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/356087
www.stma.org August 2014 | SportsTurf 27 Drainage Native soil systems typically have lower infiltration rates due to the higher water holding capacity, smaller pore spaces caused by compaction, and lack of drainage system. These fields will mainly depend on surface drainage from crowns and slopes. When native systems become saturated and are unable to properly drain, it is important to postpone play. Under these conditions, native systems can have reduced traction and stability, resulting in poor playability of the field and an increase in injuries to play- ers. Aerifying native systems can open pore spaces to allow for more water flow. If the drainage becomes an unmanageable issue, installing subsurface drainage is an option; however, it can be expensive. In sand-based systems, drainage is not typically a problem. The uniform and coarse particle size allows for larger pore spaces and increases water infiltration. If the drainage of your sand-based field seems to be getting worse, take a look at the soil at a depth of 12 to 24 inches. Older sand- based systems can start to have layering due to resodding, organic matter buildup, or topdressing with the wrong materials. These layers will slow water infiltration and may need to be remedied through deep tine aeri- fying or renovation. Fertility For native systems, a soil test will tell you what your rootzone is lacking. This is a good place to start in determining a fertilizer regime. Native systems are higher in clay and organic matter, both of which increase the nutrient hold capacity of the soil. This higher nutrient holding capacity means that native systems can be fertilized less often with higher rates. During the season, fertilizer is needed to increase growth rates to help fields recover from increased traffic and wear. During other parts of the year when the turf is still growing, fertilizer should be used as needed to maintain growth. While it is best to use a slow release fertilizer for its longevity, native systems can benefit from water soluble fertilizer for recovery in worn areas of turf. In that case, lower rates should be used. The budget is always a factor in fertilizer scheduling, so treat areas of extreme wear (like goal mouths and between the hash marks) separately. Sand-based systems have much less organic matter and nutrient holding capa- bility. In these systems, applying too much fertilizer at one time can lead to leaching. Leaching is not only an environmental issue, but can equal money lost. Try split- ting fertilizer applications in half and apply in 14 day intervals for sand-based systems. In these systems applying less fertilizer more frequently helps to keep nitrogen available to the plant when it needs it. For sand-based systems applying potassium at a 1:1 rate with nitrogen can help with stress tolerance, but should be done so to reduce losses as potassium can be readily leached. The basics of turf management are the same for any situation; however, knowing what your rootzone consists of can give you a better idea of how your field will respond to those management strategies. By taking the soil in to account, both native and sand- based systems can be managed to obtain excellent playing surfaces. ■ Natasha Restuccia is a biological scientist in the Environmental Horticulture Department at the University of Florida. While it is best to use a slow release fertilizer for its longevity, native systems can benefit from water soluble fertilizer for recovery in worn areas of turf. In that case, lower rates should be used. ››