Carrying out regular soil aeration work is one of the most important types of mechanical maintenance for grass surfaces that are used for sports and are subject to intense use, such as golf courses, football pitches and riding arenas. Continuous working of the soil, also known as “aeration”, is highly important for a number of reasons. Particularly the fact that both the grass roots and the beneficial microorganisms in the root zone require sufficient oxygen for healthy development.
After a certain period of use of these surfaces for sports, the soil will inevitably become compacted. If this compacting has advanced to the stage where not enough water, nutrients and oxygen can penetrate the soil, healthy growth can no longer take place. When the exchange of gases between the soil and the atmosphere is impeded, methane begins to build up. Within this environment, anaerobic bacteria begin to form in the root zone. These microorganisms have a negative effect on root growth.
Consequently, depending on the level of use of the sports grounds, soil aeration must be carried out on a regular basis. In this context, the time at which the aeration occurs and the general manner in which it is carried out depend on several factors, such as the level of moisture in the soil, the soil type or, as mentioned above, the frequency with which the green areas are used. To assist with the implementation of this aeration work, we offer a wide range of aeration tools in various configurations.
Information on the various designs and areas of applications for our tools can be found below:
Hollow tine
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Design:
side eject, hardened
Suitable for use:
April/May – June/August
Outside diameter:
all year ∅ 8 mm to 24 mm
Maximum working depth:
up to 160 mm
Core diameter:
5.5 mm – 27 mm
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Solid tine
cross
Design:
hardened
Suitable for use:
all year, except during frosty periods, We recommend use every 4 weeks, depending on requirements/possibility
Outside diameter:
all year ∅ 8 mm – 24 mm
Maximum working depth:
100 mm – 245 mm
Rib width:
1.5 mm – 5 mm
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Solid tine
round
Design:
hardened
Suitable for use:
all year, except during frosty periods, We recommend use every 4 weeks, depending on requirements/possibility
Outside diameter:
all year ∅ 5 mm – 12 mm
October – December ∅ 18 mm – 25 mm
Maximum working depth:
120 mm – 370 mm
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Solid tine
flat
Design:
hardened
Suitable for use:
all year, except during frosty periods, We recommend use every 4 weeks, depending on requirements/possibility
Outside diameter:
∅ 12 mm – 22.3 mm
Maximum working depth:
up to 160 mm
Element width:
19 mm – 20 mm
Element thickness:
5.5 mm – 6.5 mm
Hollow tine
Working with hollow tines allows for ideal aeration, since soil is removed without worsening compaction. This gives rise to tubular hollows, which are then filled with coarse soil, usually hydro classified quartz sand.
Features
removal or reduction of unwanted organic material
removal of soil without edge compression
improvement/restoration of gas exchange in the first 10 cm of the carrier layer
improvement of physical properties of the soil
improvement of pore volume and/or soil compaction
reduction of water storage
reduction of black layer (waterlogged soil)
depending on diameter, the number of holes should be 100 – 500 holes per m²
Additional tasks
clearing or hauling of excavated material
sanding with hydro classified dry quartz sand, for example, in the following quantities: 1L – 5L / m²
Solid tine cross
The cross tine makes a cross-shaped hole on the surface of the green, followed by a cross-shaped hollow, with the aim of opening the grass surface whilst protecting it and reducing edge compression.
Features
cross-shaped rib structure, rib width of between 1.5 mm – 5 mm
aeration without removal of soil
effective water and air flow
minimal edge compression
up to 30 % more peripheral surface (as compared with rounded solid spoon)
no lifting of earth with tool
no suction effect during withdrawal of tool
lawn ready for play immediately
Additional tasks
none
Solid tine round
When aeration is carried out using solid tines round, hollows are created without the removal of soil. Thus, the soil is pushed down and to the sides. The hollows created act as tubes for effective gas exchange.
Features
aeration without removal of soil
effective water and air flow
underground compaction is broken up and loosened
Additional tasks
none
Solid tine flat
During aeration with a flat tine, the tool leaves behind a slit, which ensures ideal water and air flow. The longer blade is attached in the direction of the motion.
Features
aeration without removal of soil
effective water and air flow
underground compaction is broken up and loosened
Additional tasks
none