Groundskeeping Journal Issue 2 2020 | Page 15

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE Deep aeration relieves compaction Waterlogging on grassed areas such as parks, around trees in public spaces and all types of sports pitches is often the result of heavy compaction. The action of normal aeration, use of machines and foot traffic, over time can all contribute to panning and poor drainage, depriving grass and tree roots of oxygen and nutrients. Deep aeration specialists Terrain Aeration have been providing a long-term solution to this for over twenty-five years. The Terrain Aeration’s Terralift machines hammer a hollow probe one metre into the soil using a JCB road breaker gun. This is because the ground is usually so compact at depth it needs the hammer to break through). Once the probe has reached one metre depth, compressed air is released up to a maximum of 20Bar (280psi), which is needed to fracture and T fissure the soil. The probe is withdrawn and the process repeated using two- metre centre spacings on a staggered grid pattern - this means that each shot interconnects with the previous ones. injected which stick to the walls of the fractures and fissures and, over time, expand and contract with the moisture content in the soil - similar to “breathing” underground. Biochar can also be incorporated which collects contaminates in the soil structure. The 1½” probe holes created by the Terralift machine are backfilled with Lytag aggregate to provide a semi permanent aeration/ventilation shaft, helping to keep the whole aeration process working. The Terrain Aeration process is ecologically sound, there is no mess and the deep aeration ensures good drainage for many years ahead. On the tail end of the air blast, dried seaweed and water polymer are Terrain Aeration 01449 673783 www.terrainaeration.co.uk THE BEFORE AND AFTER OF ONE METRE DEEP AERATION COMPACTION AND WATERLOGGING STOP PLAY. DOWNTIME COSTS MONEY. Terrain Aeration’s long-term treatment reaches one metre deep where compressed air blasts the compaction. The soil is opened up for good drainage and a healthy sward with minimum disruption. We have been successfully aerating sports turf, bowling greens, golf courses, parks, trees and gardens for over twenty-fi ve years. See us at work: www.terrainaeration.co.uk Call us for a quotation 01449 673 783 GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019 15