SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/318924
22 SportsTurf | June 2014 www.sportsturfonline.com Field Science Next came the most important part of the renovation, seeding. All seed that was applied had a Germinex seed coating powder. Three separate varieties of Kentucky bluegrass were used at 5 lb/M. The new genetics in Kentucky bluegrass allows for rapid germination, aggressiveness, disease tolerance, and early spring green-up. The seed was applied with a tractor-mounted dimple seeder. Because of a heavy rainstorm that was going to hit the Maryland area later in the week, a new variety of Perennial ryegrass was applied to the pitch with a rotary walk-behind spreader at 1 lb/M. This was applied because of its quick germination and stolon production, which accelerated stabilization. The pitch was then ready for the second roll using the same three-ton double-drum roller as before. When seeding, the dim- ple seeder loosened the soil when it created the seedbed. By rolling, it stabilized the material and promoted maximum seed-to-soil contact. Seed- to-soil contact is the key to a fast, successful grow-in. As soon as the field was cut off, a soil test was conducted. We wanted to make sure that we kept our fertilization program simple and gave the plant exactly what it needed. The first granular fertilizer application was on the first sign of germination. A 19-0-19 50% slow release was applied for the plant to have a base and equal ratio of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K). We also wanted the roots to have a consistent diet. On day 5 after germination, an 18-24-12 was applied to add phosphorus (P) to promote root growth. On day 10, another soil test was taken because of the amount of water that had been put on the pitch to promote seed germination. This test showed that the pitch was still lacking P and was deficient in magnesium (Mg), so on day 14, Crystal Green 5-28-0 10% Mg was applied. On day 21, a 19-0-19 50% slow release was applied. The second topdressing pass consisted of ¾-inch 85% sand and 15% peat mix. Using the small amount of peat helped to hold moisture for the seed to germinate and establish. 10 weeks after seeding for ACC Men's Championship Game. These photos were taken on day 8 of the process. The picture on the left was taken at 10 am; after that photo, a package of biostimulants was applied to the field. The picture on the right was taken at 2 pm of that same day.