6.3 Soil science
6.3.2 What is a soil composed of?
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The foundation of a football pitch will consist of a range of components, in a variety of proportions. The soil minerals of sand, silt and clay will be present in most natural soils, whilst for specially constructed pitches sand will be the dominant or only soil mineral present. Chemical elements will also be present, being part of the minerals, and as chemical elements and compounds within a soil solution.
Organic matter will be present within the rootzone in numerous forms, usually as micro-organisms, other organisms such as earthworms, live roots, as well as dead and decaying roots, stems and leaves. To complete the soil composition there will also be the presence of some water and air.
Getting the right mix of these components helps to create conditions that are suitable for the development of a healthy and hard-wearing football pitch.
The following two graphics help to visualise how soil compaction results in a denser mass of soil at the expense of air spaces within the soil. This can then negatively impact on growing conditions and subsequently on a grounds manager’s ability to produce good quality pitches.
