Frost on Sports Pitches, looks at the pros/cons of frost and how we can manage it on our sports pitches and lots more of what l hope provides some insightful information.
Benefits of Frost on Turf!
· Light form of decompaction in the form of frost heave
· Heavy frosts can help control populations cycles of turf pests
· Frost can knock disease formation
· Frost helps strengthen the grass plant
Can you Apply Fertiliser around Periods of Frost?
Applying granular fertiliser prior to frost, can create damage to leaf tissue, as the frost can stick the fertiliser granular/prill to the grass leaf, which in turn can burn leaf tissue. Once the granular is broken down by rain or irrigation, there is no longer a risk.
Fe (Iron) can also create scorch, so avoid freshly fertilising sport turf before or and in around periods of frost.
Why you should consider staying off a frozen sport pitch!
Potential leaf scorch, as mentioned above.
Risk of leaf tissue damage, if driven or walked on while the frost particles are frozen to the leaf.
Semi-permanent damage to the leaf, leaving white foot/machine marks, but this will grow out during the next grass growing period.
Greasy defrosted top surface, after a frost can create smearing, capping or sealing of the soil and lead to compaction and poor water infiltration for weeks to come, if machinery or even played on with a wet surface.
Frozen turf can lead to player injuries, where the soil doesn’t give.
Prolonged frost/cold spells lead to perennial plants going dormant, meaning the grass will not grow back after matches.
Sudden Thaw Dynamic
Simply put, if the grass/soil is soft on top, but still partially frozen to a depth the soft can move horizontally, against the frozen area and root shearing can occur.
You could possibly test this, by pushing a screwdriver or peg into the surface to ensure the soil profile is fully defrosted.
For more information and a diagram, check out this link –https://www.powfootgolfclub.com/sudden-thaw-dynamics/#:~:text=The%20warmer%20weather%20will%20begin,away%20from%20the%20frozen%20layer.
Is it a Frost or a Dew Test!
When you brush the leaf, by hand if the ice particles stay on the grass plant’s leaf, then it’s still frozen and you should keep off. However, when you brush your hand across the leaf and the frost particles disperse off the leaf, it’s probably more than likely just a surface dew.
Frost Management Techniques on Sports Turf!
· Reduce shaded areas, as shaded areas are more prone to frost remaining on the leaf for longer
· The use of frost protection sheet, even if only to most frost prone areas i.e., bare or and shaded areas
· Undersoil heating, to a degree for those at the professional level
· Use lighter machines on greasy surfaces, if you really can’t wait for drying
· Heating rigs at the professional level.
Turf Insights!
Frost is more prone on heavier soils, as there is generally more moisture within a heavier soil. This also means heavier soils are slower to dry out.
Aeration holes can take frosts deeper into the soil profile.
Summary
Quite a challenge for a working Groundsperson/Greenkeeper especially at the grassroots often with small stands creating areas of shade and also more than likely having bare and heavy soil. In this case there is only so much you can do and these needs communicating with the club.
Testing for frost and avoiding working on greasy surfaces is a bit more doable to help keep the pitch playable for weeks to come, rather than getting on in poor conditions for one match. Saying that also lightly, as l have been a grassroot football Groundsperon and the pressures that brings.
A good decision today can bear fruit for weeks, as can a bad one
Brian
Had to play and now the pitch is a muddy mess, if so check out this blog – https://turfcareblog.com/how-to-repair-a-muddy-damaged-sports-pitch/
For more information and guidance on frost on sports pitches , check this out –https://thegma.org.uk/news/guidance-dealing-frost-grassroots-pitches
