Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

We are looking for heavy clay soil to be used in the construction of a cricket pitch.  Turfgrass is planted on this heavy clay and then rolled with a heavy roller to make it rock hard so that a ball can be bounced off the surface.  Generally the clay content is 30 % or more..

I have looked through the ontario soil surveys and found that the brookston, Caistor, Lincoln and Haldimand clay types all seem to have heavy clay content.  What i'm having difficulty doing to finding access to these soils as most of the locations where they are present is farm land.  I thought i would post on these forums to see if anyone can help me out find a site where we can get access to some of this heavy clay soil.

Thanks .

Views: 1670

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

We have heavy clay soil contact me at Michaelradan@gmail.com

How much clay do you need for the cricket pitch?

Truckloads?

Well i would take as much as possible..but a would need at least a truckload

Responses on Twitter:


EricKaiser46:33am via Twitter for iPhone

@OntAg 30% clay is NOT heavy clay. Need 50%. Have lots. Dirt not for sale. Grow crops in it.


clayalloverAug 11, 8:34pm via Twitter for Android

@OntAg how much acreage? Is eastern ontario too far? Near Alfred college. Bearbrook clay. Some of it is that hard now


ClayAllover: just had a look at the profile of Bearbrook Clay...Wow..60-80% clay.  That is the kind of clay they use on Australian cricket pitches.  Does it shrink/swell...ie..crack when dry?  Its a bit far for us as we are closer to GTA but I wonder if we can raise enough funds to be able to truck some of it....Is there an area where it is accessible.

Only problem with going very heavy clay from what i've read is that it is very difficult to grow grass on it..specially since we roll it hard like concrete with a 2 tonne roller.

I'm also attaching a document that describes the ideal soil for a cricket pitch

Attachments:

There is some pretty heavy clay around Milton area.  You might be able to work something out with a developer in the area who is going to be building homes on the land.

As far as the best clay soil for Ontario conditions.  The University of Guelph Turfgrass Institute might be able to provide some advice.   http://www.guelphturfgrass.ca/

 

 

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Why Getting Your Acres Counted Could Put More Money in Your Pocket

Alberta Grains and Fertilizer Canada have launched Make Your Acres Count!, a campaign aimed at getting more Alberta farmers to register acres under the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework. The initiative encourages producers to work with a 4R Designated Agronomist to develop nutrient management plans that improve fertilizer efficiency, crop productivity and environmental stewardship. More than 2.15 million acres in Alberta were self-reported under 4R in 2024. The campaign’s goal is to nearly double that by the end of the 2025 crop year. “This campaign is about celebrating what Alberta farmers are already doing right and giving them a practical path to build on that success,” said Scott Jespersen, Alberta Grains chair and a farmer near Spruce Grove. “By getting your acres counted, you are demonstrating to governments and markets alike that we farm responsibly and with care for the land, while also improving the bottom line.” The 4R framework is based on applying the right source of nu

US Farmer Sentiment Down in August

US farmer sentiment slipped again in August, dragged down by souring expectations about the future. The latest monthly Purdue University–CME Group Ag Economy Barometer – released Tuesday – came in at 125 points, down 10 points from July. The barometer is based on a survey of 400 producers across the country. The August survey noted a marked disparity in optimism between livestock and crop producers, with the crop sector struggling mightily amid continued low prices. On the other hand, beef cattle operations especially are experiencing record profitability as the smallest cattle inventory since 1951 has pushed cattle prices to record levels. On the crop side, the barometer uncovered increasingly dire financial circumstances. Every January, the barometer survey includes questions on farm operating loans, but given rising concerns about farm income in 2025, the same questions were added to the August survey. The results underscored farmers’ financial stress. Twenty-two percent of

US Spring Wheat Harvest Nears Three-Quarters Finished

The US spring wheat harvest is approaching the three-quarter pole, slightly ahead of the average pace. According to Monday’s USDA crop progress report, 72% of the national spring wheat crop was in the bin as of Sunday. That is up from 53% a week earlier and ahead of both last year and the five-year average at 67% and 71%, respectively. In the largest production state of North Dakota, the harvest advanced 22 points from a week earlier to reach 62% complete as of Sunday, 4 points ahead of last year and 1 point ahead of the state average. The Minnesota harvest gained 16 points to 89% complete, compared to 72% last year and 76% on average, while Montana climbed 15 points to 73% done, behind 74% last year and 79% on average. At 91% complete, the South Dakota harvest advanced 7 points from a week earlier but was still behind 92% last year and 95% on average.

Alberta Boosts Loan Program to Support Beef Industry

The Alberta government is stepping up support for its livestock producers by raising the cap on the Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program to $225 million from the current $150 million. Announced last week, the move comes as international demand for Alberta’s beef continues to climb, pushing prices higher and creating greater financing needs for producers. The loan program provides government-backed, low-interest financing through 45 locally run feeder associations, enabling farmers to buy cattle and sheep and expand their operations. Since its creation in 1936, the program has issued more than $12 billion in loans and now finances between 17 and 24 % of Alberta’s calf crop each year. Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson said the increase will help ensure Alberta remains competitive in global markets. “Increasing the limit will ensure thousands of producers have access to the capital they need to keep producing Alberta’s world-renowned beef,” he said in a statement. “With

Keeping farmers’ voices heard in tariff and trade challenges

By Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service