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
www.stma.org June 2014 | SportsTurf 23 Paper-based biodegradable mulch was then put out over the pitch by using a topdresser. This was used because the area was anticipating a heavy rainfall event. This material aided in preventing seed from washing away. Initially, the water program was very heavy. The water needed to "set-in" the profile and break the seed coat, which also promotes germination of the seed. After the initial germination, there were continual cycles of water, keeping seed moist through the germina- tion and establishment process. Gradually the water was backed off, forcing the plant to push roots. Foliar fertilization allowed us to give the plant what it needed at the exact moment in time. A package of biostimulants that was pre- scribed specifically for each growth stage was applied. Biostimulants are organic products (plant hormones, carbohydrates, amino acids, and anti-oxidants) that assist the plant in the respiration and photosynthesis process. By using these hormones, the pitch could be grown in an effi- cient, healthy way. If only N was mostly used, the shoot growth would have been pushed. We were more concentrated on root mass/growth and strong cell walls to aid the plant to withstand heavy traffic. During post-germination, the pitch was sprayed on a 4-day cycle. This provided the plant with what it needed, without expending the energy to create it. The package of biostimulants was to acclimate the plant and to make it wake up. This is equivalent to humans waking up and drinking a cup of coffee in the morning, or taking daily vitamins. The first cut of the pitch was 20 days after seeding with a Denis Pedestrian mower until day 30, when a triplex mower replaced it. We cut the pitch every 2-3 days at 1 inch and then worked our way down to 9/16 inch where the height stayed the rest of the 2012 and 2013 season. This height was maintained to force the plant to grow sideways. It was evident after 20 days with the amount of growth and den- sity already visible on the pitch, that a 35-day grow-in was possible. With great seedbed preparation, water use, consistent mowing, and a foliar fertilization plan that was focused on healthy plant growth and root development, a playable, dense and tight playing surface was on its way to being fully developed. This process not only made us learn about new technologies in our industry, but it also taught us that going against the "norm" can lead to an outcome that could change our way of thinking forever. Like all projects and renova- tions, we learned many lessons. Looking back, there are two things that we would do differently, if the pitch were to be renovated to this extent again. The pitch would not have had the Perennial ryegrass spread out. The Kentucky bluegrass would have withstood the rainstorm that we had expected that week. It also would have received a second topdressing that consisted of 100% sand instead of the ¾-inch mixture of 85% sand and 15% peat mix. By mixing in the 15% peat, a minor layer was created on the pitch. To fix this problem, the stadium pitch was fraze mowed at ¼ inch in the fall of 2013 after withstanding 167 events in 6 months. In the past two years, our industry has had new technology and new grass genetics introduced. Because of this, seeding is possible! Thinking outside the box can turn impossibility into possibility. Thanks to using new technologies, plant feeding, and soil stabilization, 11 weeks after seeding, the Maureen Hendricks Field held 20 events in 14 days, including the ACC Men's Soccer Championships. Each season and field provides new lessons to all of us, but with creative thinking, extensive research, and trial and error, all problems can be solved. It is important to keep an open line of communica- tion with directors, players, and coaches, which will allow everyone to be comfortable with the renovation at hand. Most importantly, it helps to have a positive mindset through the good and the bad. You must believe in what you are doing because if you don't, why should anyone else? If a problem arises, learn from it and move on in order to fix that problem. It is so important to meet old challenges with new creative and energized attitudes. M.C. Escher once said, "Only those who attempt the absurd, will achieve the impossible." It is up to each and every one of us to continue to improve fields and open the minds of others to the idea that grass fields can and will take more traffic. ■ Presented at the 2014 STMA by Julie Adamski, director of retail and professional development for Sod Solutions, Inc., and Ryan Bjorn, director of grounds and environmental management at the Maryland SoccerPlex..