Sports Field Management
BCK Earth & Turf, located in Easton, CT, is a leader in maintaining high quality athletic fields throughout Fairfield County. With over 20 years of experience we have developed sustainable, innovative, and cost effective practices to create the perfect playing surface. We believe in minimizing and eliminating chemical products while promoting a naturally healthy and vigor turf stand. As experts in the field and with years of experience in the sports turf and golf industry we bring our passion and knowledge to create and maintain athletic fields at the highest level. Feel free to call us to discuss our past and active experiences managing athletic fields.
Core Aeration / Deep Tine Aeration
Core aeration is used to relieve compaction in the upper part of the root zone. Over the season the soil profile becomes compacted from foot traffic and equipment, mostly lawn mowers, and as the soil is compacted so are the pores in the soil responsible for retaining water and air, micro and macro pores. As the pores are compacted their capacity to retain water and air is limited which will prevent proper root growth and canopy growth. Deep tine aeration reaches the part of the soil profile that core aeration cannot. Deep tine core aeration ensures that the lower part of the soil profile will be well aerated and well drained.
Irrigation
Efficient irrigation is critical for healthy turf. To little or too much water can be detrimental to turf. Too little and the turf can burn out and too much can suffocate the root zone and invite many damaging diseases. Managing irrigation is based on the weather, soil conditions, sun exposure and grass species and should not be over looked. It is an intricate part of managing athletic fields and needs to be done appropriately.
Mowing
Another cultural practice that is overlooked. Proper mowing, just as irrigation, is critical for a dense and strong turf stand.
Fertility
Turfgrass plants require seventeen essential elements to grow and complete their life cycle. Aside from Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, the rest of the elements may be in limited amounts in the soil. A soil test is performed to identify nutrient levels and a fertility program is designed based off of the test. Our programs provide the plant with a steady and consistent amount of nutrients for optimal growing conditions.
Pesticide Applications
Warranted pesticide applications may be needed to maintain a high quality playing surface. Judicial amounts may be used to combat any diseases, insect or encroaching weeds. As licensed applicators we are conscious about the pesticides that we apply.
Topdressing
Topdressing is an excellent way to add organic matter and different types of soil to the existing soil profile. Topdressing has many benefits such as enhanced drainage, decreased thatch layer, increased soil aeration, increased water holding capacity, increased soil nutrients and increased soil microbes. A wide array of different topdressing material may be used to properly amend an athletic field.