When it comes to maintaining high-quality pitches, what’s beneath the surface matters just as much as what’s on top.
At GMA Connect Bristol, on Tuesday 13 May, turf professionals will get the chance to explore exactly that, by getting hands-on with the soil.
In this interactive pitch-side session, turf consultant Alex Vickers will guide attendees through the practicalities of soil samples to better understand how soil health underpins pitch performance.
“This session will be a practical look at how, by handling soil, digging soil pits and taking soil cores, we can find out vital things about how the engine of our playing surfaces is working,” Alex explains.
The session will demonstrate how simple, on-field assessments can uncover everything from drainage and compaction issues to signs of poor rooting or developing disease. It will explore how soil structure affects playing characteristics like hardness, traction and water movement, and how what you see (and smell) in the soil can help shape your day-to-day maintenance decisions.
“The soil under our pitches gives us lots of clues as to how the pitch turf ecosystem is working,” says Alex. “It can show us early warning signs for problems that might become an issue in future, and signpost how we can adjust our current pitch maintenance practices to maximise soil quality and playing quality.”
Alex will cover how to take samples for analysis, identify which parts of the soil profile are likely to affect surface characteristics and interpret what you find in practical, actionable terms. Using a real playing surface, the session will give attendees the knowledge to assess their own surfaces with greater confidence.
“It’s about building confidence,” Alex says. “Confidence to dig some holes and really have a good look, and sniff, of your soil.”
GMA Connect Bristol takes place at Ashton Gate Stadium on Tuesday 13 May, bringing together grounds staff from across the region. Alongside expert-led sessions like Alex’s, attendees will be able to see live demonstrations from some of the industry's top brands, as well as connect with others working across all types of outdoor spaces.
Entry is free for GMA members, £15 for non-members. Non-members who join the GMA within 14 days of GMA Connect Bristol will have their ticket value deducted from the membership fee.
As a GMA member, you’ll gain access to expert advice, industry insights, training opportunities and a network of professionals who share your passion for quality spaces.
