1935-36

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RECREATION GROUNDS.
Very great care should be exercised in looking after machines,
otherwise the cost of maintenance will be greatly increased (see "
page 574). tc
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FEEDING.
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Turf if similar to every other living object and requires feeding.
Every ground, therefore, should have a compost heap, formed of
well-rotted manure and good soil. Other ingredients, such as sand,
charcoal, etc., may be added as required by the local soil.
When top-dressing, apply compost frequently and sparingly.
If the compost is properly screened before being put on the
ground, it is quite unnecessary to put the ground out of play.
When the promotion of quick growth is essential, artificial
manures produce the best results.
Test the soil for lime. Its absence will be noted by the presence
of yarrow, sorrel, etc. When the application of lime is necessary,
this should be done at least a fortnight before applying any
manurial dressing.
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PREPARATION OF COMPOST HEAP.
The recognised method of preparing a compost heap is to put
down the materials in a pit or in a heap, in layers 1 ft. thick;
in the first place, medium soil or turf; secondly, leaf mould,
preferably from hardwood trees; and, thirdly, well-rotted farm-
yard manure. Repeat these three layers and finish off with soil.
The heap should not be used for about a year, and should be
cut down vertically before being passed through a screen of a
,,-in. or 2-in. mesh. After the heap has been standing for 6 to 9
months, it is advisable to thoroughly mix same by systematically
turning over.
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ARTIFICIAL FERTILISERS.
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It is a recognised fact that to get satisfactory results from the
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use of artificial fertilisers they should be applied on the principle 1
of " little and often," mixed with finely-sifted soil to permit of
even distribution, and applied at intervals of three or four weeks
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from the beginning of March to the end of September.
Except in special cases, complete fertilisers, as supplied by any `
well-known manufacturer, should be used in preference to any
single ingredient. There are two grades: complete Recreation
Ground fertilisers, and complete fertilisers, special grade, for use
on Cricket Tables, Tennis Courts, and Bowling Greens.
Basic slag, superphosphate, bone meal, and other phosphatic and i
nitrogenous fertilisers should not be used, as they are liable to
force a robust growth of clover. Kainit has a somewhat similar
action. Nitrate of soda, dry blood, " Guano," etc., have the c
disadvantage of encouraging the growth of stronger grasses. They
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are better suited for agricultural purposes, and should not be used
on recreation grounds unless under the direction of an expert. 1
568