Axminster Town FC pitch constructors have seen outstanding results using a new Rigby Taylor seed mix.

Contractor Gartell and Son used a new R140 mixture sown last October on the main pitch and traditional R14 on the second team pitch in November 2012.

“The results have been remarkable,” says contracts manager Andy Sparkes. “The grass developed quickly and grew in very strongly. Both pitches look superb.

“The R140 on the main pitch is particularly strong and we chose it because of the two tetraploid perennial ryegrasses in the mix.”

Tetraploids have double the number of chromosomes as standard diploids – giving them deeper rooting, faster recovery, disease resistance and the ability to withstand extremes of temperature

“We used rubber crumb in the rootzone and reckon a slight rise in soil temperature in the winter months is of benefit,” says Andy.

Axminster Town FC moved to the new site when the old site was bought by Devonshire Homes for housing development.

As part of the deal the football club got a new clubhouse and two new pitches.

“We have verti-draining and topdressing to do,” says Andy, “but the pitches will be playable by the end of the year.”

Andy chose Rigby Taylor R mixes, developed by breeders Top Green, because of their reliability. The mixes he used were recommended by Simon Hughes, the RT adviser for the South West.
Gartell, based near Wincanton, have been constructing pitches and sports facilities since 1950 and their long experience shows in the high standards of work completed.

The new Axminster pitches were constructed over ground that is predominantly clay.

Says Simon Hughes: “We are delighted with the results that Andy has had at Axminster. Both mixes have specific attributes and these have been proved in use.”

R140 consists of 25percent Tetragreen and 25percent Fabian – both tetraploid perennial ryegrasses. The two other varieties in the mix are Berloiz (25pc) and Greenfair (25pc), both perennial ryegrasses.