The importance of Oversowing

The process of oversowing plays an important role in ensuring grass football pitches are kept in pristine and healthy condition.

Oversowing is the technique of sowing, with an example being seen at Valentine Sports Park’s field number one, where the Rye grass seeds into existing turf which in VSP’s case is Agri-Dark couch, without preparing a traditional, ploughed and cultivated seedbed. 

This is done for several reasons including the following:

·         Tolerate wear for winter active sports

·         Aesthetics

·         Protection of parent grass or warm season grass

·         Longevity of field quality    

The process involves:

1.     Spraying a growth regulator on to the mother plant (Agri-Dark Couch)

2.     Scarifying (heavy) the Agri-Dark Couch

3.     Seeding the field with the Rye Grass (contractor)

4.     Irrigation (2 times a day 3 days a week until germination)

5.     Fertilise

6.     Irrigate (once a day, 3 days a week)

7.     Cut the field after the seed has fully germinated (Rye Grass should be a week old)