Slit-drains in the soil
Eliminating the water that stagnates on the surface is of primary importance not only for the smooth running of the game, but also to remedy an anaerobic process that tends to suffocate the turf in a very short time. Depending on the number of hours of play and the texture of the growing medium, the soil must be broken up frequently to facilitate water infiltration. Tillage has a favourable effect but the duration is limited, sometimes it is difficult to reach the draining layer in depth.
However, it is possible to remedy this by making micro-trenchings at 25/100 cm intervals, removing the earth on special carts and then filling in the trenches with USGA-compliant sand. Wherever possible, form a uniform 40-50 mm layer of sand and reseed the lawn from scratch.
DrainMaster for slit drains at 50 cm distance
On existing soil, micro-drains must connect the surface with the lower drainage layer or intercept the drainage trenches by at least 5 cm to be effective.
Dr Niko Sarris
The creation of micro-drainage trenches is also possible on the existing lawn in combination with classic turf regeneration and helps to form a surface substrate that can withstand more hours of play. The grass grows quickly in the sand trenches and after about 4 weeks the pitch is playable again.
Removing standing water on the surface does not solve the problems of the substrate, which has to be regularly tilled, but it does allow the grass to breathe and withstand more playing time.
The pitch is playable up to 5 mm/h of rain by slowly draining the water into the sand trenches.