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/82015
even after 8 years of intense simulated field use. The only differ- ence between our plots and real fields is a lack of field users and therefore a lack of "walk-off" rubber. The traffic simulator did not carry a significant amount of infill off the plot areas. To combat this problem, it is important to monitor infill lev- els—especially in high-use areas of the field. Knowing the target infill depth from your turf 's manufacturer is the first step. Once infill levels begin to drop by more than several millimeters, it is time to topdress additional rubber onto those areas. This means that extra crumb rubber should be on site at all times. Infill depth can measured by using specialized depth gauges (gauges used for measuring fire proofing materials work well and typically cost less than $15) or something as simple as the end of a landscape flag. When measuring infill depth, it is im- portant to make sure you reach the back of the turf; this may require a few "stabs" until you feel the backing. If using a land- scape flag, after you feel the backing of the turf with the tip of the flag, place your finger tip onto the surface of the infill, pull the flag out, and measure the distance between your finger tip and the end of the flag. Once you determine that additional rubber is needed, you can either use a topdresser for large areas or apply infill by hand for small areas; experiment by using very small amounts at first. Be sure to work the rubber into the carpet fibers with a groomer or broom and then apply another small amount and repeat. Pay special attention to areas of intense use such as lacrosse and soc- cer goal mouths and sliding areas on baseball fields. It does not take long for infill levels to drop in these areas. An added benefit to maintaining proper infill levels in these locations is increased fiber life. As infill levels drop, more of the fiber is exposed to UV light and wear and tear, increasing the speed of fiber degradation. MATCH YOUR MATERIAL It is extremely important to use the same infill that the manu- facturer used when constructing the field. This way the infill siz- ing and type will match your existing infill. If you mix infill types, you will be lowering the compaction resistance of the infill and won't be getting the maximum benefit from your infill padding. Once the infill is at the optimum depth, it is important to re- member that regular maintenance practices should continue to be performed in order to maintain the best possible surface con- ditions. Be sure to check with your turf 's manufacturer for the recommended practices for your field. And, if it is not part of your routine maintenance now, we recommend that you add the monitoring of infill depth and subsequent addition of infill when needed. one. Proper maintenance practices, including monitoring infill levels and adding infill when necessary, are the key to providing a playing surface that maximizes both playability and safety. ■ search at Penn State. Dr. Andy McNitt is the Center's director, as well as program coordinator for Penn State's turfgrass science major, and a professor of soil science. Tom Serensits is manager of the Center for Sports Surface Re- www.stma.org SportsTurf 11 The issue of surface hardness on athletic fields is an important