Module 2:

2.2 Examples of Performance Standards

2.2.12 Root depth

A nice deep root growth helps to bind the soil, improving the strength provided by the soil from boot to grass grip and player control of the ball.

In addition, good root growth reduces divoting, increases the number of games that can be played, helps with grass recovery and reduces the need for additional watering during drier spells in the growing season. Root growth - both depth and density significantly affect the playing quality traction standard.

Picture of root depth

  Consider the following question:

1. If you have not taken any soil cores from the pitch before then this question will be pure guess work.

However, if you have then you might have a better idea.

‘What do you think might be the typical average depth of root growth throughout the pitch?’.

Assessing root depth

If you don’t have any specialised soil corers, then a suitable implement is a border spade. Just make sure that you put the piece of turf back after the root depth has been measured.

For each location check the root depth in 1 to 3 different positions and record the values. The total readings for 3 pitch locations might therefore range from 3 to 9.