Outfield Harrowing
Harrowing is a form of scarification on large areas such as the outfield. It is done to remove moss, creeping grasses and thatch layers, outfields used for winter sports, harrowing can assist in replacing divots and levelling the playing surface, using regular during the winter sport season is beneficial.
Harrows are mainly tractor mounted and come in two main types; chain harrows which can be reversible with a flat side and spike side, and spring tine harrows. This operation is carried out during the growing season of the grass.
Outfields are normally harrowed in the spring in preparation of the season to clean the surface out removing dead material created during the winter and to disperse worm cast etc. If the outfield is used for winter sports, regular use is beneficial.
The main concern is damaging the soil structure by putting a tractor and harrows on the ground in wet conditions causing loss of surface levels. Spring harrow will remove all grass if overused.
Benefits
• Reduces dead decaying plant matter (Thatch), Moss.
• Reduces and thins out weak grasses
• Improves the ball speed/roll for play
• Can assist in reducing surface water
Practical Tips
• Harrow in a different direction from mowing to help level a surface and lift creeping grasses, always remove the debris from the playing surface
• Harrowing the outfield is a cost-effective way of reducing and controlling thatch levels and when used in conjunction with a de-compaction programme, can improve the playability of the outfield.
• Outfields are increasingly being used more now with more junior cricket and winter sports, having a maintenance budget/programme is good practice.
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