Create grassed and planted areas

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Frank Curtis
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1 Create grassed and planted areas Note: This section is in five parts Evaluate ground and environmental conditions CONTENTS Part 2 Page Number Introduction...2 Site measurement...2 Soil measurement Environmental Maintenance of measuring equipment...8 Keeping records...8 Environmental pollution...8 Waste management...9 Evaluation of ground and environmental contingencies Sources of information...11

2 PART 2 Evaluate ground and environment conditions Introduction Evaluation of ground and environmental conditions can take many forms. Each site s requirements will vary. The key is to be clear on the use the land is to be put to in order to carry out the relevant evaluation and environmental assessment. Site measurement Basic measurement is usually done using a tape or metre wheel. Using a tape is self-explanatory. The metre wheel consists of a long handle with a gauge and wheel attached. As the wheel turns the gauge registers the length travelled. A) Linear: Measure from point A to B. 10mm = 1cm 100cm = 1m 1000m = 1km B) Area: For squares or rectangles, multiply length by breadth. For circles π r 2 (3.142 x r 2 ). 10,000m 2 (100m x 100m) = 1 hectare C) Capacity: Multiply length x breadth x height. This gives capacity in m 3. Page 2

3 Soil measurement A) ph ph is the measurement of soil acidity or alkalinity. This is based on a scale, which ranges from 1 to indicates neutral. Acid Neutral Alkaline The main factor controlling soil ph is the calcium level. Calcium is an alkaline material that is generally leached through the soil. Chalk and limestone soils are very high in calcium, therefore are less affected by leaching, so they remain alkaline soils. Soils where the predominant material is not chalk or limestone become more acidic through the leaching of whatever calcium is present, for example sand and peat based soils. a) Checking ph levels There are several methods of checking ph levels: - i. The preferred option for professional sports turf managers is to have the soil tested by an independent laboratory. Suppliers may sometimes offer this service free of charge as a tool to sell e.g. fertilisers and lime. ii. Electronic ph meters. A probe, which is, inserted into the soil and reacts with soil moisture to indicate on a gauge the ph level. This can be inaccurate if the probe tip contacts a dry area or air pocket. Consumers Association tests showed only two out of six meters tested gave acceptable accuracy (source Gardening Which? April 2004). iii. Soil test kits. These use a chemical solution in a test tube. When a soil sample is placed in the test tube, the chemical changes colour. The colour is then checked against a chart, which indicates ph levels. b) Altering ph levels There are occasions when the soil ph may have to be raised or lowered. i. To suit particular plant requirements; for example acid soils suit Rhododendrons, Heathers, Blue Hydrangeas. Alkaline soils suit Lilacs, Deutzia, Hypericums. ii. To reduce worm activity on fine turf. Worms do not thrive in acid conditions. iii. To release available nutrients in the soil, high or low ph levels can lock in, or make unavailable valuable nutrients which, will lead to deficiencies and toxicity. c) To raise ph On fine sports turf such as golf courses, it will be seldom necessary to raise ph but on sports fields to be sown with perennial ryegrass, it may be necessary to raise the ph by the incorporation of lime into the seedbed. Page 3

4 d) To lower ph On established turf, ph may be lowered by the use of acid-reacting fertiliser such as ammonium sulphate. More drastic reductions can be achieved using sulphur or aluminium sulphate but must be used with great care because of the risk of scorch to the turf. B) Substrate structure a) Soil pit examinations A soil pit or soil profile is a vertical section through the soil showing layers of different structure, colour and texture. The digging of profiles allows soil structure to be inspected in depth so that the need for sub-soiling or Verti-Draining can be established. The soil face being observed needs to be left in a roughly broken state so that the natural lines of cracking can be seen. Soils are generally divided into three layers or horizons: i. top soil. ii. subsoil. iii. parent material (rock). Top soil: The surface layer of soil. This contains most of the soil fertility and is generally darker in colour, mainly because of the organic matter that it contains. Sub soil: A layer below the top soil and much less fertile it tends to be more compacted, less porous and less aerated. It contains less nutrients and organic matter and is lighter in colour. Parent material: This is the solid mineral material which the soil is formed from through erosion and weathering. The identification of the soil profile revealed by digging soil pits is important in order to determine the types and depths of soils and sub-soils and also to establish root penetration, fertility, stability and the type of drainage, which may be required. The proximity of rock, boulders and large stones, which may create difficulties in certain construction operations e.g. laying drains, can also be established at this stage. The soil pit test should be carried out on a section of land which has been undisturbed and not on any distinct hump or depression. More than one pit may have to be dug to achieve balanced profile result. Page 4

5 C) Soil texture Hand test Page 5

6 Environmental A) Temperature Atmospheric and soil temperature is measured using degrees Celsius (ºC). Freezing point of water is defined as zero and boiling point as 100ºC. Temperature varies from district to district and also with height above sea level. Temperature is important to plants as it also affects photosynthesis, transpiration, respiration and growth. Each specific plant group has a maximum and minimum temperature tolerance and outwith these extremes, plant cells can be totally destroyed. Soil and air temperature controls the growth periods of plants defining both dormant and active growing seasons. a) Soil temperature Soil temperature is essential for healthy root growth, which affects the rate of plant growth through water and nutrient absorption. Seed germination and seedling development depend greatly on soil temperature. Other factors influencing plant growth and development through temperature are:- i. Soil type Sandy soils heat up quicker than clay soils. Well-drained, fertile soil will remain warmer longer than infertile or compacted soils. ii. iii. Site aspect Sites, which face in a southerly direction warm up quickly during the spring because sunshine gets to them sooner and for longer. North facing sites remain cooler. Altitude Temperature falls with increasing altitude. For every 300m rise in height, temperature drops by 0.5ºC. Always consider the aspect of a particular site in regard to plant selection, as wide variations in temperature and light can occur. b) Air temperature Radiant heat from the sun raises the air temperature. The degree of temperature change depends on location of the given site in respect to exposure and altitude. Sheltered sites will create a warmer microclimate as there may not be a reduction in air temperature through wind movement. c) Methods used to determine temperature The basic equipment required to measure temperature is a thermometer, of which there are a number of types available Page 6

7 Wind must also be taken into account when measuring temperature. The speed and direction of the wind can cause a significant temperature reduction on exposed areas. Wind speed can be measured by a wind gauge (anemometer). B) Frost Frosts may occur when the ground temperature, in the case of ground frosts, or air temperature in the case of air frost, falls below 0ºC. Ground frost can occur when the air temperature is above freezing (up to about 3ºC) due to heat radiating into space on clear nights. Cold air may drain into low-lying areas creating frost pockets (see diagram). C) Rainfall Rainfall is the main source of water for plants. Most rainfall is lost through run-off and evaporation. The moisture that is retained is absorbed and held as a film around soil particles. Rainfall varies greatly, being greatest in westerly, maritime regions and least in easterly, more continental areas. a) Measurements of rainfall Figures for average monthly rainfall and water loss through evapotranspiration can be obtained from local meteorological offices. You can make your own rainfall record by recording the amount of rain using an appropriately graded beaker. This would be more accurate than depending on average figures. By calculating rainfall and moisture loss, you will be able to identify your irrigation requirements, retaining the required amount of water available in the soil and preventing excess irrigation and wastage, or drought damage. Page 7

8 Maintenance of measuring equipment Rain jugs, temperature gauges, tapes and metre wheels should be clean and secured in their individual containers and locked in a cupboard. They should only be used by responsible persons who are capable of carrying out measurements and maintenance operations. Tapes and metre wheels should be checked periodically for accuracy against a master tape. Where equipment is kept for soil sampling purposes, it is important that it is kept clean to ensure that accurate readings are obtained. Keeping records A) Site diaries: used to record daily/weekly occurrences involved in development work. For example, materials used, mix of top dressing, volume/amount used over a particular area, mixes of grass seed used and application rate, drainage, type of drain, depth, amount used, type and amount of backfill, construct a plan of the drainage system. B) Weather information: Daily record of temperature, rainfall, frost, etc. For example, recording dates of last frost and degrees of frost enables you to plan planting or sowing dates. Similarly, records of temperature and rainfall will allow calculations of soil moisture deficit in relation to irrigation to be made. Environmental pollution A) Air pollution: air borne contamination mainly from an industrial source, which can affect grass, trees, plants and wildlife. B) Light pollution: from immediate or nearby populated areas where there is an accumulative source of street and security lighting causing a reflective glow over the area with possible affect to natural behavioural patterns of wildlife. C) Ground pollution: soil contamination due to a concentration of chemicals or metals caused by spillage and incorrect storage of waste products. D) Water pollution: the contamination of a water course drainage ditch, stream, river, pond, etc. caused by unnecessary or over application of fertilisers and herbicides or leaching from incorrect waste management. Page 8

9 Waste management A) Chemicals Correct storage and handling of chemicals. Adequate containment facilities for leakage and spills. Appropriate absorption methods and safety equipment. Keep equipment and facilities well maintained. B) Equipment cleaning Use compressed air to initially clean machines, follow by low pressure hosing. This method prevents contamination being washed off under high pressure jets and also saves water. Wastewater from wash areas should be passed through a filtration area to separate oil/grease and larger debris before release. C) Grass clippings Do not dump in natural habitat areas or near water systems. Natural decomposition can release a concentrate of nutrients, affecting surrounding flora. Any chemicals contained in clippings can be leached out to surrounding areas. Store clippings for disposal or composting on a designated site which will not lead to contamination. Evaluation of ground and environmental contingencies Looking at a potential site for a new development or existing expansion to identify potential problems. These problems may be external or internal. A) External evaluation Situations outside your immediate site which in one way or another, directly or indirectly affect your site. Problems may arise concerning adjoining land and you may have to consider the possibility of future planned developments. Check local newspapers in the public notice sections or with local authority planning departments for any proposed developments, such as residential, industrial, commercial or roadway constructions. Consider the implications of any such construction and the effect it may have. i. Pollution from industrial development. ii. iii. iv. Nuisance factor involved with residential development with unauthorised invasion of previously quiet areas. Noise pollution from development of new roads, motorways and commercial developments. Restrictions to access on your site. v. Land excavations or woodland removal, which may leave your site, exposed. vi. Interference with water tables and drainage systems that may affect your site. Page 9

10 vii. Nearby SSSI or other protected environment which may restrict or prevent construction on any particular area within your site. B) Internal evaluation Factors contained within your given site which may affect development plans. Overall consideration on how development, or the effects of development on your site, will affect adjoining land. i. Alteration of water tables. ii. Chemical run-off. iii. Diversion of natural drainage. iv. Effects of construction traffic and any pollution in regards to this. C) Other factors which can affect your site: i. Previous use of site. May cause ground contamination. ii. May have to consider water analysis of standing water, rivers or streams to identify any contaminant. iii. Condition of any existing drainage system if any. iv. Effects that waterways may have, for example flood plains, bank erosion. v. Meteorological records regarding climatic conditions over all seasons, as this may affect playability or use of the site. vi. Current ground cover. Types of fauna and flora. Are there any protected species present? vii. Are there any SSSI or TPOs within your boundary. viii.public rights of way. ix. Substrate amount and type of soil, for example you may only have several centimetres of soil overlying rock. x. Pest, disease and weed infestation. These may have to be dealt with to eliminate future problems. D) Contingency Contingency preparation is vital, as things never seem to go as planned. So you have to be prepared. Rank the contingencies on their potential according to:- i. How likely it is to happen? ii. If it does happen, how serious would it be? Deal also with contingency in order of likelihood and seriousness. i. How you would know the contingency has happened? ii. What action you can take to stop it? iii. Can you eliminate the cause before it happens? iv. If it happens, how can you minimise the impact? When costing for construction or development work, a contingency cost is normally implemented to cover any such problems that may arise. Page 10

11 Sources of information There are organisations where information is available regarding environmental and ground assessments. i. Environment Agency or SEPA in Scotland. ii. English Nature, Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) or Scottish Natural Heritage. iii. Local Authorities. iv. Sports Turf Research Institute. v. Landbased colleges. Page 11

Establish plants outdoors

Establish plants outdoors Note: This section is in two parts Prepare ground for establishing plants CONTENTS Part 1 Page Number Preparing the area...2 Soils and growing media...3-4 Clearing the site...5