Design and operational considerations for the use of mole ploughing in the drainage of sports pitches

The use of mole drainage techniques for the improvement of clay soil sports surfaces has been limited by concerns over drainage-channel longevity and surface disruption. A review of the engineering of agricultural mole drainage machinery and practice was conducted with the objective of identifying k...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biosystems engineering 2007-05, Vol.97 (1), p.99-107
Main Authors: James, I.T., Hann, M.J., Godwin, R.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural machinery and engineering
Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions
athletic fields
Biological and medical sciences
clay soils
design
equipment performance
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Generalities. Biometrics, experimentation. Remote sensing
irrigation management
mole drainage
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Summary:The use of mole drainage techniques for the improvement of clay soil sports surfaces has been limited by concerns over drainage-channel longevity and surface disruption. A review of the engineering of agricultural mole drainage machinery and practice was conducted with the objective of identifying key design and operation factors to maximise drain lifespan and performance, whilst minimising surface disturbance in the mole drainage of sports surfaces. An outline design for a reduced draught force, floating beam, grade-controlled, sports surface mole plough was proposed. Key operating parameters included soil suitability, operation timing, working depth, drain spacing and post-installation management.
ISSN:1537-5110
1537-5129
DOI:10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2007.02.003