At some point during the season, most soccer coaches and field managers will be faced with combating the effects of a storm. Whether it occurs before or during a scheduled game or practice, rain-soaked soccer fields create slippery, unsafe playing conditions, and can even affect the outcome of matches.

Wet and muddy areas can also cause excess damage to the turf, which can be expensive to remedy. Goal mouths, bench areas and other high-traffic areas of play on the pitch run the highest risk of damage during and after a rain event.

Fortunately, Field & Fairway^™ from Turface Athletics^™, can help protect turf while simultaneously providing a high level of water absorption to ensure play continues despite the efforts of Mother Nature.

Field & Fairway field conditioner is a mixture of small and fine particles that cover the surface quickly and filter easily through the canopy of the turf. The porous, ceramic material absorbs more than 90 percent its weight in water to eliminate slippery, muddy areas of the soccer field turf.

To eliminate a puddle, apply Field & Fairway to the surface and spread the conditioner with a leaf rake over the entire muddy area. Then walk on the area to push the Field & Fairway deep into the soil to more effectively absorb moisture. Once applied to a wet area or puddle, it will change to a dark color as it absorbs water. After working the material into the turf, wait 10 minutes before testing the application area for improved footing. Apply more Field & Fairway if the condition of the turf is still wet and slippery.

One 50-pound bag of Field & Fairway will absorb six gallons of water. The ceramic particles remain solid and will not melt or breakdown, so the conditioner can work over and over again to prevent excess water and damage to the turf.

While Field & Fairway is ideal when returning a wet patch of field to a safe and playable condition after a rain event, the field conditioner can also act as a preventative measure prior to rain. It will absorb rainfall to help minimize turf being torn up and muddy conditions from forming during the course of a game or practice. Topdressing turf with Field & Fairway is also a standard practice by many field managers to help prevent damage to the crown of the grass plant from foot traffic.

Topdressing can be done by hand or with a spreader—depending on how large of an area needs covering—at an application rate of 730 pounds per 1,000 square feet, or until there is about 1/4-inch of conditioner on the ground.

To learn more about preventing turf damage or restoring a field to playability after a storm, visit www.turface.com/sports-field-solutions/turf-maintenance.

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