2004 August rugby union diary 2004
August Rugby Union Diary
August sees the start of pre-season matches. Focus will now be on mowing and preparing the turf 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 25-75mm. Particular attention should be made to irrigation regimes ensuring that all areas are watered uniformly to promote healthy growth. Make sure that divotting can take place straight after play finishes, because divots will dry and die very quickly in the hot weather.
Most of the tasks detailed can be undertaken within a limited budget. Local conditions and circumstances will need to be taken into account.
If any members are undertaking any specific work not detailed, please let us know by adding a comment in the section below the diary.
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August tasks for Rugby Union |
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Task |
Frequency |
Reason |
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Aeration |
When conditions allow |
Hand or machine aeration to aid surface drainage, varying depths of penetration to prevent the development of a soil pan. As last month, if there is opportunity to aerate-then do it, regular summer aeration provides air space for the roots to expand into and the plant to breathe. Achieving an improved root system will stand you in good stead for the coming winter months. |
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Brushing/ sweeping |
Daily/weekly |
To remove dew and remove surface debris. Using a brush or a SISIS quadraplay will restore levels and produce striping or banding aesthetics. |
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Disease |
Daily/weekly |
Keep and eye on fungal disease attack, and use approved fungicides to treat infected areas. |
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Drainage |
Weekly |
Inspect drainage outfalls, channels and ditches. Ensure that they are working. |
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Fertiliser programme |
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 to maintain grass colour and vigour. A slow release fertiliser could be applied to see you through August and September. The choice of materials and how well they work will dependant on factors such as soil type and weather, with moisture and air temperature being the catalyst for growth. |
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Goal posts |
Weekly |
Inspect goal posts and sockets to check they are safe and secure. |
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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. Brushing the pitch in the opposite direction prior to cut will produce a cleaner finish and a healthier sward when used in partnership with verti-cutting. |
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Harrowing/ raking |
When conditions allow |
Helps to restore levels and keep surfaces open. |
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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 day light 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 root-zone 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. Further information about Irrigation of sports surfaces can be see on link. Irrigation |
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Litter/debris |
Daily/Weekly |
Inspect and remove debris from playing surface litter or any wind blown tree debris, litter, twigs and leaves. |
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Machinery (Repairs and maintenance) |
Daily/Weekly |
Inspect and clean machinery after use; service and repair damaged machinery. |
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Marking out |
As Required |
New pitch lines and training grids will require marking out. Check with the sports governing body (RFU) 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 3,4,5 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, |
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Mowing |
As required |
To maintain sward height at 25mm-75mm, the top height will cushion heavy falls on hard baked ground. Frequency of mowing will increase to maintain sward height as soil and air temperatures begin to rise initiating grass growth. |
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Seed bare & worn areas |
When conditions allow |
Seeding of sparse or bare areas can be carried out, the rise in temperatures will help germination. Use germination sheets to aid this process but remove the sheets regularly to check for diseases. Remember that without good seed to soil contact the operation is useless. Ensure you use new seed as old material may not give you the required germination rates. |
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Soil tests |
Ideally once or twice a year, or as required. |
Soil sampling is an important part of Groundsmanship. The results will enable the manager to have a better understanding of the current status of his soil and turf. There are many tests that can be undertaken, but usually the main tests to consider are:
Once you have this information you will be in a better position to plan your season's feeding and maintenance programmes. |
