Continuous Torrential Rainfall in Summer Brings Significant Challenges to the Maintenance of Natural Grass Football Pitches

Prolonged rainfall and humid conditions not only accelerate the spread of turf diseases but also easily lead to soil compaction and other issues, posing multiple threats to turf health. Therefore, mastering scientific maintenance methods and carrying out effective post-storm turf recovery and management have become top priorities.

After heavy rainfall, natural grass football pitches in low-lying areas are highly prone to waterlogging. Waterlogging hinders normal turf growth, leading to weakened growth, disease outbreaks, and eventually yellowing, rotting, or even turf death. As such, turf maintenance should be intensified following waterlogging. Specific measures include:

1. Prompt Drainage

To minimize damage, it is critical to complete drainage within 24 hours. Prolonged submersion leads to excessive soil moisture and oxygen deficiency, preventing roots from breathing properly, eventually causing them to rot and die.

When draining, attention should be paid not only to surface water but also to underground water. After drainage, aeration (core aeration) should be performed to accelerate moisture evaporation, improve soil aeration, and reduce the risk of root rot.

2. Nutrient Supplementation

Heavy rains can cause severe nutrient leaching from the soil. After drainage, it's important to promptly apply slow-release fertilizers, focusing on phosphorus and potassium. These can be broadcast when the soil is still moist after rain, facilitating rapid absorption by the roots and aiding turf recovery.

3. Disease Prevention

Following summer storms, the turf is exposed to hot and humid conditions, making it susceptible to diseases like brown patch, Pythium blight, and summer patch. Without timely intervention, large areas of turf may yellow or die.

Preventive fungicide applications after rain can help suppress disease outbreaks triggered by rising temperatures. Once diseases appear, targeted fungicides such as propiconazole, azoxystrobin, fosetyl-Al, or metalaxyl should be used based on the specific pathogen. Foliar sprays combining fungicides with nutrient solutions (e.g. humic acid or foliar fertilizers) can both suppress pathogens and nourish the turf for faster recovery.

4. Weed Control

The high-temperature, high-humidity environment after storms promotes rapid weed growth. If not controlled promptly, weeds can grow several centimeters within days, competing with turf for nutrients and affecting aesthetics. Weed control should be carried out promptly through manual removal or selective herbicides, depending on the type of weeds and turfgrass species, to prevent the issue from escalating.

5. Root Regeneration and Revitalization

To help turf regain a healthy state, humic acid-based water-soluble solutions can be applied. These promote root regeneration and overall turf revitalization.

6. Minimize Foot Traffic and Standardize Maintenance

Post-storm, turf roots are fragile and should be protected from foot traffic to avoid further damage. During the rainy season, maintenance must strictly follow standardized protocols—from drainage system design and mowing to precise fertilization control. Proper execution at every stage ensures turf quality and provides a solid foundation for future use.