A Water Usage Guide Cricket Square and Preparation of Cricket Pitches
Irrigation is an essential operation in the maintenance of cricket squares and the preparation of safe
cricket pitches. Maintaining grass coverage on the square with dense, deep root growth and getting
water through the square soil profile is critical towards the production of quality surfaces for the game
of cricket.
Below is a water usage guide showing the three main operations where water is used on the square. The
amount of water will depend on your mains pressure, the length of hose from the source, or if the club
uses a tank and pump system. The table below is based on average mains pressure.
A Water Usage Guide.
Operation
Method Of
Application
Mains
Pressure
Hand
watering/
Flashing down
pitches
Pitch
preparation
Watering The
Square for
Turf Health.
25mm hose
Average
30psi/2.1 bar
Average
30psi/2.1 bar
Average
30psi/2.1 bar
Average
30psi/2.1 bar
32mm hose
25m mobile
spray lines
Self-travelling
sprinkler
Average Time
Each For
Operation
20 min
20 min
1 hour
2 hours
Rate water Total amount
is Applied
of water
Applied
0.6 Litres
720*
per sec
1.2 Litres
1440*
per sec
3296 Litres
3296
per hour
4546 Litres
9092**
per hour
* Depends on the pipe size deployed.
** Based on an average 10-12 pitch square.
In pitch preparation so that water is not wasted the groundsman should monitor that water get 75mm
to 100mm into the soil profile with the use of a probe or a little willy core sampler and then irrigation
should stop.
When watering the square for general turf health again water needs to get into the soil profile to
prevent grass root searching for water on the surface.
During drought periods is it essential water is used in an efficient and responsible way to maximise the
benefits.
The following points are a guide to water usage.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Avoid applying water during the hottest part of the day.
Avoid applying water in windy conditions.
Water the target area evenly. Avoid indiscriminate and wasteful run-off.
Maintain application equipment and hoses.
Use pitch covers to retain moisture where possible.
Reduce surface organic matter to improve infiltration.
When pitch planning allows surface aerate to improve infiltration.
8. Remove weeds and other moisture competitors.
Planning for the future
Water is a valuable resource and cricket clubs should plan for the future. Looking at water sources other
than mains such as boreholes, how to use water efficiently and harvest water whenever possible. As a
part of planning any future development or improvement water harvesting should be involved of the
project. Water can be collected of roof area and from outfield drainage system. Please take advice some
sources of information are below.
Sources of Information

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The Environment Agency - www.environment-agency.co.uk
SAPCA (Sports and Play Construction Association – directory of member consultants specialising
in irrigation) - www.sapca.org.uk
UK Irrigation Association (an independent body with a directory of consultants and irrigation
engineers) - www.ukia.org
The UK Groundwater Forum (providing advice on groundwater abstraction) www.groundwater.org
The Well Drillers Association (an organisation of companies providing borehole drilling services) www.welldrillers.org
Little Willy Core samplers – www.iog.org/directory-and-shop/shop/Products