Outfield care

   I play club cricket on a ground which shares its outfield with a football club. It used to be the case that the football pitch would only encroach one side of the outfield but as the years went by it is now the case that all sides of the outfield have football played on it during the off season. With so much sport being played and the field not getting any rest it's needless to say it's in a pretty sorry state, there are areas where there isn't much grass growth and other areas where there are lots of weeds growing, the worst part is the huge cracks in the ground (some large enough to fit a cricket ball!) and the soil being incredibly bumpy.
Does anybody have any advice on what can be done during the short window in April (approximately 4 weeks) to improve the state of the outfield? 

I have been told by a livery owner to chain harrow and then roll the outfield, will this be beneficially to my cause? (please note we only own a heavy roller) 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

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therodders Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Trialist Joined: 05 July 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote therodders Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Outfield care Posted: 05 July 2011 at 4:32pm
	I play club cricket on a ground which shares its outfield with a football club. It used to be the case that the football pitch would only encroach one side of the outfield but as the years went by it is now the case that all sides of the outfield have football played on it during the off season. With so much sport being played and the field not getting any rest it's needless to say it's in a pretty sorry state, there are areas where there isn't much grass growth and other areas where there are lots of weeds growing, the worst part is the huge cracks in the ground (some large enough to fit a cricket ball!) and the soil being incredibly bumpy. Does anybody have any advice on what can be done during the short window in April (approximately 4 weeks) to improve the state of the outfield? I have been told by a livery owner to chain harrow and then roll the outfield, will this be beneficially to my cause? (please note we only own a heavy roller) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Groundie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Trialist Joined: 15 February 2011 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote Groundie Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 July 2011 at 7:04am
	Think you posted a similar message on Pitchcare a few months ago. Answer is all about money available, with it you can do anything, without it nothing. Do not use a heavy roller as that will only do damage. Chain harrowing is good as is vertidraining, seeding, fertilising and top dressing but this will cost around £7,000 and then you need water. We chain harrow, cut and weedkill, would like to do more but no finance, yet we have no winter sport.