Using vitrified clay to maintain infields
 
Managing moisture on a baseball or softball field’s skinned infield is critical because a wet infield can become unplayable and a dry infield will typically become hard, which makes sliding painful and can lead to dangerous groundballs.  Vitrified clay infield conditioners, such as Diamond Pro Red Infield Conditioner, provide moisture management benefits to a skinned infield. 

In wet situations, an infield conditioner will act as an absorbent layer helping an infield surface dry out more quickly. In dry conditions, an infield conditioner will act as a “mulch” layer helping reduce evaporation of moisture and, because vitrified clay infield conditioner won’t compress or stick to cleats, an infield conditioner will act as a barrier layer between a player’s cleats and the infield soil (infield dirt or infield clay).  Using vitrified clay infield conditioner as an amendment by tilling or nail-dragging into the soil helps improve drainage while also reducing compaction.

Texas Industries, Inc. (TXI) originally developed vitrified clay infield conditioners in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s by topdressing several Texas high school and college skinned baseball infields with rotary kiln lightweight aggregate (expanded shale and clay).  As the story goes, coaches had fewer rainouts and more games were played without postponement.  Finally, vitrified infield conditioners were accepted, and TXI created Diamond Pro. Diamond Pro Red Infield Conditioner was recently used to prepare the skinned infield at Wukesong Baseball Field (site of the 2008 Summer Olympic baseball games in Beijing, China) for exhibition games played between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers in March 2008. 

Photo courtesy of Murray Cook

Because of ever increasing transportation costs, the ability to deliver vitrified clay infield conditioner in bulk is cost efficient compared to bagged products.  Most infield conditioning products, such as calcined clay infield conditioners, are usually packaged in 50 lb. paper bags, which typically require indoor storage space and higher freight costs in addition to the added cost associated with bagging the product.  Vitrified clay infield conditioners, such as Diamond Pro Red Infield Conditioner, can be stored outdoors year round without degradation because they are fired at temperatures exceeding 2000 degrees Fahrenheit and quickly cooled. This process creates an extremely durable ceramic particle that is significantly less susceptible to breakdown compared to other products commonly used to condition infields.  Bagged vitrified clay and calcined clay infield conditioners can be used to supplement the bulk vitrified clay infield conditioner, as necessary, to increase absorption potential of an infield in preparation of, or during, wet situations.

To learn more about vitrified clay infield conditioner products or for “How To” information and coverage charts, check out the Diamond Pro website or feel free to Ask the Pros. 

For an interesting read related to groundskeeping, check out Murray Cook’s Field Blog entitled “Ballparks & Ballfields From Around the World!”.

Brad Garrison
Sales – Diamond Pro
Texas Industries, Inc. - Sports Fields and Horticulture

Brad Garrison is a Diamond Pro sales representative.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Contracting and Management from Mississippi State University and worked in the landscaping construction industry before joining TXI ES&C in 2005.  Brad’s education and experience in landscaping offers a unique understanding of various aspects related to sports field construction and maintenance.