SPORTS PITCH DRAINAGE
Drainage systems can be installed on existing sports fields with very
little disruption or damage to the playing surface. A waterlogged pitch
can be out of action for as long as 3 months during the winter -
mid-season for football and rugby. To solve this problem drainage
systems can be installed out of season to prevent disruption to team
fixtures. These drainage systems fall into two main categories:
- primary lateral systems to existing pitches
- secondary systems: sand banding and gravel banding
A lateral drain can be installed in one operation using the AFT Whizzwheel- capable of digging trenches 25- 150mm wide. The spoil is collected (to the right of the picture), the pipe inserted and covered with gravel (from the left of the picture) from our purpose built gravel hopper.
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Another technique is to completely remove a strip of turf along the run, as seen here. The drain can then be installed and the turf replaced afterwards. This method is used on golf greens where the final turf surface is critical.
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Alternatively, the drainage trenches can be cut straight through the turf. The drains are installed, and then finished to the surface with topsoil. The runs are then seeded and left to grow back (which takes longer).
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SECONDARY DRAINAGE
If the lateral drains alone are not sufficient to remove all surface water a secondary surface drainage system can be installed over the primary lateral system. There are two types commonly used: sand grooving and sand banding. We can install both types, but the latter, more expensive method of sand banding is recommended as it has greater drainage potential and lasts longer.
Sand Banding
Slits or trenches, 50-75mm wide and 200-300mm deep, are inserted with the Shelton Super Trencher at 1-2m spacings. They are back filled with 2/6mm gravel and topped with 50-75mm of rootzone. They are designed to tie-in with existing lateral drains. Heavy top dressings of suitable sand are essential for the successful construction and management of sand banded pitches.
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Our Blec Sandmaster putting grooves in.
Sand Grooving
Sand grooving is a method of rapid surface drainage. Sand grooves are installed at 250mm centres 200mm deep 10-15mm wide and filled to the surface with medium fine sand. Advantages of this system is there is very little growing in time required and pitches can be played on quickly.
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Sand Dressing
Sand dressing simply applies up to 10mm of sand to an existing surface. This greatly improves the surface structure of the soil and increases the surface drainage.
Sand dressings are commonly applied to ensure that pitches do not become capped with the drains sealed over. Each dressing uses between 60-100 tonnes of sand, depending on the size of pitch.
Sand dressings are commonly applied to ensure that pitches do not become capped with the drains sealed over. Each dressing uses between 60-100 tonnes of sand, depending on the size of pitch.
