Components of an Infield Mix

The infield mix is the soil used to build the skin surface of a baseball or softball field. Infield mixes are made up of three components: sand, silt, and clay. 

Sand is considered the largest soil particle in the infield mix. It helps create a strong infield by supplying structural integrity. When dry, sand does not crack, and it is excellent for drainage. The infield mix is in the acceptable range when it’s 58-75% sand. Shoot for retaining over 50% of the sand on the medium sieve. 

The second-largest soil particle in the infield mix is silt. Silt links the sand and clay in an infield mix by filling in the particle size gap between them. Silt, along with clay, handles wear well when correctly managed, which makes it perfect for high-traffic areas. 10-35% of silt in the infield mix is considered in the acceptable range. 

The smallest soil particle, clay, supplies strength, and color to the infield mix. A hydrated infield would be hard to achieve without clay. Clay helps retain moisture, so dryness does not cause damage to the skin. 15-35% is the acceptable range of clay to have in an infield mix. The ratio of silt/clay (SCR) should NEVER be higher than 1:1. 

What should we look for in a good mix? Traction, playability, and consistency. A good infield mix will have consistent traction, known as the ability for athletes to play without sliding and slipping. The infield should also play consistently in various weather conditions, which a good mix will provide. A good mix has many characteristics, but those are the most important. 

How do you find out what the sand/silt/clay percentages of your infield are? Testing. It is the only way to know, and your Advanced Turf Solutions rep can assist you.