CORONAVIRUS AND GROUND MAINTENANCE
The suspension of the cricket season means it is unlikely cricket will start in the near future. I am also conscious the financial hardship is inevitable for most clubs; it is likely that full time groundsmen may be asked to reduce hours and contractors halted altogether. Therefore, the following guide may need to be undertaken by club volunteers.
However, should the season start mid-summer, grounds will need to be in a condition to provide pitches quickly. It is very important that pre-season work especially rolling still takes place. Delaying a first rolling to mid-summer, if conditions are dry, will NOT provide a safe true surface. Even if the season is cancelled it is advisable to consolidate new loam from previous seasons renovation.
We have experienced the wettest winter for some time, but after recent dry weather and increased daylight grounds will quickly be able to take a first roll, some may well be ready now.
Worms will have been extremely busy and despite using the remaining legal organic products, it is inevitable some tables may have considerable casting.
The following is a suggested guide for pre – season
- Cut with a sharp rotary mower to a height 15-20mm. Rotary will also help pick up some of the casting
- Lightly use verticutter or light duty scarifire, set so the blades do not cut into the surface but skim the top. This will help rid surface of casting, moss, algae and most other debris accrued throughout the Winter.
- First roll, Ground should be in a “plasticine” state, press your thumb into the surface, if no loam or mud sticks to it, its ready. If you have 36” mower that is ideal for a first roll, if the heavy roller is all you have, then if moisture starts to rise and ground looks wet and dark after a pass, stop try again in 2 days.
- There is no rule for direction of roll, if you haver a large square across the line of play is quicker and easier as less turns are made. Once across and back along the same line is 2 passes. Work your way across the square until it has all been rolled .2 passes is ample for any pre-season roll on one day. leave for 2 days then repeat. 4 operations should be sufficient, do more if you feel it’s necessary.
- As temperatures rise usually 1st or 2nd week of April apply spring summer fertiliser, and spot spray for weeds.
- Keep cutting height between 15-20mm , if you are on common land suggest 20-25mm,to give greater protection from the local populous.
- Weekly cuts to keep “topped off” cutting height 15-18mm ,20-23mm if on common land.
It may seem futile if there is no cricket, but if neglected the quality of the surface soon deteriorates, and if the season should start at some point these actions will avoid a lot of extremely hard work.
Above all stay safe and follow any government initiatives.
Hertfordshire Association of Cricket Groundsmen