Thursday, August 30, 2018

Lafayette Central Catholic - Sand Channel Drainage – Spartan Sand Cap – A Case Study #4 – In Season Play



Practice began on the new surface on August 1, 2017.  The first game took place on August 18, 2017.  The surface had a shear strength in excess of 30 ft lbs.  We knew it would play well, but even our team was surprised by the results.



Here is the field in mid September after 10 events.




Per the plan, the surface was overseeded with Barenbrug HGT Bluegrass in early September with a goal of creating a “Bluemuda” playing surface.  A small amount of ryegrass was added for additional color.  Here is what the soccer goal area looked like after the soccer season.


Here is a recap of the grow-in.

 


The playing surface hosted 50 events (games and practices) from August 1 – Nov 1, 2017.  Why was it successful?

1.      The new surface had a good surface grade.
2.     The new drainage system provided a “rain out proof” playing surface, thus there was never a rain game to tear up the surface.
3.     A blend of warm season and cool season turf provided superior shear strength and wear tolerance to extreme play.

In conclusion, a $130,000 investment provided a rain out proof surface that hosted 50 games and practices in fall 2017.  Quite the return on the investment. 

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer




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Thursday, August 16, 2018

Lafayette Central Catholic - Sand Channel Drainage – Spartan Sand Cap – A Case Study #3 – Grow In


Following the drainage install, it was time to grass and grow in the playing surface.  A granular Ronstar application was made prior to Northbridge bermudagrass sprig installation by Grassmaster Turf Farm on June 7, 2017.  Opening Day was approx 8 weeks away.


Following sprig installation, a heavy watering cycle took place for 14 days.  After the sprigs began to green up the surface was placed on an aggressive grow in program consisting of Foliar-Pak Grow In and Ammonium Sulfate.  Weekly applications were made and the field was mowed 3 times per week at a 7/8 inch cutting height.



June 7, 2017 at Sprigging





June 17, 2017






June 20, 2017




 July 5, 2017
 August 8, 2017




The playing surface as of August 8, 2017 was perfect.  The next question was “How well will it play?”



Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.



Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer
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