Preparing an Infield After a Rain Event

Rainy conditions across the country lead me to repost a blog entry from spring 2014.....

I get this question many times, "How do I prepare my infield after a rain event?"

The first step is to have a balanced infield mix profile that is laser graded.  Also, the correct depth of conditioner is important to take rain events effectively.

With that said, let me take you through the simple steps of getting an infield ready to play after a rain event.

The location is the new P&G Reds Urban Youth Academy in Cincinnati, OH.  The infield mix is a "hybrid mix."  The mix consists of 3 inches of Alvis Materials infield mix with 24 tons of FieldSaver50 and 24 tons of Dura Edge Classic from Natural Sand Company blended throughout the 4 inch profile.  Finally, the infield is conditioned with 120 bags (3 tons) of Turface Hertiage Red Calcined Clay.

First step - nail drag the infield to a depth of 1/4 inch using the VibraFlex on the ABI Force.

 Infield Prior to Nail Dragging

First Couple Passes 

ABI Force 

VibraFlex

Note: the depth is approx. 1/4 inch.  The goal is to break the surface tension and allow the conditioner to work.  DO NOT rip the infield up at depths exceeding 1/2 inch.  Using the simple "key test" is a great way for staff and volunteers to monitor depth of nail dragging.

Within 30 minutes the infield is starting to dry and the conditioner is ready for a finish drag.

The infield after a finish mat drag - ready for play within an hour of  beginning the process with little to no disruption to the infield surface.  Note - not one bag of calcined clay or a drying agent was used to get this field ready to play.

Bottom line - if the correct materials are installed and managed correctly, infields can take rain events and be ready for play without the need for a tremendous amount of drying agents, etc.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer