S
oil compaction is a common
problem on bermudagrass ath-
letic fields. The compaction of
soil takes place over time, with
each traffic event adding to the
compaction. As soils become compacted,
soil bulk density increases, macro-pore
space (air filled) decreases, and water
infiltration rates decrease. As a result of
the compaction, turf cover is reduced,
and player injury potential is increased.
Therefore, due to the negative effects of
compacted soils, cultural practices are
necessary to alleviate soil compaction.
Historically, core cultivation has been
the primary management practice used
to alleviate soil compaction and surface
hardness. However, core cultivation is
only one method used to relieve com-
paction.
Some cultivation techniques use
water, air, sand, or other soil amend-
ments to relieve compaction. These
techniques work by injecting the
amendment into the rootzone. These
tools have been used for several years as
alternative cultivation techniques. One
example is the HydroJect manufactured
by Toro. The HydroJect reduces soil
compaction by injecting high pres-
sure water into the turfgrass rootzone.
Another tool used to relieve compac-
tion is the new air injection system. The
air injection system has been developed
to release high volumes of compressed
18 SportsTurf | June 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com
INCORPORATING AIR INJECTION
SYSTEMS ON COMPACTED NATIVE
SOIL BERMUDAGRASS
FIELD SCIENCE
■ BY KYLEY DICKSON, DR. JOHN SOROCHAN AND ADAM THOMS
Figure 1. Air2G2 on a hybrid bermudagrass athletic field in Knoxville, TN in 2014.