Tools & guidance MAINTENANCE CALENDAR AND WEATHER UPDATE
W E AT H E R U P D AT E
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JULY OPERATIONS BOWLING GREENS
To assist in irrigation management, consider doing a soil moisture deficit chart, combined with your observations of the sward and dryness of the soil profile. This will act as a useful guide and can help towards reducing the costs of water used. Ensure that rink usage is spread sideways on a regular basis and the rinks are also turned 90° daily. Failure to do so will result in ‘runs’ developing, with bowls following the line of the run. Continue to mow regularly and be prepared to raise the height of cut to 6mm, especially in dry weather with strong winds on coastal areas. A good, dry sward of fescue/bent grasses will produce a faster surface when mown at this height, than an annual meadow grass, thatchy sward when mown at 4.5mm. Be careful when scarifying and verticutting at this time of year, as you do not want to stress the plant, reducing its ability to withstand wear.
CRICKET SQUARE
Besides the continuing preparation of wickets to meet user demands, the square is typically mown twice a week and the outfield once a week. Wickets that had been used and renovated earlier in the season might be able to be re-used again
if they have recovered adequately. If not carried out at the end of June, then July is a good time for a light nitrogen-only fertiliser application to the whole square, as this will help maintain sward strength without encouraging unwanted excessive growth.
CRICKET OUTFIELD
If herbicide was applied to control broad/narrow leaved weeds, this should have cleared up the problem. Continue to mow outfield with a cylinder mower at approximately 12mm in height.
FOOTBALL
The football pitch is mostly establishing itself following the end of season renovation. However, there are a number of tasks that will need attending to. Any thin areas will probably require a light topdressing, of about 1-2kg/m2. Continue mowing regularly. A light nitrogen, usually liquid, fertiliser application may be considered to encourage growth. This fertiliser application would only be given if soil moisture was adequate and there was a suitable means of artificial irrigation.
GOLF COURSES
A very light, fine topdressing to the greens may be considered to maintain even putting surfaces. Disease might be a problem,
especially red thread. Consider a light nitrogen application or a fungicide application. Bunker raking will most likely be on a daily basis. The mowing of fairways may be reduced during the dry summer months as growth slows.
HORSE RACECOURSES
the spring fertiliser application. This may have resulted in nitrogen having been fully utilised by the sward, or even leached away.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Routine maintenance work over the summer months will include: - artificial irrigation will be more frequent to produce a suitable firmness of ground for the day of a race meeting, - a liquid nitrogen fertiliser may be considered for the home straight, show paddock and ornamental lawns around the grandstand area. Alternatively, the whole of the racecourse might be treated to a light nitrogen application, - continue to divot and repair after each meeting, - weed control may be required. Continue to mow regularly, with this operation forming a significant part of total work. Do not neglect mowing on courses rested over the summer.
RUGBY UNION
The pitch establishment should be coming along nicely. Besides artificial irrigation, if required, and light topping of the sward, some additional works may be required, for example: - If any areas did not establish as well as expected then a further overseeding may be required, - A light nitrogen fertiliser application, possibly as a liquid feed, may also be considered. This may be especially prevalent if the weather has been wet since
Constant cutting is advised to thicken up the sward and create effect, also generally cut no lower than 20-25mm as to create cover for play. Irrigate if possible. A fertiliser may be required. For growth and greening up effect, then a 12-0-9 should be used. A longer-lasting but more expensive option is to use a slow release such as 18-5-18+2MgO. Scarify in numerous directions to help remove the poa annua. Overseeding may be required. Try not to cut corners with cost as this will affect the percentage of germination. Make sure markings are bright and consistent. Spray for weeds if required. On the amateur side if a renovation was completed, a light overseed or fertilisation may be needed.
TENNIS
Artificial irrigation will probably be the norm for now, so ensure application is carried out evenly. Check for any blocked or damaged sprinkler heads. Rolling will probably cease, or if rainfall has been fairly regular then it will continue to aid in firming the surface. Continue to use a spiked roller. Consider the use of a water injected aeration machine during the summer.
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