Beacon Athletics

New Versus Existing Infields

DuraEdge Engineered Infield Soils have revolutionized the industry with a manufacturing process that relies on testing and computer-controlled blending. Scientifically selected soil materials are carefully metered out and mechanically combined to allow for specific infield soils.

New infield skin construction.

When designing and building a new ballfield, the most critical decision you need to make is the infield soil you will specify and install. To answer that question, you’ll need to answer these two questions first.

• What are your field maintenance resources with regards to labor, equipment, maintenance practices and frequency?
• Do you have access to an adequate water supply?

Answers to those questions will guide you in accurately classifying your field. A four-inch profile of infield soil is recommended for all new infield skin construction. See Engineered Soil or Native Soil? for more info and Determining Your Infield Soil Needs to estimate soil amounts.

Existing infield skin renovation.

The development of engineered infield soils has paved the way for many underperforming infields to be rescued while avoiding the cost of total replacement. This innovative process is based on science and math using a four-step process for renovation known as “TACS” — Test, Analyze, Compare, and Solve.

DuraEdge engineered soils come in seven different blends. All FieldSaver products contain 50% or less sand content. DuraEdge infield soils contain 60% or more sand content. A Beacon Athletics or DuraEdge infield soils consultant can help you decide which soil product(s) should be blended into your existing soil for peak performance.

THE “AMENDING PROCESS”

1. Select the proper soil amendments based on TACS evaluation.
2. Remove all lips on the field and grade as close to finish grade as possible.
3. Using a topdresser, spread amendment soil evenly across infield skin surface.
4. With a reverse tine tiller, incorporate thoroughly by blending to a depth of 3″.
5. Laser grade the proper crown to promote positive surface drainage (see Finish & Surface Grade).
6. Roll infield skin with 1 ½ ton vibratory roller to fully compact, then flood skin area
7. Finish surface by selecting and applying a topdressing (see Topdressing Amounts)
8. You have now permanently modified your infield skin profile based on soil science.

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Source: Beacon Athletics
https://ballfields.com/baseball-field-dimensions/new-versus-existing-infields/