Smart Pitch Management
June 10, 2021 · Eric O’Donnell
The Pitch Assessment System (PAS) by ProPitch provides a unique opportunity to use intelligent pitch management processes to assist ground staff not only to maintain pitches in tip-top condition but also to reduce impact on the environment by decreasing carbon footprint.
The key to modifying a pitch management approach into a smart system is obtaining in-depth knowledge about the pitch, including soil health, compaction, root depth, root health, grass health and cover, etc. The ProPitch system was developed to support grounds teams working to improve pitches and to maintain and monitor them to the highest standards.
A Five-Star Scoring System A unique and patented natural turf 5-star scoring system focuses on playing quality. A score reflects how the players experience the pitch as well as the quality and presentation of the grass and root zone. Pitches are rated using an easy-to-interpret system with a 1-star score being poor and 5-stars excellent. The scores awarded are based on the quality of the surface compared against a standard. The ProPitch system is applied through:
independent assessments undertaken by our consultants
self-assessments undertaken by ground staff using ProPitch testing equipment or an existing in-house kit and data recorded via the ProPitch Mobile App and Online Portal
Trend analysis is the heart of the ProPitch system. Results are compared to a surface's total playing hours and each individual test parameter can be examined and monitored across assessments. It is a reliable method that helps build a clear picture of a surface and its evolution during the growing season, as well as during periods of high use, or in response to maintenance practises.
The ProPitch Online Portal Dashboard provides a quick and easy way to see an overview of all facilities on a site and their conditions as assessed by the ProPitch system. The dashboard also allows for an in-depth review of individual metrics.
Reporting
The system generates custom test reports ascertained from data entered and recorded on the ProPitch app. Results are available as soon as data is uploaded and a report can then be download. The venue director and consultant are notified automatically to let them know when an assessment is complete and results are available.
Remote Support
A valuable benefit of the online system is remote access to advice and recommendations from ProPitch consultants. Our experts review uploaded self-assessment reports and make recommendations as needed. If a problem is identified, the in-app messaging tool is used to connect quickly and without the need to exit the ProPitch system. If required, independent assessments are booked inside the system as well. Flexible options enable any venue to enjoy the advantages of a consultant on demand or simple remote support when ground staff can manage with less assistance.
How do we use the data for pitch management?
Using the power of data analysis to alert when an intervention is appropriate is a smart approach.
The ProPitch system checks 18 different parameters covering physical properties, soil conditions and the health of the turf.
Tests include:
Shock absorption (%)
Measured using an Artificial Athlete, this test measures the ability of the sports surface to absorb impact forces when subjected to loads designed to replicate players running on the surface. The result is expressed as the percentage reduction in impact severity when compared to a similar impacts on concrete. Surfaces giving results below 40% are considered to be firm, while surfaces over 65% are considered soft and possibly tiring to the players.Deformation (mm)
Measured with an Artificial Athlete, this test measures the degree to which a surface deforms when subjected to loads designed to replicate players running on the surface. The result is expressed in millimeters. Surfaces giving results in excess of 10mm are considered unstable while surfaces with low values are considered firm and unyielding.Energy Restitution
Measured using an Artificial Athlete, the springiness of a sport surface impacts the performance of a player or athlete. The softer the track, the more the deformation produced by a athlete's foot, and the loss of energy due to visco-elastic or friction. In terms of energy dissipation within the surface, it is about 2 - 4 % of the energy (vertical) of the athlete's centre of mass (or a 20 - 40 % energy loss in the surface).Ball Rebound (cm)
The Ball Rebound is a measurement of how high a football bounces when dropped vertically onto a sport surface.The ball is dropped from two meters and the height of the rebound is electronically measured. Although footballs do not often drop vertically during a game, the test is a simple and reliable means of testing ball rebounds.Ball Roll (m)
The Ball Roll is a measurement of a ball's pace or speed on a surface, which indicates the resistance of a surface. Results are expressed in terms of the distance a ball rolls when released from an inclined plane or the rate a ball decelerates over distance.Rotational resistance
Rotational resistance is the measurement of the resistance against a turning studded test plate, which is a simulation of a player's body weight and movement. Surfaces proving low values are considered slippery an difficult for a player. Higher values mean there is excessive foot grip which can also be a problem.Evenness (mm)
This assessment is taken using a 3m long straight edge to measure the smoothness of a playing area. Excessive undulations distort the way a ball runs across the surface, which can cause players to stumble or allow rainwater to collect in the low spots.Hardness
The hardness of a surface is determined by the Clegg Impact Soil Tester, which is commonly referred to as just the Clegg hammer. It is is a sophisticated tool used for measuring and controlling soil strength and consolidation levels during pitch maintenance. It is also used to confirm uniform compaction over wide areas of ground, identifying poorly compacted areas and ineffective rolling of materials.The condition and hardness of a pitch can be influenced by many factors. A pitch with little or no effective maintenance will become compacted, resulting in poor sward composition and poor drainage.Infiltration Rate
The infiltration rate is a measurement of how quickly surface water can percolate away. It is measured using a double ring infiltometer and the result is expressed in units of millimeter per hour.Total ground cover (%)
The measurement of total ground cover is expressed as a percentage of cover of grass over an entire pitch surface.Weed Grasses (%)
The measurement of weed grasses is expressed as a percentage of over-seeded or none-desired species of grasses that are found growing and competing with the desired grass.This includes over-seed grasses that have been allowed to grow outside of the dormant period of the desired grass. The maximum is 25%.Sward Height (mm)
Sward height is measured to establish if the correct height is consistently maintained on a pitch, in according to the season and other conditions. A prism device is used to measure the cutting units while on a pitch.Root Depth (mm)
Root depth is measured by removing a small section of a pitch -- about the width and depth of a spade.The growth of the root system is then measured by using a ruler.Thatch Depth (mm)
Thatch and procumbent growth in measured by a ruler to determine if there is too much build up and identify any other problems.Appearance (%)
This test measures the uniform texture of a grass sward over the entire surface area of a pitch and it is measured as a percentage.Sward Colour
To determine sward colour, charts are used over a entire area of a pitch to detect any areas were the colour has become uneven. Some potential issues to look out for include large patches of yellowing grass or brown and black patches that indicate uneven fertilizer application.Diseases
To detect diseases, a visual assessment is conducted. If signs of disease(s) are found, samples are taken and sent to a certified laboratory for a full analysis.Insect/Pests
To detect insects and pests, a visual assessment is conducted. When signs of damage are observed, a soil sample is taken and sent for laboratory analysis. In sub and tropical regions, it may be necessary to make a live count of the insect problem to determine if there is a likelihood of damage to the pitch. To do this, a 1x1 meter grid is placed over an area of infestation so a live count can then be made within the grid.
What is next?
All data can be accessed and used by ground staff and suppliers to help dial-in custom treatments.
Trends: By collecting data on a regular basis the ProPitch dashboards build a picture of changes in hardness, traction, sward and root health and a plethora of other things which can be used to efficiently apply treatments to deal with any potential issues identified before they become a serious problem.
Correlations: Using data from hundreds of pitch tests of similar construction can provide valuable information on treatments and interventions which can improve pitch performance.
Seasonal Variation: Recording seasonal variation can allow ground care staff to plan maintenance activities on a cyclic basis.
Other: Routinely we use data to inform the ground care staff with spot treatments to deal with issues such as poor infiltration, compaction and organic layers forming.
The ProPitch PAS is a proactive and proven way to manage a pitch. Case studies have shown early interventions have prevented clients from losing a surface or failing to present a surface that meets requirements.
A CASE STUDY: Loughborough Sport
One example where the ProPitch System enabled a smarter approach can be seen at Loughborough Sport.
A collaborative approach is used to provide the client with data that establishes the need for interventions to reduce the impact of treatments. It takes a complex set of informaiton and turns it into simple solutions that save both time and money. With the support of ProPitch PAS and AGS, the University is using advanced data to keep its pitch in excellent condition.
A sustainable approach
Understanding the factors from a UEFA certified pitch assessment will enable a turf manager to improve product strategy with sustainability in mind.
The assessment provides a perfect blend of information from playability to important agronomic factors, allowing the nutritional inputs to correlate with an array of key physical parameters.
Once assessments are complete, potential risks are identified and recommendations made to achieve optimal results.
AGS provides innovative solutions to the most common sports turf issues. By more accurately assessing client needs, exact requirements can be applied to remove potential issues caused by excessive applications. Some data-driven solutions are as simple as introducing carbohydrates and amino acids into an overseeding regime or the implementation of a strategy designed to reduce disease and increase rooting structure. No matter what is required, the result is a fully holistic approach to turf management.
Many factors affect pitch quality; soil type, pH, drainage characteristics, grass species, usage, maintenance quality and recovery, to name but a few.
Each situation is different. Sand dominated rootzones at the elite level of football and rugby have a high nutrient requirement where inputs of over 1000kg/ha of nitrogen are considered standard practice.
There has been a noticeable step change recently with turf managers realising that only a small percentage of applied nutrient is being utilised by the plant -- an observation that calls for a more sustainable approach.
By using a nitrogen fertility regime designed only to produce enough growth to maintain a pitch, we can reduce unnecessary yield that increases thatch build-up and disease incidence. Measuring clippings to improve the accuracy of nitrogen inputs and ensure fertilisation happens only when a plant requires it is the ideal practice.
The key is to find a perfect balance to reduce stress on the plant system. Nurturing and promoting a healthy soil microbiological system is one way to reduce plant stress. Carbon is critical to sustain beneficial soil microbes. Knowing this, ensure organic fertilisers have a high carbon content and are aerobically composted to support healthy microbial life.
A high carbon content soil will also assist the breakdown of nutrients into a plant-available form over a prolonged period of time. High microbial activity will recycle thatch and convert the material into humus -- and that, in turn, will increase Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), the measurement of the soil’s ability to hold positively charged ions. It is a very important soil property influencing soil structure stability, nutrient availability, soil pH and the soil’s reaction to fertilisers and other ameliorants (Hazleton and Murphy, 2007). Good microbial activity will also improve water regulation and provide the best soil structure.
The benefits of this holistic approach are well documented across a wide variety of constructions and budgetary constraints, resulting in excellent assessment scores, notably in root mass and length.