Could anyone explain why sand is used instead of dirt to repair the field?

[stringerbell]

I dont understand (or undersand, if you will) why it is preferred to dirt

 

[SBYM]

No-one likes sand in their jocks...

 

[Wooljay]

The big sand cartels have a monopoly on turf maintenance.

It's an absolute sham.

 

[Chief]

http://gardening.stackexchange.com/questions/4970/why-are-holes-and-divots-typically-filled-with-a-sand-mix

Sand has a couple of advantages over regular soil.

• Sand doesn't harden when underwatered, or when watered and then left dry for a long time.
  
  
• Sand drains really well so it won't stay wet if it is overwatered.
  
  
• Sand is also very loose so when seeds germinate (or grass from the divot starts rooting again) the roots don't have to work too hard to spread and grow down into the ground. This allows grass to root more quickly.
  

Lastly from what I can tell, there is a pragmatic reason. It's fairly easy for a golfer to carry a small bag of sand, or sand/seed mix in his bag or cart to fill divots.




http://lawncareadvice.com.au/lawn-repair/83-repairing-an-uneven-lawn.html

Repairing Shallow Indentations
Smaller indentations in lawns are most easily repaired by top dressing the affected area. The best top dressing soil is would be the same type of soil which is already under the lawn, so if some similar soil can be obtained from a garden bed on the property - then this would be the first option. The next best option would be to use a free flowing clean sand, Sand allows water to continue to flow freely in the soil surface - alternatively, if an organic soil were used then there could be potential for creating water resistance in the repaired area.

Top dressing should always be done conservatively, applying a little soil or sand to the area - letting the lawn repair for a few weeks and then repeating the process as required. Only around a centimetre of soil should be applied at each top dressing.

 

[BallaratBulldog]

That GWS/Dogs game 2 years ago was stupid with sand at Canberra. All players had grazed knees/arms with blood dripping while singing the song. Sand blasted away in some contests.

 

[JUBJUB]

The big sand cartels have a monopoly on turf maintenance.

It's an absolute sham.

This guy runs the biggest Sand cartel

 

[sunskee]

Because sand has a bigger texture and hence is more porous which allows growth of grass roots as well as drainage of water. There's still enough soil underneath for minerals to be held around the root system.

 

[hoianbulldog]

It's AFL approved Woolworths sand. Throw on some seeds and water in with woollies milk and the turf is fixed.

 

[Billy ray]

Because Mike Fitzpatrick

 

[inamedthegiants]

You repair with sand.

You top-dress with soil.