March 2014 | SportsTurf 11 www.stma.org
the imported fine textured soil as possible to maintain the sand as
the growing medium.
In the event you have no choice but to use soil grown sod, here
are some tips*.
• First, don't even consider a sand-based field unless you have
the resources and commitment to maintain it properly.
• Set up a mockup profile as discussed with the rootzone and sod
proposed
for your project; see how it goes.
• Use a sod just mature enough to harvest. Do not use old sod.
• Have the grower cut the sod as thin as possible, minimizing the
amount of fine textured soil transplanted.
• Consider having a rootzone mix designed with a sand coarser
than greens construction sand but still meeting accepted perform-
ance parameters.
• Practice good pre and post plant care, especially with regards to
post plant watering.
A sod grown on a soil media similar to that on which it will be
transplanted is still the best way to minimize the risk of soil com-
patibility problems. My intent in sharing these experiences was not
to debunk or challenge any standards, but to offer some informa-
tion and hope to those that may want a sand-based field but no easy
access to sand-grown sod.
* My experience is predominately with cool-season grasses.
These tips and your outcome may or may not apply to warm-season
grasses.
n
Norman W. Hummel Jr., PhD, is President, Hummel & Co. Inc., a
soils consulting service and soil physical testing laboratory, www.turf-
doctor.com.
Figure 4. Rush Henrietta field after first game.
