How to Keep the Infield Dry and the Outfield Green with 3 New Products
The baseball game will begin in a few hours, but the skies have suddenly darkened. A storm dumps an inch of rain on the field. But don’t cancel the game just yet. Ewing is offering a new line of moisture management products that will keep a field dry and playable all season long.
Ready Play is a new product series designed to assist with moisture retention, turf enhancement, and drying, giving customers the advantage when it comes to sports turf care.
Field Magic
This fine, super-absorbent sand-like material can hold a large volume of moisture. Blend it into the top of an infield mix, and Field Magic will increase its moisture-holding capacity, improve aeration, prevent erosion control and lower irrigation frequency. Moisture is wicked down toward the bottom layer of your infield mix, where it remains as the top layer dries quickly. Field Magic can hold approximately 12 times its weight in water, improving water retention in the bottom layer where it’s accessible to root systems for a longer period of time.
Field Magic is beneficial for turf applications such as top dressing, overseeding, aeration and new sod installation. Field Magic is biodegradable and nontoxic, and can be applied on gardens, sod farms, grass fields, and unstable soils. Use Field Magic to conserve water and save time and money, by decreasing watering frequency and irrigation.
Surface Dry
This super-absorbent sand holds up to eight times more water than traditional calcined clay. By spreading the sand onto muddy areas and raking in into the soil, Surface Dry will absorb standing water in minutes. Use Surface Dry on baseball fields and racetracks, or to remove puddles caused by irrigation leaks or repairs.
Dry MatsThese foam mats absorb up to two gallons of water at a time—a faster and easier alternative to trenching or shoveling water off a field. Press the 24” x 12” x 2” mat into a puddle and knead it to activate absorption. Wring it dry and store it until you need the mat again. Though Dry Mats are specifically designed for use on athletic fields, they can be used anywhere unwanted water accumulates, including valve boxes, boats, landscaping, concrete and carpeting.
These easy-to-use mats work quickly and effectively, and can absorb up to 200 gallons of water before requiring replacement. They will not become moldy, smelly or brittle from use.
To learn more about Ready Play and other products and techniques to help keep your field ready for play, go to your local branch or contact your local turf product specialist.