Frequently Asked Questions

What is slit drainage?

A method of installing narrow trenches filled with gravel and sand to remove water from any grassed surface, quickly without downtime.

Is pipe used in slit drainage?

Agricultural pipe is used in approximately half of the slit trenches installed by Turf Drain Australia. The piped trenches carry collected water to mainlines, off the playing surface. Very narrow un-piped, collector trenches intersect the piped trenches, intensifying the drainage system.

How long after slit drainage has been installed can a playing surface be used again?

This will depend on a number of factors such as the time of year, location and the grass variety. We have found that in Sydney in spring through to early autumn, fields can be used very soon after the drainage has been installed. In northern NSW and Queensland, recovery can be extremely quick throughout the whole year.

How long will a slit drainage system last?

A good slit drainage system will not last forever, however it will last for many years. A common problem is the compactible material (soil, clay etc) of the field closing over the surface of the slit drains. This can be fixed by sand grooving or avoided by top-dressing lightly with washed sand and scarifying.

What is sand grooving?

Sand grooving is a method of cutting narrow channels 200mm apart and filling them with drainage sand. These slits are cut to a depth of 100mm x 20mm wide and back-filled in one pass.

What are the benefits of sand grooving?

Sand grooving has great benefits in reducing surface ponding between slit drains. It also re-opens existing drainage systems, connecting then with the surface.

Should I use socked or un-socked pipe in a slit drainage system?

Turf Drain Australia do not use socked pipe in our slit drainage system as we carefully select the gravel and sand used in our system to ensure that a perched water table is achieved in every drainage trench. This perched water table, as well as providing many other horticultural benefits, minimises the particle migration through the trenches and does not allow the fine material to enter the pipe work. Turf Drain Australia also ensure that the corrugated agricultural pipe is laid correctly in the bottom or our trenches and is therefore self cleaning as the water flows through. A filter sock around the pipe is a bit like an air filter in your car however as opposed to the car you cannot change it when required. The use of unsocked pipe is the internationally recognised standard for sports field slit drainage.

Can I topdress a sports field that has a sub-surface slit drainage system installed in it?

The short answer is yes. However you need to be careful that the topdressing material is a very clean washed sand that has fewer fines (clay/silt) in it than the original drainage sand used. For example if you were to topdress with an 80/20 topdressing sand you would seal off the drainage system at the surface and create a perched water table at ground level, resulting in surface ponding, even though you have a drainage system installed.

What is laser grading?

Laser grading is a method and process to produce a smooth and even sports field playing surface. Turf Drain Australia has the capability to undertake a site assessment and develop suitable grades that result in minimal topsoil movements to your sports field and then complete this laser grading work. Our equipment and machinery have the capability and capacity to complete single and dual grade laser grading, Total Station laser grading plus GPS laser grading.

FAQs