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The physical condition of a soil. A good tilth will have a good soil structure, be free draining, suitable water retention, well supplied with nutrients and well aerated for good root growth.

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The uppermost layer of soil which is the main growing medium for grass roots. A topsoil (often referred to as the 'A' soil horizon) is usually darker in colour than a subsoil (often referred to as the 'B' soil horizon) due to increased biological activity, having a higher nutrient content, and also usually better soil aeration and better drainage capability. On specially constructed turf surfaces, such as a sports pitch, the imported topsoil material is normally referred to as a rootzone. This is because it will have been specified in detail and will be different from a natural topsoil.

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The position of a drainage trench either before or after installation.

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A distance between two points which are at the same height, also called Dead Level. If the area between the two points are not even and at the same level as the end points then additional topdressing can be added to raise up any depressions to make even.

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See also Soil Texture.

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Water which is not available for use by a plant. This is usually Gravitational Water and also water held in the soil at Permanent Wilting Point.

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An outdated term used to describe a drainage system installed in a field. This would be in contrast to surface drainage which would be surface water running off a field, especially into a drainage ditch at the edge of the field.

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A reference to a utility service such as an electric cable, water pipe, gas pipe, media cable, drainage pipe, irrigation pipe, or similar. All of these might be located below a surface. When carrying out construction work, deep aeration or similar types of work it is essential to know the location of all underground services in the work area.

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Typically a network of water pipes buried beneath a turfgrass surface. or electrical cables A heated rootzone can reduce the chance of lost matches from heavy frosts and ice. These are costly to install so would only be considered where professional league pitches are concerned. The first undersoil heating at a football club pitch was over 50 years ago at Everton FC.

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See also Soil Texture.