1938-39

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RFCREATION GROUNDS
593
of the horse type, where the spikes penetrate to a considerable
depth. Small areas can be benefited greatly by hand-piercing,
using a straight-pronged piercing fork or graip.
SELECTION OF MACHINES AND ROLLERS
The selection of suitable mowers and rollers must be carefully
studied. Cricket Tables, Tennis Courts, Bowling Greens, and Golf
Greens are best cut and rolled with hand machines and rollers.
Cutting with gang mowers is the rxiost economical method for
large areas.
Very great care should be exercised in looking after machines,
otherwise the cost of maintenance will be greatly increased (see
page 612).
FEEDING
'Turf is 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
in addition to compost will be advantageous.
Test the soil for lime. When the application of lime is necessary,
this should be done at least a fortnight before applying any manurial
dressing.
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 i ft. thick.; in
the first place, medium soil or turf ; secondly, leaf mould, preferably
from hardwood trees ; and, thirdly, well-rotted farmyard 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 1-in.
or J-in. mesh. After the heap has been standing for 6 to 9 months,
it is advisable to turn it over to mix thoroughly.
ARTIFICIAL FERTILISERS
Continual cutting of grass rapidly depletes the soil of essential
chemical salts. These should be replenished by the application
of adequate quantities of well-balanced fertilisers, preferably in the
spring, midsummer and autumn.
Complete fertilisers should always be used and proprietary
makes are much safer and easier to apply. Most manufacturers
supply high-grade mixtures for Cricket Tables, Bowling Greens,
Tennis Courts, etc., and milder mixtures for Cricket Outfields,
Recreational Areas, etc. If secured from reliable firms they can be
depended upon to give good results.
Rates of application : Spring and autumn,
2
to 4 ozs. per sq. yd. ;
midsummer, i oz. per sq. yd.