Caspian Sport & Landscape
Crafting the ideal 'canvas' for sporting excellence..
Here we discuss 'some' of the important conditions required to develop and manage professional playing surfaces', vital to long-term success are discussed here. These (and others 'not' discussed) are necessary in order to meet the surface standards required by sporting authorities and produce the correct characteristics for use and ensure the safety and well being of those using.
Leaf density and texture
Leaves should be uniform in height of cut, density, texture and width. This allows the plant to fill all space evenly (like a thick rain forest canopy) and give a carpet like appearance; this promotes smoothness, a degree of softness and comfort and improves overall playability of the surface. For consistency of play and speed, leaf density should be uniform across the entire surface.
Grass type and growth habit
Growth type of the grass species used; ideally something that produces a tiller, either above or below the ground, as this aids in wear recovery and increases the surfaces’ strength. Bunch type produce new growth from its base only but are regularly used in sports. Stoloniferous and rhizomatous producing grasses make extensions of the mother plant either above or below ground that 'knit' the surface together.
Turgidity
Turgidity; the plant should stand upright.
Ensuring that it receives the correct levels of light, nutrients and water are vital for this. Turgidity is also a fundamental for surface evenness, facilitating smooth ball roll characteristics. Turgidity enables the plant to stand itself upright after being walked upon and is highly influenced by water management, mechanical management and fertility.
Colour (Color)
Colour, should be green, not too light or yellow. We don’t have a perfect shade or RAL definition as yet, I'm sure it will come soon! A medium green colour usually works well. Colour is controlled by chlorophyll in the plant, chlorophyll reflects green spectrum light. Hence, why grass is green! The shade of green the plant exhibits is influenced by genetic makeup, chemical applications, mowing patterns and also weather/light conditions!
Plant selection
Choose the best grass possible for the budget you have and the sport surface being developed. Grass technology and breeding has moved on 100 fold over the past 10 years. With time and research, you can find a type (variety) that fits the environment you have perfectly and is suitable for the sport. Make sure you buy enough to over seed or propagate with the same or make sure it will be available to purchase in future years. Better to use what suits your environment and where possible I advise using two suitable varieties and/or species to cover disease resistance effectively.
Disease resistance
There are many turf grass diseases, best management will be to select a plant that has a high resistance to the diseases generally associated with the local climate and manage fertiliser applications carefully. Choosing plants resistant to the typical diseases present to your locality will save chemical costs over time as will controlling and not over using chemicals such as fertilisers and tonics. Water management is vital to promote controlled growth and development and reduce disease incidence.
Rooting Zone Layer
Use a root-zone that is free draining, resists compaction, is conducive to plant and root development and is usable in all weather conditions. The best medium to use is one of majority sand. Ideally made up of coarse and medium sized; with sub-angular shaped particles and very little silt and clay percentages. A low to middle pH is best aimed for. The root zone area, as with the drainage layer below will be permanent fixtures for the life time of the surface. Choose and install it correctly and wisely.
Planning and training
Plan and understand all management tasks. The key is to fully understand what you want to achieve and how you will go about this. Planning, execution of the plan and training of those involved in any work programmed is vital. Planning should focus on how it will improve or maintain the overall condition of the site considering use of the surface and the effects of this. Timing is very important. All management tasks should be well managed and thoughtfully applied. Know exactly why you are doing each task and know exactly what results you will achieve with the operations, both in the long and short term. At professional level, we do not work to calendar dates. There is no need, we can make the plant grow steadily with technology and know how all year around.
Technology & it's use
Employ technology where thinking objectively cannot solve the problem. Understand the need, understand the issue behind the problem and source a solution that you feel will fix the issue. Ask a lot of questions and if unsure, get independent advice. Technology has moved on quickly and continues to do so. Factor in all costs before deciding on the way forward. Many times, with new tech, the cost of purchase is not the full cost. Know the facts and all long term ownership costs then decide if it is the right way forward for you.