Questions and Answers
Q: My clubs twin drum sit on roller has recently died and we're looking to get a new one. We've found one, but the vibrate function doesn't work. One of our groundsmen says that we shouldn't vibratre anyway as this breaks up the soils structure. The other says that the vibrate function would do wonders for our wickets. Who is right?
A: Technically speaking both could be right but would depend on the conditions of the underlying profile of the square from the surface to at least 100-125mm depth.
It is generally regarded that the vibratory function greatly increases the ground pressure (think of the same function on a hammer drill in concrete) therefore could seriously compromise the structure of the soil profile by increasing the bulk density (& relative compaction) to the point where healthy roots would give up the ghost as impenetrable. The result could well be poor grass cover/health and lifeless pitches.
Also the lower rootzone could be destabilised if it is dry and “crumbly” with a possible result of uneven and unpredictable bounce.
The only consideration for usage of the vibratory function would be if the underlying soil profile is of a good and consistent depth of loam but very poor consolidation due possibly to overlying heavy thatch absorbing the rolling factor or the roller used has been too light to be effective. These factors should be determined by experts before resorting to action.
Therefore, would not recommend usage of the vibratory function until such advice has been undertaken from examination of the profile of the square/pitches.
(STRI, Cranfield University Soil Science Dept, Turftrax or Total Turf Solutions Ltd could offer such scientific advice.)
