Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Heavy Clay Soil.

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: 1756

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike Radan on August 11, 2014 at 2:38pm
We have heavy clay soil contact me at Michaelradan@gmail.com
Permalink Reply by OntAG Admin on August 11, 2014 at 2:39pm

How much clay do you need for the cricket pitch?

Truckloads?

Permalink Reply by Kato on August 11, 2014 at 3:10pm
Well i would take as much as possible..but a would need at least a truckload
Permalink Reply by OntAG Admin on August 12, 2014 at 3:31am

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

Permalink Reply by Kato on August 12, 2014 at 4:40am


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:
Permalink Reply by Roadrunner on August 13, 2014 at 2:26pm

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

MASC Pilots New Satellite-Based Forage Insurance Project For 2026 Crop Year

Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) is piloting a new approach to offering forage insurance for the 2026 crop year, aimed at reducing reporting requirements and improving production estimates for Manitoba forage producers through satellite-based technology, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today. “This pilot project explores how modern technology can reduce reporting requirements while keeping programs accurate and reliable for producers,” said MacDonald. “By working with Manitoba and industry partners, we’re helping ensure that risk management tools continue to meet the real needs of forage producers.” The project will use advanced satellite-based technology to estimate soil moisture and predict forage production, helping streamline the reporting process while maintaining program accuracy and integrity. “Producers work hard every day to keep their operations running, and they deserve p

AGCO Honors Kyle Hildebrand as 2025 North American Technician of the Year

AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO) named Kyle Hildebrand its 2025 Technician of the Year on July 30 in Jackson, Minnesota, at the Fendt Lodge™. This annual award recognizes an outstanding service technician who demonstrates exceptional technical expertise, a relentless commitment to customer uptime and exemplary leadership within the agricultural machinery industry.

BASF Agricultural Solutions invests in new Climate Center at its headquarters to strengthen research capabilities

BASF Agricultural Solutions invests in new Climate Center at its headquarters to strengthen research capabilities

Niagara Region - Flowers Canada, Grape Growers of Ontario, Ontario Tender Fruit Growers unite during recent flood events

Over the past few weeks, the Niagara Region has experienced numerous unprecedented rainfall events. The severity of these storms has affected many growers, residents, and businesses across our communities.

Agriculture in the Classroom - Manitoba receives $10,000 Community Board grant from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation

Agriculture in the Classroom - Manitoba (AITC-M) is grateful to the TELUS Manitoba and Saskatchewan Community Board and the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation® for its continued investment in Amazing Agriculture Adventure through a $10,000 grant. This generous contribution will help AITC-M continue delivering engaging, hands-on agriculture education to over 1,200 students during this year’s four-day program. Held September 22-25, 2026, at the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre, Amazing Agriculture Adventure provides students with a full-day, curriculum-linked learning experience featuring 10 interactive stations that bring agriculture to life. Through activities and conversations with farmers and industry experts, students discover how agriculture impacts their daily lives while gaining insight into food production, sustainability, innovation, and future career pathways in the agri-food sector. “One of my favourite moments happened at the Beef Station. When students had t

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service