Applying Fertiliser to the Outfield

Why do we need apply fertiliser to an outfield?

Because most outfields are over ten times bigger than the cricket square on the grounds, the cost of applying fertiliser to an outfield can be much greater than a square.  It also takes longer to do.  However applying some fertiliser to an outfield is beneficial:

1. It helps to improve the strength and wear resistance of the grass plant, which helps to sustain performance.
2. It allows the grass plant to compete with weeds that can grow in lower nutrient conditions.  This can reduce the cost of applying pesticides and reduce environmental impact.
3. It helps to recover outfields from winter wear, where outfields are used for winter sports such as football and rugby.
4. It can also make end of season renovations to the outfield more effective.
5. It can reduce disease pressure on the outfield, reducing the need for expensive and potentially harmful fungicides.
6. It can improve grass colour and presentation.

How is fertiliser applied?

There are two principal methods of application:

1. As a solid granule of fertiliser, applied most commonly with a ‘spinning disc’ spreader where the fertiliser falls from the hopper onto a spinning disc that impels the fertiliser through the air.  You can fertilise an outfield using a pedestrian spreader but it will take a while and you will need to think about how you get the bags to the spreader.

A tractor-mounted spreader will have a greater working width and hopper capacity than a pedestrian spreader, meaning that work rates are significantly higher.  If you do not have a tractor mounted spreader, then it may be more cost effective to hire in the equipment or arrange for a contractor to spread fertiliser on your outfield.

Note that timing should be before rain is expected for the fertiliser to be dissolved and more effective.

Some granular fertilisers have coatings or compounds that are slower to dissolve which allows slow release of nutrients over time.

2. As a liquid applied with a sprayer.  As outlined above, plants take up nutrients in liquid form through their roots so using liquid fertilisers means that the plant can be fed quickly, however, liquid fertilisers can also allow foliar feeding, depending on the water rate being used.

Some liquid fertilisers can be mixed with other agrochemicals to be applied at the same time (always read the labels of both products and speak to a qualified advisor when tank-mixing pesticides).  However it is harder to control or slow the release of the nutrient (some formulas can do this), so using liquid fertiliser can require more frequent applications.  Again larger sprayers hired-in or contracted-in can increase work rates and reduce costs if you have a number of outfields to cover.

You should always calibrate your sprayer to make sure you are applying the correct amount – this is particularly important with outfields because they are so large and any over application can waste fertiliser and money.  Over-applying fertiliser is also harmful to the environment.  For details on how to calibrate your spreader or sprayer consult the operators handbook that came with the machine, or speak to your supplier.

Which fertiliser should I use and how much should I apply?

The quantity of fertiliser, the nutrient blend of the fertiliser and the frequency of application is very site specific and will depend on a number of factors:

1. Soil type (sandier soils are more freely draining, will leach nutrients more and have a greater fertiliser demand than more slowly draining clayey soils).
2. The presence/absence of drainage (for the same reason).
3. Whether or not clippings are collected and removed during outfield cutting (letting clippings fly will recycle nutrients and reduce fertiliser demand).
4. The amount of use (more wear will need more fertiliser) and the type of use (clubs with winter sport can help recovery by applying fertiliser in the spring).

But be aware that applying too much fertiliser is detrimental to the quality of the sward and pitches, as well as detrimental to the environment (causing air and water pollution, and the unnecessary emission of potent greenhouse gasses). 

Different amounts of nutrients are needed at different times so the specific types of fertilisers will vary through the season.  You can and should use soil analysis to determine the soil pH (the acidity or alkalinity of a soil, which controls the availability of most nutrients to the plant) and the deficiency or otherwise of certain key nutrients.

Note that soil analyses very rarely include the amount of nitrogen available to the plant.  Nitrogen is one of the essential nutrients for grass plants – you will need to apply some nitrogen but applying too much can cause a weak sward because the grass will grow tall and lush but this will be weak growth in excess.  All of which means less wear resistance and more mowing.

You should speak to your fertiliser supplier for advice on which fertilisers to apply but in general clubs that can apply a March/April application of a ‘Spring/Summer Fertiliser’ with another application towards the end of the season will have better quality outfields than those who do not apply fertiliser.  Note that if you have winter sports on your outfield applying autumn/winter fertilisers through the cooler months will assist in maintaining good plant health and may help to prevent the incursion of moss and disease, but too much nitrogen will mean that you have to mow more frequently and risks encouraging disease and a weaker sward.

Beyond this, fine tuning macro and micronutrient levels can benefit the quality of your sward, but you should speak to your supplier or advisor.

The amount you will need will depend on the size of your outfield.  Always consult the product label to determine the correct application rate.  If in doubt – speak to your supplier.

There is likely to be a supplier in your region – you can speak to your County Pitch Advisor who will be able to help identify suppliers in your local area or you can use the internet – there are online suppliers too.

Caring for the Environment

Fertilisers can cause pollution and release potent greenhouse gasses that cause climate change.  Many are also hazardous to health and should be controlled by COSHH.  You need to store, handle and use fertilisers carefully and safely. 

Always follow the instructions on the product label and for more information look at the supplier’s website and contact your supplier.

Fertilisers applied to cricket outfields with sandier soils have a greater leaching potential than your cricket square so take care not to over fertilise to avoid wasting your money and causing pollution to surface and ground water.

Note that not applying any fertiliser to outfields is often false economy and can increase the amount of weeds – leading to increased herbicide use which can carry additional environmental and safety risks.

Always take care when applying fertilisers near hedgerows and water courses because the fertiliser is harmful to both environments – leave a buffer zone of at least 2 m from surface water and hedgerows if applying fertilisers.

Timing Applications and Watering-in

With granular fertilisers these need to be dissolved and washed into the profile so that the plant can access them and also to prevent leaf scorch.  The ideal timing for application of granular fertilisers is just before (but not during) moderate rainfall.  Light rainfall will protect against leaf scorch but might not be enough to dissolve the fertiliser fully and heavy rainfall could cause runoff and pollution.  Look at the weather forecast and plan your application.  The majority of outfields are not irrigated – so timing application with rainfall is essential.

Be aware that some fertilisers can damage or scorch the plant if they are walked over before dissolving and you do not want to get fertiliser on the ball during play or have players walking and diving on the outfield so try to time fertiliser application when you have a 3-4 days’ window.  Do not apply just before frost or very cold weather is expected – you can waste fertiliser and are at risk of scorching the plant.

Benefits

• Fertilisers help grass growth and recovery from stress.
• Fertiliser use can reduce pesticide use.
• Fertilisers assist with ground presentation and is an important part of a best practice maintenance programme

Practical Tips

• Avoid over application because this is a waste of money, harms the environment and can weaken your grass.
• Do not apply when frost or very cold weather is anticipated.
• Try to time your application just before (but not during!) rainfall to limit the need for irrigation.
• Always wash down and dry your equipment afterwards because fertilisers can be corrosive to metals in particular, but you should wash down carefully so as not to pollute water courses, sewers or groundwater.  Fertilisers should not be washed down the drain.