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: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/183915
FieldScience | By Jamie Mehringer Keeping cool-season turf through the playoffs T he number of events, shorter days, and inclement weather can make it challenging to keep turf cover through the middle of a football field through the playoffs. Though challenging, 100% cover can be achieved with careful planning and execution throughout the growing season, not just in season. Regardless of the turf of choice, there are five key aspects that must work in concert to achieve a safe, playable surface that will maintain acceptable cover through the playoffs: Proper grade/drainage. A proper lasergraded crown, minimum 1% - maximum 2%, based on soil type, etc. Proper drainage based on soil type. Mowing. Maintaining the turf at the correct height throughout the growing season. Fertilization and pesticide program. En- suring the turf is maintained at a level to lessen stress throughout the growing season by applying the proper products at the proper rates and the proper times. Aerification/overseeding/topdressing. Core aerification with a PTO-driven aerifier, maintaining 100% cover though seed banking and topdressing to manage thatch, create a seedbed and maintain a smooth surface. Irrigation. Necessary to maintain proper soil moisture to maintain turf cover, germi- nate seed and provide a forgiving surface to the athletes. Achieve three or four of the five aspects above and the turf has a chance to be good, but not great. Complete all five, the turf will be strong and able to withstand a tremendous amount of traffic. PRE-SEASON/EARLY SEASON MAINTENANCE: To achieve 100% cover through the playoffs begins in the off-season much like the athletes who play on the field begin with off-season workouts. Starting in the early spring, core aerification along with topdressing and overseeding with a minimum of 50/50 Kentucky bluegrass/perennial ryegrass at a relatively high rate (6-8 lbs per 1,000 sq ft) begins the season. Seed heavier through the hashmarks and along the sideline/bench areas. Seeding early allows for a late spring liquid application of pre-emergent products that will control the majority of crabgrass and goosegrass. To learn more about topdressing athletic fields and creating a sand cap, look up the re- To achieve 100% cover through the playoffs begins in the off-season much like the athletes who play on the field begin with off-season workouts. 12 SportsTurf | October 2013 www.sportsturfonline.com