July Rugby Diary 2008

Work required on rugby pitches will be dictated by the type (code) of rugby you are playing. Rugby League pitches are still in use for games, therefore the programe of work will geared up for presenting pitches for games and repairing after games. As for rugby union clubs they have or should have completed their end of season renovations, so the work will be geared around promoting new grass growth and maintaining a uniform height of cut .

July sees the start of pre-season preparations of pitches and training areas as players return for training and conditioning.

Focus will now be on mowing and preparing the surfaces for play. Grass heights will vary depending on type of mowers used, however, most will be looking to maintain a height of cut between 30-75mm. Common problems with regard to mowing are either insufficient cutting frequencies or trying to take too much off in one go. The grass should be mowed a minimum of once a week or, ideally, twice a week during the growing season (May-September). This will ensure that the sward is stimulated and promotes an increase in tillering.

In most cases the clippings are allowed to fly, thus returning plant debris into the sward, which helps re feed the plant. However, too many of these clippings can also be detrimental, they will suffocate the plant. Keep an eye on the thatch levels to gauge what to do.

Aeration/ When conditions allow:- Hand or machine aeration to aid surface drainage, varying depths of penetration to prevent the development of a soil pan.

Brushing/ sweeping/When required:- To remove dew and remove surface debris. Using a brush or a SISIS quadraplay will restore levels and produce striping or banding aesthetics.

Disease/As required:- Keep and eye on fungal disease attack, and use approved fungicides to treat infected areas.

Drainage/ Weekly:- Inspect drainage outfalls, channels and ditches. Ensure they are working.

Fertiliser programme/ As required:- If grass shows signs of stress (weak growth, discoloured). Fertiliser treatment and turf tonic can be continued in accordance with your annual programme. If you haven't got a fertiliser programme, have your soil tested; try an independent soil analysis company for an impartial set of results.

Most grounds staff will be applying a summer N P K fertiliser, perhaps something like a 12:0:9 or 9:7:7 to maintain grass colour and vigour. A slow release fertiliser could be applied to see you through July and August. The choice of materials and how well they work will depend on factors such as soil type and weather, with moisture and air temperature being the catalyst for growth.

Goal posts:- Inspect goal posts and sockets to check they are safe and secure.

Grooming/ verticutting /As required:- Grooming and verticutting are operations that remove unwanted side growth and reduce the amount of debris in the sward. These operations are carried out on a regular basis, often weekly or fortnightly. These operations are completed in conjunction with your mowing regimes.

Harrowing/ raking / When conditions allow:- Helps to restore levels and keep surfaces open.

Irrigation equipment /As required:- Irrigation will be a priority, especially if maintaining newly sown seed or turf areas. It is important that these areas do not dry out and die. Inspect installations for leaks. There may be a need to irrigate during any renovation programmes, as air temperatures and daylight hours are getting longer, increasing the likelihood of the ground drying out. It's important to ensure that the water gets down deep into the rootzone to encourage deep rooting. Allowing areas to dry out can lead to problems of dry patch, a condition that prevents water infiltration into the soil and thus forming areas of non-uniform turf quality.

Litter/debris:- Inspect and remove debris from playing surface litter or any wind blown tree debris, litter, twigs and leaves.

Machinery (Repairs and maintenance):- Inspect and clean machinery after use; service and repair damaged machinery.

Marking out /As Required:- New pitch lines and training grids will require marking out. Check with the sports governing body (RFU/ RFL) for any amendments to the laws and markings of the pitch. Care should be taken when initially marking out new lines, ensuring that they are true, straight and measured correctly, using the 345 method to achieve accurate angles.

There are a number of marking machines available for marking out lines, wheel to wheel, spray jet, dry liners and aerosol markers. The choice will be dependent on cost, efficiency and the type of line you want. Ensure the machine is clean and ready for use.