26 SportsTurf | August 2014 www.sportsturfonline.com
Field Science
IrrIgatIon
The water holding capacity of native systems vs. sand-based
systems will affect the way that field is irrigated. Native systems have
a higher water holding capacity, allowing for less frequent water-
ing. Native systems can be watered 1 to 1 1/2 inches every 7 to 10
days. Less frequent and deeper watering helps to encourage deeper
root growth. In native systems, not
watering right before an event allows
the field to dry some before an event,
which can reduce the risk of com-
paction. However, it is important to
water right after the event to keep the
turf from becoming stressed.
Sand-based systems have a poor
water holding capacity and will
require 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water
every 3 to 5 days. Even in these
situations, irrigation should be as
deep and infrequent as possible to
encourage deep root growth. Because
of the increased infiltration rate of
sand-based systems, irrigation can run before an event without the
increased risk for compaction. Regardless of the rootzone system of
your field, it is important to watch for signs of wilt, and water when
necessary. Irrigation scheduling can done using evapotranspiration
(ET) data, soil moisture sensors, or visual evaluation and experi-
ence.
Layering in a sand-based system caused by a buildup of organic matter. Image courtesy of Nick Fedewa.
Standing water on a poor draining native soil system. Image courtesy of Natasha Restuccia.
