Park
& recreation departments, schools, little league, and athletic
associations need infield mixes that dry quickly after a rain, are free
of stones for player safety, and have minimal dust for player and fan
comfort.
The infield mix should contain higher amount of sand,
so it holds less water. It should contain lower amounts of silt and
clay, which create dust when dry and turn slippery or muddy when wet. When field maintenance is limited, using an infield mix with a higher amount of sand allows the field to dry faster with less field dragging. Fields without water access should minimize the amount of silt and clay in the field to lessen dust.
Proper grading and maintenance of a
field is a must. No infield mix will perform properly if it is built
incorrectly or maintained poorly. However, choosing the right mix for
your level of play allows your field to meet its performance
expectations.