Broadcast

The widespread distribution of a material over an area. This might be spread (broadcast) by hand (top-dressing, grass seed or fertiliser), or a spinning disc spreader (where seed or fertiliser is used). Broadcasting is not as accurate as linear distribution from a drop spreader over a defined width.

  Brush [1]

An item of equipment that can come in many different shapes and sizes. It is typically a hard or soft bristled long handled hand brush, a besom broom, or a drag brush. A mechanical brush, which is constructed on a rotating spindle is called a sweeper. A brush can be used to either remove fallen tree leaves that are present on a turf surface, to remove dew, or to work top-dressing material into a surface.

  Brushcutter

A heavy duty trimmer used to cut thickened vegetation stems, such as bramble to thin stemmed wooden scrub, or for long dense grass areas. The device has a rapidly rotating spindle at the end of a long-handled shaft, and typically with a cutting mechanism consisting of metal cutting disc. The handles are typically either loop or handlebars. These items will be powered by a 2-stroke engine.

  Brushing

The action of using a brush on a surface. Brushing is the light disturbance of the sward surface using a brush, or similar piece of equipment. This is a much-underused turf maintenance operation, which although being simple to perform, can produce some very effective results. There are significant benefits to brushing, depending upon the type of brush used, including: 1. It lifts the grass upright prior to mowing, enabling a more even cut to be produced. 2. It can create a stripe or band on a surface, improving visual presentation. 3. Dew or surface moisture can be removed. 4. Reduces t

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  Calibrate

To determine the required settings for an item of equipment to accurate delivering a material, such as a grass seed, fertiliser or pesticide, to a surface. Correct calibration ensures under or over application does not occur. To calibrate a spinning disc spreader the following approach might be considered: 1. Select a test area ¯ hard or soft surface; 2. Position the spreader about 6m behind any starting line you will be using for calculating the applied rate; 3. Measure out a distance you will use for the calibration (let us say 20m) and put a marker at this position; 4. Make s

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  Calibration

The process of calibrating.

  Cambridge Roller

A ridged roller consisting of many single discs connected to an axle. It is used in soil preparation on large areas so as to produce a suitable surface for seeding.

  Carburettor

A component of a petrol powered internal combustion engine in which fuel and air is mixed prior to entering an engine cylinder.

  Chain Harrow

An item of equipment that consists of a chain linked type frame with metal prongs, or tines, projecting from one side. A chain harrow therefore has a smooth side, which is the back of the frame, having the tines pointing upwards; or a rough side, which is the tines pointing downwards into the turf or soil.

  Chisel Tine

A narrow bladed tine, often heavier duty than slit tines. They are used for cutting into turf surfaces, especially those with a relatively compact soil, and can slice into the fibrous roots of grasses, thereby acting as a method of pruning and encouraging increased root extension. Surface disturbance would often be greater than with the use of a narrower slit tine, so chisel tines would typically be limited to turf maintained at 12mm or greater. These tines would not usually be used during dry weather, especially over the summer months, because the surface slit and the gap within the soil prof

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