GroundsFest Academy recently delivered an educational event with its Understanding Profiles: Sands, Soils, Rootzones and Gravels day, in partnership with Mansfield Sand. 

The organisers say the event was designed as a practical, end-to-end learning experience. The CPD accredited day brought together professionals from across the industry to deepen their understanding of the materials that form the foundation of natural turf sports surfaces.

From the outset, the day focused on building knowledge from the ground up. Attendees explored where sand comes from, how particle shape and grading influence performance, and why not all sands are suitable for sport. Sessions then moved into more applied topics, including sand specification, interpreting lab reports, and understanding the balance between drainage and stability across different sports such as football, rugby, golf and cricket.

A key theme throughout the day was confidence. By breaking down complex topics such as soil texture, organic matter content, and the differences between natural topsoil and manufactured rootzones, the event aimed to give attendees the knowledge they need to make better decisions in their own roles. Discussions around fibre sands and reinforced rootzones also challenged common misconceptions, offering practical insights into stability, divoting and recovery.

Importantly, the day wasn’t just about theory. Attendees were encouraged to think about how they could apply what they had learned.

Organisers say the diversity of attendees played a big role in the day’s success. Grounds professionals from football clubs, racecourses, cricket clubs, colleges and contractors all came together, creating a valuable environment for shared learning and networking.

As the day concluded with a Q&A and key takeaways session, one message was clear: understanding what lies beneath the surface is essential for success in turf management.