There are some incredible tools and techniques that help to bring long-term success for sports grounds maintenance across myriad sports at both an amateur and elite professional level. Learning a bit more about some of the best ways to look after turf for the most sustainable results can help a grounds maintenance team to perform to the best of their ability on a consistent basis.
Why is good sports ground maintenance important?
It’s crucial to have a consistent high level of sports ground maintenance for a variety of reasons. First, it provides a higher level of safety for those playing sports on the field, lowering the risk of injuries. It helps to enhance performance and provide a better playing field for players of all capabilities to fulfil their potential due to the consistent playing conditions. . Good surfaces promote a positive experience for both players and spectators alike.
Understanding the surface
Good grounds maintenance begins with a complete understanding of the sports surface you are working on. No two playing surfaces are the same, and different sports, weather conditions, and playing style will have an impact on the requirements to maintain a consistently good surface. The type of surface will change your approach, from natural grass to hybrid surfaces or 3G pitches. Rainfall over a prolonged period makes it more challenging to maintain good playing surfaces and those areas with regular rainfall require good drainage systems to be successful.
Grounds maintenance equipment
There are different types of grounds maintenance equipment that are used for various sports and surface types. Soil probes, level boards, rakes, mat drags, robotic mowers and aerators, verticutters, and groomers are all used to test soil and to maintain a smooth surface to varying degrees and applications.
Sustainable grounds maintenance techniques
Modern techniques for grounds maintenance focus on sustainability and the best way to maintain consistency of surface performance and visible aesthetics. Some of the best techniques for sustainable grounds maintenance include:
1. Optimised sowing
This means leaving the grass enough time to root and settle before any play takes place on the surface. If you are re-sowing an existing pitch, do so in small quantities rather than one big area at once.
2. Good air and water circulation
Understanding the available water capacity of your sports field will help you to make accurate calculations about exactly how much water is required and when. The aeration of turf is also important, maximising air circulation to promote healthy growth.
3. Support ground life
The first few centimetres of soil is home to 90% of its biological activity. Micro-organisms present in this area of the soil help to nourish the grass and maintain it at a high quality, which helps to protect the grass from disease.
Turf machinery, greenkeeping equipment, and football pitch maintenance equipment, amongst other pieces of grounds maintenance equipment, all come together with the latest techniques to ensure consistent and safe playing surfaces. An approach of sustainable grounds maintenance is important in modern sports, as it helps to promote a sustainable, environmentally friendly outlook while maintaining consistent standards for the best sport on the field. Modern suppliers of the best grounds maintenance equipment and the latest techniques help ground staff for any sport achieve optimum turf care and sports surface conditions.
