BENEFITS of TESTING ROOTZONE materials

Given the natural variability of sands and soils, it is essential the materials used within rootzone mixtures be thoroughly tested, to ensure that they are compatible for use in today's sports surfaces. The USGA Greens Section has developed guidelines on particle size analysis and various performance criteria, which can be useful in determining the success of any such sand and organic amendment mixture. These guidelines can be supplied by ETL on request.

SAMPLING advice

If the laboratory does not receive a representative sample of the whole stockpile, golf green or football pitch etc. misleading results may be obtained.

STOCKPILE sampling

The outer 15cms of the pile should be pulled back and a tube inserted into the pile. Withdraw the sample and place in a large, clean container. A minimum of 6 samples should be removed from different sections and levels of the pile and collected together in the container. The composite sample should then be spread on a clean surface, mixed thoroughly, spilt in half and one half discarded. Continue to divide the sample in this way until a portion of about 5kg is obtained. This reduced sample should be bagged, labelled clearly and sent for testing.

GOLF GREEN or PITCH sampling

An auger or similar tool should be used to remove samples in a random fashion across the area to be tested. The turf and thatch should be removed and the cores combined to form a composite sample of the green or area of the pitch to be tested. These should be bagged and labelled clearly and sent for testing.

QUANTITY required

USGA (premixed sample), percolation rate & bulk density: 2kgs

USGA (three recipe set): 5kgs sand / 1kg organic amendment

All Other Tests: 1kg

Water Analysis: 1 Litre

SENDING SAMPLES by POST or courier

1. Double wrap samples in plastic bags with sample details clearly marked on the outside of the bag or on a slip of paper placed between the two layers of plastic. Remove any air from the bags and seal securely.

2. Pack bags tightly in a box or jiffy bag so that they are not free to move within the container.

3. Include correspondence with the samples, detailing sender's name, address, telephone & fax numbers, and details of the tests required.

4. Any samples sent from a country not in the EEC will require a copy of ETL's Foreign Soil Licence for Customs & Excise.

5. Samples sent from countries within the EEC (except UK) should have the sender's VAT number on the correspondence so that the invoice can be zero-rated for VAT.