I wish every month was September!

September 2018

I wish every month was September!

September and October are my favourite months of the year because the renovated pitches are more mature and stronger, the temperatures have dropped a little and there is no need to chase around with irrigation to keep the turf alive.

At this time, a big emphasis is put on aeration. We continue with our regular programme of 20mm deep soilid tines with the verti drain 7516 and 12mm solid tines at 7-8 inches with the weidenmann GXi8 after a pass of the 1m Blec Groundbreaker, which really shakes things about. It takes more than a day to get across a pitch, but it is worth it for the benefits of aeration and drainage, especially on the pitches which need a little more help. 

During September we have had the MacLeod cover system inspected by Sports & Stadia, with some very useful tips . Despite knowing the cover for 8 years and there being one at Portman Road for almost 20 years , you always learn something new and find a better way of doing things. Earlier in the year, when “the beast from the east “ was with us , we had some of the worst conditions that there has been for many years and the cover kept the pitch frost free throughout.
There is a mains gas supply installed behind the south goal which connects directly to the heater unit where we are able to pump heat via vents along the central tube the length of the pitch. By shutting off vent outlets along the tube, it is possible to push the hot air evenly to the north end of the pitch .

MacLeod cover inspection September 2018

We are continuing to feed the pitches as much as they require, going with the weather conditions rather than the date as we are still getting good day time temperatures, although at night it is starting to cool off a little. The soil holds onto the temperature well in the autumn but will drop off quicker when we start to get a run of frosts, which I’m sure will be some time off yet in the south east.  

The bio-stimulant and trace element fortnightly sprays will continue throughout, with Primo Maxx growth regulator is still being applied for the time being, whilst the temperatures are still with us.

Good conditions during September

The stadium pitch has performed well during September hosting 5 matches including two U23 fixtures. Extra help from the Groundstaff from the Training Ground is required when we have a 1st team fixture on the Saturday and an U23 on the Monday. Although not ideal, it is better to fit in our five compulsory Stadium fixtures whilst the turf has some recovery time before the Winter. Much of the battle is getting the correct amount of moisture in the pitch for the game as this has a direct impact on the surface damage we take.

The October international break gives us an 18 day gap in fixtures at Portman Rd, which will give us the chance to carry out some verti cutting, deep aeration and liquid applications of a wetting agent, Primo Maxx and our bio-stimulant mix.