their own skills, working knowledge and expertise, by understanding the method of instruction and the maintenance principles it sets out.
Included in the Course Manual, there are working diaries showing the range of tasks needed to be accomplished each month. The Course Manual is available for purchase separately.
In addition, we are able to arrange courses to be delivered on site to groups of 6 – 10 people. Email Chris Johnson for information.
Check goal posts, post protectors and corner flags to ensure they are safe and secure. Floodlights, please also check they are safe and working, change any bulbs and ensure they have been inspected and/or tested by a qualified electrician.
You can see a range of products in the Pitchcare Shop
