March Rugby Diary 2004
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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March tasks for Rugby |
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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). |
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Brushing / sweeping |
Daily / weekly |
To remove dew and remove surface debris. |
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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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Divoting |
Immediately after game |
To repair scars and surface damage. |
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Drainage |
Weekly |
Inspect drainage outfalls, channels and ditches. Ensure that they are working. |
| 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. |
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Frost and snow |
As required |
Keep people and equipment off playing surfaces when covered in frost and snow. |
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Harrowing / raking |
When conditions allow |
Helps to restore levels and keep surfaces open. |
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Irrigation equipment |
Weekly |
Inspect installations for leaks especially after frost. |
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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, prepare machinery ready for new mowing season. |
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Mowing |
As required |
To maintain winter sward height 50-75mm. Frequency of mowing will increase to maintain sward height as soil and air temperatures begin to rise initiating grass growth. |
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Post match renovation |
After matches |
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Pre match inspections |
As required |
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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. |
| Soil tests | Ideally once or twice a year, or as required. | March is an ideal time to obtain a soil analysis of the pitch measuring for soil Ph, nutrients levels and organic matter content, which are seen as good indicators of the condition of the soil. Once you have this information you will be in a better position to plan your seasons feeding and maintenance programmes. |
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Top dressing Sand / rootzone materials |
As required |
Localised spreading of top dressings to repair divots and scars of turf surface. |