Fertilising a grassroots football pitch is essential to keep the grass healthy and maintain its quality for the beautiful game. Fertilisers provide the necessary nutrients that grass needs to grow and thrive. Here is a detailed guide on how to fertilise a grassroots football pitch, along with its benefits.

Steps:

Choose the Right Fertiliser:

It can be confusing when looking at all of the different fertilisers on the market, but we’ve made it simple. For grassroots sports pitches look no further than ICL’s Sportsmaster range. Sportsmaster granular fertiliser is the tried and trusted choice for grounds staff from grassroots up to the Premier League. Plus, it won’t break the bank!

Use: Sportsmaster Base 9-7-7 during the spring & summer.

Use: Sportsmaster Base 4-12-12 during the autumn & winter.

Apply the Fertiliser:

Use a spreader to apply the fertiliser to the football pitch, starting from one end of the pitch and moving towards the other end. Follow the instructions on the fertiliser package for the correct application rate. Ensure the fertiliser is applied evenly, so all parts of the pitch receive the same amount of nutrients.

Water the Pitch:

After applying the fertiliser, water the pitch lightly to help the nutrients penetrate the soil. Overwatering can cause the nutrients to leach away, so only water enough to moisten the soil.

Monitor the Pitch:

Observe the pitch's condition after fertilising. If the grass grows too fast, it may need mowing and line marking more frequently. If there are any problems such as disease or pest infestations, address them promptly.

Repeat the Process:

We recommend you fertilise the pitch between 1-3 times per year – once in spring, summer & autumn.

Benefits of Fertilising a Grassroots Football Pitch:

Improved Grass Growth:

Fertilisers provide essential nutrients, which encourage robust and healthy grass growth. This improves the overall quality of the pitch and creates a better playing surface for players.

Resistance to Stress:

Nutrient-rich grass is better equipped to withstand stress from foot traffic, mowing, and environmental conditions. Fertilising helps the grass develop strong roots, which makes it more resistant to stress.

Disease Prevention:

Healthy grass is less prone to diseases, pests, and weeds, making fertilising essential for preventative maintenance.

Cost-Effective:

Fertilising can be a cost-effective way of maintaining the quality of a grassroots football pitch. It reduces the need for expensive repairs, re-seeding, and re-sodding, which can be costly and time-consuming.

By following these simple steps, you can fertilise a grassroots football pitch and enjoy the many benefits that come with a healthy, lush, and green playing surface.