Frequently Asked Questions

3 to 6 inches is recommended.  Infield mix depth a new field can be easily planned and budgeted.  Adding more dirt to an existing infield may be a little more tedious.  Overall, you do not want the sub-base mixing with the infield mix surface when dragging or playing.  Low spots may need infield mix added more than other areas.  A 3 to 4 inch minimum will help keep the infield dirt surface free of contaminants and unsuitable dirt from below. 

A carefully selected clay with the proper silt and clay ratio must be choosen to be blended with sand.  The sand selected to blend must have the proper gradation with most particles less than 1mm and all particles less than 2mm.  Proper blending of the components ensures a uniform, homogenous blend.  The result is a 70:30 sand:clay, 60:40 sand:clay, or any other ratio of sand to clay (really silt and clay) infield mix. 

Infield conditioner can be a variety of products designed to keep just the right amount of moisture on a baseball or softball field.  Infield conditioners are made to amend infield dirt and not designed to be used alone.  It is typically added to the existing or new infield dirt on the surface (up to ¼”) or blended throughout at usually 10% by volume.  Turface® and some other conditioners are made from calcined clay.  A specific type of clay that is super-heated to become porous.  Other conditioners are made from a type of shale, diatomaceous earth, crushed aggregates, and brick dust. 

Infield Mix is composed of a precisely blended ratio of sand sized particles along with silt and clay sized particles.  There should be not rocks (>2mm).  The infield dirt can be analyzed for soil texture to determine how much sand, silt, and clay are in a mix.  Some blends can include a calcined clay or infield conditioner, such as Turface®, to help fields retain moisture and absorb moisture at the surface. 

The ideal dirt for recreational baseball and softball infields is composed of 70% sand and 30% silt and clay combined.  Professional and collegiate level fields typically prefer 60% sand and 40% silt and clay.  Both types of infield dirt should be free from any debris including small rocks, and red is the preferred color of choice.  This dirt if typically provided from a supplier, such as River Sand, Inc.